INSPIRATIONAL magazine
INSPIRATIONAL
magazine NICOLE SCHERZINGER: WHAT’S NEW, PUSSYCAT? EDITION 7
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LICENCE TO THRILL: JAMES BOND THROUGH THE AGES CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC: NEW OFFICES FOR THE INNOVATIVE BRAND AGENCY
SPRING/SUMMER 2015
SPRING/SUMMER 2015
in this edition...
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In the lead role: John Travolta, movie legend and aviation aficionado. Guest star: the legendary North American X-15 that has smashed all speed and altitude records and opened the gateway to space. Production: Breitling, the privileged partner of aviation thanks to its reliable, accurate and innovative instruments – such as the famous Chronomat, the ultimate chronograph. Welcome to a world of legends, feats and performance.
51 Queens Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5JX, Tel: 02476 347038
WELCOME TO MY WORLD
CHRONOMAT 44
An agency that takes the
STING
out of your monthly
marketing budget?
Call us to see how Champions (UK) plc has transformed the fortunes of other brands.
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Editor in Chief Matthew Hayes
magazine
Sales Director Sophia Hayes Production Manager Alexandra Buist Features Editor Victoria Marconetto
editor’s note
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the seventh edition of Inspirational Magazine.
Advertising Executive Scarlett Bromwich
Our cover feature for this edition is about the world famous singing superstar, Nicole Scherzinger. Nicole’s tireless work and unswerving focus have seen her career diversify and she is now a foremost television personality in both the United States as well as here in the United Kingdom. Having recently returned to the stage as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, her depth of talent was shown in emphatic fashion once again, highlighted by rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Features Writers William Smith Christopher Brookes Richard Padmore Francesca Bonfiglio Rachel Easter Amy Coleman Senior Designer Ewen Lewis Designers Kristian Goodeve Jamie Traynor Terri Burton Liam Creek Photography Kristian Goodeve Antonia Doyle Ewen Lewis Web Development David Evans Michael Pattinson
Contributors Libby Johnson Richard Vickery Robert Johnson Janine Edwards Imogen Cox Tara Robinson Mel Evans Fash Assadi-Shoja Jane Riley Chris Papachristoforou Joanna Brain Major Richard Carney
www.inspirational.uk.com
This edition of Inspirational Magazine marks two new landmark projects for Champions (UK) plc. Champions (UK) plc’s new offices mark a significant point in history for the firm. Just under six years on from the opening of the 6,000+ sqft. office building, Champions (UK) plc have now doubled in size. The expansion provides the capacity to meet ever-growing demand for the firm’s five in-house departments: Creative, Marketing, PR, Events and Celebrity. Champions (UK) plc have grown their celebrity management department significantly in recent years. The acquisition of Warner Music & Entertainments (UK) in June 2014, combined with the 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey signing exclusively with the firm in March 2015, have placed Champions (UK) plc as a major force in the music and entertainment industry. At the forefront of this new development for the firm is a market leading website, www.musicandbands.co.uk, that features in excess of 1500 acts spanning categories ranging from headline solo artists to operatic groups and choirs. Champions (UK) plc plan to emulate their hugely successful Champions After Dinner Speakers Agency, www.champions-speakers.co.uk. As always, Inspirational Magazine plays host to some of the East Midlands’ finest businesses who I thank for their continued support in helping the magazine to continue being the region’s premier luxury lifestyle publication. A terrific asset of Inspirational Magazine is the ability to give its readers ‘the’ prestigious businesses and restaurants of the region at their fingertips. This edition also marks both mine and Amelia Neate’s completion of the London Marathon. Amelia finished in an impressive 3:43, whilst I came home slower than planned, in 4:23. Amelia and I have raised more than £5,000 for Rainbows Children’s Hospice to date. Rainbows need all the support they can get and any donation would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy the 2015 Spring/Summer edition of Inspirational Magazine and I wish you a prosperous and enjoyable summer!
For mailing list and subscription enquiries please visit www.inspirational.uk.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Sophia Hayes on 08453 31 30 31 or email: shayes@championsukplc.com Published By
Matthew Hayes Editor in Chief
www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Hayes5 www.justgiving.com/Amelia-NeateLM2015
Champions (UK) plc Barrington House, Leake Road, Costock, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 6XA Tel: 08453 31 30 31 Fax: 08453 31 30 32 www.championsukplc.com Please note: Inspirational magazine is fully protected by copyright; no part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors or omissions. Inspirational Magazine can under no circumstances be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the magazine. We cannot be held liable or responsible for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials, photography or any other matter supplied by third parties. The views and opinions expressed within this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or indeed Inspirational Magazine or any featured parties.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra James Bond Spectre Edition, Stainless Steel The ultimate companion for Bond, The Seamaster Aqua Terra can withstand 150m of water pressure as well as fend off magnetic forces. £4,630.00 Available from: Johnsons Jewellers | johnsonsjewellers.co.uk • 02476 347 038
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68 BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
Air Partner......................................... 8
BP3................................................. 64
Abel................................................. 91
Nicole Scherzinger........................... 10
Magnolia Park................................ 72
Edwards Insurance Brokers.............. 92
Harvey Nichols........................................26
Derek Redmond............................... 78
i-lite................................................ 96
Your New Mailbox............................ 30
Bespoke Tailor.................................. 84
Redrow Homes................................. 98
Inspirational Magazine’s Air travel associate
Global Singing Sensation
A woman’s essentials for SS15
Birmingham’s new look Mailbox
Johnsons Jewellers........................... 38 Premier West Midlands Jeweller
An iconic event in the sporting calendar
A stunning golf course and hotel
Olympic hero and sporting icon
A business to suit you
Securing your home and business
Specialist insurers with a personal touch
Shedding light on illumination
A premier housing provider in the region
Dallas Burston Polo Club................. 86 Five star sports and facilities
Hyatt Regency................................. 48 Birmingham’s foremost Hotel
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113
124 118
94 122
102 FINE DINING GUIDE
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
SOCIAL AND NETWORKING
Gregg Wallace Introduction............ 102
St James’s Place............................ 113
Socialising..................................... 134
Champions Music+Entertainment.116
Coventry Telegraph Sports Awards
Masterchef host provides the recipe for a delicious summer dish
Cielo.............................................. 103 Edmunds ...................................... 104 Nuvo.............................................. 105 34 Windsor St. .............................. 106 Gas Street Social/ Everyman Cinema/ Chez Mal ...................................... 108
Putting your trust in the right place
Bringing star quality to your event
Stadium Rights.............................. 122 Securing high level exposure for your firm
Total Motion.................................. 124 Fleet Management and Vehicle Leasing experts
Willmott Dixon.............................. 130 Constructing a better future for Lee Jackson
Champions Club End of Year Ball Bentley Birmingham A Night In The Caribbean Champions (UK) plc Thank You Dinner Battle of Eden Champions Club Wine Masterclass Poggenpohl Birmingham St James’s Place Exclusive Client Lunch
Gourmet Burger Kitchen/Red Peppers/ Bar Epernay ................................. 109 The Brasserie/ The Dining Room/ The Waterside Brasserie ................ 110
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
INSPIRATIONAL Air Travel Associate
A notable history In operation for over 50 years, no other company can match the experience Air Partner has in the aircraft charter industry. In that time they have flown every mission imaginable, for every type of business and to every part of the planet.
After starting life as an advanced flying school for ex-servicemen, Air Partner was born shortly after hiring a number of aircraft for training. In the downtime, it placed the planes on charter. Soon the chartering grew to be bigger than the training and the business took off. Contrary to belief, it’s thinking small that has made Air Partner a global leader. Small teams of experts take the time to get to know and understand your needs to the smallest detail, delivering a carefully considered, 24/7 service.
Your time is a precious commodity Air Partner’s guiding principles are simple. They take care to understand your exact needs and know you cannot afford to waste time. They attend to even the smallest of details to ensure your private jet service is delivered to the highest standards of quality and value.
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Your peace of mind is at the centre of everything they do. Their first and last priority is to deliver you safely to where you need to be, on time, within budget, relaxed and ready for business or, indeed, pleasure.
Precision With 20 offices worldwide they offer truly global coverage. Air Partner has access to the largest fleet of private jets, VIP airliners and helicopters and, with the contacts they have built up over the decades, you are not restricted to commercial airports.
CharterPLUS GUA R A NTEE
Air Partner will cut down on your transfer time by flying you and your friends or business associates into the nearest airfield to your ultimate destination. They will save you all the hassle of conventional air travel and all the headaches of delayed flights and cancellations, lost luggage and crowded terminals will simply disappear. Air Partner take contractual responsibility for all their flights, so you can be fully confident your journey will be completed successfully. Their CharterPLUS guarantee ensures, at no additional cost, that you get exactly where you need to be. Whatever unexpected issues arise with aircraft or airlines, there will be guaranteed back-up aircraft at the ready.
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Flights On-Demand Air Partner offers the option to pay-as-you-fly with their On-Demand Charter, a service that lets you fly on your own terms, on the private jet of your choice, to your own schedule and from the airport most convenient to you. There are no long term contracts, acquisition costs or monthly management fees. In fact, there is no commitment beyond the flight.
Or you could opt for the Corporate Card. Designed to deliver the JetCard service with enhanced value for day-return users. It will save you time, money and makes sound business sense through fixed pricing and guaranteed availability when pre-purchasing flight time for day-return travel from your base airport.
JetCard Programmes
Whether flying for business or leisure the exclusive card options from Air Partner give you greater flexibility and value efficiencies, whenever you want to fly:
Alternatively, you might choose a prepaid solution. The JetCard offers total flexibility, hassle-free convenience, style, and comfort with only 24 hours’ notice. The price you see is the price you pay. Your Air Partner JetCard can make every stage of your journey just how you want it to be. And as relaxing, comfortable, safe and hassle-free as possible.
• 25 hours of pre-purchased jet time • Choose from six aircraft categories • Aircraft guaranteed at 24hours’ notice • Dedicated account manager • No fuel surcharges • No monthly management fees • Full refund on unused hours
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As they understand the demands of work and the pleasures of a holiday, you will enjoy a relaxing, worry-free journey from the moment they pick you up to the second they drop you off. A private jet service that safely takes care of you and your passengers. A travel team taking you wherever you want to go in speed, style and luxury. Air Partner has the experience that delivers value, assurance and performance.
For more information on our services, contact our team today. +44 (0) 207 538 2273 or fly@airpartner.com We look forward to hearing from you.
www.airpartner.com
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
what’s new, pussycat? Inspirational Magazine takes a closer look at Nicole Scherzinger: global icon and lead singer of one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time.
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Lead singer of one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time, Nicole Scherzinger is one of the 21st century’s most dedicated performers. With over 70 million record sales worldwide and a string of successful TV projects behind her, she is one of the most talked about women on the planet. Inspirational Magazine takes a closer look at how Nicole Scherzinger conquered the celebrity world.
In an interview with The Independent, she describes how she decided on her career path after watching one of the greatest performers of all-time: “I just knew that it was going to happen. The moment I heard Whitney Houston sing, I realised that that was what I was going to do as well. I used to sign all my yearbooks in school: ‘Remember me when I’m famous.’”
Though many stars come from a performing background with their path seemingly already laid out, Nicole Scherzinger’s family history is less glamorous. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii to a Catholic family in an inner city neighbourhood, Scherzinger’s parents separated when she was still a baby. When she was six-years-old, her family moved to Louisville, Kentucky with her mother, sister and stepfather, Gary Scherzinger. She took her stepfather’s surname after he adopted her.
Scherzinger’s first taste of performing came when she attended the Youth Performing Arts School at duPont Manual High School, and performed with Actors Theatre of Louisville. She went on to major in musical theatre at Wright State University but put her studies on hold to sing backing vocals for the rock band, Days of the New. On the advice of her mother, she went to audition for the American version of Popstars, the first incarnation of the wildly successful TV music genre,
which later became Pop Idol and The X Factor. Scherzinger demonstrated her vocal talent with her version of her icon Whitney Houston’s classic love ballad, I Will Always Love You. She won the show and was announced as one of the lead vocalists of the newly established girl group Eden’s Crush. The group’s first single Get Over Yourself charted at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and they went on tour with N’Sync and Jessica Simpson. Though Eden’s Crush didn’t last long, Scherzinger began pursuing a solo career under the stage name Nicole Kea and was approached by will.i.am to become a member of the Black Eyed Peas. Instead, she chose to take an opportunity to audition for a new girl group called The Pussycat Dolls. Successfully auditioning for the group alongside Melody Thornton, Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts,
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Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt, Scherzinger was given the role of lead singer. Though the group’s skimpy outfits conflicted with her conservative upbringing, she decided that this was too good an opportunity to pass up. In 2005 The Pussycat Dolls released their smash hit Don’t Cha which became one of the best-selling singles of all-time with over 6 million copies sold. The Pussycat Dolls’ first album PCD went multi-platinum and spawned hit singles including Stickwitu, Beep and Buttons. Though things looked to be going fantastically well, beneath the surface, cracks were beginning to show and Scherzinger was itching to branch out and begin a solo career of her own. She collaborated with P.Diddy on Come to Me which became her first solo top-ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The moment I heard Whitney Houston sing, I realised that that was what I was going to do. I used to sign all my yearbooks in school: ‘Remember me when I’m famous. Scherzinger decided to concentrate on The Pussycat Dolls once again, and the group released their second and final album, Doll Domination in 2008 and embarked upon a huge worldwide tour. It was during this time, the group released one of their biggest hits, Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny) which was originally penned for Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire. The song reached number one in 17 countries and further showcased Scherzinger’s song writing ability. Scherzinger is credited with the group’s international success in the music industry, during a time when girl groups were non-existent. A big part of her success has been her ability to reinvent herself as a popular TV personality as well as an internationally renowned pop star. In 2010 she won the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars and she was invited to appear as a guest judge on The X Factor. Shortly afterwards, The Pussycat Dolls went their separate ways.
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Refusing to waver on her usual level of dedication, Scherzinger released her debut studio album, Killer Love whose single Don’t Hold Your Breath reached number one. She replaced Cheryl Cole as a judge on the US version of The X Factor, and became a full-time judge of the UK show, winning the competition at the first time of asking with her act, James Arthur. In 2013, Scherzinger was brought to tears by the vocal talent of the eventual winner of The X Factor, Sam Bailey, who has recently signed to management agency Champions (UK) plc. Declaring “Sam Bailey, everybody remember that name!”, the pair went on to perform a spine-tingling duet of And I Am Telling You in the final, which also featured on Bailey’s No.1 debut album The Power of Love. Scherzinger is renowned for her tireless hard work and unswerving focus which she has had ever since she was young - waitressing, taking local modelling jobs and joining an entertainment troupe in an amusement park to pay her way. When she was making her way in the music industry, she threw
herself into her work but the pressures of being in such a high profile group began to take their toll. From the moment she joined the group, Scherzinger was instructed to lose weight even though she didn’t need to. As she became increasingly selfconscious about her body, she became bulimic – a condition that she suffered from for more than a decade. She eventually opened up about it in a documentary which she admits left her ‘humiliated’ but her honesty has helped countless others who have suffered from eating disorders. Her latest solo album Big Fat Lie goes deeper into that troubled time in her life. Scherzinger’s on-off relationship with British Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton has been firmly in the spotlight since it began in 2007. When people dedicate so much time to their work, it is almost inevitable that their personal relationships begin to suffer. Scherzinger and Hamilton’s conflicting work schedules eventually began to take their toll on the relationship and the latest reports were that they had split up again in February 2015.
Though she has had to make great sacrifices, she doesn’t regret giving her all to every project she gets involved with: “I try not to regret things, because I feel like as long as you put positive energy towards something – and you put your whole self, your true self, towards it – it’ll lead you to the next place you’re supposed to be.” The UK has become a second home to Scherzinger – the British public has warmed to her sparkling personality and obvious talent. Her latest role saw her return to the stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical, Cats, in which she played Grizabella. Her performance was described as “electrifying” by The Telegraph, and her rendition of Memory “breathtaking”. Throwing herself into her work with her usual level of devotion, she admitted that each performance left her emotionally exhausted. Whatever the future holds for Nicole Scherzinger, it is in her nature to give everything to ensure it is a success.
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Previous page left: Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger at the FOX’s “The X Factor” Press Conference at CBS Studios on December 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA Previous page right: Nicole Scherzinger attends the Men In Black 3 Premiere at the O2 World on May 14, 2012 in Berlin, Germany Left page: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates with his team and Nicole Scherzinger after winning the World Championship Top right: Nicole Scherzinger bows at the curtain call during the press night performance of ‘Cats’ at the London Palladium on December 11, 2014 Bottom right: Nicole Scherzinger with Sam Bailey singing during ‘The X Factor’ final TV show, Wembley Arena, London, Britain 14 Dec 2013
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Oukrs.t.o.p pic
Take a look at the stunning jewellery items handpicked by the team at Johnsons Jewellers from their extensive collection of some of the world’s leading brands.
Libby - Hearts on Fire Fulfilment Earrings Director
I love these elegant Hearts on Fire Fulfilment Earrings. These classy earrings sparkle beautifully on any occasion.
£3,885
Clogau Tree of Life Ring -
Julie
Sales Associate
Julie chose a Clogau Tree of Life Ring. She loves the Welsh Gold in the ring as her family originate from Wales.
Mark
- Tudor Black Bay Watch
£600
Shop Sales Manager
Mark is passionate about watches and was delighted when Tudor relaunched in the UK last September. 18
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18ct White Gold Ani - Tivon Tanzanite & Diamond Ring Sales Associate
Ani chose this beautifully elegant ring as she loves the warm colours of the Tanzanite stone.
£13,200
Tag Heuer Formula 1 Steel & Ceramic Diamond Watch -
Lynn
Sales Associate
I love the look of the white ceramic and steel together. It looks great in the summer time.
£2,050
Donna - Picchiotti Diamond Ring Sales Associate
& Francis Derek - Deakin Cufflinks
It is my favourite piece because it is just... amazing.
£8,500
Director
Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Ring -
I am passionate about cars and particularly old racing cars. These would be cufflinks of choice at Goodwood or any other classic car occasion.
Kelly
Sales Associate
Kelly’s favourite as she loves the Princess cut diamonds that run across the band underneath the principal stone.
£275
Kath
- Ti Sento Bangle
£4,515
Sales Associate
Kath chose this new bangle from the Ti Sento spring/summer collection which features mother of pearl and cubic zirconia.
£475
Charlotte - Emozioni Bangle Sales Associate
I love the new spring/summer collection from Emozioni which has some gorgeous turquoise/ blue tones.
£49.95
Paul - Mont Blanc Pen Corporate Manager
Paul loves this Mont Blanc Starwalker pen. The quality of the pens will last a life time.
£290
H Johnson & Son • 50-51 Queens Road • Nuneaton • Warwickshire • CV11 5JX
Tel: 02476 347 038 • johnsonsjewellers.co.uk
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MAHI MAHI SUITE TO B AG O L U X U R Y H O L I D AY A C C O M M O D AT I O N
AN IDYLLIC
BEACHSIDE CARIBBEAN RETREAT A luxurious Caribbean paradise offering. The ultimate retreat for honeymooners, families, or up to three couples, the luxuriously furnished secure Mahi Mahi Suite sits on one of the most romantic beachside locations in the world. Nestled in its own private gardens on the warm sands of the extensive Grafton Beach, the first floor corner apartment offers breathtaking views and sunsets over the emerald waters of Stonehaven Bay. From enjoying breakfast on the elegant balcony to an afternoon’s rest in the sumptuous suite’s décor, the apartment is a delightful Caribbean Eden that you’ll never want to leave. You can swim, snorkel, boogie-board, stroll on the beach, or relax with a book by the garden pool. For a romantic lunch or dinner, renowned restaurants and cafés such as the famous Seahorse Inn and Fish Pot Restaurant are just minutes’ walk away. Watching the birds feeding as the sun rises over the Grafton Caledonia Bird Sanctuary or the occasional visiting nocturnal turtle are magical experiences, uniquely Tobago. It is also the perfect place from which to explore the stunning natural beauty and wildlife of the rainforest and its scenic coastline, or enjoy other Caribbean specialities like the Sunday school food-fair at Buccoo Reef with steelband accompaniment. Free airport transfers, welcome pack, maid service, full air conditioning, and wifi are provided.
For more information about the Mahi Mahi Suite, prices, availability and booking please visit:
TobagoBeachApartment.com For an independent review go to www.mytobago.info/reviews/mahi_mahi_suite.php
UK contact information Email:
MahiMahi@TobagoBeachApartment.com Telephone: 20
07544 051 991
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Richard Wallace Hair, Shelly Farm Shopping Centre, 5 Farmhouse Way, Monkspath, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4EH Richard Wallace Ad AW.indd 21
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Spending a summer filled with stunning views, friends and family in luxurious accommodation, and of course, taking part in plenty of exhilarating activities is what many of us dream about all year long; with Adventure Base you are guaranteed all of this and more at an affordable price. Adventure Base, the independent chalet rental company are right in the centre of the breath-taking French Alps. They provide flexible, comfortable and scenic accommodation for groups of up to 12, which is perfect for any group getaways, family breaks or corporate retreats. With chalets in the Portes du Soleil and the Chamonix Valley, Adventure Base was created in the summer of 2008 with the aim of giving people their dream holiday experience. Seven years later and Adventure Base has increased its portfolio to include multiple chalets and apartments across various European resorts as well as a growing list of summer Alpine Adventure packages. If you’re looking to treat your staff to a summer retreat then a chalet that can accommodate large groups, with vibrant restaurants, bars and activities nearby is what Adventure Base can provide. Adventure Base’s chalets are all a short plane or train ride away based in the bustling mountain towns of Chamonix and Morzine. From June through to September, the holiday company can organise a variety of exciting summer adventures all a close distance from your chalet. With the likes of fishing in the Chamonix lakes, canyoning through the mountain streams or paragliding over the beautiful mountains, there is something available for everyone. The local restaurants and bars are always busy over the summer period, so if you and your group prefer to spend each day tasting the local cuisine, whilst overlooking the beautiful mountain scenery then staying in one of the Adventure Base chalets right in the heart of the atmosphere is perfect for you and your group. If businesses are looking to treat their staff to a more high octane break, Adventure Base’s sister company, Dream Guides can provide all manner of clients – be it larger groups or individuals – with the best in outdoor adventures. From simple teambuilding exercises through to mountain guiding, off-piste skiing, alpine climbing, summer rock climbing and much, much more, Dream Guides are guaranteed to provide the best adventure package for you and your group.
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The mountain and ski adventure company offer expeditions, courses and private mountain guiding experiences across the world, including the stunning Mont Blanc, the demanding Matterhorn, imposing Kilimanjaro and even the impressive Mount Everest. Dream Guides pride themselves on offering only the most experienced mountain climbers as guides including their Director, Kenton Cool an experienced explorer who has successfully climbed Mont Blanc with a 100% summit rate on every group he has guided. Looking to take on the highest peak in Western Europe? Push yourself to the limit and summit Mont Blanc with the help of Dream Guides this summer. A climb of this magnitude is suitable for any keen walkers or for those with previous mountaineering experience, and Dream Guides will get you accustomed to life on the mountain.
Dream Guides have taken several well-known personalities up to the top of mountains including guiding Sir Richard Branson to the top of the Mont Blanc Summit with his family. Dream Guides was also the official guiding partner for the Virgin STRIVE Challenge in 2014, where Kenton Cool helped the team, including an altitude sickness suffering Sam Branson, to the top of the mighty Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. Sister company of chalet and travel company, Adventure Base, Dream Guides run expeditions throughout the year which consist of climbing Mount Everest, Hot Rock Climbing Weekends and Chamonix Backcountry skiing, to name but a few. Now is no better time to book your place with Dream Guides and to push yourself to new limits this summer!
