Birmingham
CATE in this edition...
CATE BLANCHETT – A look at the glittering career of a Hollywood great 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACADEMY AWARDS – Shining a spotlight on the Oscars INTERIOR STYLE GUIDE – Keep your home bang on trend THE INVICTUS GAMES – A look back on the world’s most inspirational sporting event INFLUENCER CHAMPIONS – Utilising the power of influencer marketing
AUTUMN/WINTER 2017
BLANCHET T
60 YEARS OF ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY
51 Queens Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5JX, Tel: 02476 347038
Editor Sophia Hayes
Birmingham
Sales Director Sophia Hayes Features Editors Frankie Sparano Matthew Hayes Advertising Executives Kristi Douglas
editor’s note It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 12th edition of Inspirational Birmingham which will provide you with an interesting
Features Writers Conor Davies Rebecca Hales Luke Vials Kellie Tillyer Emma Richardson Richard Padmore
read as the nights draw in. Brimming with the latest in fashion trends, sporting highlights, the finest places to eat and completed with some of the best social events
Senior Designers Kristian Goodeve Terri Burton
we have attended and hosted throughout the year, this edition has
Designers Liam Creek Annie Taylor Geoff Sanders
mainstay on the Hollywood scene, she is a beloved part of the silver
Photography Kristian Goodeve Antonia Doyle Web Development Amad Tababa Dee Adetokunbo Joris Girdzijauskas Tatenda Chuma Jeff Reeve Van Duong
Contributors
Libby Johnson Robert Johnson Richard Vickery Janine Edwards Tara Robinson
Katie Niland Simon Barrs Richard Wallace Gail Webb
shaped up to be the best yet. The magazine starts with a six-page feature on Cate Blanchett. A screen having starred in more than 60 films to-date with three more to come in 2018. With the actress showing no signs of slowing down, Inspirational Birmingham looks closer at the actress behind the awards and how her own dissatisfaction with her performances are counteracted by critics, fans and co-stars alike. Also in the Beauty, Health and Lifestyle section is a women’s gift guide featuring carefully selected pieces from Harvey Nichols and a celebration of the Academy Awards on its 90th birthday. For those that prefer the thrill that sport brings, this edition of Inspirational Birmingham takes a look at the history of The Ashes which will see England and Australia meet for the 70th time this year as well as a roundup of the summer’s ever-successful Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship which took place at Warwickshire’s Nailcote Hall. Our restaurant guide offers a breakdown of the finest places to dine in the thriving Birmingham restaurant community, featuring some delicious dishes ideal for everyone’s palate. Our Business and Finance section will then shed a light on some of the region’s most successful companies and entrepreneurs giving an insight into what it takes to make it in the world of business. Rounding up the magazine are the social pages, and as ever Inspirational Birmingham attended a whole host of high-profile events this year including the Birmingham Post Sports Awards, Coventry Telegraph Sports Awards and a networking breakfast at Searcys at the Gherkin. So, whatever your plans are this autumn/winter season, be sure to grab your copy of Inspirational
www.inspirational.uk.com
Birmingham and enjoy reading as the colder months set in!
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
Sophia Hayes Editor
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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham Magazine or any featured parties.
Sophia pictured with the Hayes family (from l-r): Matthew Hayes (Managing Director), Jack Hayes (Director), Donna Hayes (Director), John Hayes (CEO), Roxanna Hayes (Operations Director), Sophia Hayes (Sales Director) and Louisa Hayes (Project Manager).
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
Cate Blanchett......................................... 8
The Star Wars Phenomenon................52
Cookers of Distinction..........................88
A look at one of Hollywood’s most loved actresses
Highfield Dental.................................... 20 Birmingham’s premier dentist giving you the perfect smile
Richard Wallace Hair............................22 Get that salon style look with Richard Wallace Hair
Women’s Style Guide Harvey Nichols...........................30 Stay on trend this autumn/winter
Mailbox.................................................. 32 Birmingham’s most stylish shopping destination
20 Years of Harry Potter...................... 46 Celebrating two decades of everyone’s favourite boy wizard
Amplify................................................... 48 VIP hospitality for you
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How a galaxy far, far, away continues to delight audiences
History of The Ashes.............................58
Marking the 70th meeting of this iconic sporting rivalry
Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship....................................... .66 Highlights from the region’s favourite golf tournament
Farmfoods European Senior Masters.......................................74
The latest event on the European Senior Tour
Bespoke Tailor........................................80 Dress to impress, whatever the occasion
Men’s Style Guide Harvey Nichols......82 Look stylish this autumn/winter
Velocity Track Days...............................86 Take to the track like a pro
Experts in kitchen and outdoor appliances
Autumn/Winter Interior Trends...........90 For all your interior inspirations
JES...........................................................92 Specialists in extraction and cooking appliances
Choice Finance.......................................94 Helping home owners negotiate the world of mortgages
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102 FINE DINING GUIDE
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Fuss Free Flavours Introduces….…......96
Mythe Barn.......................................... 102
Cielo.........................................................97 Paul Leary...............................................98 The Restaurant at Broadway Casino...................................99 Finest Catch........................................ 100
The perfect venue for your event
Hyatt Hotel.......................................... 104
SOCIAL AND NETWORKING Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship Champions Club at Edgbaston Cricket Ground
One of Birmingham’s most luxurious hotels
UK Agency Awards
Broadway Casino................................ 106
Tony Jacklin CBE Charity Invitational
Experience live sport and gaming
Janine Edwards................................... 111 Principal Partner, at St James’s Place Wealth Management
Influencer Champions........................ 116
Birmingham Post Sports Awards Coventry Telegraph Sports Awards National Tribute Music Awards
The rise of influencer marketing
The Dorchester Celebrity Charity Ball
Thomas International......................... 120
Vordere Legends Ball
Helping employees perform to their best
Harvey Nichols Autumn/Winter 2017 Fashion Show Friday Night Kitchen- Cure Leukaemia event Networking Breakfast at Searcys at The Gherkin Liberty House Group Track Day with Johnny Herbert
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
THE CURIOUS CASE OF
CATE B LA
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AN C H ETT
With a steady stream of new actors and actresses finding their way onto the big screen each year, it’s fair to assume that many stars have a short shelf life in Hollywood. While this may be the case for some, there is handful of talent that have – through their sheer skill and popularity – become a mainstay on the Hollywood scene. With two Oscars, three Golden Globes and three BAFTAs, to name but a few, Cate Blanchett is one woman that has secured herself a spot in Hollywood’s history books.
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“I WANTED TO WORK WITH CATE BLANCHETT. SHE IS ONE OF THE FIVE GREATEST MOVIE ACTRESSES OF HER GENERATION.” Alec Baldwin Australian-born Cate made her big screen debut in 1997 and has gone on to star in many blockbuster hits. In fact, Cate has starred in some of the world’s most successful film franchises including The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) trilogy and The Hobbit series (2012-2015). She has also been a key part in gritty feature films such as Babel (2006), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) and Truth (2015). With a C.V. as impressive as Cate’s, and having been hailed by many as one of the Hollywood greats, many would presume that she is a confident actress but even after 20 years at the top of her game, she has been known to describe herself as “eternally dissatisfied.” Cate’s early roles set the scene for her distinguished career opting for roles in the gritty Paradise Road (1997) and the poignant Oscar and Lucinda (1997). However, it was Cate’s game-changing turn in Shekhar Kapur’s 1998 film Elizabeth, where she took on the iconic role of Queen Elizabeth I, which saw her rise to the top of directors’ casting lists.
The irony of Cate’s high standards with her performances reared its ugly head once filming for Elizabeth had wrapped. In an interview with The Guardian she admitted that she phoned her agent, saying, “I’ve ended my career before it’s even begun!” This went on to be the film that saw her win her first ever BAFTA and Golden Globe award. The deep dissatisfaction she feels is not down to lack of praise, though. Quite the contrary in fact, the directors that followed Shekhar, to feature Cate in their films, have always been quick to give her praise. Casting her in his 1999 film, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Anthony Minghella spoke highly of her acting talent “Blanchett is the Bach of acting, giving the lie to the myth that artists have to lead eccentric or destructive lives in order to be any good […] she talks about the shedding of skin when acting and I think she shares this with only a handful of her peers - Juliet Stevenson, Juliette Binoche and Meryl Streep among them - the hotline to the heart, the glimpse of soul, tiny flashes of joy and pain. It’s as if she is letting you into her secrets.”
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Cate is a director’s dream – professional, knowledgeable, versatile and accurate, but not an obsessive perfectionist, making her a pleasure to work with. Woody Allen was another director to notice this. In 2013, the acclaimed director cast her as New York socialite Jasmine, in his film Blue Jasmine. He said of her casting: “She was my first choice. She’s not the only great actress in the world but she is certainly one of the few great actresses in the world.” Cate thrived in the role and although it presented her with one of her most challenging parts to date, her stunning performance went on to win her, her second Oscar (the first came in 2009 after her performance in Aviator), a BAFTA and a SAGA award. As one of Hollywood’s most beautiful and put-together women, it could be easy to assume life has been easy for Cate, however her life of stardom could have been very different, with her teens tainted by tragedy.
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On 14 May 1969 Catherine Blanchett, was born in sunny Melbourne, Australia, to parents June and Robert but ten years later tragedy ripped Cate’s nuclear upbringing apart. The passing of her father when she was just 10 years old has been, and will undoubtedly still be, the topic for many interviews, with journalists seeking to find cracks in the effortless grace of Cate. Understandably, wanting to brush over the topic, Cate always tackles it with dignity, and once explained to The New Yorker that she doesn’t “necessarily need to consciously understand [her] past.” It was a situation which could have seen Cate spiral out of control as many have done before her. Instead, she was encouraged to continue her education, attending Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School followed by the Methodist Ladies’ College. It was at the latter that she began exploring the idea of a career in acting. Her education ended at the National Institute of Dramatic Art from where she graduated in 1992.
In 1996 Cate met her husband Andrew Upton in what became quite the whirlwind romance. Engaged after just 21 days of meeting, and married in December 1997, Andrew and Cate have four children together and are considered one of Hollywood’s most rock-solid partnerships. 2017 marks their 20th anniversary. Despite a busy home life, Cate isn’t one to take her foot off the pedal and 2018 will also see Cate grace our screens once again for not just one, but three, very different films – The Jungle Book Origins, Where’d You Go, Bernadette?, and Ocean’s Eight. The latter is perhaps the most highly anticipated and will see her work alongside the likes of Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock and Helena Bonham Carter. This female remake of the billion-dollar Oceans trilogy will follow seven female thieves as they embark on a huge bank heist.
CO-STAR COMPLIMENTS Alec Baldwin: “I wanted to work with Cate Blanchett. She is one of the five greatest movie actresses of her generation.” Brad Pitt: “Cate Blanchett is mesmerising. I don’t know why. It’s beyond my understanding. Why we all want to work with her is she elevates the rest of us. She’s just got some ethereal grace and elegance that’s beyond me, and an acute understanding of human nature. She’s just exquisite. She’s otherworldly.” Rooney Mara: “Just working with someone who you think is the best at what you do. It’s terrifying to stand beside them and try to do it with them.” Ashley Greene: “I love Cate Blanchett. She’s extremely classy and has this knack for taking on roles and being very, very strong, but also embedding vulnerability. She has this relatable quality. I like the path she chose.” Kate Bosworth: “When I watch people like Cate Blanchett act, I don’t know what is going on in her life, you just get lost in her performance and that’s what I hope to do so well.”
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Geiko, the home of hairdressing excellence and beautiful hair Geiko is an exclusive five star hair salon located in the heart of Leamington Spa offering exceptional all-round standards of hairdressing skills and customer service. An independent, award-winning salon, Geiko is shamelessly unique and endeavours to ‘set the standard’ in every sphere of hairdressing. Fashionable Geiko enjoys the highest accolade of being a ‘Prestige Salon’ for some of the most luxurious hair brands, including Balmain Hair, Shu Uemura, Windle and Moodie and L’Oreal, while having Gold Star status with the Fellowship of British Hairdressing. Quality and attention to detail is at every touchpoint. The experience starts with the salon’s very calming Japanese inspired décor, stylishly created by renowned London interior designers. The ambience effectively depicts the essence of Geiko, which means ‘Woman of Art’ in Japanese. Geiko’s highly-skilled stylists and colour technicians have been educated at prestigious London training academies, and this training continues on an ongoing basis. Never complacent, education is at the heart of the Geiko philosophy and why standards, and customer satisfaction, are consistently high. It also means that the very latest techniques in the hairdressing industry are being used at Geiko, frequently paralleled to a London salon experience. The menu of services on offer is extensive, ranging from cutting and styling, to specialist colour techniques, indulgent hair treatments, permanent hair straightening and the most fabulous human hair extensions from Balmain Hair. Geiko’s friendly, very experienced team are extremely talented and motivated. They listen and give advice when needed on style, colour and the health of hair. Above all, they are passionate about creating beautiful hair to suit you, your personality and your lifestyle. At Geiko, every client is individual. And that’s what makes the salon very special. It is why clients travel from all over the UK, and even overseas, for their hair appointment at Geiko. To make an appointment call the Geiko team on: 01926 885859 or to view the complete range of services available, visit: www.geiko.co.uk 12 Park Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4QN Car parking is available on Park Street and adjacent streets or next door in the Royal Priors car park.
Finalist for
INDULGENCE
AWAITS
THE ART DECO GLAMOUR. THE SIGNATURE SPA TREATMENTS. THE SENSE OF SERENITY. THE FEELING OF CALM. THE ULTIMATE IN PAMPERING. THE DORCHESTER SPA.
LONDON
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+44 20 7629 8888 TheDorchester
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DORCHESTERCOLLECTION.COM TheDorchester
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Re-shape, re-sculpt and re-define what you know about fat loss with CoolSculpting® When it comes to looking and feeling great we all know that eating the right foods and getting active will leave us fitter, trimmer and healthier.
of research and development, with over 1.5 million patients worldwide reporting that they are happy with the results of their treatment.
However, there are times when despite our best efforts, stubborn areas of fat remain, spoiling the silhouette we are trying to achieve.
Developed by Harvard University scientists, the science behind CoolSculpting® is based around the idea of freezing pockets of fat cells which can then be broken down and eliminated naturally from the body.
Thankfully, there is a non-invasive solution that can help people achieve their body goals and is available from leading dental and aesthetics practice - Highfield Dental Clinic, based in Edgbaston. In partnership with Yugen, Highfield’s Dr Assadi and Dr Holloran offer a full range of medical and aesthetic services which complement the wide range of services already offered at the clinic. Along with smile and facial rejuvenation treatments, including fillers and botox, the increasingly popular, body sculpting treatment, CoolSculpting® is now also available. A non-invasive and safe procedure, CoolSculpting® delivers outstanding results in just a matter of weeks. While the impressive results - which include a smoother, sleeker silhouette - are enough to recommend CoolSculpting® to those looking to lose inches around those stubborn areas, the treatment offers other benefits too. Popular around the world, CoolSculpting® involves no needles, creates minimal discomfort, requires no anaesthetic and no downtime following treatment, unlike other sculpting procedures such as liposuction. Designed to permanently remove those stubborn areas of ‘pinchable fat’, CoolSculpting® technology is born of 17 years
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So, what can clients expect from a CoolSculpting® appointment? Following an initial screening process, cooling plates are gently applied to the desired area which set to work removing heat from the fat cells, effectively freezing the fat, causing the fat cells to die. CoolSculpting® practitioner at Highfield’s, Dr Holloran, who is both a GP and aesthetician, is clear on the benefits this revolutionary procedure offers: “Over the years, I have met many patients who have been disappointed with the results from traditional and Vaser liposuction procedures.” She continued: “In many cases patients suffered from pain, bruising, swelling, leakage and bleeding at the suction sites, resulting in infection, immobility, time off work and in some cases, a persistent lumpy contour – with CoolSculpting® clients can get permanent fat reduction without these kinds of complications and side effects.” “With CoolSculpting®” concluded Dr Holloran, “clients can resculpt their body, targeting those troublesome areas including inner thighs, stomach and waist, to achieve the shape they have always wanted; giving them the body confidence they deserve.”
BEFORE
8 WEEKS AFTER
9 WEEKS AFTER
First CoolSculpting® Session
Second CoolSculpting® Session Photos courtesy of Edward Becker, MD
BEFORE
8 WEEKS AFTER
4 WEEKS AFTER
First CoolSculpting® Session
Second CoolSculpting® Session Photos courtesy of Daniel Behroozan, MD
For more information on CoolSculpting® including the pre-procedure screening process, call the Highfield Dental Clinic team on 0121 455 6974 or email reception@sagroups.co.uk. Highfield Dental Clinic Highfield House, 2 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3ED www.highfielddental.co.uk
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1st Floor Quintet House | 681 War wick Road | Solihull | B91 3DA
@SemilacUK 18 |
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Semilacuk
0121 709 3784
Semilac_uk
info@semilac.co.uk
A shining example - businesswoman, Monika Shine, on what it takes to succeed Monika Shine, like many women, has a full-on life. Two children, a commitment to staying in shape and a business to run, Monika is focused, driven and very busy and thanks to her growing success, looks set to stay that way.
As CEO of successful hybrid nail polish brand, Semilac, Monika has been instrumental in bringing this leading Polish brand to UK audiences.
Full of ideas and drive to succeed, one thing is for sure, with Monika, Semilac is in safe hands.
Dominating the Polish nailcare market, Semilac is a big deal in its home nation and with her insight and business acumen, Monika was able to see the potential of bringing this hardwearing, high-quality nail polish to the UK.
The Semilac Experience…
To many, Monika’s move into the beauty industry may have seemed like a shot in the dark, after all she had no experience of working within this sector. However, having previously enjoyed a successful career in property development, she knew she had the drive, commitment and the management skills to succeed. “While I had no direct experience of the beauty industry,” explained Monika, “I do understand business, and so I focused on learning as I much as can about Semilac, nail care and the beauty business as a whole.”
Semilac boasts an extensive range of over 130 colours, meaning that whatever your mood, or outfit, there is a colour to complement! With trend-led colours and formulations available as well as easy to wear shades, which are perfect for every day wear, Semilac is the yearround choice for women of all ages. Semilac is also great for those whose time is precious. Thanks to its outstanding formulation fewer coats are required, meaning a salonquality manicure can be delivered in no time at all! The benefits of choosing Semilac include: •
Easy to apply
Monika’s focus has paid off and under her direction Semilac has grown in the UK. In less than two years the business has gone from having no proper infrastructure to having a thriving online presence, a salon, a nail academy and a range of stockists.
•
Salon quality finish
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Long lasting
•
No chipping
Having already achieved so much doesn’t mean that Monika will be taking her foot off the gas any time soon:
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No smudging
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Wide choice of colours
“We are always looking at ways to innovate, whether that is through the fashion-forward colours we launch each season or through the innovative techniques we bring to the industry. This will continue as we look to break into the market even further - taking on the big names who currently dominate.”
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Easy online ordering
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Suitable for home or salon use
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Range of accessories also available
One way in which Semilac is looking to boost its brand profile is through an empowering new campaign, which Monika outlines: “I am really excited about our Beauty Without Compromise campaign, which sees us working with female brand ambassadors from the world of sport, who despite having physically demanding working lives, still aspire to have beautiful nails.”
With an effortlessly professional finish time and again and offering so many possibilities, Semilac looks set to continue to rise.
To find out more, including the choice of training courses available at the Semilac Nail Academy:
e: info@semilac.co.uk
t: 0121 709 3784
The campaign is gathering momentum and Olympic gold medallists, hockey player Giselle Ansley MBE and three-time world champion track cyclist, Dani King MBE are both on board. Along with delivering quality nail care, Monika is clear that she wants Semilac clients to experience so much more: “We want choosing Semilac, whether in our Solihull salon or in one of our approved Semilac stockist salons, to be a positive experience.” She continued: “Feedback from clients is that they enjoy the personal service we offer and that they can’t wait to book their next appointment!”
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
HIGHFIELD DENTAL CLINIC Find your freedom to smile at Highfield Dental Clinic The importance of a beautiful smile shouldn’t be underestimated. Smiling is an essential part of interacting with others, helping to reassure, build bonds and communicate feelings. Whether it is missing, crooked, stained or cracked teeth, for those unhappy with their smile the impact can be allconsuming. Not only leading to a reluctance to smile, problem teeth can cause more serious issues with speech and eating. Highfield Dental Clinic, based in Edgbaston, Birmingham, are experts in smile rejuvenation, helping to perfect their patients’ smiles, giving them the confidence to laugh and smile again. Treatment plans may include one or a combination of treatments depending on the desired result a patient is aiming to achieve. From the initial free consultation with the clinic’s treatment coordinator, all options are discussed and explained. Practising dentistry for over 20 years, Highfield’s Dr Nazanin Shona-Assadi and Dr Fash Shoja-Assadi understand the importance of a confidence boosting smile.
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Having undergone orthodontic treatment herself, Dr Nazanin Shona-Assadi knows how dramatically it can change a person’s self-esteem. Patients often report having been unhappy with their smile for many, many years, feeling there is nothing that can be done about it. With patients often feeling hopeless, frightened and insecure, the Highfield team aim to create a friendly, supportive and calming environment where even those patients with a fear of the dentist and/or procedure can feel comfortable as their smile dreams and goals come true. The private clinic offers outstanding levels of client care and along with delivering solutions in terms of dental aesthetics, Highfield Dental Clinic also provide general dentistry too, including emergency care and children’s dental treatments.
For more details on the complete range of services, including smile makeovers and preventative dentistry, call 0121 455 6974 or email reception@sagroups.co.uk
Dr Fash and his team are at the very top of their game. Trust me, you will not find a better, more sensitive, more knowledgeable dentist anywhere in the world. - Aidan Keane
Highfield Dental Clinic has helped me achieve the smile I have always wanted. I have always tried to keep a nice appearance, but felt my teeth let me down. When getting ready to go out I’d look at my friends’ teeth and feel a dent in my confidence no matter how good my clothes or hair looked. At Highfield Dental Clinic I have never felt under pressure or pushed into anything and every member of staff did everything they could to make me feel comfortable. Now my treatment is complete I have the smile I’ve always wanted! My smile is even better than what I expected, I’m so happy with the result! Thank you!
- Jenni Making cosmetic dentistry available to all, treatments on offer include: • Cosmetic smile makeover • Orthodontics, including ‘invisible’ braces • Dental implants • Porcelain veneers • Porcelain crowns • Dental bridges • Tooth coloured fillings • Dentures
Highfield Dental Clinic Highfield House, 2 Highfield Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3ED www.highfielddental.co.uk
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Let your hair down and celebrate with Richard Wallace Hairdressing! 2017 has turned into a year of celebration for premier West Midlands hairdressers, Richard Wallace Hairdressing. Marking the salon’s 25th year, 2017 has also seen the company, which is located in Solihull, scoop the coveted ‘Salon of the Year’ award at the prestigious British Hairdressing Business Awards! Winning the award will come as no surprise to clients of Richard Wallace Hairdressing who are used to the exceptional service, creativity and attention to customer care that you would expect of an award-winning salon. Offering a wide range of services for women, men and children, the salon offers everything from a volumizing blow dry to specialist colouring techniques including balayage and pastel palettes. With a legacy spanning some 25 years, the 30-strong Richard Wallace Hairdressing team know what it takes to be a salon that clients come back to time and again. Providing a complete experience, before treatment begins, clients have the opportunity for a 360° consultation with their stylist. This gives every client the chance to discuss their hair goals and for the stylist to understand whether they want a low maintenance cut or are willing to style their hair every day. Putting the client at the heart of everything they do, the 2,500sq ft state-of-the-art salon, which is now double its original size, has been designed to offer a sanctuary from the stress and strains of modern life. With its contemporary design, clients can relax in style while a member of the team works their magic. With a team made up of senior directors, directors, senior designers, designers and graduate stylists, the next generation of hair styling professionals are also encouraged, with talented future professionals given the opportunity to learn their craft. With an estimated 35,000 hairdressing salons in the UK, receiving such an award is high-praise indeed as salon director, Richard Wallace describes: “It’s amazing to be recognised for all of our hard work and it’s so important to balance business with the creative side of the industry. I’d like to thank our amazing team, we couldn’t do this without them!” With the perfect blend of talent, care and fashion-forward thinking, one thing is for sure, the future is bright for Richard Wallace Hairdressing.
