Sussex Business Times - Issue 387 - 2015

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SUSSEX BUSINESS

ISSUE 387 FREE

TOURISM: THE BACKBONE OF SUSSEX THE GENERAL ELECTION: A TAXING ISSUE

EXPERT ADVICE FROM

LOCAL SUSSEX BUSINESSES

+ WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PEUGEOT 308 GT

MICHELLE MONE: ‘MY FIGHT TO THE TOP’

READ AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF MICHELLE MONE’S FIRST AUTOBIOGRAPHY

LEVEL UP! In association with

THE CREDIBLE VOICE FOR THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY

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SBT Welcome MEET THE TEAM

Lee Mansfield, Managing Director/ Publisher

Simon Skinner, Group Director

Clare Fermor, Operation Director

Zoe Thomas, Editor

Jon Goodwin, Title Manager

Patrick McCreanor, Sales Manager

Harriet Weston, Amy Watson, Production Manager Production Assistant

Amelia Wellings, Financial Controller

CONTRIBUTORS

Helena Mann, Michael Gietzen, Operations Director at Identity Manager at Crunch Group Accounting

Elizabeth SpencerPhillips, Director of Caburn Hope

As May approaches, it’s not just the weather getting warmer – things are heating up on the political front too. As candidates jostle for top position in their constituencies, we ask our finance expert Mike Chapman how the outcome of the general election could impact our taxes.

From politics in Parliament to politics in the office, Crunch Accounting’s feature on page 14 shows you how to overcome the challenges of running a young team – and taking advantage of the fresh ideas and energy that comes with it.

Speaking of young and fresh, our photogenic cover star this month is bra tycoon Michelle Mone, who has recently released her autobiography ‘My Fight To The Top’ documenting her struggles with business, riches and her husband. It’s a painfully honest and straight-talking account of life as a female entrepreneur, and we’re delighted to be able to publish an extract on page 38.

Elsewhere in this issue we discover that one of the world’s top exhibition companies – Level, which creates stands and graphics for blue chip brands like Intel and Firefox, operates right on our doorstep in Eastbourne. What’s more, they’re looking to take on local clients for a myriad of design, graphics, interior and signage projects right here in Sussex. You can see the incredible structures they create on page 30.

A world away from the noise and sawdust of the Level warehouse is Ockenden Manor, locted just outside Haywards Heath. I was recently invited to stay the night in a spa suite where I discovered the joys of working pool-side on a sunlounger. If you think you could be persuaded to do the same, catch my review on page 50.

There’s plenty more advice, tips and features to get stuck into in this issue – so grab a coffee and settle in.

Enjoy Your Read!

Christopher Hopkins, Director and Lead Communications Consultant, Caburn Hope

Zoe Summers, Mayo Wynne Baxter

Christina Ewbank ACES Facilitator

Editor Zoe Thomas

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Contents SBT Issue 387

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SUSSEX BUSINESS

ISSUE 387 FREE

TOURISM: THE BACKBONE OF SUSSEX

5

HOW BUILDING YOUR OWN HOME COULD BENEFIT SUSSEX

EXPERT

ADVICE FROM LOCAL SUSSEX BUSINESSES

+ WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MASERATI GHIBLI

MICHELLE MONE: ‘MY FIGHT TO THE TOP

READ AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF MICHELLE MONE’S FIRST AUTOBIOGRAPHY

LEVEL UP! In association with

THE CREDIBLE VOICE FOR THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Cover: Michelle Mone

Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Group Director: Simon Skinner simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 017 Operations Director: Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Business Development Manager: Jon Goodwin jon@sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Sales Manager Patrick McCreanor patrick@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 014 Editorial: Zoe Thomas zoe@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 011 Production Manager: Harriet Weston harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 010 Production Designer: Amy Watson amy@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 018 Subscriptions: Linda Grace linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 015 Accounts: Amelia Wellings amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Published by Life Media Group, Unit1, Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by Berforts 17 Burgess Road, Ivyhouse Lane Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4NR 01424 722733 www.berforts.co.uk All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Sussex Business Times Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Sussex Business Times Magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisement contained within Sussex Business Times Magazine. All prices featured in Sussex Business Times Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2015 ©

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News

View the latest local and national business headlines

Spending it

Office-smart accessories, sharp suits and sleek shoes that bring style to the work wardrobe

Money Matters

This month Crunch explains the challenges of a young managment team

Tourism in Sussex

In this feature we investigate how the millions of tourists who visit Sussex each year impact the county socially and economically

Events

We take a look at upcoming business events not to be missed in May

Cover Feature - LEVEL

We delve into the world of exhibitions with LEVEL Group

General Election

We see how local businesses might be affected by the outcome of the general election

Book Extract

Lingerie entrepreneur Michelle Mone has just published her first autobiography – here SBT readers can read an exclusive preview...

Chamber News

All the latest news and events from ACES

Motoring

SBT’s Simon Skinner reviews a selection of shiny motors to make us all feel jealous

Ask the Experts

Local Sussex business experts advise on relevant issues

Made in Sussex

This month’s home grown hero is Design & Product

CREATIVE PEOPLE, SMART THINKING Meeting your business goals and improving performance, both inside and out Caburn Hope is a dynamic marketing and employee communications agency. Our clients include businesses of all sizes, across diverse industries.

We develop successful and engaging brands and campaigns to drive business results.

EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION

MARKETING SERVICES

AWArd-Winning communicATion ThAT inspirEs And mobilisEs your pEoplE:

smArT mArkETing To AchiEvE fAsT groWTh:

• funcTionAl & bEAuTiful • bEhAviour chAnging • pErformAncE drivEn Employee Engagement | Employer Brand Strategy | Leadership Communication | Pension Communication | Reward & Benefits | Change Communication | Talent Attraction & Retention |

• full sErvicE, mulTi-chAnnEl • TArgET drivEn • groWTh ExpErTs Strategy | Brand & Creative | Web & Digital | Media | Print | Promotions | Point-Of-Sale & Signage |

WE’RE AS AMBITIOUS AS YOU So call, email, browse or pop in for a chat W caburnhope.co.uk

T 01273

480404 E info@caburnhope.co.uk www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 5 A Rusbridge House, Rusbridge Lane Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2XX

SBTLocal News Top Solicitor Rejoins Warners Solicitors

South East based law firm Warners Solicitors has announced that Russell Brinkhurst is returning to the firm as an Associate solicitor.

Russell started his career at Warners in 2005 and has decided to re-join after a short spell working for another firm in Sussex.

Russell has eight years’ experience as a solicitor and specialises in corporate and commercial work.

During his career he has advised on a number of complex transactions.

Jonathan Roberts, head of the corporate team at Warners, said: “We are delighted to welcome Russell back to the firm. Russell’s extensive experience, combined with his legal skills and pragmatic approach, further strengthens and compliments the team. Russell is already re-connecting and with many of the client and professional relationships that he enjoyed when he was previously at the firm.”

Checkatrade Listed In Sunday Times’ 100 Best Small Companies To Work For Selsey-based Checkatrade.com has, for the second year running, been named as one of The Sunday Times’ ‘100 Best Small Companies to Work For’, ranking 43rd.

Once again, the company’s 200 staff were surveyed to assess their perceptions of working at Checkatrade.com.

More than half of Checkatrade. com’s staff said they had never had a bad day at the company. www.checkatrade.com

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Ashdown Park Hotel Announced As Runner Up In National Spa Of The Year Award Luxury Sussex retreat Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club has been awarded Spa of the Year runner up in the Kerstin Florian 2014 awards.

The Kerstin Florian Spa Awards celebrate spas and therapists throughout the country that stock and utilise Kerstin Florian products. The national spa brand specialises in using natural elements including thermal mineral water, mud, algae, herbal extracts and essential oils.

Ben Booker, General Manager at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, commented: “We are very proud to be announced as a runner up in the Spa of the Year awards and we want to thank Kerstin Florian for giving us this national recognition.

Our country club facilities are second to none – our staff are incredibly attentive, our treatments are relaxing and rejuvenating and we use only the best products for both men and women.”

Brighton Law Firm Takes On 3 Peaks Challenge Solicitors Griffin Smith Farrington Webb are corporate partners of the Spinal Injuries Association and have decided to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

This is a 24 hour non-stop event which involves climbing the UK’s three highest peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden in August.

The team of eight is made up of six Partners from Griffith Smith Farrington

Webb: Nick Evans (Senior Partner), Adrian Bell, Linda Chapman, Deborah Cain, Emma Weir and Nadia Cowdrey.

The 7th member is Marketing Executive Vicky King and the eighth, an accountant from Plus Accounting, Gavin Farley.

To sponsor the team, copy this link to the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/GSFWSolicitors

Chichester Store Owner Prosecuted After Selling Counterfeit Clothing A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 11 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, for selling counterfeit clothing and accessories at a Chichester store following a seizure by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards.

David Barling, West Sussex County

Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents Services with responsibility for Trading Standards, said: “This is another positive outcome for consumers in West Sussex and, of course, our local businesses so I would like to thank our Trading Standards team for another excellent job.”

SBTLocal News Nominating Local ‘Community Heroes’ Farm service Agrii is asking the East Sussex farming community and the general public to nominate their local community heroes as part of the nationwide campaign to identify the UK’s Rural Community Champion.

The campaign will celebrate the people who make a real difference to the rural communities in which they live and work, but may often see their efforts go unnoticed and unrecognised.

Anyone that brings a benefit or improvement to the rural community in East Sussex is a potential Rural Community Champion and is eligible

for nomination. They may be fundraisers, care for elderly neighbours, help restore or maintain community buildings, organise farm visits for school children or organise and support community events and projects.

20 people will win £50 for themselves or to put towards their local project.

From these winners a panel of judges will shortlist three finalists The overall national winner will be chosen from the three finalists by Agrii customers and will win £1,000. The two runners up will each win £500.

Tech Firms Fall Victim to Funding Gap Mid-sized tech companies are struggling to secure vital funding, with access to finance still being the biggest barrier to growth for half (45%) of firms, says a report published by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP in the South East.

According to the BDO report, medium-sized tech and media companies have become the squeezed middle of the sector, by

missing out on the ‘rags to riches’ appeal of start-ups and failing to have the multi-billion pound pull of tech giants.

John Everingham, Partner at BDO LLP in the South East, said: “The South East is a real hub for media and tech excellence, and it is concerning that there is a disconnect between the tech and finance community that could hamper growth ambitions.”

Nandos Is Coming To Eastbourne!

Nandos, the popular Portuguese flame-grilled chicken chain, is set to become part of the £85m shopping centre redevelopment in Eastbourne.

The restaurant will join seven others (yet to be announced), a multi-screen digital cinema and 22 additional retail units.

Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear the popular restaurant chain Nando’s has confirmed they will be moving into the new Arndale Centre as part of the regeneration. I have been contacted by numerous young people over the last 18 months or so lobbying for Eastbourne to get a Nandos in the new shopping centre so to hear this is a done deal is tremendous.”

New £240 Million Government Deal Set To Create 20,000 Local Jobs Business Minister Matthew Hancock today signed the Coast to Capital Growth Deal during a visit to Ricardo Ltd in Shoreham, which will bring nearly £240 million of Government investment to Brighton and Hove, Croydon, the Gatwick Diamond, Lewes and West Sussex.

The Minister joined Steve Allen, vice-chair of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, to sign the Growth

Deal. Over the lifetime of its Deal (20152021) the Local Enterprise Partnership estimates that up to 21,000 new jobs could be created, 9,000 new homes built, and that it has the potential to generate £390m public and private investment.

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Bringing thousands of jobs, homes and new investment to the area, this Growth Deal will bring security for local

families and help Brighton move towards a brighter future.

Gatwick Diamond Initiative Delivers Record Levels Of New Business The Gatwick Diamond Initiative has revealed that, after just six months, suppliers attending the Gatwick Diamond ‘Meet the Buyers’ event have already generated more than £500k in new business and predict that future orders could eventually total over £8

million. The annual Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers event, now in its 14th year, regularly attracts over 250 local companies supplying a range of products and services. Also in attendance are the purchasing managers from some of the largest and most influential companies in

the Gatwick Diamond such as Gatwick Airport, Canon, Nestlé, Sony, Balfour Beatty and Thales.

Research undertaken at the 2014 event found that 96% of buyers believed they would do business with the suppliers they had met on the day.

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SBTLocal News Curry Capital of Britain and National Curry Week Launched at Brighton’s Indian Summer The 13th Curry Capital of Britain and 18th National Curry Week (12th 18th October) was launched at Indian Summer restaurant in Brighton & Hove on 1th March.

Brighton & Hove was runner up in last year’s exciting event won by Bradford.

“What we are looking for,” commented Peter Grove, President of The Federation of Specialist Restaurants and organiser of the event, “can be summed up in one brief phrase - ‘community cohesion through curry’. As Plutarch, the first century Greek historian once said - ‘A guest comes to share not only meat, wine, and dessert, but conversation, fun, and the amiability that leads to friendship’.”

Voting for team restaurants for Curry Capital of Britain 2015 will open on 1st April on vote@fedrest. com. The public can vote direct or via their council or restaurant.

‘Beautiful Outdoors’ Focus For West Sussex Plans to promote rural West Sussex as a location to visit for cycling and walking have been unveiled by West Sussex County Council.

Boosting the local economy, particularly the rural economy, to help maintain and enhance rural villages and communities, is a priority for the County Council and one of the projects to help achieve this is to promote the West Sussex ‘Beautiful Outdoors’ as a tourist destination.

The first wave of this will see an emphasis on the ‘active outdoors’ including cycling and walking, working in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority. The campaign will be led by the County Council and delivered by marketing company McCann and targeted to the London area and the South East.

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BBC Apprentice Finalist Crowns University of Sussex’s Top Young Entrepreneur Chris O’Hare is the University of Sussex’s top young entrepreneur, beating off more than 50 opponents to win the 2015 StartUp Sussex Award.

His digital platform – Checkpoint – streamlines communications between manufacturers, retailers and end customers, and provides real time analysis of customer demand.

Chris, 26, who is studying for an MSc in IT with Business Management at Sussex, said that he would use the £10,000 prize money to hire more staff to his fledgling business – which has already created five jobs.

Presenting the awards at the University last night (Tuesday 24 March), BBC TV’s ‘The Apprentice’ finalist, Bianca Miller, said: “There are people who make things happen, people who watch things happen and people who wonder what happened,” and that entrepreneurs were firmly in the first category.

Bianca, who is a graduate of the University and Managing Director of her own start-up – personal branding enterprise Be Group – said: “Having a dream is by definition something you want to do, be or have very much.

Leading Financial Provider, Creative™ Launches New Website and Brand Creative™ a leading provider of asset finance and tailored financial products for businesses within the UK have launched their new website and brand ‘Business Funding Solutions’.

The new website businessfunding solutions.co.uk serves as a reference guide and information source for B2B companies future financial investment, support and funding options. Over the last 12 months, Creative™ turnover has increased by 20%, providing over £20 Million in funding for businesses across the UK. Following the recent growth, the

company has undergone a total brand review with a new, modern look reflecting their professionalism, expertise and strong relationships with both business and underwriting teams throughout the UK. Creative Pod, the award-winning Sussex and Surrey-based Print, Marketing and Design agency, managed this new brand design project in conjunction with Creative™ and Footprint, a web design and SEO company based in Surrey.