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
AA SMALL HOTEL GROUP OF THE YEAR 2014 - 2015
Eden Hotel Collection chef appears on Saturday Kitchen Mallory Court, one of Eden Hotel Collection’s Warwickshire hotels, were delighted to have their head chef Paul Foster appear on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen. Paul, who has already won multiple awards for his food, is no stranger to national television having also appeared on the show and The Great British Menu. Joining Paul on the show were Atal Kochhar from Michelin star Benares Restaurant in Mayfair who served up a beautiful looking prawn curry and celebrity guest Matt Goss, formerly of 80’s Bros fame, who chatted about his Vegas show at Caesar’s Palace. Paul cooked a show stopping dish of Wagyu beef, served three ways as a tartare, a slow cooked brisket and a sirloin. The overall dish looked beautiful, with James Martin calling it “really, really superb” and a “plate of indulgence” whilst Matt and Atal tucked
in enthusiastically to comments of “incredible” and “beautiful”. Saturday Kitchen’s wine expert Suzy Atkins paired a Mondelli Chianti Reserva with the dish, which Paul felt “nailed it” as a partner to the Wagyu. Paul had a fantastic time on the show and said, “It was an excellent day and being on the show before made it easier as I knew what to expect and it helped with nerves this time around. Overall I was really happy with the dish and the food research team on Saturday Kitchen were brilliant. Everything was ready and waiting when we got there. It was a difficult dish to execute in 7 minutes but I think it went well and everyone seemed to enjoy it, though it went by in a complete blur when I was cooking”. Eden Hotel Collection, the AA’s Small Hotel Group of the Year, are deeply passionate about food and boast an incredible 17 AA Rosettes across their eight hotel restaurants and brasseries. Food is at the centre of everything they do and they are well
known for their delicious cuisine. The award-winning chefs like to keep things new and exciting, using the finest ingredients in their kitchens. They constantly move with the times, embracing the latest ideas and techniques, innovating all the time. Eden keep true to their philosophy of fork to fork, using the hotel’s well-stocked kitchen gardens, orchards and bee hives to provide the freshest ingredients throughout the seasons. Mallory Court Hotel - Leamington Spa, Warwickshire The Mount Somerset Hotel and Spa - Somerset Buckland-Tout-Saints - Kingsbridge, Devon The Kings Hotel - Chipping Campden, Cotswolds The Arden Hotel - Stratford-upon-Avon The Greenway Hotel and Spa - Cheltenham Brockencote Hall Hotel - Worcestershire Bovey Castle - Dartmoor, Devon Tides Reach - Salcombe, Devon (coming soon)
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Dining at Bovey Castle
Eden Hotel Collection have embarked on a £2 million refurbishment of Bovey Castle, less than six months after acquiring the award-winning country house estate in Dartmoor National Park, and are to unveil two brand new restaurants within the hotel.
The investment is the first phase of the Eden Hotel Collection’s renovation programme to restore Bovey Castle to its former glory. The estate includes a 64-bedroom hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, spa, country lodges and an outdoor pursuits centre.
The Edwardian Restaurant will be renamed Great Western Restaurant, as a tribute to the glorious Great Western Railway – the first owners to open Bovey Castle as a golfing hotel in 1930. Great Western Restaurant promises to be just a little bit special. It’s not aiming for stuffy dining where you feel like you need to whisper behind your napkin, but is relaxed and comfortable, yet upscale and classy. The restaurant’s roots are firmly planted in classical cookery, recalling the glamour of the restaurant’s Art Deco origins and echoes of a bygone era. They say the first bite is with the eye, so from the very start you are in for a treat as beautifully presented dishes, using locally sourced ingredients, are placed at your fingertips.
The Eden Hotel Collection’s Managing Director, Mark Chambers, says: “With its rich history and heritage, Bovey Castle has long been regarded as the jewel in the crown of the leisure industry in the South West. As the new guardians of the hotel, we are celebrating this glorious past with a breath-taking transformation of our restaurants, introducing an amazing new dining experience which will be unrivalled anywhere in the region. We are very excited to be unveiling this new concept and we are looking forward to sharing this with our guests.”
Eden Spas
Eden’s spas are a heavenly blend of decadent products, tranquil treatment rooms and soothing hydrotherapy pools. They’ve got it all, from state of the art fitness suites to Champagne nail bars, retail boutiques to al fresco hot tubs. The spas are an oasis of relaxation and luxury; places to soothe the soul, indulge the senses and revitalise the body.
Elan Spa at The Greenway Hotel - 01242 862 352 The Spa at The Mount Somerset - 01823 442 500 Spa at Bovey Castle - 01647 445 000
Reader Offer at Bovey Castle
£250 perfor person
Enjoy a two night break with an opportunity to dine in our two brand new restaurants!
two nights at Bovey Castle
Break includes three course dinner, bed and breakfast, with dinner in the Great Western one night and Smith’s Brasserie on the other night.
Terms and Conditions apply. Valid Sunday – Thursday only. Priced based on two people sharing a classic room. Supplements will apply for Friday and Saturday nights.
Call Bovey Castle to book on 01647 445 000 quoting ‘Inspirational Magazine’
Subject to availability, valid until 31st October 2015.
Brockencote Hall Mallory Court The Arden
The Castle Bistro will become Smith’s Brasserie, in honour of one-time owner and pioneering 19th century entrepreneur WH Smith. Imagine the best pubs in the land and think countryside views, roaring fires, a welcoming atmosphere, cosy seating and delicious aromas drifting from the kitchens.
The Kings Hotel The Greenway Hotel & Spa
Relaxed and inviting, bang on trend yet unpretentious and most certainly classic British dining at its best. Smith’s is the kind of place where you can dress up and make it special with a glass of Champagne or dress it down and bring the kids for a family lunch after a day out on the resort.
The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa
Bovey Castle
Buckland Tout-Saints
www.edenhotelcollection.com Gift vouchers available to buy online!
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Stella McCartney
Compact Knit Stripe Top
£495
STRAIGHT & NARROW Kenzo
Pouch Clutch
£85
Stella McCartney Lucy Blossom Skirt
£475
One of this season’s biggest trends is stripes, but for S/S15 there’s nothing uniform about this most traditional of prints. DKNY, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Diane Von Furstenberg and Chanel gave classic stripes a thoroughly modern makeover – shunning the traditional navy and white and embracing a whole rainbow of brights instead. LISA PIDDINGTON, from Harvey Nichols, selects her favourite runway-ready looks. All products are available from Harvey Nichols either in store or online at harveynichols.com. This July sees the launch of the new showpiece Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, which will offer customers an extended range of menswear from some of the most sought-after brands.
Charlotte Olympia Green Silk Pump
£445 26
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Christian Louboutin
DKNY
Jimmy Choo
Cut-out Plexi Pumps
Striped Cotton Blend Midi Skirt
Patchwork Clutch
£575
£230
£995
RED Valentino
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney
£585
£495
£1,290
Striped Jacquard Dress
Valentino
Stretch Knit Top
Valentino
Striped Silk Dress
Paul Smith
Rockstud Pumps
Rockstud Mini Shoulder Bag
Black Striped Skirt
£665
£1,240
£205
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
BIRMINGHAM From blush to cappuccino, these palest rose-tinted hues should be at the top of your summer wish list. Barely there pinks were a catwalk hit for S/S15, here HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM reveals its must-haves for the season.
DKNY
Saint Laurents
Feather Skirt
Suede Pumps
£300
£395
Sara Battaglia Leather Bag
(Click & Collect) £830
Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Modern Love
Gucci
by Gucci EDT (50ml)
£55
£18
NARS blusher in Reckless
£23
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Mulberry Bayswater
Edinburgh
in Mushroom
Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur,
£995
£19
Michael Kors Watch
£229
DKNY
Silk Crepe Top
£220
Jimmy Choo
Sling-Back Wedge Sandals
£325
NARS limited edition Lip Gloss in Guyane
£19
All products are available from Harvey Nichols either in store or online at harveynichols.com. This July sees the launch of the new showpiece Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, which will offer customers an extended range of womenswear and beauty from some of the most sought-after brands.
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
YOUR NEW MAILBOX COMING SOON, THE NEW LOOK MAILBOX IN THE HEART OF BIRMINGHAM WILL BE HOME TO LUXURY FASHION, ENHANCED ENTERTAINMENT, AND AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF BARS AND RESTAURANTS. WHETHER YOU’RE A CITY DWELLER OR WEEKEND VISITOR, THERE WILL BE PLENTY TO EXCITE AND ENTICE VISITORS TO THE NEW MAILBOX.
FASHION THAT REFLECTS YOU The transformed retail environment will be all about chic and elegant fashion that reflects you. The soon-to-be-unveiled new signature Harvey Nichols store will have more than doubled in size to house even more of your favourite aspirational and luxury brands, with increased menswear and personal shopping departments too. Featuring the very latest in retail technology and an innovative new layout engineered to capitalise on daylight, the flagship store will deliver the very best in luxury to Birmingham. Alongside Harvey Nichols, some of your favourite brands will also return to the Mailbox with an exciting new look and extended ranges. Retailers including Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani, L.K. Bennett, Jaeger, Daniel Footwear and Gieves and Hawkes will all be available when the Mailbox re-opens.
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YOUR 24-7 DESTINATION Along with luxury fashion brands, your new Mailbox will be a hub of entertainment with an exciting mix of bars, restaurants and a brand-new luxury three-screen cinema which opened in February. Everyman Cinema’s three-screens, signature sofa seating, enhanced food and drink offering and luxurious bar and lounge areas provide the ultimate silver screen experience, complete with the very latest in digital projection. Throughout the redevelopment, the Mailbox has remained the go-to destination for food and drink, offering a range of bars and restaurants in a vibrant and stylish setting. Whether it’s a quick bite to eat after shopping, after-work drinks with colleagues or a leisurely meal with loved ones, there’s something to suit every taste or mood. The newest addition to the range of canalside bars and restaurants is Gas Street Social, a neighbourhood urban kitchen inspired by the industrial and cultural context of Birmingham’s rich history. Serving up a seasonal taste of European sharing dishes, regional and international craft beers, fine wines and signature cocktails, Gas Street Social has been a popular addition to the Mailbox.
YOU TALKED, WE LISTENED One of the most significant changes to the look and feel of the new Mailbox will be the new stunning, sky-lit glass roof. As well as providing protection from the sometimes unpredictable British weather, the roof will create a light and airy environment as the perfect backdrop for your luxury shopping. In addition to the roof, the redevelopment will transform the entire retail mall, complete with new impressive shop window designs and sleek store frontages. An elegant but inviting space dubbed the “Urban Room” will be created to provide visitors with a comfortable place to relax, gather and dine in a stress-free environment, all under-cover.
IT’S ALL IN YOUR HANDS Visiting the new Mailbox won’t just be your ordinary shopping trip. Among the exciting redevelopments will be our use of integrated technology to create the ultimate experience for you. This technology will ensure you get what you want, when you want and wherever you want it, allowing us to give you the truly unique VIP experience that you deserve. Our app, which will be available on both iPhone and android, will enable you to book a table at one of our canalside restaurants from the palm of your hand, with exciting future updates including rewards for loyal shoppers, parking payment options and tailor-made promotions set to be unveiled when the new Mailbox is launched. Harvey Nichols, Emporio Armani, Nicky Clarke, Toni & Guy and BBC Birmingham remain open throughout the transformation, along with the hotels, offices and car park too.
To be the first to know about the most up-to-date news and information, visit
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
D E N I M DAYS It may date back centuries, but denim never seems to go out of fashion. The style staple for generations, this season’s must-wear fabric isn’t just a trend to try. It’s a trend to live by. Here are our favourite S/S15 menswear pieces from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM.
All products are available from Harvey Nichols either in store or online at harveynichols.com. This July sees the launch of the new showpiece Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, which will offer customers an extended range of menswear from some of the most sought-after brands.
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Balmain
Biker Jeans
Marbled Denim Skate Shoes
Distressed Denim Jacket
Dsquared²
Junya Watanabe
£765
£495
£470
£675
Dsquared²
Balmain
Faded Denim Shirt
Paisley Print Denim Cap
Denim Jacket
Lee 125
Mastercraft Union
£335
£235
£145
£405
Lanvin Chambray
Givenchy
Patchwork Waistcoat
MHRS
Vintage Jeans
Panelled T-shirt
Distressed Patch Jeans
Denim and Jersey Jacket
Philipp Plein
Polo Ralph Lauren
£245
£135
£785
£255
Ombré Jumper
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Adrianna Papell UK Ltd
0203 696 2160 Available at John Lewis John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
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MAKING YOUR BIG DAY
Unforgettable
TO FIND OUT MORE CALL US ON 0844 980 0600 OR EMAIL SPECIALEVENTS@THEBELFRY.COM www.TheBelfry.com
Belfryhotel
TheBelfryHotel
the-belfry-golf-resort
Swarovski Fidelity Collar
£159
Carat* 9CT White Gold Graduating Round CZ Pendant
£293
Carat* 9CT White Gold Classy Pear Drop Earrings
£256
Bouton Oval Roulette Earrings
£75
Ti Sento White Simulated Pearl and CZ Dropper Earrings
£45
Ti Sento Silver Round Cz Bangle
£220
r u o y e s o o Ch . . . s e i r o s s e c c a l a d i Br Links of London Diamond Essential Heart Stud Earrings
£160 H Johnson & Son • 50-51 Queens Road • Nuneaton • Warwickshire • CV11 5JX
Tel: 02476 347 038 • johnsonsjewellers.co.uk
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
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Premier Jewellers Established in 1897, Johnsons Jewellers have become regarded as one of the premier jewellers of the Midlands. Stocking one of the most extensive and varied collections of prestige timepieces and jewellery in the region, Johnsons have expanded their business considerably over the years and now have a store that is truly the envy of their competitors.
An authorised dealer of Rolex watches for over 40 years, Johnsons even have a dedicated Rolex showroom to exhibit, what to many, is the ultimate status symbol in the world of horology. Johnsons Jewellers’ Rolex showroom features solid wood panelled corridors, crystalline aqua glass doors and wonderful lighting that showcase these exclusive and luxurious timepieces perfectly. Besides Rolex, Johnsons also stock over 15 other leading luxury watch brands, giving clients a vast array of pieces to choose from, ensuring that they find the perfect watch of which to be proud. Johnsons Jewellers possess an equally impressive range of jewellery from the likes of Hearts on Fire, Links of London, Bouton, CARAT*, Swarovski, Ti Sento, Clogau and Hot Diamonds. Johnsons are proud to have taken stock of the award winning Raphael Collection, a premier bridal collection based since 1867 in London’s Hatton Garden. The Raphael Collection create stunning pieces of jewellery for both him and her with an air of opulence and sophistication to every item. New for 2015, Johnsons are pleased to present their Tag Heuer ‘shop in shop’ alongside a new Omega ‘shop in shop’, showcasing the very best timepieces from both brands. They have also introduced the new
and improved V12 finance system both online and in store to deliver a more streamlined experience when purchasing watches or jewellery on 0% Interest Free Credit. All the staff at Johnsons Jewellers are hugely knowledgeable and love being able to assist customers to find the perfect piece of jewellery or watch for either themselves or someone special. Johnsons Jewellers’ staff can also provide expert advice on the wide selection of pre-owned watches they stock. The beauty of pre-owned watches is the ability to make your dream watch more accessible, limit any depreciation and on occasion take possession of an appreciating asset. All of Johnsons’ pre-owned stock is authenticated and prepared to the highest standard, making sure any timepiece you purchase is ready to be enjoyed immediately. Johnsons have built a reputation as an innovator in the industry and have recently refurbished their store to keep their premises sleek and modern. New for Johnsons Jewellers in 2015 is a completely re-built and re-designed website courtesy of brand agency, Champions (UK) plc. The class leading website has given Johnsons Jewellers the platform to display their quality of stock and illustrate their position as a preeminent Jewellers in the nation. Whether you to decide to visit Johnsons Jewellers in person or online, the quality and professionalism of the firm speaks volumes, allowing you to be assured that your next purchase of jewellery or a watch is a wonderful ownership experience.
H Johnson & Son • 50-51 Queens Road • Nuneaton • Warwickshire • CV11 5JX
Tel: 02476 347 038 • johnsonsjewellers.co.uk 39
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Founded by husband and wife team, Dr Fash and Naz Shoja-Assadi, the Highfield Dental Clinic breaks new ground in the West Midlands. Using a blend of cutting edge technology, clinical expertise and a uniquely broad array of services, the clinic has established a reputation for both the high quality of its treatments and their calm, personalised delivery. Situated in a wonderfully maintained Georgian townhouse in Edgbaston and featuring some exquisite period furnishings, one could easily forget this is a high-end 21st century clinical facility. The refined décor plays a vital role in overturning common misconceptions about the world of dentistry, with clients finding warmth and tranquility where they might once have expected a cold intensity. Achieving this feel was always a key component of the Highfield Dental Clinic vision. Regardless of the treatment required, the clinic’s highly qualified staff understand that some patients may experience some dental anxiety and work hard to ensure everyone receives the same level of professional and compassionate, personal attention. Individual treatment plans are tailored to the specific needs of every patient, whether they are in need of a simple restoration, a slight enchancement of their smile or something altogether more profound. The Drs Naz and Fash Shoja-Assadi are keen to embrace the latest dental technologies so as to make certain of the best possible clinical outcomes, and in recent years many newly available techniques have led to radical improvements to their patients’ treatments.
The Highfield Dental Clinic offers a wide range of general dental treatments, and can deliver a smile to be proud of with an extensive range of advanced cosmetic treatments.
For Dr Fash Assadi, who has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry, a rewarding factor is being the creator of a new smile, being part of his patient’s journey and watching their confidence and self-esteem grow. Advanced Cosmetic treatments available include, Lumineers, Advanced Restorative Dentistry, Specialist Orthodontics, Implantology, Tooth Whitening and same day Crowns, using the latest advanced technology. So whether the patient requires a simple improvement to their smile or a complete smile makeover, Dr Assadi will tailor a treatment plan to suit each individual’s requirement to achieve the best possible result. The expert team at Highfield pride themselves in devoting time and care to educate their patients in the importance of preventative dentistry. Highfield believes the old fashioned value of preventative care is far better than cure, and encourages patients to attend six monthly dental reviews. The clinic also offers a mercury free dental experience; the modern innovative composite fillings are longer-lasting and more natural and toothlike in appearance than ever before.
Naz & Fash Shoja-Assadi
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ORTHODONTICS - TOOTH STRAIGHTENING Orthodontic treatments have also undergone something of a revolution of late and have enjoyed a remarkable surge in popularity. Dr Naz ShojaAssadi serves as Highfield Dental Clinic’s specialist orthodontist and can offer patients all the latest specialist therapies in order to harmonise their teeth and jaws, banish asymmetry and minimise the possibility of bite related headaches. These include Radiance fixed braces made from clear, polished sapphire or as an alternative, Invisalign, the new invisible braces that can be used when discretion is the watchword. Set up to excel across a broad spectrum of specialisations, the clinic has a number of facilities dedicated to educational purposes and other areas of medicine. The Drs Assadi realise they have a responsibility to give something back to their profession, and as such they have designed a bespoke lecture room with a full multimedia provision, allowing students to learn their craft and fellow clinicians to pursue their ongoing professional development. The teaching facilities for hire also include a seminar room and a ‘phantom head’ room in which that all important, hands-on experience can be gained. The clinic offers a suite of private consultation rooms, all perfectly appointed for use in dermatology, physiotherapy and rheumatology for example, and there is a specialist treatment area for the performance of minor surgeries. Elegant boardroom facilities are also available for private meetings. As a flexible venue offering a wide variety of medical, aesthetic and educational services, the Highfield Dental Clinic is far more than the sum of its parts. As a rated dental practice looking to the future to find the solutions you require, it is second to none in the West Midlands.
Highfield Dental Clinic 2 Highfield Road, Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3ED 0121 455 6974
www.highfielddental.co.uk
“From the moment I went in, any worries and nerves disappeared after meeting the friendly and professional staff. Throughout the treatment, I was made to feel at ease and I would certainly recommend Highfields to anyone looking for a quality, caring dental practice.” Sophia Hayes 41
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Contemporary Country House Hotel
HAMPTONMANOR.COM HAMPTON-IN-ARDEN, SOLIHULL
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Conte mporary in the Country
45 Acre Es tate Tas ting Menus and Wine Pairing
15 Bed rooms
Sophia Hayes talks to young hotel entrepreneurs, James and Fjona Hill. Before you took this leap, what were you doing? Fjona was a practising medical doctor and I was working for the Department of Health in London. We had taken a long holiday to New Zealand and had developed an irresistible itch to create something that was beautiful and food led. I had grown up watching my father develop a hotel. Life in the civil service felt a million miles away from the entrepreneurial adventures of my childhood. How did you find the property? Originally we came across Hampton Manor and it had just been sold. Finding property was arduous but 6 months later we got the call to say it was back on the market. It was no longer in use and the building was empty - dusty rooms that filled you with that adrenaline of untapped potential. The estate had this enchanting feel and we were ever so slightly scared to dream in case it didn’t happen but 4 months later the contracts were exchanged and those dreams quickly turned into the daunting reality of what was involved in making them happen. You purchased in 2008, did that make life harder? Of course trading before 2008 would have been a pleasure but carrying out major renovations during a recession is never a bad thing. Getting people on site and moving the project forward was made easier by the climate but once the doors opened we had a surprisingly buoyant start, probably because we had carved out a very bespoke offering. Design and creativity seem a big part of your dream? Yes, Fjona is an endless source of vision for the interiors and our
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team have carved out a very experiential guest journey with us. Fjona’s work in creating the hotel has led her into a full time career designing hotels and restaurants around the country. Her days as a medical doctor are now long gone and she has been able to pursue her creative passion. Food has been a big part of your dream, how did that play out? In the early stages of the project Fjona and I had taken a holiday to a cookery school in France. It fuelled our dream of creating a very special restaurant. On our return to England we had literally landed and we picked up a voicemail from a friend saying they had found us a Chef who had held a Michelin Star for over 12 years. We were staggered. Everything went to plan and Martyn Pearn joined our team a few months later. He built an outstanding team that are now running Peel’s Restaurant. Last year, after 5 years of learning, we reinvented ourselves making a 9 table restaurant and Chef’s tasting room where we cook just 5 dinner serves a week. The focus this gives our chefs has allowed us to take the offering to a new level and we secured our third rosette in January. The coveted award is shared by only a handful of Birmingham’s best restaurants including Simpson’s and Purnell’s. We are now delivering a dining experience that we feel is unique in the region and it is still early days. For more on Hampton Manor and Peel’s Restaurant, visit www.hamptonmanor.com 15 Bedrooms, 3 Rosette Restaurant, Afternoon Tea daily, Boardroom, separate dedicated wedding & event facilities. Exclusive use opportunities.
14/04/2015 12:55
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GET ACCESS TO EVERY SINGLE PUBLIC SHOW... SNAP UP THE BEST SEATS FOR THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSIC, SPORT & COMEDY EVENTS... IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU’RE INTO, YOU’LL FIND SOMETHING TO SUIT YOUR TASTE... So party with Take That. Cheer on sporting heroes. Laugh at Michael McIntyre. And treat your clients, colleagues and friends to an evening they won’t forget.
LET YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER LOOK AFTER YOU Booking shows. Valet parking. Making dinner reservations. Your account manager will do everything they can to make sure you live the VIP lifestyle.
Our VIP club is the easiest way to guarantee a seat for the world’s best entertainment in Europe’s greatest venue.
UPGRADE TO A SUITE Entertain up to 21 guests on special occasions. Try out the suites when they’re available.
GET ACCESS TO EVERY SINGLE PUBLIC EVENT Order your tickets before everyone else. For face value. So you can get in even if your show’s going to sell out. GO TO TEN SHOWS AT NO EXTRA COST Get ten shows of your choice included. SNAP UP THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE Put the seating plan away. No matter what the event, you’ll always get the best view of the action. KICK BACK IN THE AMERICAN EXPRESS INVITES LOUNGE Eat. Drink. Chill. Our exclusive American Express Invites Lounge is open early ‘til late. You can also take your guests to the Credit Suisse Chairman’s Club. We can sort out a private dinner for up to 12 people.
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WHAT DO I PAY FOR SEPARATELY? Tickets that aren’t included. Food and drink. Valet parking. Upgrading to a suite.
£4,500 - 12 month membership (*all prices are per person and excluding VAT)
For further information call Sophia Hayes at Champions (UK) plc on 08453 31 30 31 or email shayes@championsukplc.com
28/04/2015 16:22
Inspirational Magazine enjoy a stay at newly refurbished
Having undergone a £6 million refurbishment, the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Birmingham has further established its reputation as the most prestigious hotel in the city. Inspirational Magazine spent a night at the renowned hotel, known for its exceptional service and five-star facilities, to experience what they have to offer as well as the transformation of the hotel.