To book an appointment contact: T: 0121 705 8070 | W: www.richardwallacehair.co.uk Shelly Farm Shopping Centre | 5 Farmhouse Way | Monkspath Solihull | West Midlands | B90 4EH
rwhairsolihull
RWallaceHair
Salon of the Year 2017 W
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Shelly Farm Shopping Centre
t. 0121 705 8070
w. www.richardwallacehair.co.uk rwhairsolihull
@RWallaceHair
BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
VELVET UNDERGROUND Take your look back to the nineties this party season with fashion’s most luxuriously tactile fabric. Get crushing on elegant velvet dresses, playsuits and jackets as AW17 captures Gothic nostalgia. LISA PIDDINGTON, from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM, selects her dramatic favourites. All items are available from Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox, Birmingham, via Style Concierge or online at harveynichols.com
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1: Galvan satin and velvet jumpsuit, £1,050.
4: Sophie Hulme velvet box clutch, £575.
7: Gestuz velvet robe, £200.
2: Gianvito Rossi velvet and perspex pumps, £540.
5: Loeffler Randal velvet mules, £400.
8: Three Floor velvet and lace dress, £270.
3: Self Portrait velvet blazer, £320.
6: Gestuz ruffle trim velvet dress, £140.
9: Roland Mouret velvet top, £795.
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AA SMALL HOTEL GROUP OF THE YEAR 2014 - 2015
THE GREENWAY HOTEL & SPA The Greenway Hotel & Spa is a 16th century luxury Elizabethan manor house hotel and spa. The 21 bedroom hotel, with its warm Cotswold stone exterior is the picture of English country charm and lies in eight acres of stunning grounds with views over the rolling Cotswold Hills.
MALLORY COURT HOTEL & SPA
BUCKLAND TOUT-SAINTS
THE KINGS HOTEL
THE ARDEN HOTEL & HOUSE
BROCKENCOTE HALL
THE GREENWAY HOTEL & SPA
THE MOUNT SOMERSET
BOVEY CASTLE
Each hotel in the collection has been selected for the unique qualities it offers; the beautiful architecture, outstanding food, peaceful surroundings and the sense of total escape and relaxation we offer each and every guest who step into our hotels. MALLORY COURT COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA is the matriarch of the hotels and has a pedigree and history that has long been associated with great hotel keeping. Guests to Mallory inevitably fall in love with this 43 bedroom country house hotel and it now boasts Warwickshire’s newest luxury spa. BUCKLAND TOUT-SAINTS is a stunning William and Mary manor house set in its own valley, surrounded by 4 acres of beautifully tended gardens and woodland. The breathtaking 16 bedroom hotel is located in the heart of Devon and is just a short drive from the south coast and the international sailing centre of Salcombe.
THE KINGS HOTEL is an idyllic town house combining traditional character with contemporary style to create a relaxed and welcoming home away from home in the beautiful village of Chipping Campden, Cotswolds. THE ARDEN HOTEL is an elegant and sophisticated 45 bedroom boutique hotel in the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The Arden’s sophisticated and contemporary take on a boutique hotel has won her admirers from across the globe. With the RSC for a neighbour what theatre goer could ask for more? ARDEN HOUSE is an elegant, inviting and relaxed 10 bedroom townhouse in the heart of Stratford-Upon-Avon, where you are invited to sit at the “family home style” dining table during breakfast and to join guests for afternoon tea or evening drinks. Relax anywhere in the house. Help yourself to treats from the pantry. Sip from drinks at the bar whilst enjoying surroundings that are set with thoughtful and personal touches.
BROCKENCOTE HALL is a newly refurbished Victorian country manor house hotel set in 70 acres of beautiful parkland, complete with a scenic lake, tennis court and restored dovecote. The award-winning dining experience is enhanced by panoramic rural views across the Worcestershire estate and a superb wine cellar. THE MOUNT SOMERSET HOTEL & SPA is a stunning 19 bedroom Regency country house hotel, set in four acres of beautiful grounds. With its high ceilings, sweeping spiral staircase, opulent decor and a feeling of gentle elegance and luxury, The Mount Somerset has all the characteristics of a quintessential English Regency mansion. BOVEY CASTLE is a country estate situated on Dartmoor National Park. The 5-star luxury resort boasts private country lodges, a host of outdoor pursuits including shooting and falconry, an 18 hole championship golf course and a luxury spa.
Mallory Court Hotel - Leamington Spa, Warwickshire • Buckland Tout-Saints - Kingsbridge, Devon • The Kings Hotel - Chipping Campden The Arden Hotel - Stratford upon Avon • Arden House - Stratford upon Avon • Brockencote Hall Hotel - Worcestershire The Greenway Hotel and Spa - Cheltenham • The Mount Somerset Hotel and Spa - Taunton, Devon • Bovey Castle - Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Award-winning Cuisine • Corporate Events • Weddings & Celebrations
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5 Stars for Bovey Castle 4 Stars for The Mount Bovey Castle has been awarded five Red Stars by the AA for its exceptional hospitality. Five Red Stars is the highest accolade awarded by the AA and is only awarded to the most outstanding of hotels. In order to achieve the prestigious five Red-Star AA rating, the hotel has passed a stringent list of inspections covering all aspects of service, food, bedrooms, bathrooms and cleanliness. Sir Peter Rigby, Owner, The Eden Hotel Collection, said “Since the Eden Hotel Collection acquired Bovey Castle in 2014 we have been on a journey to bring Bovey back to life. We committed to a huge financial investment, encompassing restoration work and a complete refurbishment; we are delighted to achieve our key objective, in that Bovey Castle is now recognised as a firstclass destination hotel in the South West.”
Eden Hotel Collection acquired Bovey Castle in 2014 and embarked on a meticulous £10 million investment at the hotel. Set in 275 acres of countryside within Dartmoor National Park, the flagship property has 60 bedrooms, 22 lodges, an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts and an Elan Spa complete with Art Deco swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, treatment rooms and a dedicated Gentlemen’s Quarter. Country pursuits on offer include falconry, cider and sloe gin-making and off-road driving. Its flagship restaurant the Great Western is overseen by talented Head Chef Mark Budd and is the proud recipient of 3 AA Rosettes for its culinary excellence.
The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa near Taunton is delighted to announce it has been awarded four Red Stars by the AA, making it one of the finest examples of a four-star hotel in Somerset. Sir Peter Rigby, Owner, The Eden Hotel Collection, said “We are thrilled that The Mount Somerset continues to perform to an outstanding level and we are delighted to celebrate the hotel’s ongoing success and its newly-awarded four Red Stars.”
Mark Chambers, Managing Director, Eden Hotel Collection, added “We are delighted that the AA has recognised the hard-working teams at both Bovey Castle and The Mount Somerset over the past year. The dedicated teams at both hotels are committed to providing the exceptional levels of service and hospitality which underpin everything that we do.”
New Elan Spa for Mallory Court Hotel
Luxury Spa • Boutique Nail Bar • Dining Vitality & Hydrotherapy Pool Membership Packages • Stylish Bedrooms Thermal Retreat • Outdoor hot tubs Treatment rooms Elan Spa at Mallory Court is the ultimate spa experience in Warwickshire. Tucked amongst the trees in Mallory’s glorious grounds, the spa is a peaceful retreat where you can de-stress in sublime, state of the art facilities whilst gazing over quintessential English gardens. Guests and members are able to unwind in the thermal retreat, bathe in the vitality pool or relax amongst nature in the outdoor hot tubs with a view then indulge in spa rituals and treatments to rebalance mind, body and spirit for an unforgettable voyage of the senses.
From its elevated and rural position near Taunton, The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa is an impressive Regency country house with a 3 AA Rosette restaurant and wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. The Somerset Dining Room serves delicious seasonal fare with awardwinning Head Chef Mark Potts using prime local ingredients.
Reader Offers at Bovey Castle
Reader Offers at The Mount
Reader Offers at Mallory Spa
Dine with Us Receive a complimentary glass of Champagne on arrival when dining from the Great Western’s Tasting Menu
Dine with Us Recieve a complimentary glass of Champagne to celebrate our award when you book a table of two or more taking 3 courses from our A la carte menu.
Spa Day - £89.00 per person Inclusive of 55 minute ESPA treatment per person, ESPA Rhassoul Treatment per person, two course lunch or full Afternoon Tea with a glass of champagne and morning or afternoon use of the spa.
Valid Tuesday to Saturday from 1st October to 20th December
£85.00 per person Dine & Stay with Us Stay overnight in a Classic room, enjoy a 7 course Tasting Menu in the Great Western, a glass of Champagne and full English breakfast the following morning. From £349.00 per couple per night Valid Tuesday to Saturday from 1st October to 20th December
CALL TO BOOK 01647 445000
Valid from 1st October to 30th November
Dine & Stay with Us Receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne when booking a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay with us throughout October quoting ‘Red Stars’ when booking. Valid throughout October
Midweek Spa Break - £194.00 per person One nights’ accommodation in a superior deluxe bedroom, 55 minute ESPA treatment per person (choose from Express Facial and Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage; Skin Specific Facial or Aromatherapy Massage), ESPA Rhassoul Treatment per person, three course dinner in the Brasserie, full English breakfast. T&Cs apply. Valid until end of March 2018 subject to availability. Mon- Thu Only
CALL TO BOOK 01823 442500
CALL TO BOOK 01926 330214
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An oasis in the heart of Warwickshire… Providing an opportunity to stop, unwind and be pampered, Elan Spa at Mallory Court is the perfect getaway. Part of the exclusive Eden Hotel Collection, which includes nine stunning properties, the spa has been purpose-built within the pictureperfect grounds of Mallory Court Hotel. Providing a perfect base to explore this beautiful part of the country, places of interest, such as the historic Warwick Castle, are close by. Designed to blend sympathetically with its surroundings, the spa includes vitality and hydrotherapy pools, a thermal retreat, fitness suite and offers a wide range of luxurious treatments for both men and women. Road testing the spa, for Inspirational Birmingham’s readers, is editor of the magazine, Sophia Hayes… “The first thing to notice about the spa,” said Sophia, “is its beautiful surroundings. Landscaped gardens and established trees set the scene for a relaxed, peaceful and quintessentially English experience.” On her visit to the spa, Sophia was treated to a full body massage which saw the expert therapist work out knots and soothe away stresses to leave her feeling relaxed and pampered, with beautifully soft skin. As you would expect from a leading spa venue, Elan Spa uses only the finest products from top brands. “The products used can really make or break a spa treatment” commented Sophia, “thankfully at Elan Spa the products used are beautiful on the skin, indulgent and deliver results.” Brands used by the spa’s team of therapists include IIa, an organic, luxury skincare brand, renowned spa-brand, ESPA and ORLY nail and hand care products.
An extensive range of treatments are available, and for those with particular needs, the spa offers targeted treatments, such as age restore facials, facials for sensitive skin and treatments for the delicate eye area. Body treatments including massages and scrubs are also on offer as are body wraps. Alongside skincare, the spa offers a series of wellbeing treatments, each designed to rebalance and restore. Experiences include the Bio Rhythms treatment which is for those experiencing jet lag or feeling out of sync and the Adreno Restore treatment which has been designed for those suffering with burn out, exhaustion and hormonal imbalance. With the relaxation taken care of, visitors can also indulge in beauty treatments including waxing, manicure and make-up – seeing them look and feel great. As Sophia points out, when it comes to dining, the spa offers something different… “The Elan Spa has thought of every detail when it comes to caring for its clients and the food on offer is no exception!” She continued: “Its range of healthy-choice, Asian-inspired, dishes make a refreshing change from the usual food on offer at spa venues.” “With so much effort spent on the outside, it is only right that what you put into your body is beneficial too. With this in mind, the spa offers freshly prepared and cooked oriental dishes such as mixed dumplings with sweet chilli dipping sauce, grilled prawn, egg noodles, ginger and corriander broth and panko crusted chicken, steamed rice and mild curry sauce.” A perfect getaway for individuals, the spa is also an ideal place for get togethers. With treatments for men and women on offer it makes a great romantic getaway for a special anniversary or the perfect place to come together as a hen party or, with its choice of mum-to-be treatments, a baby shower. A range of complete spa packages are available including full and half day options as well as full weekend getaways.
To book call, 01926 330214, email elanspa@mallory.co.uk or visit www.mallory.co.uk/spa/ to find out more.
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Add a touch of luxury to your Christmas with a range of rose gold gifts from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM. Here's our choice of perfectly picked presents guaranteed to delight this festive season.
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1. Fenty Beauty Match Stix trio, £46
4. Sophia Webster winged sandals, £525
2. Olivia Burton watch, £95
5. Pinko sequinned dress, £620
3. Dinny Hall lotus petal stud earrings, £120
6. Custom FX Custom Enhancer Drops, £34
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7. Iconic London contour and conceal brush set, £43
10. Harvey Nichols The Sweet Life hamper, £125
8. Aidan Mattox cocktail dress, £315
11. Sophia Webster box clutch, £550
9. Perrier Jouët Belle Époque Rosé 06, £210
12. Lola Rose ring, £550
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Download the new Mailbox app from the App Store now
mailboxlife.com
BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
NEW SEASON, NEW MAILBOX, NEW YOU It’s an exciting time at Birmingham’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination this season as the Mailbox launches its cutting-edge integrated app and welcomes a raft of luxury homeware brands.
NEW FOR YOU A world-first in retail, the Mailbox’s recently-launched integrated app takes personalised shopping to a completely new level. Using location-aware technology and permitted data insight, the app recognises and communicates with customers in real-time before they arrive, during and after their visits, and gives them access to unique tailored content and rewards. At the heart of the new app is the Exclusive Club – a first of its kind loyalty scheme that rewards customers for every pound spent in the Mailbox, from the car park, shops, restaurants and bars to the salons, cinema and hotels. In addition to accessing the Mailbox’s super high speed Wi-Fi, app users can browse a catalogue of products and add them to a personal wishlist, make table reservations and pre-order food at participating Mailbox restaurants, book tickets to Mailbox events, and read and interact with the brand new Mailbox Life digital magazine, all without leaving the app.
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HOMEWARES AT THE MAILBOX Two of the leading names in interiors have opened at the Mailbox this autumn, launching a significant new homewares offering in the city. Heal’s and MADE.COM are the headline brands to open at the new 20,000 sq ft homewares section on Level 1 at the Mailbox, creating the ultimate destination for homewares in Birmingham. Marking the first showrooms in the Midlands for both Heal’s and MADE.COM, the brands will be joined by a collection of other homewares, furnishings and accessories retailers including Danish brand BoConcept and Italian smart design experts, Calligaris, famous for giving design lovers the opportunity to create bespoke pieces of stylish, practical furniture since 1923. The Design Quarter will feature a design-led, curated collection of contemporary furniture including Content by Conran and SITS, the innovative upholstered hand-made furniture brand, together with Wesley Barrell. Based in Oxfordshire, Wesley Barrell has been handcrafting bespoke upholstery, sofas and armchairs since 1895. The new Homewares at the Mailbox offering will complement existing names including Kitchen Gallery SieMatic, Castle Fine Art, Fine & Country and lighting specialist, iLite.
AWARD-WINNING PARKING The Mailbox’s award-winning 24 hour access car park is a secure and convenient place for you to park during your visit. Plus, with a contactless and Apple Pay car parking system, you can effortlessly tap-and-go with your card or phone and you’re all done: the fastest, easiest and most sophisticated way to pay. While you shop, why not book your car in to H2O for a professional car valeting service? With limited edition seasonal specials and a portfolio of bespoke valeting services, simply leave your car with the team of professionally trained H2O valeters and they will transform your car whilst you shop.
To keep up with the latest Mailbox news, offers and events, sign up to the Mailbox newsletter at
www.mailboxlife.com
or join the conversation on social media @mailboxlife
/mailboxlife
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
MAKE YOUR WINTER WARMER WITH HEAT HOLDERS ®
You could be forgiven for assuming that the spontaneity and adventure that comes with sunny days and summer nights must be left behind now winter is here. However, leading thermal wear brand, Heat Holders®, believe that just because we are approaching the colder time of the year, doesn’t mean we should stop living life to the full. With the hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) trend sweeping the world, Heat Holders® have taken inspiration from the feeling that hygge gives. Hygge is the art of mastering cosiness and happiness which intertwines with Heat Holders®’ ‘making life warmer’ philosophy. Supplying comfy and warm accessories such as socks, blankets, gloves and hats, Heat Holders® provide a sense of comfort that is hard to replicate. As winter approaches, we inevitably turn our attention to making our homes as warm and cosy as possible. Something Heat Holders®’ new range of SnuggleUp blankets can help
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with! With a colour to match everyone’s home interior you can be sure to find a blanket to match your style. Heat Holders® have hand-picked their top festive products you can get your hands on this winter. Snow Fall At this time of year, it can be hard to avoid snow and ice, however Heat Holders’® Snow Fall luxury blanket will leave you anything but cold. In a beautifully pigmented white tone, this blanket will make the perfect companion in front of the TV this winter. Cranberry Red is of course the traditional colour of the festive season, and the Cranberry blanket idea is elegant and reminiscent of mulled wine. So, why not enjoy a glass with a loved one in front of the fire whilst wrapped up in this product.
Hot Chocolate If you would prefer to opt for a more country-chic look then the Hot Chocolate SnuggleUp is the one for you. A sleek brown colour, this rich tone goes perfectly with contrasting fabrics such as leather sofas and chairs. One of the brand’s most stylish blankets, the Hot Chocolate is a favourite of the winter season. Winter Fawn This fawn-hued blanket is the perfect addition for homes looking for a contemporary yet classic style. Complementing all kinds of interior schemes, Winter Fawn is sure to add a touch of warmth to your home. As well as a wonderful selection of SnuggleUp blankets Heat Holders® also has a new range of socks that will make the perfect festive gift. Scientifically proven to be the warmest thermal socks available they have a TOG rating of 2.3 and experts have never tested a sock with a higher rating. Little ones aren’t left out either, with Heat Holders’® range of character socks which will keep their toes toasty all day long. The range includes a variety of popular characters from childrens’ films including a selection of Disney’s famous princesses. The likes of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel all feature on the socks and at this time of year the matching Frozen Anna and Elsa editions always go down a treat. Alternatively, if your little ones are superhero fans, then the range of Marvel character socks are here to save the day – or the Christmas shopping dilemma! Spiderman, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk are all available, but if the DC Universe is your preference, then Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman will all keep their feet snug this winter. One of the biggest film releases of 2017 takes place in December with Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi hitting our screens. Heat Holders’® Star Wars socks can make the perfect stocking fillers for fans of the franchise with R2-D2 and C-3PO character socks on offer as well as Stormtroopers. If Star Wars isn’t your child’s thing then how about mischievous minions from the loveable Despicable Me films? Bright and vibrant like the Minions themselves, the socks are perfect for the cheeky little ones. Wanting to encourage the nation to go outdoors and enjoy all the beauty the winter season brings, Heat Holders® also have a range of thermal hats, gloves and wellie socks in a variety of colours, to keep you warm and on-trend this season. The thermal range follows the theme of the socks when it comes to warmth. With the gloves measuring a 2.3 tog and even more impressively, the hats have a 3.4 tog rating.
Available in all leading High Street stores, make sure you avoid the winter chill this year and get kitted out for the months ahead by checking out what else Heat Holders® have on offer by visiting their website www.heatholders.co.uk
Visit our website to shop the range
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Binge-worthy Box sets Your autumn/winter viewing sorted There used to be a time when, shock horror, we had to watch our favourite TV shows when TV schedulers told us to! Yes, long before streaming, downloading and one-touch serieslink recording, we were all slaves to the TV guide. These days of course our TV viewing is very much on our terms, with more and more of us choosing when and where we watch our favourite shows. From Netflix to catch-up TV, Amazon Prime, NOW TV and on demand viewing, our choices are vast with many of us using these services to binge watch our favourite shows, often getting through an entire series in just one weekend! Of course, with so many viewing options it is easy to miss shows you might love or, as often happens, waste time scrolling through hundreds of options to find something you
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want to watch! With this in mind, check out our guide to binge worthy boxsets this autumn/winter season… Game of Thrones Violence, sex, betrayal - GoT has it all. If you are yet to get into this multi-award-winning fantasy series, do so now, you’re sure to be hooked. There are six series to catch up on while the seventh, which contains just seven episodes, aired in July 2017. Modern Family Following three families as they navigate the highs and lows of family life, this mockumentary is packed with loveable characters and plenty of laughs. With eight seasons to get through, you can binge until your heart’s content!
The Crown
Stranger Things
Bafta nominated, this drama focuses on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, in particular the years 1947 to 1955. With its big budget and impressive cast, The Crown has had viewers hooked at this look at our Royals. There is currently one season to sink your teeth into, although season two, covering the years 1955 to 1964, is expected soon.
Released in 2017, Stranger Things has captured the imagination of viewers everywhere. Sitting somewhere between sci-fi and horror, Stranger Things casts Winona Ryder as a mother whose son has gone missing in what could be supernatural circumstances… season two is currently underway, much to fans’ delight!
Better call Saul
Orange is the New Black
Fans of the phenomenally successful Breaking Bad will already have met Saul, a lawyer with questionable values, who is the protagonist in this successful spin-off. A prequel to the events of Breaking Bad, three seasons are currently available, so plenty for those looking to kick back and relax to get stuck into.
Easy viewing, Orange is the New Black (OITNB) follows Piper Chapman, a woman sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security prison as she negotiates her new foundcircumstances and we learn more about her fellow inmates through flashbacks. A comedy-drama, OITNB is Netflix’s most watched original series and for those looking for a serious binge-watch, you’ll find five seasons ready to watch.
House of Cards With a cast led by Academy Award winner, Kevin Spacey, fans of political dramas are in for a treat with 65 episodes spread over five seasons to discover. Based on the original BBC drama, House of Cards is set in America’s political heartland - Washington D.C and follows politician, Frank Underwood (played by Spacey), as he strives for greater power -through whatever means.
If you are yet to indulge in a boxset binge, with the weather now turning gloomier, now is the perfect time to sit back and take your pick!
