NEWSLETTER
INTRODUCTION
Hello all and welcome to the December staff Newsletter.
It is a really packed edition this month, the highlight of which must be the Blow Out photos. This is a good opportunity for me to thank the One Goodwood team for all they do throughout the year to organise the various staff socials. In this instance all the people who worked on the Blow Out – the set dress was brilliant as always, the drink was obviously flowing and it is a really important moment when we have the chance to come together and celebrate the year.
Ady will once again take you through the year end results, but I am delighted to say we have hit budget for the year and so for those who qualify, the group bonus scheme will feature as part of your January payslips. For a time, it felt really tight this year and there were moments I genuinely thought this could be the first year we missed the target, but due to a strong end to the year in E&H – driven in part by the new commercial collaboration we have been working on – and some tight cost control we have achieved budget.
I am most pleased by the additional revenues we were able to drive into E&H by getting all the commercial teams to focus on Meeting & Events business in Q4. It really shows that when we work together, we can make a difference, which is a message I will continue to push throughout next year.
There were a couple of other bits I was going to pick out from the newsletter. The letter from My Sisters House, the beneficiary of this year’s Magnolia Cup, is well worth a read. Charity is such an important part of what we do and this year the Magnolia Cup was once again the biggest single charity event, raising over £300,000. We sometimes forget to celebrate our charity and community efforts and I am keen that we start to share more of these stories with you all.
The other thing I wanted to draw attention to is the anniversary of Goodwood connected. This is a really good initiative that Seth Wise took on himself to introduce and promote. It is a really good way to meet your colleagues, understand what other business areas are working on and build your internal network. Thanks to Seth for all he has done to bring this to life and I encourage all of you to give it a go.
2024 has been a year of change in many ways – a change in leadership and in some cases significant structural change. It has also been a tough year generally from an economic perspective, but we have delivered a very strong performance. It does feel to me that as we approach the end of the year things feel to be taking a positive turn – biomass is working better than ever, the innovation work is adding some real value, the culture does seem to be shifting and collaboration is proving itself to be the no brainer I always thought it would be.
We need to keep the energy around this work throughout next year, drive home the importance of working together and helping each other out, ensuring we all focus on the caring, collaboration and innovation behaviours we included in our strategy on a page all those years ago.
All that’s left for me to do is wish you all a very Happy Christmas. For those working over the Christmas period please make sure you have fun while delivering the most unbelievable festive experience for our lucky customers and for those of you spending the break with your loved ones then please make the most of it, I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
Adam
BUSINESS NEWS
Following on from my previous business update in the last edition, I will start by updating you with the impacts of the Chancellor’s budget that was delivered in the Autumn Statement on October 30th.
From a ‘personal’ perspective it was announced that there would be no change to working people’s payslips as income tax, employee national insurance and VAT all stayed the samebut businesses and the wealthiest were being asked to pay more.
So what did this mean for Goodwood?
Not such good news for the company as there will be significant cost implications relating to changes to Employers’ National Insurance and National Living Wage.
It was announced that Employers’ National Insurance contributions would increase by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025. Alongside this, the threshold levels on which Employers’ National Insurance contributions are paid were being reduced. So for 2025 budgeting purposes this results in £800k of additional cost having to be funded by Goodwood to the Government. A big hit!
There was also a larger than anticipated uplift in the National Living Wage. It was announced that this will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour from April 2025, a 6.7% pay increase. This has both direct and indirect cost implications to the business, especially with standard inflation levels now down at 2.3%.
In terms of 2024 trading performance and following on from my State of the Nation presentation, as a Group we are going to deliver against our 2024 budget. This is a fantastic achievement.
We set ourselves an ambitious budget to grow at 10% this year and we should all be proud of this outcome.
This result was underpinned by significant over-performance to budget from our core Motorsport events. The Festival of Speed contributed a record financial performance being £0.5m over budget whilst the Revival, despite the wet weather, delivered a sizable £0.9m upside above budget. Keeping with the positives, we generated more interest receivable than expected, as our working capital cashflows were stronger than anticipated and the Property department also delivered a record performing year being £0.1m above its budget.