Retiring to the Regency Club after lunch, we were treated to a range of the Hyatt’s fabulous selection of wines and beers. Something that sets the Hyatt out from hotels of equally high levels of service and facility is the atmosphere of inclusiveness the hotel exudes. Visit the Hyatt to watch a sporting event over lunch or enjoy drinks with friends on the weekend, and you’ll soon find the hotel has much more to offer than just its industry leading accommodation.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed into the stunning new lobby before visiting the Amala leisure and spa facilities prior to check-in. A perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Amala spa lets guests unwind, serving as a perfect introduction to everything else the hotel has to offer.
For our stay at the Hyatt Regency, we were shown to one of the hotel’s spacious and elegant Clubrooms. After a fulfilling night’s sleep in the room’s king-size bed, we awoke to stunning panoramic views of Birmingham, which acted as an ideal preview of what’s in store in the city.
After our workout and spa treatment, we visited one of the hotel’s main areas of refurbishment; the all-new Gentleman & Scholar tavern-style pub.
Birmingham has a wonderful selection of attractions to visit and our time at the Hyatt Regency emphasised just how perfectly placed the hotel is to make the most of the city. The Hyatt impressed once again and we never tire of how refreshing a visit is, thanks to the impeccable level of staff service and exclusive facilities and experiences on display.
It was clear that the creation of the Gentleman & Scholar has been a resounding success for the Hyatt Regency. By visiting at the time of the RBS Six Nations, we were able to witness exactly what the Hyatt had aimed for with the refurbishment; a lively tavern with all guests enjoying the spectacle of prominent sporting events combined with the irresistible food and drinks the Gentleman & Scholar serve. We opted for the Crab Cocktail to start, followed by the outstanding Rib Eye Steak for our main and the delectable Vanilla and Strawberry Sundae for dessert. Our high expectations were exceeded, and it was obvious by looking at fellow diners’ reactions that no matter what we might have chosen, this would have been the case for any of the dishes.
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Hyatt Regency Birmingham 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, England B1 2JZ t: +44 121 643 1234 f: +44 121 616 2323 e: birmingham.regency@hyatt.com @hyattbham
HyattRegencyBirmingham
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Since its inception in 1990, the Hyatt Regency Birmingham has been synonymous with luxury, five-star facilities and exceptional service. The keystone of the Birmingham skyline, the Hyatt Regency has proven testament to their foresight once again, having recently completed an extensive £6 million refurbishment of the hotel that has allowed them to remain as a tour de force of hospitality within the Midlands.
But the suite’s pièce de résistance is the panoramic view of Birmingham, framed by the Presidential Suite’s floor to ceiling windows. Simply sit back and enjoy the vista from the en-suite bathroom’s Jacuzzi, the lounge’s sumptuous chairs and sofas or perhaps the king-size bed of the master bedroom. As darkness descends at night, guests of the Hyatt’s Presidential Suite are treated to a view that showcases the transformation of Birmingham into one of the United Kingdom’s most innovative and exciting metropolises.
The £6 million investment in the hotel has comprised an overhaul of the building’s 319 luxury bedrooms and suites, the eight meeting and conference rooms, its Symphony Ballroom, reception area and a brand new tavern-style pub, The Gentleman & Scholar.
A highlight of the refurbishment for guests and visitors to the hotel is the new tavern-style pub, The Gentleman & Scholar. Cunningly designed as a space within the hotel with its own identity, the traditional surroundings exude a welcoming atmosphere that allows you to unwind and relax whilst you enjoy meticulously prepared delicacies courtesy of the Hyatt’s extensively trained catering staff. A venue for all occasions, visit The Gentleman & Scholar to enjoy a post-work drink with friends, a delectable dinner with loved ones, or watch a big match on the widescreen televisions over lunch at the weekends.
The jewel in the crown of the Hyatt Regency’s refurbishment is their remarkable Presidential Suite. Situated on the very top floor of the hotel, the Presidential Suite features a warm and comforting lounge equipped with the suite’s famous grand piano, where some of the world’s most distinguished musicians and performers have given a rendition of their favourite melodies. Other aspects of the suite include a plush dining area with leather chairs that accompany a fully equipped kitchenette.
Inspirational Magazine spoke with the Hyatt Regency’s General Manager, Mario Flanagan, about the recent refurbishment and what makes the Hyatt Regency so special for its guests:
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This major investment will enable us to ensure that we position ourselves as rival to any London hotel and as one of the best hotel and conference venues in the country. What will remain consistent is our dedication to offering a luxury service – an ethos which runs throughout every member of our team; people are our most important asset and the key to our success.
In July the hotel is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, now with the refurbishment completed it is the perfect time to showcase our new venue. We have 25 years of history in Birmingham and so we would like to thank our loyal guests, employees and also our owners Hyatt for helping us create great past memories and help us celebrate our silver anniversary with a promising future ahead.
Indeed, the Hyatt’s team of staff are some of the most experienced and skilled individuals in the industry. The Hyatt are proud to have staff that saw the opening of the hotel along with door staff that have experience totalling over a hundred years. The loyalty of the Hyatt Regency’s staff has created a continuity that is hard to find for such a large establishment, and has surely been a vital factor in the hotel’s continued success.
We aim to make the Hyatt Regency Birmingham become not only the preferred hotel in the city but also a desirable city getaway for the London market.
The Hyatt Regency Birmingham celebrates its 25th anniversary in July 2015. For a quarter of a century the Hyatt has brought the amenity, luxury and standards of the finest London hotels to the Midlands, without having to pay the large ticket prices often associated with the capital. Joanne Brain, Director of Sales & Marketing is overjoyed with the results of the refurbishment and what the future brings for Birmingham’s top hotel:
If you are planning a visit to Birmingham, for business or for leisure, then there should be only one destination to make your stay in the city as comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable as possible - the Hyatt Regency Birmingham.
Hyatt Regency Birmingham 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, England B1 2JZ t: +44 121 643 1234 f: +44 121 616 2323 e: birmingham.regency@hyatt.com @hyattbham
HyattRegencyBirmingham
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Charnley’s Opticians was opened in 1921 on The Parade in Leamington Spa and is one of the oldest independent opticians in the midlands. Over the last 25 years owners Rod Jenkins and Bernard Reilly have built Charnley’s into one of the major brand stockists in the area, being main dealers for the industry leading brands including Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Tiffany, Tag Heuer and Porsche, to name a few. As an independent opticians, Charnley’s can offer and supply lenses from all of the major lens companies from Essilor and Hoya to Seiko and Zeiss and can source lenses for difficult prescriptions that are not normally available. Children are especially catered for with a large frame choice including the new range from Ray Ban. Specialist paediatric dispensing is also available for children and babies.
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Spectacles for sports such as golf, cycling and skiing are becoming an increasingly important part of any optical practice and Charnley’s specialist Pete Downing can advise on their range of dedicated sports spex which include brands such as Oakley and Adidas. Eye examinations are carried out by experienced qualified opticians who have access to equipment such as an OCT scanner which gives 3 dimensional images of the back of the eye. Charnley’s stock a comprehensive range of sunspecs from Ray Ban, Chanel, Oakley, Persol, Tiffany, Cartier many of which can be converted to take a prescription. Whether you require a sight test, have a prescription to fill or just fancy a new look, Charnley’s Opticians is the place to go.
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A gentlemen’s tailor: Artisan, stylist, confidant and a friend. At Clements and Church, not only do we believe that our art is worth preserving but we are dedicated to invigorating it. Working with the finest craftsmen in the UK and Europe, we deliver the very best in sartorial elegance for today’s discerning customer.
Telephone : 01926 887668 Address : 23 Park Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4QN Website : www.clementsandchurch.co.uk Twitter : @LspaTailors Instagram : LspaTailors
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Finally, Birmingham has a very smart hotel. C
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Fabulous tech savvy rooms, great dining and the best meeting spaces in town.
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The hotel was designed with the guest in mind. We asked. They told us. We listened. Listening to your guests is a very smart thing to do. Jane Riley General Manager
If you’re a road warrior, conference delegate or city breaker there is a space that combines modern chic design with very clever thought. It’s Hotel La Tour, Birmingham. Bundle all the things you need as a business traveller into one beautiful, easy to find, easy to unwind space. La Tour comprises four customer focused spaces. Fabulous bedrooms, Grill La Tour, The Auden Rooms, and Bar La Tour. All created with the guest in mind.
For the meeting goer… The Auden Rooms feature a stylish business Lounge where delegates are met by event hosts. Tasty refreshments are served throughout the day and event organisers can choose from buffet style dining or lunch in Grill La Tour. All meeting rooms are beautifully appointed with ample daylight and a similarly generous amount of tech. Video conferencing, very fast wifi, HDTV screens, high-spec acoustic treatment and touchscreen control for every aspect of your meeting, are all at your fingertips. La Tour listened. You told us and La Tour created possibly the finest meeting spaces in the city.
For the city breaker… La Tour do fabulous rooms. Comfy beds, big screen TVs, beautifully appointed bathrooms and tech; the stuff that most hotels will be years away from having, you can have the next time you stay at La Tour. Think contactless entry, touchpad temperature and lighting and the all important media hub. Stream your movies and music direct to your TV, all from the comfort of your bed. You told us and La Tour created possibly the best rooms for the tech savvy traveller in Birmingham city centre.
For the hell of it… Finally there’s Bar La Tour – a cocktail lounge with outside terrace that’s a hotspot for great wine, live entertainment and the finest afternoon tea for miles around. Finally the city has a very smart hotel. Whether dining, staying or meeting La Tour is the smart choice for your Birmingham exploits.
For the diner… A life on the road can be tortuous. “Grabbing a snack” is no way to live or dine, you need great satisfying dishes, sourced locally and totally deserved. Welcome to Grill La Tour. An elegant hideout for amazingly succulent steaks, tempting meat and fish dishes and a fantastic glass of wine. Just what the doctor ordered and beautifully delivered in Grill La Tour every breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. La Tour also features a private dining room and a chef’s table for more celebrations or board room soirées.
Discover more www.hotel-latour.co.uk 0121 718 8000 Albert Street, Birmingham B5 5JT
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
prepares for another starring role at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2015
BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP
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The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship is one of the country’s finest displays of golfing talent. The event also offers players and guests a variety of luxurious hospitality options including beauty treatments from Leicester’s Femi Health & Beauty in the Tented Village. One of the biggest golfing events on the British sporting calendar, the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship always welcomes a host of golfing legends and celebrities to the idyllic Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire. Many of the stars relax after a round by enjoying a variety of luxurious hospitality options in the Tented Village, including treatments from Leicester’s award-winning beauty salon, Femi Health & Beauty. Once again, Femi Health & Beauty will host a pop-up salon at the Championship, which is a replica of their base in Leicester city centre. Golfers, celebrities and spectators will be able to enjoy a premier salon experience with many indulgent treatments available including manicures, pedicures, massages and facial treatments tailored to indulge you after a long day on the course. Using the opulent Décleor as their main collection of products, Femi Health & Beauty provide advanced techniques to ensure their clients achieve incredible results from their chosen treatments.
Voted Leicester’s favourite beauty salon, Femi Health & Beauty is the salon of choice for countless Midlands residents, as well as more than a few famous faces. Last year’s pop-up salon saw stars including Peter Schmeichel MBE, Len Goodman, Ola Jordan, Alan McInally and Willie Thorne receive VIP treatments to give them some much needed relaxation. Many of the professional golfers also took advantage of these luxury treatments before and after their rounds. The Decléor facials are always particularly popular with the crowds at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship. Femi have been awarded Decléor Regional Salon of the Year for the 18th consecutive year in 2014 for providing the highest standard of treatment and client care. Aromatic massages are also a firm favourite at the Championship and offer a range of benefits including stimulating circulation, boosting the immune system, improving muscle tone and draining toxins. Many treatments use the exclusive Decléor range of
products combining aromatherapy, essential oils with phototherapy, and plant extracts which together help to treat the inner and outer body. Back at their base in Leicester city centre, Femi Health & Beauty have been leaders in their field for over 20 years and guests are consistently impressed by their professional and caring service. The salon boasts 12 lavish treatment rooms and relaxation areas, making it the perfect pampering setting for group parties as well as individual bookings. All the staff are fully qualified experts in the treatments they offer and are ready to ensure that all their clients have a fantastic experience. Owner of Femi Health & Beauty, Femi Latif said: “We are very excited to get involved in this year’s Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship as it is always a wonderful experience. We pamper high profile golfers and celebrities with a number of different treatments, from massages to manicures! We are really looking forward to spoiling people this year with some fantastic new treatments available!”
Femi Health & Beauty 60 Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4NN | t. 0116 253 2393 Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm
www.femi-health-beauty.co.uk FemiHealthandBeauty
@Femibeautyleics
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
DIVINE DENTISTRY YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BORN WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE . . .
We all know that first impressions count and, now we are all so time-poor, we have even less of a window to make those all-important connections. For Dr Tariq Mahmood and his dedicated team at Divine Dentistry in West Bromwich, your smile is a reflection of your character and personality. It affects your self-esteem, the way you’re perceived by others and, as many studies indicate, attractive smiles are linked to success in relationships as well as business. Yet, while we may not all be born with a perfect smile, with the right techniques and the very best treatment, beautiful, natural-looking smiles can be created in harmony with you as an individual.
Tariq’s dental philosophy has patient care at its very centre. From your initial examination, you’re always kept informed of all your options, plus the benefits and risks of any treatment – it’s about finding a solution that fits in with your life and the way you live it. Divine Dentistry offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dental treatments tailored to your exact requirements. During your free smile consultation Tariq will assess both your dental aspirations and any concerns you may have and then talk you through a bespoke set of choices. If you’re simply looking to enhance your smile, then Zoom laser whitening could well fit the bill or, indeed, a more expansive smile-makeover might suit your purposes. Six Month Smiles are a popular option for adults wanting limited correction of their front teeth and a quicker solution to an issue. Cosmetic braces, such as Invisalign and Damon Clear, are a discreet answer to the common problem of unsightly orthodontic treatment and, no matter which approach you decide to follow, Tariq works to ensure its impact on your life is restricted, as far as possible, to giving you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
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Known for his unfailing discretion, Tariq is also renowned for his gentle and friendly approach – he has such a way with nervous patients that many are referred to him for that precise reason. His commitment to ongoing professional development is matched only by the time and resources invested in achieving the highest possible clinical standards. Those high standards also apply to the treatments available at Divine Dentistry’s new on-site facial aesthetic clinic, Visage Clinique. With exclusive offers and flexible appointments to suit you, this discreet and tranquil environment offers a full set of bespoke facial enhancements in addition to a range of skin and beauty treatments aimed at maximising your relaxation. The new facility’s medically certified experts specialise in non-surgical treatments and guarantee to make your appearance more natural and more youthful. Time takes its toll on us all but, with a wrinkle reduction treatment like Azzalure or a dermal filler such as Juvéderm ULTRA, you’re sure to feel not only younger but also more confident. Visage Clinique is proud to be certified under the strict quality controls of the government-backed Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS) which governs injectable cosmetic providers and runs a register allowing patients to safely choose trustworthy and safe clinics and practitioners for cosmetic treatments. Your smile says so much about you, so it is no surprise that the choices on offer at Divine Dentistry centre on you. With a no quibble guarantee and a comprehensive after care plan, Tariq and the professional team focus on your wellbeing from the outset right through to the end of your treatment.
For further information on the cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics services available at Divine Dentistry, visit www.divinedentistry.co.uk or call 0121 500 6104 to book your free consultation. 57
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
LICENCE TO THRILL After keeping millions of fans waiting for almost three years, this November 007 returns to our screens in Spectre, the 24th instalment of the most successful movie franchise of all time. Inspirational Magazine explores the character’s development and what we can expect from the second Bond film to be directed by Sam Mendes. James Bond may have been a silver screen regular for over 50 years since Sean Connery brought him to life in 1962’s Dr. No, but age has by no means wearied him. After so many dust-ups, car chases, shootouts and brief love affairs, not to mention the odd narrowly averted apocalypse, one could be forgiven for thinking the British secret agent might be showing signs of fraying at the edges, yet Daniel Craig has led something of a renaissance for the Secret Service’s most dynamic resource. Taking over the reins from Pierce Brosnan for Casino Royale in 2006, Craig is currently putting the finishing touches to Spectre, his fourth Bond movie and second collaboration in the role with Sam Mendes. Critics have praised the British actor for the way he has returned the 007 character to a closer approximation of Sean Connery’s original on-screen interpretation.
Bond’s evolution has come full circle and is arguably now as faithful as ever to the agent portrayed in Ian Fleming’s hugely successful series of books. While Connery brought confidence and masculinity to the role either side of George Lazenby’s brief tenure in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Roger Moore had the good sense not to try to beat the Scot at his own game and took 007 in a more light-hearted direction. Connery returned briefly in 1983 for Never Say Never Again, the only Bond film not to be made under the auspices of Eon Productions, before Moore’s curtain call in A View To A Kill and, as both actors began to show their age, the Bond brand looked in need of a little reinvigoration. Timothy Dalton certainly delivered on that score. The Living Daylights was a hit with the critics and at the box office and the Shakespearean actor brought 007 back down to earth with an earnest portrayal that moved away from his predecessors’ renowned promiscuity. His second outing in Licence To Kill revealed a vengeful streak not seen before in Bond, and one taken even further by Daniel Craig almost twenty years later, but as a result of legal disputes Britain’s most secretive of secret agents went under deep cover for a full six years.
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The franchise was revived, however, by Pierce Brosnan, who for many was born to play the role. He had the looks and all the requisite charm in spades and the Irishman was able to bring back some of the debonair humour of Roger Moore. With the Cold War over Brosnan’s character was pitted against a variety of foes during his four film stint and the advances made to computerised special effects moved the franchise into the 21st century. The timeless figure of Bond, created by Fleming on his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica, had invented the spy movie genre single-handedly and, despite a series of pretenders over the years, finally faced serious competition from Matt Damon’s gritty Jason Bourne trilogy. Producers looked to revitalise the series with some steeliness mixed with a few of the flaws the rest of us mere mortals are forced to bear. They turned to Cheshire born Daniel Craig and the franchise couldn’t now be in ruder health. The decision to cast Craig as 007 met with criticism when it was first announced in 2005, with many claiming he was ‘too short and too blond’ to fit in with the Bond archetype, but he soon won over the doubters with Casino Royale. The character now has cold-hearted moments, as demonstrated when he dumped a dead friend in a skip in Quantum of Solace, and his capacity to withstand torture is frightening but Craig has also made him more believable. For the first time Bond is a man we can all relate to.
This new realism is reflected in the box office. While critics recognise Craig as the finest actor to have taken on the role, the public has voted with its feet, filling cinemas the world over and seeing Skyfall become the first Bond film to make over $1 billion. That the film also won two Oscars in 2012 for Best Original Song and for Best Sound Editing, and gleaned three further nominations, is a sign that at long last 007 has retaken his place among celluloid royalty. As the hype now builds around the release of Spectre, speculation is rife. We know from the title that writers John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are tipping a hat to many of the earlier films by bringing back the shadowy criminal organisation of the same name. Being the 24th instalment of a franchise that has consistently turned out movies for over half a century, there is pressure to avoid the storylines and characters feeling stagnant while Daniel Craig has stated the goal is to “reclaim some of the old irony, and make sure it doesn’t become pastiche.” Boasting a stellar cast including Christoph Waltz as 007’s quarry, Monica Bellucci playing the essential Bond girl and Ralph Fiennes reprising the role of M once again, the film is burning with potential. With a guarantee of spectacular set-pieces and covert intrigue, it won’t be long until we find out whether Bond’s latest outing lives up to the treat served up by Sam Mendes in Skyfall. Spectre will showcase the new Omega Seamaster diving watch available at Johnsons Jewellers, Warwickshire’s premier jewellery outlet in Nuneaton.
The new Omega Seamaster diving watch is available to purchase at Johnsons Jewellers of Nuneaton - £4,630.00 59
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CREATIVE CUISINE IN LONDON
Creating innovative British dishes for more than 50 years, discover The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant in Knightsbridge, London. Recline in the bar with a refreshing cocktail or enjoy Head chef Ian Rudge’s mouth-watering seasonal menu. Set lunch is available Monday to Saturday for £28. To book your table visit theribroom.co.uk or call 020 7858 7250
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UNMISTAKABLY LONDON. DISTINCTIVELY JUMEIRAH.
Experience the ultimate London stay at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge. Indulge yourself at The Peak Health Club & Spa with indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. The luxurious rooms and suites offer stunning views over London and you can dine in style at the award-winning Rib Room Bar & Restaurant.
Visit jumeirah.com or call 020 7235 1234 to find out more
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
Greenwich Knight are bespoke automotive buying specialists situated in the Midlands. Providing exceptional service, Greenwich Knight aim to supply the perfect car for your requirements without the pressures of a showroom sales environment. With private clientele including business leaders, professional sportsmen and celebrities, Greenwich Knight are industry experts in securing vehicles for a vast array of famous, influential and highly regarded customers. Greenwich Knight have enjoyed resounding success over the last year and look to continue the trend by broadening its client base even further in order to provide their buying power to more customers across the UK and overseas. With vast experience of dealing with clients who prefer a more personal style of automotive buying, you can rest assured that Greenwich Knight will bring a level of convenience you have not experienced before when exchanging or acquiring a car. On the majority of occasions Greenwich Knight can offer a better deal on your impending car purchase and even when an immediate solution is not reached, Greenwich Knight offer expert advice for free, ensuring you avoid costly mistakes and missed discounts.
What sets Greenwich Knight out from the rest is their ability to secure your ideal vehicle, delivered to the door of your residence in a quicker, more cost efficient and buyer centric fashion. By supplying a market leading level of service, Greenwich Knight has experienced resounding success and been exposed to strong organic growth off the back of the praise and recommendations of clients both past and present. Greenwich Knight have supplied fleet services to a number of large nationwide clients, offering them highly competitive deals to service their corporate automotive needs. Fleet managers to Crocs UK, Severfield Rowen PLC and FlowWorks Bv, to name but a few, Greenwich Knight have over three decades of experience in bespoke buying, ensuring that they can fulfil almost any request made to them when it comes to both prestige and mainstream corporate vehicle fleets.
www.greenwichknight.co.uk
Greenwich Knight also benefits substantially from its two sister companies, My Car Import and LHD Car Specialist. Using a combination of all three companies, your every vehicular requirement can be matched, from importing a cherished classic to the UK, to buying a left hand drive car for a second home overseas.
