Sussex Business Times - Issue 390 2015 by Life Media Group

SBT

ISSUE 390

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

THE EXPANSION DEBATE:

ALISON ADDY HOPES FOR A YES FOR GATWICK!

THE EASTBOURNE ARNDALE CENTRE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

TAXING CONCERNS FOR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO INVESTORS

WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NEW RENAULT CLIO

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS EDITOR, JENNY ARDAGH INTERVIEWS ALAN MARGETTS ON HIS CONTINUING SUCCESS AND RAPID GROWTH WITHIN THE KITCHEN INDUSTRY

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Gatwick Platinum A4 Advert _Layout 1 17/06/2015 15:16 Page 1

Opening a world of business opportunities With over 40 airlines and more than 200 destinations, London Gatwick is better connected

To find out more, visit gatwickairport.com

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SBT Welcome MEET THE TEAM

Lee Mansfield, Managing Director/ Publisher

Simon Skinner, Group Director

Clare Fermor, Operation Director

Jenny Ardagh, Editor

Jon Goodwin, Title Manager

Patrick McCreanor, Commercial Manager

Harriet Weston, Amy Watson, Production Manager Production Designer

Amelia Wellings, Financial Controller

CONTRIBUTORS

Alan Margetts, The Kitchen Store

Andrew Stanley, Knill James

Ana Christie, Chief Executive, SCC

Mark O’Halloran, Coffin Mew

Neil Crawford, Legal & General

Christina Ewbank ACES Facilitator

Jim Duffy, Fiona Anderson, Entrepreneurial Entrepreneur Spark CEO Development Manager at NatWest in Brighton

Sam Dickinson, Mayo Wynne Baxter

This July issue of Sussex Business Times brings with it lots of new beginnings, new developments and new partnerships. Firstly, I have recently taken over as Editor, so this is my first published magazine in this position here at Life Media Group. As such, I hope more than ever that you enjoy your read. We take a look at the benefits of building a second runway at Gatwick Airport over Heathrow. See pages 24 – 27 for an article outlining how such an expansion could benefit the South East region, including comments from Gatwick Airport’s Alison Addy and Gatwick Diamond CEO, Jeremy Taylor. Plus, businesses in the area open up and give their opinions regarding the plans. Closer to home, I interview Legal & General’s Neil Crawford to get the latest scoop on the new Arndale Centre extension, and find out how Eastbourne Town Centre will change for the better. Buy to Let is a sector that has grown exponentially over the last few years, and tax is something for landlords to really consider. Many people are still getting their heads around the surprising majority win from the Conservative government, but Andrew Stanley advises landlords to take advantage of this new start and ‘get your ducks in a row’. See pages 32-33. After 18 months since SBT’s last chat, I catch up with Alan Margetts on pages 34 to 37 on his continued success with the Kitchen Store and find out what’s ‘in store’ for the future. Amidst the quirky side streets of Kemp Town, I review what the Blanch House Hotel has to offer for a relaxing night away and for business affairs, attending their Business Supper Club and indulging in a night of bubbly. SBT provides the perfect read for those with an interest in the business world, in current affairs, politics, property and much more. So catch up here on all the biggest and best local news, national news and events not to be missed.

Editor Jenny Ardagh

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Contents SBT Issue 390

SBT

ISSUE 390

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

THE EXPANSION DEBATE:

ALISON ADDY HOPES FOR A YES FOR GATWICK!

THE EASTBOURNE ARNDALE CENTRE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

TAXING CONCERNS FOR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO INVESTORS

WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NEW RENAULT CLIO

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS EDITOR, JENNY ARDAGH INTERVIEWS ALAN MARGETTS ON HIS CONTINUING SUCCESS AND RAPID GROWTH WITHIN THE BESPOKE KITCHEN INDUSTRY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

Cover: Alan Margetts, The Kitchen Store www.thekitchenstore.co.uk

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 Title Manager: Jon Goodwin jon@sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Commercial Manager Patrick McCreanor patrick@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 014 Editorial: Jenny Ardagh jenny@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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06 10 14 18 30 34 36 40 42 45 48 56 66

News

View the latest local and national business headlines.

Spending it

Brewers gives us their latest trends for his and her watches.

Events

We take a look at what happened at the Eco Technology Show.

Money Matters

NatWest announces their partnership with Entrepreneurial Spark, providing funding for a new accelerator hub in Sussex

Expansion Debate

Jeremy Taylor and Alison Addy discuss the benefits of an expansion at Gatwick with SBT.

Eastbourne Development

Plans to regenerate Eastbourne town centre move ever closer.

Cover Feature - The Kitchen Store

Editor, Jenny Ardagh interviews Alan Margetts on his continuing success and rapid growth within the bespoke kitchen industry

Ask the Experts

Local Sussex business experts advise on relevant issues.

Chamber News

All the latest news and events from ACES.

Motoring

SBT’s Simon Skinner reviews the new Renault Clio Dynamique S NAV TCE 90 Stop/Start.

Tried and Tested in Sussex

SBT’s Jenny Ardagh reviews Blanch House in Brighton.

Supporting Sussex

City Gym Express and Sussex Business Times Magazine have teamed up with Eastbourne Rugby Academy in a bid to help raise funds for their all important tour in 2016.

Made in Sussex

This month’s home grown hero is IEP Financial.

For top designer paint brands, the finest and widest selection of wallpapers and a great range of furniture, lighting, blinds, shutters and soft furnishings, visit brewershome.co.uk You can also come to our new Eastbourne showroom and discuss your ideas with our experienced advisors.