Offsetting this, we have faced some challenges in the year that have resulted in some disappointing financial outcomes. From an Events perspective, both Goodwoof (sponsorship) and Sporting Membership (loss of a big customer) fell below expectation. Whilst from the Estate, the Biomass (operational issues) and Farm (poor harvest) also had a difficult year.
E&H in particular has felt the strain of tough market conditions and a competitive marketplace and will close out with a £0.8m shortfall to budget. The Hotel, Hound Lodge and House combined have faced challenging years financially and this has predominantly been from a revenue perspective. We have seen reduced levels of M&E activity along with contracted leisure and corporate demand and unfortunately these shortfalls have fallen through to the bottom line.
Importantly, with the recent organisational changes made there appears to be more positive signs ahead. The renewed focus on collaboration has got off to a strong start and encouragingly we already have a much stronger sales pipeline to take into 2025.
All in all, a very successful year and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and thank you for all of your hard work and determination in playing a part in helping to deliver our financial objectives.
Ady
EXCEPTIONAL MONTHLY PRIZE
Dear all,
I am very pleased to announce that the winner for October’s Exceptional Monthly Prize is Liz Donovan, Racecourse Maintenance Planner.
Liz embodies Goodwood’s values every day with commitment and an eye for detail when looking after the maintenance and facilities at Goodwood Racecourse. Liz’s efforts help set the tone and foundation for a great event season to be delivered at the Racecourse. In her nomination, it was said “Liz runs her department with an intense commitment and leads from the front. She’s not afraid of picking up the tools herself but rarely needs to as the rapport she has built with her colleagues and contractors is exceptional. She is a rock within the Racecourse Team, keeping morale up with her wicked sense of humour, and for any new starters at Goodwood is a perfect example of someone that embodies the Goodwood values, goes the extra mile, wants to deliver a first-rate experience and does it all with a smile.”
Very well done!
I look forward to receiving further nominations and hearing all about the great things people are doing across the Estate.
The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, CBE DL
Please note that the deadline for nominations is the 6th of each month. We are really keen to hear of all people that are delivering exceptional experiences including working in internal service teams.
CURATORIAL CORNER
With Christmas fast approaching, Goodwood House is full of festive cheer. The large Christmas trees outside on the turning circle and inside in the Front Hall are decked with fairy lights, and the Christmas parties are underway. At this time of merrymaking, it seems fitting to reflect on the ways the house has always been a place of splendid entertainment. The house parties of the 19th and 20th centuries were lavish affairs. Guests awoke to a hearty breakfast where everything from grilled kidneys on toast to game pie were on offer and afterwards the morning was spent playing sports – hunting, shooting, tennis, cricket or croquet depending on the season. During raceweek, guests would flock to the racecourse, and after a day’s racing,
would return to the house for a game of croquet, followed by afternoon tea. Edward VII, a regular guest, took tea on the veranda with his little dog, Caesar. After tea, everyone returned to their bedrooms to dress for dinner. The 7th Duke of Richmond’s French chef, Monsieur Jean Jacques ensured this was a sumptuous affair, rustling up multiple courses of delicacies including turtle soup. Champagne, wine and port were drunk in large quantities, with gentlemen known by the quantity they drank, for example a ‘two-bottle or three-bottle man’! After dinner, cards were played and songs were sung, and on some occasions, guests staged plays and danced to the merry tunes of a live orchestra!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Join us for very special Christmas Carols at Goodwood House on Thursday 19 December
What better way to get you into the festive spirit than with candle-lit carols in the splendour of the Front Hall.
You will enjoy a mince pie and a glass of sparkling wine or sparkling elderflower on arrival with traditional carols and some festive favourites led by a local choir, Chantry Quire.
Arrivals for the carol service is from 6:30pm and tickets are £25 per person, with children under 12 going free.
A donation of each ticket sale will be provided to Stonepillow Charity.
There will also be a festive inspired afternoon tea served in the Ballroom from 4:30pm with an optional tour around the state apartments.