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My Car Import are renowned for their ability to import cars into the country in a time effective and efficient manner. My Car Import will deal with your whole import, with the next time you see the car it being fully UK road registered with the paperwork to match. My Car Import have also made a considerable investment in their own approved DVSA test facility. This unique DVSA facility has allowed inspectors to use My Car Import’s facilities to issue approval of vehicles on the spot, making way for a more efficient and hassle-free process of getting a car ready for UK roads, whilst also providing an element of service unmatched by any of My Car Import’s competitors. When combined with their own DVLA
account manager in Swansea, My Car Import have the resources to have your car ready in as little as 2 weeks as opposed to over 6 in most other scenarios. With a clientele list spanning high net worth individuals bringing exotic supercars into the country, to economic migrants importing their car from another country for work purposes, My Car Import has dealt with almost every factor and hindrance when importing motor vehicles, ensuring that they will be able to deal with your pride and joy with consummate professionalism and extensive industry knowledge.
mycarimport.co.uk
LHD Car Specialist’s core credentials resonate closely with the business principles of Greenwich Knight. A bespoke buying service specialising in the acquisition of left hand drive vehicles, LHD Car Specialist offer a hugely convenient solution to the dilemma of sourcing a car to be used on roads overseas, for either business or leisure purposes. Servicing the overseas property and expat market, LHD Car Specialist can supply your perfect car in left hand drive form, ready
for you to base at your second home abroad, or to take with you when you migrate to start a new life in another country. With an extensive contact list and buying power generated from over 35 years in the vehicle export and bespoke buying industry, LHD Car Specialist has access to a large network of available vehicles at any one time. When buying a left hand drive vehicle you should go nowhere else than LHD Car Specialist for all your overseas automotive needs.
lhdcarspecialist.com
| Willow Road | Castle Donington | Derby | Derbyshire | DE74 2NP OPEN: 09:00-17:30 Monday to Friday | 09:00-13:00 Saturday | By Appt. Sunday
Unit 5 Willow Industrial Park
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BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP
JACKLIN HOME OF LEGENDS A look ahead to the 2015 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship
A keystone of the annual English sporting calendar, the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship is now the third largest annual golfing event in the nation. The tournament has made a remarkable journey from its modest beginnings in Torquay to its modern day setting of the picturesque and ever-challenging Cromwell Course at Warwickshire’s Nailcote Hall. Brought back to glory by Rick Cressman and the late great Sid Mouland, the Championship is appreciated by professionals and celebrities alike and has become a hotly anticipated tournament, attracting large crowds of golf fans. The star talent the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship attracts always exceeds expectations and 2015 is no different. Two-time major winner and the most successful Ryder Cup captain of all-time, Tony Jacklin CBE, will host the Championship for the seventh year in a row. Jacklin’s leadership and mastery of match play tactics were instrumental to dismantling American dominance at the Ryder Cup and in the Majors, and his heroics spanning the 60s, 70s and 80s have never been replicated. Jacklin competes over all four days of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, providing an opportunity to witness a legend of the game compete against both professionals past and present, as well as a host of hugely entertaining celebrities. A magnet for Ryder Cup stars, the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship will play host to Sam Torrance OBE, famed for his memorable putt in the 1985 tournament under captain Tony Jacklin CBE and his efforts as captain in 2002. Also participating is Des Smyth, who acted as vicecaptain for Europe’s successful campaigns in 2006 and 2014. Other firm favourites with the crowd appearing at the 2015 Championship will be the likes of Masters winner and former world number one Ian Woosnam OBE, Peter Baker and DJ Russell. A plethora of other European Tour players and celebrities will also descend on Nailcote Hall during the four-day tournament to try their hand at tackling the Cromwell 64
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WOLSTENHOLME
TORRANCE
For further information about the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2015, call Champions (UK) plc on 08453 313031 or email bp3@championsukplc.com www.britishpar3.com
Course. Located in the heart of Warwickshire, Nailcote Hall’s renowned beauty sets it out as the perfect venue to host such golfing excellence. The composition of trees, streams and ponds along with a multitude of other topographical features give the ideal opportunity to thoroughly test the golfer’s stable of shots and provide a stern test for even the most skilled players in the field. This year will also see the unveiling of the recently built Champions Pavilion; the brand new clubhouse will be used to entertain corporate guests over all four days of the Championship and is situated in the heart of the Tented Village. The new facilities include ladies’ and men’s changing rooms, a pro shop, dining for up to 60 people, plus a balcony with spectacular views of the Cromwell Course and the 10th hole “Charley’s Bar” named after the Ladies’ European No. 1 and 2014 Order of Merit winner Charley Hull. Both the 12th and 13th of August are dedicated to the British Par 3 Pro-Am Championship, which is the ultimate prize for the competitive field. Always fiercely contested, the winner of the Pro-Am tournament takes home a cheque for £25,000. 2015 also sees the return of a Super Seniors prize fund, allocating £5,000, £3,000 and £2,000 for the highest three finishers aged over 60 respectively. After a wonderful two rounds and a three-hole playoff, 2014’s contest was won by Eddie Pepperell. One of the most scintillating battles the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship has ever seen, the calm and collected Pepperell overcame a challenge from Jak Hamblett with precise chipping and clinical putting. Featuring at the start and finish of the Championship, the Celeb-Am events draw large crowds in order to see some of the nation’s most loved TV and sports personalities enjoy their rounds of golf in a team event. Previous attendees include Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, England football superstar Peter Shilton OBE, Ashes winning cricketer Matthew Hoggard MBE and top comedian Jasper Carrott OBE. Besides the fabulous match play, another draw of the tournament is the wonderful tented village, giving guests the opportunity to relax with a drink, enjoy therapeutic treatments or trial some cutting edge golfing products. Celebrities also take to the stage throughout the competition to provide exclusive Q&A sessions detailing their careers in order to provide fans with a once in a lifetime opportunity. Perhaps the jewel in the crown of the hospitality at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship is the Grand Finale Ball; a spectacular event featuring a three-course meal, world-class entertainment and a vast array of celebrities. Each year the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship grows in attendance and 2015 is set to be another record breaker. Headline sponsors Farmfoods will be returning once again and have pledged to attract some of the finest golfers possible to the tournament. As always, anyone is welcome to attend
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SCHMEICHEL
HULL Celeb-Am Days
Pro-Am Championship
• Team of three to play 18 holes on Cromwell Course with a leading celebrity and sports personalities
The Pro-Am format is similar to that of the renowned and highly successful Dunhill Links competition which forms part of the European Tour schedule each year. Each professional golfer will team up with an amateur over the two days of the competition and the better ball score for each team will count towards a fantastic Pro-Am Team prize.
11th & 14th August 2015 • Each player receives one VIP guest pass for the event including access to VIP lounge for food and beverages and tented village for luxury shopping opportunities • Black Tie Gala Ball – a lavish four-course dinner for each player and their guest in the company of their celebrity plus spectacular entertainment hosted by Tony Jacklin CBE • Exclusive players’ pack
VIP Players’ Banquet Wed. 12th August After the first day’s 18 holes are played, the players and their guest are invited to the magnificent VIP Players’ Banquet to conclude the day in style. The evening will include a delicious gourmet dinner, numerous celebrity hosts and live entertainment - allowing the players to let their hair down and prepare themselves for day two of play!
Prize Giving Ceremony Thurs. 13th August Following completion of the final 18 holes of the Pro-Am event, Tony Jacklin CBE will host the prize giving ceremony, where the Farmfoods British Par 3 Champion will be crowned. Professional golfers, celebrities, amateurs and their guests will all be invited to attend this wonderful concluding event of the Pro-Am.
12th – 13th August 2015
Participating in the Pro-Am is a once in a lifetime experience, during which amateur golfers can experience the highs and lows of participating in a professional golf event. Featuring major winners, Ryder Cup players and golfing legends alongside leading European Tour, Champions Tour, European Senior Tour, Challenge Tour, Ladies European Tour and Sunshine Tour professionals. • Two 18 hole rounds on Cromwell Course with your professional • One guest VIP pass for two days of the championship including access to VIP lounge for food and beverages and tented village for luxury shopping opportunities • Inclusive overnight accommodation for evening of 12th August • Players’ Banquet on 12th August for player plus guest, in the company of your professional and hosted by Tony Jacklin CBE, including entertainment • Exclusive players’ pack
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THE RENAISSANCE CLUB One Time Experience The Renaissance Club (TRC), one of the world’s most exclusive golf clubs, is delighted to announce the opportunity for non-members to experience what the club has to offer the golfing world. This opportunity is called the “One Time Experience”. It is available for all those who love the game of golf. The experience is exactly as it sounds; an individual may only come to TRC once. It might be to just play the course, or it could be to stay in the fantastic bedrooms and play the great courses in East Lothian over a week.
The Renaissance Club has been lauded by critics and golfing professionals as the Best New Course in Great Britain & Ireland by Golf Monthly and as one of the most exquisite golfing venues in the world. It is also delighted to announce that it will host its first tournament when the club welcomes the world’s leading boy golfers, for the Boys Amateur Championship in August 2016, co-hosting alongside its neighbouring Championship course, Muirfield. Emerging on the East Lothian landscape in 2008, with its breathtaking, windswept links and stunning landscape, The Renaissance Club was the vision of its dedicated and passionate founders, the Sarvadi family, and acclaimed course architect Tom Doak.
What this experience includes: • 18 Hole Championship Tom Doak Designed Golf Course • 3 Practice Holes, kept to the same condition as the
• Members Services, concierge assistance • TRC Transport Service, able to transport a small
• 400 Yard Driving Range, Pro V1 Range Balls • 24 Luxury Bedrooms, that all include WiFi, Sky Television,
• Private Dining, overlooking the course or
championship 18
Golf Course Views, Heated Bathroom Floors, Air Conditioning, Safes and everything to be expected of a world class facility
• Steam Room, Dry Sauna and Jacuzzi, in both ladies’
or large amount of people short and long distances. Including airport transfers. in the wine cellar
• Gym, overlooking the 18 green • Plus many more amenities... th
and men’s locker rooms
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...breathtaking, windswept links and stunning landscape... Members’ lodging and dining options at the club are simply sublime. Magnificent cuisine is prepared by chefs trained in Michelin-starred restaurants, while the accommodation delivers everything a member could possibly require, whether they need to conduct business or unwind in the epitome of luxury and refinement. Complete with spa, gymnasium and treatment areas, perfectly appointed locker rooms, beautiful bar, a fabulous dining experience and 24 luxurious lodging rooms, members are presented with a golfing experience guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Locals call the area “Scotland’s Golf Coast” with three of the most historic courses in the world – Muirfield, Gullane and North Berwick – within a five mile stretch of land. The Renaissance Club has proved to be a fabulous addition to this coastline, the East Lothian golf community and Scotland as a whole and attracts incredibly positive reviews from everyone who has been lucky enough to play on it. The “One Time Experience” offers a rare opportunity, on a request basis, for non members to embrace the challenge of this stunning golf course and enjoy this world-class golfing experience. It might be to just play the course, or it could be to stay in the fantastic bedrooms as well as play Scotland’s Golf Coast’s great courses.
For details about the “One Time Experience” at The Renaissance Club, membership, or for further information, please contact Jordan Whyte on 01620 850 901 or email membership@trcaa.com The Renaissance Club, Cowden Hill Drive, Dirleton EH39 5HS | www.trcaa.com
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Character Charm s
ituated in the heart of the beguiling Warwickshire countryside, Nailcote Hall is one of Britain’s most romantic, charming and elegant country house hotels. A haven of relaxation and style, the supremely comfortable, 49 individually designed bedrooms of the hotel make it the perfect place to leave behind the stresses of everyday life. Indulge in wonderful food, regular entertainment, fully equipped leisure club, new golf clubhouse facility and enjoy playing on the best Par 3 golf course in Europe, The ‘Cromwell Course’. With quintessentially luxurious hospitality and a warm welcome guaranteed, Nailcote Hall offers truly unforgettable breaks.
Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire, CV7 7DE Telephone: +44 (0) 2476 466174 info@nailcotehall.co.uk www.nailcotehall.co.uk
Corporate Golf Days Nailcote Hall is the perfect venue for a corporate event. Our golf course and new club house offer exceptional golf, located in the heart of Warwickshire and surrounded by the regions exceptional views. Our Cromwell Course really is one of the best Par 3 courses in the world, and we are proud to offer it to you and your corporate guests for a business experience. What better place to mix business with pleasure than a championship course described as “better than Augusta� by Brian Barnes.
BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP Our bespoke packages offer a variety of choices, including 18 holes of golf on our championship course, food and drinks. For companies looking to create a special golfing day we can offer selected menus, professional organisation of your event and sporting guest speakers. Whatever you need to make your day work, our team are here to make it happen. Brian Barnes (left), 1995 & 1996 Senior British Open Champion, six times Ryder Cup star and Super Seniors Champion at the Farmfoods British Par 3 2012. Tony Jacklin CBE, Paul Lawrie OBE, Charley Hull, Brian Barnes CBE, Len Goodman and Ian Woosnam OBE seen playing at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship held annually at Nailcote Hall.
For more information please call 02476 466 174 Nailcote Hall Nailcote Lane Berkswell Warwickshire CV7 7DE
Facsimile: 02476 470 720 Email: info@nailcotehall.co.uk
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
Magnolia Park ambassador Tony Jacklin CBE
The brand new Best Western Plus Magnolia Park Hotel
MAGNOLIA PARK HOTEL, GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB IS AN IDYLLIC GOLF HAVEN SET IN 200 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE. THE SUPERB GOLF FACILITIES AND TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENT HAVE NOW BEEN COMPLEMENTED BY THE OPENING OF A BRAND NEW BEST WESTERN PLUS HOTEL ON THE ESTATE, MAKING THE COUNTRY CLUB A WONDERFUL RETREAT FOR ANYONE WANTING TO ESCAPE THE URBAN RAT RACE. Located a short distance from Oxford and Bicester, there is an
In the summer of 2014, two time Major winner and Ryder Cup winning
array of culture, shopping and history right on the doorstep. Golf is
captain, Tony Jacklin CBE signed a three year agreement with the club
high on the agenda at Magnolia Park, with the club boasting an 18
to lend his expert knowledge in redesigning their Par 3 Championship
hole Championship course of around 7,000 yards, built to exacting
golf course. Tony has been witness to some of the most iconic golfing
standards and used for a variety of major regional and national
moments and his experience will be crucial in aiding the club in
professional competitions.
designing a new course that will make Magnolia Park a world class golfing destination. As well as the course, Tony has lent his name to the
To add to the golf and country club a brand new Best Western Plus hotel
clubhouse, which has now been renovated with powerful inspirational
has been built to be easily accessible to guests, situated adjoining to the
imagery and classic pictures spanning his celebrated golfing career.
clubhouse. With 30 ensuite bedrooms, designed with individual style, size and positioning it’s the perfect addition. Every guest has access to
The Tony Jacklin Golf Academy has also been opened to encourage people
all of the facilities including a gym, sauna and steam room, as well as
to take advantage of the incredible teaching facilities at Magnolia Park.
restaurant, bar, golf, shooting and fishing.
The academy is offering 50 free Junior Golf Academy scholarships for local juniors to encourage them to begin playing the sport of golf. A programme
The beautiful course offers a challenge to all golfers, with water features
of lessons incorporating Bitesize Golf will be given to teach technique,
and variable wind conditions making this the closest a parkland course
rules and etiquette that will encourage the children and prepare them for
can be to a links. Golfers of every ability will find this an exciting course
the 18 hole Championship course and a future in the game.
to play and for the more experienced golfer, there are the competition tees which offer a Championship feel. The club will host a Jamega Tour
A new addition to the Tony Jacklin Golf Academy is the Putting Lab which
Pro Am from 26th -28th July, as well as a Derek Redmond Celeb AM
opened at the beginning of May. It uses the SAM PuttLab technology to
Golf day on 17th September 2015 in aid of the NC TLC Trust, a charity
provide a complete putting analysis and training system based on an
helping to support families dealing with the consequences of childhood
accurate ultrasound measurements to give golfers feedback on their
cancers.
individual strengths and weaknesses.Magnolia Park is the only club throughout the United Kingdom to offer the incredible 3D Gears Golf
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The fabulous event facilities on offer
One of the many comfortable rooms in the new hotel
The stunning Championship golf course at Magnolia Park
training system. The 3D Gears Golf system is one of the most advanced 3D data capture and training systems for swing analysis, instruction and club fitting, it is designed to assist in the improvement of your swing and all round game. The system is used across the globe by golf professionals and manufacturers such as Sergio Garcia, Cobra, and Nike Golf and if you want to train like a professional, hone those skills and improve your technique, look no further than Magnolia Park. Early May saw the grand opening of the hotel celebrated with the star studded Tony Jacklin CBE Golf Classic day, with some of the biggest names in sport and showbiz in attendance. The evening consisted of a fabulous champagne reception and three course dinner with live entertainment from music legend Tony Christie and classic soul sounds of The Gillettes. If you’re planning a wedding or special party or family celebration, Magnolia Park offers you a superb venue for that special occasion. As a licensed Civil Ceremony venue their beautifully appointed rooms are regularly used for weddings of all sizes. The Magnolia Suite is flooded with natural daylight from skylights which are set in a wonderful vaulted ceiling and benefits from access onto a private sun terrace which is perfect for drinks and BBQs. It’s also the ideal venue for companies looking for a first class corporate golf and conferencing venue. Magnolia Park also offer corporate space for business meetings or retreats, weddings, civil ceremonies and other parties. With facilities
If you’re interested in becoming a member, are planning your wedding or a party, or just want a weekend escape, please get in touch on 01844 239 700 or visit www.magnoliapark.co.uk For press enquiries please contact Francesca Bonfiglio at Champions (UK) plc on 08453 31 30 31 or email fbonfiglio@championsukplc.com
including a bar and restaurant, gym, sauna and steam room, shooting and fishing all on site, there is something for everyone to enjoy a delightfully rejuvenating relaxing stay!
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PRE-NUPTIAL AND POST-NUPTIAL DEEDS - WHERE DO WE STAND? Fiona Lazenby, Director at Cartwright King has nearly 30 years’ experience in high net worth financial cases in divorce and she analyses the progression of their status in the last four years.
“FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND IN MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, COHABITATION OR SEPARATION”
Fiona says that there has been sea-change in the treatment of these Deeds by the courts as a result of an increased respect for personal autonomy, such that there is now a clear focus on the intentions of the parties to the Deed as part of the assessment of whether it should be enforced. This in itself promotes the reason for setting out and documenting your intentions - so for example if you are entering into a marriage with assets that have been inherited or passed down from family, or established business interests, then it is well worth setting out any intention that these would not be shared in the same way that other assets would be divided which have built up together. After a marriage, wealthy family members may wish to do life time tax planning, and Post Nuptial Deeds can also cover these situations. It is important to follow the up to date requirements, such as providing material financial disclosure, use language which sets out an obvious purpose, in a way that you both can see a clear common understanding of what you are trying to achieve. Our expertise helps cover those aspects and ensures that an overall test of fairness is considered so that for example a Deed should not fail for placing one of the parties in a predicament of real need. The Deed should demonstrate that the parties clearly intended the Agreement to achieve a particular outcome, then autonomy dictates that such intentions are reflected to the greatest extent possible. So to disregard the Agreement would be to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Fiona Lazenby 07720 090 054 fiona.lazenby@cartwightking.co.uk
If you would like advice as to the specific ways you could promote your intention, whether prior to marriage or after marriage, please contact Fiona Lazenby:
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PRE-NUPTIAL AND POST-NUPTIAL DEEDS - WHERE DO WE STAND? Fiona Lazenby, Director at Cartwright King has nearly 30 years’ experience in high net worth financial cases in divorce and she analyses the progression of their status in the last four years.
“FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND IN MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, COHABITATION OR SEPARATION”
Fiona says that there has been sea-change in the treatment of these Deeds by the courts as a result of an increased respect for personal autonomy, such that there is now a clear focus on the intentions of the parties to the Deed as part of the assessment of whether it should be enforced. This in itself promotes the reason for setting out and documenting your intentions - so for example if you are entering into a marriage with assets that have been inherited or passed down from family, or established business interests, then it is well worth setting out any intention that these would not be shared in the same way that other assets would be divided which have built up together. After a marriage, wealthy family members may wish to do life time tax planning, and Post Nuptial Deeds can also cover these situations. It is important to follow the up to date requirements, such as providing material financial disclosure, use language which sets out an obvious purpose, in a way that you both can see a clear common understanding of what you are trying to achieve. Our expertise helps cover those aspects and ensures that an overall test of fairness is considered so that for example a Deed should not fail for placing one of the parties in a predicament of real need. The Deed should demonstrate that the parties clearly intended the Agreement to achieve a particular outcome, then autonomy dictates that such intentions are reflected to the greatest extent possible. So to disregard the Agreement would be to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Fiona Lazenby 07720 090 054 fiona.lazenby@cartwightking.co.uk
If you would like advice as to the specific ways you could promote your intention, whether prior to marriage or after marriage, please contact Fiona Lazenby:
Inspirational Magazine.indd 1
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24/04/2015 15:47
IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
THE RUNNING MAN A story of true inspiration from one of Britain’s greatest atheletes, Derek Redmond British 400 metre runner Derek Redmond took gold at World, Commonwealth and European levels during an outstanding athletic career but is arguably best remembered for an incident during the 1992 Olympic semifinal in Barcelona. Tipped for gold, injury struck to rob him of the opportunity of a lifetime. Inspirational Magazine spoke to a man who refused to quit. A promising 100 and 200 metre sprinter as a teen, Derek only ran his first 400m aged 15 when a teammate didn’t show up. Within three years though, he had taken the British scene by storm and only narrowly missed out on a place in the GB squad for the 1984 LA Olympics. The following year he broke the British record and forced his way into the squad for the European Cup in Moscow, where he took bronze. Britain was blessed with 400m talent and injuries plagued his development. Competition was fierce but Derek was up to the challenge. “There were some serious guys at the time – the likes of Kris Akabusi, Phil Brown, Todd Bennett and Gary Cooke - so I had plenty to aim at domestically. Roger Black was coming through and we had a rivalry that helped us both. We broke into the relay squad together and soon began to get the rewards.” The squad took gold at both the Europeans in Stuttgart and the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1986 but played second fiddle to the Americans on the global stage. “We were a close-knit unit and highly motivated to knock the Yanks off their perch. They’d
dominated the relay for over 50 years but we knew we had it in us to tip the balance in our favour.” “By the World Championships of 1991 in Tokyo, our time had come and Kris caught Antonio Pettigrew on the last leg to pip him at the line. The World title was the highlight of my career without doubt but I do sometimes wonder what might have been in Barcelona.” Derek went into those Olympics in the form of his life and pundits saw the American Quincy Watts as his main competition for gold. He cruised through the heats with plenty left in the tank and as the gun went in the semi, Derek felt his third British record was very much on the cards. “Moving into the back straight I genuinely felt I was going quicker than ever. Suddenly I heard a funny pop and, thinking it was crowd noise, I told myself to concentrate. Three or four strides later, I knew it was nothing of the sort. I hit the deck in searing pain, thinking ‘why me?’, ‘why now?’” Derek had badly torn his hamstring but the doleful questions only lasted a matter of seconds. “I was convinced I could still catch the others despite the pain. There was no way I was giving up on my dream, so crazily, I hobbled after them. By the time I’d got to the final bend, I looked over to see they’d all finished.” Derek ploughed on in tears and the Spanish crowd, recognising his ‘never-say-die’ commitment roared him on. As he entered the final straight, his father Jim, who had slipped through the security cordon, suddenly appeared at his side out of nowhere.
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“Today he’d have been wrestled to the ground by stewards but he somehow smuggled himself onto the track, helped me back into Lane 5 and supported me almost up to the line. I was inconsolable in the medical room but my Dad was an absolute rock. We had to leave separately, unfortunately, and I had to run the media gauntlet alone until a two and a half hour press conference the next day, where again he was fantastic.” The incident is now remembered as summing up the Olympic spirit. In 2012 viewers of the US TV channel, NBC, voted it their third greatest Olympic moment ever and President Barack Obama has referenced it as an example of the triumph of the human spirit. “Really, the worst thing for me was not missing out on a possible medal but not knowing how fast I could have gone. My coach was predicting I’d dip under 44 seconds, maybe down to 43.8 - we’ll never know but I felt the best I ever did that day.” 23 years later Iwan Thomas’ British record remains 44.36.
“When the human spirit triumphs over an injury that should have been impossible to overcome."
- President Barack Obama on Derek Redmond By carrying on Derek had aggravated the injury so much his hamstring had detached from the bone. Surgery followed but rehabilitation was difficult and he went under the knife a total of seven times in 18 months. In 1994 his surgeon told him to “get a real job as you’ll never compete for your country again!” Unsurprisingly, these words served only as motivation and Derek wasn’t done yet. Having eventually recovered, he turned his attention to basketball, another of his favourite sports. Derek soon found himself playing for the Birmingham Bullets and was then invited to try out for England. In making the team Derek defied his doctor’s negativity. Shortly after, he sent the specialist a photo of his international basketball debut, signed “Derek Redmond, international athlete and basketball international!” With that in the bag he then looked at rugby and came within a whisker of making the England 7s squad, narrowly missing out on becoming the first Briton to represent his nation at three sports. Derek now enjoys further success as one of the country’s leading motivational speakers, drawing on his experiences to show others that adversity is there to be overcome. No matter whether it’s sport, business or life in general, he sees the same principles as applying. He has the communication skills to get his message over and shares his own personal strategies to inspire others. Difficulty comes to us all in time but we can learn from both Derek’s ambition and dogged determination and realise that we must face our challenges head on. For more information on Derek Redmond, simply contact Sandy Drummond at Champions (UK) plc today by calling 07792 530 020 or 08453 31 30 31. Alternatively, email sdrummond@championsukplc.com 79
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
Tony Jacklin CBE
COURSE DESIGN
Clubhouse at The Concession
Having turned professional in 1962 Tony Jacklin CBE now has well over 50 years’ experience of the world of golf – a world he has done so much to shape. Yet playing the game is by no means the limit of his talents and, following his retirement from professional tour golf, Tony began a successful career as a broadcaster and brand ambassador and has also forged a formidable reputation as a master golf course designer through the operations of Tony Jacklin Course Design. Under the banner of his group, Tony has driven the design and development of courses in the USA with The Concession Club, the Tony Jacklin Casablanca Course in Morocco, Secret Valley Golf in Cyprus and the Channel Islands at St. Pierre Park Golf Club in L’Ancresse. He is keen to nurture golf’s future and his design efforts often focus on building quality academies where youngsters enjoy scholarships and expert technical coaching. Beyond that his talents are also applied to remodelling existing courses to give them a fresh appeal and to offer players a greater challenge. For Tony, nothing beats dreaming up first class golf courses and then turning those dreams into reality. As he himself says, “I get a great sense of satisfaction from seeing our plans come to fruition. When ideas form in your mind, you’re never too sure how they will pan out in reality but, with the help of my superb team and our partners, they tend to go way beyond even my expectations.” A British pioneer on the US golf circuit in the 1960s, Tony incorporated the professionalism he saw there in his game and reaped the rewards. Not only did he win The Open in 1969 and the US Open a year later but he was able to play a key role in revolutionising European golf as a whole during his highly successful, four-time Ryder Cup captaincy.