Online at: brewershome.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ In store at: Brewers, Birch Road, Eastbourne BN21 6PL www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

SBTLocal News Seventh annual Nectar Business Small Business Awards

BBC’s Dragon’s Den star, Sarah Willingham, launches the seventh annual Nectar Business Small Business Awards on Wednesday 3 June. The Awards are free to enter and celebrate the achievements of successful small businesses and their owners across the UK. The awards are judged by a panel of respected industry figures and the winners will receive a £2,000 cash reward and 50,000 Nectar points, as well as competing for the unique opportunity to meet and receive tailored expert advice from Sarah Willingham at the Nectar Business Round Table and Awards event – to be held in November this year. The Awards are open for entries till 24th July 2015 for which the categories include: Small Business of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Home Grown Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Tradesperson of the Year and Contribution of the Community award. The Contribution to the Community Award will be open to a public vote, who can have their say on Facebook. Businesses can enter as many categories as they like for free. Simply visit: www.nectar.com/ smallbusiness to download an entry form and to determine each category’s criteria. Entries can then be submitted online, via email or post.

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Barnett Waddingham Ftse100 Survey Reveals Overall Deficit Increase Of Nearly £5Bn Barnett Waddingham, pension consultants have revealed that their annual survey of pension disclosures made by FTSE100 companies showed that many schemes have made little progress towards reducing deficits. This is despite making significant contributions and seeing falling longterm inflation expectations over 2014. The survey, in its fourteenth year, focuses on the assumptions adopted by FTSE100 companies for determining the value of their pension liabilities for accounting purposes.

The overall deficit for the companies in the survey increased by nearly £5bn. Gains from contributions, asset returns and falling inflation expectations were more than offset by increases in liabilities caused by reductions in discount rates, resulting from plummeting corporate bond yields.

Bison Beer Craftbouse Start Bottlebox Delivery To Local Businesses Bison Beer Crafthouse, Brighton’s first specialist beer shop, opened in March of this year when founders, Nick Vardy and Jack Cregan gave up their 9-5 jobs to begin the ‘beer revolution’. The company has now started a bespoke bottlebox delivery service to businesses in Brighton and the surrounding area – a new and unique service in the city. The Crafthouse will offer a selection

of over 365 different craft beers, sourced from around the world and available in their bottle shop on 7 East Street. The easy to use online ordering system allows companies to choose how many beers they want, and what time they want them delivered, with free delivery in Brighton & Hove. Prices start from £36 for a box of 12 craft beers. Order online from www.bisonbeer.co.uk or call 01273 809027

Roche Employees Unite To Raise Funds For Children In Need

Roche Diagnostics, based in Burgess Hil, recently walked 5K to raise over £5,000 for Chestnut Tree House Charity. Over 200 employees took part in the Children’s Walk around Burgess Hill on 16th June in order to help the charity continue to provide specialist care to children and young adults with lifethreatening illnesses. The money raised will be shared

between the Brighton-based charity, and charities in Malawi that support children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Christopher Parker, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, said: “It’s great to see so many employees taking part in this year’s Children’s Walk. It is an important initiative which raises money for local charities, as well as supporting children in need overseas.”

SBTLocal News Just Less Than A Third Of Smes In South East Offer Apprenticeships According to new research from the Close Brothers Business Barometer, just 30% of SMEs across the South East currently offer apprenticeships, of which 61% in the region claim to take on apprentices. CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance, Mike Randall commented on the figures: “It’s evident that SMEs who participate in apprenticeship schemes see clear business benefits in doing so, and I think it would be to

the benefit of the wider economy if participation in such programmes were to increase.” The parent company of Close Brothers Asset Finance have launched the ‘Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme’ and have pledged to contribute to the cost of apprentices for 60 SMEs in the engineering and manufacturing sector over a three-year period – sectors which have warned of the massive growth needed to meet the forecast demand for skilled engineers by 2022.

Sussex Chamber of Commerce Collaborate with Town Chambers Sussex Chamber of Commerce, which has been expanding over the past 12 months, is aiming to join forces with town chambers across the county after announcing a new partnership with Newhaven Chamber of Commerce - the first town Chamber in Sussex to affiliate with the countywide body. It says this partnership – representing some 1000 businesses combined – will give them more influence with decision makers, funding bodies and government: “This affiliation and exciting new relationship is a fundamental step forward for the Chamber movement in

Sussex,” says the Sussex Chamber Chief Executive, Ana Christie. Annie Lorys, President of the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce said: “We are delighted to now be affiliated with Sussex Chamber of Commerce… We feel that this is an exciting new development and will give our members access to more networking events, training, discounts, support services and support on key issues. In turn it should give Newhaven Chamber the opportunity to have a stronger ‘voice’ and to promote the benefits of being a Chamber member - and our events - to a wider audience”.

The Woodhorn Group Launch First Ecommerce Website The winners of this year’s Green Business of the Year at the Observer and Gazette Business Awards has launched a new website dedicated to selling their Earth Cycle range of garden and landscaping products. The Woodhorn Group produce its Earth Cycle range of peat free composts and soil conditioners using the local garden recycling, and it has been the product of choice for many projects across the country: for football pitches and golf courses, rooftop gardens and housing developments. The new website, which was launched on 9th June enables companies and individuals to order various sizes of the high quality range of products and have them delivered straight to their door. Mike Jupp, Sales and Marketing Manager sees this as an exciting time at The Woodhorn Group, commenting: “We hope that the new website will open our products up to an even wider market.” http://earthcycle.co.uk

Giggling Squid Announces Esher, M25 Opening Giggling Squid Thai restaurant first opened its doors in Hove in 2009 and now, after expanding to Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, Stratford-uponAvon, Henley-on-Thames, Reigate, Maidstone, Horsham, Sevenoaks, Salisbury and Bristol, it is now opening in Guildford and Esher within the M25. Giggling Squid has also announced it is closing its Crawley site, which became the home of the third

Giggling Squid site in 2010. “Crawley was the only site we’ve had that never really got going and it has always been slightly marginal,” said Andrew Laurillard. “It made more sense for us to focus on the 11 winners and the new sites in the pipeline than invest lots of time trying to keep it above water.”