For more information contact: sam@creativepod.net

Sussex Vineyards Ask For Protected Status Wine producers in Sussex are asking the EU for protected status to put themselves on Europe’s wine map alongside champagne and burgundy.

If the bid succeeds in crossing EU red tape, it could give this rising Sussex export the boost it needs at a time of growing consumer demand.

Sales last year were worth around £78m, shipping to 13 countries.

Julia Trustram-Eve, Marketing Director of English Wine Producers, said: “It is still early days for this initiative, but it reflects the opportunities available to producers within this still growing and evolving industry.”

SBTNational News Office Workers ‘Too Sedentary’ Says New Campaign ‘On Your Feet Britain’ says office workers need to get up and move more throughout the day, as sitting for long periods of time is linked to a number of health problems that can’t be undone by going to the gym.

The campaign is calling for people to stand up regularly, walk around more and think about concepts like standing meetings and standing desks.

Experts have labelled inactivity as ‘one of the biggest’ health challenges of the modern age.

Health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancers and poor mental health have all been linked to sedentary behaviour.

The effects of sitting down for too long can even affect people who class themselves as fit.

Prolonged sitting slows the metabolism and impacts the way the body controls sugar levels, blood pressure and the breakdown of fat.

The campaign is a partnership between the group Get Britain Standing and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) charity.

Their survey of 2,000 office workers suggested: • 45% of women and 37% of men spend less than 30 minutes a day up on their feet at work.

• More than half regularly eat their lunch at their desk.

• 78% office workers felt they spent too much time sitting down.

• Nearly two-thirds were worried sitting at work was having a negative impact on their health.

UK Housing Market Is ‘Subdued’ Annual house price growth has slowed for the seventh month in a row, according to Nationwide.

The annual price growth fell to 5.1% in March, from 5.7% the month before.

Average house prices in March averaged £189,454.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “Economic conditions have remained supportive, with labour market conditions continuing to improve and mortgage interest rates close to all-time lows.

“Nevertheless, the pace of housing market activity has remained subdued, with the number of mortgages approved for house purchase in January around 20% below the level prevailing one year ago.”

Poll Reveals Political Cliches That Turn Voters Off With the budget looming and polling day approaching, an online poll for polifiller.com, an automated political jargon removal service, has honed in on the clichés that politicians should deploy at their peril.

According to poll respondents the most loathed clichés are: 1. ‘Hard-working families’ 2 ‘Let me be clear’ 3. ‘The economic mess’ 4. ‘Long term economic plan’ 5. ‘Failed economic plan’ 6. The Great British people’ 7. ‘What we’ve said is’ 8. I don’t intend to give a running commentary’

9. ‘Up and down the country’ 10. ‘I say this’ Just outside the top ten were ‘package of measures’ and ‘we’re all in this together’.

UK Productivity Worsens British economic productivity dropped during the last three months of 2014, according to ONS. This means productivity is well below its level before the financial crisis hit in 2008, due to employment growing faster than output.

“The absence of productivity growth in the seven years since 2007 is unprecedented in the post-war period,” the ONS said.

Hourly productivity

A number of respondents to the poll said that they thought one of the reasons that politics is becoming so fragmented is that politicians are all using the same language. They referenced what one respondent described as ‘a disappointing lack of authenticity’ across the political spectrum.

Polifiller.com is a service aimed at politicians and their speech writers.

It automatically removes phrases singled out by correspondents and pundits as being particularly annoying or vague. Polifiller has just over 1,000 words and phrases in its database.

Speeches pasted into the site are automatically cleansed of cliches.

grew marginally last year as a whole and by less than the 0.5% forecast made by the Bank of England in February.

Unit labour costs rose by an annual 1.2 percent in the last three months of 2014.

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Spending It

Dress to Impress

Office-smart accessories, sharp suits and sleek shoes that bring style to the work wardrobe

TEXTURAL JACQUARD TIE Crafted in Italy, our silk-jacquard tie is the perfect way to add texture to sharp tailoring.

This sleek accessory will work particularly well with grey or black suits. £65. www.jaeger.co.uk

CUBE CLASSIC CUFFLINKS

RICHMOND WATCH Effortlessly elegant Roman numerals are matched by a 36mm contemporary dial for an effortless everyday look. Wear with stylish rose gold plated accessories and a cream blouse for a luxe look. £550. www.linksoflondon.com

DUNE MENS - ROGAN With its neat looks and detailing, this Gibson shoe is a formal essential.

It has a sleek elongated silhouette, folded toecap detail and 4 eye lacing. Wear with your favourite tailored suit for a dapper look. £85. www.dunelondon.com 10 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Tactile and robust cufflinks in Platinum (950) to complement any cuff. Choose a plain pair, add some sparkle with a diamond or personalise them with hand engraved initials. £1,250. www.77diamonds.com

Spending It

WHITE CRYSTAL & STERLING SILVER NECKLACE

WHITE OVERSIZED PEPLUM WAIST SHIRT White shirt with long sleeves, oversized peplum waist and asymmetric hem. £25. www.apricotonline.co.uk/

This gorgeous ladies’ sterling silver and white crystal necklace is the ideal accessory for those who want to make a subtle yet sophisticated statement. £89. www.tresorparis.co.uk

TEXTURED BLAZER A well-fitted blazer will take any outfit from relaxed to elegant. Twiggy’s new collection combines fun and fashion in a modern range. £65. www.marksandspencer.com

TAILORED FIT 2 BUTTON SEERSUCKER MINI CHECK JACKET WITH WOOL A smart blazer like this one is a classic wardrobe essential. Timeless check adds a unique finish. £129. www.marksandspencer.com

HAMMOND & CO BY PATRICK GRANT JACKET This smart men’s blazer from the exclusive Hammond and Co. range by the designer Patrick Grant comes in navy with a textured effect. Also available in big and tall sizes. £99. www.debenhams.com www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 11

Events

Electric Vehicle Dealers Mean Business in Brighton this Summer Actor, writer, comedian and TV presenter Robert Llewellyn plans to dispel once and for all the myths about electric vehicles at this year’s Eco Technology Show

Taking place at the Amex stadium on the outskirts of Brighton Events on June 11 and 12, the show and all the talks and panel sessions, including Robert’s, are completely free to attend.

Best known for playing the android Kryten in the long-running BBC sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf and a self-described wishy-washy liberal, Robert is also a ‘petrolhead’ who has become serious about the business of changing over to electric vehicles (EVs). He is now probably the UK’s most prominent advocate of EVs and presses his message home while presenting shows like Car-Pool on Dave and a YouTube-based show called Fully Charged, which documents current developments in the EV industry. He has been notably critical of BBC Top Gear’s position on EVs and when he debated the motion “This House Believes Electric Cars are the Future of Transport” at the Oxford Union, the motion was easily carried.

Among the myths that Robert seeks to put to rest, are that EVs take forever to charge, are liable to run out of power miles from a charging point, cost a fortune to buy and another fortune to replace the battery when its range drops to half. Instead, he will argue at The Eco Technology Show, we need to shelve our prejudices and doubts and think seriously about electric vehicles.

Robert is far from alone in his enthusiasm. Nissan Motor GB Limited Managing Director, James Wright, recently announced the results of a survey of the 6500-plus Nissan LEAF owners in the UK.

More than half said they definitely would not go back to a conventionallypowered car, and more than a third stated that they do not have to plan journeys in advance any more than they did before owning an electric car, especially as 89% of them charge up their LEAF overnight at home. Nine in 10 now use the EV as their main family car.

With a cost per mile of just two pence or less, it is understandable that the majority (89%) of those surveyed reported significant savings of £200-250 per month. With the savings made, owners have been treating themselves to little luxuries including a 3D printer, a vintage synthesizer and holidays, and many have installed solar panels on their homes for virtually free motoring.

Cheering Robert on will be local dealers for big-name manufacturers who have invested heavily in EV development – the sort of firms that would not be putting their money where there was not a

clear promise of a profitable future in sight. Chandlers BMW, Motorline Nissan and Yeomans Nissan will all be showing their latest models. For business users, Fleetdrive Electric will be happy to offer independent advice about electric and hybrid vehicle requirements. They can help with analysis of usage to ensure you are using the most suitable vehicles available for your business; advise on charge point locations and charging options and offer guidance on electric driving styles to ensure your staff get the best match to enjoy optimum performance from your vehicle.

www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk

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Visit www.eco technologyshow.co.uk to register for fast rack entry to what is now established as the south’s premier event focusing on technologies that are available NOW to deliver energy and cost savings.

Advertorial

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Money Matters

The Challenges of a Young Management Team

By Helena Mann, Operations Manager at Crunch Accounting A young, highlyeducated workforce Financial is often cited as one of the reasons so Advice many businesses set up shop in Brighton.

With two Universities (as well as a clutch of colleges and academies of various types) regularly disgorging thousands of graduate or post-graduate students, there’s certainly no shortage of skilled, employmenthungry youngsters.

Luckily the city’s businesses seem to have no problem providing employment for this workforce - 2014 Office for National Statistics figures showed Brighton & Hove had youth unemployment of just 2.5%, less than half the national average of 5.1%. Brighton and Sussex Universities both have good employment rates for graduates (89% and 90% respectively), sitting in the top half of the graduate employability table nationally.

These two phenomena could very well be related - it’s almost comical how frequently you hear the graduate tale of coming to Brighton for University and liking it so much you stay. It’s also undeniable that these talented, educated youngsters are the driving force behind

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many of the city’s most successful businesses.

We’ve benefited hugely from the strength of our young workers - and many are now climbing our career ladder and proving themselves to be indispensable contributors to the growth of our business. A young management team would be anathema to most traditional accountancy firms - age is a rather overvalued commodity in the financial sector - but we think it’s one of our greatest strengths, and more businesses should be embracing the next generation of managers earlier.

Want your business to reap the benefits of a young management team?

It all starts with providing the right environment.

Nurture their nature One of the key characteristics that makes our younger managers more effective at their jobs than the more experienced managers we might find on the open jobs market is their connection to our business. Many have been here many years, and a few have been here since we first opened our doors in 2009. They

know our business inside out because, in many cases, they built it themselves.

Where possible, we fill management and line manager positions with internal promotions, and in a company growing as fast as ours (our team is now 150 at just five years old) new senior positions open up regularly. The best promotions we make, though, are when people create new positions for themselves by recognising an internal need or something we could be doing better. Our Client Experience Manager, Andy, for example, began his Crunch career as an Account Manager, before becoming a senior within his team and eventually assuming responsibility for all our customer service.

In that role he realised our customer service could only progress so far when it only involved client-facing staff - to really take things up a notch it needed to involve our technology teams too. So the new role of Client Experience Manager was created, allowing Andy to have a presence elsewhere in the company.

For promotions like this to happen, your workplace needs to be a space where creative thinking and problem-solving are encouraged. Efficiency and accuracy are two of our key disciplines - anyone who can think of ways to move the needle, for either one has a bright future. As a new

Money Matters

“By making the company management structure softer you can make the transition from peer to boss that much less daunting for the person being promoted” business we don’t have much baggage and we want to keep it that way.

One of the key ways we identify highperforming staff that might make good management material is through robust measurement and benchmarking. If somebody is consistently above-average or outstanding the other members of their team could obviously learn from them lets give them a team to run and see how they do.

There are other more analogue measures of performance we use too for example if a client goes out of their way to offer positive feedback, it’s a pretty good sign their Account Manager is doing a great job.

Support every step of the way Of course, putting an enthusiastic twentysomething in charge of a team of seven can sometimes go awry. People might struggle to deal with the weight of responsibility of managing a team, or might need help with delegation and time management. Sometimes people actually prefer to return to their old job because they find their managerial duties getting in the way of doing the job they enjoy.

It would be irresponsible to let inexperienced staff manage a team unsupervised, so we always try to ease our new managers into the job. Everyone gets management training, and our senior managers and department heads

often offer mentoring and support to our younger managers to help them embrace their new responsibilities.

The largest single challenge we’ve faced with such a young management team has been helping new managers deal with their extra responsibilities, especially where it relates to newly-minted managers now being in charge of their friends. This can be a tricky transition for any employee, made all the more difficult by our team’s ages.

One way to tackle this challenge is through an open workplace culture - no private offices or stratified management structure. By making the company management structure softer you can make the transition from peer to boss that much less daunting for the person being promoted.

unachievable. The members of our team hitting their mid-twenties now have grown up with technology and the Internet, and with that digital nativism comes powerful problem-solving prowess and a unique ability to self-educate that is often lacking from older generations.

Tinkering with technology has given this generation a great understanding of how to apply software and processes to business problems - and any business would be foolish in the extreme to not take advantage of that.

Embrace new ideas Perhaps the best thing about a young management team is the direct business benefit of the exuberance of youth.

No problem is too big, no target too

Helena Mann, Operations Manager at Crunch Accounting, the UK’s first and fastest-growing online accountant firm.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 15

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Alison Eastbourne Sampson, VAT Consultant, Knill James

VAT always seems to be the most confusing tax, and rarely more Tax so than when it comes to the topic of business premises.

You’ll probably have noticed when looking through commercial estate agents’ listings that some properties are shown as being subject to VAT and others are not. Having a basic understanding of why this is can make a big difference to your business when you grow out of your current business premises and need to move.

Commercial property is usually exempt from VAT, but if you are buying or selling new commercial premises, less than three years old, then the transaction will attract VAT. However, knowing whether the property transaction will be subject to VAT is more than a case of knowing how old it is, because the owner may have opted to tax an older property so he can recover VAT on expenses. This is quite likely to be the case when you are buying from a commercial or investor landlord, rather ns@fresh-clean.co.uk than the owner-occupier of an office or a factory unit, so make sure that you know the status from the outset of negotiations.

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opt to tax it afresh if you want to recover d.stephens@fresh-clean.co.uk future VAT on costs and maintenance.)

you have to finance that cost for some BN21 4YD months, and there may be a Stamp Duty Land Tax charge on the VAT. Even if VAT has not applied to your purchase, there are often good reasons to opt to tax after you acquire a building, say if you are planning major VAT-able refurbishment works.

If your intention is to let the property, either to a third party or to an associated business, you will only be able to get that VAT back if you opt to tax the property and charge VAT on the rent. If renting out all or any of the space is critical to your financial planning though, be aware that adding VAT to your tenants’ rent may put smaller, non-VAT registered traders off, so make sure you to do the arithmetic first.

Consider too, your longer term plans because when you come to sell the building, the selling price will be subject to VAT and may deter some prospective purchasers. Once you have opted to tax a building then, as long as it remains under the same ownership, its status cannot be changed back for 20 years.

(That said, the option to tax does not ‘travel’ with the building and, if you acquire a taxed building, you will need to

One way of avoiding the disincentive to purchasers of VAT is to sell the business as a going concern, in which case the sale will not be subject to VAT, but such an arrangement is subject to strict conditions. It is all too easy to make an error or wrong assumption and find yourself with a big bill for VAT, with little chance of recovering the money from the purchaser. You need to take particular care and we would advise seeking warranties from the purchaser.

The lesson to learn from this is to take specialist VAT advice when you are considering property transactions. The VAT at stake will be huge – probably the biggest VAT bill you will ever pay – and so it pays to be sure that you have the right to recover that VAT and all the documentation in place to do so.