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Unforgettable Weddings at The Belfry A SPECTACULAR SETTING FOR A MEMORABLE BIG DAY MAKE YOUR DAY EXTRA SPECIAL AT THE BELFRY
TO FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT CALL 01675 238 600 OR EMAIL SPECIALEVENTS@THEBELFRY.COM Belfryhotel
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
And the Oscar goes to...… 4 March 2018 will mark a very special anniversary for movie buffs everywhere – the 90th Academy Awards. The very first Academy Awards took place in 1929, (with two in 1930), and was a private dinner, which brought together less than 300 people at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, California. Since then, it is fair to say things have changed somewhat. Now watched by millions around the world, The Oscars, as they are known, are a huge advertising opportunity, with nominated ‘Best Picture’ films receiving a significant boost in revenue and nominated actors and actresses able to command even higher salaries following their nomination or win. The earning potential of winning an Oscar continues beyond the role for which the award was won. Subsequent movie promotion will almost always capitalise on the fact they have an Oscar winner or nominee on the cast list. Rebranded in 2013, after the nickname given to the muchcoveted golden statuettes that winners receive, The Oscars are an icon of modern culture and that little golden figure is the must have accessory for movie stars everywhere. With an Oscar win under their belt, movie stars are not only able to earn more, but the type of roles open to them often change, with weightier, meatier roles now on offer. While in the long term The Oscars are undeniably a way to boost earnings, the ceremony itself is all about glamour.
The best dressed list… From who wore which designer to the jewellery and hair, every aspect of a star’s outfit is scrutinised, with actresses often bearing the brunt of the media’s attention.
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If something is out of place, whether it be a dress that doesn’t flatter or photograph well or shoes that aren’t bang on trend, a spot on ‘the worst dressed list’ is sure to follow. For actresses, the pressure of looking great when walking the red carpet can be intense. British actress and star of 2017’s Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson, told The Edit: “Getting ready for an event can feel like a lot of pressure. You have to consider, ‘Will people see up my skirt? If a flash goes off, can you see through this?’ So, I’ll do a test sitting, a test standing… It’s nerve-wracking. People really scrutinize. On the red carpet, I’m usually in so much discomfort – my shoes are uncomfortable, I can’t breathe in the dress. I don’t compromise like that in my everyday style.” Facing so much scrutiny, it is no wonder that actresses can try on dozens of dresses before they feel they have found the right one for them. Often loaned to stars, designers can benefit from the kind of publicity money can’t buy, making it well worth the effort it takes to get a superstar to wear their brand.
90th Birthday Presiding over the 90th anniversary celebrations and presenting the awards for his 2nd consecutive year, is talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who announced his appointment in his typically irreverent style with this tweet: @jimmykimmel Thanks to @TheAcademy for asking me to host The #Oscars again (assuming I opened the right envelope)
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Nominated six 10 war io 10. ldtW of thae, nLeona goarldII. statuette latfo orra nntimes coggnnititio darpef reco 24Wka These days they are made inin ean ew zth In re tedrt, n of la o 11. . In p on r iti d War b gn World ldII. statuettes were made of plaster. in , co d go effort re t ze war li ra the n of o ka nition ro s 11 recog b 24 In 11. In in m lid ed o so from so d plat fr m lid bronze an plated in 24 karat gold.
11 O 11 Oscar worthy facts
fro solid bronze and from
Of course, Jimmy was referring to the now infamous envelope mix up at the 2017 ceremony, where La La Land was mistakenly announced as winner of ‘Best Motion Picture’ (it was actually coming of age movie, Moonlight). Naturally much confusion, and embarrassment for the producers, followed.
The Academy
This isn’t the first time (nor will it be the last) that the awards have left people with red faces. In 2013 on her way to collect her ‘Best Actress’ award, Jennifer Lawrence fell up the steps on the way to the stage…and then did it again in 2014 on the red carpet!
Deciding who will triumph is down to the 6,200 film industry professionals who make up the Academy. Deciding on the nominations can be complicated with different members allowed to vote on different categories. However, once the nominees have been set, each member gets to vote on their favourite within each category.
Controversy Apart from slips, trips and getting names wrong (remember John Travolta’s inability to pronounce Idina Menzel’s name in 2014?), over the years The Oscars have seen more serious controversy. In recent years the Academy has come under fire for a lack of diversity amongst nominations. In 2016, for the second year in a row, every actor nominated was white, leading US actress, Jada Pinkett Smith, to call for the ceremony to be boycotted. The story rumbled on for months, with many big stars weighing in with even the then President Barack Obama making comment. In the end, the Academy was forced to make changes to its voting process and in 2016 a record number of new members were added.
There are 24 awards on offer at each Oscar ceremony including ‘Best Cinematography’, ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Costume Design’.
With reports that many Academy members were over 50 and that 94% were white and 77% male, to steer the awards away from the accusation that it lacks diversity, the Academy’s president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, knew that mixing things up was essential in maintaining the award’s credibility. Recent additions to the member’s list include British actors, Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire, Lion) and Tom Hardy (Mad Max, Legend) along with La La Land’s Emma Stone and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Jack Reacher). Whether you stay up late to catch all the action live from the red carpet or wait to see the morning headlines, one thing is for sure, the 90th Academy Awards will be one to remember.
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
THE FILM THAT HAS GIVEN US THE TIME OF OUR LIVES FOR 30 YEARS “Me? I’m scared of everything. I’m scared of what I saw, I’m scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all, I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life, the way I feel when I’m with you” – Baby
It was the autumn of 1987, a year which saw Margaret Thatcher re-elected as Prime Minister, Wall Street crash on the now infamous Black Monday, and the Great Storm lash through south-east England and yet it was the gentle nostalgia of a 1960s set movie which captivated the hearts of audiences everywhere. For many it may only feel like yesterday that dance lothario, Johnny Castle, and the innocent Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman first graced our screens with their on-screen story of firstlove, discovery and of course dance, but this year the film celebrates its 30th anniversary! When director Emile Ardolino, and screenplay writer Eleanor Bergstein, began putting their heads together to create the film, they and all the cast involved, were unaware of the impact the film would go on to have. The film was a box office smash going on to become a global sensation, making an all-time $213,900,000 in the worldwide box office! 30 years on, people everywhere now know that nobody puts Baby in the corner, that the place to practise a tricky lift is in a cold lake and that carrying a watermelon into a club is a sure-fire way to meet the man that will sweep you off your feet – literally.
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The key aspect that shaped the film’s success was arguably its perfect cast. Johnny Castle needed to be confident in himself but vulnerable in his social standing while Baby needed to project quite the opposite and after blowing the crew away with their auditions, the responsibility for the film’s fate was placed into the hands of 34-year-old Patrick Swayze and 27-year-old Jennifer Grey. However, Ardolino and Bergstein didn’t go in blind with these choices. Patrick and Jennifer were an on-screen romance that people were not completely unfamiliar with, as the duo had starred alongside one another in 1984 disaster film, Red Dawn. Despite this, it is their iconic on-screen chemistry in Dirty Dancing, which many directors to this day look for when casting a couple. This, though, is testament to Patrick and Jennifer’s acting ability because it was famously reported that the pair did not get on, off-screen. Such has been the impact of the film, it has been reworked to suit the stage and the TV throughout the years. The most successful of which came in 2006 when Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage took residency at Aldwych Theatre, on the West End, for over five years, drawing audiences from around the world and selling out time and again.
In 2004 Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, set in 1950s Cuba was released – but didn’t quite go down in history the way its predecessor did. Neither did the most recent television remake of the film which came in May 2017. ABC created a reimagining of the film across a three-part series which was pulled apart at the seams by viewers and critics alike. Nothing seems to, or probably ever will live up to the original! Sadly 22 years after Patrick performed that lift the world’s heart broke when, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer, he passed away aged just 57. His passing was a sad day for Hollywood and movie fans everywhere, but while the world mourned the loss of one of Hollywood’s iconic and most talented actors, it was acknowledged that he had carved a legacy that would live on forever. Patrick once said: “If I leave this earth, I want to leave this earth just knowing I’ve tried to do something worthwhile with myself.” His career certainly reflects his commitment to his art and during his years in the spotlight he starred in some 35 films.
Seven not-so dirty secrets about the film • Both Jennifer and Patrick were 10 years older than the characters they were playing. • 27-year-old Jennifer Grey won her part in just five minutes after successfully proving to filmmakers that she could convincingly play a teenager. • Mountain Lake Lodge, known as Kellerman’s in the film, regularly hosts Dirty Dancing weekends. • The iconic scene of Johnny and Baby in the dance studio, was a spontaneous warm-up the duo did before filming. The director loved it so much he made them re-enact it and went on to play a huge part in the film we know today! • Johnny’s annoyance at Baby’s ticklish behaviour during dancing, was real anger towards the actress – the scene took countless takes due to Jennifer Grey being unable to control her tickles. • The title of the film was nearly named ‘I Was A Teenage Mamba Queen’ due to Canada thinking Dirty Dancing sounded too much like a porn film. • Dirty Dancing is based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s personal adolescent experiences.
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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
20 years on and the Harry Potter magic continues… 1997 was a significant year for several reasons, Tony Blair became Prime Minister ending Labour’s 18 years as opposition, NASA landed the Pathfinder probe on Mars and the literary world was taken by storm when the boy who lived was introduced to audiences for the very first time. It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we first met Harry Potter and the magical world of Hogwarts and quidditch but it is impossible to ignore, even now, the impact this literary phenomenon has had on many levels. On the 26 June 1997, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published and no-one, including author J.K. Rowling, could have predicted what would happen next. To date the first book alone has sold 107 million copies, been translated into 67 languages and become an international best seller as the world fell under the spell of Rowling’s fantasy world. The Harry Potter universe has captured the imagination of an entire generation with seven books, eight films, four theme park attractions, an Olivier award-winning West End play and the start of a new spin-off film series (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) expanding the franchise. One of the most remarkable things about the Harry Potter story is the rise of J.K. Rowling, a famously single mother struggling to make ends meet to one of the most significant authors in British literature. Incredibly, the idea for Harry and his magical world first occurred to Rowling whilst she was on a delayed train from Manchester to London. In the biography of her life she has previously said the character of Harry Potter “just fell into my head” and by the time the train journey had come to an end a lot of the magical world had been formed. Inspired, Rowling spent the next five years in Portugal and Scotland developing her idea. By 1995 she had completed the
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first novel and she had also planned out large sections of the following six books on everything from scrap paper to airplane sick bags. Wholeheartedly believing in the success her books could bring, the next challenge was getting published. In total, 12 publishers rejected the manuscript of the first book, a decision they would later come to regret. Finally finding a home with Bloomsbury Publishing, they advised her to use her initials ‘J.K.’ on the front cover rather than her first name Joanne as they believed it more likely to appeal to male readers. Always destined to be a hit, J.K. Rowling’s life was never the same again. One year later the second book in the series Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was released instantly claiming the top spot on the UK best-seller list. Each subsequent book continued to break records and by the time the final book in the series was released at midnight on 21 July 2007, Harry Potter had become a global phenomenon. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the final novel in the series and a record-breaking number of copies were sold on the day of its release; 8.3 million in the USA and 2.65 in the UK. As well as the books, Harry Potter is also one of the most successful film franchises of all time. The eight movies, (Deathly Hallows was split in to two films), have grossed a total of $8.5 billion and launched the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the roles of the lead trio. The Harry Potter legacy continues to live on through an eighth story, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a play which focuses on (spoiler alert!) Harry’s son Albus Potter and his own adventures at Hogwarts. With tickets for the play selling fast and the script also released as a book selling over 2million copies on the first day of its release, this frenzy began in
July 2016 in London’s West End and it has recently been announced it will travel to Broadway in 2018. A spinoff franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which takes place in Potter’s wizarding world 70 years prior to the events of the first book, was released in 2016 with four more films set to follow. Fans can continue to experience the magic in a number of ways. Since filming ended on the final movie back in 2011 Leavesden studios in Watford, where all eight films were shot, has opened its doors. Visitors are able to experience the film like never before seeing the real sets that the actors worked on to costumes and props. People can even step onto platform 9¾ and venture into the spooky Forbidden Forest. Harry Potter inspired theme parks have also been launched in USA and Japan where the wizarding world has been recreated. Guests can eat in the Leaky Cauldron, go shopping
in Hogsmeade or even buy a personalised wand from Diagon Alley. All the parks also have fantastic Harry Potter themed rides and rollercoasters. However, perhaps the biggest triumph Harry Potter has achieved since it first became a part of British culture 20 years ago, is that it inspired millions of children across the world to pick up a book and read, something easier said than done in the modern age of television and computer games. This has seen J.K. Rowling become the first ever billionaire author, although her charity endeavours has seen her give much of this away. One of the most famous quotes from the first novel was spoken by Professor McGonagall in the very first chapter: “There will be books written about Harry Potter, every child in our world will know his name.’ Little did J.K. Rowling know that this would turn out to be exactly true.
10 magical things every muggle needs to know about Harry Potter... • Tom Felton, who played school villain Draco Malfoy originally auditioned for role of Harry Potter • J.K. Rowling was offered the role of Harry’s mother, Lily, but turned it down stating that she would ‘mess it up somehow’ • Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, was actually the very last actor to be cast, and he only got the role after a chance encounter with the casting director in a London theatre •
The late, great, Robin Williams actually wanted to be cast as half-giant Rubeus Hagrid but was rejected with Rowling insisting all Hogwarts staff members had to be played by British actors
•
Alan Rickman who played potions master Severus Snape was the only other person in the world who knew the fate of his character before the release of the final book. Rowling told him as she believed it would help Rickman in his portrayal of the character on screen
• The ‘T’ in Voldermort should actually be silent but the film producers were unaware of this when they began filming and it was too late to change the pronunciation • Daniel Radcliffe broke 80 wands over the 11 years he played Harry. He also had his scar painted on 5,800 times and went through 160 pairs of glasses in the final movie alone • Both ‘quidditch’ and ‘muggle’ have officially been entered into the Oxford Dictionary • To match Harry’s green eyes producers gave Daniel Radcliffe some special contact lenses but they had to stop using them after he suffered a severe allergic reaction • The actor, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, who played Tom Riddle/ Voldermort as a boy, is actually Ralph Fiennes’ nephew
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STEREOPHONICS
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40 YEARS OF DISCO
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THE ORIGINAL HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
HOW A GALAXY
FAR FAR AWAY continues to delight audiences 40 years on… “May the force be with you” is one of cinema’s most famous quotes and when George Lucas created his own space adventure story in the early 1970s he could not have imagined the impact his creation would have on the world. 40 years ago, Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope was released capturing the imagination of a generation and the franchise has been delighting audiences everywhere ever since. The iconic lightsabers, spaceships and loveable characters have become a major part of the world of cinema and the cultural impact the films have had can truly be felt across the globe. With action figures and merchandise commonplace in virtually every country on the planet, a lot has changed since we first saw the likes of Harrison Ford, Mark Hammill and Carrie Fisher on screen in 1977. The UK’s Ealing, Elstree, Leavesden, Pinewood and Shepperton studios are where most of the films were shot and the British influence in the films cannot be ignored. There was also a large amount of British cast members in the films, most notably Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker who played lovable droids C-3PO and R2-D2. The first Star Wars blockbuster became the highest grossing film of all time and focused on a civil war in a fictional galaxy between a rebel alliance and a galactic empire controlled by the evil Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. The original trilogy is comprised of three movies A New Hope (1977) which focuses on Luke Skywalker, a farmer on the planet of Tatooine who after meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi discovers that his father used to be a Jedi knight. Becoming friends with Han Solo and Chewbacca the group go about rescuing Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil empire and Darth Vader. The second movie The Empire Strikes Back (1980) sees Luke discover his true heritage and begin his Jedi training alongside the legendary Jedi master Yoda. The film delivered one of the greatest movie moments of all time when Luke discovered that Darth Vader was his father, a scene that has become synonymous with the franchise over the years.
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Return of the Jedi (1983) was the final film in the original trilogy and saw a final confrontation between the rebels led by Luke and Han Solo and the empire. The film saw Luke and Leia discover they were twin brother and sister and as good overcame evil, saw Darth Vader turn away from the dark side by saving Luke from the Emperor and sacrifice himself to defeat the empire. The original trilogy grossed over $1.8 billion worldwide and perhaps more valuably created a legion of loyal fans. Following the release of Return of the Jedi in 1983 there was talk that a sequel trilogy would shortly follow. However, in 1987 George Lucas said he had no plans to return to the franchise instead turning his attentions to other projects. This changed in 1993, when it was announced that whilst a sequel trilogy would not be happening Lucas had been persuaded to begin work writing a prequel trilogy which would be set 32 years prior to the events in A New Hope and focus on Anakin Skywalker’s descent to the dark side. In 1999 Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace was released and was a smash hit at the box office raking in $1billion. Two more prequels followed: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005). However, despite the financial success of the films they fell victim to criticism by fans and critics alike. While this could have marked the end of the Star Wars legacy in 2012 the film rights were purchased by Disney in a deal believed to be worth around $4billion. Following this announcement, the sequel trilogy, first mentioned by Lucas over 30 years previously, would finally be made. Despite being based on Lucas’ ideas it was also confirmed he would have no involvement in these new movies. Much to fans delight the new films would see Harrison Ford, Mark Hammill and Carrie Fisher reprise the roles they had left behind 32 years previously. In 2015 Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens was released combining old characters with new. Directed by self-confessed Star Wars fan and former
Star Trek director J.J. Abrams the film was both a critical and commercial success. Taking home $2billion at the box office The Force Awakens was 2015’s most successful film. The next edition of the franchise, Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi is due for a December 2017 release with the final edition of the sequel trilogy due out in 2019. Sadly, Carrie Fisher who portrays Leia Organa (Princess Leia) in the films passed away during production of The Last Jedi and the film will have a dedication in her honour.
A trip through the light years Star Wars past, present and future... ORIGINAL TRILOGY A New Hope The Empire Strikes Back Return of the Jedi
(1977) (1980) (1983)
PREQUEL TRILOGY The Phantom Menace Attack of the Clones Revenge of the Sith
(1999) (2002) (2005)
SEQUEL TRILOGY The Force Awakens The Last Jedi Untitled-Episode IX
(2015) (2017) (2019)
Beyond this, there is a children’s animated television series called The Clone Wars and several newly discovered organisms have been named after Star Wars characters (including the Chewbacca wasp!)
ANTHOLOGY FILMS Rogue One Solo: A Star Wars Story Untitled Anthology film
(2016) (2018) (2020)
There has even been a religion created based on the films called Jediism which is based on a spiritual code as demonstrated by the Force in the films. Followers of the religion abide by the 16 Jedi teachings as seen in the films and in the 2001 census 0.7% of the people of Brighton classified themselves as Jedi more than Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism.
TELEVISION SERIES The Clone Wars Rebels Forces of Destiny
With an ever-expanding universe, the franchise has also recently produced a standalone film, Rogue One which was released in 2016. The film follows the journey of rebel Jyn Erso (Brit actress Felicity Jones) as she tries to steal the plans of the Death Star which plays such a vital role in the subsequent films. A yet untitled Han Solo origin story has also been announced for a 2018 release, and there seems to be no signs of stopping beyond the sequel trilogy with Disney CEO Bob Iger stating that they had Star Wars content planned into the 2030s. The cultural impact of the Star Wars franchise cannot be ignored, with theme park attractions in both Florida and China. A new Star Wars theme park is currently undergoing construction with a 2019 opening date.
(2008-2014) (2014-present) (2017-present)
With plenty of Star Wars still to come over the coming years the franchise is sure to continue to capture the imagination of the next generation as well as continuing to delight its existing fans.
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y p e S Th d e v o We L
Remembering Sir Roger Moore Earlier this year, the world mourned the loss of the longestrunning James Bond actor, Sir Roger Moore, who starred in seven consecutive Bond movies, raking in $1.2 billion for the franchise. Now, we take the opportunity to look back and celebrate his impressive career and tumultuous life. James Bond legend Credited with the reinvention of the James Bond character, from the cold-blooded killer of the books and previous films, to the gadget-adorned playboy with endless one-liners and wit, Roger Moore’s legacy will live on forever. Charismatic Moore’s first foray into the world of 007 came in 1964, when he made a guest appearance for a comedy skit in Millicent Martin’s BBC series Mainly Millicent, as James Bond. Following this casting, Moore did not believe he would be considered to play the part in the film franchise, as Sean Connery continued to portray the secret agent throughout the first five features. Sir Roger only began to consider that he could be cast as Bond when Connery stepped down from the franchise in 1966. He was finally approached in 1972, following the release of Diamonds are Forever, which was Sean Connery’s final appearance in the role. Sir Roger Moore played 007 for a total of seven films, filming for the franchise throughout his 40s and 50s and retiring from the role at the age of 58 following the release of A View to a Kill in 1985. This makes Moore the oldest actor to have played the part. Whilst both Moore and Connery played the character for a total of seven films, Moore has the title of longest-running Bond actor, as he held the role for 12 consecutive years, whilst Connery ran for five years, with two further films following independently. Although, Daniel Craig will surpass this milestone when his final Bond film is released in 2019. A chance breakthrough Born in 1927, Sir Roger Moore was an only child who was evacuated from his hometown of Stockwell, London to Holsworthy, Devon during the Second World War. He was
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an apprentice at an animation studio until a mistake involving animation cells resulted in his termination. His entrance into the world of entertainment happened by chance when his policeman father investigated a robbery at director Brian Hurst’s home. Brian was seeking extras for his film, Caesar and Cleopatra at the time and cast Moore after being introduced to him by his father. During filming, Hurst watched Moore’s female fan base grow exponentially and offered to pay for Moore to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. During his three terms at RADA, Roger developed the relaxed demeanour and mid-western accent which became staples of his characterisation of James Bond. Before embracing the Hollywood lifestyle, Moore was conscripted and commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Royal Army Corps. He combined his love of entertainment and his army service as an officer in the Combined Service Entertainment Section, working his way up to the rank of Captain. Breaking into the industry After his role in Caesar and Cleopatra, Moore expand his portfolio in the late 1940’s as a model, appearing in various print advertisements for knitwear, toothpastes and other products. In 1949, he made his first television appearance in the 1949 TV movie, The Governess. In the early years of his career, Moore struggled to land any prominent parts, in 1954 he signed a seven-year contract with MGM, but was released from it after just two, as none of the films he was cast in during those years came to any success. Despite this frustration, Moore was determined to keep going. In the years following his release from MGM, Sir Roger landed a range of single-episode appearances on TV before accepting a long-term contract with Warner Brothers Studios in 1959. This contract led to Moore landing the lead role in the play, The Miracle. This was followed by an appearance in an episode of The Third Man, before being cast as Orson Welles in the film version of Welles’ life story.
From 1958 to 1972, he held recurring roles in five television series, including his seven-year run as Simon Templar in The Saint and in The Persuaders! Both of which saw him dabble in producing and directing alongside his acting responsibilities. Life beyond Bond Moore’s big screen success was not limited to Bond and his impressive range of facial expressions, in fact he starred in a range of other successful films, including Sherlock Holmes in New York, Escape to Athena and Curse of the Pink Panther. Following A View to a Kill, Moore had parts in a further 11 films, including Spice World and Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. Throughout his career, Sir Roger earned seven acting awards, including the now retired, Henrietta (World Film Favorite – Male) Golden Globe. In 1991, inspired by the work of his good friend, Audrey Hepburn, Moore became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and thirteen years later, he lent his voice to the part of Father Christmas in The Fly Who Loved Me, a cartoon released by UNICEF in 2004. Moore was also an active voice on behalf of animal welfare charity PETA, narrating a video protesting against the production and wholesale of foie gras, which led to the removal of the product from the shelves of Selfridges. Throughout his career, Sir Roger earned five charity awards, including his CBE alongside nine lifetime achievement awards, including a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and Commander of the French National Order of Arts and Letters. Sir Roger received his knighthood in 2003, the honour was bestowed by HRH Queen Elizabeth II to acknowledge his charitable work for more than ten years prior. Moore’s private life was often as colourful as his on-screen personas. He and Mr. Bond shared a reputation for being womanisers, with Moore ending three marriages before settling with his “soul mate” Kristina Tholstrup. Moore has three children and two granddaughters. His step-daughter, Kristina’s only child from a previous relationship, died tragically at the age of 47 in 2016 after battling cancer. Whilst Sir Roger Moore’s memory is sure to live on in the films he starred in, his loving family and the legacy he leaves behind, there is no question that he defined Bond for a generation and that the silver screen will be duller for his absence.