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SBTLocal News Huge Sponsorship Success For Brighton Festival 2015 Brighton Festival 2015, the largest and most established of its kind in England soared to a new level of success through support from a plethora of new and returning sponsors. Sponsorship not only allowed these businesses to raise their profile by engaging with over half a million people, but also provided invaluable support for the event itself.

New President of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce

After 5 years in the role, Julia Chanteray has stepped down as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Brighton and Hove, and now Carol Lewis has been elected. Carol is the founding director of Bainbridge Lewis Accountants, and commented that it is ‘an honour’. Carol started volunteering in 2010 at the Chamber. The AGM also welcomed two vicepresidents and four board members – Franki Martelly, Julie Roff, Frances Duncan, Martin Harris, Kate Peach and Andy Winter.

The three-week festival featured a thrilling selection of events spanning music, theatre, dance, visual art, film, literature and debate by artists and performers the world over, drawing audiences in droves and unanimous critical acclaim. Gatwick Airport and Southern Water were major sponsors of the event, amongst many others such as the University of Sussex, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Mayo Wynne Baxter, Echo Video, IEP Financial, Midnight Communications, One Digital, Terre a Terre and WSP – to name a few.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities for the 50th Brighton Festival in 2016, please contact Kata Gyongyosi on 01273 260 810 or email kata.gyongyosi@brightondome.org

Shakespeare Goes Alfresco At Arundel Castle The GB Theatre Company is returning to Arundel Castle in West Sussex this summer due to popular demand. The open air Shakespeare performances will take place on 28-29 August 2015 in The Collector Earl’s Garden. This year’s schedule includes Much Ado About Nothing, considered amongst Shakeseare’s best comedies, and Twelfth Night, both of which will be performed by a troupe of talented actors, including Jennifer Higham who has been in a number of theatre, film and television productions. Barrie Palmer, the Artistic Director

of the Theatre Company, has toured and performed in a wide variety of Shakespearian plays and comments: “We’re delighted to be welcomed back to Arundel Castle for another year. The cast and I always look forward to performing at such an iconic location”.

Uk200group Reminds Businesses To File Their Annual Expense Forms South East–based members of the UK200Group of independent chartered accountants and lawyers are reminding employers to file and report all their expenses, payments and benefit ahead of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) deadline of 6 July 2015. When completing the P9D or P11D forms for each employee it is important that all of the details included are accurate and up-to-date, as HMRC may

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charge penalties if the information provided is inaccurate. Nick Willis, President of the UK200Group, said: “With the deadline fast approaching it is critical that all companies get their information in on time, either with their own accountant, or if handled independently, with HMRC.”

“If businesses are unsure of their responsibilities when it comes to reporting their employee’s and director’s expenses and benefits then they need to contact an accountant who can help them accurately complete and file the necessary forms on time,” added Nick Willis.

SBTNational News Sussex Communications Expert Shopping On Mobile To TopRecruited £53bn By Mayor Of London Conservative By 2024 Candidate Ivan Massow

Ivan Massow is running for mayor of London, hoping to replace Boris Johnson when he steps down in 2016. Sussex communications adviser, James Hood has been recruited to work on the politician’s campaign, which was launched last month, in a slightly unconventional way. The campaign launch saw Mr Massow in a 60-second video giving the nation a frank look into his background, telling viewers that he is an ex-alcoholic, gay, adopted, and dyslexic but that he is a successful

businessman: a ‘do-er’ and a true Londoner who wants the best for the city. The honest approach was celebrated in and around London and James Hood’s communications strategy for the launch led to more than 80 news outlets covering the story in one day: “We led with Ivan’s refreshing, unique approach to running for mayor. It wasn’t politics as usual, just the truth from the get-go. It turns out people really appreciated the honesty, because the response has been fantastic.”

Bizspace Set For Growth Following 100% Acquisition Of Shares And Assets By Värde Partners National provider of flexible business accommodation, Bizspace, has been sold to Värde Partners. Värde acquired all the shares and assets of the Bizspace group of companies and, through its acquisition, substantially deleveraged the group’s balance sheet. The change in ownership lays a foundation for growth and continued customer enhancement.

“Bizspace’s focus on supporting small and start-up businesses remains at the forefront of our business model,” said managing director Gareth Evans, He adds: “The sale is fantastic news, the deal will allow us to acquire new business centres, ensuring continued growth to meet strong customer demand”.

Ladbrokes In Talks With Gala Coral Group Over Merger Bookmaker Ladbrokes and the board of Gala Coral Group are in talks over a possible merger creating a combination of the bookmaker with Coral Retail, Eurobet Retail and Gala Coral’s online firms. This is a deal that would create the UK’s biggest bookmaker, overtaking William Hill with nearly 4,000 High Street shops. After the announcement, shares rose more than 11%. Chief Executive, Jim Mullen commented: “A merger with

Gala Coral could create a combined business with significant scale and has the potential to generate substantial cost synergies, creating value for both companies’ shareholders,” chief executive Jim Mullen said.

The UK Government’s Stake In Lloyds Banking Group Falls Below 17% The body responsible for handling the government’s stakes in privatised banks, UK Financial Investments (UKFI), has been gradually selling down the Treasury’s stake in Lloyds. Lloyds received £22.5bn from taxpayers during the financial crisis and the government originally owned a 41% stake in the bank before selling shares in 2013. Now, the Treasury says the extra six months will help it meet Chancellor Osborne’s pledge to sell a further £9bn of shares in 2015-16. UKFI’s ‘trading plan’, under which government-owned Lloyds shares have been sold to big institutional investors, was was due to end at the end of June. But it has now been extended to 31 December. A tranche of shares may also be made available to the public this year.