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Photo by - Beverley Goodwin

Tourism: The Backbone of Sussex

In this feature we investigate how the millions of tourists who visit Sussex each year impact the county socially and economically

“Great Britain is packed with reasons to visit: castles, country estates, lush gardens, beautiful beaches, mountains, famous sites”

A Snapshot of Tourism in the UK While the UK economy Insight in general has suffered since the financial crisis struck in 2008, the tourism industry has continued to grow. Fortunately Great Britain is packed with reasons to visit: castles, country estates, lush gardens, beautiful beaches, mountains, famous sites and countless other appealing attractions. In the last seven years, total revenue from inbound tourism has increased by nearly 30% – generating a total of £24bn per year and making it the UK’s fifth largest export earner.

Domestic tourism is also on an

upwards trajectory, with revenue leaping to £78bn (11%+) in the last three years alone. This growth is significant, especially when compared to other key industries: for example manufacturing grew by just 0.3%, while the whole service sector saw a 6% rise in the same period.

According to research by VisitBritain, tourism now accounts for as many as 3.1m jobs in the UK – that’s almost 10% of the entire workforce. Suffice to say then, that tourism continues to be a key driver in our recovery.

The Economy of Sussex Tourism Sussex is one of the UK’s most valuable assets. Next to the South West, which

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 19

Photo by - Pavlina Jane

and London, and the wide choice of city - transforming itself from a run-down includes tourism hotspots Devon and accommodation, dining, shopping Victorian seaside resort, to a high-end Cornwall, the South East is the most arts and media hub that’s attracting some and attraction experiences. Since this visited region of the country, attracting strategy was put in place, the council of the biggest names in pop culture. around 18m tourists per year. has worked hard to fulfil its goals.

10 years ago a survey was conducted While its proximity to London and External funding has been invested as part of a strategy to develop a Gatwick is an obvious draw, It also helps in the transport system, air quality that Sussex is a natural beauty. The rolling ‘destination brand’ for Brighton & Hove. has improved, the railway station is Several focus groups were gathered to hills and dramatic chalk cliffs of the South currently undergoing renovation and discuss perceptions of the city. Some of Downs National Park attracts 39m day there is a major revitalisation project the responses included: visitors to the county each year, while the underway with the Ashdown Forest Royal Pavilion Estate, in Mid Sussex which is expected to attracts over a “Tourism boards do a fantastic job of showing ‘have a major impact million. Towns on the local economy and cities like Sussex in its best light – highlighting the through helping to Brighton & Hove, pretty scenery, the beaches, the boutique develop, deepen and Chichester, broaden the cultural Eastbourne and shops and gastro-pubs” tourism offer or Hastings also Brighton’. attract significant Press coverage numbers. of the city has also vastly improved.

• ‘There’s a lack of culture’ In May last year an ONS survey • ‘Is Brighton a city?’

Case Study - Brighton identified Brighton as the most popular • ‘I know Brighton Festival – it’s the thing In 2013, Brighton attracted nearly 1.5m UK seaside destination for overseas that Fatboy does on the beach isn’t it’ overnight visitors who spent close to visitors.

• ‘What, under an hour by train from £500m in total during their stay. Day Speaking to the Mail Online about London – no, I thought it was 2 hours!’ trippers accounted for an additional 9.5m the win, Leader of Brighton & Hove City visitors, who pumped more than £300m Council Jason Kitcat said: “Retaining into the town. According to Visit Brighton, As part of the survey, Visit Brighton the mantle of top seaside resort in the identified some of the strengths they around 17% of jobs in Brighton are UK for overnight stays is terrific news hoped to build upon, which included generated by tourism. some of the city’s world-class architecture for everyone in the city, its businesses Over the last decade Brighton has and workers. and heritage, its proximity to Gatwick become the perfect model of a tourist

20 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Sussex Tourism “With 50,000 more overnight visitors in 2013, our approach of reinvigorating the city with major transport infrastructure improvements is paying off.

“Our visitors are prepared to pay for quality and for proximity to the capital, the variety of our attractions and the buzz for which we are renowned. We are also fortunate to have such a talented and hardworking business community that has built a resilient local economy, one that is strongly based on leisure and tourism yet is also diversifying in other ways.”

While tourism is undoubtedly a key driver in Brighton’s economy and also Sussex as a whole, we’re interested to know what the social side-effects are of hosting so many visitors. How does it change the dynamic of our towns?

The Social Side of Tourism While tourism is great for local businesses, how does it affect the wider community?

Tourism boards do a fantastic job of showing Sussex in its best light – highlighting the pretty scenery, the beaches, the boutique shops and gastropubs. But beyond the glossy brochures, people are living their lives – and not always above the breadline.

A report was published recently by the Sussex Community Foundation.

‘Sussex Uncovered’ highlighted serious deprivation across the county, comparable to most deprived inner city areas. The repot concluded that Sussex is a great place to live - if you can afford it.

Chief Executive Kevin Richmond said: “Some areas of Sussex are in the top 5% most deprived in the UK and, in some areas, a shocking two-thirds of children are living in poverty.

“Much of that deprivation is centred on the coastal towns such as Hastings, Brighton, Eastbourne and Littlehampton.

However, there is measurable deprivation in places such as, Rye, Bexhill, Petworth and parts of Chichester and Crawley.”

The report found that the mean annual wage in Sussex was lowest in Hastings and Adur, at around £10,000 per year less than the South East average. The worst child poverty in Sussex is in Tressell Ward in Hastings where 67% of children live in poverty.

Hastings, long dubbed ‘Costa Del Dole’ after London’s most problematic families were relocated there after WWII, has recently started getting the ‘Brighton

Crossroads by - Dominic Alves

Harvest by - Henry Hemming

Hastings by - John Fielding

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 21

Sussex Tourism

treatment’. This is thanks in part to the growing arts community and influx of wealthy Londoners looking for low-cost apartments by the sea.

When asked what has sparked this renewed interest in Hastings, Kevin Boorman of Hastings Borough Council told us: “It’s started getting some great media coverage! I’m reluctant to attribute it all to the Jerwood Gallery, and the Stade improvements, but the opening of the gallery, and the rebuilding of Hastings Pier, have given us great coverage, and allowed us to put our ‘Costa Del Dole’ image behind us. We have also improved the place visually, too.”

Mr Boorman believes the tourism boost can only be a good thing for the people of tourism, saying it it will ‘undoubtedly’ help alleviate the poverty and deprivation in the town. “Tourism creates ’entry level’ jobs,” he said. “But also supervisory/ managerial/professional jobs too, which are often overlooked. It also helps those from poor backgrounds to aspire to work.”

According to government statistics, Hastings tourism supported 5,280 jobs in 2013, up 1.4% from 2012.

The town is also benefitting from a £400m regeneration project to spruce

22 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

up tired buildings, pump life into tourist attractions and build a new university campus.

One of its biggest stumbling blocks is the rapid rate of growth. Mr Boorman added: “We have a real shortage of good quality visitor accommodation, and cannot cope with demand for such accommodation during our many events and festivals.”

But he remains positive about the future, believing the town has its own unique, marketable identity: “Hastings is not the new Brighton,” he said.

“Hastings is the new Hastings. Our target demographics is similar to some of Brighton’s, but I think we’ve got a stronger day trip product for families, and a stronger cultural product in our hinterland. But I’d love some of Brighton’s visitor accommodation!”

A Local Case Study: Spring Farm Alpacas How has tourism changed your business?

We started the alpaca business in 2000 at a very low base as an add-on to the general farming business. We have built a pedigree herd of 100 alpacas in both

types - suri and huacaya. Tourism didn’t really figure in the business plan until 2013, when we decided to expand our business by converting a redundant farm building into a holiday let and also to utilise the natural strength of the alpaca business and offer alpaca walks, which we started to offer from April 2014.

We have spent over a decade perfecting our handling techniques with our alpacas so that they have been described as the “friendliest herd in the UK”. As they were almost all halter trained and happy to be in human company, this was a natural progression. We were aware it would require more of our time and to that end we asked one member of our then part time staff to switch to full time and get more involved in all aspects of the walking business.

This conversion to “The Lodge” took longer than anticipated, but we opened for guests in July 2014 and have since been bowled over by interest - and bookings. Having a holiday let surrounded by wild flower meadows and grazed by alpacas has put a smile on the face of all who stay, and most have either extended their stay or we are expecting to welcome back in the near future.

We started the alpaca walking in April

Sussex Tourism

2014 as an “Alpaca safari” to encompass the world of alpacas but also to educate about British wildlife and farming for biodiversity. We have been bowled over by the interest generated. All our fields are managed for maximum wildlife benefit and as we can offer walks with our alpacas within our farm boundaries, we can limit any possible risks or unforeseen encounters. From a standing start, we are now the No. 5 attraction out of 231 attractions in East Sussex on Tripadvisor which we are very proud of!

As spring and summer draw closer, our business will shift to offering more alpaca walks and everyone who has visited has spent time after the walk interacting with other alpaca groups on the farm and looking at the fibre side of our business.

Fibre is the “end product” of the alpaca and we now process our fibre. From the processed fibre, we produce luxury garments such as scarves and gloves which, again, we hope to expand in the future as we are starting to design our own knitting patterns and sell our own knitting kits.

What is it about Sussex in particular that has allowed you to diversify your business into tourism?

We are surrounded by some of England’s finest tourist venues and the proximity of London and the South Coast makes it accessible both as a day out and a holiday venue. We are on the edge of the Ashdown Forest and within the High Weald AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) so we think the combination of natural splendour and a plethora of activities and places to visit makes Sussex a great business venue for an alpaca walking/ wildlife experience.

We hope to expand our marketing to make a day out at Spring Farm a first choice activity and to that end have started talking to some of our other local attractions about “day out” packages.

We are just outside the village of Fletching which is regularly voted the Best Kept Village in Sussex and within a very short distance are Sheffield Park Gardens and the Bluebell Railway. We believe it is this concentration of tourist attractions and proximity to the main population centres of the South East that makes Sussex such a good venue to offer our alpaca walking to.

Has the tourism side of your business created local jobs?

The Head by - Ray Wewerka

Our first move on deciding we wanted to offer a new activity was ensure we had the right staffing resource. We have, in the past, employed two part time farm workers in addition to ourselves. If we were to offer a new activity, we decided that it would be a Rolls-Royce service.

To do that, we needed to ensure we had the right people to offer the walks. Before starting, we offered Millie, one of our part time workers, a full time role which she accepted. Originally we offered the walks only to co-incide with the days Millie was on the farm, but have now expanded that to 7 days a week providing one of us is on site to organise. We are reviewing the time it takes to offer a first class service and are now looking at a possible apprentice for 2015. Any applicant would need to be local so we would expect any role to be filled by candidates from Sussex.

Where do you attract tourists from?

So far, our tourists have largely been from the UK but also from China, Sweden and Belgium. Walking alpacas is such a great experience (as witnessed by our 100% positive reviews on Tripadvisor) that we expect to welcome tourists of all nationalities and our marketing is both local (via leaflets) and national/

international (via our websites). We have also reached out to other local Tourist ventures such as the Ashdown Forest Tourist Association and the High Weald.

We believe that tourism doesn’t stand still so have ensured we have an online presence and utilised our websites (www. springfarmalpacas.co.uk andwww. alpacawalking.co.uk), Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The learning curve has been vertical...

Is there a negative side to having tourists at your centre?

In the Summer we anticipate having about 25 baby alpacas born. In years gone by we could drop everything and attend to the birth. With tourists on site, we will need to manage our time more effectively although we guess that birthing alpacas will prove an attraction in its own right!

The only real downside will be the added paperwork to ensure we can offer a safe and rewarding experience. The additional paperwork and time spent utilising social media are an issue, but one faced by all expanding businesses and we look forward to an expanding business on three fronts: alpaca walking, “The Lodge” and fibre. If only there were more hours in the day!

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 23

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Water Coolers, Boilers & Zip Taps for your office

April/May

Business Events In Sussex Fabulous Women Meet Up About: The agenda is a mix between formal and informal networking – perfect for the new, as well as the more experienced networker. Listen to inspiring speakers; a ‘Hot Seat’ or Mini-Coaching session; and 1-2-1s with a ‘twist’ where everyone works out ways in which to collaborate or support each other, even if it’s simply by following each other on Twitter.

You will also get the chance to make a one minute business pitch about who you are, what you do and who you do it for and how we can help you. Fabulous Women welcomes Marvellous Men who are happy to network in the same style. This means collaboration - not competition, and support not sell.

You don’t need to be a member to attend a Fabulous Women Netwinning meeting. You can attend up to three meetings as a guest.

When April 24 2015, 9.30am - 11.30am Where Mucho Burrito 54 North St Brighton BN1 1RH Book fabulous-women.co.uk

When 14 May 2015 10am - 4pm Where Brighton Racecourse Price Free

Let’s Do Business Brighton 2015

About:

Brighton Let’s Do Business exhibition is spread throughout the Grandstand and Premier Halls at Brighton Racecourse.

With hundreds of business owners and key-decision makers from Brighton and Hove, as well as throughout the South East all under one roof, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain new leads and make new connections.

Now in it’s sixth year, Let’s Do Business Brighton boasts 120 exhibition stands, five interesting and thoughtprovoking free seminars as well as a busy and vibrant atmosphere.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 25

Sussex Events & Networking

Launch of the 2015 Lewes District Business Awards About: The return of the Lewes District Business Award are now open for business following a launch at Lewes House in March.

Celebrating excellence amongst the District’s business community, the Awards are FREE TO ENTER and open to organisations of all sizes and sectors.

The Awards create a fantastic opportunity for many different types of businesses to come together and celebrate the success of the District’s business talent and achievement.

There are twelve trophies up for grabs, including the prestigious Company of the Year and Best Independent Retailer, along with special awards to recognise innovation and customer service there is a category for every type of business. The categories available for 2015 are: • Lewes District Business of the Year • Lewes District Small Business of the Year • Lewes District Businessperson of the Year • LEAP Entrepreneur of the Year • Lewes District Award for Business Innovation • Lewes District Award for Business in the Community • Lewes District Award for Green Business • Lewes District Award for Best Visitor Attraction • Lewes District Award for Best Independent Retailer • Lewes District Award for Social Enterprise • Lewes District Award for Access All Areas • Lewes District Award for Startup of the Year For the second year, Hugh Burnett OBE, DL, FCA will chair the judging panel.

Hugh has also been actively involved with regeneration in Newhaven and was recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion. As a Deputy Lieutenant and an Ambassador for East Sussex, he was awarded an OBE in 2001 for his contribution to regeneration and exports.

This year’s sponsors include: Basepoint Business Centres, Cheesmur Building Contractors, Harvey & Son Ltd, Knill James, LEAP, Lewes District Council, Pelham House, Santon North Street, The Aldridge Foundation, Veolia, The Argus, and Viva Lewes.

To enter simply go online at www.lewesdistrictbusinessawards.co.uk. Businesses can enter up to three categories and deadline for submissions is 6 May 2015.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Pelham House, on Thursday 9 July 2015. Finalists, judges, journalists and sponsors will attend these prestigious awards.

For more information on entering or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact us on T: 01273 666200 or E: lewes@midnight.co.uk

When Thursday 9 July 2015 Where Pelham House in Lewes Contact Call 01273 666200 for more info Enter www.lewesdistrictbusinessawards.co.uk

26 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Sussex

Give an intern a break this summer Students and graduates are looking for summer internships Rob Ashton, Founder and CEO of Emphasis Training, with Jay Bartlett

And if you’re a small to medium sized business, the Santander Internship programme can give you financial assistance to help them out.