A View to a Thrill: Five Unforgettable Roger Moore Bond Moments Octopussy fight scene: Showcasing his on-screen fighting skills, Sir Roger brilliantly portrayed his character in this scene which was packed with spinning blades. Acting the Muppet: In 1980, Sir Roger Moore guest-starred in The Muppet Show as James Bond, where his karate-chop moves and romantic encounter with Miss Piggy left a lasting impression.
Wedding crashing: In 1985’s A View to a Kill, Moore careers a taxi through the streets of Paris – narrowly avoiding many obstacles – apart from a wedding cake. ‘Something came up’: In 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, he delighted viewers with a thrilling opening scene involving skis, hidden weaponry and a Union Jack parachute. The Santa Clause: 1981’s For Your Eyes Only features an epic scene in which Moore’s Bond takes over a rogue helicopter and confronts his nemesis – he then sends him off in true Christmas fashion – down a chimney.
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
70 YEARS OF THE ASHES
- the history of sport’s most iconic rivalry November marks the 70th edition of The Ashes, the competition which brings age old rivals-England and Australia together for one of cricket’s fiercest battles. The origins of The Ashes span more than a century with the first ever series won by England in a hard-fought campaign in 1883. However, the story of The Ashes actually began a year earlier at the Oval in London. A three-day test series saw Australia shock the sporting world by defeating England, who, at the time were considered one of the best cricket teams on the planet. This led to British newspaper, The Sporting Times publishing a tongue in cheek obituary about ‘the death of English cricket’ where they wrote “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” This was the first time that the term ‘ashes’ was used in association with a cricket match between England and Australia and it has stuck ever since. Prior to the 1882/83 series which is regarded as the first official Ashes series, England captain, Ivo Bligh had been quoted in the media saying the team was determined to
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“recover those ashes.” The media attention surrounding the series, in an era before social media, was remarkable, with England coming out on top winning 2-1 and reclaiming The Ashes. And so, The Ashes were born and what followed was a biannual meeting between these two giants of the cricket world with each country taking it in turns to host. With games taking place in the summers of the respective nations the series has also become a part of Australia’s Christmas traditions with a test played on Boxing Day at the world’s biggest cricket stadium, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Following England’s first Ashes victory a pair of cricket bails were burned and the ashes placed in an urn which also acts as the trophy given to the winning team at the end of each series. The urn itself also has a rich history; upon winning the first series in 1882, Ivo Bligh was presented with the urn by a local social group called the Melbourne Women. The leader of the group was Florence Morphy who Bligh went on to marry. Due to its delicate nature, a replica has been given to
the winning captain of each series, with the original kept at the Marylebone Cricket Museum. It has only travelled back to Australia on two occasions. Once, in 1988, for the Bicentenary Test, which celebrated colonial settlement in Australia, and then again in 2006 for a tour of the country prior to that year’s Ashes series. To date 69 series have been played, with both sides winning 32 and drawing five. Therefore, this year’s meeting will be highly contested with both teams determined to gain an edge on the competition.
Howzat! Four Ashes series which will go down in history... 1891/92 - Aussie’s achieve first Ashes success Up until 1891 The Ashes had been completely dominated by the English, who had won the first eight consecutive series. Captained by wicketkeeper Jack Blackham, Australia claimed a 2-1 victory in what was then a three-day test series rather than the five we are used to today. However, this maiden victory for Australia did not do much to curtail England’s dominance in the 19th century as they went on to win another three back to back series.
1932/33 - Bodyline controversy
and England romped to a 4-1 win. However, a lot of attention surrounded the bodyline incident. In fact, representatives from both countries even had to step in to prevent relations between Australia and England being damaged. The laws of the game were even changed to prevent it happening again.
2005 - The country falls in love with cricket as England record a historic win Claiming the famous urn for the first time since 1987, this was the series that is often regarded as the most thrilling of all time. Every match was tightly fought and England narrowly achieved victory with a 2-1 series win. The final test at The Oval ended in a draw meaning that The Ashes would return to English shores for the first time in 15 years. The second test at Edgbaston reflected just how tightly contested the series was. England won the test by just two runs with Marcus Trescothick scoring 90 runs in the process. The victory and subsequent celebrations saw the triumphant players become heroes, with bowler Andrew Flintoff MBE winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year and the team taking home the team award at the ceremony.
2013/14 - England humbled
Going into the 1932/33 series Australia had one of the most formidable attacking batting teams in the world with the likes of Archie Jackson, Bill Woodfull and Stan McCabe. Knowing that this batting line-up could cause them trouble, England captain Douglas Jardine adopted a tactic to combat it which resulted in controversy.
Having won the last three series in a row, England went into this campaign with high hopes and took a squad to Australia which included three uncapped players. However, Australia were rampant and England suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat. It led to the retirement of all-rounder Graeme Swann and batsman Jonathan Trott from international cricket and batsman Kevin Pietersen’s last ever appearance for the national team.
Dubbed ‘Bodyline’, the bowlers were instructed to bowl at the bodies of the batsman causing them to protect themselves with the bat resulting in easier catches. The tactic worked
This defeat will surely be fresh in the minds of the current England squad as they head back to Australia in November for the first time since this loss.
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GET THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE
OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY AT EDGBASTON STADIUM
keithprowse.co.uk/edgbaston 60 |
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Edgbaston Stadium is one of the UK’s leading sporting venues which features an array of versatile, modern and luxurious suites that are suitable for any occasion. The venue offers a range of inspiring meeting spaces that will keep your delegates engaged from the moment they arrive to a world renowned international stadium. Our state-of-the-art facilities are the perfect venue for conferences, meetings, awards, weddings, banquets, exhibitions and much more. Edgbaston has an extensive range of suites and function rooms that cater for corporate events, business meetings and private functions of any size, from four luxurious Executive Boxes for up to 20 delegates in a boardroom style to an impressive Exhibition Hall which can cater up to 800 delegates in a theatre style. This unique and famous stadium offers fabulous event spaces, stunning views of the legendary pitch and the Birmingham skyline, with packages available to suit all requirements and budgets. Edgbaston is a venue unlike any other in Birmingham! As well as having an on-site car park, the stadium is ideally located just one mile from the heart of UK’s second city. The venue is only minutes away from major motorway links, Birmingham’s New Street and Snow Hill train stations, only seven miles from Birmingham International Airport and close to several upscale hotels for your out-of-town guests.
A dedicated, passionate and experienced events team will work with you to deliver a truly unforgettable service and create an event that you and your guests will remember for years to come. We pride ourselves on outstanding service and our passion is to deliver tailored events and a memorable experience for our customers. The stadium has benefited from a major redevelopment and was awarded ‘Best Venue’ at the prestigious Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards in June 2016. It was also crowned Midlands Wedding Venue of the Year at the British Asian Wedding Awards in March 2017. As well as having an award-winning Executive Head Chef to serve you the finest cuisine, our unique and iconic venue provides an exquisite backdrop with natural daylight and stunning views overlooking the famous Edgbaston pitch. Edgbaston is fully equipped with all the latest cutting edge AV technology from recommended suppliers which will bring your event to life. To add extra personalisation, you can utilise and brand Edgbaston’s pitch-side scoreboards and stadium TVs. Our facilities are superbly equipped, complete with complimentary robust Wi-Fi, to provide an unforgettable atmosphere. Day delegate prices start from just £26.00 + VAT per person.
For more information please call Edgbaston’s Conference and Events team on
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INVICTUS Britain’s military heroes celebrated at Invictus Games 2017 Not many sporting events could get the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama to appear in a promotional video, but then again, the Invictus Games is an event like no other. One of the most inspiring events on the sporting calendar, the Games returned in September for what once again proved to be a wonderful celebration of sport and the military. The inaugural event was founded by HRH Prince Harry as a multi-sport event which sees wounded, injured or sick ex-servicemen and women compete across a range of sporting disciplines. When interviewed in June ahead of this year’s Games, Prince Harry talked about how one of the key messages of the Games is how servicemen should not be defined by the injuries they sustained. He said: “They want to prove to the rest of the world that you know what, if I’ve lost a leg, two legs and an arm, or if I’ve been suffering from depression or anxiety for many, many years, no matter who you are, you can fight back from that. I think that is the key message for everybody to take away from Invictus … if you have a second chance in life, to make the absolute most of it.” In 2014, London was the host of the first ever Invictus Games which saw 300 competitors from 13 different countries take part. Nations who had fought alongside Britain in recent conflicts were invited to compete with the likes of United States, Australia, Afghanistan and many more involved. The inaugural event was a huge success and concluded with a fantastic concert featuring performances from Foo Fighters, James Blunt and Ellie Goulding. The long-term objective of the Games is to use sport to help with the rehabilitation and recovery of these servicemen and women and to create a wider understanding and respect of the issues these people face. 2017 marks the third edition of the games which took place in Toronto. Venues across the city were used as athletes competed in a range of sports including archery, swimming and cycling. Prior to the event in September a 37-day Invictus flag tour took place across Canada visiting 22 military bases, 15 legions and 50 communities in an attempt to bring the Games to a wider audience. The event, which saw more countries and athletes compete than ever before with over 500 athletes making the journey to Canada, was opened by a cast of hundreds who put on a stunning show in front of over 19,000 people at the Air Canada Centre. The spectacular event then culminated in the finale of the flag tour which saw the official Invictus Games flag being raised. The Games were a huge success and one British athlete in particular won the heart of the nation. Former Royal Marine, Mark Ormrod, didn’t stick to just one discipline; winning medals in indoor rowing and swimming. When serving in Afghanistan he was devastatingly injured in a bomb explosion where he lost both his legs and his right arm. In response to his exceptional performances Mark was awarded the ‘Exceptional Performance Award’ by HRH Prince Harry, a special accolade which celebrates the athlete whose performance is considered particularly special. After a week of truly inspirational sporting activities the curtain came down on the third Invictus Games. World renowned acts including Kelly Clarkson and Bryan Adams performed at the closing ceremony as the Invictus Games were officially passed onto Sydney, Australia who are the 2018 hosts. 62 |
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SPOTLIGHT ON
JAMIE WELLER
When Jamie Weller suffered the complete loss of his central vision, the Royal Navy Aircraft Engineer lost more than just the majority of his eyesight. No longer able to pursue his dream of a life in the military, Jamie then faced a battle with depression and anxiety as he tried to rebuild his life and adjust to his disability. Despite his career coming to a premature end, Jamie used his love for sport as a way to maintain a positive outlook on life. This September he was a key member of Great Britain’s Invictus Games team. Travelling to Toronto to compete in the sporting event, it was the first time he’d ever competed at the Games. Taking part in both athletics and cycling events, he won a total of four bronze medals. Including the 100m, 200m and 400m distances in athletics and the tandem event in cycling. Inspirational Birmingham spoke to Jamie about his fantastic achievement and the Invictus Games experience… What was the highlight of the Games for you? For me, it has to be my two daughters and my wife being there with me to experience what Invictus is all about. I train really hard and went on camps to prepare, which my family don’t really see, so it was really important for me that they were there alongside me at the Games. I was also really pleased with my competition results. I’m 47 years old so for me to be running those distances on the track in front of a crowd like that was phenomenal. Although I didn’t win gold I was still happy with my performances, the guys I was up against were Paralympic champions and Iron Man competitors so I think I did well! What was it like competing alongside athletes from the different nations and learning of their experiences? One thing that particularly sticks in my mind is competing alongside Michael Lyddiard who won gold in the 100m. Having suffered with PTSD, as well as being visually impaired, he told me before the medal ceremony that his demon was being able to deal with the noise and lights of the opening ceremony. It really made me think that the Games wasn’t about competing, but the whole environment of being together and celebrating our differences and triumphing in the face of adversity. We are all military and all had that team spirit which was evident when my bike broke down and everyone chipped in to fix it. What was it like meeting Prince Harry? He really is just a normal guy. You could tell he was genuinely interested in you and is really passionate about helping the wounded, injured and sick community when it comes to their recovery. We all face different challenges, me with my sight loss and my friend Mark Ormrod who lost both of his legs and one of his arms, so it makes us appreciate what we have got. I don’t like to use the word disability, I will say it’s about the ability we’ve all got. What was your role in the military? I worked as an aircraft engineer working on the Sea Harriers, and it was my dream career. From the age of four or five when my dad had a model aircraft, I was always interested in aviation and technology. I always wanted to serve my country so when I lost my sight it meant I couldn’t do that anymore which was devastating. I have always tried to have a positive outlook and I hope the way I have approached the loss of my sight, which remains a massive challenge, helps inspire other people. I do not let my blindness manage me, I simply see it as an inconvience to work around. Next year the Games visit Sydney and Jamie has ambitions to continue his good form once again.
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IS THE HIGH STREET IN ITS DEATH THROES? While rumours of the imminent death of the British High Street may have been greatly exaggerated, to borrow Mark Twain’s witty riposte, do they highlight a kernel of truth?
The inexorable shift of retail from brick to click. We’re sociable types, us humans. Since the days of the hunter-gatherer homo erectus, we’ve stood tall and walked the Earth to seek out and pick up those everyday essentials.
outlets in recent years is alarming. And it will grow.
But that was before they invented the internet.
But, if you look at the trend as an opportunity rather than a threat, if you embrace the reality, the rewards are there.
There will always be those of us who enjoy a stroll and a browse around town. Physical shopping, so to speak, will never disappear completely.
Look at John Lewis. Fully 25% of their sales are now online. Tesco’s online revenue stacks up at £2.9 billion, second only to Amazon in the UK.
For one thing, you can’t get your brows waxed online - but you can certainly book the appointment.
The ONS stats for December 2016 were stark. High Street sales slumped to a four-year low, despite pre-Christmas sales. Contrast that with a year-on-year 21.3% bump online over the same period.
The fact of the matter is that the digital space offers increasing possibilities for those of us looking for convenience, choice and searchability. And we’re taking full advantage. So, too, should your brand. The Facts We’ve all seen the number of boarded-up shops in city and town centres these days. And we’ve witnessed the winding up of old British institutions like Woolworths. Sad but true, on average 35 post offices close every year and almost 1500 UK towns no longer have a bank.
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HMV, BHS, Blockbuster, Banana Republic, Thomas Cook and Thomson. The list of brands haemorrhaging
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And, when Accenture’s retail strategists, Javelin Group, estimate that ecommerce will account for 34% of all UK retail spend by 2020, the direction of travel is plain to see. The Solution So, how best can a forward-thinking brand harness the full potential of this digital revolution? With an increasing number of online platforms available, you’ll need the help of an agency with a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience.
SOCIAL MEDIA
WEB DESIGN
SEO
WEBSITE
LANDING
PAGES
CREATION
INFOGRAPHICS
CONTENT GENERATION
Champions (UK) plc has both in spades. The leading brand agency has a unique architecture, with ten in-house departments well-equipped to deliver a tailored suite of outcome-driven services.
Creative : Digital : Marketing : PR : Media : Events : Publishing : Advertising : Celebrity : Web Unlike traditional agencies, they don’t restrict themselves to a niche service or a particular sector. Instead, their team focuses on targeting end-users. The people who buy your products and services. And in the digital space Champions has taken great strides in recent years. Their offer has grown organically, branching out from website design and construction into digital advertising, SEO, mobile app design and social media management and outreach. The net result? Clients enjoying an optimised web presence, great online visibility and real audience engagement – the drivers of online results.
Having doubled the size of Champions’ Costock offices to 13,000 sq. ft. in 2015, he and his father, CEO John Hayes, have now decided to further invest in a state-of-the-art digital and media centre. Converting a barn on site, they’re backing their teams to add yet more expertise and extend the range of digital services they deliver to clients aiming to reap online rewards. With planning permission granted in September, and construction due to commence in the middle of 2018, they have big ambitions for the future. Brands with similar aspirations should get in touch and learn more about how they can really sweat their digital assets.
For more information, call Grace Golden on 08453 31 30 31 or email ggolden@championsukplc.com.
Growing Capabilities The success delivered and the knowhow accumulated by the Champions Digital and Web teams have inspired the £25 million turnover agency’s Managing Director, Matthew Hayes.
/+Championsukplcagency
/ChampionsUKPlc
/ChampionsUKplc
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BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP
“Out of this world!” Known as one of the toughest Par 3 courses in the country, Nailcote Hall and its prestigious Cromwell Course once again played host to the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship this summer. The four-day Championship was organised by leading brand agency Champions (UK) plc and they delivered a first-class event enjoyed by spectators and players alike. A stellar line-up of celebrities and professional golfers gathered in Warwickshire from 8-11 August for what proved to be an exceptional celebration of golf. Renowned for its small greens and focusing more on accuracy than power everything was set up for a thrilling week of action.
Len Goodman
Naga Munchetty
Tuesday 8th August The week commenced with the first Celeb-Am. Rain hit the course overnight and early morning, so the surfaces were extremely slick adding an extra challenge to the celebrities tackling the course on the opening day. Scotland rugby star Max Evans scored two birdies which was enough to claim victory. He made level par which was enough to pip Harry Potter actor James Phelps (whose brother and fellow actor Oliver caddied) to the title with ex-England cricketer James Taylor following in third. European Tour winner Miguel Angel Martin won the professional element of the event with a score of -2. The day also saw a whole host of stars from the world of sport and entertainment compete including England’s most capped
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Robbie Fowler
footballer of all time Peter Shilton OBE, Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, former Wales striker John Hartson, Scotland manager Gordon Strachan OBE and BBC presenters Naga Munchetty and Manish Bhasin. With a score of -14 The Social Golfer and Farmfoods 3 tied for first place in the team event. They beat Farndon Foods ltd who came second. The entertainment continued into the evening with the celebrities attending the Charity Gala Ball. Perrier award winning comedian Dominic Holland hosted, and much needed funds were also raised for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People with a live auction taking place. Irish boyband stars Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy then took to the stage as ‘Boyzlife’ to perform some of their greatest hits to the delight of the audience.
Dominic Holland (L) & Gary Wolstenholme MBE (R)
James Jordan
Keith Duffy (L) & Brian McFadden (R)
Max Evans
Dan Walker
Amy Boulden
Wednesday 9th August The rain showed no signs of letting up moving into the start of the Professional Championship on Wednesday. After the morning groupings were delayed by three hours due to the weather, the day’s play was reduced to nine holes. After birdying the 3rd, 4th and 8th holes, 2010 champion Richard O’Hanlon was the overnight leader ahead of 1991 Masters winner Ian Woosnam OBE, Mark Murphy and Ashley Mason. Notable professionals taking part included Ian Woosnam OBE, Dame Laura Davies, Jamie Donaldson, Paul Lawrie OBE, Costantino Rocca, Trish Johnson, Michael Campbell, Eddie Pepperell, Jarmo Sandelin and Carly Booth.
James Phelps
Peter Shilton OBE
Wednesday also saw the Players Banquet take place in the evening with Dominic Holland back on hosting duties. Championship host and two-time Major winner Tony Jacklin CBE conducted a Q&A with two of the tournament’s most high-profile players, Dame Laura Davies and Paul Lawrie OBE as they talked about their experiences as professional golfers. A delicious three-course meal was followed by a stunning performance from classical singer Faith Tucker. Britain’s Got Talent star Kev Orkian also had the audience roaring with laughter following his hilarious award-winning routine. Olympian Derek Redmond then hosted a live charity auction with all funds going to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
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Andrew Cole
Dame Laura Davies
Sinitta
Brian McFadden
Carly Booth
Tony Jacklin CBE (L) & Richard O’Hanlon (R)
Preparation for next year’s event is already well underway with the Championship set to take place between 7-10 August 2018. To get involved or for more information please call Roxanna Hayes at Champions (UK) plc
on 08453 31 30 31 or email rhayes@championsukplc.com.
Jamie Donaldson
www.britishpar3.com
Thursday 10th August The action resumed on Thursday in what transpired to be one of the most dramatic days in the Championship’s history. As the sun came out the lead changed several times with the overnight leader O’Hanlon battling it out with the 2014 winner Eddie Pepperell, who also finished in the top 20 at the US Open this year, and Ashley Mason. On the 17th hole a much-needed birdie from O’Hanlon was enough to secure him the €50,000 prize with a score of -5.
Ian Woosnam OBE (L), Tony Jacklin CBE (Centre), Carl Mason (R)
Speaking to the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship website he said: “It was a rollercoaster if anything, my emotions are still all over the place, to go from second last year to my second win now, I’m delighted. I’m a club and teaching pro, and this is European Tour money, this is out of this world!” The Super Senior category saw 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam OBE share the accolade with Carl Mason who celebrated his fifth consecutive win in the category. The Norma C Herd Silver Salver which is given to the best amateur was awarded to Michael Lawrie, son of Paul Lawrie. His score of +5 was enough to add him to the roll of honour. He received the trophy in front of a packed-out grandstand. Thursday also saw one of the highlights of the entire Championship when 2014 Ryder Cup winner Jamie Donaldson hit a stunning hole-in-one on the 3rd at Woosie’s Pond. The shot earned him a £500 Harvey Nichols voucher.
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Ian Woosnam OBE
Tony Jacklin CBE & Michael Lawrie
Eric Bristow & Keith Deller
Costantino Rocca
Paul Lawrie OBE
Derek Redmond
Nigel Mansell CBE
Michael Campbell
Jarmo Sandelin
Friday 11th August The final day of the Championship saw the second Celeb-Am with yet more stars taking to the course. The first grouping in action included BBC news and sport presenter Dan Walker, Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan and former Aston Villa and Bayern Munich striker, Alan McInally. As the day progressed the celebrities impressed on the course and the later groupings saw the likes of Robbie Fowler, Sinitta, Nigel Mansell CBE, Derek Redmond, Gail Emms MBE, Ryan Sidebottom and William Roache MBE all in action. At the halfway stage Aston Villa’s legendary European Cup winning striker Peter Withe had the lead with a score of +5, giving him the edge over the competition. It was legendary Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler though who claimed victory in a stunning final round which saw him score +3 pipping Clayton Blackmore to the victory. In the team event Muller claimed victory with a score of -6 ahead of Kerry Foods who hit -4. Tied for third place were Typhoo Tee’d Off, Bidfood and Champions of Golf with -3.
William Roache MBE
Mike Tindall MBE
Friday evening welcomed back the celebrities for the glamorous Grand Finalé Ball where Derek Redmond was once again on hosting duties. A three-course dinner preceded the final ceremony which saw Nailcote Hall owner Rick Cressman & Tony Jacklin CBE present the prizes to the winners.