Bring your family, bring your voice and let’s fa la la into Christmas.
Book your tickets here.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Plum Pudding
Chocolate Fondant
220g butter
220g caster Sugar
300g self raising flour
1 pinch of salt
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
4 large fresh eggs
360g dried brandy soaked fruits
140g fresh plums, diced
Method
Cream butter, sugar, salt and zest together until white.
Slowly add the eggs.
Fold in flour and fruits.
Butter small plastic pudding moulds and put a small disc of grease proof paper in the bottom.
Put 1 tbsp golden syrup in each mould and fill ¾ high with the mix.
Top with a larger disc of grease proof and then tin foil tightly.
Cook in the oven on 100c and steam for one hour.
To serve, microwave for 20 seconds. Turn out in a bowl and serve with brandy anglaise.
Dried Fruits
60g golden sultanas
60g dried cranberries
60g dried apricot, chopped
60g dried dates, chopped
60g mixed peel
60g glace cherries, chopped 150ml brandy
Brandy Anglaise
750g thick cream anglaise 100ml brandy
GOODWOOD ART FOUNDATION
We’re excited to let you know that we have recently officially announced a new not-for-profit initiative for Goodwood –the Goodwood Art Foundation.
A new destination for contemporary art in the UK, the Goodwood Art Foundation will feature the work of internationally acclaimed artists set amid a stunning natural landscape and within two pavilion galleries, offering an inspiring and enriching experience for all.
We’re delighted to share with you our new website and short film
If you would like to hear more from the Foundation, please do register to our newsletter.
The Goodwood Art Foundation will open in Spring 2025 and we very much look forward to personally welcoming you then.
POSITION OF THE MONTH
Name:
Max Carter
Position:
Junior Picture Editor
When did you start:
July 2022
Where did you work before:
Besides my odd student jobs – straight from university!
Why you love your job:
Where else can you spend one weekend with the greatest cars & drivers in the world and another with the superstars of horseracing, then be swinging from trees in the winter? I think you’d be hard-pressed to find an alternative.
Cars or horses:
Cars, but I’m partial to a day at the races.
Family:
Mum, Dad, sister and one elderly black cat!
Hero(s):
Ken Block. I can likely attribute my general interest in cars and motorsport in general to growing up with the Gymkhana series.
POSITION OF THE MONTH
Name: Millie Bright
Position: Motor Circuit Events Planning Manager
When did you start:
I started working at the Circuit in 2017 – just two weeks before Revival. However, prior to this I had helped out as a casual in the Press Centre, during Festival of Speed and Revival.
Where did you work before:
I spent a year at Checkatrade, looking after Membership Accounts and before that as a Directors Assistant at a Carpentry and Building Company, who specialise in National Trust properties and restoration.
Why you love your job:
I know people say this a lot, but genuinely no two days are ever the same. I have had the opportunity to be involved in some incredible (and sometimes unexplainable) moments; Speed Week, Goodwoof, The Duke of Richmond’s VVIP Track days, The Best of British Short Film with Red Bull Racing, and the Ice-Cream Van World record attempt to name a few. A recent favourite was being asked by a guest if he could tow his giant Rubber Duck around the track! But ultimately one of the biggest reasons I love it is the people, and especially the Motor Circuit Team. Those guys are honestly wonderful and I feel very proud to be a part of it.
Cars or horses:
Cars. My husbands career has been made in the world of historic motorsport, and owns a classic car restoration company, it’s one of the reason I applied to work at the circuit…. If you can’t beat them, join them right? Although I actually really dislike driving and will try my best to avoid it if I can – I think the correct term is “Passenger Princess.”
Family:
I have a big family; I am one of 22 grandchildren and have 18 cousins. However at home, it’s just me, my husband and our 10 year old Staffy, Lola
Hero(s):
Apart from my Mum (who will always be my number one hero), I would have to say anyone who worked within the NHS or care industry during the Covid pandemic
TEAM PROFILE
In less than 30 words, tell us about yourselves
The data team look after all of our customer data and analysis as well as our digital marketing campaigns, and are the link between the customer and the business.