Companies with less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than £50m, may be eligible for a £1500 grant by taking on a University of Brighton student or graduate this summer.

Not a small to medium business? We can still offer free advertising for your paid summer roles.

The language consultancy Emphasis took on Jay, a Broadcast Media graduate from Hastings, for a paid three month internship. Jay has since been permanently employed by the company.

Jay says: “My internship with Emphasis helped me to bridge the gap from a personal work space to a lively professional one. I was given more responsibility, creative freedom and trust than I could have imagined.”

Internships benefit not only our students but your business too. The application is easy and we can help with the advertising and recruitment process.

For more information please visit our website or get in touch with Rebecca Duffy, Employment Engagement Officer at the University of Brighton.

You can email r.l.duffy@brighton.ac.uk or call us on 01273 642 863.27 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Sussex Business Times advert A4 2015.indd 1

19/03/2015 10:35

©iStock.com/lightkey

The Talent Challenge:

Building your Employer Brand

By Christopher Hopkins, Director and Lead Communications Consultant, Caburn Hope, Employee Communications and Marketing Services agency, Lewes

Reassured by signs of economic stability, employees are Insight starting to review their career options. Good news for a brighter employment future, but what does that mean for employers?

Competition for the right people in Sussex is fiercer than it has been for years. As the jobs market recovery steams ahead, a new issue rears its head – too many roles, too few skilled workers.

This skills shortage is extending to most areas of the economy; as the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and many other sources report – so none of us should be complacent. Businesses that will come out on top are those that can attract – and retain – the top talent to drive their vision into the bright-looking future.

The role of social media Technology, of course, has changed

28 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

everything. Today’s job market is powered by social-media – the great democratiser. Employees are assessing their worth at a competitive level via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.

The once formal recruiter-candidate relationship is now easy to access, transparent and much more about a two-way conversation.

Social media has empowered both parties in this relationship with unprecedented networking, communications and brand-building tools. Crucially, the need as an employer is not just for employees, the need is for the right people, doing the job in the right way, who will continue to do so. So defining and communicating effectively through the right channels is fundamental.

A 2014 LinkedIn report, surveying UK talent acquisition leaders, revealed: • 72% agreed that employer brand has a significant impact on hiring.

• 58% are spending more on brand to raise awareness of their reputation as an employer of choice.

• 40% are doing so directly because of increased competition for skilled people.

Does your employer brand strongly reflect who you are as an organisation?

Is it incorporated into every aspect of the employee experience? Your current employees have the greatest insight into this because they understand the culture – a good place to start to assess your employer brand.

Take a look at your logo, your website, the imagery you use, the language you use in offline and online materials, your LinkedIn company page, your job ads, how visitors to your company and those invited for interview are greeted, how your current employees view your organisation and how you communicate with them once in post in relation to their pay, their rewards and benefits, their pension,

Recruitment

The Gym pre-rebrand 2015

etc. Do all these elements pull together coherently to sell your business as an attractive and rewarding place to work?

employees? To compete for the attraction and retention of top talent in Sussex the answer must be via expertly crafted employee communication that is creative, innovative and has impact.

Global organisations – notably amongst Caburn Hope clients, are Unilever, Telefonica, Arup and McGraw Hill Financial – have recognised the need to communicate with consistency, clarity and impact as they engage diverse workforces. There is much to be learned here for SMEs as the challenges are the same.

company’, creating ‘a wave of positive morale within the business.’

In March 2013 they went on to achieve 15th place in the prestigious The Sunday Communicating with consistency, Times 100 Best Small Companies to clarity and impact Work For list, the UK’s most extensive Is your organisation looking at the research into employee engagement. workforce pipeline, methods for attracting Not to be dismissed as an irrelevant talent, and investment in talent retention? example from a multinational, similarly And how is all this being communicated? the identity for Unilever’s Global Reward, Effective and inspiring employee developed by Caburn Hope back in communication will bring together your 2009, acts as an engaging platform for organisation’s vision, values and strategy communicating across the business. to engage people on an emotional It made it simple for the team to level, which in turn will affect their communicate key messages so behaviours. Engagement is, simply employees across the globe truly “Effective and inspiring put, another word for ‘buy-in’. Are understand the company vision and you considering what encourages a what they are part of. employee communication limited talent pool to ‘buy’?

In 2014 we further developed the will bring together your creative concept and strategy for the Shifting the performance needle organisation’s vision, values communication of the new global The number one reason for doing share plan for Unilever employees. and strategy to engage all this is to improve performance; The communication is inspiring and people on an emotional level” uplifting, whilst at the same time which equals greater productivity, more sales, better profit margins. being very practical.

Emphasis is shifting away from the Whether a Sussex SME, or global “process” of recruitment and retention business, engaging on an emotional level For example, The Gym Group started and onto the human story behind it; and aligning with your vision and brand is from humble beginnings with its first gym because it is the human, emotional fundamental to galvanising your people opening in Hounslow in 2008. A roaring aspect that really drives performance and and future recruits - driving productivity success, the first was swiftly followed by productivity. and profits. another 19 gyms within three years. They People have an intrinsic need to feel now have over 38 with a highly active and valued. Organisations are now urgently always increasing pipeline. paying more attention to the ‘emotional’ Caburn Hope were taken on as the needs of the individual. This means outsourced marketing team for The Gym providing a platform on which employees Group from its start-up. can build their aspirations.

Engagement and brand have been This shift of focus is an opportunity for critical to The Gym Group’s success. business to raise the ‘bar’ on standards In August 2012 The Gym Group was in support of personal development and, awarded the Investors in People ultimately, achieving your business goals. accreditation on its first attempt. The How does your organisation come report praised The Gym for the ‘huge Christopher Hopkins, Director and Lead across to future recruits and your current motivation and energy levels within the Communications Consultant, Caburn Hope

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 29

Level Above The Rest Level Exhibitions works with blue chip brands to create spectacular stands, graphics and interiors.

Now the Eastbourne-based team is looking closer to home to provide a one-stop service for Sussex businesses Level is made up of a team of creative individuals Focus who each have no less than 30 years experience in the industry. The team runs the business from a 22,000 sq ft factory unit based in Eastbourne, with an additional 15,000 sq ft of stores in Newhaven.

It’s 8am and already the massive space is buzzing, full of noise and bustle, two CNC machines cutting sections of stand, benches full of carpenters assembling, spraying, laminating, finishing and forklift trucks moving pieces of exhibition stand that will, in a few days time, be shipped and ready to build for the Universal Stand who are launching the new Jurassic World movie in Las Vegas.

“We have over 25 staff working full

30 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

time for us here at the moment and the same amount of subcontractors,” David Parry, one of Level’s Directors, says as we head up to the new offices on the mezzanine floor overlooking the factory. “We’ve recently invested in new machinery which will enable us to employ more local labour full time to work both here and abroad. Our objective is to expand the business to meet the aims and aspirations of our growing client base.”

Already the exhibition stands Level produces are, well – a level above the rest. Design Agency 2LK, which Level works with regularly, recently asked them to create stands for Intel and Airwatch at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This involved three months development to build the 3,500 square metres worth of exhibit.

David says: “This was a big project and to achieve it we used 100 different

suppliers of materials and services local to Sussex to make it happen.”

“We’ve got a team of creative geniuses,” David says. “It’s incredible, the things they come up with. They’re able to take on any design brief – no matter how impossible it seems, and turn it into a reality in an amazingly short space of time.”

Level is built on years of expertise in exhibitions – an industry that has boomed in the last few years.

Between 2004 and 2011, the total indoor exhibition space used grew by 3.4million square metres, an average increase of 2.3% yearly across the globe.

In the ‘digital era’ where so much business is conducted online, companies are now starting to realise how important it is to get out into the ‘real world’, meet their clients and competitors face-to-face and immerse

Cover Feature

“It’s incredible, the things they come up with.

They’re able to take on any design brief – no matter how impossible it seems, and turn it into a reality in an amazingly short space of time”

customers in their brand through visual and physical interaction.

The more competition there is, the more time, effort and money exhibitors invest in their stands.

Modern audiences have grown to expect interaction and engagement – something rewarding to make the trip to the exhibition worth it. As CAD and print technologies have become increasingly sophisticated over the years, so has the quality of the output.

A quick browse through Level’s online gallery is testament to that, showing everything from huge 3D sculptures to LED-lit interiors and stunning graphics.

Although they operate from Eastbourne, Level still does business all over the globe. One of the company’s Directors, Gavin Studd, takes care of operations in the United Arab Emirates, where there has been ‘a window of opportunity’ in recent years thanks to business booming faster than the country’s own skill base.

“We recognised a growing need for expertise over there,” David explains. “We can go over there with our knowledge and resources and coordinate big teams of locals. There’s big exhibitions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi every week, so there is a lot of business for us out there.”

Despite being an international company, Level sources local

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 31

Global Exhibition Stats According to the Global Exhibition Industry, per year there are...

• 31,000 exhibitions • 124m sqm of total net exhibition space rented • 4.4m exhibiting companies • 260m visitors

materials and contractors where possible and constructs everything from the warehouse in Eastbourne, before shipping it out to various countries to be assembled.

Standing at the top of the mezzanine level looking out over the factory, it’s clear to see that Level has the facilities – and the space, to take on numerous large projects at once. But David is adamant that they’re not just about the big-name-brands.

“We take on big projects for brands like Intel, Vodafone, Airwatch and

32 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Universal. However, we are looking to develop our business within the region “It’s our belief that there is a huge amount of opportunity, with a lot of it right here in Sussex. People like working with local companies, it’s more convenient and it’s always good to support your local economy and community.” Our aim is to offer our Blue Chip Service to local as well as international clients.

The team’s years of expertise in exhibitions has enabled them to branch out into other areas of signage, stands,

graphics and interiors. Today they have their own graphics and production team who produce creative solutions for clients using all the latest technologies and techniques. They also produce interiors for sophisticated home environments and commercial projects, including Blackberry’s head office in Slough, an award winning beach hut in Boscome and BT at Faraday House in London.

“Everything we do is bespoke,” David says. “Design agencies come to us with a huge variety of projects because we’ve proven ourselves time and time again over the years. We produce effective solutions quickly and to a really high standard. They know we are totally dedicated to our customers, whoever they are.”

He adds: “All employees at Level work to a high standard. Everybody is completely dedicated. They go from seeing something on paper or on the computer to seeing it right there in front of them. Everybody steps back from their work and thinks - wow we did that.

It’s a real feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction and its what drives us.

There is no one here that doesn’t feel that.

“There’s a good mix of ages, too.

Some of our team have years of experience, some of them are fresh from college learning on the job - but it introduces a fresh dynamic, there’s always a sense of excitement and camaraderie. We always go out for a beer after the work’s done. They work so hard, they all deserve it.” http://levelgroup.co

Cover Feature

The Facts!

34

What did it take for Level to build the 2 stands at Barcelona MWC (mobile world congress) Intel and Airwatch stands?

25 TONNES FLOORING

165

ON-SITE LABOUR FORCE

2 3,750 TONNES OF GLASS BALUSTRADE

SQM OF CARPET AND FLOOR COVERINGS

ARTIC TRUCKS

102

DROP WIRES SUSPENDING 35 TONNES OF HANGING FASCIA

50,000 SCREWS AND FIXINGS

2

STANDS BUILT WITH A FOOTPLATE EQUALLING AROUND THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL PITCH

650 LIGHT FITTINGS INCLUDING LED

950

7

WALL PANELS

MILES OF ELECTRICAL CABLE AND OVER 20 MILES OF CAT5

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 33

The General Election: A Taxing Issue

By Mike Chapman, Senior Manager Corporate Tax at Knill James

“From April the main and small companies rate of corporation tax will be aligned at 20% - the lowest headline corporation tax rate of the major European economies”

34 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

In General Election year taxation is always Financial a hot topic and now, with only a matter of Advice weeks to go until the public votes on May 7, businesses across Sussex are no doubt wondering what the result will mean for them.

Inevitably, each political party has a slightly different slant on how it sees the tax agenda and, with the strong possibility of a coalition Government, the chances are we will end up with some form of hybrid policy that is difficult to pre-empt.

So what should businesses across the county expect?

Let’s start with the things we can predict; because the first thing to say is that all the major parties do have one thing in common - and that’s a desire to place a greater emphasis on clamping down on tax evasion.

The risk of an HMRC enquiry into business tax returns will continue to

increase in the coming year, and the lines between ‘tax evasion’ and ‘tax avoidance’ – which already blurred – are likely to fade even further.

There are also some tax changes in the pipeline that were announced in last year’s budget and come into play in 2015 regardless of the next colour of government.

Ecommerce is a boom industry for Sussex and companies should be aware of new EU laws on VAT for the sector.

Anyone selling electronic services (including downloaded software or information) to consumers must now account for VAT in the country of residence of the customer. These rules came into force on January 1 and even if a business does not currently charge or reclaim VAT, it must now register for VAT in order to account for any overseas sales – no matter how few.

Companies that own residential property should be aware that, from April, ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings) must be paid on residential properties that are corporately owned

Tax

and worth over £1m (previously £2m).

This threshold will fall to £500k from April 2016.

But it’s not all bad news: also from April the main and small companies rate of corporation tax will be aligned at 20% the lowest headline corporation tax rate of the major European economies, and joint lowest in the G20.

The Patent Box reduced rate of corporation tax continues to fall too, with relevant Intellectual Property profits taxed at 12% from the start of the new financial year.

Moreover, from next month, employers with employees under 21 years old will not incur Class 1 secondary National Insurance Contributions up to the upper earnings limit for those employees.

There are also some great capital allowances tax breaks this year in respect of investments in eligible plant & machinery. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) permits expenditure before 31 December 2015 of up to £500k to be written off in full against corporation or business income tax.

Those, then, are the policies written in stone. The rest depend very much on the ballot box – and predictions are almost impossible to make.

Here, however, is a run-down of the parties and the taxation policies we expect them to campaign for.

Conservatives In a policy unashamedly borrowed from their Lib Dem coalition partners, David Cameron has promised that the Income Tax tax-free allowance, currently £10,000, will rise to £12,500 by 2020. In addition he has said that the threshold for the 40p income tax rate would be raised from £41,900 to £50,000 by the end of a fiveyear Conservative government. These pledges were repeated in the recent budget.

Liberal Democrats The key elements of the Lib Dem tax policy focus on an increase in Income Tax allowances to £12,500, further crackdowns on tax evasion – and the introduction of a Mansion Tax on residential properties valued at more than £2 million. It has also been suggested that the Lib-Dems advocate revenueraising measures by attacks on the current, generous CGT regime: Raising CGT from 28% to 35% for higher rate taxpayers, cutting the CGT annual exemption £11,000 to £2,500 – and possibly reducing the benefits under the CGT Entrepreneurs Relief regime.

Labour The Labour party has promised a fiscal policy: “…ensuring those with the broadest shoulders bear the greatest burden, by clamping down on tax avoidance, reversing the Tories’ tax cut for millionaires, and introducing a Mansion Tax on houses worth over £2m to help save and transform our NHS.” Clearly then a return to a top rate of Income Tax of 50p in the £1 is advocated as well as the levy on high value residential property.