The winning professional was European Tour winner Peter Baker whose score of +2 saw him finish ahead of Championship host Tony Jacklin CBE and Mark Murphy. With a fantastic atmosphere amongst both players and spectators the Celeb-Am marked a fitting way to finish a wonderful week of golf.
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club wembley Club Wembley Memberships available now from ÂŁ999 (inc VAT) per season.
You can be there to witness every awe-inspiring, mesmerising, record-breaking moment from the best seats in the house.
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Guarantee your place in history today. For more information call our team 0800 783 1440 or visit clubwembley.com
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
NAILCOTE HALL A venue for all occasions
Nestled in the heart of England is a four-star luxury country house hotel that can only be described as ‘a venue for all ocassions’. Whether these are private, personal or corporate, Nailcote Hall lends itself to a huge range of uses and whatever the customer needs this versatile country house hotel delivers. Nailcote Hall is well known in the golfing fraternity for playing host to the increasingly popular Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship which always features some of the biggest names in golf, football, cricket, the Olympics and many other sports as well as major TV personalities and celebrities. The 84th edition of the event was once again hosted by twotime Major champion, Tony Jacklin CBE, and saw legendary golfing figures including, Ian Woosnam OBE, Dame Laura Davies, Jamie Donaldson, Costantino Rocca, Paul Lawrie OBE and Trish Johnson all taking to the famous Cromwell Course. A whole host of celebrities also teed off with the likes of Mike Tindall MBE, Nigel Mansell CBE, Brian McFadden, Keith Duffy, Robbie Fowler, Andrew Cole, Dan Walker, William Roache MBE and Peter Shilton OBE taking part. Of course, you don’t have to be professional or famous to go around the challenging Cromwell course – players of any age and level of skill are all welcome to ‘stay, pay and play’ on what is acknowledged to be Europe’s best par 3 course.
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Golfing is just one of the many attractions at this incredible hotel, which this year is celebrating a quarter of a century in providing the most amazing entertainment and party nights, running hugely successful charity events, being the backdrop to hundreds and hundreds of weddings and accommodating some of the biggest names in the world of business and commerce. The conference facilities at Nailcote Hall are second to none, as are the wedding reception rooms, the luxury marquee, the leisure club, the fine dining in the Oak Room restaurant and so much more. The number of options available to visitors is virtually endless, whether they are looking for leisure and pleasure at the weekends or serious business functions from Monday to Friday. Indeed, the hotel’s guestbook boasts high-profile visitors such as the current Prime Minister Theresa May, former Deputy PM Baron John Prescott, former Chancellor Denis Healey MBE and global star of stage and screen, the inimitable Joan Collins. If cabaret is your kind of entertainment, Nailcote Hall puts on a fantastic show that has to be seen to be believed. Love party nights or want an unforgettable wedding reception? Nailcote Hall’s owner Rick Cressman has a saying: “Bring your party to our party!” and offers a choice of rooms to suit everyone’s taste. These include Rick’s Bar which is ideal for entertaining up to 120 people, the massive marquee which caters for up to
250 or a new upstairs clubhouse which has a superb private area for intimate groups of up to 50 guests. Maybe you are looking to rest your weary head in the most luxurious surroundings possible after a tiring day or to surprise your loved one with a romantic overnight break, or to have your wedding guests stay over for breakfast the next day. If any of these apply, Nailcote Hall has 49 incredible bedrooms, including – of course – the bridal suite, and all are beautifully decorated in the style you would expect for a 17th century building full of English charm. The high quality furnishings and sumptuous beds, including four-posters, are complemented by the most contemporary design and modern facilities such as flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Nailcote Hall also boasts beautiful gardens and surrounding woodland for those who love to relax out in the open as well as a croquet lawn, an area for playing pétanque and a jogging track. For relaxing indoors there is a stunning Roman bath style 14-metre swimming pool, a well-equipped gymnasium, a jacuzzi and a steam room. On top of all this, one of the major attractions of staying at Nailcote Hall is its location, which makes it ideal for people who are travelling to the area for business or pleasure. This gorgeous hotel, golf and country club is just 10 minutes from Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International Railway
Station and the National Exhibition Centre. It is also no more than half an hour from Birmingham city centre, 15 minutes from Solihull and Coventry, around 20 minutes from Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, and just 10 minutes away from Warwick University and Coventry University. The hotel will be even more accessible when the planned HS2 high-speed railway connects Birmingham International with London, Manchester, Sheffield and the East Midlands. Rick Cressman says: “Nailcote Hall is a home away from home for business travellers and the general public and it is just perfect for birthday parties – whether you’re 18 or 80-plus – as well as hen parties, charity events and a whole host of corporate activities. And if you don’t have time to enjoy the beautiful gardens, the leisure room, the gymnasium or the golf course you can always pop in for one of our wonderful Sunday lunches. Freshly carved roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, mouth-watering steak Diane, delightful crêpes Suzette – whatever the customer’s taste, we can cater for it.”
To find out more about Nailcote Hall visit:
www.nailcotehall.co.uk Or call us on 024 7646 6174 AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 12
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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
WELCOME to the European Senior Tour’s new UK event...
Since the foundations of the European Senior Tour were laid in 1992, the Tour has grown to become one of the most challenging seasons a golfer can face. Those on the Tour are better suited than most for the challenge, with the roster comprising of Major champions, ex-Ryder Cup players, European Tour winners and Hall of Fame members, all aged 50 and over, and all competing to top the esteemed Order of Merit list. The 2017 season began all the way back in March, and comes to its conclusion in December on the paradise island of Mauritius, the setting for the season-ending MCB Tour Championships. Before the top players jet off to the Indian Ocean isle for one last battle, the penultimate tournament of a challenging 15-round season, sees the Tour’s finest head off to a brand-new setting in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside. Event organisers Champions (UK) plc, will bring the 2017 Farmfoods European Senior Masters to the Midlands, which will take place across four days at the Forest of Arden Marriott
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Hotel & Country Club, between 19-22 October. The event looks certain to attract the biggest and best players from the Tour and will test participant’s golfing credentials, with the winner receiving an impressive €50,000 from the overall €200,000 prize fund. The event will bring with it a fresh challenge, something that is sure to thrill both amateurs and professionals alike. Former Ryder Cup captains, Paul McGinley and José María Olazábal, both now 50 years old, are eligible to play, along with 1993 Ryder Cup player Peter Baker, the official tournament host, who will be competing in his first European Senior Tour event on the Arden course. Peter discussed his expectations for the event: “It’s going to be an exciting week at the Forest of Arden, and to be able to bring such a high-level tournament back to the Midlands is great for fans in the region and beyond.” Other professionals currently entered include, British Senior Open Champion, Paul Broadhurst, three-time European Senior Tour winner, Gary Wolstenholme MBE, European Tour winners
*Correct at the time of writing
2018’s tournament is set to take place between 4-7 OCTOBER at the FOREST OF ARDEN. For more information please visit:
EUROPEANSENIORMASTERS.COM ESMastersGolf
David Gilford, Barry Lane, Costantino Rocca and Jarmo Sandelin, Order of Merit winner Paul Wesselingh and two-time Senior Major champion, Roger Chapman*. The Forest of Arden is a fitting stage to host such an illustrious event, with its two courses, the Arden (the Championship course) and the Aylesford, and it has hosted the British Masters on five occasions. Past winners include Barry Lane, Colin Montgomerie OBE and 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn. With a breathtaking backdrop of tall oak trees along the back nine, the beauty hides the tough challenge of the lush, yet
ESMastersGolf
testing rough, before reaching the immaculately maintained putting greens. While it may not have hosted an event as significant as the Farmfoods European Senior Masters for a number of years, the world-renowned hotel and golf resort is more than ready to re-make its mark in professional tour golf. David MacLaren, Head of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are delighted to add the Farmfoods European Senior Masters to the schedule, when we initially met with Champions (UK) plc we were highly impressed with what they have achieved with the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship and look forward to establishing a world class event with them long into the future.”
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THE TONY JACKLIN RYDER CUP COLLECTION By Joe Austen “The win had an electrifying effect on golf in the UK, and that is when my admiration for the sport was rooted.” This is how British artist and writer, Joe Austen, described the impact of Tony Jacklin CBE’s Major wins at both The Open Championship in 1969 and the U.S. Open in 1970, on how he, and many others viewed the future of golf. Praising that historical triumph as “a time of promise for British golf”, Tony’s win also marked the point where Joe had his first glimpse of inspiration for what went on to form a phenomenal collection of golfing artwork. At his most content with golf portraiture, Joe has been nurturing his love of oil painting for well over 40 years and in that time has painted some of history’s greatest ever golfers. His works permanently reside on the illustrious walls in
The Gallery of Champions at the Macdonald Rusacks hotel, St Andrews, Scotland. The gallery is located next to the eighteenth fairway at one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, the Old Course, making it the perfect place for Joe’s artwork to hang. His most recent collection of pieces, titled the ‘Tony Jacklin Ryder Cup Collection’, was created in association with Tony himself and now holds permanent residency in the hotel and honours 24 of the greatest Ryder Cup captains of all time. Tony Jacklin’s bold portrait is situated alongside the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Paul McGinley and Ian Woosnam OBE. Such has been the impact and reception of The Gallery of Champions, on both the art and golf world, a select few of those featured in the collection were made honourees of the gallery. The artwork has also been graced with autographs of the game’s biggest names including Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Roberto de Vicenzo and Sandy Lyle MBE. Great praise came for Joe, with legendary Argentinian golfer Roberto de Vicenzo stating that the “paintings will get you into heaven.” Also on the walls in The Gallery of Champions are Joe’s other collections, including the ‘Macdonald Collection’, the ‘Historical Collection’ and the ‘Portraits of the Royal Captains’, which showcases iconic golfers through time. ‘The World of Golf’ painting which is in the possession of the owner of the Old Course, is the piece of artwork that formed the foundation for all of Joe’s subsequent pieces. It features portraits of the greatest golfing champions, starting with pioneers of the game such as Allan Robertson, who is widely regarded as one of the first ever professional golfers, through to later legends such as Lee Trevino and Peter Thomson CBE. The Tony Jacklin Ryder Cup Collection, and Joe’s other collections, are truly a sight to behold and anyone is welcome to visit The Gallery of Champions at the Macdonald Rusacks Hotel.
Visit: www.joeausten.com to find out more about Joe and his artwork.
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A brief look at the artist behind the easel
Tony Jacklin
Jack Nicklaus
Paul McGinley
Tom Watson
Seve Ballesteros
Ian Poulter
Justin Rose
Arnold Palmer
Phil Mickelson
Lee Westwood
Darren Clarke
Sam Torrance
Joe Austen was born and raised in St Andrews, Scotland, where he first established himself as a writer, artist, producer and director. As one of the world’s foremost golf portraitures he has an extensive portfolio of work to his name. Prolific in his output, Joe has over 30 published books, has written Lanny Wadkins Paul Azinger Ben Crenshaw more Ian Woosnam than 100 television programmes, and has written the lyrics for more than 150 broadcast songs. Just some of his notable career achievements include creating the popular children’s animation show The Magic House which ran across ITV networks from 1994-1998 and Bumper Storybooks which were a hugely successful series of illustrated children’s stories. He has also been part of the conceptualising Colin Montgomerie Nick Faldo Eamonn Darcy Langer process for numerous other television shows and Bernhard screenplays.
For more information or to book Tony Jacklin CBE Percy & Peter Alliss Samuel Ryder Abe Mitchell Walter Hagen for your next event please contact Benny Lawrence at blawrence@championsukplc.com or call 08453 31 30 31
www.championscelebrity.com
son
Ian Woosnam
Lanny Wadkins
Paul Azinger
Ben Crenshaw
almer
Colin Montgomerie
Nick Faldo
Eamonn Darcy
Bernhard Langer
ance
Percy & Peter Alliss
Samuel Ryder
Abe Mitchell
Walter Hagen
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ÂŽ
BIRMINGHAM’S HIDDEN GEM One mile from the centre of Birmingham, nestled in beautifully maintained parkland, are the tranquil grounds of Edgbaston Golf Club. Amid the splendour of this wonderful venue, the club provides the ideal location to relax and escape the city, offering golfers individual and corporate memberships. Established in 1896, Edgbaston is considered one of the best private member golf clubs in the Midlands, with an 18hole course designed by H.S. Colt. The course includes an ornamental lake and plays through mature and extensive parkland with small greens and tight fairways. The magnificent clubhouse, originally a private residence for the Gough Family, offers fabulous food and drink for relaxing pre or post game. With four different sized function rooms available, the clubhouse also provides an ideal setting for corporate events and meetings.
For further information about Membership, Golfing or Events please contact Edgbaston Golf Club on: 0121 454 1736 www.edgbastongc.co.uk Church Road | Edgbaston | Birmingham | B15 3TB
Situated next door to the Edgbaston Old Church, Edgbaston Golf Club is the ideal reception venue following a church service or alternative wedding ceremony. “Thank you all so much for making our wedding reception memorable. The venue looked incredible, the food was amazing and the service faultless.� - Mr & Mrs Haines
In addition, dining at Edgbaston is provided by renowned chef, Paul Leary and his team at Access Catering. The events team will work with Access Catering to produce a bespoke menu that aims to wow guests, complement the style of the wedding and includes that extra touch.
For further information please contact the events organiser at Edgbaston Golf Club.
@EDGBASTON_GC
EDGBASTONGOLFCLUB
IT’S A MAN’S WORLD
ORIGINS OF STYLE – THE HISTORY OF BLACK-TIE EVENTS The tie began its life in seventeenth century France when Louis XIII stole the idea from the Croatian mercenaries he hired to fight for him in the Thirty-Year War. The king admired the piece of cloth tied around the Croatians necks so much that he made it a compulsory accessory at the French royal court and christened it a cravat (the French word for “Croat”) in their honour. However, exactly how the black tie or bow tie we now associate with the most prestigious social occasions and special events evolved out of a piece of rag round a Croatian solder’s neck is not quite clear. What we do know, however, is that it was in the late nineteenth century that the dinner jacket and corresponding back tie became popular amongst the British middle and upper classes who sought an alternative to the dress coat, which was an evening tailcoat that had begun to seem just a tad too formal.
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Then in 1886 it properly became a part of fashion history when a formal ball was held by the tobacco magnate Pierre Lorillard on his estate in Orange County in New York state. We know how much influence this event was to have by the name of the club at which it was held: The Tuxedo Club. So, not only was the dinner jacket introduced to America, but it was taken to the heart of American society and given a new name that would last to this day. The Evolution of the Black Tie As the twentieth century progressed, dinner jackets and black bow ties became less associated with regular evening wear and more associated with the special events that came to be characterised by the tie that was an intrinsic part of the uniform. In turn, “black tie events” became associated
with glamorous events and people, and so in time they became synonymous with Hollywood and the glitz of the film industry. Amongst its most famous advocates were Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Dean Martin. As time went on and the black tie lost some of its formality, other colours and designs began to creep in, but the bow tie was always a symbol of class and refinement. It would also later come to be strongly associated with intelligence, as various famous intellectuals, politicians and scientists began to favour it, including Sir Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Saul Bellow and Arthur Schlesinger.
In the decades after the end of the Second World War, black tie events have become increasingly less rigid in their protocol and today quite a lot of variation is permitted. However, it’s still important to realize that black is very much used as a gentleman’s uniform. It is the beautiful dresses of the females at a black tie event that take centre stage in terms of colour and overall splendour. The male’s ‘uniform’ should never over-shadow this. It would be ungentlemanly to do so.
For more information visit www.thebespoketailor.co.uk, alternatively to discuss your specific requirements call Adrian on 07968 438 717 or email info@thebespoketailor.co.uk. Keep up to date with the latest news from The Bespoke Tailor by following, @TweetingTailor
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PERFECT PRESENTS
OK, so maybe you can’t buy happiness, but our exclusive edit of perfect presents for the man in your life comes pretty close. Whether he’s a dapper dresser, a chocolate lover or the outdoor type, here’s the must-have gifts from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM that we’d love to see under the tree this Christmas.
1: Beams X Beams shell jacket, £1,045.
5: Givenchy wallet, £385.
9: Memo Granada EDP (75ml), £175.
2: Dents leather driving gloves, £55.
6: Briston clubmaster classic watch, £265.
10: Paul Smith modal blend scarf, £175.
3: Fendi appliquéd backpack, £1,780.
7: Lakrids passion chocolate coated liquorice, £8.95.
11: Paul Smith striped silk tie, £95.
4: Giuseppe Zanotti suede hi-top trainers, £615.
8: Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey, £39.95.
12: Polo Ralph Lauren set of three cotton boxers, £55.
All products are available from Harvey Nichols either in store, via Style Concierge or online at harveynichols.com.
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Driven by desire After its successful global introduction in 2016, Aston Martin’s definitive GT - the acclaimed DB11 is now available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine at Grange Aston Martin Birmingham. At Grange, our association with Aston Martin, and some of the most sought-after cars in the world, has spanned over a decade. We are delighted to welcome the evolutionary DB11 V8 to our showroom, located in Hampton in Arden. Perfectly complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-litre twin turbocharged V12 engine, this new powerplant has provided the opportunity to reveal more of the DB11’s sporting character. Producing 510PS (503BHP) and 675Nm of torque, the V8 engine’s potency is beyond question, propelling the DB1 from 0-62mph in just 4.0sec and on to a top speed of 187mph. This exceptional performance is matched by impressive efficiency: CO2 emissions of 230g/km1 and an EU Combined fuel economy figure of 28.5mpg. Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj, commented: “I find the DB11 a fascinating car. One with great depth of character and ability. Of course the V12-engined variant is an icon - an ultimate, if you like, but the V8 is very much its own car. One with a distinct and carefully crafted character that’s truly seductive. It has been hugely rewarding to put our stamp on this new engine - both in the way it sounds and performs - and to use its impressive attributes as the impetus to revea a little more of the DB11’s sporting character. With its rich reserves of effortless performance, the V12engined DB11 already fulfills the role of consummate highperformance luxury Grand Tourer. This provided the ideal opportunity to explore the more dynamic side of the DB11’s character and capabilities with the V8-engine option. To this end Aston Martin engineers designed new engine mounts, which together with the bespoke, slimline wet sump system enables the V8 to be mounted as low as possible for an optimised centre-of-gravity. The V8 engine is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115kg and a kerbweight of 1760kg.
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With more of that mass centred within the wheelbase, the V8-engined DB11 has an increased sense of agility - a quality that has been fully exploited with detailed revisions to the suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software. There are subtle visual differences between the two variants that include a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and a pair of bonnet vents instead of the quartet featured on the V12. Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said of the V8-engined DB11: “The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made. Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals.” The V8-powered DB11 is now on sale at Grange Aston Martin Birmingham, alongside the full Aston Martin line-up, with a variety of finance options available. We also offer outstanding service support. To find out more, please call 01675 41950 and speak to a member of the team.
ASTON MARTIN BIRMINGHAM
ASTON MARTIN DB11. DESIGNED TO EXHILARATE FEARLESS DESIGN. ULTIMATE CRAFTSMANSHIP. ENDLESS POWER.
ASTON MARTIN BIRMINGHAM Nr Balsall Common, Kenilworth Rd, Hampton in Arden, Birmingham B92 0LR Tel: 01675 419743 | www.grange.co.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 12
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The ultimate trackday experience with
Motorsport continues to be one of the most popular sports in Britain, with many people across the country spending their time watching supercars hurtle around a track in one of the world’s most adrenalin filled sports.
Kelvin and Martin are both part of UltraTek Racing Team RJN in the GT4 classification of the 2017 British GT Championship and are well placed to offer their support and advice to drivers tackling the circuit.
Those wanting to experience the same high-speed thrills can enjoy a track day. Whether as a way to engage with clients, offer a treat to employees, or simply to enjoy a day with friends, Velocity Trackdays have put themselves at the front of the starting grid when it comes to the perfect track day, perfect for both corporate and social occasions.
Speaking on the Velocity Trackdays experience, Martin said: “What makes us different to other track days, is that we aim to give our clients an experience, as well as help them develop and improve their driving. It isn’t just about sending people out on a race track in a car. We will assess their skills and give them pointers and benchmarks to reach, which means at the end of the day they will have learned something.”
Able to offer a bespoke service which tailors the track days to the client, Velocity Trackdays’ experienced and dedicated team are committed to making sure the experience lives long in the memory of their clients. The Velocity team are made up of three individuals whose passion and drive for the industry is unrivalled. These include Le Mans winner, Indy 500 racer and the 2013 FIA World Endurance champion, Martin Plowman, Emmerdale actor turned racing star, Kelvin Fletcher, and international motorsport manager, Ben Snowdon. Together, the trio are able to help people get to grips with a range of different motors, from supercars such as the 650bhp Lamborghini and McLaren 570 to their very own Nissan 350Z GT4 which has proved a favourite with track day guests.
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These driving skills are assessed through the use of a driving simulator which provides a comprehensive breakdown of each individual’s driving experience. Velocity’s cars come with equipped with data loggers which are then used for driver development to help people become familiar with the track, it also shows them valuable statistics and data including breaking time, and overall speeds to help them improve their performance. This all adds to the unique service Velocity Trackdays provide and it’s little wonder that some of their returning clients have even expressed an interest in pursuing a motorsport career of their own. Kelvin said: “Some people have approached us about the next
Martin Plowman and Kelvin Fletcher steps of getting into racing. It can be difficult to know where to start when first getting into a new sport whereas we can act as that introductory point and give advice and consultancy as well as provide information on championships to join. The responses we get from clients is always positive, when they get out of the cars they are euphoric and full of adrenalin which is great to see.” He continued: “We always engage with our clients and care about their experience, if they enjoy it the more we enjoy it. For many people in this industry the car is the star, but for us it’s a vehicle people drive around in and our customers are the stars. We use the same ethos from our racing team UltraTek, and bring it to our track days, and we are all about driving with passion and style.” Martin and Kelvin are not the only famous faces on board with Velocity Trackdays. Rock band drummer, Neil Primrose, from the band Travis has worked as a guest instructor. They also have an ARDS driving instructor on board, Stephen Johansen, meaning clients are taught by the some of the best possible professionals in the industry. As well as offering people the chance to get behind the wheel, the entire day can be made special with the help of Velocity’s expert chef who can provide a fine dining experience and a Champagne reception, once guests have stepped off the track. Offering a truly immersive experience, Velocity always go above and beyond to put on the perfect track day which in the past has seen them include personalised flags and banners, gourmet food and drink and even chauffeur guests to and from the circuit in high class Mercedes saloon cars. Not restricted to just one speciality, Velocity Trackdays can also provide a wide range of services across the industry. They are able to provide marketing and management services including consultancy, racing career support and film and video services for drivers at all levels. So, whatever your expectations when it comes to track days, Velocity can put your needs on pole position ensuring a memorable day for all your guests. For more information on all of the services Velocity Trackdays provide, contact them on
info@velocitytrackdays.co.uk | www.velocitytrackdays.co.uk | 0115 888 8388 AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 12
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Where the cooks go...
Cookware
Our outdoor spaces can often provide additional living space; providing a place to dine, relax and socialise, however, Range Cookers Glassware Gadgets for most of us as the evenings start to draw in, the garden furniture and the BBQ gets packed away, not to be used again until late spring.