Where do you live
Second floor of Hangar 8.
Tell us something amazing you’ve done in the last year
We have won three awards this year! The campaign team won best use of AI in marketing and the best use of Apteco marketing software for our customer segmentation in email… and the team as a whole won the best dressed at Revival!! The data team have delivered the first two phases of the new reporting system, Power BI and the conversion team were an integral part of delivering the new website.
Who should people speak to if they want help
For any data analytical needs, including all customer analysis, sales trends and digital analysis speak to Dan, Kelly, Gemma and Gabriel and if any reports break, speak to George. On the campaign team, Natalie sits across all areas – Claire and Grace look after web conversion and Helen and Taylor are on top of email and customer journey communications.
What are you working on at the moment
Rather than counting down the 12 days to Christmas, Kelly is counting down the 12 working days she has (at time of writing) to deliver all E&H reporting on Power BI. The whole data team are working tirelessly towards getting the Power BI project live across the business for the new year.
The campaign team are working on GRRC & Health Club customer journey communications which triggers communications based on actions a customer makes across digital touchpoints.
We’re also working on the transition from Talent to Audienceview (the new ticketing system), in particular product management for the on sale windows.
Best place for lunch
As we are writing this, we are literally just about to go to the Fox Goes Free for lunch, so let’s say that. How do you spend your evenings
Gemma – Plays netball once a week, has a reputation for injuring opponents
Dan – Plays video games. Apparently, he’s playing the same games he played when he was 10 years old - you’d have thought he’d have completed them by now…Plays D&D with people from Goodwood since he started 6 years ago
Helen – Makes clothes – Helen makes her own Revival outfits. As well as running stitch, she also actually goes running
Kelly – Puts the kids to bed and doom scrolls social media. She may watch some telly if time allows!
George – Plays badminton. He was accused of making this up but we all decided it must be true as it’s a silly sport to lie about playing
Natalie – Attempting to move house, unsuccessfully at present (probably needs a better customer journey). Also wreath making in preparation for Christmas
Taylor – Goes to yoga and walks the dog (the dog doesn’t attend yoga… yet)
Grace – Paints pet portraits for people, might well paint Taylor’s yoga hound
Claire – Binge watches TV shows… all the guilty ones, like I’m a Celebrity. Also bakes cakes… need to see more of these in the office
Gabriel – Plays Basketball, reads books (not about Basketball) and is currently learning to drive – too many meetings at the top of the hill to get to on his bike was the final straw
James – The concept of spare time is a distant memory. Spends most time ferrying children around to various football and cricket clubs and helping with homework (worryingly doesn’t understand the maths homework). If there is any time, plays guitar
What would you do if you weren’t in the Data team?
Gemma – An ice cream woman (has frantically tried to change her mind on this since blurting it out, but the editor wouldn’t allow it)
Dan – Would want to be a theatre actor. Once performed in the Minerva at Chichester at aged 10, given that’s when he started playing video games it feels like life peaked for Dan then.
Helen –Would be an extreme sports star.
Kelly – Estate agent – doesn’t actually want to be an Estate Agent, just likes looking around houses!
George – A fine artist, switching out artistically arranging data tables to actual hand drawn works of art.
Natalie – Prime Minister (who branches out as a florist)
Taylor – A Vet. Probably needed after forcing her dog to do yoga.
Grace – An artist (Grace is already an artist, she just wants to be a rich artist)
Claire – Detective.
Gabriel – Teacher, specifically of history.
James – Would definitely be the Succulent Chinese Meal guy (google it)
From left to right – Gabriel Higinio Hoyos, George Brady Hoy, Dan Lowson, Natalie Fordham, Helen McIntosh, Taylor Bryant, Claire Farmer, Grace Brittain, Kelly Hall, Gemma Poulter, James Thorpe
PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT
Staff Survey Results
For those of you that were not able to make the latest State of the Nation, we have summarised the 2024 staff survey results below.
The overall score for was 4.0 (out of 5) in comparison with 4.1 last year.
The score has reduced slightly in all areas, rather than dropping hugely in one particularly area.