UKIP UKIP has come up with possibly the most radical ideas, advocating an increase in the Income tax personal allowance to £13,500 pa, to match the maximum that could be earned on the minimum wage The abolition of Inheritance tax is also a high profile policy, together with the creation of an intermediary 35% tax rate before the existing higher 40% tax rate threshold is reached A turnover tax on multinationals

to tackle the perceived avoidance associated with profits-based tax systems is also suggested.

No doubt further differences between the parties will emerge as the election debate increases in intensity. All businesses in Sussex can do until May 7 is watch with interest, follow good accountancy and taxation practice – and seek professional advice when the time is right.

Mike Chapman, Senior Manager Corporate Tax at Knill James

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 35

36 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Advertorial

Auctions: Are They For You? Clive Emson’s Director Sam Kinloch reveals why property auctions are the efficient, stress-free way to buy for homes for investment

With property auctions becoming more popular than Insight ever, helped by programs such as ‘Homes Under The Hammer’, there has never been a better time to consider buying or selling your property at auction.

Now in its 26th Year of business, Clive Emson Auctioneers has always strived to provide a professional and transparent service for both the private and public sectors.

With forty separate auctions a year covering Kent to Cornwall, including Essex and Surrey, I am always staggered by the huge array of properties we see on a daily basis. It has been my pleasure to be involved in the sale of some truly fabulous properties over the last 13 years including sea forts, nuclear bunkers, stately homes and many many more. It is however important not to pigeonhole auctions as solely a method of selling unusual or problematic property, far from it! While these do sell

remarkably well, it is important to stress that a large majority of our business comes from selling more standard lots. With a better availability of funds, lack of supply and continuation of low interest rates fuelling an already strong market, where better to put your hard earned cash? Whether you are looking

“Whether you are looking for somewhere to fix up or wanting to achieve a good return on your investment auctions may just be the place to do it” for somewhere to fix up, or you’re wanting to achieve a good return on your investment, auctions may just be the place to do it. With the standard exchange and completion period being 20 business days, transactions can be completed without the stress of long chains.

Our Sussex and Surrey branch first opened it doors in 2002 located at the time in Sackville Road, Hove and since then moving to a higher profile position at the bottom of Ditchling Road in Brighton. We have five permenant members of staff situated in the office, including Emma Sharp Senior Auction Valuer, Emma Knight Secretary, Kirsty Hughes Secretary, Karina Koshlaf Viewings Assistance and myself Sam Kinloch, Senior Auction Valuer and Director.

With auctions increasing their share of the market year on year I am sure 2015 will be a busy time for all involved in our industry and while we must not be complacent, the buzz for both agents and clients is returning, which in turn can only breathe life and revenue back into our county.

Our next auction is being held on 6th May at the Hilton Brighton Metropole so please get in touch with one of the team if you would like more information about buying or selling at auction.

Clive Emson can be contacted on 01273 571853 or at brighton@cliveemson.co.uk

Call Clive Emson on: 01273 571853

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 37

Book Extract

Michelle Mone:

‘My Fight To The Top’

Lingerie entrepreneur Michelle Mone has just published her first autobiography – here SBT readers can read an exclusive preview...

Michelle Mone is one of the biggest Book female entrepreneurs in the UK. My Fight Extract to the Top is a ragsto-riches tale set in the rough East End of Glasgow, where she overcame physical and emotional traumas while struggling with financial difficulties, raising a young family, battling with her weight and running a global business. Michelle turned her business into a £50m empire, but it has not been an easy journey.

Published in hardback on 5th March 2015 on her dad’s birthday, this unique and heart rending story will blend autobiography with business, whether readers want to learn how to get ahead in business, how to build a global brand or simply learn how to keep it together through life’s challenges.

Extract BRA WARS “Life is like a marathon. You just have to keep going until you reach that line.”

‘I’m going to Sri Lanka,’ I announced to my mum when I phoned her from the plane. I was minutes from take off. A request had come through in October 2012 for me to give one of my motivational speeches. I jumped at the chance to get away from the chaos, if only for a few days.

‘No, you’re not. You’re about to lose your company. You’re about to lose your life. You can’t do this speech,’ she screeched.

‘Mum, I need to go. I love you and I’ll see you when I’m back.’ I hung up.

Something inside me was saying I needed to go. I trusted my instinct. It turned out to be a hell of a journey as I was delayed in my stop over in Dubai and then I got stuck in a three-hour traffic jam to my hotel. I’d been travelling for 24

38 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

hours and was desperate for a shower and a change of clothes when the hosts broke the news that I had to be on stage in ten minutes.

I rushed to the toilet to throw up. I looked awful. But there was no time to do my hair and my make-up; I just had to get out there and get on with it. I was running on empty as I made my way up on stage.

The room fell silent as hundreds of eyes locked onto me, waiting for me to speak.

I took a deep breath and stepped into the spotlight. I gave them the speech of my life.

‘In the next few months, I don’t know where I’ll be. I don’t know if the company will still be there,’ I said as I fought back the tears. ‘But what I do know is that I’m so passionate about the brand.’ I spoke from the heart. I told them my story and there were people in the audience crying as I described how hard I’d had to fight.

As I left the stage, the organisers of the event led me down the hall to meet someone who had the potential to help me. He reached his hand out and said ‘I’m Mahesh Amalean, I chair the board of MAS Holdings, we manufacture intimate apparel for some of the biggest brands around the world.’

Mahesh was in his late 50s and such a gentleman. I knew immediately that I wanted to work with him. He was the missing piece in the jigsaw. I flew back to Glasgow with a fire in my belly. I’d reached a point where I knew I had to take control of myself and fight for what was mine. No one was going to take away what I’d worked so hard to achieve, what I’d sacrificed so much for.

Michelle Mone - My Fight to the Top, by Michelle Mone, Published by Blink Publishing, £18.99. www.blinkpublishing.co.uk

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 39

‘Victorian Elegance With Modern Convenience’ After 125 years in business, Brighton’s iconic promenade-facing hotel is undergoing a £3.75 million make-over

“The Hilton’s refurbishment will include 185 of its 340 guest rooms, which will be refitted to offer visitors ‘Victorian elegance with modern convenience’ ”

40 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

In the late 1800s a customs house, twelve lodgings Focus houses, a parade ground and a park were demolished to make way for a huge Gothic Revival red-brick mansion. This was the striking Metropole Hotel, designed by Alfred Waterhouse – the architect behind the Natural History Museum and University College in London.

In 1890 the hotel took just £57,000 to build. Now, 125 years later, the very same building is undergoing a £3.75m renovation to transform its guest rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant and spa for discerning guests in the 21st Century.

The Hilton’s refurbishment will include 185 of its 340 guest rooms, which will be refitted to offer visitors ‘Victorian elegance with modern convenience’.

These en-suite rooms will be decorated in the Arts and Crafts style, with fabrics and artwork paying

homage to the famous William Morris.

The rooms have been redesigned in calming, harmonious tones complemented by highly functional, modern lighting. Guests will be able to refresh and revitalise themselves in renovated bathrooms, featuring large walk-in showers and new tiling throughout.

The recently opened Salt Room restaurant is a relaxed, informal, urban dining retreat featuring a covered terrace and uninterrupted ocean views, this contemporary seafront restaurant offers charming service and fantastic attention to detail. The Salt Room will showcase the best of British food with a particular focus on British fish and shell fish cooked over a real charcoal oven. The talented chefs showcase the best Sussex produce and make it their mission to bring the best steaks to the city.

The Hilton’s spa has also undergone a radical transformation and has been rebranded as ‘Schmoo by the Sea’.

Schmoo by the Sea has a relaxed sociable feel where guests can enjoy a bespoke range of treatments with six treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure zone, a relaxation zone and a welcoming reception and shop area where guests can purchase their own organic Schmoo skincare products, developed from high quality ingredients based around fruit extracts.

In addition to the redesigned guest rooms and the new restaurant and spa, Hilton Brighton Metropole recently renovated several banqueting and meeting rooms, providing improved facilities for business events, meetings and weddings. Interior designers DeSallesFlint have designed the new interior scheme for the Hilton Metropole Meeting Suites. They approached the project with a vision to bring the meeting suites, embracing the heritage of the hotel and translating it into a modern design without losing the grandeur of these wonderful rooms.

DeSallesFlint has taken their influence from William Morris and the decorative arts, which are recognisable for the floral and fern patterns which became so fashionable in the Victorian age. This influence appears on the new design for the carpets and colour palette on the walls and curtains in each of the meeting spaces, translated into a design that reflects a contemporary style fitting the taste of today.

The much loved Clarence Room was at the heart of the newly designed scheme and is now a stunning events space.

The room is designed as a wagoned ceiling ballroom with three huge crystal chandeliers holding centre stage. Again the design approach was taken with the use of block colour on walls and unique DeSallesFlint designed floral/geometric carpets on the floor. New high level mirrors have been installed within the window niches reflecting the double height space and wonderful arch of the ceiling. The Clarence Suite is a wonderfully romantic room, every bit the sparkling centre piece of the Hilton Metropole Meeting and Event Spaces. Whilst the Ambassador Suite, Sandringham Suite and Osborne Suite have all been refurbished in tones of subtle greys, purple and mother of pearl.

Hilton Brighton Metropole will remain open to guests throughout the renovation work.

To find out more, contact the hotel on telephone +44 1273 775432 or visit www.hilton.com/brightonmet.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 41

Mid Summer Ball Launch 2015 Celebrity dancers and judges announced

said: “We are delighted to have been Hilton Brighton Children’s Charity who are the official chosen as the local beneficiary charity Metropole’s Mid fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra of the Hilton Brighton Metropole’s Mid Summer Ball returns Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

Event Summer Ball for the third year and we this year on Saturday The launch night also welcomed the look forward to working closely with 20 June, in aid of new General Manager of the Hilton new General Manager Sascha Koehler the DM Thomas Brighton Metropole, Sascha Koehler, and his team.

Foundation for to the city. He said: “I am excited to be “We’d like to extend our thanks to Young People and part of this great city and to be involved Skerritts who are our headline sponsors Rockinghorse Children’s Charity. in this fantastic event! Working together again this year, as well as all of our The 2015 Mid Summer Ball famed with Rockinghorse Children’s Charity event and media partners that make for its ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ theme and the DM Thomas Foundation is an the Ball possible. Special thanks to our sees the return of local TV and radio exciting project and we look forward dancers Barry Carden, Eleanor Harris, star, Zoe Ball, as Head Judge. Along to hosting the Mid Summer Ball at the Nicola Hume and Tom Evans who will with her panel, she will help score those Hilton Brighton Metropole on June be taking part in the 1920’s themed brave enough to take part in the dance 20th.” dance competition and competition in front of helping to raise money nearly 500 guests. for children who need our “We are delighted to be partnering Four celebrities and support.” local personalities will with Rockinghorse Children’s Charity Hosted by the team be attempting The at the Hilton Brighton Charleston 1920’s again, and together we will be Metropole, guests will inspired dance at the transforming lives” enjoy a sparkling drinks Great Gatsby themed reception, three-course charity Ball with their dinner with wine plus the expert partners.

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ style dance Announced at the launch party on Simon Sheehan, Director of the competition and entertainment courtesy Thursday 12 February, this year’s DM Thomas Foundation, added: “We of the E3 Group. Guests will also have dancers are Eleanor Harris, Chief are delighted to be partnering with the opportunity to take part in various Executive of the Brighton i360 tower, Rockinghorse Children’s Charity again, fundraising activities on the night, Barry Carden, Managing Director of and together we will be transforming including a charity auction as well as Cardens Accountants in Hove and lives. enjoying the infamous indoor dodgems.

Heart Sussex Breakfast Show co-hosts “Thanks to our intrepid dancers and Nicola Hume and Tom Evans. generous sponsors, the Mid Summer Tickets for the event on Saturday The annual event will be raising Ball will be a spectacular evening of 20 June are selling fast. To book, money for the DM Thomas Foundation 1920’s frivolity whilst supporting the contact Nicky Willard on 01273 for Young People – which helps work of two charities who help the 715043 or email nicky.willard@hilton. disadvantaged and vulnerable young young people of Sussex.” com. Tickets are £80 each or £750 for people and children in Brighton and Ryan Heal, Chief Executive of a table of ten. across the UK, and Rockinghorse Rockinghorse Children’s Charity,

42 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

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It’s all about... modern thinking traditional values www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 43

Fringe Benefits

Simon Skinner reports on Brighton’s upcoming Fringe Festival

the 2015 event. Gatwick Airport’s are working with a number of partners, It’s perhaps a little involvement this year includes the specifically with the intention of making known fact that the ‘dressing of the city’, which will see life better for those travelling to the city Brighton Fringe Insight an increased amount of outdoor to get involved throughout May. Festival is now the advertising, including new large-scale Doddle, the Internet shopping picklargest annual arts banners at the train station and the up and returns business that recently festival in England, Royal Pavilion gardens, a month long appeared in the train station, is offering but one that we, take-over of the digital advertising festival goers the opportunity to pick up champions of all board on Queens Road things ‘Sussex’, should and a new lamp-post savour. And what an “Brighton isn’t even that big a city and banner series as well achievement it is for as the usual Brighton the region too. Brighton yet it’s managing to organise an event Fringe arch, information isn’t even that big a city that comfortably competes in the now- points and box office. and yet it’s managing to Melanie Wrightson, organise an event that global arts festival arena.”

Community comfortably competes in Engagement Manager the now-global arts festival for Gatwick airport arena. told SBT: “Gatwick Airport is the tickets from their depot as they arrive Whist Brighton often remains ‘local’ airport for Brighton and so in Brighton, saving on deliveries and accused of being an ‘insular’ city, often many of our 2,600 staff and 40 additional costs. We will be talking to by those ‘other’ towns in the region million customers per year live and both Doddle and the team at Gatwick fighting for airspace, the festival does work in, and visit Brighton. As the Airport, who are sponsoring the festival much to dispel this by offering a hugely Brighton Festival is now grown to for the first time this year, in our June open and engaging event. So much be the biggest curated mixed arts issue where we’ll be looking back at so that the festival organisers this year

44 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Brighton Fringe Festival

festival in the country, so its audiences and artists have taken on a bigger international identity.”

I also had the chance to catch up with Andy Furlong, Sales and Marketing Director at Neilson Travel, to ask about their involvement this year.

He explained that: “We are sponsoring the music bar at the largest venue at the Fringe, The Warren. The Music bar will feature live music and events every day throughout the Fringe and Neilson will be adding family-friendly events and competitions at the weekends. We are also running a competition for the musicians who perform in the bar, they can win a trip to perform a guest set at one of our ten Summer Beachclubs”.

Simon Skinner: Sounds great, will you be promoting Neilson Holidays throughout the festival or is your intention purely to engage and brandbuild to the Sussex locality through May? Andy Furlong: The Fringe is a great opportunity to promote Neilson to the local community in Brighton. As the leading active holiday brand in the UK, we feel very at home down in Brighton Marina. Brighton has an active vibe, the parks and seafront are packed with people cycling, skating, running and getting involved with all sorts of sports.