Growth In The Small Businesses Sector The Federation of Small Businesses index suggested there had been a “robust” improvement in confidence in the past three months. It said growth and investment intentions had reached new highs since it began compiling its index in 2010 and found “few negatives” overall. The FSB said the latest survey readings on job creation, productivity and investment all bode well for small businesses sustaining the economy’s growth through 2015. 65.3% of small businesses aspire to grow moderately in the next three months, which is the highest figure ever seen by the index. The FSB said productivity in the sector was increasing compared to the wider economy, something that should be encouraging to policymakers, who have been grappling with the issue of low productivity growth for some time. The South East of England continues to dominate business confidence, followed by the West and East Midlands.

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Events

Eco Technology Show 2015 Eco Technology Show brought innovations and ideas to life at the Amex with more business visitors than ever before The Eco Technology Show took place at Eco the American Express Community Stadium Show last week, attracting more business visitors than ever before, making up 75% of the total. The two-day conference showcased the latest innovations and expertise to help businesses slash running costs through low carbon solutions. Visitors had the choice of three seminar areas over the two days as well as a communications hub area for networking. Seminar area one hosted the keynote speakers, with Philip Sellwood, CEO of Energy Savings Trust, kicking off Consulting and Alex Hunt of the proceedings with a talk on engaging Green Building Partnership. The panel consumers. Later on that day, the brand examined the future of energy efficiency new leader of Brighton & Hove City including potential confusion around Council, Warren Morgan, discussed stop/start government funding. the ways in which the council would be The Show attracted thousands of bringing about low carbon economic visitors from across the UK and Europe, growth, for example with the building of including businesses, local government new sustainable council homes. representatives, facilities managers, One of the big draws of the show builders and the general public. Nicola was TV star Robert Llewellyn of Red Gunstone, Founder and Commercial Dwarf and Scrapheap Director of the Eco Challenge fame. Robert Technology Show, “We had more on took to the stage in front was delighted: “We offer for business of a packed audience to had more on offer people than ever dispel the myths around for business people electric vehicles. For than ever before this before this year this visitors interested in the year so I’m really was reflected in the subject there was no pleased that this visitor numbers with shortage of exhibitors was reflected in the 75% coming from showcasing the latest visitor numbers with businesses” EVs, in fact a line of the 75% coming from last electric cars greeted businesses. visitors on arrival outside “The Show has the venue with the new BMWi8 and evolved since it began and this year we others gleaming in the sunshine. had the best conference programme Friday afternoon saw the panel and more innovative exhibitors than ever discussion that many had been waiting before. The brand new Innovation Zone for. Caroline Lucas MP was joined by was buzzing and new business was Matthew Farrow of the Environmental being conducted throughout the Show. Industries Commission, Mike Walker of In fact, we recorded the highest levels of DECC, Christoph Harwood of Marksman exhibitor satisfaction this year.”

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MD of South Downs Solar and Director of the Eco Technology Show, Michael Yeoman, is a firm supporter: “As a direct result of exhibiting at last year’s Show we generated £100k worth of business and I expect to exceed that this year.” The Taiwan Trade Centre based in London chose the Eco Technology Show to launch a range of green products. Chloe Lo from the firm’s marketing department stated: “This is a brilliant event, we were able to showcase our new products and made some very useful contacts who are interested in what we are doing and trying to achieve.” Light Foot LED has exhibited at the Show since the beginning. MD Joakim Roth said: “The event has produced good leads for our business, this year was by far the best one for us”. The brand new Innovation Zone was a big draw this year, with exhibitors showcasing many products never before seen by the public. Recent Government award winner for best start-up, Q-Bot, showcased robotics to assist with underfloor insulation alongside new businesses demonstrating flexible solar panels, sustainable courier services, energy management systems and more.

Events

www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk

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Opportunity Squared or Halved

Business leaders from across Sussex shared their knowledge and experience of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures at a debate, ‘Opportunity Squared or Halved’, hosted by the MDHUB at Ridgeview Wine Estate

On the panel were Rod Scott (CEO Financial of Waer Systems), Events Norman Mayhew (MD of The Sussex Sign Company) and David Ward (MD of VW Heritage). Drawing on their vast experience, they shared their knowledge and advice with the delegates who took part in a question and answer session. The overriding recommendation to come out of the debate was to ‘be prepared and ask lots of questions’, but amongst other themes, importance was placed not just on what looks good on paper, but on company culture and ensuring that any potential partner shared a similar ethos and values. Said Norman Mayhew, “Think about

how it will affect your employees – it’s they who will make any merger a success so make sure they are on side and breathe your own company culture.” Attendee and Managing Director of TEK Express, Sam Francis said, “This was the best MDHUB event yet! An interesting, well organised debate with a great panel who highlighted the pitfalls of buying or merging at a super venue!” The delegates also enjoyed supper,

a tasting, and a tour of Ridgeview wine estate, an award winning, family run sparkling wine producer based near Ditchling. For future MDHUB Food for Thought Events please contact MDHUB on 01273 311220 for further details. The full notes from the debate can be accessed via the MDHUB website: http://bit.ly/1FtQuv8