Secret Valley Golf in Cyprus
Tony is nothing if not a man of vision, as his golfing exploits confirm, and his course design philosophy centres on three themes. First and foremost, Tony sees it as vitally important that the courses he designs are sustainable on four fronts: playing performance, long-term economic viability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The first two are golfing matters primarily but he aims to ensure his courses are not high maintenance and, through clever drainage and water collection schemes, they largely self-irrigate.
“Golf courses should be sustainable and cost effective to maintain first of all, but they should also be fun and bring joy to players of all abilities.” In terms of social responsibility, Tony wants his courses to be inclusive and encourage people, particularly the young, to take up the game. He has a proud record of incorporating Academy facilities into his designs and establishing scholarships that allow youngsters to enjoy the very best tuition and coaching. Second, he is in the business of presenting players with a challenge. He sees the game as a puzzle to be solved as much as he sees it as a technical endeavour and his courses reflect this by asking questions of every level of golfer.
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Tony Jacklin CBE with Magnolia Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club owner Alan Pither
Opening of the Tony Jacklin Casablanca Course in Morocco
Third, put simply, the game should be fun and capable of bringing joy to all players. He wants more people to get involved in golf and, by making his courses enjoyable, he hopes to get as many people as possible hooked on the game in the same way that he is. Tony works very closely with one of the world’s foremost golf course architects, Hans-Georg Erhardt, whose Austria-based Golf & Land Design company was set up in 1984 and in the 30 intervening years has worked on almost 80 golf course projects in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. He and Tony recently collaborated on the highly successful course redesign project at Secret Valley Golf Club near Paphos in Cyprus. Jacklin’s efforts are currently concentrated on Magnolia Park Golf and Country Club in Buckinghamshire, whose owner, Alan Pither, has recently embarked on a £5 million, 5 year project aimed at turning the venue into one of the region’s premier golf destinations. Tony is lending his renowned golf course architecture eye to a new Par 3 Championship course, a brand new state-of-the-art driving range and a bespoke Tony Jacklin Golf Academy. Having taken just one look at the Club’s plans, Tony was keen to offer his professional advice and assistance to all of their team. Jacklin’s management company, Champions (UK) plc, brokered the agreement between Tony and Magnolia Park and, as a leading branding and communications agency, has devised a number of high impact public relations campaigns to promote the Buckinghamshire development. In the same vein, Champions (UK) plc are currently engaged in the promotion of two Tony Jacklin Signature courses in Morocco. In June 2014 Tony flew out to attend the launch of The Tony Jacklin Casablanca Course at the newly built
Tony Jacklin at The Concession a course he designed with Jack Nicklaus
Bouskoura Golf City complex set in forest and lake land outside the famous city. He designed the 7,024 yard course with the help of architects, Blake Stirling and Marco Martin, who run the Madrid-based Global Golf Company. The complex offers upscale apartments, blending original architecture with modern comfort, and is complemented by a hotel and spa, a stylish shopping area and first rate leisure and educational facilities. Tony’s second North African adventure will see the opening in spring/ summer 2015 of the fantastic Argan Golf Resort close to the tourist Mecca of Marrakech. Just minutes from the major sights of this historic city, the Argan Golf Resort features another incredibly picturesque course nestled amid some of the finest accommodation and amenities on offer in Morocco.
OF GOLF
Tony has a holistic view of golf and its future. His designs have aesthetic and sustainable quality running throughout and are characterised equally by the challenges they present to players plus the delight and satisfaction they bring.
OF GOLF For more information on the Tony Jacklin Course Design, simply contact Lloyd Bailey at Champions of Golf today by calling 07791 508305 or 08453 31 30 31. Alternatively, email lbailey@championsukplc.com
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
Paul Broadhurst poses with the trophy after winning The Estoril Open de Portugal at The Quinta da Marinha Golf Course.
PAUL
BROADHURST The careers of Paul Broadhurst and David Gilford have been long and successful but they are not over by a long chalk. As the pair prepare to debut on the European Senior Tour later this year, they gave Inspirational Magazine their thoughts on this exciting new chapter.
“I’d earnt my place but I was playing with legends of the game and didn’t really know what to expect. Competition was fierce and the crowd was more like something you’d expect at the football – the rowdiness went some way towards earning that year’s event the nickname of ‘War on the Shore’.”
Turning professional in 1989, it took Paul Broadhurst just nine tournaments to claim his first European Tour title at the Credit Lyonnais Cannes Open. By the end of the year he had been awarded the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award and within two years he was selected for the Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
“Perhaps that side of things affected me as I lost my two foursomes but I was very disappointed to only play those two matches. I was due to play Steve Pate in the Sunday singles and, although he’d had a car crash just before the tournament, he’d lost a fourball against Monty and Bernard Langer. I remember Tony Jacklin telling me Pate had pulled out of our game at the last minute and, despite Europe taking victory, I was nonplussed to say the least.”
“I was so proud to go to Kiawah Island and found myself paired with Ian Woosnam OBE. We dovetailed perfectly to win our fourball and have been pals ever since. I ended up playing two matches, including beating Mark O’Meara in the singles, so I can boast a 100% Ryder Cup record, but I do wish I’d played at least one more match.”
Paul Broadhurst Player Profile
Leading amateur at the 1988 Open Championship Sir Henry Cotton European Tour Rookie of the Year 1989 Ryder Cup debut at the ‘War on the Shore’, Kiawah Island, 1991 Six European Tour wins over three decades Rare and successful defence of the Portuguese Open title 2006 Veteran of almost 600 European Tour events
David Gilford turned pro in 1986 and arguably didn’t adjust to professional life quite as quickly as Broadhurst. Nonetheless a string of strong performances in 1991 saw him finish 9th on the European Order of Merit and join the same Ryder Cup team as Paul.
David Gilford Player Profile
Represented Great Britain and Ireland at the 1984 Eisenhower Trophy and 1985 Walker Cup Featured in two Ryder Cups, 1991 and 1995, winning the trophy in his second appearance Six European Tour wins in four years from 1991 to 1994 Successfully defended the Moroccan Open in 1993 Finished inside the European Tour Order of Merit top 10 on two occasions However, the disappointment didn’t stop David embarking on the best spell of his career, backing up his win at the English Open that year with victory at the Moroccan Open in 1992. Successful title defences are rare in golf but he returned to Morocco in 1993 to complete the task and took the Portuguese Open for good measure. 1994 saw him claim both the Turespana Open De Tenerife, and the European Open, victories which saw him reach 7th on the Order of Merit and earn a spot in the 1995 Ryder Cup team. His fortunes improved second time round.
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Bernard Gallacher OBE, Captain of Europe holds the 1991 Ryder Cup trophy with his team, including David and Paul.
David Gilford with Seve Ballesteros at the 1995 Oak Hill Ryder Cup, celebrating after winning their foursomes match.
DAVID
GILFORD
“I was lucky enough to win fourballs with both Seve and Langer and beat Brad Faxon on the Sunday and felt I contributed to our triumph a great deal more than 4 years earlier. I’d worked hard on my game in the preceding years and got certain rewards of which I’m proud, but I look back on that Ryder Cup as the highlight of my career.” Paul says his most satisfying win came at the Benson & Hedges International Open in 1993. “That was the strongest field I’ve managed to beat, with the likes of Mark James and José María Olazábal close behind me, and I played the course just as I’d planned. In ’95 I won the French Open by 8 strokes and that was very pleasing too – it’s always a tough course and one of the most challenging weeks on tour.”
“I ended up playing two matches, beating Mark O’Meara in the singles, so I can boast a 100% Ryder Cup record Paul pulled off his own title defence at the Portuguese Open in 2006. “In 2005 it was tight and Barry Lane was unfortunate on the 18th hole which allowed me to win from the clubhouse. The following year, however, I felt I really deserved to retain my title. It was special to win the same event on a different course and that day will always hold wonderful memories. It seems a long time ago now but I’ve not lost any of the desire.” Both players have had a few years away from the European Tour but, as they approach 50, their appetite for golf hasn’t diminished. Paul joins the Senior Tour in August and David signs up in September and they are both relishing the prospect. Paul said “It’ll be weird to go back on the road but I feel like I’m starting over again as a rookie. I’m not naïve enough to think it’ll be easy and there are still
legends out there, like Monty, Woosnam and David, so I’ll need to take my ‘A-game’.”
“That said, I’ve done well in a few overseas Pro-Ams lately and I can still hit it 280 off the peg. I’m looking forward to the longer courses, in particular, for that reason. I expect to be competitive but I know I must be patient.” David added, “Real golfers never quit I’ve kept my eye in with Pro-Ams in Shropshire at Greenway Hall. Touring is great when you’re doing well, but it’s tough when you’re struggling, so I’ll need to knuckle down. There will be a lot of guys I’ll be pleased to catch up with and I always back myself to do well.” Both Paul Broadhurst and David Gilford recently signed with Champions of Golf, the golf management arm of branding and celebrity agency, Champions (UK) plc. They join the likes of two-time Major winner and four-time Ryder Cup captain, Tony Jacklin CBE, former Ryder Cup vice-captain, Peter Baker, Gary Wolstenholme MBE and European Tour rookie, Jason Palmer, on their books. Everyone here at Inspirational Magazine wishes them the very best of luck as they go back into competitive golf on the European Senior Tour.
OF GOLF For more information on Paul Broadhurst or David Gilford, simply contact Lloyd Bailey at Champions of Golf today by calling 07791 508305 or 08453 31 30 31. Alternatively, email lbailey@championsukplc.com
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BESPOKE TAILORING from Adrian Barrows With two decades of experience, Adrian Barrows has become synonymous with the attention to detail and quality of garment only associated with the most respected and renowned tailors in the nation. Known for his personal service, Adrian has a hugely loyal client base that would go nowhere else for tailored clothing.
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Tailor to a host of impressive clients, including Wall St. financiers, business leaders, accomplished actors and professional sportsmen, Adrian Barrows has created a reputation for being at the pinnacle of tailored garments for men. Proud to provide a choice of over 5,000 fabrics from the UK’s leading cloth houses, Adrian has the ability to completely refashion your corporate and casual wardrobe to be the envy of colleagues and friends alike. Son of an artist and an engineer, Adrian has always been accustomed to fine aesthetics teamed with precision and thoroughness. When combined with an uncle who acted as tailor to some of the biggest names in the world, Adrian was born to become one of the most highly regarded tailors in the nation. Throughout his time as The Bespoke Tailor, Adrian has remained loyal to the ethos of not being confined to a showroom. By meeting his clients in their place of work or at their residence, Adrian has the ability to envisage his client’s life, the environments they work and live in and the needs of the clothes he will craft for them. Not only does this level of service create confidentiality and personalisation like no other, Adrian expertly selects the ideal fabrics for his clients so his tailored garments look as good as they can for as long as possible. The high satisfaction levels Adrian creates are both a testament to his work and a nod to his unique level of service. As much as his garments are a reflection of his skill and attention to detail, they are the best promotional tools a business could ask for. Not only are his clients displaying his suits on a daily basis, their recommendations of his work have allowed strong organic growth whilst creating a staunch client base.
2015 is set to be an iconic sporting year. With this in mind, Adrian has set out his guide to being well dressed whenever attending a sports fixture in the coming months. Sporting events such as horse racing and regattas are renowned for well-attired attendees so make sure you stand out from the crowd in 2015. Looking smart, appropriate and sartorially elegant for any occasion is essential to making an impression. Capturing the right blend of smartness and functionality is important, however, because when elements of entertaining, wining and dining are involved, you need to be comfortable but also in tune with other guests. With an invitation to a large sporting event, often the term ‘smart casual’, is used to describe the dress code of proceedings. Open to interpretation, it is not often that dressing correctly for ‘smart casual’ events is actually achieved. The order of the day with ‘smart casual’ should consist of a jacket or blazer, teamed with chinos, smart jeans or needlecord trousers. Of course, a collared shirt is a prerequisite, with a tie being preferential and decided by just how smart you want to present yourself. A common mistake with ‘smart casual’ is to team your smart attire with casual or sporting shoes, such as trainers. For Adrian, this is the wrong approach, and your shoes should be either smart Oxford shoes or brogues to set your outfit’s tone off perfectly. Whether you are in the winner’s enclosure at the end of a race, standing in a grandstand or cheering a regatta on the banks of a river, looking your best at a sports event is what any discerning male should strive to achieve.
To discuss with Adrian about your new tailored garments, contact him today and discover why he has become one of the most bespoke and well-regarded tailors in the UK.
The Bespoke Tailor Mobile: 07968 438 717 Email: info@thebespoketailor.co.uk www.thebespoketailor.co.uk @TweetingTailor
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
Experience
DALLAS BURSTON POLO CLUB
Driving in through the gate at Dallas Burston Polo Club, visitors are struck with the beauty of the site. Immaculately maintained polo pitches - often with polo matches in full swing – immediately provide the sense that this is somewhere out of the ordinary. With a range of venues onsite and planning permission for a hotel, DBPC is poised to take the Midlands hospitality industry by storm.
COMING SOON.... A brand new 200 bedroom 5* hotel, complete with spa and leisure facilities.
The site isn’t just about its range of venues though. External space, including 200 acres of woodland, water features and varying terrain, offers clients limitelesss opportunities for team building activities and leadership training. Polo days are of course available too: flexible packages for corporate and private groups will guarantee guests a simply unforgettable experience. T: 01926 811 111 E: info@dbpoloclub.com W: www.dbpoloclub.com Dallas Burston Polo Grounds | Stoneythorpe Estate | Southam | Warwickshire | CV47 2DL
ENTERTAIN AT THE DBPC CLUBHOUSE
ENTRANCE
The beautiful colonial style DBPC Clubhouse offers a comfortable and relaxed setting for any social or corporate gathering. Ideally positioned between the Red and Blue polo grounds, the Clubhouse celebrates the heritage of the polo club and provides a unique setting for your function. With decor inspired by turn of the century Colonial India, old world charm resonates throughout the modest 100 capacity space beneath the clubhouse.
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Due for completion in Autumn 2015, the thatched roof pub at Dallas Burston will offer cosy nooks to enjoy traditional English fayre. With oak beams and blazing fireplaces, the pub will offer guests that quintessentially English experience. Upstairs, open space will cater for private dining groups, with terraces overlooking the polo grounds and the DBPC SuperArena.
IMPRESS AT THE IXL EVENTS CENTRE The IXL Events Centre is a luxury, five-star event centre. Offering a capacity of 3,000 (750 seated banquet style, 1,000 seated theatre style), the IXL’s sumptuous décor creates a memorable venue for your guests. Uniquely designed, the IXL’s main auditorium and lounges carry your event seamlessly from daytime conference to gala dinner.
CELEBRATE AT THE GOLDEN JUBILEE QEII PAVILION Licensed for civil ceremonies, the Golden Jubilee provides an elegant setting for your wedding. With views overlooking the premier polo pitch, the QEII is also perfect for special occasions. Celebrate with a glass of champagne as polo ponies canter by!
Hospitality | Weddings | Conferences | Celebratory
RELAX AT THE THATCHED ROOF PUB
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Lamborghini Birmingham
New Huracan LP610-4, now available to order
Sales - Chris Synnott chrissynnott@lamborghinibirmingham.co.uk Aftersales - David Bamhurst davidbamhurst@sytner.co.uk
Lamborghini Birmingham 2 Wingfoot Way Fort Parkway Birmingham B24 9HF Tel: 0121 448 8156 www.lamborghinibirmingham.co.uk
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An agency that treats
YOUR BUDGET as if it were its own?
A
APPROACH
Call us to see how Champions (UK) plc has transformed the fortunes of other brands.
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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN EXTENDED VERSION
Welcome to a special extended edition of the Home, House and Garden section of Inspirational Magazine. We all know your home is your castle and, of course, that it’s only natural that it not only provides you and your family with a wonderful environment in which to live, but also that you know it is safe and sound. That’s why we put together this section to give you some great ideas on design and security. Edwards Insurance Brokers have recently rebranded and now specialise in high net worth residential insurance. The family-run, Knowle based brokerage tailors bespoke insurance packages that deliver the optimal level of cover for anything from high value homes, property and cars, to technology, antiques and fine works of art. Your peace of mind is their raison d’être. Since setting up at the Custard Factory in 1995, the Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership has established a reputation as one of the West Midlands’ most forward-thinking design practices. They specialise in both residential and corporate work and offer a broad range of design consultancy services.
i-Lite in Birmingham is the Midlands’ largest and most innovative lighting concept outlet, offering an unparalleled range of quality lighting solutions for both homes and businesses. Run by the Bahmbra family, who have over 40 years’ experience in their field, i-Lite is renowned for delivering impeccable customer service. Abel Alarms is Britain’s largest, privately owned provider of top quality residential and commercial security systems, meaning you can rest assured everything important to you is protected to the highest possible degree. It’s all about your ease of use, enabling you to control all of your security systems through your tablet device. Redrow Homes showcase their prestigious new Compton Park development in one of Wolverhampton’s most highly sought after suburbs. The quality four and five bedroom detached properties offer a wonderful blend of Arts & Crafts era architecture and high spec, light and airy interiors.
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INTELLIGENT HOME SYSTEMS
With 50 years of experience securing homes and businesses, Abel are helping their customers integrate modern technology to work seamlessly in their homes and offices to reduce energy costs, save time and live intelligently. As you walk into your Abel integrated home, hall lighting previously dimmed to save energy comes to life, your favourite music plays from designer speakers and your heating adjusts to the perfect temperature. All of which happens seamlessly the second you open your door. Entertaining in your Abel integrated home is just as fun for you as it is your guests. Abel systems give you the ability to have lighting moods set and adjusted individually for every room, music personalised for each space in your home and TV and digital media content streamed throughout. Ensuring your guests enjoy time in your home is easy with Abel, as you can control volume and content in any room with a single controller.
An Abel integrated home or business allows you to seamlessly combine separate pieces of technology to have them work together, maximising their full potential to make your family and business life easier and richer, whilst reducing energy costs, enhancing productivity and increasing security. Speak to one of our experienced home and business designers to see how you can benefit from living and working in an Abel integrated building.
Secured and Automated by Design The Abel Way of Living and Working.
Call Abel on 0116 265 4200 or email info@abelav.co.uk www.twitter.com/abelalarm
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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
BESPOKE INSURANCE TAILORED TO YOU From high value homes, property and cars, to technology, antiques and fine works of art, finding the right insurance cover is vital to protect the things that matter most and provide you with peace of mind. In the heart of the West Midlands, Edwards Insurance Brokers are a family-run insurance brokerage who pride themselves on their client-focused approach and tailoring the level of cover they provide to perfectly suit their clients. Specialising in high net worth and commercial insurance, as well as cover for churches and charities across the country, the company establish long-term relationships with their clients that centre on their friendly and open approach. Managing Director, David Edwards has 35 years’ experience in the business and first decided to set up his own Brokerage in 1988 to meet the needs of his various clients. He was later joined by his wife, Sandy, son Christopher, as well as Hayley Mather who are now directors of the company. David said:
We have built our reputation on quality advice, offering an exceptional level of service and, most importantly, providing peace of mind. For our high net worth clients, we provide a level of cover designed to suit your lifestyle which cannot be found on a standard insurance policy. We also arrange the insurance policies for a wealth of commercial businesses ranging from sole traders to large companies. Our extensive knowledge and network allows us to work practically with social enterprises and local businesses with integrity and professionalism.
Edwards Insurance Brokers are members of Broker Network, the UK’s longest established network of independent commercial insurance brokers. They are also proud members of BIBA (British Insurance Brokers’ Association) which is the UK’s leading general insurance organisation representing the interests of insurance brokers and intermediaries. Edwards Insurance Brokers are fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, the independent body which regulates the Financial Services industry in the UK. Its aim is to promote efficient, orderly and fair financial markets and help retail financial service consumers get a fair deal. Christopher added:
We wanted to do much more than provide insurance– we wanted our services to truly give our clients peace of mind. To do that, we knew we needed to put the customer first and that has remained our guiding principle to this day. Across the sectors we specialise in, we use our expertise, our experience and your information to find the most appropriate insurance cover.
CONTACT Christopher@edwardsinsurance.co.uk 01564 730 900
www.edwardsinsurance.co.uk 1 Rotten Row Barns •1957 Warwick Road Knowle • Solihull • West Midlands • B93 0DX Edwards Insurance Brokers is a trading name of David Edwards Insurance Brokers Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales: 5055612. Registered Office: 1 Rotten Row Barns, 1957 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 0DX.
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Interior Architecture and Design We are simply about design, designing space, designing interiors, designing layouts and furniture. We can package our services as a full stress free, put your feet up, turn-key option; or tailor them for those of you who like the more hands on approach with a little helping hand.
sbdp.co.uk @SuzanneBarnesDP Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership info@sbdp.co.uk 0121 455 7555
53 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TH
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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
Website: www.ilite.co.uk | Address: 123-125 Soho Hill, Birmingham, B19 1AX | Tel: 0121 554 7715 OPENING HOURS: Mon – Sat: 9.30am – 5.30pm | Sun: Closed
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Now housed in the Midlands’ i-Lite is the largest and most innovative lighting concept store. i-Lite are a hub for world-class commerce and a showcase for the latest technologies in the luxury lighting industry. The brainchild of Birmingham residents and entrepreneurs, Kiran and Veena Bhambra, i-Lite is the largest lighting outlet across the Midlands, with a unique 15,000sqft store featuring an unparalleled range of quality products aimed at markets spanning retail, commercial and business sectors. i-Lite’s client diversity highlights how desirable their products are to a vast range of market sectors. i-Lite’s high profile projects span a range of industries including show homes, property developments, nursing and care homes, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, banqueting halls and private residences. In their concept store, i-Lite showcase the very best products across multiple categories to include architectural lighting, outdoor lighting and domestic lighting. The store showcases the business’ ability to monitor international trends and innovative technologies, such as LED lighting systems, to stay as market leaders.
For i-Lite’s commercial clients, they provide a tailored specialist service to fulfil any specific needs of a business. A specialist lighting team will make on-site visits to decipher exactly what a business needs for lighting and design a bespoke lighting solution to best suit requirements. i-Lite’s staff are also able to discuss the most energy efficient lighting applications for your needs in order to minimise costs after installation and into the future. One of the UK’s largest stockists of residential and commercial spotlights, i-Lite’s lighting ranges ensure that all clients can receive a level of affordable luxury. To best showcase i-Lite’s product range, the store also features a handpicked range of luxe décor, bar and tableware. Kiran and Veena Bhambra identified a gap in the luxury and quality lighting market in the UK over ten years ago, featuring a range of well-established UK suppliers alongside top tier ranges from Europe, the US and the wider world. Their insight has produced one of the most eclectic lighting showrooms in the UK featuring a unique level of choice and expertise. i-Lite sets itself out from the crowd by offering customers with a product range equally suited to an individual or business looking for a table lamp with a value of £20, to chandeliers and architectural lighting costing from £1,000 to £100,000.
The Bhambra’s 40 years of experience in the lighting industry in the wholesale, retail and security lighting sectors have made i-Lite a destination for any consumer looking for impeccable customer service from pioneers of the industry, as well as instilling confidence and taking demanding briefs and projects in their stride. Inspirational Magazine spoke to Kiran Bhambra about i-Lite and their reach as a firm; ‘Throughout mine and Veena’s careers, we have travelled across Europe sourcing exclusive lighting and we felt that as Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city, it needed a destination in the city to offer clients good lighting and great service. i-Lite presents customers with the best premium products available, with clients travelling from London, Berkshire, the Cotswolds, Gloucester and Scotland thanks to personal recommendation.’