We’re confident that our sponsorship of the Fringe will help raise our brand awareness amongst an audience that will love our holidays. As well as our involvement at the Warren we will be taking our ‘Have a Go Before You Go’ roadshow to Fringe City at the end of May. We’ve got windsurfing and skiing simulators built with ‘Oculus Rift’ virtual reality technology that members of the public can try out. The 360º headsets, combined with rumble pads and wind machines, bring the experience of windsurfing or skiing completely to life – even for the uninitiated. We believe these are the only simulators of their kind in the UK and the ski simulator will debut at the Fringe. After May we will be taking the Have a Go Before You Go roadshow around the UK to give the public a taste of a Neilson Holiday at home.

SS: Clearly, our readers are primarily business people – can you share any relevant news about Neilson Holidays that will be specifically be of interest?

AF: Sure, Neilson Active Holidays is approaching 18 months since the business was bought from Thomas Cook, with Risk Capital supporting a management buyout. In that period the company has been transformed from a subsidiary of a major corporation into a thriving and profitable independent business. Neilson has always delivered fantastic skiing and Beach-club holidays but was hamstrung by its parent company. We believe that active holidays are the best way to get away from it all and truly relax, hence our strapline ‘Relax as hard as you like’.

Our strategy is to grow awareness of the active holiday sector because we know that once people try an active holiday, they’re hooked!

SS: Can you see the partnership with the festival continuing beyond this year, perhaps as a regular thing?

AF: Absolutely. The Neilson brand is heavily influenced by its home location in Brighton and getting involved with the largest local event of the year should become a regular feature of our promotional programme.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 45

Brighton Fringe Festival

Top

10

Fringe Festival Events For Businesses

Here, we’ve outlined (in no particular order) our picks from the extensive diary of events that are on offer throughout the Brighton Fringe Festival. As previously mentioned, there is a heck of a lot to choose from during the festival, ranging from the very left of field and downright outrageous, through to the more accessible events that make up the larger part of the calendar. We have chosen a selection, which we feel will appeal to our readership (as they do to us) and that best demonstrate good reason to travel into the city to get involved in this spectacular Sussex event. So here we go...

1

The Bookish Supper Society: Fringe Edition at La Cave à Fromage, Western Road

In a Fringe edition of The Bookish Supper Society, Myriad authors Emily Bullock and Jonathan Kemp will be in conversation with Laura Lockington discussing their new novels. The Longest Fight by Emily Bullock is a beautiful and brutal debut set in 1950s London amidst the gritty world of boxing. Ghosting, by award-winning novelist Jonathan Kemp, delivers the triumphant coming of age of a woman in her sixties who thinks she has seen the ghost of her first husband. Price includes cheese & charcuterie.

20 May 7:00 PM from £24.06 - £27.50

2

Camille O’Sullivan at Brighton Spiegeltent, Old Steine Pleasure Gardens

46 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

3 4 5

The Wedding Reception at Sussex County Cricket Club From the producers of Faulty Towers the Dining Experience comes a wedding reception with a difference. You were not invited to the wedding because Kate and Will eloped to avoid massive family arguments. But now they’re back to face the music and they want to celebrate with everyone, including you.

A new immersive comedy, with meal included.

1-2, 8-9 May 19:00 £39

Black is the Color of My Voice at The Old Market, Upper Market Street Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Apphia Campbell’s hit one-woman show follows jazz musician and civil rights activist Mena Bordeaux as she undergoes a three day period of spiritual cleansing following the untimely death of her father. Hitting Brighton after multiple sold out performances in Shanghai and NYC.

27-28 May 20:00 £12 (£10)

Regency Delights at Angel House, Brunswick Terrace May 1831: the new owner of 1 Brunswick Terrace, Mr Thomas Carter, is out to impress Brighton society with his infamous Regency dance soirées. Twice nightly instruction with MC Henry Adams and a range of genteel libations of which to partake at the Regency Salon Bar. ‘Mr Darcy’ cocktail and 45 min class included.

6, 9, 13, 20 May 18:30, 20:00 £10

Born in London of a French mother and Irish father, Camille has stunned audiences worldwide with 5-star dramatic interpretations of Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, Radiohead. Fierce, amusing and mesmerizing, the original star of La Clique transforms each song she performs into a grippingly theatrical experience, inextricably drawing her audience into a world inhabited by the bizarre and wonderful.

2-3 May 20:00 4, 6-10, 12-13 May 21:00 £20 (£18)

Brighton Fringe Festival

6 7

Tina C: Herstory at Brighton Spiegeltent A special night to celebrate the second volume of her autobiography. HerStory is a personal unique female history of the highs, lows and even greater highs of one of country music’s more enduring celebrities. Tina C!

27-29 May 19:15 £12 (£10)

Edana Minghella Sings Billie Holiday at The Brunswick

Much-loved Brighton-based vocalist Edana Minghella presents two nights of her stunning sell-out tribute to Billie Holiday. A moving, highly personal performance of song and story which those who love the power of the voice and the magic of jazz won’t want to miss. Expect emotional ballads and down and dirty blues from Lady Day’s vast repertoire, including a heartbreaking ‘Don’t Explain’ and signature ‘Lover Man’. Edana’s quartet includes acclaimed saxophonist Lee Goodall (ex-Van Morrison).

17 May 20:30 £10 (£8) 23 May 20:00 £12 (£10)

8

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at St Ann’s Well Gardens The Scented Garden

A festival favourite founded by its current producer in 1989 in Queens Park. It reformed, relocating to St Anne’s Well Park, 6 years ago with Nicholas Quirke directing its acclaimed shows. Following a gap last year it’s back! Showcasing a talented, new cast and director, Shakespeare actress, Rebecca Lowndon.

Experience everyone’s favourite comedy performed in the most magical of settings. 15% box office takings donated to Rocking Horse Appeal.

15, 17, 29, 31 May 18:45 £12 (£10) (£14 on the door) (£5 Under 16s) (Under 5s free) 16, 30 May 18:45 £13 (£11) (£15 on the door) (£5 Under 16s) (Under 5s free)

9

Foodies Festival Brighton on Hove Lawns

Foodies Festival returns to Brighton’s Hove Lawns for another fun Bank Holiday weekend. Watch Michelin star and top chefs cooking their favourite summer recipes; taste wine, champagne and craft beer in the Drinks Theatre; improve your baking skills in the Cake, Bake & Chocolate Theatre; shop from artisan producers and feast on food from around the world in the Street Food Avenue, while you listen to live music on the acoustic stage. Enjoy a fun day out with friends.

2-3 May 11:00 [9hrs] 4 May 11:00 £12 (Accompanied Under 16s free) [8hrs]

10

Classical Spectacular at St Bartholomew’s Church

Sublime classics by some of the world’s most celebrated composers performed with professional soloists and orchestra within the wonderful setting of St Bartholomew’s Church. Haydn’s magnificent battle inspired Nelson Mass features alongside Vivaldi’s electrifying Double Trumpet Concerto. Mozart’s exquisite Laudate Dominum and powerful Symphony No.29 complete this explosive programme, which opens with Handel’s jubilant Zadok the Priest.

9 May 19:30 £15 (£12)

www.brightonfringe.org

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 47

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P 62-63 Made In Sussex SBT JAN 2013.indd 34

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12/02/2014 10:46

Hotel Review:

Ockenden Manor Ockenden Manor Haywards Heath Address: Ockenden Lane Cuckfield Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 5LD Telephone: 01444 416111 Web: www.hshotels.co.uk/ockendenmanor-hotel-and-spa/

50 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Clara was beautiful.

Dressed in summery fabrics and cast Review in flattering light, it was like walking into a showroom, or an episode of Changing Rooms. At any moment I expected Laurence Llewelyn Bowen to flounce in and start gushing about textures, reclaimed furniture and scatter cushions. The suite had been named ‘Clara’ after one of the owners’ six children, we were told, and it’s every bit as feminine as the name; styled in dusky pinks and pastel greens, with plate-glass windows overlooking a funky landscaped roof terrace – and glimpse of green from the Sussex countryside beyond.

I’d come to Ockenden Manor Hotel with a friend for a spot of mid-week relaxation and a catch up. Although it feels tucked away from the rigours of real-life, at the back of the quaint village of Cuckfield, it’s actually only a 20 minute drive from Gatwick and 10 minutes to Haywards Heath railway station. When heading to rural retreats, there’s always that slight fear that you’ll lose touch with all the Important Things Going On In The World. Luckily, Ockenden has free WiFi all over the hotel. So, if you really feel like tackling that report, spreadsheet, or (in my case) article, for work - then you can even do it poolside at the hotel’s spa. It’s my long-held belief that this is the best way to conduct your professional life.

Tried and Tested in Sussex The bathroom in our Spa Suite was all clean and shiny but not the most private of spaces. In fact, it had a huge glassless window overlooking the rest of the suite – great for loved up couples (and voyeurs), not so great when you’re away with your pal and need a bath.

Luckily, there are shutters you can pull in to preserve your modesty.

Next, we headed across the car park to the Michelin-starred restaurant located in the original manor house.

Our waiters were impeccably polite and happy to recommend wines to pair with our dishes. A selection of nibbles were presented to whet our appetites, including freshly baked cheese puffs, breadsticks and homemade dips. After a fish appetiser, I chose a winter vegetable salad with pumpkin, chestnuts and goats curd, while my friend opted for scallops and deep fried squid (she still goes on about how good that squid was). Next, we enjoyed mains of pearl barley risotto (simple but full of flavour - the kind of food that makes me wish I was going out with a Michelin-starred chef) and Newhaven Landed Sea Bass (always nice to know you’re not eating something that’s used more air-miles than you). To finish off this incredible feast, I opted for the ‘assiette of chocolate’..I wasn’t cultured (or French) enough to know what an assiette was, but I was intregued enough to risk it.

It turned out to be a plate of different chocolate-based desserts that threw me into a kind of chocolatey trance for the rest of the evening. My friend opted for the caramelised lemon tart, which is probably a better option if you’re feeling full.

Ockenden spa opens at 7am – a great time to go if you like the idea of having the whole place to yourself.

There’s a relaxing hot tub and outdoor Jacuzzi but one of the best features in my opinion was the pool, which had a hatch connecting to the outdoor pool.

How very James Bond.

After a few lengths (inside and outside), and a dip in the hot tub, we trudged back to the room and had showers, using some of the gorgeous scented Temple Spa products on offer.

Breakfast was served in the main house, in the restaurant. You can choose from the selection of delicious fresh fruit, granola, yoghurt, cereals and pastries at the continental buffet table,

and, if you’re still hungry, order from the cooked breakfast menu. We both opted for salmon and scrambled egg and enjoyed the garden views from our bright, airy surroundings.

Sadly, our time at Ockenden Manor Hotel was over – I had to rush back to the office (not as nice as the sunlounger in the spa). But I’ll certainly be back. If you feel like taking your work somewhere fancy this weekend, why not give them a call and book your room today?

Book your room at 01444 449191.

“There’s a relaxing hot tub and outdoor Jacuzzi but one of the best features in my opinion was the pool, which had a hatch connecting to the outdoor pool”

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 51

Charity Work

Running The Great Wall 39-year-old Sussex plumber Guy Mace has signed up to run The Great Wall Of China Marathon 2016 in aid of St Wilfred’s Hospice in Eastbourne. Why? Only he knows‌

52 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Charity Work

The Great Wall of China Marathon is no walk in the park. It’s Charity not a run in the park either, not even close.

It’s 26.2 miles twisting through rural villages in the Tianjin provence of China, incorporating steep hills, 23,220 steps of The Great Wall and 30º temperatures. It is, as you might imagine, one of the most demanding marathons in the world.

“Running has been something I have dipped in and out of over the years,” Guy tells us. “It’s quite telling that I’ve dusted off the running shoes in the past, mainly during periods of stress, as I’ve always found it to be a great therapy.

“Prior to starting to run regularly this time round, I’d experienced quite bad migraines. At about this time I had also thought about setting myself a personal challenge of completing the Eastbourne Half marathon (at the time this was quite unthinkable as my fitness levels were in no way up to job). So with this fixed in my mind, I decided to bin the Sauvignon Blanc, biscuits and TV remote and start a concerted effort to train for the 2014 EB half marathon.

“While I was at it I wanted to raise funds for St Wilfred’s Hospice who supported my father and our family through his terminal pancreatic and liver cancer. For me the aim of helping the hospice and its future users played a huge part in motivating me and there it began.”

To train up, Guy started running 5-10k three times a week and cut out alcohol and sugar.

“No more wine, no more biscuits!”

He said. “I also changed my diet more generally to one that followed a clean and fresh theme. The migraines stopped. For me that was a eureka moment. Running and core fitness exercises coupled with a positive lifestyle change had firmly secured its roots in my life. I sleep well, manage daily stress better, feel fitter, have lost weight and feel the best I’ve felt for many years. I can’t say i enjoyed that first half marathon, it hurt, but I did feel I had achieved my goal and raised some money at the same time.”

Of course, living right next to a national park can’t hurt. Guy added: “No matter what time of day or night in what ever weather, I have not once cursed being in Sussex. For those who enjoy running,

walking or cycling, having Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters and the South Downs as a playing field is pure gold!

“I also enjoy photography, so often take my camera out; the early mornings bring some of the best that the land has to give in terms of capturing the landscape and fellow runners.”

It’s one thing to run across the gently undulating South Downs – but up steep valleys and fortress walls? That’s another matter altogether.

Guy explained: “A fellow runner from Run Wednesdays actually mentioned doing the Great Wall Marathon a while back, I think partly in jest. Initially I thought, how cool it would be just to go to China to see and run on the wall.

The marathon itself just seems insane.

Then as I looked it up online and found out more I realised it was an immense challenge, one of the toughest marathons in the world.

“Finding this challenge and completing it is very much for me an example of how

my father’s death has affected me in a positive way. I feel I want to seek out and seize these life experiences. In the back of my mind I always think, ‘you never know what’s around the corner, so you better enjoy it’.”

Guy hopes to raise enough money to cover the expenses of the trip (£1,800) plus as much money as possible to help St Wilfred’s continue its support to cancer patients and their families.

“This is clearly a major part of getting this challenge and charity fundraising project off the ground,” he said. “Beyond that and very shortly I will have a website, Facebook page and Just Giving page set up to help making donations as easy as possible. I will be holding various bold and exciting training events to help bolster the fund raising process.”

We will be tracking Guy’s progress over the next few months in SBT. Visit: www.justgiving.com/owneremail/thankyou/the-great-wall to donate.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 53

Chamber News

The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex What can ACES do for me?

ACES is the Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex linking 4,000 business members across the county.

If you belong to any of the Chambers of Commerce listed at the end of this article, you are automatically a member of ACES. What does that mean to my business?

This means that you can share your Company news in these SBT pages – without charge. Just email your news item to your local Chamber with a high

resolution picture and they will pass it on to the ACES press office.

Alternatively, if you would like to network with progressive business people from further afield, you can attend one of the varied ACES events or the BEST4Biz Conference in October 2015.

Finally, we have a strong voice with local policy makers and can lobby on your behalf to remove barriers to business.

Just call ACES on 01323 641144 to see how we can help.

ACES Member Advice Freedom and Choice Pension Changes 2015 The Government has now confirmed their intention to introduce what has been billed as the “most radical change to pensions in almost a century” The proposed reforms will mean that anyone with a money purchase pension will be able to draw out as much or as little as they want, once they reach 55. The first 25% will be tax free and the remainder taxed as income in the year it is taken. The current limits imposed on “Capped Drawdown” will be swept away, along with the minimum income rules for “Flexible Drawdown”.