BBQs
However, with the right additions, gardens can be used all year-round as a place to cook and eat, maximising a home’s living space and helping to create fantastic memories with friends and family.
tion
With this in mind, leading Hobs cooking appliances supplier, Refrigeration Ovens
Cookers of Distinction, have a wide range of outdoor cooking appliances available throughout the year. Stocking pizza ovens, smokers and BBQs from leading brands, including Alfa Pizza, Viking BBQ’s, Flaming Grills, Grill Dome & Traegerills. The available ranges provide exceptional cooking functionality while also adding aesthetic appeal to any garden.
For more information contact: Simon Barrs 01530 443648 07889 320678 simon@codltd.co.uk www.codltd.co.uk
Cookware
raction
Range Cookers
Refrigeration
Glassware
Hobs
Gadgets
Ovens
Warming Drawers
BBQs
Accessories
Warming Drawers
Accessories
Outdoor living redefined When it comes to outdoor cooking, for those looking to make a statement, there is Aemyrie. This luxury range of outdoor kitchens redefine outdoor living. With appliances as beautiful as they are practical, the Aemyrie range offers an exceptional cooking experience for both food enthusiasts and professional cooks. Designed by the in-house team of artisan craftsman and experienced designers, the result is a bespoke outdoor kitchen which has been designed and built around the specific needs of the individual. The core design of Aemyrie’s products is inspired by the automotive and nautical industries for a look that is both classic and stylish. The perfect marriage of state-of-the-art technology paired with the authenticity of a classic wood fired grill, every outdoor kitchen is built to order.
ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDE FREE DELIVERY & INSTALLATION WHEN YOU QUOTE ‘COD INSPI’
Built by hand in England by professional fabricators, as such, production is limited, making Aemyrie owners an elite group. Choosing an Aemyrie means: • The ability to cook enough food for 30 or more people, perfect for family gatherings and professionals • The option to adjust temperatures allows for perfect cooking • Cool-touch exterior makes it safer for children and pets • Digital display allows for fingertip control • A choice of finishing panels providing the perfect way to personalise Along with outdoor cooking appliances, Cookers of Distinction also supply a wide range of extractors, range cookers, induction hobs and gas hobs. They are also able to offer appliance installation from one of their highly-trained professionals.
BRANDS WE SUPPLY: Falmec | Barazza | ABK InnoVent Cooking Appliances | ILVE Cooking Appliances Steel Cucine Cooking Appliances | Godin Range Cookers | Faber Extraction | PITT by Reginox | Viking Range Cooking Appliances Officine Gullo Cooking Appliances | Alfa Pizza | Aemyrie | Flaming Grill
HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
DFS at dfs.co.uk Left hand facing arm pillow corner sofa
£1,998
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Tall hammered vase
Roberts at very.co.uk.com
Very at very.co.uk.com
£39.50
Pastel cream radio
Gallery metallic bee cushion
£169.99
£25
Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com
Smeg at very.co.uk.com
Marble effect heart wine stop
Blender
£12
£149.99
Next at next.co.uk
Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com
Marble effect kettle
Jewellery stand
£35
£26
Heat Holders at heatholders.co.uk Luxury fleece blanket - in Snow Fall
£26.99
Very at very.co.uk.com soft velour grey cushion
£12
Timeless elegance Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com Le Cocktail velvet pink chair
£425 90 |
INSPIRATIONAL.UK.COM
This time of year is all about making our homes as cosy and welcoming as possible but that is not to say that our homes still can’t be stylish!
Interior inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere, including our travels, movies, books and even High Street fashion. If your home is in need of a style update this autumn/winter, then check out Inspirational Birmingham’s run down of the hottest interior trends and styles emerging this season.
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Valiant silver stag wall art
Easy fit pendant light
£18
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com
£45
Large sand timer
£29.50
Amara at amara.com Newgate clock
Tom Dixon at johnlewis.com
£60
Set of two martini glasses
£80
Very at very.co.uk.com Baroque dressing table, stool and mirror
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com
£199
Brampton console table
£299
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Cabin table lamp
£99
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Loft leaning tripod lamp
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Lucia antique copper latern
£25
£95
Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com Marble makeup brush holder
£24
Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Lena coffee table
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Go to our NEW website inspirational.uk.com/gift-guide to see more
Next at next.co.uk
HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
FOR THE LOVE OF
COOKING… When it comes to updating your home, finding a specialist capable of doing the work is often a stumbling block. From poor workmanship to non-genuine replacement parts, choosing the wrong supplier can lead to problems. Thankfully, for those looking to enhance their cooking facilities by upgrading to a new appliance, or for those maintaining or repairing their current one, JES Ltd are on hand to help. Launched in 2005 JES Ltd have built a reputation as experts in the industry, offering a nationwide service. Covering all aspects of cooking appliances from induction hobs, range cookers, pizza ovens and BBQ’s to extraction systems. JES Ltd’s workmanship takes the worry out of finding a reputable company to service your appliances. JES Ltd are fully qualified in their industry and offer reassurance of being fully insured; gas safe registered and electric safe registered.
Services include:
INSTALLATION
JES Ltd can provide all the relevant professional advice to enable a stress free installation of all cooking appliances and extraction systems.
SERVICING
JES Ltd can invest in high-quality appliance warrants undertaking a servicing plan. Our team of experts can fully service a wide range of gas and electrical appliances to ensure optimum efficiency and maintain its lifespan.
SUPPORT
JES Ltd can make minor fixes to more significant maintenance, only authentic parts are used by our trained engineers when repairing an appliance.
COMMISSIONING
JES Ltd can test and commission any cooking appliance, indoor, outdoor and extraction system to enable the appliance to work correctly, safely and efficiently.
Offering a nationwide service, to find out more about the wide range of services available, call the JES Ltd team on 01530 220693 or email simon@jointes.co.uk
www.jointes.co.uk @info_jointes
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J.E.S LTD
J.E.S LTD
10% OFF WHEN YOU QUOTE ‘INSPI12’
*Cooker featured is a Godin BRANDS WE SUPPORT:
Lacanche Range Cookers | Godin Range Cookers | Viking Range Cooking Appliances | ABK InnoVent Cooking Appliances Officine Gullo Cooking Appliances | PITT by Reginox | BORA Appliances | Barazza | Falmec | Fornair Extractor Hoods Steel Cucine Cooking Appliances | Mercury Range Cookers | La Cornue | DACOR Cooking Appliances Wolf Cooking Appliances | Five Star Cooking Appliances | ILVE Cooking Appliances | Tuscany Chef Range Cookers | Westin Extractor Hoods
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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN
CHOICE FINANCE There’s no place like home… Whether it is your forever home, a step on the ladder or an investment for your future, making your mark on the property scene can be exciting, nerve-wracking and, if not handled properly, expensive. Likely to be the most expensive thing you will ever buy, the property you invest your time and money in needs careful consideration, as does the financing options you choose to pay for it with. Navigating your way through the billion-pound mortgage industry, including understanding all the options available, is not easy, which is where mortgage and finance experts, Choice Finance come in…
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Expertise in your corner… A barrier many property buyers face is simply accessing all the options open to them. Here at Choice Finance we review the whole market, assessing rates, fees and other factors to work out where the best deals lie for our clients. With this knowledge, our clients, who range from first-time buyers to those remortgaging to investors or home movers, including those purchasing a new build property, are able to make an informed decision, safe in the knowledge that they have got the best deal available to them at that time. What sets us apart? With any service there is always choice, and when it comes to financial matters it is vital you choose your advisors well. We believe that our extensive contacts and over 10 years’
industry experience, make us indispensable to our clients, who appreciate our straight-forward, jargon-free way of working. Our approach is simple – we get to know our clients; understanding their finances, short-term aims and longterm aspirations. We even visit clients in their own homes if required. Building a relationship with them from the start, every client is appointed a dedicated case handler, who works with them every step of the way, advising on the most suitable options and even liaising with other relevant parties, such as solicitors and estate agents if required.
can secure financial protection for the future, including: • Life insurance • Critical illness cover • Home insurance • Income protection • Private medical insurance
For wherever life takes you…
To discuss your requirements and find out how Choice Finance can help you secure your place on the property ladder, call the team on 0800 161 5775, alternatively email: info@choicefinancemortgages.com
Along with targeted mortgage advice, our services also include advice and guidance on a wide range of other services, which
www.choicefinancemortgages.com
A mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
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FINE DINING GUIDE
INSPIRATIONAL BIRMINGHAM
FINE DINING GUIDE Helen Best-Shaw, otherwise known as Fuss Free Flavours, is a freelance food writer and blogger who knows a thing or two about eating well. Sharing her simple, yet delicious recipes with her thousands of followers, Helen is loved by her fans for her fuss-free approach to cooking, producing dishes that look and taste great, but with a little know-how, are easy to prepare. While loving hitting the kitchen to cook up a storm, Helen also puts her discriminating palate to good use by reviewing restaurants. Here, Helen shares her highlights from the Inspirational Birmingham fine dining guide. Birmingham has plenty to offer in terms of dining choice. Whether you fancy a spicy winter warmer or an a lá carte dining experience – Birmingham is the place to go! For those looking for a taste of the Mediterranean, there is Cielo, an award-winning Italian restaurant whose dishes offer a real taste of the Med. The Restaurant at Broadway Casino is another gem, offering plenty of choice and fine dining. Finally, there is Finest Catch, whose menu showcase foods that Brits do so well - including fish and chips!
Fuss Free Fl avou Mushroom Te rs’ Easy riyaki Quick and ea sy, th
is recipe is pe rfect when a family meal is quick in order…
Ingredients
Ingredients 1 tsp cooking
Method 1. Heat a lar ge pan and start cook of water ing the noodles as pe r the packet instructions. 2. Heat the oil in a or frying pan, large wok ad vegetables an d the d stir fry for a few minutes until they are done.
oil 1 red pepper , deseeded and sliced 75 g baby co rn quartered lengthwise 60 g manget out sliced lengthwise 2 large porto bello mushrooms 3. Whilst th – sliced e vegetables are cooking make 150 g chestn th ut sauce by pour e teriyaki mushrooms ing – sliced ingredients int all the 4 nests of dr o ied noodles and whisking a small bowl – cooked as pe together. r the packet 4. Pour the sauce into th instructions e pan over the vege tables and let it simmer un til it is thick and glossy. 5. Pour over the no serve immedia odles and tely. For the sauc e 4 tbs honey or malt or ric e sy tbs white wi ne or cider vin rup 4 tbs Tamari or soy sauce 1 egar or rice vin 2 cloves garlic egar 1/2 lem – minced 1/ on, juiced 2 cm root gin (optional) de ger grated 2 seeded and finely choppe red chilies d Recipe taken
from www.fu
ssfreeflavou
s.com
For more information on Helen Best-Shaw or to enquire about booking her for your brand’s campaign please contact Amelia Neate at Influencer on 08453 31 30 31 or email aneate@influencerchampions.com.
Multi Award Winning, Italian Restaurant, Winner of Best Italian Restaurant in England
Children’s Menu Fixed Menu from Sunday Lunch from
£7.95 £10.95 £11.95
CIELO Opening Hours Monday – Thursday 12 -3 & 5.30 – 11 | Friday – Saturday 12 – 11 (all day) | Sunday 12 – 10 (all day) 6 Oozells Square|Brindley Place| B1 2JB T: 0121 632 6882 | E: info@cielobirmingham.com | www.cielobirmingham.com
0800 246 5121
ITALIAN EATERY
‘The Restaurant’ AT
TUCKED INSIDE THE GLAMOUR AND THRILLS OF BIRMINGHAM’S BROADWAY CASINO, IS THE ITALIAN EATERY – THE RESTAURANT. Offering a menu rich in authentic Italian cuisine, The Restaurant is the perfect retreat from city life, with diners experiencing a true taste of the Mediterranean.
FOOD SERVED: Open seven days a week from 6pm to 1am. Snack menu available every day from 1.30pm to 4am.
Headed up by Restaurant Manager, Roberto Santolamazza, who is keen to give diners an authentic taste of Italy, Roberto boasts a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry. Traditional Italian fayre tops the menu with starters including salmone affumicato, a dish of smoked salmon marinated in whisky with extra virgin olive oil and served with horseradish or cozze – mussels in a cream or tomato sauce. For those looking for a hearty main dish the penne primavera – pasta with asparagus, aubergines, courgettes, peppers and mushrooms in a white wine and cream sauce, or risotto ai funghi porcini, a dish of risotto with porcini mushrooms, parmesan and truffle oil is sure to satisfy. Of course, no Italian menu would be complete without a choice of pizzas, menu highlights include calabrese, which features Nduja Calabrian soft spicy sausage and buffalo mozzarella on a freshly prepared pizza base. While Italian cuisine is The Restaurant’s speciality, a choice of other dishes is also available including pan fried 10 oz. rib-eye steak and beef stroganoff. An exciting choice of side dishes are also on offer to complete your meal. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu includes plenty of favourites to whet your appetite. Pudding lovers will enjoy treats such as profiteroles, Monterosa cheesecake, tiramisu and a choice of Italian ice creams. For those looking to make a night of it The Restaurant offers a cocktail menu which includes classics such as bloody Mary and mojitos along with what are sure to be new favourites such as cats’ dance and berry bay breeze. A choice of wines and Champagnes are also available. Of course, dining out is about the whole experience; food, ambience and service. Thankfully, The Restaurant masters all three with the delicious food perfectly set against the contemporary and elegantly designed space. The attentive service also ensures that diners have an experience to remember. Along with being the perfect place to gather for family occasions and romantic dinners for two, The Restaurant also offers party packages for larger groups. For those looking for lighter bites, The Restaurant has you covered with its enticing snack menu which is served every day from 1.30pm to 4am. Snacks include fish and chips, pizza, burgers and Italian dishes including Calzone – a folded pizza filled with spinach and mozzarella cheese.
Broadway Casino | Broadway Plaza | Birmingham | B16 8LP 0121 456 5557
www.broadwaycasino.co.uk/dining T&C’s: To make your booking please email enquiries@broadwaycasino.co.uk or call Shelley on 07974262461 or the Duty Receptionist on 0121 4565557 and quote INSPI25 to receive your voucher. Offer excludes alcohol except for the glass of bubbly on arrival. To activate this offer please sign up to our in house data capture app.
Exclusive Offer QUOTE INSPI25
UPON BOOKING YOUR TABLE BETWEEN JUNE & JULY 2018 TO UNLOCK YOUR EXCLUSIVE OFFER OF 50% OFF YOUR RESTAURANT BILL AND GLASS OF BUBBLY ON ARRIVAL!
It’s Of-fish-al: is the place to be seen Just like talking about the weather and being eternally optimistic when it comes to the World Cup, there are just some things that are quintessentially British. Topping the poll of the things that put the great in Great Britain has to be the perfect marriage of fish and chips! Inspired by 1950s style American diners, Finest Catch restaurants offer retro-inspired dining facilities that the whole family will enjoy. From the black, white and chrome décor to the choice of booth, counter or table seating, Finest Catch creates the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy great food. Along with their famed fish & chips, you will also find a wide range of traditional British and American fare. Menu options include BBQ rack of ribs, foot long hot dogs and US-style milkshakes, so whether you are in the mood for traditional English grub or something from across the pond, you’re sure to be satisfied. Those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed with the choices on offer either. The ice cream parlour menu features treats such as banana split, hot chocolate fudge sundae, knickerbocker glory and New York style cheesecake! Whether you prefer cod or haddock, served with peas, gravy or somewhat controversially, curry sauce, one thing is for sure - us Brits love this takeaway classic. In fact, we love the dish so much it is estimated that we consume a whopping 382 million portions of fish and chips every year, making it a firm family favourite. Putting their spin on our national dish is Finest Catch, who have two diners, one in Solihull and another in Henley-inArden. As the name would suggest, Finest Catch is the perfect place to enjoy freshly battered fish served with perfectly cooked chips made from the very best British potatoes. For those watching their waistline, diners can opt for their fish to be baked or grilled rather than with batter (and for those less bothered about the calories, the diner offers free unlimited bread and butter and second helpings of chips!). While fish and chips is what the restaurant chain is renowned for, they also offer an exciting menu of starters, mains, desserts and drinks to keep everyone happy.
Dining is made all the sweeter with weekday offers including half-price main courses all day from Sunday through to Tuesday and half-price desserts from Wednesday through to Saturday. As well as the option to dine in, those looking for a quick bite can take advantage of the takeaway menu options and grab a delicious meal to eat while on the run. With a licensed bar serving a range of beers, ciders and wines. Finest Catch is open 11.30am to 10pm, seven days a week and is built on a simple ethos; great food, great value and the very best customer service...oh, and that no-one leaves hungry! The Finest Catch Henley Birmingham Road, Henley-in-Arden Warwickshire B95 5QR. 01564 793783
finestcatch.co.uk
The Finest Catch Shirley 1097 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 4EB. 0121 745 175
Fit for a
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK - 11:30AM - 10PM
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Winner of ‘Best Countryside Venue’ Where exclusive use comes as standard
It is little wonder that Mythe Barn has been announced winner of ‘Wedding Venue of The Year (Countryside) East Midlands’ at the Wedding Industry Awards, with stunning features and splendid views of the Leicestershire countryside, it is the perfect venue for a range of events. From a fairy-tale wedding to a corporate gathering, Mythe Barn is unbeatable. Specialising in weddings and prestigious corporate events, Mythe Barn’s appeal is clear from the bottom of the long tree-lined drive. Accommodating up to 250 people, the oak framed barn, rustic courtyard and scenic dining room are equally impressive. Awards dinners, product launches, corporate milestone events and weddings are all perfectly catered for with the fine dining by our expert chefs. Easily accessible and with great transport links, this pictureperfect venue is located just 30 minutes from Birmingham, Leicester and Coventry.
Amy Tait from Zizzi Restaurants who recently used the barn and surrounding event fields for the annual Zizzi gathering said:
The event execution leading up to and on the day was brilliant. Mythe Barn was great for every aspect of the event. The event exceeded both my own and the delegates’ expectations. Everyone was blown away by how amazing every aspect of the event was.
To learn more about Mythe Barn and Garlands Corporate and how our team can help yours, please visit www.garlandscorporate.co.uk or www.mythebarn-events.co.uk or call us on 01827 722123 Mythe Farm, Pinwall Lane, Sheepy Magna, Atherstone, Leicestershire, CV9 3PF 102 |
INSPIRATIONAL.UK.COM
Team Building Events Garlands Corporate offers exciting activities that aim to inspire team work, reward high performance and increase team performance in the workplace. Located at Mythe Farm with Mythe Barn, Garlands Corporate specialises in providing team development programmes, team activity days and reward days with both ‘off the shelf’ packages and bespoke team building programmes tailored to helping organisations achieve specific business or organisational outcomes. With extensive experience in team development, Garlands can design and deliver a programme that’s perfectly aligned with business objectives, engages and inspires people, and gives teams the tools they need to succeed in a constantly shifting business landscape. Set within 150 acres of stunning countryside, a wide range of fun and interactive outdoor events are available which are perfect for employee reward programmes and team-building away days. Exciting activities include quad biking, soap box racing and bridge building along with a wide range of other activities customised to your requirements. Perfect for corporate outdoor festivals, Garlands Corporate also boasts acres of flat event fields plus a recently refurbished warehouse space, perfect for events and involving Mythe Barn. To learn more about Mythe Barn Events and Garlands Corporate and how our team can help yours, visit www.garlandscorporate.co.uk or www.mythebarn-events.co.uk or give us a call on 01827 722 123. AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 12
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
More than just a hotel… Hyatt Regency, Birmingham Located centrally in Birmingham and dominating the city skyline is the Hyatt Regency Birmingham, a hotel that showcases a stunning, contemporary décor, fantastic views that never fail to impress and plush bedrooms with all the amenities one needs for a sound night’s sleep. Spread across 140 square metres of luxury, the hotel’s Presidential suite is a sight that must be seen, offering panoramic views of the city below as well as a separate lounge and dining room. However, all that being said, the hotel prides itself on being more than just a place to lay your head for the night. Holding great prestige in the city, the hotel is a popular destination for its other facilities and ability to cater for a range of personal and corporate events. One for the foodies… There are three destinations within the hotel where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks, delicious cuisine and great conversation, including The Gentleman & Scholar Pub and Terrace, the Atrium Lobby and the most popular hotspot for diners, Aria. Aria is one for the food fanatics serving up seasonal delights from morning till night. It is the afternoon tea that is a true show stopper at the restaurant though.
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Served Monday-Sunday (2pm-5pm), the afternoon tea features sandwiches, vegetarian options and delicate sweet treats, all of which can be enjoyed with either tea and coffee, or, a glass of bubbles. Also, newly returned to Aria is the Sunday lunch menu that is served from 12.30pm-5pm and features all of the traditional trimmings one expects from a Sunday roast, but with a little contemporary twist. For those that need a little TLC… The hotel’s luxurious Amala Spa provides a tranquil setting where guests can swap the hubbub of Birmingham’s lively streets for a day of relaxation and pampering. The spa which provides a range of treatments has recently undergone a full refurbishment including to the pool area and gym. For those whose idea of a wind down is a workout in the gym, the fully equipped Amala health and fitness club features a cardiovascular training room and a weight training area. For those who prefer to relax after work then there is the indoor pool, perfectly heated and is 16 metres long – making it the longest hotel pool in all of Birmingham, a jacuzzi, a cold water plunge pool (for the brave), a steam room and a sauna.
Ask about our ‘Prosecco to Toast’ offer!
The spa also offers various packages including a ‘spa & stay break’, ‘luxury day for two’, ‘full day ladies’, ‘full day gentlemen’ as well as a ‘city escape’ and ‘mother-to-be’ package. For the fairytale wedding…
Many weddings now, are more than just a day, so the hotel are also on hand to plan, accommodate and deliver wedding breakfasts, rehearsal dinners and even post-wedding brunches.
With the contemporary style of the hotel mixed with the beautiful city skyline, the hotel is the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Understanding that every couple will have different visions for the biggest day of their lives, the Hyatt Regency Birmingham have lovingly created a customisable wedding service. With three versatile locations within the hotel available for the big day, each also licensed to hold civil ceremonies and civil partnerships, they can host a wedding party up to 220 guests. Able to work with couples from the beginning down to the final details, the hotel pride themselves on their ability to put together a day to remember forever. Their special wedding package, priced at £60* per head includes: • One hour reception • House wine, orange juice and soft drinks, • A selection of crisps and nuts • Three course dinner** served with half a bottle of house wine per person • Unlimited Mineral water throughout the evening • Freshly brewed coffee, tea and petit fours • Little Extras • A dedicated special events planning manager and banquet manager on the day • Dance floor • Personalised menus • Complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom on the night of the wedding*** • Complimentary one-night stay on 1st wedding anniversary*** • Complimentary anniversary dinner for two in Aria Restaurant***
READER OFFER Gain double World of Hyatt points for your wedding! For any wedding booked and confirmed before 31st March and to take place before 31st December 2018, you can receive double World of Hyatt points. These points can be used to spoil yourself in any of Hyatt Hotels anywhere in the world so why not make your wedding or honeymoon extra special? Hyatt’s loyalty programme launched in March and is perfect for those who are about to tie the knot. For more information visit
www.worldofhyatt.com
Contact… As well as the above, the hotel is also open for Christmas bookings and provide conference facilities that cater up to 300 delegates. For more information on how you can book the hotel for your next event, please contact birmi.rfp@hyatt.com
For more information on the hotel visit www.birmingham.regency.hyatt.co.uk or call +44 121 643 1234
*Minimum orders apply. **One option per course to create set menu for guests, dietary requirements are Chef ’s choice. ***Subject to minimum numbers of your booking, bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance and are subject to availability.