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Money Matters

Ready To Supercharge Your Business? Business start-ups are on the rise, Financial and the South East Matters region - officially a ‘hot spot’ in 2014 – is set to maintain its status in 2015 as an entrepreneurial power-house, alongside London. Economic development and prosperity is key for a country’s growth, and the more successful businesses are starting up, the more that growth will ensue. However, this isn’t an easy thing to do. Succeeding as a start-up business takes a deep understanding of the industry you’re going into, and a proper grasp on how to create value out of your product or concept. Entrepreneurs all over the country are eager to break their way into their chosen industry, and make their living. Brighton alone was home to 8,344 new business start-ups in 2014, which is the fourth most in the UK after London despite being only the 18th largest city – promising figures for the country’s much needed growth, and for the newest addition in Entrepreneurial Spark’s accelerator hub programme. Entrepreneurial Spark is the world’s largest free business accelerator for early stage and growing ventures. NatWest, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, has partnered with entrepreneurial Spark to support the opening of 8 hatcheries around the country. These hatcheries or ‘hubs’ will create a base for Entrepreneurial Spark’s unique programme of workshops and coaching aimed at mentoring and supporting individual entrepreneurs. The hubs have already been opened across major cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayrshire and Birmingham, and will add Leeds, Bristol and Brighton to its list in August this year. Additionally,

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Money Matters

NatWest announces their partnership with Entrepreneurial Spark, providing funding for a new accelerator hub in Sussex

The partnership will allow for: 1. Multi million pound regional support for thousands of entrepreneurs from any sector 2. Free acess to business accelerator hubs across the UK in NatWest premises 3. Up to 18-months free

programmes of hands on mentoring, peer support and acceleration

4. Over £1m of cash awards to UK entrepreneurs every year

5. Regular educational and networking events

6. Build on a successful partnership with Entrepreneurial Spark in Scotland hubs in Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester and London are set to open next year. The Brighton Entrepreneurial Spark Hatchery will open in NatWest’s Preston Road office with the initial group of entrepreneurs taking residence before its official launch in September. The hub will accommodate up to 70 businesses at one time, and there have been 254 applications. Entrepreneurial Spark has an enviable record in making start-ups a success with 82% of the businesses they work with still trading a year later compared to the usual rate of 40%. Since 2012 they have supported 350 businesses with a combined turnover of £41m – creating over 1,000 jobs. 2014 was the year that turnover rocketed, almost trebling what

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Money Matters

they achieved throughout 2012 and 2013 combined. More than 386 patents have now been awarded to start-ups through the programme, and the partnership with NatWest. An additional hub in Brighton will only expand on this number. Jim Duffy, Entrepreneurial Spark CEO comments: “We can’t wait to take our model south in our next step of driving an entrepreneurial revolution across the UK.” Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship at RBS and NatWest believes the statistics over the past three years will apply in the same way across the rest of the country as it has in Scotland: “We are hugely excited about the prospect of opening up our buildings to hundreds of entrepreneurs every year. When we see the impact Entrepreneurial Spark has had on young Scottish businesses, including impressive three-year survival rates, we know it will be worth it.” Fiona Anderson, Entrepreneur Development Manager at NatWest in Brighton comments: “There’s so much potential in Brighton and the South East and there’s plenty of enthusiasm for the arrival of the Entrepreneurial Spark hub too, both among the start-up community and organisations that will be partnering with us and whom we will be working alongside to provide a great level of expertise and support.“ Fiona explains that in order to find out more about mentoring and the application process, please refer to the website at www.entrepreneurial-spark.com. She adds: “Due to the overwhelming demand for applications, we have now closed the link for August but please continue to apply to be a mentor via the mentor link on the website. Applications will open again in September for our February 2016 intake. We accept businesses from start-up to £1m turnover or those who have been in business less than four years. Successful applicants will be able to move into the hatchery with up to six team members and gain benefit from hands on coaching and mentoring from an Entrepreneurial Spark Enabler. High impact businesses can stay in the hatchery for up to 18 months.” John Loveday and Paul Hood, founders of Spearhead Compliance Training joined Entrepreneurial Spark in Birmingham in February this year, with the idea of delivering accredited training courses to individuals and organis ations across the UK. They both found the scheme

hugely rewarding and believe the key to Entrepreneurial Spark is developing as an entrepreneur in order to help the business grow. John says: “Entrepreneurial Spark is a people accelerator not a business accelerator. The business naturally grows alongside you as an entrepreneur.” He added that NatWest have been of hugely valuable support to them during the process: “There are always members of the team within the hatchery and they are always willing to help. I was approached by a member of the team from NatWest and asked if there was anyway they could help us as a business? Later that day I asked if they could get me an introduction to one of the world’s largest hotel chains, within eight days they had a contact for us and asked us to put forward a proposal as to why our business would be of benefit to the company.” NatWest believes Sussex entrepreneurs now have a fantastic opportunity to supercharge their business and ideas and take advantage of all the hatchery has to offer. Alison Rose, CEO of Commercial and Private Banking said: “By opening up our premises and providing them (entrepreneurial talent) with support and a far-reaching network of contact, we are backing the businesses of tomorrow and helping ambitious entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.”

Jim Duffy, Entrepreneurial Spark CEO

Fiona Anderson, Entrepreneur Development Manager at NatWest in Brighton

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23/06/2015 16:20

Chairty Challenge

Taking on the 3 Peaks Challenge

Griffith Smith Farrington Webb recently became corporate partners of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and were granted Silver partnership status The reason for linking ourselves to this charity is because Focus every eight hours someone in the UK is told that they will never walk again due to damage to their spinal cord. It could happen to any one of us, at any time, as a result of an accident or illness. We therefore decided to raise some vital funds for the charity and the 3 Peaks Challenge began! A little bit about us; we are a leading Sussex law firm committed to achieving our clients’ goals and exceeding their expectations. We have built an enviable reputation for our expertise across a wide range of legal services for businesses and individuals, advising clients locally and nationally since 1881. The firm has offices based in Brighton, Hassocks and Henfield and all of our lawyers specialise in specific areas of the law, ensuring that we deliver the highest level of expertise. We are a modern practice with traditional values. Training session number 2 complete! We were all prepared for our 6 hour session on Sunday 7 June, or so we thought! Adrian had once again prepared our route and schedule and as we began