Below are the answers to the Gallup 12 questions showing positive and negative responses.
Having a good friend at work, knowing what is expected of me at work and my manager seems to care about me are all mainly positive.
Recognition and praise, materials and equipment along with development and career opportunities were the lowest scores.
Our Employer Net Promoter score is 17 which, although still classed as “Good”, reduced from 26 in 2023.
Following analysis of the answers on the free text question on improvements needed at Goodwood, the comments that came up most frequently (in order) were:
– Office Space and Facilities
– Salary and Benefits
– Workload and stress
– Communication and Recognition
Things we have changed/implemented so far
Health Club staff usage, internet for the Parks Course building, additional menopause training session, working group set up to look at staff food at the Hotel, changes to the links on iTrent, change to the T&A system coming in Q1, Mentoring Scheme to be launched in Q1, DE&I training for 2025.
What Next?
Drive through more “Quick Wins”
–
– Communication and deep dive into the results through face to face sessions with all teams
– Longer-term action plans – work in conjunction with the ‘Make it Happen’ team
– Further communication on changes / actions
Keep talking to us – don’t wait until the survey next year if you want to raise something that we could help with.
Promotions and Cross-Estate Moves
Well done to all that have received promotions or moved roles in the last couple of months! Here is a selection –
Jess Washer, internal move to Group Innovation Project Manager – 1 December 2024
Mia Wakeling, promoted to Revival Operations Manager – 28 October 2024
Amy Allen, promotion and internal move to Group Projects Operations Manager – 28 October 2024
Nathania Cox, promoted to Head of Sales and Revenue – 1 October 2024
Thomas Drinkwater, promoted to Senior Marketing Manager – 21 October 2024
Jess Harmes, acting Festival of Speed General Manager – 1 January 2025
Sarah Mayhead, internal move to Estate Charity and Community Coordinator – 1 January 2025
Katherine King, internal move from B&G to Reservations Executive – 18 November 2024
Russell Knight, internal move to Golf, Kennels and Leisure Retail Manager – 11 November 2024
Tara Bottomley, internal move to Racecourse General Manager – 6 January 2025
DE&I
This iteration of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group is now entering its third year in action at Goodwood, working internally to drive meaningful change for both customers and staff.
The three networks, representing:
– Teams & Recruitment led by Liddy Swan
Accessibility led by Ruby Noon
Marginalised Groups led by Grace Timothy work with external experts to select the right training, safeguarding protocols and accessible accommodations, commissioning regular auditing of our events and venues and identifying areas for growth.
A snapshot of the groups’ projects for 2024 includes: –
The launch of our partnership with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
– The commission of four audits in 2024
– A new estate map to show all accessible areas across the 365 businesses
– A new safeguarding system to roll out across the headline events
– A ‘best practice guide’ for marketing, editorial and press departments to consider when creating campaigns, content and press experiences
– The launch of Driving Force at Festival of Speed 2024, working with Motorsport UK and an array of organisations to create opportunities for under-represented groups in motorsport
New unconscious bias training during recruitment
Expansion of vacancy advertising to better reach under-represented groups
– The introduction of internal BSL training
Info on our 2025 objectives will follow but in the meantime, if you’d like to join one of the networks or have any questions about the DEI projects for 2025, please do email Liddy, Ruby or Grace.
REVIVE & THRIVE
At this years Revival, Revive & Thrive ambassador, Paula Sutton of @hillhousevintage acted as our 1940s agony aunt in the event programme, sharing her post-war inspired upcycles. Here are a few you might like to try over the festive break
Homemade Fingerless Gloves
You can fashion several pairs from the sleeves of an old jumper, leaving a sweater vest aside. Cut panels of eight inches from the sleeves, pairing matching pieces for each hand. Fold each in half, inside out, using your hand to establish where the thumb will sit. Pin this seam, leaving two inches open for the thumb, and close with a straight stitch. Back-stitch either side of the thumbhole and along the end to tack the edges down. Turn inside out and you have a very warming gift for your loved ones!