Whilst the opportunity to take out large amounts in one go will be welcomed by many, more savvy savers will realise that the tax advantages could come with a large sting in the tail. If a basic rate tax payer takes a large lump sum they may well find they become a higher rate tax

54 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

payer for that year. Those who will need to rely on their pensions for a lifetime income also risk finding that jam today means hunger tomorrow.

Other Proposed Measures • Rules to ensure all money purchase

schemes members will benefit, and are not prevented because of outdated scheme rules.

• Pension providers will also be given the opportunity to develop innovative new annuity products by the relaxation of some of the rules surrounding annuity design.

• The option to transfer from final salary pension schemes will remain, but only if certain conditions are met.

• People in unfunded public schemes (eg teachers, NHS, police, fire-fighters and HM Forces) will no longer be able to transfer their pensions.

• Lump sum and incomes from money purchase schemes paid on death before 75 will be tax free. For death after age 75, lump sums and income will be taxed at the beneficiaries’ marginal rate of tax.

• The ability for pension funds in drawdown and for annuities to be inherited by non dependant beneficiaries.

• An increase in the minimum age for accessing pension benefits from 55 to 57 – but not until 2028, so plenty of time to plan ahead.

Chamber News

Annual Allowance and Drawdown The Government wanted to ensure that people don’t just access their cash lump sums, and then recycle them back into a new pension to benefit from tax relief. However, they also want to enable those who want or need to continue saving to be able to do so.

From April 2015, those who commence income drawdown will have a reduced Annual Allowance of £10,000 (instead of the standard £40,000). Those already using capped drawdown will not be disadvantaged by this and those in Flexible Drawdown will find they can start making contributions again.

Guidance Guarantee The Government has rightly identified that people will need help and advice to understand their options and make a decision that’s right for them. The proposals include provision for a right for everyone to receive free guidance before they retire, and they want this to be delivered by independent bodies, rather than the pension providers.

It will not, however, be a substitute for professional financial advice from experienced, qualified financial advisers.

Pensions should not be viewed in solation, but as part of the bigger picture of financial planning for life. The new

flexible world will open up opportunities for tax-efficient planning for many as well as offering a raft of new products and options to consider.

The removal of the tax charge on death makes a pension an excellent planning tool, not only during life, but also as part of overall estate planning. Everyone who has not already converted their pension into an annuity is affected and should consider guidance to look at the tax and cash flow implications.

If you would like guidance, call Square One Wealth Management for assistance on 01323 332902 or email them at info@squareonefinancial.co.uk

ACES Member News Alison sparkles on big night Alison Thompson sparkled her way to another great victory, winning two categories at the Dental Hygiene and Therapy awards in February, held at the prestigious Radisson Blu Portman Hotel in London. Alison won Best Hygienist over 30 and Overall Best Hygienist UK 2015, beating 13 other finalists to bring home the trophies to her practice, The Dental Barn near Hailsham.

The awards were created to recognise progress, effort and enterprise in general

practice. The winners epitomise practice teams that are trying to better themselves and ultimately provide a higher calibre of patient experience. Their ideas and developments also serve as an inspiration to the thousands of dental professionals in the UK. Alison said: “I am really proud to have won these awards, I want to show Dental Care Professionals that they can achieve great things with hard work and vision.

In the future I hope to see Dental Care Professionals owning a greater share of practices.”

Fans raise funds for Eastbourne Borough Football Club Eastbourne Borough announce plans to secure their future as an exciting and progressive sports club.

The sale of shares to fans have been brisk since the club announced late last year that it had secured assurances from HMRC that any shares sold would benefit from tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme. This means that for £100 of shares purchased the actual cost is only £70. The first batch of EIS certificates were received from the Revenue recently and will be sent out to shareholders, with their share certificates in the next few days.

The club will ring-fence all income from the sale of shares to supporters for capital projects designed to create sustainable revenue streams for the future. Chief among these capital projects is the creation of a 3G pitch and EBFC expects to be amongst one of the first

clubs who convert their pitch.

Borough Chairman Paul Maynard said: “I am convinced conversion to an all-weather pitch will help our mid-season form. Most seasons we start strongly and end brightly but suffer during the winter months playing on a heavy pitch. If you look at the clubs who already play on 3G pitches, the majority are towards the top of their respective divisions. Our style of play and the type of players we recruit

If you would like to know more about Alison’s practice go to www.thedentalbarn.co.uk or call 01323 325397. lends itself to playing on a quality surface.

“Also, it is clear from our research that there are good revenue streams available from renting the main pitch out to commercial soccer leagues, football clubs and schools and community organisations.

“The club will also benefit from a raised profile in the town as more people visit the site. Many members had no idea there was a football stadium here with a large indoor bowling facility and an archery range!”

The 3G All Weather Pitch is due to be completed by the end of the close season in 2016 and if any sports or community organisations would like to know more they should contact Commercial Manager, Sharon Hind at the club on 01323 766265.

Alternatively, if you would like to purchase shares in the club to help them build the pitch without any borrowing at all, contact info@ebfc.co.uk.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 55

Advert Nov_Layout 1 14/10/2014 12:38 Page 2

Chamber News

in East Sussex

Finding Funding in the South East

ACES

TR Fastenings - Best Profits for 10 Years

Battle Chamber of Commerce

(A Trifast Company)

www.battlechamber.org.uk

F

ounded in a small rented office at the top of Uckfield High Street in 1973, Mike Timms and Mike Roberts established their business after becoming disenchanted working for a large industrial group in Birmingham that restricted their creativity and individualism.

They focused on sourcing and selling industrial fastenings to light assembly industries in the South East at a time when ex stock deliveries could take as long as three weeks from the larger industry market leaders. Their core values were “look professional, be professional, provide outstanding service, sell on value rather than the cheapest price, maintain dynamic cash management and motivate and take care of your staff”.

However, the DotCom crash in 2001 devastated sales and profits in just a few short months, and the two Midlands factories had to be closed as the focus was intensified into Asia.

A change of senior management in 2007 and the 2008 recession resulted in the near collapse of the Company, with 2008 revenues down to £84m with substantial losses, and in March 2009 the two previous retired CEOs (Malcolm Diamond and Jim Barker) were invited back by the shareholders to rescue the business.

By 2010 profitability started to recover, as did the share price.

In 2011 a major automotive bolt manufacturer was acquired in Malaysia, and in May 2014 a leading domestic appliance

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce 01424 842892 www.bexhillchamber.co.uk Crowborough Chamber of Commerce www.crowboroughchamber.co.uk Eastbourne UnLtd Chamber of Commerce 01323 641144 www.eastbournechamber.co.uk East Sussex County Council 01273 481570 www.eastsussex.gov.uk Federation of Small Businesses 01424 754686 and Regional Office 01323 482018 www.fsb.org.uk/eastsussex Hailsham Chamber of Commerce 01323 310531 www.hailshamchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Hastings Chamber of Commerce

The Ultimate Finance Group, which the South East area to grow and provides cashflow solutions to SME’s, become successful.” is expanding in the South East with Established over 12 years ago, the appointment of Phil Coutanche as the group has rapidly established regional director. itself as a leading provider of Phil, who lives in Cooden, near Bexhill cashflow solutions to SMEs across will operate out of Ultimate Finance’s the UK. Helping over 1000 SMEs Uckfield office and be responsible for across a wide range of industries, growing the business across Sussex, sectors and stages of development, Malcolm Diamond MBE and Jim Barker Kent and London. the company has developed Phil’s move coincides with impressive specialist finance solutions for 1978, manufacturing specialist business in Italy was brought into growth forInUltimate Finance of over the fasteners thescrew construction, recruitment was started in Uckfield, with subsequent the Group. last 12 months with loans and other and transport sectors, areas factories established in Northampton and majortraditional customer sectors include receivables increasing by 60% and the in the 80’s.

Telford thatTR’s many lenders find Automotive, Domestic Appliances, client baseIn expanding across all TR funding Ultimate Asset Finance the late 80’s, IBM selected as their most awkward.

Electronics and Distributors – all of which are eligible component supplier to be trained in also enjoying growth.purchase types by over 36%. helpsorganic companies zero defect/on time deliveries to a new Speaking about his move to Ultimate new equipment while Ultimate In June 2014, TR announced the best sales, assembly facility that relied on “Just In Time” profits and share price for a decade, now Finance, Phil said:straight “It is to great be joining Trade Finance offers integrated deliveries their to production line. with 1,150 staff spread across 17 countries.

Successful compliance to TR being a such a forward thinking and led ambitious supply chain finance solutions to Trifast Plc is based in Uckfield and along with single source supplier with IBM, which then company attracted which has a great attitude companies purchasing products TR’s sales, distribution and manufacturing other major telecoms facilities employs over 150 staff on site. As the towards helping SMEstofind a massive solution manufacturers TR. The 1990’s surge from abroad. largest local employer, the Company sector carried it to a full LSE in the electronics to their funding problems.

I have been Ultimate Finance is also maintains close links with both licensed the Uckfield listing as a PLC in 1994 named Trifast. particularly impressed with their ‘blue Chamber of Commerce founderthe member to offer business loansaunder By 2000,flexibility sales turnover £120m of the Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex sky’ approach, andpeaked speedatof government’s Enterprise Finance sales, and by 2001 three component (ACES) and the local Community College. response.”factories had been established in Singapore, Guarantee Scheme and hasprovider recently The College is the main annual of ‘A’ Malaysia and Taiwan, withthe salesteam and Level candidates for TR’s 2 year NVQ Business Martin Bennison who leads developed Ultimate Business Cash, distribution facilities in Southern Ireland, in the South of England is delighted to an Studies onlineApprenticeship platform for scheme. flexible short Norway, Sweden, USA, Holland, Hungary and Despite global welcome Phil toplus theeight team. term lending. uncertainty there is clearly China, around the UK. a feeling amongst TR management and “Phil’s experience, knowledge and The Company had become global by staff that there are grounds for cautious connections in the both with based multinational following its area, former UK optimism for the future continuing growth key customers to lower cost make economies of their business as sales for year ended intermediaries and businesses, Contact Phil Coutanche on 0800 March 2015 are forecast to reach overseas – mainly Asia and Central/ him a great addition to the team,” he 121£150 7757 for more information. million.

Eastern Europe. said. “These are really exciting times If you would like to know for the group and by attracting people more about ACES, visit of Phil’s calibre we are looking forward acesalliance.org or call us to continuing to help businesses in on 01323 641144.

www.acesalliance.org

56 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

01424 205500 www.hastingschamber.co.uk Heathfield Chamber of Commerce 01435 865858 www.heathfieldchamber.co.uk The Institute of Directors 020 7766 8866 www.iod.com Lewes Chamber of Commerce 07917 382316 www.leweschamber.org.uk Locate East Sussex 0844 4159255 www.locateeastsussex.org.uk Newhaven Chamber of Commerce 0800 107 0709 www.newhavenchamber.co.uk Peacehaven Chamber of Commerce 01273 586222 www.peacehavenchamber.co.uk Seaford Chamber of Commerce 0800 881 5331 www.seafordchamber.co.uk South East Local Enterprise Partnership 01245 431469 www.southeastlep.com Uckfield Chamber of Commerce 01825 722607 www.uckfieldchamber.co.uk Wealden District Council 01323 443322 www.wealden.gov.uk

Test Drive SBT’s Simon Skinner reviews three new cars: Peugeot 308 GT, Honda Civic and Honda CR-V

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 57

Motoring

Peugeot 308 SW GT Blue HDi 180

This smart new hatchback gives Simon Skinner ample opportunity to prove Jeremy Clarkson wrong

It was just ahead of the mighty axe that fell upon the BBC’s Stylish beloved show, ‘Top Gear’ when I sat and watched a puzzling piece, featuring James May and the ill fated Clarkson, where they pondered the history of the Peugeot brand.

You may or may not have also seen this but (and typical TG sarcasm aside), it was essentially an interesting overview of some of the activities of the manufacturer. It felt to me to be such a shame, the way that the two presenters felt it necessary to produce a feature which wholeheartedly aimed to ridicule the brand in their usual, childish manner.

Such to my surprise it was, that when the new Peugeot 308 arrived at LMG Towers, it turned out not to be crap at all. In fact, quite the opposite.

I hadn’t expected much from the 308, since the last time I’d driven a Peugeot it was not much short of a dire experience. All manner of quality and refinement had disappeared from the days when I’d driven the mighty 208 GTI back in the early ‘90s.

Admittedly, the 308 isn’t instantly grabbing, aesthetically and does little to suggest its GT nature from the outside at least.

It’s a different story though, when taking a seat inside. The difference isn’t so much chalk & cheese, as Timex & Breitling. Peugeot seems to have ploughed all of its energy into the interior of this model. It’s really, really good. As good, I would say, as any BMW or Audi (in similar range), with stitched leather in every corner and comfort that’s as good as any car I’ve driven this year. Oh and let’s not forget the engine…

I’m not exaggerating here when I

say that this car is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Driving in regular mode is nice, resistive and powerful enough for any day-to-day eventuality. Flick the switch into sports mode though, and the wool comes off.

The controls and dash lighting turn to an evil red, the exhaust system changes to produce a sport ‘gurgle’, suspension stiffens and you are set for a breathtaking drive with power and performance in abundance. So much so that I had to stop the car on more than one occasion to step out and check to see that I hadn’t imagined it! This is the kind of car that would sit comfortably with anyone as a day-to-day mile muncher, but more importantly, can tear it up at the weekends when the office kicks out. It’s the perfect car to treat your best salesman to, without raising the attention of the ‘others’, put it that way.

Clarkson (surprise surprise) couldn’t be more wrong with his juvenile and bigoted opinions with this particular car from Peugeot. I suggest that you take a second look at this new breed of car from the brand and don’t be as hasty to discount them from your next shortlist.

“It’s the perfect car to treat your best salesman to, without raising the attention of the ‘others’”

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Price (review car): £26,845.00 including extras (metallic paint, panoramic glass roof, leather trim & heated seats).

Performance: 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds Engine: 1997cc 16v Diesel with a maximum power of 180bhp Not bad for a car that comes in at over 4.5m long!

Motoring

Honda Civic 5D 1.6 i-DTEC SR Manual

Simon Skinner discovers that this car is a bit of a plain Jane - comfortable and reliable, but lacking in oomph

It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 40 years since Sporty the first generation Civic was launched back in 1972. To date, over 20 million models have been sold across the globe. A new chapter in the history of Honda diesels began in 2013 with the arrival of the 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine, the first engine to be launched in Europe under Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ environmental programme offering customers a balance of high fuel economy, low emissions and improved performance.

The 2014 model, although impressive, doesn’t seem to provide much of a departure from the groundbreaking changes to the civic that we saw a handful of years ago when it felt like a spaceship had landed! It’s comfortable and handles well, sure, but it just doesn’t feel very different or dare I say it, exciting.

The new Civic has pretty well everything that you’d expect in a modern hatch, DAB radio, decent hands-free phone system and it all works as well as the next car. I can’t help but feel like the build of the model isn’t aligned with others in its league.

Components are a little flimsy and the control panels and buttons are quite small & fiddly, not unlike they used to be in cars some years back, before digital displays allowed for more breathing space. Perhaps we can expect an updated interface in the next round of models.