we soon realised that it was going to be pretty tough. The morning started off with an equipment failure…Nadia’s backpack full of thirst quenching Ribena decided to leak all over her rucksack and the contents, not the best of starts!! Our route started at Clayton Recreation Ground and we meandered our way up and down hills all the way to the Shepherd & Dog in Fulking. Some of the climbs were pretty treacherous, our first steep hill was Wolstonbury and after this we soon realised that having walking poles was going to be essential. Our next climb was coming out of Devil’s Dyke, not only was this steep but it was full of bushes and trees and some of the team suffered injuries from the nearby foliage but we all made it to the top! The above picture was taken after this climb, Nick Evans decided to be behind the camera instead of in front, I wonder why! Our kit is going to be so important on the actual Challenge and we all agreed that we needed to get together and ensure that we had everything from plasters through to compression socks… don’t ask!! The sun was shining all day, which would have been glorious if we were out having picnics but unfortunately we

just had to pass all the picnickers and continue with our trek! Towards the final few miles it was apparent that a few of the team were reaching their limit and we rallied round each other and started talking about how amazing it will be when we complete our final peak and this kept us going. What have we let ourselves in for?!! We have one group training session left and this will be our longest, 23 miles in July! We now all need to increase our training programme and ensure that we are as fit as possible for August, we all want to enjoy the event and really appreciate the full experience, especially the final descent to our celebratory pub lunch!! If you would like to sponsor the team, visit our Just Giving page; www.justgiving.com/GSFWSolicitors

20 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

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29/05/2015 14:36

Entrepreneurial Nation

Coffin Mew’s Mark O’Halloran acts for some of the region’s most entrepreneurial businesses and their owners. Sussex Business Times caught up with Mark to discuss entrepreneurship and what needs to be done to further support these engines of the economy

Brighton is a hotbed for entrepreneurial talent. It may not have the Insight same pull as Oxford or Cambridge, or perhaps the fizzing reputation of London’s TechCity, but it boasts more than its fair share of worldclass businesses and successful entrepreneurs. It is reckoned that some 1,500 new digital and technology businesses have been started in the city, giving rise to the name ‘silicon beach’. Yet the region’s entrepreneurs encompass a broad range of traditional manufacturing, property, retailing and the service industries. Irrespective of the sector in which they operate, many entrepreneurs share common characteristics, as Mark explains. “Entrepreneurs often tell me that they consider themselves unemployable. They

are too used to constantly pushing boundaries and questioning everything. The constraints often imposed by big business do not sit comfortable with the way they like to work. It is a cliché, but

“We are seeing older people tired of doing the same thing day-in yearout deciding to start their own business drawing on their experiences”

they really do think outside of the box.” “This isn’t something they are taught,” says Mark: “but something that comes entirely naturally to them. They are always looking for opportunities and are prepared to take risks.” Entrepreneurs are very adept at understanding their own weaknesses

and will surround themselves by good people filling those gaps. They also tend to be natural leaders, with the charm and charisma that draws people to them. Many entrepreneurs are not particularly good with numbers and, as long as the business is doing well, they prefer to focus on growing the business. “The motivation is often in building the business,” says Mark, “not making a lot of cash to retire with a yacht or to the golf course. And those that do often get bored and quickly start a new enterprise.” Creating a new business in the UK is, compared to many other countries around the world, very easy. That, and the irresistible rise of technology, is seeing people deciding very early in their lives to work for themselves. But also, with people being asked to work much longer, into their late 60s, or not wishing to retire, there is an increase in the silver entrepreneurs. “It is very easy to start a business from

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Entrepreneurial Businesses

“It is reckoned that some 1,500 new digital and technology businesses have been started in the city, giving rise to the name ‘silicon beach”

a spare bedroom with just a laptop and a mobile phone,” says Mark. “And as that business grows it is not uncommon for it to decide against expensive premises, with staff working remotely from wherever they live.” “And at the other end of the spectrum, we are seeing older people tired of doing the same thing day-in year-out deciding to start their own business drawing on their experiences.” The Government recognises the importance of entrepreneurial businesses and has introduced many favourable tax breaks. But there is more it could do. “People still remain one of the biggest costs for a business,” explains Mark. “Whilst this may not be a problem for start-up and small businesses, it does become a very real issue as they grow”. “Introducing tax incentives for more established businesses – particularly those where the business owners are comfortably well-off and less inclined to

take risk – to encourage them to do more would deliver greater economic growth.” It is perhaps with education where government could do more to deliver real benefits. “Whilst entrepreneurship is not something that can be taught, schools and colleges must do more to prepare our young people for the workplace,” says Mark. “Fourteen to 18 year olds really do need to understand how money works and the skills needed for business. Watching Dragons’ Den is just not enough.” Mark, and the rest of the Coffin Mew team, play a significant role in helping entrepreneurs create and build successful businesses. In addition to many years of experience, the team is well connected to the wider advisory and funding networks. The firm also hosts a series of events and seminars for its corporate clients. “Our clients use us in many ways,” says Mark. “We are, of course, there

www.coffinmew.co.uk

when our clients are facing problems or want a deal done, but we now tend to be much closer to our clients’ business on a day to day basis. We are part of a team – and that demands an entrepreneurial approach from us too.”