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E N J O Y I TA L I A N C U I S I N E , L I V E S P O RT A N D T O P - C L A S S G A M I N G W I T H B R O A D WAY C A S I N O
BIRMINGHAM’S LEADING INDEPENDENT CASINO, BROADWAY CASINO, ARE WELL AWARE THAT AFTER A BUSY WEEK, YOU JUST WANT TO SIT BACK AND RELAX. WITH A WHOLE HOST OF SERVICES, THEIR OFFERING CAN SEE YOU ENJOY AN EVENING OF FOOD, SPORT AND GAMING WITH FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. WHATEVER YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE EVENING, BROADWAY HAVE YOU COVERED AND SOME OF THE FANTASTIC SERVICES YOU CAN ENJOY INCLUDE:
ENJOY DELICIOUS ITALIAN DINING AT THE RESTAURANT Whether you want a romantic dinner for two or to bring together all of your friends and family, Broadway Casino’s lavish eatery, The Restaurant, is perfect for all occasions. Their exceptional menu includes the finest Italian starters, mains and desserts with all diners able to find something to sink their teeth into. As well as their sumptuous main menu, The Restaurant also includes a snack menu for those who prefer something more bite-sized. The establishment is run by Restaurant Manager, Roberto Santolamazza, who is an expert in Italian cuisine. Having worked as a maître d’ in some of Rome’s most prestigious hotels, Roberto knows what makes authentic Italian food. He arrived in Birmingham in 1993 working in some of the city’s best restaurants before joining Broadway Casino in 2016.
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With space for more than 100 visitors, you can combine your meal with The Restaurant’s exclusive party packages. These include a canapé menu, the Ace Experience and the King Experience. Each of these set menus allow diners to enjoy their food and drink with the full casino benefits, including a gaming voucher and expert casino table training to make the most of their visit.
FOR THE SPORTS’ FANS… Whether it’s catching up on the highlights or watching the big game live, Broadway Casino is the place to be for sporting action. In sport, minutes or even seconds, can be the difference between defeat or victory, and we can ensure that you don’t miss a single moment – whatever your favourite sport. In the relaxed atmosphere you can enjoy football, rugby, cricket, tennis, golf and so much more, as we broadcast the biggest and best sporting events from all over the world. The perfect venue to settle down with your friends before the match, race or fight gets underway, you don’t need to worry about a place to grab some food either as full meals or half-time snacks are available.
PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT… Broadway Casino is famed for its gaming floor, home to a wide range of popular casino games. With seven roulette tables to enjoy, people can also try their luck at blackjack, poker and punto blanco, as well as traditional slot machines. The contemporary décor gives off a relaxed and modern vibe where guests can try their luck or simply socialise with friends. For the more experienced players out there, then there are cash games taking place every day and players can enjoy The Restaurant’s delicious menus throughout the day.
Located in the city centre, Broadway Casino is the perfect place to relax with friends, have an evening meal or catch up on the latest sporting events. To find out more call on 0121 456 5557 or email enquiries@broadwaycasino.co.uk.
B R O A D W AY C A S I N O | B R O A D W AY P L A Z A | B I R M I N G H A M | B 1 6 8 L P
0121 456 5557 @TheBroadwayCasino
@BroadwayCasino
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Vision for industry: GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Sanjeev Gupta
www.gfgalliance.com
Swimming against the tide How has a British company built a competitive and sustainable metals and industrials business, in the UK, when many felt it just could no longer be done?
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As many of the world’s leading sportspeople have proved over the years, success often comes from doing things differently.
As is frequently the case, the sport and business worlds mirror each other, and swimming against the tide has become a regular route to commercial achievement for tenacious entrepreneurs.
A flash of inspiration and a dogged commitment to an alternative approach is a combination that has lifted trophies and turned individuals and teams into legends.
Over the past two years, this has been the experience of the GFG Alliance, a global enterprise comprising metals and industrial business, Liberty House Group, energy and resource group, SIMEC, property company JAHAMA and financial services operation, Wyelands.
INSPIRATIONAL.UK.COM
Making auto components in Coventry: From right Plant Director Ian Whale, South Australia Finance Minister Tom Koutsantonis and CEO of Liberty Industries, Dr Douglas Dawson
Recycling: Scrap steel at the Liberty plant in Rotherham
Three years ago, the Group employed only a few hundred people in commodities trading offices across the world. Today GFG has more than 11,000 employees and a huge portfolio of industrial assets spanning steel and aluminium production, engineering and energy generation. All of this has been based on Executive Chairman Sanjeev Gupta’s refusal to accept conventional wisdom about Britain’s heavy industry. In October 2015, when the Government was holding a crisis meeting about steel plant closures, Sanjeev was re-opening a mothballed steelworks in South Wales. This was to prove the first of many such re-openings and turnarounds the company achieved over the subsequent two years; a track record it is now exporting to Australia, the USA and elsewhere. Armed with deep knowledge and insight, gained from 25 years trading metals and other commodities globally, he chose to challenge the belief that UK heavy industry was a sunset sector. Furthermore, he rejected the view that, because economies go in cycles, industry must inevitably take a hammering and lose a chunk of its capacity and skill-base every few years during the down cycle. His response to this fatalism was to devise the GREENMETAL strategy; a new view that metal can be produced competitively in the UK if we make better use of the abundant scrap our economy generates and if we use cheaper, cleaner energy to make this metal. Through the GFG businesses, Liberty House Group and SIMEC, Sanjeev set about satisfying these conditions by investing both in scrap melting capacity and in a range of renewable energy sources, and by acquiring a range of downstream engineering assets that could be integrated into the Group’s fast-growing metals business.
While others pulled away, GFG businesses embraced UK industry and have made huge progress in reviving a home-based supply chain that had been dwindling over four decades. Today the Group – which now spans nearly 30 sites across the UK and dozens more in Australia - is successfully melting and rolling metal in Britain and turning much of its output into value-added engineered components for key sectors such as automotive, aerospace and oil & gas. GFG owns the UK’s only remaining aluminium smelter, which now operates almost entirely on green power. The Group also runs Scotland’s last two major steelworks and has plants producing special steel for aircraft worldwide. In fact, a plane containing high-grade steel from Liberty House Group lands somewhere on earth every three seconds. Added to that, GFG has acquired top-class engineering businesses that sell directly to five big name car manufacturers in the UK and that make brakes for Formula 1 cars. The Group is also developing innovative components for the new generation of electricity-powered and autonomous vehicles and is even reviving Britain’s greatly shrunken bike manufacturing industry. Moreover, Sanjeev has established a bank - Wyelands - to help fund the development of industrial businesses struggling for support from traditional banks and, to ensure any industrial renaissance has the right skills, he had set up the GFG Foundation to help nurture the new generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. All of this has been achieved by being ‘unreasonable’ and refusing to accept industrial decline as inevitable. Playwright, George Bernard Shaw once said that progress relied on unreasonable people. For his attitude and relentless pursuit of his vision, Sanjeev Gupta has just been named by London Business School as winner of this year’s George Bernard Shaw Unreasonable Person Award.
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Advertising Feature
Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management We focus solely on providing face-to-face advice and offer a dedicated, personal wealth management service to build longterm, trusted relationships. We have the experience to help you successfully secure and enhance your financial future by offering specialist advice in a wide range of areas including: • Corporate Financial advice and protection • Exit Strategy Planning for business owners • Investment Planning • Retirement Planning • Tax and Estate Planning For further information, or to request your complimentary guide to wealth management, please contact Janine Edwards: 01676 530606 or 07785 295341 Janine.edwards@sjpp.co.uk
Janine Edwards Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management
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 is a trading name of Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd.
Advertising Feature
The perfect partnership of
quality and service Within every household in the UK there is likely to be at least one item printed by Qualvis. It is little wonder that this leading print and packaging firm has recently been awarded Company of the Year at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards 2017.
A ringing endorsement of the firm’s outstanding success, not only within its sector but generally within business, scooping this coveted accolade is recognition of the company’s hard work, commitment to client care and innovation. “Qualvis is a family run business, started by my father and his business partner and now owned by myself and siblings” said Chairman, Jason Short. Nestled on the outskirts of Leicester in a 76,000-square foot site, Qualvis was launched in 1982 with a focus on food packaging – something they continue to excel at – and as such are accredited suppliers for many of today’s biggest brands. Qualvis employs 106 members of staff and in recent years the firm has diversified its offering, taking its decades of packaging experience to the cosmetics and confectionary industries. “The time was right” confirmed Jason, “we knew we had the know-how and capabilities to create virtually any type of packaging design and we could see a gap in the confectionary and cosmetics markets and a way to deploy the skills we had built up over many years.”
Making many recent investments of nearly £5m in technology and equipment that sets them at the forefront of their industry. Investment has included a double digital packaging line – making them the first packaging company globally to install such equipment and a sevencolour KBA Rapida 106 litho press, which can be used for a wide range of packaging, including cosmetics and high-end food packaging; Qualvis are constantly trying to improve their offering. The move has paid off, with Qualvis now the manufacturer of choice for a wide range of household names, including luxury haircare brand, John Frieda. “Our diversification has meant that not only are we now recognised as a leading producer of specialist food packaging but we are also leaders within confectionary and cosmetics packaging, with the packaging printed at our Leicester site making their way into High Street stores, and homes, across the UK.” It is Qualvis’ ambitious and forward-looking nature that has seen the company thrive for more than 30 years. Three years ago, Jason also decided the firm needed a fresh perspective when it came to the financial advice it was getting.
To arrange a meeting please contact Janine Edwards:
01676 530606 or 07785 295341 or email: Janine.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Home Farm Stables | The Berkswell Estate | Meriden Road | Berkswell | West Midlands | CV7 7SL
www.janineedwards.co.uk
“I felt that the advice we were getting was based on what we had done in the past - it was more about caretaking than growing” said Jason.
we want to go as a business and what I want as an individual for my financial future.”
It was through this realisation that Jason decided he needed to seek wealth management advice that could help him achieve his personal and business ambitions and got in touch with Janine Edwards who is a Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.
When coming on board to work with Qualvis, which includes supporting the company’s pension and life cover schemes, Janine took the time to visit the site and speak with staff to understand their financial aspirations, something that not every wealth management organisation offers.
Through the fresh perspective Janine has brought to the business, Jason and his team have been able to leave their own, and the company’s, wealth management needs to Janine, leaving them free to concentrate on achieving year-on-year growth, and Jason commented: “We have increased turnover for the last four years and have increased profit in line with this too.” With Janine’s focus on relationships, Jason has felt that his vision for his, and the business’ future, have been recognised, and that by understanding his ambitions, the advice Janine offers is targeted to his specific needs. “The great thing about working with Janine” said Jason, “is that she takes the time to look at the bigger picture and to understand where
Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, Janine provides an unrivalled service, building long-term relationships with her clients. Janine can provide: • Corporate financial advice and protection • Exit strategy planning for business owners • Investment planning • Retirement planning • Tax and estate planning
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 is a trading name of Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd.
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“
People influence people. Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend. A trusted referral influences people more than the best broadcast message. A trusted referral is the Holy Grail of advertising. - Mark Zuckerberg
These ‘trusted friends’ the Facebook pioneer speaks of are not only the physical friends who we see in our day to day lives, but also ‘online friends’ who, for many people, come in the form of social media influencers. Recognising their influence on consumers, top brands are now investing more time and money into developing their relationships with social media influencers.
”
However, there are a great number of social media influencers out there and an issue many brands face when creating a successful influencer campaign is how to pick the right influencer for them. With much to consider, selecting the right influencer can take time; something busy marketing teams often have a limited amount of. This is where Influencer Champions comes in. An agency that manages the interests of both the influencer and the brand, Influencer Champions seeks-out the perfect influencer and brand partnerships, for a mutually beneficial relationship that delivers results. The brands and influencers the agency work with speaks volumes...
The brands Influencer Champions has worked with many high-profile brands on their influencer campaigns including: Dell, Philips, Feel Unique, Arla, Cully and Sully, Harvey Nichols, Schwartz, Rennie, VonShef and Philadelphia. …
CELEBRITY LIFESTYLE FITNESS TRAVEL FOOD & DRINK MUSIC PARENTING
ENTERTAINMENT FASHION INTERNATIONAL HOME BEAUTY GAMING
1. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-networks-influence-buying-decisions/ 2. http://www.business2community.com/marketing/key-influencermarketing-stats-inform-marketing-strategy-O1817533#xTQsiKJWPeFQvEIz.97 3. http://www.acorninfluence.com/blog/1O-influencer-marketing-statistics/
The Influencers The agency has both worked with and manages some of the best social media influencers from a wide-range of categories. These influencers include: Scarlett London, Fuss Free Flavours, Talk Becky Talk, Holly Sheeran, Mark Ferris, Jake Boys and The London Thing Three statistics that will make you want to re-think your current marketing campaigns to accommodate social media influencers: • 74% 1 of consumers use social media to make purchasing decisions. • 86% 2 of marketers today use influencer marketing to fuel their content marketing strategies – 88.5% of whom find the influencer content valuable. • 7O% 3 of teenage YouTube subscribers say they relate to YouTubers more than to traditional celebrities
Spotlight on the Senior Manager – Amelia Neate After noticing more and more brands were also looking to work with social media influencers, Amelia could not ignore the increasing demand for influencers and launched Influencer Champions. Since its launch, Amelia has nurtured relationships between some of the country’s best-known brands and high-profile influencers. Not only keen to grow the agency’s portfolio of influencers and brands, she is also keen to stay on top of industry trends and updates and so she recently secured sponsorship at one of the UK’s biggest events – the UK Agency Awards.
aneate@influencerchampions.com O8453 31 3O 31 @InfluencerChampions
@InfluencerChampions
@Influencer_Ch
influencerchampions.com
SPECIALIST
GLOBAL
Insurance Broker with Regional Expertise At JLT Specialty, we believe in doing things differently. We believe that in order to deliver solutions in the world of insurance broking and risk management, we must thoroughly understand the different challenges your business faces. By using intelligence, imagination and insight, we provide expert advice and robust risk solutions which are often unique. REGIONAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL NETWORK We serve businesses across the Midlands from our Nottingham and Birmingham
Our national Restructuring & Recovery practice, based in Birmingham, is one of only three in the UK and has experienced significant growth with 30 experts in the team.
offices, and we have access to the market
Our Nottingham branch was founded in
strength and wide-ranging skills of the wider
2012 and now has a team of eight risk and
JLT Group and its network of international
insurance professionals working with clients
offices in over 135 countries worldwide.
across the East Midlands.
JLT Specialty has had a presence in Birmingham since 1903, making it the longest established insurance brokerage in the city. We have a growing and experienced team of over 55 insurance and risk management professionals looking after clients across the region.
Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group. Registered Office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No. 01536540. VAT No. 244 2321 96.© May 2017 274430
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE, SECTOR EXPERTISE We are a team of experts and locally we focus on sectors where we know we can make the greatest difference.
MOTOR FLEET
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Our Motor Fleet team has many years’ experience working with a diverse range of fleet clients, offering bespoke insurance and risk mitigation programmes to ensure protection against all eventualities.
Our experienced M&A team in the Midlands is wellconnected and combines its ‘hands-on’ approach with a deep understanding of M&A insurance and due diligence.
GET IN TOUCH
To find out more about our products and services, contact Sally Swann, Head of the Midlands region
sally.swann@jltgroup.com CONSTRUCTION
FOOD & AGRICULTURE
As the construction insurance partner of choice for contractors, project owners and project financiers, our construction team offers a focused approach to our clients’ key industry and risk exposure.
We provide first class insurance programme design, client service, risk mitigation and claims handling to some of the leading food and agriculture businesses in the UK.
visit our website
www.jltspecialty.com
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Thomas International is the global champion of the people assessment industry. Our assessments empower business leaders to transform the performance of their people, teams and cultures. Having been at the forefront of assessment innovation since 1981, our assessments are available in 56 languages and support clients in over 60 countries.
Speak to your consultant or contact us on 01628 475 366 or email info@thomas.co.uk
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Thomas International Š Copyright Thomas International Ltd 2017 www.thomasinternational.net
QdosOffice Your People Solution OfficeEMS OfficeDocuments OfficeAskQ OfficeAdminLite OfficeAuditTools OfficeE-Learning
QdosOffice HR Software to support your HR journey QdosOffice is a revolutionary HR Software Platform which will help to support your HR journey. Never think about using spreadsheets again to manage your staff absence; create personalised contracts at the click of a button; have access to expert advice for any challenge your people throw at you! See how we make HR simple with our innovative tools, enabling you to focus on running your business. Never be stressed about HR again.
For more information vist www.qdoshr.com
for professionals to take a break The Colmore Club, situated in the heart of Birmingham, is a members-only club for like-minded professionals looking for an exclusive location to network, socialise and take a break from the stresses of everyday life.
there is The Boardroom which is the perfect location for private, corporate functions offering a personal waiter, grill and buffet menus, air conditioning and state-of-the-art visual and audio equipment.
The club provides three key rooms. The Social Room is where members can enjoy the delights of the fully stocked bar and eclectic food menus. The Study features a library, electronic books and a bar complete with traditional furnishings. Finally
Members of the club can also enjoy exclusive access into all club events, complimentary corporate hire, access to a highquality network of professionals across a range of industries and much more.
Membership is now available. Visit www.colmoreclub.co.uk to apply.
0121 236 0039
|
www.colmoreclub.co.uk
DISCOVER BELGRAVIA’S BOUTIQUE BEAUTY.
Located in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel offers a warm welcome with a choice of stylish guest rooms and suites. Enjoy contemporary dining in Lowndes Bar & Kitchen, discover London with a self guided tour on our complimentary Belgravia Bikes and relax in the indoor swimming pool or jacuzzi at the nearby Peak Health Club & Spa.
For more information, visit jumeirah.com or call +44 (0)20 7823 1234
2017 Farmfoods British Par 3 Champion, Richard O’Hanlon
Brian Mcfadden watches his shot
Dominic Holland and Gary Wolstenholme MBE
In association with
Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire
8 - 11 August 2017 Faith Tucker showcases her stunning vocals
This year marked the 84th edition of the Championship and saw a whole host of professional golfers and celebrities take part. Alongside tournament host Tony Jacklin CBE, golfing legends including Ian Woosnam OBE, Dame Laura Davies, Jamie Donaldson, Costantino Rocca and Paul Lawrie OBE all took on the Cromwell Course.
Gordon Strachan OBE tees off
This year saw the most stellar line-up of celebrities the event has ever seen which included the likes of Mike Tindall MBE, Robbie Fowler, Andrew Cole, Nigel Mansell CBE, William Roache MBE, Len Goodman, Brian McFadden, Dan Walker, Naga Munchetty, Sinitta and James and Oliver Phelps.
Tony Jacklin CBE and his wife Astrid attening the celebrity dinner
2010 champion Richard O’Hanlon was victorious in this year’s Pro-Am which had to be reduced to nine holes on the first day after rain battered the course. An overall score of -5 was enough for Richard to scoop the €50,000 winning prize fund and the title of Farmfoods British Par 3 champion once again. The Norma C Herd Silver Salver which is awarded to the best scoring amateur was won by Michael Lawrie, the son of former Open winner Paul Lawrie.
Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden entertain guests
The winner of the first Celeb-Am was Scottish rugby star Max Evans whose two birdies were enough to give him a score of 0 and crown him the winner. The week concluded with ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler winning the final Celeb-Am. The fun was also carried across to the evening too, with a range of celebrity dinners and galas organised by Champions (UK) plc. These included a stunning blacktie gala ball hosted by Perrier award-winning comedian Dominic Holland and charity auctions raising much needed funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
INSPIRATIONAL CATCH
Kriss Akabusi waving to the crowds
magazine
Tony Jacklin CBE, and Eric Herd present Michael Lawrie with his award
Rick Cressman, Andy Cummings, Tracy Meredith-Cummings, Oliver Phelps, and James Phelps
Nigel Mansell CBE enjoyed the week
Len Goodman on the Cromwell course
Maria and Derek Redmond at the charity dinner
Mike Tindall MBE on the tee
Robbie Fowler was victorious in the Celeb-Am
Sinitta enjoying her BP3 debut
Amy Boulden and Carly Booth before the evening gets underway
John Hartson watches his swing
Peter Shilton OBE and wife Steph enjoy the evening
Kev Orkian entertaining the crowds
Tony Jacklin CBE, Paul Lawrie and Dame Laura Davies
William Roache MBE watching on
Gareth Roberts from Edgbaston Stadium welcoming guests
Guests listening to the cricketing stories from the special guests
Guests saying hello to the cricket fans!
Champions Club at Edgbaston Edgbaston Stadium
Wednesday 7 June 2017 John Hayes opening the day
Matthew Hoggard MBE and Derek Redmond
Edgbaston Stadium provided the perfect backdrop for Champions Club’s latest networking event as some of the region’s biggest businesses gathered to watch one of the biggest cricket matches of the year. Representing a group of some of the West Midlands’ most influential businesses including Champions (UK) plc, the club offers an annual array of networking opportunities and events. They provide a platform for elite and professional individuals to meet potential clients and react to industry developments, as well as presenting a proactive business community that promotes the very best business relationships. Some of the members who attended on the day included: Amplify, The Belfry, Fusion, Gleeds, Inspirational Birmingham, JLT, Janine Edwards Wealth Management, Mythe Barn, Qdos and Thomas International. The day included a glass of Pimms on arrival, inclusive access to the bar, a lunch buffet and afternoon tea.
Keith Price, Gareth Roberts, Craig Cooksley, Sophia Hayes, Mike Procter, John Hayes, Katie Niland, Douglas Dawson, Derek Redmond and Matthew Hoggard MBE
Mike Procter and business card prize winner, Garry Nokes
Former 4x400m world champion Derek Redmond also attended the event performing a Q&A for club members where he discussed his fantastic athletics career. The event was great fun for all involved, and also included a game of heads and tails for members to get involved with. The club was situated in the ‘Room with a View’ hospitality lounge and had a fantastic view of Pakistan’s victory over South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Mike Procter, Matthew Hoggard MBE, Stand Up Bingo prize winner Michael Clarke and Derek Redmond
As ever the occasion had a great atmosphere and special guests on the day were former cricketers Matthew Hoggard MBE and Mike Procter. The duo were able to provide their expert insight into the action as well as interact with members by talking about their successful careers.
Mike Procter, Matthew Hoggard MBE and Derek Redmond speaking
The Champions Club regularly organises outstanding events like this for its members encouraging local businesses to network and interact with one another alongside some fine dining and international sport.