Where this car wins though is with its fuel consumption.

It boasts 78.5mpg and I was happily pulling between 50-60 with very little care or attention to cautious, economical driving. This is something that can’t be ignored; that and the fact that you will rarely see a Honda (of any age) broken down by the side of the road or being towed behind an RAC

“Not only does it provide excellent economy, but avoids road tax and even the London congestion charge”

van (other breakdown services are available).

It’s my opinion that this car, in business terms, would suit a travelling IT technician. It’s complicated with complex workings and enough tech crammed into it to brag about with your IT friends. Plenty of one-upmanship to be had when it comes to comparing economy with friends and colleagues.

The 1.6 Diesel engine is the one to go for here as not only does it provide excellent economy, but avoids road tax and even the London congestion charge, making it a good option for anyone commuting into town regularly.

Price: (review car) £24,860.00 Engine: 1.6 Diesel with 120bhp and

300nm of torque

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Motoring

Honda CR-V 5D 1.6 i 5D 1.6 i-DTEC SR Manual 2WD Simon takes to the road in this new compact cross-over from Honda

If the new Civic has a slightly confused Innovative identity, the CR-V is an entirely different animal. It’s better refined, much more comfortable and of course, a lot more spacious.

As with most manufacturers, if not all, the CR-V shares a lot of components with the Civic and as such it’s my feeling that there could be some improvements with the tech interface.

That, or it could come supplied with a pair of glasses to navigate the small buttons and controls. That said, the SE and upwards will give you all the mod cons you’ll need, as the standard spec is a little more basic.

Outside, the car is an impressive thing. Honda was one of the first in the race of the mini-SUV category, having made the first CR-V as far back as 1995. This of course has given the company a head start in what has become a congested marketplace in this area. They seem to have taken full advantage of that experience with the new CR-V and it really feels like a much smaller car on the road. It’s light and nimble and really is a pleasure to drive.

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I may be biased as I like the higher driving positions that you find in cars within this category, but having driven many, the CR-V is a very good place to be. Along with the obvious Honda reliability, you can expect serious economy and low emissions. Honda suggests that you’ll get more than 60mpg - I managed an average of just over 40 but still, that’s not bad for a bigger and heavier vehicle. The emissions are impressive enough to command just £30 per year from our beloved taxman so all good there too.

Honda dealers always seem to do well in customer satisfaction surveys, but they seem to be less than generous with any price incentives.

That aside though, CR-Vs have traditionally done very well with resale values, so you can expect to lose less over time than with most other manufacturers.

The CR-V initially strikes as the ultimate family car but with fuel economy, space and safety features in such impressive quantity, it would work well for any company, either as an excellent and versatile pool car, or even as an everyday car for anyone covering big mileage.

After my week with the Civic, the CR-V came as a pleasant surprise and has made my forthcoming review of the HR-V. Watch this space...

Price: (review car) £27,815 including £500 pearlescent paint upgrade Engine: 1.6i DTEC producing 120bhp and 300nm torque 0-62mph: 11.2 seconds

A Great Start to 2015 Sold at our Five Day March Auction...

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With a distribution of over 80,000 catalogues a Clive Emson auction is the most effective method of exposing your property to the widest possible market.

For confidential advice or a free auction appraisal call Tel: 01273 571853 Our upcoming five day sale: Catalogues Tuesday, 5th May - Kent & SE London Published Wednesday, 6th May - Sussex & Surrey Tuesday Thursday, 7th May - Hampshire & Isle of Wight 14th April Friday, 8th May - West Country Monday, 11th May - Essex and North & East London www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 61

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I’ve booked an exhibition stand, now what? peak preview” of what they can experience there.

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In the run up to the Let’s Do Business exhibitions in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings – Michael Gietzen, Director at Identity Group, shares some best practice tips for attracting visitors to your stand…

Create a buzz Ramp up visitor numbers by inviting clients, prospects and business partners to your stand with a “sneak

Q

Win with a welcoming smile Remember Will Rogers’ famous quote ‘You never get a second chance to make a good first impression’. Face-toface meetings remain one of the most significant ways to win new business, because people buy from people.

Fail to plan = plan to fail To avoid any last minute panics, create a checklist of your exhibition stand needs at least 3 months before the event. Be sure to know who else is there on the day, and have your logistics, suppliers and exhibition contacts on speed dial. Have plenty of relevant collateral with you as well as e-newsletter sign up forms, signage

to direct visitors to your stand, and an enticing display of course.

Presentation is key to success. As the saying goes, ‘trust is built on first impressions’, so the way in which you and your team present one another, the brand, products, services and solutions to visitors is absolutely paramount to building trust. Furthermore, go the extra mile by offering advice about your local business economy, what the best business lunch places are and what events are happening in town on the night. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have to help your business make the most of exhibiting.

To find out more about how Identity can help you make the most of your presence at exhibitions visit our website www.identityevents.co.uk or call us on 01323 469111.

Elizabeth Spencer-Phillips, Director of Caburn Hope, explains why your business needs a growth plan – and how smart marketing is key

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A growth plan is essential for allocating budget and resources where they’re most needed – so you can explore new markets to sustain the long-term success of your business.

What are the specific marketing drivers for growth?

Get results by using a range of integrated marketing expertise including: • Brand identity and positioning • Integrated marketing strategy

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• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing campaigns • Social Media Marketing.

And remember, the main reason for marketing is to increase sales.

So whatever marketing activity you choose to focus on, it should be driving your bottom line results.

How can fresh ideas grow business?

Marketing is all about you and your aspirations, so any investment you make needs to really hit the mark combining business know how with expert techniques and innovative thinking – so you don’t waste valuable budget.

Exciting things happen when you open up to fresh ideas! It’s the way to ensure ‘stand-out’ in a competitive market.

Is your strategy resulting in targeted, creative communication that’s feeding growth? If your answer is ‘no’ or ‘not sure’, perhaps now is

the time to discuss your needs with the experts.

Why choose Caburn Hope?

Our recognised strength at Caburn Hope is to develop fresh ideas that grow business. And we’ve been driving results through creativity for more than 20 years, for clients of all sizes, across diverse industries. We’re a team of bright, smart thinking, experienced marketing consultants, project managers and creatives, eager to discuss the challenges for growing businesses.

We can establish the best strategy for you and the most effective media for the job. Whether it’s tweeting, blogging, merchandising, advertising, mailing or exhibiting, we reach your audience, spark their interest and squeeze more from your budget.

To discuss how we can help grow your business Call Caburn Hope on 01273 480404.

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Divorce - Zoe Summers from Mayo Wynne Baxter answers the difficult questions you should be asking... divorce you do not have to give notice to your spouse when applying for the Decree Absolute.

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Who is the petitioner and who is the respondent?

The petitioner is the person who starts the process of divorce, by preparing a petition for divorce and sending it to the respondent before it is filed with the court. The respondent is the person who is in receipt of the divorce petition and is responding to it.

Does it make a difference whether I am the Petitioner or Respondent?

On principal you may feel that you should be the person who starts the process if you believe that your spouse has caused the marriage to break down – but ultimately, the end result will be the same - upon pronouncement of the Decree Absolute you will be divorced. There are however benefits to preparing the petition as not only will you be in control of the timing of the process, but also the basis of the petition. In addition, if you are the petitioner, your spouse will not be able to apply for the Decree Absolute without placing you on notice that an application is being made, which you can object to if you wish. This may be important if, for example, your spouse has pension rights which you stand to benefit under whilst you remain married. If you are the one who has initiated the

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Are the costs of the divorce shared between my spouse and I? The starting point is that you will each be responsible for your own legal fees.

However, if you are the petitioner, your legal fees are inevitably going to be higher than those of your spouse, who will be the respondent. The respondent’s only role in the divorce is to file an acknowledgement of service and the work involved as the person who has started proceedings is greater.

If you are the petitioner, you are entitled to ask that your spouse pays some or all of the costs of the divorce.

You will still have to pay your legal fees and the court fee initially and seek reimbursement from your spouse, unless an alternative arrangement can be agreed in advance. It will be down to the discretion of the District Judge as to whether they order that your spouse should pay some or all of your legal fees in relation to the costs of the divorce.

You must bear in mind that these costs rules apply to the divorce proceedings only. There is no automatic right to seek a contribution from your spouse towards the costs of resolving the financial matters arising from the breakdown of your marriage (such as what will happen to the house, pensions and savings). You should think of the divorce and financial matters as two separate processes, even though they are intrinsically linked.

When dealing with finances, it is possible for you to ask your spouse to contribute towards your legal fees if there is a significant disparity in your respective incomes and an adjustment is required to create a ‘level playing field.’ This applies regardless of whether you are the person who begins proceedings in the financial matters or not. If this cannot be agreed, you

should seek advice from a solicitor as to whether it is appropriate for you to apply to the court for a Legal Services Order, which is a court order requiring that your spouse must contribute to your fees.

What happens if I am on the receiving end of the petition for divorce and I do not acknowledge it?

Your spouse, the petitioner, can arrange to have the papers personally served upon you to prove you have received them. Your spouse will have to pay to have the papers served upon you.

It is likely that as you have failed to acknowledge service of the petition within the timeframes set down by the court, that the court will order you to be responsible for the petitioner’s costs of the divorce including the process server’s fees along with any additional expenses incurred.

If proceedings are based upon adultery, the spouse filing for divorce would have to provide evidence of the adultery – for example providing an admission in correspondence, a text message or email. If the person filing for divorce is unable to provide evidence of the adultery, they may have to seek permission from the court to amend the petition. In such cases, the Petition is usually amended to state ‘unreasonable behaviour’.

Be aware that there is a court fee for applying to amend a petition and therefore if you are the petitioner and have no evidence of your spouse’s adultery and you are concerned that they may not acknowledge service, it may be advisable to file an unreasonable behaviour petition from the offset. This can still refer to your spouse’s adultery if you wish.

Contact us now: (Brighton) 01273 775533 www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

0808 901 9042 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 63

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East Sussex put their Hands Up for Chestnut Tree House

It’s Hands Up! From East Sussex

Chestnut Tree, the children’s hospice service for East Sussex, has launched a new campaign that aims to double the number of children it cares for in East Sussex, and is asking local people to put their Hands Up if they can help.

The charity cares for 300 children with lifeshortening conditions and their families, including 55 in East Sussex. The hospice building near Worthing was built 12 years ago and has 10 beds providing specialist short breaks, emergency care, step down from hospital and end of life care. In addition, their Community Team cares for families in their own homes in East Sussex, West Sussex and South East Hampshire.

The Chestnut Tree House team on the day

Photography by Graham Franks ©

A cheque for £900 for Chestnut Tree House from Wayne Cull of Santander

Hands Up! From Chestnut Tree House Liz Ganney and Louise Collins

64 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Cllr. Stephen and Lin Shing with John Staite

John Pritchett, Chairman of Willingdon & Jevington Parish Council

Hands Up! From Jennie Lancaster and Jodie Richards of Herbert Scott

Society

Chestnut Tree House Business Awards 2015 Winners of the Chestnut Tree House Business Awards 2015 were announced at a sparkling ceremony on Thursday 12 March 2015 hosted by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE, and Juice 107.2’s Ambrose Harcourt, both Patrons of the children’s hospice.

The aim of the awards was to recognise and reward the Sussex businesses and individual employees who have supported Chestnut Tree House over the years in lots of different ways.

Hugh Lowson, Chief Executive of Chestnut Tree House said, “The awards are a great opportunity to say thank you to the companies across East and West Sussex who have raised thousands of pounds in such wonderful and innovative ways.

Their great resourcefulness and fundraising means that we can make a real difference to local children with life-shortening illnesses and their families. We need to raise £6,850 per day to provide all our care services, at the hospice and out in the community across Sussex, and with less than 8% of our funding coming from central government, we are reliant on the generosity of local businesses and individuals to continue providing this vital service.”

Most Innovative Fundraising Idea, Willmott Dixon Construction

South Lodge Hotel Great Sussex Bath Race and guests

Ambrose and Pauline Harcourt

Matt and James Turner Creative Pod

The group from ILG

Chestnut Tree House Linda Perry

Sophie Menhennett And David Connell – South Lodge Hotel

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 65

Photography by Graham Franks ©

Rachel Watts of Travel Places

Made In Sussex

Made In Sussex:

Design & Product

Martyn Beaumont has worked on F1 cars, helped design giant screens for the Millennium Stadium and even MRI scanners – but now, he’s running an award-winning product design agency…

Martyn and his award-winning team Brand at Newhaven-based Design&Product Focus design and develop new products for their clients from start to finish. With first hand experience taking products from the ideas stage to finished product.

“D&P was started in 2009,” Director Martyn explains. “Back then, it was mostly me doing the design work and a part time administrator. Since then, we have developed a balanced team with product designers and crucially, highly experienced design engineers that mean we are very strong on technical design issues. I have found this capability to be something very re-assuring to clients.

Because they know that what we design will be grounded in manufacturing reality.

We’ve also developed a trusted network of freelancers and suppliers. This really helps us to deliver just the right results for clients.”

Having started his career in Brighton and now running his business from nearby Newhaven, Martyn is very much a Sussex-based entrepreneur. He tells us: “There are so many great companies in Sussex that we’ve built links with over the years. Anything from Injection moulding companies to electronics specialists. It’s almost like the more you look the more you find!

“We are in the Newhaven Basepoint centre at the moment and there are some great engineering resources locally which really help us, especially when a project needs a very technical prototype.”

As well as operating from Sussex, D&P have also made products in Sussex. Martyn explains: “We worked on ‘Mainline’, which is an innovative new system for delivering mains power that allows you to slide the socket wherever you want. We chose local suppliers to manufacture the tough plastic housings

66 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

“We have a really good track record of providing innovative solutions to difficult design problems” even though, as you might expect, they were a little more costly than China or the Far East. But it allowed us to keep careful control of product quality on what was a very technical product with a tight production deadline. It worked particularly well.”

Design&Product has worked with a huge variety of clients both in and beyond the county. More recently the company has completed designs for waterproof enclosures on an exciting new technology product for a Brighton based company.

Martyn explained: “The client have a great design team but they were very busy so they asked Design&Product to do this project as a turnkey solution. I can’t say much more yet as the product is yet to be launched. Watch this space!”

With nearby Brighton shaping up to be ‘design agency central’, why do clients approach D&P? Martyn explains: “It might be that they need a new product developed but don’t have a design team, or they may have a design team but need

extra help. We have a really good track record of providing innovative solutions to difficult design problems.

“This is probably one of the biggest reasons clients use us. Also, as well as being very fast to understand the issue at hand, I would say we inject a fresh and broad perspective to a project.

Geography helps too. For example, one client in Brighton loves that they can just ask us to pop into a design review meeting with their team later that day.”

Often, companies that already have internal design teams will outsource to D&P. Martyn says: “This can happen when they’ve got a great team but they’re simply too busy to get the job done in time. Or in some cases their team have hit a roadblock they’re struggling to get past.

“We can often get things moving again for them. Also there is a wonderful synergy of ideas that can happen between two independent design teams collaborating. I think more and more companies are considering bringing outsourced product development into the mix.”

To find out more about the incredible diversity of projects Design&Product work on, head to their site: www.designandproduct.co.uk Or get in touch direct: hello@designandproduct.co.uk Tel: 01273 799801

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 67

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