For more information on how Coffin Mew can help your business please contact Mark O’Halloran in Brighton on 0333 000 0122 or email markohalloran@coffinmew.co.uk

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 23

Gatwick or Heathrow: the expansion debate

Jeremy Taylor and Alison Addy discuss the benefits of an expansion at Gatwick with SBT

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It’s been a matter of debate for months, INSIGHT and it’s now decision time. The Airports Commission must finally decide between Gatwick and Heathrow for the expansion plans. Gatwick operates the most efficient single runway infrastructure in the world, and the expansion plan provides not only an extra runway but also the benefit of a new terminal, increasing capacity and efficiency. We consulted Jeremy Taylor, CEO of Gatwick Diamond Business and Alison Addy, Gatwick Airport’s Planning and Stakeholder Engagement Manager as to the positive impact of the expansion at Gatwick over Heathrow. Both Jeremy and Alison are ardent that Gatwick is the best choice for the expansion, arguing that it would provide huge benefits not just to the local area, but to the South East region as a whole: “It would be a huge disappointment to us if they choose Heathrow,” says Jeremy. Gatwick is a viable and likely choice, with more and more positive comments and rumours coming to light, including David Cameron apparently having ‘warmed’ to the idea. A number of businesses and local residents have shown their support for the idea of the expansion, and Jeremy is positive that disruption will be kept to a minimum and benefits maximised, especially as, Jeremy believes: “It will open up so much more opportunity for businesses, if only just due to the increased ability to communicate and commute.” There are plans to improve the capacity of the trains running from the South East to Gatwick, especially from key places such as Brighton and Hayward’s Heath. “The trains are set for a huge investment with a brand new train station set to be built in the south terminal at Gatwick. Commuting is a key area within these discussions surrounding the expansion”, says Jeremy. Business travel at the moment is at an estimated 20% of the flights made from Gatwick, which is an impressive percentage. This will largely increase, matching, if not growing on Heathrow’s 28-29% with more aircraft, and knockon changes in the future of aviation in general: more availability for long haul and transatlantic flights, and more choice of airlines. If Gatwick’s expansion goes ahead,

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Gatwick or Heathrow

What do businesses say? “We can see some advantages to an expanded Gatwick and generally businesses are supportive. We must, however, look after the interests of those businesses and residents that will be affected and ensure the right level of investment is made to support the growth expansion will bring. If it’s not Gatwick then we must plan for that too and understand better what that means for the area.” - Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of the Manor Royal BID “For a variety of reasons, a second runway at Gatwick Airport really seems to be a no-brainer. It will create 120,000 new jobs which is much needed for the Gatwick Diamond and local young people will benefit directly through a new apprenticeship fund that Gatwick will establish.” “With the number of apprenticeships and the £90 billion economic boost to the UK that a second runway at Gatwick would bring, it’s clear Gatwick is the only choice for expansion.” Gary Peters, Founder and Chief Executive, LoveLocalJobs.com (Hove)

the new runway, and the terminal in its first phase, will become fully operational by 2025 after beginning construction in 2020, which is faster than either Heathrow option being considered. The terminal will be further added to and adapted in a phase-by-phase process, between 2025 and 2040. Rail improvements will in fact start in 2016 with new Gatwick Express and Thames Link trains in operation, doubling capacity through Gatwick. By 2025, the new train station at Gatwick will be finished, allowing trains to travel to central London every 2.5 minutes. This, as Jeremy suggests, is an especially good step in the right direction, as it will encourage more people to take public transport to the airport instead of driving.

26 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Southern Rail commented: “There are some major capacity improvements to come, the detail of which is still being worked on, however, for Thameslink alone there will be over 50% more trains between Gatwick Airport and the Blackfriars-St Pancras Thameslink core, with at least two trains an hour continuing to the Great Northern route.” The short construction time limits disruption in itself, but even the more lengthy terminal construction will have limited affect on the surrounding area due to the process being in stages. “Despite people’s fears, you won’t see an immediate leap up from where it is now. Like every business, it will need to grow gradually.” The effects seem to be overwhelmingly

“New connections to dynamic markets in Asia are critical for UK PLC. A second runway would enable Gatwick to deliver more connections to both established and emerging markets for London and the UK.” “An expanded Gatwick Airport would not only help businesses access more and new long-haul routes, but also help them to secure trade in emerging countries.” - Matt Turner, Managing Director, Creative Pod (Crawley) “The huge environmental impact of Heathrow’s expansion plans places Gatwick’s second runway proposal in the forefront of the race to secure the green light from the Government to expand.” “The overall number of people affected by noise with a second runway at Gatwick will still be equivalent to only five per cent of the people that Heathrow impacts today.” - Adrian Munn, Director, Monochrome (Leatherhead)

positive over negative, with far-reaching benefits not just to the local area, but to the South East as a whole. Alison Addy, as a resident in Sussex herself commented on the subject of economic growth for the South East: “Gatwick already plays an important role in supporting a thriving and diverse business community – if the airport were to expand, our plans would generate an estimated £90bn of economic benefit with companies throughout Sussex, the South East and the wider UK.” Not only do Gatwick Airport believe the expansion will provide a positive impact on existing businesses, but also provide for business people of the future: “The direct and indirect benefits of expansion will create huge opportunities for new companies and start-up firms and we have already promised to help create 2,500 new apprenticeships as part of our second runway plans”, says Alison. Alison compared the benefits of Gatwick to those an expansion at Heathrow would offer: “Where Heathrow expansion is focussed on a West London corridor that is already overheated, Gatwick expansion would create regeneration and economic benefits on

a southern corridor that is crying out for investment, delivering economic growth to businesses from south London to the south Coast. “It would be great news not just for Gatwick but for businesses throughout Sussex and the South East if a second runway is given the green light… It is clear the region’s businesses and their leaders recognise the huge opportunities an expanded Gatwick would bring,” says Alison. It is clear that the airport expansion debate is not simply about a new runway but, as Alison points out, this is also ‘the opportunity to drive widespread regeneration and economic benefits far beyond the airport’. This means that it’s certainly not just Gatwick or Heathrow that should have their say. As such, Jeremy Taylor implores businesses to speak up: “Any businesses in either the Gatwick Diamond area or the South East region should feel they can contribute to any discussions on the expansion. I would urge local businesses to have their say in these issues because essentially, we want the best for everyone in the South East so that this can be beneficial on a large scale. So, talk to your MP!”