For more information about i-Lite and the products they can provide for your residence or commercial facilities, visit www.ilite.co.uk or call them directly on +44 (0) 121 554 7715 today. 97
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34
VINTAGE YEARS
Unique opportunity to book a wine sommelier for a private tasting of exclusive fine wines by the case... In constant pursuit of excellence since 1981
As a special offer to all INSPIRATIONAL magazine
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MITCHELL WINES have been exclusively sourcing
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Contact Richard Lambourne to arrange your personal wine tasting. Tel: 0161 775 1626 | Email: richard@cmwines.com | Web: www.cmwines.com 99
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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
INSPIRATIONAL MAGAZINE VISITS THE BELFRY Inspirational Magazine were treated to a wonderful overnight stay at the prestigious Hotel and Golf Resort, The Belfry. Greeted upon arrival by The Belfry’s polite and courteous staff, we were ushered to the spa and leisure facilities that play host to nearly 20 individual treatment and therapy rooms. Opting for a terrific Fire & Ice treatment, the sensory journey we were taken on proved to be the ideal way to unwind. Enjoying a swim in the pool and a dip in the Jacuzzi before drying off and dressing for afternoon tea, it soon became apparent how accommodating, luxurious and relaxing a place The Belfry is for those who need to escape the toils of everyday life. Afternoon tea at The Belfry is a spectacle to behold. Meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, our afternoon tea featured sumptuous sandwiches that complemented the Champagne we ordered wonderfully. The Belfry’s enormously attentive staff were at hand whenever we needed them, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the first-class hospitality with which The Belfry has become synonymous. Retiring to our room, the Birkdale Suite, to dress for dinner, we had time to fully appreciate the stunning grounds The Belfry is situated in from our private balcony. The Golf Course and surrounding scenery have to be seen in person to be fully taken in and we felt honoured to enjoy our stay at a place that has witnessed so much sporting history.
Evening saw us visit the Ryder Grill for dinner. A welcoming and warm atmosphere, we opted for a Prawn Cocktail to start, followed by a delightful 28 day aged Scotch Beef Steak. It was clear that The Belfry cares as much about its Championship level Golf Course as it does its restaurants, as the dinner we enjoyed was faultless and truly delectable.
The overnight stay in our spacious and comfortable Birkdale Suite was perfectly in keeping with the attention to detail and luxury experienced throughout our stay at The Belfry. The perfect send off to our time was the comprehensive selection of delicacies provided for breakfast. The enticingly colourful display on offer ensured we could pick and choose whatever we fancied and set us on the right footing for the rest of the day, an essential attribute for anyone looking to take on a round of 18 holes that day.
Spectacular as ever, it was no surprise that The Belfry exceeded Inspirational Magazine’s expectations, emphasising just how desirable one of the nation’s most prominent Hotel and Resorts has become.
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Afternoon Tea
Our delightful Afternoon Tea provides a range of finger sandwiches, home-made crumpets and home-baked scones, accompanied by tea breads, sweet pastries and a selection of fresh leaf tea or coffee. Enjoy in the elegant surroundings of The Brabazon Lounge & Bar and indulge further with a glass of Champagne.
TO MAKE A RESERVATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR TEAM ON 0844 980 0600 www.TheBelfry.com
Belfryhotel
TheBelfryHotel
the-belfry-golf-resort
RESTAURANT GUIDE
INSPIRATIONAL
RESTAURANT GUIDE Everyone here at Inspirational Magazine not only loves the very best food but also talking about it, so we jumped at the chance recently to chat to food critic and MasterChef host, Gregg Wallace, about what’s tickling his fancy in the West Midlands this summer. Drawing on Gregg’s in-depth knowledge of our region’s finest restaurants, we have lovingly prepared this essential fine dining guide to help you search out the best cuisine to suit your mood as temperatures rise over the coming months. We found that the West Midlands foodie scene is indeed in fine fettle. We once again feature the renowned Cielo, which continues to raise the bar offering modern interpretations of Italian classics in their understated, chic venue. We also explore the Anglo-French influences on show at Edmunds Restaurant in the centre of Birmingham and we’ll venture out to The Belfry’s Ryder Grill to see what they’re cooking up. There are plenty more superb eateries to discover in the following pages and it’s easy to see why we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to seasonal treats here in the West Midlands. If you’re looking for some summer inspiration of your own, here’s a tempting suggestion from Gregg Wallace himself.
Taken from Gregg’s book Veg, The Gre engrocer’s C ookbook available n ow.
For more information on Gregg Wallace or to enquire about him appearing at your event, simply contact Victoria Marconetto at Champions (UK) plc on 07791 508 235 or email vmarconetto@championsukplc.com. Alternatively, please contact Jack Hayes by calling 07772 440 596 or 08453 31 30 31 or email jackhayes@championsukplc.com. 102
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MULTI AWARD WINNING ITALIAN RESTAURANT
FRESHLY PREPARED AND DELICATELY SERVED A LA CARTE SUNDAY LUNCH AL FRESCO DINING
0121 6326882 Restaurant Guide Issue.indd 103
6 OOZELLS SQUARE BRINDLEYPLACE
SET MENU COCKTAILS CORPORATE MENUS
BIRMINGHAM B1 2JB
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
FRENCH FINE DINING
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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weapon Cocktails Saturday breakfast Afternoon tea Lunch Dinner Sunday lunch
A taste of weekends to come at
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Insp
THE TASTING ROOM
Sharing the se crets o f our ki tchen OUR CHEF’S TABLE SEATS UP TO 8 GUESTS FOR AN UNRIVALLED PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE
Peel’s Restaurant at
HAMPTONMANOR.COM 01675 446080
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
DINING at
Inspirational visits six restaurants at The Mailbox...
GAS STREET SOCIAL
EVERYMAN CINEMA
CHEZ MAL
Having opened earlier this year, Gas Street Social serves up seasonal, locally sourced European dishes, alongside a comprehensive drinks list including international craft beers, fine wines and signature handcrafted cocktails.
Since its opening in February, Everyman Cinema has already become one of the Mailbox’s most-loved venues. In addition to its signature sofa seating across its three screens, Everyman Mailbox also boasts a luxurious bar and lounge area, offering a selection of fine wines, champagnes, beers, cocktails and handpicked snacks.
The newly revamped Chez Mal lies within Malmaison, delivering French classics with a distinctly British influence. With a daily ‘plat du jour’, alongside a menu of French inspired favourites, there are plenty of dishes to tempt you.
On the menu, you’ll find a range of tried and tested sharing dishes, grazing boards, tapas-style social plates, and British meats and seafood, including the wood smoked Loch Duart salmon skewers with pickled ginger and the pan-seared Tidenham duck breast with a homemade twelve spice sauce. Speciality cocktails from the Shaker Group, the team behind the venue, are also proving popular, like ‘The Socialite’, which combines Finlandia vodka, Aperol, pineapple, lime and passion fruit. Centred on the concept of sharing and socialising, Gas Street Social features large group tables, intimate booth areas and a cosy ‘social’ area. As the perfect venue for quick bites and lazy catch ups, the bar provides a social hub in the city centre over the weekend, for late night drinks and music.
The food menu at Everyman is filled with cinema favourites, including pizzas and hot dogs with an Everyman touch. Not to be missed is the popular ‘Spielburger’; its signature gourmet hamburger topped with your choice of cheese, dressed with house sauce and wrapped in a glazed brioche bun. With the option to enjoy your meal in the bar and lounge area, even if you aren’t booked in for a film, or have your food delivered directly to your cinema seat, Everyman combines film and food in its luxurious canalside location.
With options including Meantime moules, strip steaks and grilled lobster béarnaise, there’s also the famed unlimited Sunday lunch which is the ultimate way to enjoy your roast. Chez Mal will draw you right in with its classical and chic elegance, accompanied by a fully stocked bar featuring craft beers on tap, signature ‘Malchemy’ cocktails and a selection of fine wines. Not just for hotel guests, Chez Mal offers an exciting culinary experience at the Mailbox.
Food Served: Food served: Monday to Sunday: 12noon - 9.30pm Gas Street Social 166-168 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RL Tel: (0121) 643 0362 www.mailboxlife.com/brand/gas-street-social
Food Served: Monday to Sunday: 12noon - approximately 10.00pm each day,
dependant on film schedule. Please contact cinema for more information.
LUNCH - Monday - Saturday: 12noon - 5.30pm Sunday: 1.00pm - 4.00pm DINNER - Monday - Sunday: 6.00pm - 11.00pm
Everyman 166 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RF Tel: (0871) 906 9060 www.mailboxlife.com/everyman-cinema
Red Peppers: 1 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RF Tel: (0121) 246 5001 www.mailboxlife.com/brand/malmaison-brasserie
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The Mailbox provides the perfect setting for lazy lunches and date-night dinners, with an enviable range of canalside bars and restaurants. Whether it’s a quick catch up with friends, or a special occasion, here’s a guide to some of the options available.
GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN With a fresh new design offering a retro diner feel, Gourmet Burger Kitchen delivers what it does best; a range of delicious and exciting burgers. Choose from favourites like The Don, Blazing Sombrero and The Taxi Driver, alongside lamb, cod, falafel, and even buffalo burgers. There’s also the option to customise your burger with additional toppings or to go bunless, ensuring even the most ardent burger buff isn’t short of options. The tempting milkshake menu provides the perfect accompaniment to your meal, made with real dairy ice cream for an indulgent treat. From the popular Oreo, Peanut Butter and Honeycomb flavours, to the classic Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry, there’s a milkshake to suit every mood.
RED PEPPERS
Red Peppers offers a mouth-watering menu, with an eclectic mix of flavours from around the world. Diners can enjoy Asian inspired dishes including the speciality chicken coconut curry, alongside Greek classics like the lamb moussaka or chicken souvlaki. There’s also Mexican and Italian inspired meals, delivering something everyone can enjoy. Red Peppers also has lunchtime covered, with a dedicated menu filled with lighter meals, sandwiches and wraps. You’ll find classic sandwiches like a BLT and chicken club wrap, alongside grilled halloumi and a selection of pizzettas, plus a daily board of specials too.
BAR EPERNAY
Bar Epernay is one of Birmingham’s most sophisticated bars and restaurants. Situated in the canalside area of the Mailbox, the champagne and piano bar provides the perfect setting to relax in style. The menu features traditional British ingredients with contemporary flair, offering a selection of dishes to cater for both lunch and dinner. From deli sandwiches, like the toasted goats cheese and cranberry served on ciabatta or a bloomer, to a roasted chump of lamb with a herb crust as a main meal, there’s also a range of deli boards and fresh specials each day.
Featuring a private reservation area downstairs with a capacity for 100 guests, Red Peppers is also an ideal venue to host parties and functions.
Bar Epernay also delivers a range of classic and signature cocktails and an Afternoon Tea complete with champagne, providing an elegant and sophisticated venue in the heart of the city centre.
Monday – Friday: 12noon - 11.00pm Saturday: 11.00am - 11.00pm Sunday: 11.00am - 10.00pm
Food served:
Food served:
Sun - Thur: 12noon - 10.30pm Fri - Sat: 12noon - 11.30pm
Monday - Saturday: 12noon - 10.00pm Sunday : 12noon - 8.00pm
Gourmet Burger Kitchen 113-115 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RF Tel: (0121) 633 8564 www.mailboxlife.com/brand/gourmet-burger-kitchen
Red Peppers 117 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RF Tel: (0121) 643 4202 www.mailboxlife.com/brand/red-peppers
Bar Epernay 171-172 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RL Tel: 0121 632 1430 www.mailboxlife.com/brand/bar-epernay
Food served:
www.mailboxlife.com For information please call:
0121 632 1000 Follow us on Twitter - @mailboxlife Like us on Facebook - Mailbox Life Park at The Mailbox to visit all these restaurants and many more. Wharfside Street, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RD
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
INSPIRATIONAL
RESTAURANT GUIDE
THE BRASSERIE at MALLORY COURT
THE DINING ROOM at MALLORY COURT
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Providing a laid-back atmosphere with an art-deco inspired interior, the Brasserie serves delicious modern European dishes and British classics, and has been celebrated with two AA Rosettes.
For those looking for a high-quality, fine dining experience, the newly refurbished Dining Room at Mallory Court Hotel boasts opulent surroundings, a world-class menu and a huge number of awards and accolades including an ‘AA Noteable Wine List’ award. The beautiful oak-panelled restaurant has incomparable views of the gardens and Warwickshire countryside beyond.
In the stunning grounds of Mallory Court Hotel, the Brasserie provides a spectacular dining experience at affordable prices. A fully-stocked cocktail bar, upstairs area for private functions and walled garden for al fresco dining enhance the restaurant. The hugely popular ‘Jazz in the Braz’ events bring music from some of the region’s leading jazz musicians. Guests can relax and unwind to the soothing sounds of jazz whilst enjoying a meal or drinks in chic surroundings. Ideal for relaxing with friends and family at an informal dinner, the Brasserie ensures unparalleled hospitality that creates memorable experiences for every diner that visits.
Head chef Paul Foster and his team are deeply passionate about each and every dish, dedication that earned Mallory Court’s Dining Room a coveted 3 AA Rosettes. With menus bursting with rich flavour and innovation, the dishes reflect the best seasonal produce from local suppliers and the hotel’s own well stocked kitchen gardens and are regularly refreshed to showcase the latest creations from the kitchen.
THE WATERSIDE BRASSERIE Stratford-upon-Avon
The Waterside Brasserie offers guests a relaxed dining experience in a chic environment, complete with its own Champagne Bar and beautiful interiors. Behind the scenes the hand-picked kitchen team work hard to ensure each and every customer enjoys exceptional food showcasing the best local seasonal ingredients available. Commitment to sustainability, traceability and the environment sets The Waterside Brasserie as a champion of food excellence, introducing customers to some of the finest artisan producers in Stratford and the bountiful countryside beyond.
The Dining Room puts food and drink at the forefront of the guest experience and combine using modern techniques with revisiting ones which have been forgotten. Catering for everything from afternoon tea to lavish private banquets, the experienced team at Mallory Court Hotel meet their guests’ every desire.
Open all day Monday to Saturday 12noon - 2.30pm (last orders) 6.30pm - 9.30pm (last orders) and for Sunday lunch 12noon - 3.30pm (last orders). It is closed on Sunday evening.
Lunch 12noon last orders 1.45pm (closed Saturday Lunch) Dinner 6.30pm last orders 9.00pm (last orders on a Sunday 8.30pm)
Food is served between 7.00am and 11.00pm Breakfast: 7.00am - 10.00pm Lunch: 1.30pm - 3.00pm Afternoon Tea and snacks :3.00pm - 5.00pm Dinner: 5.00pm - 9.45pm Late supper: 10.00pm - 11.00pm Tea & Coffee served all day
The Brasserie at Mallory Court Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB Tel: (01926) 453 939 www.mallory.co.uk
The Dining Room at Mallory Court Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB Tel: (01926) 330 214 www.mallory.co.uk
The Waterside Brasserie Waterside, Straford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA Tel: (01789) 298 682 www.theardenhotelstratford.com
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ADAM’S
FINEST CATCH
FINEST CATCH
Birmingham
Henley-in-Arden
Shirley
Awarded a coveted Michelin star less than six months after opening its doors, adam’s restaurant of Birmingham has quickly become a premier culinary destination in the city. Run by husband and wife team Adam and Natasha Stokes, the restaurant delivers hugely innovative food that pushes the limits of modern cuisine.
Finest Catch is an innovative chain of restaurants that is committed to providing quality fish and chips at affordable prices. The original branch of Finest Catch in Henley-in-Arden opened in 2012 and immediately captured the public’s imagination, turning it into an overnight success. Styled on a 1950’s American Diner, the interior of the restaurant is quite spectacular and adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere. Receiving rave review after rave review about the value, service and exceptional food, Finest Catch has become one of the most popular dining destinations in the region.
The newest branch of Finest Catch in Shirley has become an instant success, attracting an increasing number of satisfied customers who come for the exceptional service and first-class fish and chips. With a fully licensed bar, customers can choose from a full drinks menu offering something everyone can enjoy with their food such as beers, wines and soft drinks. One of the defining messages of Finest Catch is that everybody is welcome – families with young children, couples, friends and large celebrations of all kind.
Food Served:
Food Served:
Food Served:
Tuesday - Saturday: 12noon - 2pm | 7.00pm - 9:30pm
12.00noon - 10.00pm seven days a week
12.00noon - 10.00pm seven days a week
adam’s 21a Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QP Tel: (0121) 643 3745 www.adamsrestaurant.co.uk
Finest Catch Birmingham Road, Henley-in-Arden B95 5QR Tel: (01564) 793 783 www.finestcatch.co.uk
Finest Catch 1097 Stratford Road, Shirley B90 4ED Tel: (0121) 557 0486 www.finestcatch.co.uk
An exclusive location, adam’s is limited to 26 guests in any sitting, however thanks to the success of the restaurant, 2015 brings plans to relocate to expand with the inclusion of a bar and wine cellar. Adam Stokes’ vision for his restaurant is clear: “My aim is not to baffle, but to excite and enthuse guests with the accurate cooking of quality ingredients served in an approachable environment. We hope to create a unique experience for each diner within our friendly and professional restaurant.” The fine dining experience on offer at adam’s is a spectacle not to be missed.
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
Under the ever watchful eye of the award winning Chef Director, Glen Watson, The Ryder Grill succeeds in providing the most memorable of dining experiences. Nestled in the heart of The Belfry Hotel and Resort, Sutton Coldfield, this elegant restaurant provides a refreshing take on modern dining. Diners can enjoy stunning views across the golf course or choose to soak up the atmosphere at the showcase grill as it takes centre stage. Chef Director, Glen Watson, joined The Ryder Grill in 2013 from the Albert Roux Consultancy and has brought a wealth of experience to The Ryder Grill from a number of leading hotels, including The Landmark and The Savoy. Watson, has transformed the West Midlands hotel and resort into a top gastronomic destination, with The Ryder Grill at its heart serving the best Scotch beef and locally reared pork. Diners can share the finer things in life with an intimate meal for two or take a seat at the showcase grill, where they can view the Belfry’s talented chefs preparing aged steaks and Chataeubriands. 112
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The Ryder Grill offers a traditional Sunday Lunch, to be enjoyed in the company of friends, family and loved ones in a relaxed environment. From a mouthwatering selection of starters, delicious mains from their Grill carvery and homemade desserts, the overwhelming popularity of the Sunday lunch, has enforced the grill to extend their opening times from 1pm to 5pm. The Ryder Grill, as a venue will cater for any need throughout the week and match the mood of all occasions. Enjoy a romantic date night, unwind with a relaxing meal after one of The Belfry’s signature spa treatments, celebrate a special occasion or simply gather your friends after a breath taking round of golf; The Ryder Grill has something to offer everyone.
FOR RESERVATIONS www.thebelfry.co.uk E: enquiries@thebelfry.com T: 0844 980 0600 The Belfry Hotel & Resort Lichfield Road, Wishaw Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 9PR
MONDAY TO THURSDAY 6.00pm - 10.00pm FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 6.00pm - 10.30pm SUNDAY LUNCH 1.00pm - 5.00pm SUNDAY EVENING 7.00pm - 10.00pm
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Advertising Feature With more than 25 years of experience in the wealth management industry, Janine Edwards is a Principal Partner of St. James's Place Wealth Management, one of the UK's leading wealth management organisations, managing client funds of £52 billion. With an ever-changing environment and client circumstances, Janine believes it is more important than ever to write bespoke financial plans for her clients so that they can achieve their goals, and, more importantly, to review these plans regularly to ensure they remain current and accurate. Janine’s client focus is central to the business and she takes the time to understand your personal or business objectives and deliver solutions that are tailored specifically to you. Rather than ‘off the shelf’ financial packages, she offers the benefit of a single relationship for all of your financial planning needs. Working closely with other professionals including solicitors, accountants and other financial services specialists to ensure that her clients receive the best advice available, Janine prides herself on providing an invaluable service to her clients. Not only does she meet her clients regularly, they are also invited to her client days where they find out more about what is happening in the world of wealth management. Janine says: “I am committed to building long-term, high trust
relationships and my clients feel that the advice I give is of the highest standard. I believe that financial services is very much a ‘people business’ and am dedicated to providing high levels of client service at all times.” In addition to providing high quality personal advice on wealth management, Janine assists businesses in the increasingly complex area of corporate financial planning, providing guidance on pensions, protection for directors, key employees or shareholders, tax reliefs and aspects of exit strategy planning. With a dedicated team working with her, Janine Edwards ensures her client-focused approach is at the forefront of every aspect of the practice. Janine Edwards is dedicated to: • Providing personal face-to-face financial advice • Giving you the opportunity to review your financial affairs regularly • Effectively managing your investments via their distinctive approach • Keeping you informed of the latest news and any changes that might affect your personal situation • Listening to your feedback • Ensuring that her dealings with you are sensitive to your needs.
For more information contact:
Janine Edwards Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management Tel: 01676 530606 Email: Janine.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.janineedwards.co.uk
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The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title `Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
Janine Edwards St. James’s Place Wealth Management
05/05/2015 16:24
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
trust place... Put your
in the right
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ADVERTISING FEATURE The beneficiaries of trusts can thank the Romans and then the Crusaders for the development of this very particular way of holding assets and passing them down the generations. The Romans developed the basic idea and then, as they left for the Holy Land, the Crusaders expanded the trust principle to enable them to undertake long voyages without losing their lands. In the modern world trusts still play an important role in many families. In fact, as family structures become more complicated – with family members increasingly spread around the world, people living longer and more getting divorced – it could be said that the value of trusts continues to grow. So what are the pros and cons? And what are the points you should watch out for? The main advantage is that donors can make gifts without restricting themselves too much as to who the recipients will be. Someone with children and growing numbers of grandchildren can set up a trust which will, eventually, pay out to family members who are yet to be born. Similarly, trust assets can be protected by excluding descendants who are in danger of going bankrupt or those getting divorced from being potential beneficiaries. Divorce is one of the most common threats to families who want to pass on money. The problem is that someone receiving money from their parents can find that they have to give away half of those assets to their former partners in a divorce settlement. And personal bankruptcies, which are growing more common with more than 100,000 a year in the UK1, present similar problems. Trusts are also a way of saving Inheritance Tax, although the amounts protected are being reduced in some cases. Putting assets into trust gradually removes them, over a seven-year period, from the individual’s
estate at death and this can cut the tax bill, although there are anti avoidance rules that must be navigated. Tony Müdd, divisional director of Tax and Technical Support at St. James’s Place, believes that the changing face of the UK tax system could have an impact on the types of trust structures that will be used in future. “But one thing is for sure – tax changes will never make them redundant,” he says. Another advantage of the trust structure is speed as they can pay out immediately after the settlor, the person who set them up, dies – in contrast to wills, where delays of several months are commonplace. However, there are disadvantages. In France, the Loi de Finances Rectificative 2011 – the French equivalent of our budget – affected French resident settlors or beneficiaries and French assets of UK trusts, and may well mean that some assets are subject to wealth taxes in France. In the UK, meanwhile, tax reforms expected next year (see above) could confuse and put off some potential settlors. The changes will also reduce the tax savings available in some cases. Trusts need to be reviewed regularly to ensure that they conform to existing tax law and to prevent mistakes being made. Even a change as simple as adding the name of a new grandchild to the list of beneficiaries can trigger a series of unintended consequences. There are, however, a variety of ways of carrying out the settlor’s wishes through trusts; in this case, the grandchild can be included without his or her name being stated, but you should ensure you take the appropriate advice. 1
www.gov.uk
Balance sheet As family structures become more complicated the importance of trusts continues to grow. But as rules change the need to be up to date to avoid any future complications is an obvious necessity. 1.Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.
TYPES OF TRUST
Two of the simplest and most common types of trust are seven-year trusts and loan trusts. They are set up in the ways that their names suggest. Seven-year trusts are established by the same settlor every seven years to take advantage of rules which extinguish a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability seven years after a transfer of that asset has been made. With a loan trust, the settlor creates a trust and lends assets to it, with any profits generated staying in the trust and, therefore, outside the settlor’s IHT net. These and other kinds of trusts are still being set up, but new rules are being drafted by the UK government that will reduce their attractiveness for some people. The new rules – with the clumsy title of the ‘settlement nil-rate band’ – will mean that many trusts will offer less IHT protection. In effect, HM Revenue & Customs is proposing that individuals have a lifetime allowance on how much they could transfer tax-free into trusts – this lifetime allowance would be set at £325,000 (the same level as the IHT ‘nil-rate band’ on the estates of individuals when they die). The move is part of the current political agenda to increase tax transparency.