JANINE EDWARDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD
Qdos
The whole group
Playing heads and tails with Derek Redmond and Matthew Hoggard MBE
2017 Winners BEST SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN MediaCom North
Category Sponsor
BEST SEARCH CAMPAIGN BlueGlass & Expedia BEST PR CAMPAIGN Reddico Dominic Holland and Champions (UK) plc’s Matthew Hayes with Digital Agency of the Year, Click Consult
Amelia Neate announcing a winner
BEST NOT-FOR-PROFIT CAMPAIGN Click Consult & Oxfam BEST EVENT Canvas Conference by 383 Project BEST NEW BUSINESS CAMPAIGN Engine
In association with
The Media Com North team celebrate with Dominic Holland and Amelia Neate
BEST AGENCY WEBSITE Found - found.co.uk
Category Sponsor
Category Sponsor
BEST MARKETING STRATEGY FOR AGENCY GROWTH BEcause - Building love for our brand
The UK Agency Awards 2017 Montcalm Marble Arch, London
CAMPAIGN EFFECTIVENESS AWARD Crafted & Generator Hostels
Wednesday 13 September 2017
BEST AGENCY CULTURE Kin&Co
Category Sponsor
RISING AGENCY STAR AWARD Returning for its third year, the UK Agency Awards 2017 Atticus “Maximus” Peart celebrated the very best creative, design, digital marketing, advertising, media and public relations agencies across the BIDDABLE MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR country. Merkle|Periscopix
Guests eagerly await the winners
With 22 awards up for grabs, the awards acknowledge the DIGITAL AGENCY OF outstanding contribution that agencies make to the industry. THE YEAR This year’s event took place at one of London’s most lavish Click Consult locations, the Montcalm Marble Arch. The venue is located in one of the most famous parts of the capital and the B2B AGENCY OF THE YEAR awards took place in the building’s stunning Grand Ballroom. Stein IAS Guests were welcomed with drinks upon arrival before being treated to a delicious three-course meal. The event was hosted by one of the UK’s most well-loved comedians Dominic Holland who oversaw proceedings in his own hilarious style.
Dominic Holland, Amelia Neate and Engine
Influencer Champions, an agency that pairs top influencers with high-profile brands, were on board this year as event sponsors supporting the ‘Best Social Media Campaign’ award. This award recognised a successful social media campaign that was innovative and stood out above all others.
Category Sponsor
SEARCH AGENCY OF THE YEAR Epiphany SOCIAL MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR Born Social MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR M&C Saatchi Mobile MARKETING AGENCY OF THE YEAR Intermarketing Agency
The winners of this award were MediaCom North for their #NaughtyFriday campaign for women’s clothing brand PR AGENCY OF THE YEAR CubanEight Missguided.
Photography: Don’t Panic / The Art of New Business / Barney Newman
INNOVATIVE AGENCY OF THE YEAR WeAreFearless. MOST IMPRESSIVE SMALL AGENCY GROWTH The Honey Partnership
Influencer Champions’ table
MOST IMPRESSIVE LARGE AGENCY GROWTH Hogarth Worldwide
Category Sponsor
Derek Redmond and Kriss Akabusi MBE
Eric Herd of Farmfoods with guests, Bernard Gallacher OBE and Peter Baker
presents
Brabazon Course, The Belfry Janine Edwards of Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd with guests and Mark Regan MBE
Tuesday 5 September 2017
Dominic Holland, Peter Baker and Cat Mitchell
A whole host of stars from the world of sport and entertainment came together at Sutton Coldfield’s Belfry Hotel & Resort for Tony Jacklin CBE’s annual charity golf day. The Belfry’s Brabazon course is famed for the four times it has hosted the Ryder Cup. Located in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside, it was the backdrop for Europe’s first ever triumph in the competition. In Tony’s absence, this year the event was hosted by Europe’s victorious 1995 Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher OBE and saw a range of famous faces take part including: Mike Tindall MBE, Derek Redmond, Kriss Akabusi MBE, Dan Walker, Roy Walker, Alan McInally and Thom and Max Evans. Sponsors Paradise Promotions hosted a rum tasting workshop on the first tee in what proved to be a wonderful day of golf. Dominic Holland hosting the evening
Following the day’s play, guests were treated to a Champagne reception before enjoying a delicious three course gourmet meal. The evening also saw some fantastic entertainment hosted by Perrier award-winning comedian Dominic Holland. After the main course, The X-Factor’s 2013 winner Sam Bailey performed before comedian Ian Irving entertained audiences with a hilarious comedy set.
Katie Niland of The Belfry with guests, Thom and Max Evans
All money raised on the day was donated to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People who care for children suffering with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.
Maurice Addison of M2K, Tyrone Hanlon of Tiger Foods with guests, Chris Broad and Alan McInally
Event host, Bernard Gallacher OBE
Bentley at the Belfry, from Bentley Leicester
William Hill guests and Don Goodman
Stand Up Bingo winner - Tim Reed of Bentley Leicester
Entertainment included steel drums
Mike Tindall MBE
The team gather for a photo
Sam Bailey performing
The Belfry team enjoying the day
Philip De Freitas, Sean Cook and John Hayes
Don Goodman at the event
Ian Irving performing
Birmingham Sports Awards 2017 at Edgbaston Stadium
Emma Jesson co-hosting
H E A D L I N E PA R T N E R
Garry Peal of Birmingham City Council with host, Derek Redmond
I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
Guests from Western Power Distribution
Guests enjoying the Champagne reception
Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
Wednesday 20 September 2017
Hosts Emma Jesson and Derek Redmond
Marc Reeves from the Birmingham Post
On 20 September, the world-renowned Edgbaston Cricket Ground saw current, former and rising sports stars come together to celebrate the best and brightest of Birmingham’s sportspeople, teams and clubs at the Birmingham Sports Awards 2017. The evening began with a dazzling Champagne reception, and was followed by a gourmet three course meal, after which the awards were presented. The ceremony was hosted by former World and European Championship sprinter, Derek Redmond and TV weather presenter, Emma Jesson. The night was not only held to celebrate the sporting achievements of Birmingham, but to raise money for the charity, Sport Birmingham. The charity is part of a national network of 45 County Sports Partnerships, that all receive core funding from Sport England. Money was raised through stand-up bingo and a silent auction, with prizes such as sporting memorabilia and theatre trips on offer. The main accolades included the Lifetime Achievement Award, Professional Sportsman/Sportswoman/Young Sportsperson of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Junior Team of the Year. Each award was presented in partnership with some of the top businesses in Birmingham, such as Birmingham City University, Birmingham City Council, Jewson, Liberty House Group, Decathlon Wednesbury, Edgbaston Cricket Club, Inspirational Birmingham, Sport Birmingham, Western Power Distribution and Champions (UK) plc.
Guests from Birmingham City Council
Birmingham Sports Awards 2017
WEDNESBURY
Memorabilia in the silent auction to raise money for Sport Birmingham
Guests from Sport Birmingham with Emma Jesson
Category Sponsor
2017 Winners LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ANN JONES CBE PROFESSIONAL SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR DANIEL TALBOT
Amateur Sportswoman of the Year, Sarah Macdonald with Ben Snowdon of KEP and Martin Plowman
PROFESSIONAL SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR JORDANNE WHILEY MBE PROFESSIONAL YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR TYRESE SHADE TEAM OF THE YEAR WILSON STUART SCHOOL TABLE CRICKET TEAM
Ann Jones CBE, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award
AMATEUR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR JOHN CHURCHER AMATEUR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR SARAH MCDONALD MANAGER/COACH OF THE YEAR TONY HADLEY
Tyrese Shade with Charlotte Bird from Jewson and Wayne Elcock
CLUB OF THE YEAR BIRCHFIELD HARRIERS COMMUNITY AWARD CASTLE POOL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR STUART PAUL JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR COLRON BOYS U13 FOOTBALL TEAM
WEDNESBURY
Douglas Dawson of Liberty House Group, Ann Jones CBE and Gary Newbon
JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR ELISE GLYNN
Guests from Liberty House Group with Gary Newbon
Bobby Gould on Stage with Gary Newbon
Headline sponsor Liberty House Group with host Gary Newbon
KEP Print Group with Kelvin Fletcher and Martin Plowman
Host, Emma Jesson
Thomas International with Derek Redmond and Jonathan Broom-Edwards
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Thursday 5 October 2017
Manager/Coach of the Year sponsors, Apogee
Coventry’s Ricoh Arena played host to this year’s Coventry & Warwickshire Sports Awards 2017 which saw the great and the good from the local sporting community gather for an evening of celebration. Acknowledging the successes of individuals, teams and clubs from the last 12 months, there were 13 awards up for grabs on the night including: Lifetime Achievement Award, Professional Sportsman of the Year and Professional Sportswoman of the Year.
Marjorie Gould, Bobby Gould and Dietmar Bruck
As well as rewarding professional and amateur sportspeople from across the region, the event also provided the valuable opportunity for money to be raised for The Lord’s Taverners charity. The charity work with disabled and vulnerable young people aiming to enhance their lives by engaging them in cricket and other sports. Event hosts were TV weathergirl Emma Jesson and sport’s broadcaster Gary Newbon.
Guests playing Stand Up Bingo
Tamsin Greenway, Manager of Wasps Netball
Each category had a sponsor who presented the winners with their awards, these sponsors included: Apogee, Aston Martin Birmingham, Champions After Dinner Speakers, Edgbaston Cricket Stadium, Inspirational Birmingham, Jewson, KEP Print Group, The Kingsley School, PMGC, Thomas International, Ricoh Arena and Western Power Distribution. The headline sponsor was Liberty House Group and the whole event was in association with Champions (UK) plc.
Guests enjoying Champagne reception
Keith Perry speaking on behalf of The Trinity Mirror
Category Sponsor
2017 Winners LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD BOBBY GOULD PROFESSIONAL SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR JIMMY GOPPERTH Club of the Year Winner, Wasps Netball
PROFESSIONAL SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR SARAH-JANE PERRY PROFESSIONAL YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR JORDAN PONTICELLI TEAM OF THE YEAR WASPS
Gary Newbon, Bobby Gould and Alan Turner from Liberty House Group
CLUB OF THE YEAR WASPS NETBALL AMATEUR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR MICK IVES AMATEUR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR SUE HARRISON
Winner of Professional Young Sportsperson, Jordan Ponticelli
MANAGER/COACH OF THE YEAR TAMSIN GREENWAY COMMUNITY AWARD CORLEY CRICKET CLUB VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NORMAN PAGET
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Bobby Gould
U19/SCHOOL TEAM OF THE YEAR WARWICK SCHOOL U18 RUGBY TEAM JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR JACK SUMNERS
Coventry & Warwickshire Sports Awards 2017
Badness ready for the Tribute Awards 2017
Roy Orbison, George Michael and Ultimate Elton recieving their awards
Craig Phillips and Alan Warner FEAA and Executive Vice President of the Agent’s Association
HEADLINE SPONSOR
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
CHARITIES
Biggest winner of the night, Totally Tina
Lady Gaga winning the Offical UK No.1
Athena Leicester
Wednesday 5 July 2017 Tribute acts from across the country came together at Leicester’s stunning Athena venue to celebrate the very best the tribute industry has to offer.
Little Fix arriving at the awards ready for the evening ahead
The biggest winner on the night was Totally Tina who took home both the acclaimed ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and ‘Best Sound & Lighting Production’ award. Justine Ruddock is the star of the act and was rewarded for her years of dedication to the industry.
Marilyn Monroe at the Awards
The night was a resounding success, organised by Champions (UK) plc alongside the Entertainment Agents’ Association (GB), the ceremony marked the highlight of the tribute industry’s calendar. The evening also provided the opportunity to raise money for two worthwhile causes. One of these charities was Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, who provide support to children and their families who suffer from life-threatening and lifelimiting illnesses.
Oasish ready to take the night by storm
Some of the evening’s winners and performers
Money was also raised for the We Love Manchester fund following the attack at the Ariana Grande concert which happened two days prior to this event. Funds on the night were split evenly between the two causes.
Patrick Monahan, comedian and the evening’s host
Soul Kinda Wonderful and Diana Ross
Category Sponsor
2017 Winners BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION MARK SUMMERS AS ELVIS LEGACY
BEST SOUND & LIGHTING PRODUCTION TOTALLY TINA
The Killerz performing on stage
BEST WEBSITE GLASTONBUDGET
BEST MARKETING AND PR LMS WORLDWIDE The stage is set for an amazing night of entertinment
BOOKING VENUE OF THE YEAR THE CONCORDE CLUB
TRIBUTE AGENT OF THE YEAR PELLER ARTISTES
BEST BAND HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN
Totally Tina and her dancers performing on stage
BEST FEMALE ARTIST TANIA ALBONI AS CHER
BEST MALE PAUL REASON AS ROBBIE WILLIAMS The tables are set ready for the National Tribute Music Awards 2017
MUSIC INDUSTRY AWARD BOURNE LEISURE INC BUTLINS, WARNERS AND HAVEN
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TOTALLY TINA Winner of the Best Band Award - Hats Off to Led Zeppelin
‘Eric and Little Ern’ with Mark Dolan
Benny Lawrence, James Cosmo and Natasha Giorgio
Charlie Ross auctioneering
In association with
Dorchester Charity Ball The Dorchester, London
Friday 2 June 2017 Charlotte Fox, The Chase’s Shaun Wallace & Scarlett Stacey
A host of celebrities from the world of entertainment were in attendance for the annual Rainbows Celebrity Charity Ball, at The Dorchester. The black-tie ‘Best of British’ themed night saw the likes of William Roache MBE, James Cosmo, Sinitta, Mark Dolan, Nina Wadia and Sam Bailey come together for an enjoyable night of fundraising at one of the capital’s most prestigious venues.
Claire Twells of Smith Partnership and Derek Redmond
With a Laurent-Perrier drinks reception greeting guests on arrival, The X Factor boyband Union J kickstarted proceedings by performing popular single ‘Carry You.’ Former 4x400m world champion Derek Redmond was on hosting duties on the night as guests took to their seats to enjoy a lavish four-course meal.
David Simms, Donna Hayes and Mia Simms
The five-star hotel provided the perfect backdrop for the event which raised much needed funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. The hospice supports children and their families with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. To help raise funds guests were invited to take part in a round of stand-up bingo with The Dorchester providing the prize.
Craig Phillips and Laura Sheriff
ICONIC HOTELS IN ICONIC PLACES
There was plenty of entertainment on offer over the course of the evening with a charity auction hosted by Charlie Ross. The X Factor winner, Sam Bailey performed a selection of songs from her hit nationwide tour. Popular British soul band Urban Intro concluded proceedings with an excellent R&B performance. Champions (UK) plc are proud to have supported Rainbows for a number of years and have raised over £1m in funds for the charity through events such as The Dorchester’s Charity Ball.
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Craig Phillips, Sinitta, James Cosmo and guests
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Sinitta and William Roache MBE
Chris Darlington of Mazars, with guests, and William Roache MBE
KC Suri of Reel Cinemas and guests
Nina Wadia and Sam Bailey
Sean Downs of St James’s Place Wealth Management and guests
Douglas Dawson of Liberty and guests, with Mark Dolan
Talia Storm and guests
Simon and Rose Edgley
Victoria Marconetto-Tyson, Nicola and Stuart Littlewood, Sam Bailey, Andrew Ball and Matthew Hayes - Rainbows cheque presentation from Sam Bailey’s tour
Peter Shilton OBE and Steffi Shilton
William Hill table
Alison Baum OBE from Best Beginnings speaking
Ben Ofoedu and Vanessa Feltz
British athlete, Perri Shakes-Drayton
LOND ON 2017
IN AID OF
I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
England Rugby star, Maro Itoje
Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London
Derek Redmond and his wife, Maria
Wednesday 27 September 2017 A whole host of celebrities and rugby legends attended a glamorous black-tie charity ball at London’s luxurious Jumeriah Carlton Tower hotel raising money for not one but three worthy causes. The event’s charity partners were Best Beginnings and Heads Together. Best Beginnings are dedicated to providing all children with the best start in life and committed to combating inequalities within children’s healthcare.
Faith Tucker performing
Heads Together are a charity supported by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry which raises awareness of mental health issues, tackling the stigma surrounding these conditions and helping people overcome their problems.
Dynamo performing
Money was also raised for Restart Rugby, a charity supporting professional players who have been forced to retire due to injury or illness. The event, supported by Champions (UK) plc, was attended by a variety of stars including; Mike Tindall MBE, Maro Itoje, Gregg Wallace, Zinzan Brooke MNZM, Vanessa Feltz, Charlie Webster, and Tamara and Petra Ecclestone. As Best Beginnings’ celebrity ambassador, Tamara gave a talk on why the charity’s work is so important.
Gregg Wallace and Mike Tindall MBE
James Haskell enjoying the event
Jay Rutland and Tamara Ecclestone
The Best Beginnings charity team
Petra and Tamara Ecclestone
Room ready for guests to arrive
West Ham defender Jose Fonte and his wife Cassie Sumner Fonte
Q&A with Zinzan Brooke, Maro Itoje and Ian Stafford
TV presenter, Charlie Webster
Mad Hen - the evening’s entertainment
Will Greenwood’s wife Caroline
Tamara Ecclestone speaking about the charity, Best Beginnings
The evening’s compere, Ian Stafford
Harvey Nichols models in action
Dries Van Noten velvet double-breasted blazer, £910
Gestuz faux fur coat with attached hooded top, £350
Harvey Nichols
AW17 Fashion Show Harvey Nichols, Birmingham
15 Pajar coat, £1,250, McQ by Alexander McQueen knit, £210
Hannah Smith and Savhan Lyall
Thursday 28 September 2017 The Harvey Nichols Fashion Show made the most stylish return for AW17 as the luxury store showcased the very latest trends from some of fashion’s biggest names. Renowned as the region’s most fashionable event, VIP guests were treated to a style extravaganza at the Mailbox featuring the likes of Gucci, Balmain, Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham, Christian Louboutin and Givenchy. It was the first time Harvey Nichols had hosted its Birmingham catwalk show since moving to its new showpiece store two years ago. Harvey Nichols fashion programme
“I think I’ve been asked at least once a day when we would be doing our shows again,” said General Manager Richard Vickery. “At Harvey Nichols we are renowned for listening to our customers and offering them exactly what they want. So that was what this show was all about.
Jivan Mann and Manisha Bangor.
“The feedback couldn’t have been more positive and the event proved Birmingham really can hold its own when it’s comes to being one of the UK’s leading fashion cities.” After the new season show, which was staged on Level 1 of the Mailbox, guests had the chance to shop for the latest trends in store before enjoying an after-show party in the elegant Bar and Restaurant. Photographs by Andy Espin. Bethany Peaves, Rani Jundu and Melanie Pryor
David Waters and Anastasia Nikolis
Krishma Parmar and John Paul McGuirk
John Clifton Hooper, Stephen K Chand and Smitten Patel
Maryam Salam and Idayat Sanni
Glynn Purnell’s Friday Night Kitchen Vox Conference Centre, Resorts World
Friday 6 October 2017 Everyone loves a Friday night, but very few are as fabulous as Glynn Purnell’s Friday Night Kitchen! Last Friday saw over 600 people descend on the Vox Conference Centre at Resorts World, for a night of live cooking, celebrity guests, camaraderie, X Factor entertainment, and of course, the Prince of Birmingham himself, Glynn Purnell. The MichelinStarred chef gave guests a glimpse into his kitchen, as celebrity friends Jimi Mistry, Rachel Allen, Adil Ray, and Sam Bailey helped him to prepare a decadent 3 course meal. Whilst the cooking was left to the experts, some guests, selected to be the table hosts, still tried their hand at carving the roast pork joint for the table’s main course! Naturally, the food was widely considered to be the highlight of the night, with people taking to social media throughout the night to gush over the beautiful dishes. However, there were also various activities occurring throughout the night. As the noble purpose behind GPFNK is to raise money towards Cure Leukaemia’s £1million Appeal, guests were humbled by inspirational speeches from high-profile survivors such as the host himself, Adam Joyce. Guests also heard from Jeff Thomas, who recently completed the Three Tours Challenge, raising over £250,000 for the charity. Additionally, a multitude of fabulous prizes, (think villas in Bali, yachts on the Mediterranean…) were auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Cure Leukaemia. The night truly finished with a bang… as The X Factor winner Sam Bailey finished her breath-taking rendition of ‘And I am Telling You,’ a multitude of glitter cannons were released, showering the room with sparkles. Guests then took to the dancefloor as the Subterraneans played some classic hits, and continued to party well into the night… perhaps making the name ‘Glynn Purnell’s Saturday Morning Kitchen’ more apt!
Jack Hayes addresses guests
The showcase gets underway
Andrew Neil engages with guests
Champions After Dinner Speakers Political Showcase
Nigel Farage MEP alongside Sir Christopher Meyer and Sir Simon Gass
The speakers alongside Jack Hayes
The Gherkin, Central London
Tuesday 10 October 2017 Some of the country’s political heavyweights gathered at Searcys’ restaurant located on the top floor of London’s Gherkin for an exclusive networking breakfast. Organised by Champions After Dinner Speakers, the political showcase saw Andrew Neil, Sir Christopher Meyer, Nigel Farage MEP and Sir Simon Gass debate the latest topics affecting the world of politics today.
Nigel Farage MEP meets a guest
Some of London’s most influential and successful business people attended, and after enjoying a delicious breakfast, former editor of The Sunday Times and Sunday Politics and Daily Politics host, Andrew Neil, took to the stage to give a talk.
Sir Simon Gass at the event
Following this, he and his fellow speakers took part in a lively political discussion and held a Q&A session. Sir Christopher Meyer is one of the world’s most respected diplomats who served as the UK’s Ambassador to the United States between 1997 and 2003. Nigel Farage MEP is well known as twice being the leader of the UK Independence Party and being a strong member of the ‘Leave’ campaign ahead of Britain’s EU referendum in 2016. Sir Simon Gass has held some of the biggest roles in international politics having worked as British Ambassador to Iran between 2009 and 2011. Most recently he was the Director General, Political, Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The event was coordinated by Champions Speakers agency, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
Derek Redmond enjoying the showcase
The view of London’s skyline
Andrew Neil puts a question to Nigel Farage
Sir Christopher Meyer answers a question
A guest taking part in the Q&A
Nigel Farage MEP chatting to guests
Guests watching speakers in action
Watching on as Andrew Neil talks
Searcys at the Gherkin hosted the event
Guests listen to the fascinating political speakers
Andrew Neil, Sir Simon Gass, Nigel Farage MEP and Sir Christopher Meyer before the event
The event was a great networking opportunity
Guests mingle at the Searcys’ Gherkin event
Johnny Herbert posing alongside the Liberty House Group car
Liberty House Group staff at the event
The single seaters in action
Johnny Herbert VIP Trackday Silverstone Circuit Liberty House Group’s guests had a fantastic day
Monday 11 September 2017
Johnny alongside the day’s guests
Formula 1 legend and 1995 British Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert, treated Liberty House Group’s clients, suppliers and employees to a fantastic track day experience at the home of British motorsport, Silverstone. The event was a huge success and guests were given the chance to drive a single seater Caterham racing car around the iconic circuit. As well as this, Johnny then provided guests with the ultimate driving experience taking people around the track in Liberty’s T1 car showcasing his qualities from over a decade as a professional motorsport driver.
Johnny gives his insight to guests
Following this, guests were invited to a delicious lunch in the Stowe hospitality suite before Johnny entertained them with a speech about his successful career at the top of motorsport. Some of the career highlights that he discussed included his victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans race, His three Formula 1 wins and his success in other areas of professional motor racing.
Johnny and guests with one of the cars on show
He also entertained guests with a whole host of fantastic anecdotes about his interactions with some of Formula 1’s most famous names including Eddie Jordan, Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill.
Johnny takes part in a Q&A about his motorsport career
Guests enjoying the day
Guests left the event having had a fantastic day getting the chance to get up close and personal with one of Britain’s most popular sporting figures and with a driving experience that will live long in the memory.
Johnny and guest alongside the Liberty House Group car
The single seater race winner with Johnny Herbert and Douglas Dawson
Guests were treated to a fantastic driving experience
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