Silk Bag
Seek out a silk scarf – ideally about 10 inches squared – from your stash or your local charity shop. Simply tie a knot in each corner, creating a tail of around three inches of fabric. Then knot these tails into two pairs, forming two handles. No sewing required, and the scarf can be restored to its original shape with a little steam.
Home-sewn Apron
This is a great simple sew for beginners or children to try. You can refashion a variety of textiles from the charity shop or your home - bed covers, tablecloths, denim, seersucker, or even unlined curtains. Draw up a simple pattern, leaving ample fabric to hem and to add a tie at the neck and waist, and join up with a straight stitch.
IN THE NEWS
Winston also had a shoutout in online country living article ‘Dogs of distinction: Meet the canine residents at the UK’s grandest homes’ full article here
GOODWOOD CONNECTED
On 15 October, we celebrated the one year anniversary of Goodwood Connected!
Goodwood Connected runs once a month, at Race Control at the Motor Circuit, and is a chance to meet with colleagues from across the estate that you may not have met before. Please come along join us for a barista coffee, pastries and a chat.
You can find the dates for Goodwood Connected sessions in the One Goodwood Calendar.
ONE GOODWOOD
Charity
A big thank you from Sage House, Dementia Support! In total over our two year partnership we have raised £86,649 (so far!) This amount is more than the cost of running a year of activities at Sage House and could fund an entire wayfinding service for 19 weeks of the year.
“Having a Wayfinder is having someone to show and guide you along your dementia journey. Helping with advice, emotional support, providing tips and coping mechanisms – Wayfinder is such a good name. Trust is such an important aspect and at Sage House we absolutely trust the staff and the support we have received.”
Wellbeing
Goodwood Health and Wellbeing also got involved with the fundraising efforts for Dementia Support.
The annual Hillclimb Runs, one significantly drier than the other, were huge successes. People from across the local run communities and groups came together to face the challenge that the infamous Hillclimb posed. Some extremely impressive times were achieved but everyone was in high spirits to be running in aid of charity.
The Dance parties provided a great opportunity for members to dance their cares away, whilst raising money. In 2023, we held a ‘Dance the Decades’ themed event and 2024 saw us dancing to movie soundtracks during ‘Magic of the Movies’. After 90 minutes of high-energy dance, led by our instructors, you felt as if you too had run the Hillclimb.
Social
Thank you so much to everyone who attended all of our social events this year. We currently have our Blow Out survey live and would love to hear all of your feedback. If you’ve not yet completed the survey you can do so by following this link.
Look out for our social calendar in the new year to start getting dates in diary to your favourite events as well and some new ones…
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year and see you all soon.
Festive wishes,
The One Goodwood Team
MY SISTERS’ HOUSE
Thank You for Changing Lives!
A Year to Remember: The Markel Magnolia Cup and My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre.
What a whirlwind year 2024 has been for us at My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre, when we became the official charity for the 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup and the result has been phenomenal.
From the moment we heard the incredible news to witnessing the final fundraising total reveal, we have been on an unforgettable journey. The 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup raised an astounding £313,233.62 for our women’s centres –a life-changing sum that will have a lasting impact on women in our community.
The Goodwood Group Projects Team supported us every step of the way – even proudly helping us store 100’s of snazzy fundraising flip-flops in their office, next to the staff loos and hidden in a few other spots…who needs high heels when you can step out for charity in style?
A Game-Changing Opportunity
This partnership was a milestone moment in our 10-year history. As a small charity with offices in Bognor Regis and Chichester, and fewer than 30 permanent staff, this level of exposure and support was unprecedented. It’s given us the chance to shine a light on the vital work we do, and the funds raised will help us continue to provide free, inclusive, and accessible services to women and self-identifying women.
To Goodwood Staff and everyone who contributed to this incredible achievement – thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Together, we’re building a brighter, more secure future for those in our community.
STAFF PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Thank you to everyone who sent in images taken from the Blow Out – see you all next time!
We love to see all your photos from across the Estate so if you would like to submit yours, please send to images@goodwood. com along with a title or brief description.