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Trust structures could still work for many people, but calculations should be performed in advance to estimate both any likely tax charges and the overall tax benefit15:26 that the trusts produce. Dominic Potier of solicitors Wedlake Bell says: ‘It depends on the client and on whether they are prepared 1 03/03/2015 to take any tax hits.’ Tony Müdd says that more tax will be paid as a result of this change, but adds: ‘Trusts will always be worthwhile.’
JANINE EDWARDS Principal Partner Tel: 01676 530606 Email: janine.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.janineedwards.co.uk
PART N E RS IN MA N AGING YOUR WEALTH
The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
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An innovative and proactive firm, Champions (UK) plc have diversified further to establish themselves as key players in the Music and Entertainment industry in the UK. The new department, named Champions Music+Entertainment, is a logical development from the already thriving after dinner speaker department that sits alongside Champions Celebrity; Champions (UK) plc’s very own celebrity agency.
The after dinner speaker department, Champions Speakers, books over 500 famous faces, sports stars and celebrities a year, including the likes of Michael McIntyre, Andrew Neil, Derek Redmond and Michael Portillo. The department’s large reach led to Champions (UK) plc being appointed exclusive entertainment, strategy and delivery partners of Grosvenor Casinos at the start of 2015. The partnership has already seen Champions (UK) plc become one of the most prominent booking agents for intermediate level music acts in the nation, and this newfound presence has allowed Champions (UK) plc to work from a reputable position from the outset of its expansion as Champions Music+Entertainment.
The decision to further establish Champions (UK) plc in the music and entertainment industry has also had the benefit of President of the Agents Association of Great Britain, Alan Warner FEAA, joining their ranks on a three-year contract. Champions (UK) plc acquired Alan’s business, Warner Music & Entertainments (UK), in June 2014. After a meeting between Alan Warner and Champions (UK) plc CEO, John Hayes, the opportunity was presented to purchase the firm. Alan and John have enjoyed a friendship spanning decades and both parties knew it was not an opportunity to be missed.
Champions (UK) plc have enjoyed a history of nurturing success within the music industry, namely signing X Factor star Andy Abraham and embarking on the release of albums and the organisation of a sell out national tour. Andy’s initial success with Champions (UK) plc continued too, experiencing huge demand for him to perform in the UK and overseas ever since.
Alan Warner’s decades of experience within the industry combined with Warner Music and Entertainments (UK)’s reach has been a huge contribution to Champions (UK) plc’s resounding success already in the Music and Entertainment industry.
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member of
EA SB
On 26th March 2015, Champions Music+Entertainment took another huge leap forward in the music industry by exclusively signing 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey. Sam is one of the most successful X Factor winners in history; with her winner’s single Skyscraper becoming Christmas No.1, as well as her debut album, The Power of Love, achieving BPI Gold status, selling well over 200,000 copies. Champions Music+Entertainment also has the online presence to match its reach within the industry. The new website plays host to an incredible database of over 1000 acts ranging from solo artists to wedding bands and full size choirs. This not only provides end users with the most comprehensive choice of acts and performers for their event, but also emphasises how thorough and all encompassing Champions (UK) plc are in their approach. Matthew Hayes, Managing Director of Champions (UK) plc, is excited about the prospect of this new venture, however understands the importance of being a face in the music industry clients can trust: “Our establishment in the music industry as Champions Music+Entertainment heralds a new era for the Champions (UK) plc. The music industry is a thriving and incredibly diverse industry that is an enjoyable challenge to work in.
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European Association of Speakers Bureaux
Our experience within the industry has paid dividends and has allowed us to provide a message to high profile acts and clients that we are an agency that you can count on to provide first class service. Bringing Alan Warner in has given us the grounding to appeal to a wide range of acts looking for representation with an agency that drives a results focussed strategy. Our staff are as motivated to book acts as the acts are to perform and this harmonious approach is what sets us apart. Champions Music+Entertainment complements Champions (UK) plc’s other departments perfectly and I’m confident in our staff’s ability to offer the music acts of the UK and further afield an alternative to conventional individual marketing and both online and offline act directories.”
To visit Champions Music+Entertainment’s new market leading website, please visit www.musicandbands.co.uk For more information on booking a music act or entertainer with Champions Music+Entertainment, simply contact Alan Warner today by calling 08453 313 031. Alternatively, email awarner@championsukplc.com
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Skyscraper Rising Like a
Singing superstar Sam Bailey stole the hearts of the nation after winning the tenth series of The X Factor in Christmas 2013, dazzling audiences and judges alike with her stunning voice and natural stage presence. Sam has now embarked on the next stage of her career by signing with leading celebrity management agency, Champions (UK) plc. Prior to her X Factor triumph, Sam worked as a prison officer at HM Prison Gartree as well as performing on cruise ships, in clubs and at music festivals for several years. Despite her obvious nervousness during her first audition, she blew the judges away with her rendition of Beyoncé’s Listen, receiving a standing ovation and leading Gary Barlow to describe her voice as “incredible”.
Inspirational Magazine spoke to Sam about her experience on The X Factor, what life has been like since, and what the future holds for the singing sensation.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since winning The X Factor and I’ve got so many highlights. Opening the National Television Awards with Michael Bolton, who’s become a good friend of mine, was a fantastic experience. Obviously, the moment I realised I was Christmas number one was incredible. Then there was the number one album, and of course, having the opportunity to support Beyoncé on tour.
right. I also went forward for Britain’s Got Talent, with the same result and decided to not go for these types of shows again.
“I changed my mind when I was on the social clubs circuit and saw so many posters that said ‘as seen on The X Factor’. At the time, I was often earning only around £90 for two hours singing, so I thought that featuring on The X Factor would be a good way of making a bit more money, as long as I made it onto the telly. I never in a million years thought I would win! “The main thing I wanted out of the show was to be able to provide a better life for my family. Being on the show was fantastic, but it was also an intense experience and it was really, really tough on my marriage. After the show ended, we vowed that nothing would ever break us up. “I don’t think that fame has changed me but I like being able to help out my friends and family wherever I can. I still live in the same house as my kids were happy where they were and wanted to continue going to the same school. I am having an extension on it though, which is really all I wanted!
Under the mentorship of Sharon Osborne she became a clear favourite on the show and received more than a million votes over the course of the final weekend. Following her win, her debut single, Skyscraper, reached Christmas number one and her debut album, The Power of Love stormed to the top of the UK album charts. Sam is truly one of the most talented performers in the music business and embarked on her first ever headline tour in 2015 which sold-out venues and received rave reviews.
“I can’t say I was one of those people whose only dream was to become a singer, but I used to sing all the time when I was younger. I entered talent competitions and always wanted to impress people by myself, rather than being talked up by my friends and family. My Granddad was a singer in a group called ‘The Four Vinos’ – I’ve still got a poster of him back from when he was paid £6 to do a gig! My Dad was also a big inspiration. He was in a band so we had musicians round the house all the time. I really do feel like I’m living out his dreams sometimes meeting so many of his heroes.
“I’ve known about Champions (UK) plc for many years – I like that it’s a family-run business that is expanding so quickly. There’s a real feeling of organisation and that everyone has an important role in the business. The head office is in Leicestershire where I live which means they’ll be seeing plenty of me! “I know that fame can come and go so quickly, but I am positive about the road I am heading down and looking forward to exploring a variety of new opportunities.”
“I first auditioned for The X Factor in 2007 and I turned up in my Leicester City tracksuit. I think I was trying to prove a point that winning the show was about the look as well as the voice. I didn’t get through and I took this as proof that I was
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For more information about booking singing sensation Sam Bailey, simply contact Victoria Marconetto at Champions (UK) plc today by calling 07791 5082 358 or 08453 31 30 31. Alternatively, email vmarconetto@ championsukplc.com 119
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING, MOST DIVERSE AND INNOVATIVE BRAND AGENCIES IN THE COUNTRY, CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC HAS BUILT UPON ITS SUCCESS WITH AN ALL-NEW EXTENSION OF ITS OFFICES, DOUBLING THE FOOTPRINT OF THE BUILDING AND CREATING THE CAPACITY TO CONTINUE THE GROWTH AND REACH THAT HAS MADE CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC THE SUCCESSFUL AGENCY IT IS.
The new extension at Champions (UK) plc head office. 120
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OUR OFFICE EXPANSION EMULATES THE GROWTH OF CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC AS A BRAND AGENCY AND OUR ADDED CAPACITY WILL ALLOW US TO MARKET BOTH OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE CLIENTS’ BRANDS EVEN FURTHER TO PROVIDE THE ROI THAT A STRONG BRAND PRESENCE DESERVES... Champions (UK) plc Managing Director, Matthew Hayes
Champions (UK) plc’s ever growing portfolio of clients is testament to a results driven strategy, focusing on tangible ROI, which has driven widespread brand awareness and loyalty within a plethora of relevant markets. The months leading up to and after the New Year have been as successful and impressive as ever for the firm, with expansion of departments to meet the demand of clients who are either retained or new to the firm. Bolstered by the renascent British economy, Champions (UK) plc have applied their expertise in PR, Marketing, Creative, Events and Celebrity Management to a number of large clients, including Grosvenor Casinos, delivering an industry leading holistic package of services to businesses effectively and efficiently by an expert team. The partnership with Grosvenor Casinos has seen Champions (UK) plc provide an extensive marketing and communications package to support the group’s entertainment activity. The partnership has resulted in Grosvenor Casinos becoming synonymous with fantastic music and entertainment, as well as becoming an industry leader for casino hospitality. Champions (UK) plc moved into the first incarnation of their offices in September 2009 and will be forever thankful for the meticulous approach of those involved in the initial build. From design concept to final sign-off, Paul Thurlby of Gordon White & Hood Architects ensured that the building lived up to the prerequisites of a rapidly expanding company. Appreciation is also due to Neil Footitt of Moore Construction, whose management of the office build six years ago guaranteed an excellent home for Champions (UK) plc that has stood the test of increasing staff to well over double the number who initially moved in. Champions (UK) plc’s new office project has been supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund through D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, and the European Commission’s Regional Development Fund. The Regional Growth Fund supports eligible projects and programmes that raise private sector investment creating economic growth and lasting employment. Since launch in 2010, the Regional Growth Fund has invested £2.85 billion and is set to create over half a million jobs by the mid-2020s. Champions (UK) plc recommissioned Paul Thurlby of Gordon White & Hood for the new extension and brought onboard SLM Builders and Ventola Projects in late 2014. The construction of the offices has been a resounding success and staff moved into the new premises just five months after the build started, with the fit and finish of the build representative of both SLM and Ventola’s incredibly high standards.
Champions (UK) plc go the extra mile to provide their staff with a working environment that will boost employee satisfaction and wellbeing. Best shown by the investment into a new gym to replace the current facilities, Champions (UK) plc offices provide the rostrum for their staff to live a healthier and more productive lifestyle both in and out of the offices. Champions (UK) plc Managing Director, Matthew Hayes, is overjoyed with the progress of the new office extension and the opportunity to further the firm’s reach off the back of its expansion: “SLM Builders and Ventola Projects have to be congratulated for keeping to schedule and battling the harsh winter weather, short days and unforeseen issues associated with any build of this scale. Our office expansion emulates the growth of Champions (UK) plc as a brand agency and our added capacity will allow us to market both our present and future clients’ brands even further to provide the ROI that a strong brand presence deserves. Brand marketing should be seen just like any investment a firm decides upon and needs to be accountable in order to deliver real results. We provide our clients with successful growth strategies based upon their expectations, needs and goals, meaning our tailored approach is why our clients enjoy a continued boost in sales, exposure and market share.” 2015 is set to be another record breaker for Champions (UK) plc, continuing the steep and relentless growth curve that has seen the company recognised in national award ceremonies by the likes of Santander, Virgin and the London Stock Exchange to name but a few. Champions (UK) plc have also branched out into the Music and Entertainment industry in conjunction with the acquisition of Warner Music & Entertainment in 2014. The draw that Champions (UK) plc now has in the music industry is clearly apparent, with 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey signing exclusively with the firm on the 26th March. Sam has become part of the Champions family and both parties are hugely excited for what the future holds. Champions (UK) plc’s future gets brighter by the day and with the addition of a new building, extended workforce and the diversification of the firm into new marketplaces, this trend looks to continue far into the future. Champions (UK) plc’s unquenchable thirst for return on investment for both its clients and internally has become the lifeblood of the business and ensures that they will remain one of the most creatively diverse and effective brand agencies in the country.
The new extension to the offices has exactly doubled the size of the existing building. Featuring state of the art meeting facilities, a custom studio for the Creative department featuring their very own photography room and three extensive offices that will house new staff to fill the vacancies within Champions (UK) plc thriving five departments.
For more information on the ways in which Champions (UK) plc can boost the power of your brand, please call 0845 31 30 31 or email info@championsukplc.com
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PLACING YOUR BRAND IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY WITH FIVE TALENTED AND EXPERIENCED IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTS CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC HAS MADE A GREAT START TO 2015 – AND NOW THE LEADING BRAND AGENCY HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO SECURE A NAMING RIGHTS PARTNER FOR LEICESTER RIDERS’ BRAND NEW CITY CENTRE ARENA.
MATTHEW, ROXANNA AND SOPHIA HAYES OF CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC PICTURED WITH LEICESTER RIDERS’ DIRECTOR KEVIN ROUTLEDGE
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Champions (UK) plc has established itself as one of Britain’s leading brand agencies in recent years and enjoyed incredible growth as a result of the impact and awareness it has generated for a series of now high profile, national and international brands. Now the company is breaking new ground with the announcement it has been appointed by Leicester Community Sports Arena Ltd to secure a stadium naming rights partner for a brand new 2,400 seat arena currently being constructed in Leicester city centre. The Arena’s backers were drawn to Champions (UK) plc by their successful track record of launching and promoting brands and their proven ability to secure brand associations benefiting all parties. The new, state-of-the-art £4.5 million multi-purpose sports arena on Charter Street is the fruit of a joint venture between Leicester Riders, Leicester City Council and Leicester College. It will be the new home of the Leicester Riders and Leicester Cobras Wheelchair Basketball teams, a regional basketball centre of excellence and serve as a large multi-use sports venue for the College and the local community. There will also be great scope to develop a number of corporate hospitality openings as the Arena is set to be the largest indoor space in the county. All the way back in 1926, William Wrigley, chewing gum entrepreneur and owner of the Chicago Cubs, decided to name the team’s park Wrigley Field. As a consequence, the Wrigley brand, the Cubs and the stadium itself are inextricably linked to this day and other stadia have looked at their example and followed suit. In recent times we have seen a rapid global increase in the number of brands negotiating the exclusive right to name sports stadia and entertainment arenas and, when we examine their logic, the reasons are simple. Proactive companies greatly increase their brand awareness, often in a very short period of time, and create tangible long-term benefits.
A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME
By purchasing stadium naming rights, companies are able to apply their branding to the stadium in question and a number of premium advertising assets, giving them great exposure among spectators and other users of the stadium. Perhaps even more significantly, though, the named brand is referred to innumerable times on television and radio and in the press as sports reporting now represents a large proportion of all created news content. In turn, the brand becomes recognised far more widely and is associated with many of the positive aspects of sport. Furthermore the brand becomes synonymous with the club concerned and, thanks to the unique emotional draw inherent to sport, begins to become part of the local and regional social fabric. Companies are also able to demonstrate a clear commitment to and engagement with the community, boosting their corporate social responsibility credentials. Sporting events and teams certainly breed emotion, particularly at the local and regional level. As a result, it has been demonstrated many, many times that the public will not only align itself with a team but also with a venue and its sponsor. As a flagship element of the ongoing and extensive regeneration of Leicester city centre and as the venue welcoming Leicester Riders back from their exile at Loughborough University, the Arena will be subject to enormous media and public attention when it is first opened later this year. The brand that takes advantage of this rare and exciting opportunity will not only benefit greatly from this exposure but also create valuable corporate responsibility capital among Leicester Riders fans, users of the College facility and the wider city, county and East Midlands communities. As part of their ongoing growth in new and existing fields, Champions (UK) plc are set to announce further high profile stadium naming rights opportunities in the near future, so make sure your brand doesn’t miss out.
For more information on the opportunity in central Leicester and on other sponsorship possibilities with both the Arena and Leicester Riders, please call Sophia Hayes on 08453 31 30 31 or email shayes@championsukplc.com
LEICESTER COMMUNITY SPORTS ARENA
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Fleet Management With a client base of over 200 businesses spanning 14 countries, Total Motion is the largest family owned fleet management and leasing provider in Europe. Located in the heart of the country in Leicester, Total Motion delivers a tailor made solution for your corporate automotive requirements. The experience the company possesses allows them to cater for anything from a small fleet to a national business with over 60,000 vehicles. Total Motion stands out from its competitors by having a well-drilled team with the ability to handle any issue that might arise with the efficiency and effectiveness born from 45 years in the industry. Total Motion are known for their innovative approach to the provision of corporate fleets. Having saved their clients over £190 million in the last decade alone, the firm now look to lower the environmental impact of any fleet of vehicles they provide, boosting any company’s green credentials whilst still offering a standard of vehicle fit for the business’ prerequisites. 2015 has already been hugely successful for Total Motion, having been recognised as one of the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’. The award proves testament to Total Motion’s industry leading service and unquenchable thirst for innovation and growth. The savings that can be made in selecting the right fleet management provider can be substantial to any business that outsources their vehicle acquisition. Total Motion are the rational choice and can apply their proven track record in the industry to deliver the very best results for you.
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Vehicle Leasing As suitable for a private individual as it is a growing firm, leasing is quickly becoming the most preferential way to finance a new vehicle. Flexible initial deposits, combined with the option to include maintenance, allow individuals and firm’s to fix costs over a lease period, thereby not leaving customers susceptible to depreciation or unexpected bills. Total Motion can supply a plethora of vehicles, ranging from a rugged 4x4 to a luxurious saloon in a simple package that allows a headline cost to be the only figure to decide over. The experience and connections Total Motion enjoy allows access to all the leading automotive marques, giving their client’s a vast variety of vehicles to select from. Total Motion’s accommodating approach is emphasised by their VIP Prestige Vehicle Leasing Team. On hand to give expert advice on the world’s finest manufacturers, Total Motion can supply a client with an Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari or Rolls Royce to name but a few. Vehicle Leasing is not just offered to the passenger car market by Total Motion, as the firm can procure commercial vehicles with cost effective payment plans to boot. Having supplied Refrigerated Vans, Tippers and Mini Buses amongst a host of other vehicles to companies across the nation, Total Motion can even furnish a truly bespoke solution to your business needs by working directly with specialist coach builders. This dedicated approach to each client stands Total Motion out from the crowd. Private, business or commercial, prestige, practical or bespoke, Total Motion make leasing simple.
Total Motion Vehicle Management Southpoint House, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1WP
0116 251 1122
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
KEEP HAPPY AND HEALTHY
WITH HEAT HOLDERS Alternative remedies to illnesses are becoming increasingly popular as people are becoming more aware of what they are ingesting into their body. With antibiotics and medicines so readily available and potentially containing harmful, dangerous chemicals, natural and organic treatments are becoming the go – to for anyone suffering with common ailments. One illness that many people are unaware of is Raynaud’s Disease, a rare condition that many people who suffer with have no idea it even exists, let alone the symptoms. Raynaud’s Disease is a condition which restricts the blood supply to the extremities causing these parts of the body, normally the fingers, to change colour. During an attack fingers turn white or, in some extreme cases, blue and painful before finally becoming bright red when the blood flow has returned. Many think that the cold weather is the sole reason behind a Raynaud’s attack, but actually, there are a number of factors that can trigger an episode; emotions like anxiety, smoking and touching cold objects can play a part in Raynaud’s too. There are many ways that you can control Raynaud’s, from what you wear to the food you eat. It is advised to ensure you have a full winter wardrobe to take you through the cold months so you’re always kept wrapped up. Thermal underwear, hats, gloves, socks and scarves are all advised so that extremities are covered and protected. Heat Holders thermal socks are ‘The Ultimate Thermal Socks’ and have been designed to keep you warm and comfortable. With a tog rating of 2.34, Heat Holders utilise innovative knitting technology to lock in warm air, holding this closer to the skin and keeping feet warmer for longer. As well as their famous socks, Heat Holders have expanded their range to include joint warmers, blankets, jumpers, neckwarmers, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, tights and leggings all in the name of making life warmer. Since 2006, Heat Holders have revitalised the thermal marketplace with their innovative design and incredible warmth. They are now a much loved global brand sold in a number of countries across the world including the USA, Canada and Australia. The initial mission was to create the warmest sock whilst ensuring value for money for their customers. It took two years of experimentation and testing but
finally a yarn blend was decided upon, and an innovative brushing process developed. A looped pile was created to ensure warm air could be locked in close to the skin, achieving a 2.34 comparing to a 0.89 for ordinary thermal socks. After nine years of success and now a patented process, Heat Holders have a prominent position in the thermal marketplace and have recently become a go – to for many people who suffer from diseases like Raynaud’s. Heat Holders have received many testimonials from their customers to say how their Raynaud’s have been helped by Heat Holders products. Raynaud’s is one of many diseases that can be helped by Heat Holders’ cosy products; arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, chilblains, diabetes and poor circulation are just a few conditions that induce coldness on their victims. Some of their symptoms can be relieved by keeping warm and some Heat Holders customers who suffer from a variety of these conditions have been in touch to tell their personal story of how they have been helped. Heat Holders can also aid in keeping you warm in bed, a technique which has been proven to enhance your night’s sleep. According to studies from Basel University “cold feet affect our sleep patterns, keeping us from drifting off”. The study found that “warm feet promote the rapid onset of sleep thus Heat Holders offer a straightforward cost effective solution to help stop people tossing and turning whilst trying to drift off to sleep.” The brand new snuggle up blankets are cosy enough to put over your duvet, giving you that added extra warmth and cosiness. It’s not only warming products that can help to alleviate health problems relating to keeping people warm. When it comes to your diet, protein and carbohydrates are essential in keeping people warm and giving you energy. Hot meals are perfect for warming you from the inside out, and when you are between meals keep hydrated with warm drinks. Try to stay away from heavily caffeinated drinks though as caffeine can cause the blood vessels to narrow, restricting blood flow to the extremities. A popular drink amongst Raynaud’s sufferers for instance is ginger, lemon juice, honey and water which is warming and also helps to boost circulation.
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Sampler Menthol
multiCIG – providing a REWARDING
Sampler
Sa
Premium vaping brand multiCIG are now offering their customers more reason than ever to enjoy their innovative range of products. On top of the fantastic range of deals multiCIG already offer their customers on a regular basis, they have now rolled out two new schemes that provide even more rewards. Whether you are a regular customer or new to the multiCIG range, the new loyalty scheme, STRIPES, gives you an added incentive to order online. EARN YOUR STRIPES each and every time you make a purchase through the multiCIG website and earn points that can be redeemed online. When you log into your store account and place an order, you will be credited points to your loyalty account. Any customer that signs up for the new loyalty scheme will receive 100 points as a welcome gift! As if this wasn’t enough, multiCIG have also launched a brand new REFER A FRIEND scheme. If you introduce one of your friends to their fantastic range of products, multiCIG will offer both you and your friend a special reward as their way of saying thank you. Your friend will receive 5% off to get them started and on completion of their first order over £20, you will receive 2000 loyalty points to your STRIPES account which is the equivalent of £10 off your next order. It really is that simple! multiCIG have continued to go from strength to strength since their launch, and the introduction of their vaping range, multiVAPE, has been incredibly successful. Providing the same sensation of smoking and releasing a virtually
odourless vapour, more and more smokers are making the simple transition from smoking to vaping. Hugely cost-effective, multiVAPE users find themselves making thousands of pounds of annual savings after switching to the innovative devices. multiVAPE recently launched a new range of flavours to add to their more traditional products such as Tobacco Leaf and Menthol Mist. The new range includes fruity flavours such as Strawberry Fields, Peach Mango, Wild Rain Forest, Black Cherry and Orange Zest, alongside sweeter tasting liquids, Caramel Silk and Bubble Gum Fun. multiVAPE believe in offering their customers choice. A choice to switch away from traditional tobacco products, a choice of nicotine strength and a choice of e-liquid flavours. Carefully designed to take their place at the premium end of the market, multiCIG are the premier choice for both dedicated vapers and smokers wishing to move to a tobacco-free future.
Find out more about the STRIPES and REFER A FRIEND schemes at www.multicig.com
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Sampler Menthol
vaping experience
Sampler
EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER Inspirational readers will receive an exclusive 20% discount on their multiVAPE order. Simply visit multiCIG.COM and enter code INSP20* at the checkout. *This offer is limited to one use per customer. Voucher code is valid on all multiVAPE products and expires on October 31st 2015.
WARNING multiCIG and multiVAPE products contain nicotine. Prohibited for children and young people under the age of 18 years. Keep out of reach of children. Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin. This product is intended for existing smokers only.
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Teenager Lee Jackson is a rising star in the world of superbikes, and has progressed quickly through the ranks to compete at the highest UK level on the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. With support from businesses including leading construction companies Willmott Dixon and Stirlin Developments, Lee has an exciting year ahead of him as he takes on some of the world’s greatest riders on the nation’s biggest stage. Lee is from a family of top Superbike racers, and his father and uncle competed regularly at the highest British level and were also selected at World Level. Taking up the sport from a young age, Lee’s hard work and dedication have continued to pay off at every level at which he has competed. Riding for Buildbase BMW in his first full season on the Championship, Lee’s teammate is three-time champion Ryuichi Kiyonari. The Japanese rider is one of the legends of the sport, and Lee will certainly benefit from his years of experience. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak to Lee about his experiences in the world of superbikes and the speed of his development. Though he is just 19-years-old, he takes his career seriously and has big ambitions for the future: “Coming from a family of motorbike lovers has had a big impact on me. When I finished my first full season in 2009, my uncle was still racing, and he was always a big inspiration. I finished as runner-up in the Dunlop Aprilia Superteens after falling off on the last lap of the final race. It was pretty devastating, but I just kept working hard to become as good as I could possibly be. 2012 was a real breakthrough year for me after finishing first on the National Superstock 600 Championship. After that I had two good seasons on the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship before I stepped up to the British Superbike Championship. I’m always looking to improve and develop wherever I can, and there’s no better place to do that than on the British Superbike Championship. It’s a real honour to race alongside someone as experienced as Ryuichi, and I’m always learning from him. Even though it’s my first full season, I want to be as competitive as possible. I’ve set myself a target of finishing in the top 15 of every race, and finishing in the top 20 overall. With so many fantastic riders, it’s not going to be easy but I’m determined. At the moment, I’m fitting my training around work but I’m hoping to go full-time in the next couple of years so I can dedicate all my time and attention to achieving my goals. The Championship keeps getting bigger and better every year with fans watching from all over the world. My first race of the season at Donington Park was a decent start, but I’m always looking to make improvements wherever I can.” Lee’s progress has caught the attention of many followers including British superbike legend Chris Walker who said: “He’s one of those lads that people will really warm to. It will be great for the sport and his family if he succeeds. What I like and respect about Lee is the way he behaves off the track. He’s very professional. He’s in the gym and getting professional help, not just doing it on his own.” Lee is being backed by a host of top businesses. One of those is Willmott Dixon who have built their reputation as one of the UK’s largest privately-owned contracting, residential development and property support companies by undertaking their activities in a sustainable and responsible manner that contributes to society as a whole. The business became the only company in their sector to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for sustainable development in 2014 regarded as the UK’s most prestigious business accolade. Business Development Manager, David Ford said: “We are delighted to throw our support behind Lee, who is a local rising star helping to put the Midlands on the map. This is something we are particularly passionate about at Willmott Dixon and we support an array of projects throughout the East Midlands in a variety of sectors that benefit the local community.” Another company sponsoring Lee is Stirlin Developments, which provide a bespoke building service for both commercial and residential customers. Managing Director, James Kirby commented: “We are extremely proud to support Lee as he competes at the highest level, taking on some of the world’s greatest riders. He’s a local lad and the whole community wants to see him do well. Lee provides a fantastic example to young people about the benefits of working hard and being dedicated to achieving their goals.”
As one of the brightest young talents in the sport, Lee Jackson is one to watch this season and for the future. If you would like to sponsor British Superbike Championship rider Lee Jackson,
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For further information about Willmott Dixon’s Birmingham Branch please contact Chantry House, High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 3BP
Tel: 01675 467 666
Fax: 01675 467 655
www.willmottdixon.co.uk @WDMidlands
@WillmottDixion
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
CHAM PIO NIN G SPORT IN
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CHAMPIONS Sport has an incredible power to unite entire countries, stir emotions and crown heroes. As we have seen with events like the London Olympics and Commonwealth Games, the positive effects of sport are long-lasting and far-reaching. The upcoming Rugby World Cup in England will reignite the nation’s passion for sport once again. The West Midlands has always been a hub of sporting success and, over the last couple of years, the region has been boosted by the arrival of brand new Sports Awards in Birmingham and Coventry. Organised by brand agency Champions (UK) plc and supported by Inspirational Magazine, the awards celebrate achievements and successes in a way that unites local communities.
The Birmingham Sports Awards 2015 will be hosted at Aston Villa Football Club on 17th September 2015 and the evening will be all about celebrating sporting winners from grass roots level to international stars, and highlighting their remarkable stories and performances. The inaugural Coventry Sports Awards was hosted in 2014 at the Dallas Burston Polo Club, IXL Events Centre. Many of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most prominent and successful sporting personalities were in attendance and their presence, along with that of all the nominated sportspeople, created a real buzz on the night. Winners included former world record holding runner David Moorcroft OBE, cricketing icon Ian Bell OBE and star striker Callum Wilson. The event will return in 2015, bigger and better than before. The Sports Awards would not be possible without the assistance and participation of each and every sponsor, nominee, finalist and eventual winner. The events serve as an excellent reminder that our wonderful region is greater than the sum of its parts and relies heavily on the contributions of so many different individuals, teams and businesses.
THE WEST MIDLANDS The Sports Awards are always organised in conjunction with the local newspaper: the Birmingham Sports Awards is promoted in the Birmingham Post and Birmingham Mail, while the Coventry Sports Awards is covered extensively in the Coventry Telegraph, Coventry Times, Warwickshire Telegraph and Nuneaton Telegraph. A host of businesses across all sectors get on board to sponsor the awards every year, supporting a positive event in the local community as well as benefitting from a fivemonth PR campaign. The high-profile ceremony welcomes key members of the business community, national sporting stars, educational institutions and individuals, united by the power of sport and goodwill. The Birmingham Sports Awards is entering its third year in 2015, and sponsors are already queuing up to get involved with next year’s campaign. The 2014 ceremony was hosted by snooker legend, Willie Thorne, and TV weathergirl, Emma Jesson, and 13 worthy winners were decided. Victors included Warwickshire CCC Chairman Dennis Amiss, current England cricket star Moeen Ali and Paralympic swimmer Tully Kearney.
Why do companies support the Sports Awards? • Media coverage with a minimum of four pages per week • Association with a highly respected and influential awards ceremony • An exceptional opportunity to network with other businesses at the event • Businesses strengthen their reputation for social responsibility by supporting the awards • An excellent opportunity to entertain and host existing clients, as well as meeting prospective clients • A fantastic way to generate media coverage for your business • Individual categories that celebrate young sportspeople, volunteers, inspirational members of the community, teams and coaches
To find out more about how to get involved with the Coventry Sports Awards or Birmingham Sports Awards 2015, please contact Charlotte Best at Champions (UK) plc on 08453 31 30 31 or 07741 261 248. Alternatively email cbest@championsukplc.com.
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The event in full swing at IXL Events Centre, Dallas Burston Polo Club
Marc Reeves, from Trinity Mirror addresses the audience
The evenings hosts Emma Jesson and Willie Thorne
Champagne Reception
Adrian Dixon performs for the crowds
In association with
Thursday 20th November 2014
Inspirational Magazine Table
A glittering ceremony to celebrate Coventry and Warwickshire’s finest sporting talent took place at Dallas Burston Polo Club’s state-of-the-art IXL Events Centre. The 13 different categories at the event rewarded sporting excellence from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
Champions (UK) plc Table enjoying the evening
Snooker legend, Willie Thorne and television weather girl, Emma Jesson, hosted the evening, guiding guests through a fantastic night of awards and entertainment. A delicious three course meal was served before the ceremony commenced. Several famous names were on hand to help present the awards such as David Moorecroft OBE, Neil Back MBE, John Sillett and Graham Bell.
Champions (UK) plc Table enjoying the atmosphere
Five-time Olympian and major winter sports personality, Graham Bell, presented the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award to David Moorcroft OBE, former Olympic and Commonwealth Games runner and the current UK record holder for 3,000 metres.
All ready for the big event
The ceremony, in association with brand agency Champions (UK) plc, was also a great opportunity to raise money and awareness for The Snowball Trust and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. The first ever Coventry and Warwickshire Sports Awards were a huge success and a fantastic night for all involved. The annual event will go a long way to encourage the continual growth of the region’s sporting prowess, promising great things for the future of sport as well as highlighting Coventry and Warwickshire’s sporting legacy.
Stand up bingo winner Chris Foster with Lucy Smith and Willie Thorne
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For more details on how you can get involved, contact Charlotte Best of Champions (UK) plc at cbest@championsukplc. com or call her on 08453 31 30 31.
All smiles at the Virgin Trains Table
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COMMUNITY AWARD STEVE OGRIZOVIC
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD PETER BROMWICH
Coventry City Ladies Football Club, Libby Johnson of Johnsons Jewellers, Coventry Buildbase Bees, Dietmar Bruck, Leon Lloyd, Tornadoes Basketball Club
MANAGER/COACH OF THE YEAR CRAIG NICHOLLS
TEAM OF THE YEAR COVENTRY BUILDBASE BEES
JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR GEORGE GOODWIN
Trinity Mirror Table in the midst of the wonderful event
JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR WARWICKSHIRE HUNT PONY CLUB
AMATEUR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR ANNA DOHERTY
AMATEUR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR RHYS WALKER
Helen Reid of Virgin Trains, Pat Raybould, Steve Ogrizovic, Craig Phillips and David Busst
PROFESSIONAL YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR RYAN HAYNES
PROFESSIONAL SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR JAMIE - LEA WINCH
PROFESSIONAL SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR Qdos
Major Richard Carney MBE of Dallas Burston Polo Club, David Moorcroft OBE and Graham Bell
CALLUM WILSON
INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR IAN BELL MBE
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DAVID MOORCROFT OBE Rowena Cole, Charlotte Moore, Sophia Hayes of Inspirational Magazine, Anna Doherty, Anna Turney, Paul Broadhurst
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David Ford and guests
Hayley Mather, Richard Baynham, Donna Aplin and David Edwards
All smiles from Janine Edwards
Champions Club End of Year Ball Robert Johnson, Andy Unsworth, Trudi Colledge and Willie Thorne
Friday 28th November
Sophia Hayes, David Ford from Wilmott Dixon, David, Chris, Sandy and Hayley, Directors of Edwards Insurance
An exciting year of Champions Club events culminated in a fantastic ball held at the prestigious hotel and golf resort, The Belfry. The evening allowed the club’s members to come together and enjoy a night of fine dining and entertainment, celebrating the past year. Guests enjoyed a Grand Cru Champagne reception and fine wine tasting courtesy of Charles Mitchell Wines, followed by a delicious three course meal including dishes such as citrus marinated salmon and seasonal fruit tart.
Julie and Marc Phillpot
Snooker legend, Willie Thorne hosted the evening, which included a number of songs performed by pianist and singer, Adrian Dixon and a set from band, Urban Intro.
Tony Christie
The evening was an excellent way to entertain clients and colleagues but also provided a great opportunity to raise money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People through a number of fundraising games that took place throughout the night. Johnsons Jewellers gave guests the chance to win a set of diamond earrings worth ÂŁ500 and a luxury golfing break was won through a game of Stand Up Bingo, courtesy of The Belfry.
Marc and Julie Philpot, Adam and Charlotte Smith, Sally Wilder and Dave Hammond, Sophia and Jack Hayes, Natalie Murison, Matthew Hough, Oliver Burton and Sarah Osbourne
Tracey Pascali and Richard Lambourne
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Ella Cloake, Major Richard Carney MBE and Charlotte Best
Chris Cockerall, Alan Pither, Donna Hayes, John Hayes, Sue Christie, Tony Christie, Maralyn Pither, Dawn Cockerall, Douglas Dawson and Penny Dawson
Katie Niland and guests from The Belfry
28/04/2015 17:22
Chameli Chowdhury, Mike Bowd, Peter Swales, John Machin, Chris Gretton, Andrew Johnson, Mark Hudson, Sarah Bowman and Onei Wong
Guests gather in the showroom for the evening
Bentley Birmingham
The showroom at Bentley Birmingham
Bentley Birmingham Celebrates a Successful 2014
Bentley Veneer demonstrated by a Bentley craftsman
Thursday 16th April On the 16th April Bentley and Lamborghini Birmingham celebrated a successful 2014, throwing a fun filled party at the showroom in Birmingham. On the evening guests were joined by craftsmen from Bentley Motors who demonstrated the skills behind building a bespoke Bentley.
John Machin and Colin and Linda Jardin
Finally guests were fortunate to have a closer look at the bespoke Mulsanne Mulliner Hidden Delights which was especially on display for the evening, not only that but the showroom was full of stunning Bentley’s and Lamborghini’s for guests to have a closer look.
Clements & Church, Bimingham
Affinity Partners of Bentley and Lamborghini Birmingham, Clements & Church who displayed their latest collections of bespoke suits to match the bespoke Bentley Mulsanne. Rudells jewellers who showcased some of their very exclusive watch range on the night as well as Shooting Guns on display from Honesberie Shooting School. The event was enjoyed by all the guests. Bentley and Lamborghini will be throwing another party soon! Dusk descends on the showroom
Bentley Mulsanne Hidden Delights
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Adam Crotty from Poggenpohl
Line Up of Bentley Continentals
Demonstrating hand stitched finishing by a Bentley craftsman
28/04/2015 17:30
The Walkers Hall at King Power Stadium
R & R Productions
Adrian Dixon
Carlton Care Group and guests
Matt Elliott and Colin Hill
hosted by
Friday 30th January 2015 Champions (UK) plc were honoured to welcome guests to a very special themed charity event, ‘A Night in the Caribbean’ Ball. Held in the Walkers Hall at the King Power Stadium, home of Leicester City Football Club, this was a wonderful evening of fun, frivolity and fund-raising, made even better by first class musical entertainment. Mick Ventola and Enrico Ventola
Regular pianist at The Savoy and The Dorchester, Adrian Dixon, kicked off proceedings with a mellow session as guests gathered in the function suite to see the dance company, R&R Productions, show off their repertoire. Then snooker legend and event host extraordinaire, Willie Thorne, kept a steady hand on the tiller as he steered a course through some of the best Caribbean themed acts on the circuit.
Andy and Denise Abraham
Black Voices performed beautifully in their unique, folkloric style before leading auctioneer, Charlie Ross, did a fine job conducting the fund-raising on behalf of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
Kellie Maloney and Victoria Marconetto
Urban Intro then light up the night with their take on classic modern day hits and by this time the dancefloor was rocking. The Richie Sampson’s Drifters Tribute Revue rounded off an amazing night, breathing new life into the original band’s classic songs.
Helen Bowen-Green and Dean Andrews
The evening was a roaring success and a large amount of money was raised for Rainbows, who do vital work for youngsters with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. We hope the funds raised on the night go some way towards helping them continue their valuable activities.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Dominic Gomersall from Lumbers and guests
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Maurice and Paul Addison from M2K Services and guests
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Derek Redmond and his wife, Maria Yates
Ben Ofoedu and Vanessa Feltz
Chris Darlington and Dean Andrews
Bill Roache MBE and Matt Hayes
David Simms from the Leicester Mercury and guests
Craig Phillips, Chloe Bass and Pete Cohen
Willie Thorne and Charlie Ross
The Richie Sampson’s Drifters Tribute Revue
Alan Warner of Champions (UK) plc with Steve Clamp and guests
David and Lynsey Doughty and family
Black Voices perform during the evening
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Tim Charlesworth of Greenwich Knight and guests
Sarah Hatcher of Champions (UK) plc with guests
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Roxanna Hayes and guests
Joel Malloy and George Herd
Thank You Dinner The Belfry Hotel & Resort Thursday 26th February
Louisa Hayes and Ken Crouch
Faith Tucker
With the support of its many influential clients, Champions (UK) plc had a great 2014 and moving into 2015 they wanted to give them a little something in return. On the evening of Thursday 26th February, they invited a number of their key partners to The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Wishaw near Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire for an exclusive Thank You Dinner.
Sophia Hayes at the Inspirational table
The glamorous evening event was hosted by the unique religious comedian, Reverend Canon Alan Haydock, and, after a sumptuous dinner accompanied by fine wines, featured a keynote speech by 2005 Ashes winning pace bowler, Matthew Hoggard MBE, who, much to the delight of those present, shared a few cricketing secrets and quirky anecdotes from his stellar career.
Rod Jenkins
Matthew’s address was followed by a captivating performance from Faith Anya Tucker, a 14-year- old English soprano who has performed in a wide range of musicals. She is a classicalpopular crossover singer who performs classical and operatic music, popular songs, and musical theatre. This was a memorable night of gourmet food and fine wines and with a fantastic, friendly atmosphere it was a wonderful opportunity for Champions’ clients to see how much their support is appreciated.
Fash Assadi
Matthew Hoggard MBE entertaining the guests
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Mick Ventola
Simon and Caroline Hill
27/04/2015 13:51
Battle of Eden trophy
The winning dish - roasted scallop, truffled artichoke puree and anchovy beignet
Mr and Mrs George Campion, Marian Cartter, Sir Peter Rigby
BATTLE OF EDEN Eden Chef selfie
Friday 31st October 2014
The Battle of Eden Winner – Ted Ruewell from Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel
Eight of the UK’s most talented chefs put their gastronomic skills to the test when they took part in the annual Battle of Eden at a Midlands hotel. Guests at Mallory Court Hotel were taken on a culinary adventure as the award-winning chefs went head-to-head. The hotel, near Leamington Spa, part of the luxury Eden Hotel Collection, welcomed more than 100 diners to sample eight exquisite dishes in the collection’s fourth annual Battle of Eden.
The menu!
Ted Ruewell, head chef at Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel in Kingsbridge, Devon, scooped the coveted trophy. Second place went to last year’s winner Adam Brown, head chef at Brockencote Hall near Kidderminster, for his beef with alliums. Third place went to Abhijeet Dasalka, head chef at The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, for his tuna tartare with oriental flavours.
Guests enjoying the evening with Eden Managing Director Mark Chambers (far left)
Eden’s Food and Beverage Director, Simon Haigh, introduced and explained each course without revealing its creator and, at the end of the evening, guests were asked to vote for their favourite. Ted was presented with his trophy by Eden Hotel Collection owner Sir Peter Rigby.
Third place was the Arden’s Hotel’s beautiful tuna tartare with oriental flavours
Chef Adam Brown took second place
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The Battle of Eden event tops off a successful year for the company, which recently won AA Small Hotel Group of the Year Award 2014-15. The event was sponsored by Nyetimber, Robert Welch, Berkmann Wine Cellars, Rybrook Warwick and Bablake Wines.
Eden chefs with cars from BMW Rybrook Warwick’s Head of Business Lee Beacon (far right) and Eden Managing Director Mark Chambers (far left)
Take your places!
A creative Waldorf Salad from Chef Paul Foster
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Joy May and Amy Martin from Absolute HR enjoying Champagne with guests
Rob and Sue Jenkins Quentin Kozma from Grosvenor Casino
Unites for Masterclass Chris Pacey and The Belfry
Wednesday 4th March 2015
Exciting business card draw
The Champions Club gathered together to enjoy a night of exclusive wine-tasting with the experts, Charles Mitchell Wines at the Grosvenor Casino at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The evening, hosted by Champions UK (plc), took place on the evening of Wednesday March 4th and saw guests treated to an exquisite selection of fine wines. Guests arrived to a lavish champagne and wine reception, followed by a fantastic masterclass in wine-tasting that marked the first event in The Champions Club’s 2015 calendar. As well as enjoying luxurious, hand-crafted wines, guests received advice on wine cellar investments, wine storage and glassware. The evening was a great success, showing off the finest wines sourced from many of the world’s most prestigious producers.
Howard Domney
Chris Edwards from Edwards Insurance Brokers and guests
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The Champions Club, run by specialist brand agency, Champions (UK) plc, regularly organises spectacular events for its West Midlands members, who include Absolute HR Solutions, Amplify, Cartwright King, The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Charles Mitchell Wines, Edwards Insurance Brokers, Grosvenor Casinos, Inspirational Magazine, Isaac Intelligence Ltd, Johnsons Jewellers, Nailcote Hall, St James’s Place and Willmott Dixon Construction. The event sought encourage interaction between some of the region’s key local businesses and the chance for guests to have fun and enjoy fine wines provided by experts.
Collection of wines on offer throughout the evening
Chris Pacey going into detail about the wine
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The team from the Belfry. Jo Grundy, Debbie Perry, Mark Addison and Marc Brooks
The wine tasting begins
Sally Walder, Richard Vickery and Katie Nilad
Sue Cressman, Ray, Shila and Vanesha Chohan
Janie Edwards and guest
Howard Donney showcases his wine
An assortment of delicious canapĂŠs on offer
Janine Edwards, John Hayes, Caroline and Simon Hill
Jason Yeomans and Mick Ventola
Guests enjoying the wine
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Poggenpohl showroom manager Adam Crotty with Chameli Chowdhury of Bentley Birmingham
The Poggenpohl team with chef Cyrus Todiwala
John Machin, Lotty and Karl Harper, Chameli Chowdhury
Poggenpohl host event with TV chef Cyrus Todiwala Thursday 26th March
Mixologist Calum Smith shows off his skills to Akil Beckford
Premier kitchen brand Poggenpohl hosted an evening cookery demonstration at its Fort Dunlop showroom showcasing the talents of celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala. Bombay-born Cyrus is the Chef Patron of Cafe Spice Namaste, Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, The Park Café and the newly opened Assado and was named the ‘Food Personality of the Year’ at the BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards.
Chef Cyrus Todiwala
Canapés, supplied by Café Spice Namaste, were served to over 60 guests who also enjoyed a selection of cocktails conjured up by mixologist Calum Smith provided by Zip Taps. Cyrus demonstrated his skills using Gaggenau appliances to prepare delicious Indian food with enough for everyone to try.
Amy Litchfield and Simon Plumbridge
In addition, Poggenpohl Birmingham’s new partner Bentley and Lamborghini Birmingham had arranged for two of their luxury cars to be parked outside the iconic Fort Dunlop entrance for guests to view on their way into the Poggenpohl showroom.
Aaron Foster
Cyrus Todiwala
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Guests enjoy the live cookery demonstration
Aaron Foster and Richard Gunton
Paula and Peter Knott with Cyrus
Poggenpohl UK’s Managing Director Simon Richmond welcomes guests to the showroom
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David and Marie Russell with Rebecca and Michelle Nokes
Jayne and Roy Barker
Martin and Sue Wellby
Exclusive Client Lunch
Jane Anderson, David and Marie Russell
9th October 2014 The latest in a string of highly popular client days hosted by Janine Edwards, Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, the event was set in a first class environment with a friendly and social atmosphere. Guests were given an opportunity to hear the very latest wealth management insight and news from industry experts.
Janine Edwards and Karen Crampin
To start the event Janine introduced Andrew Humphries, Marketing & Communications Director of St. James’s Place head office, who delivered an engaging speech on the subject of investment market performance, before moving on to position his outlook for the broader economy.
Janine and her clients
The event was held at a prestigious local jewellers. Clients were given a tour of the premises and had the chance to view and purchase many of the rare pieces of quality jewellery available. The event came to a close after the guests were treated to a first class lunch, where they were able to exchange ideas and forge new relationships ahead of Janine’s next client day. If you would like to attend Janine Edwards’ next event, don’t hesitate to contact her on 01676 530 606.
Mike Stanway, Harry Kershaw, Peter Green and Enzo Morelli
The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
Janine Edwards and Bill Crampin
Karen Crampin and Kuldip Landa
The Landas, The Crampins, Imogen Rex, Fitz Chaplin and The Nokes
Andrew Humphries, Marketing and Communications Director
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INSPIRATIONAL magazine
INSPIRATIONAL
magazine NICOLE SCHERZINGER: WHAT’S NEW, PUSSYCAT? EDITION 7
Inspi AW 2015 Cover final v2.indd 1
LICENCE TO THRILL: JAMES BOND THROUGH THE AGES CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC: NEW OFFICES FOR THE INNOVATIVE BRAND AGENCY
SPRING/SUMMER 2015
SPRING/SUMMER 2015
in this edition...
29/04/2015 16:25