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The Arndale Centre: Change For The Better Plans to regenerate Eastbourne town centre move ever closer The £85 million scheme set to transform the face of Develop Eastbourne will seem one step closer when initial work begins on the west entrance of the Arndale Centre this summer. The creation of a new glass atrium at the Centre’s entrance nearest Banker’s Corner to be in keeping with the style of the new extension will give local people a taste of how their new shopping centre will look once the redevelopment has taken place. When the initial work on the entrance and upgrading nearby shop fronts is

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finished, Eastbourne can then look forward to work on the main part of the 170,000 sq. ft extension beginning in 2016. The plans, that include the demolition of buildings west of the Centre along Terminus Road, the construction of up to 22 new ground and first floor units plus additional car parking spaces, will be the result of five years’ behind-the-scenes work. Public consultation showed the overwhelming majority of local people were in favour of the extension that will create at least 650 new jobs and the scheme has received backing from all local political parties.

Bill Plumridge, who has been manager of the Arndale Centre for 25 years, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the Arndale Centre and for Eastbourne. There are many stages in a scheme like this and while it may seem to local people that there isn’t a lot going on, the work behind the scenes is non-stop. “We’ve seen the announcement that Next will be anchoring the new extension alongside H&M and Cineworld, and have had Nando’s as the first restaurant signing, which is great news. This development really will give a huge boost to the local economy and enable Eastbourne to compete with neighbouring destinations.

Arndale Centre, Eastbourne

Neil Crawford, Retail Development Manager at Legal & General

“The support of Eastbourne Borough Council and local people has been fantastic. And, of course, there have been plenty of changes within the existing Centre, the latest of which was the opening of the fantastic new Pandora store.” “I am extremely proud to have been the Arndale Centre Manager for 25 years and am really looking forward to seeing the exciting transformation of the shopping centre,” Bill concluded.

Timeline for the development of the Eastbourne Arndale Centre: • Summer 2015: Work on West Entrance and nearby shop facades • Late 2016: Main works on new scheme to start • End of 2017: Completion of first part of works with shops open for trading • 2018: Completion of second stage - restaurant and cinema complex

The Arndale centre is Eastbourne’s Interview major tourist destination, attracting around 17 million visitors per year. Over the course of the last year or so, plans have been slowly unveiling and agreements quickly unfolding with regards to an extension on Terminus Road in the town centre. The development is set to hugely expand the 70-store shopping centre, almost doubling its size. The impressive development plans, which will add three new floors to the centre, including 10 new restaurants, 22 new retailers and a cinema, will be a promising kickstart to the changing demographic and boost in economy for Eastbourne. Not only will residents benefit from having all they need on their doorstep, but local businesses will too. We spoke to W. Brufords, the south’s leading independent jewellery retail business, who have been based in Eastbourne for over 100 years. Their

thoughts on the extension plans were very positive: “The Arndale expansion will put Eastbourne back on the map as a shopping destination which will put W. Bruford in front of a whole new wave of customers. We are looking to develop the businesses to provide the best selection of brands from luxury to mass market whilst still providing the first class service and shopping experience that W Bruford is renowned for.” We spoke to Neil Crawford, Retail Development Manager at Legal & General Property, who have been involved in the Arndale Centre for 30 years and made the decision a few years ago to take 100% ownership. The new extension is currently planned and on track for its completion by the end of 2018. Legal & General have always seen massive potential in Eastbourne, and Neil is personally very excited at the opportunity this new extension gives the town. What stage are you at with the Arndale development plans? The new extension will almost double the size of the centre, adding roughly 10 new restaurants and 22 retail units. Basically, the mall will continue through, and come out further down on Terminus Road, nearer to the train station. In order to do that, we are relocating Next to one of these new units, and negotiating with the surrounding retailers and tenants We’ve got agreed Heads of Terms with the 7 restaurant operators and a number of retailers so far. Over the course of the summer and autumn, we expect a constant drip feed of signings surrounding this. Cineworld, Next and H&M are now signed, who will anchor the two large entrance units to the extension, and Nando’s are also committed to take a unit at first floor level. What’s the final goal? We are building a new extension which

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Arndale Centre, Eastbourne

will be on three floors: the ground floor will be predominantly retail, the first floor will be a fantastic food department, then from there the escalators will lead to the cinema entrance on the second floor. This will be a 9 screen Cineworld – an agreement that came about due to Legal & General having a strong relationship with them, and a mutual desire to bring a new digital cinema into the heart of the town centre. Our aim is to provide the people in Eastbourne with a shopping centre that gives everything they need, so they don’t have to go elsewhere, for example to Brighton or Tunbridge Wells. We’re not trying to pull people in from those areas, just to provide the people of Eastbourne and the surrounding catchment with a viable option to stay in the town. What has been the general reaction to the plans? The market take-up has been very good, especially the catering which has been phenomenally well received. We’ve had a large amount of interest from lots of other retailers in the market too. Eastbourne is a great town, and this is a fantastic opportunity for it. I have to say, I’ve met a lot of people and walked them around the centre and the town – people who have been fairly sceptical about the numbers and statistics surrounding the Centre – and they have been immediately sold, commenting on what a nice place, how vibrant it is, and how these plans will hugely benefit it.

We’ve got the facts and figures that say otherwise. We already get around 17 million visitors a year at the Arndale Centre, which is a phenomenal amount compared to other shopping centres of this size which I have personally worked on over my 20 years in the business and these are people of all ages. The number of young people coming through the system is growing significantly, and the extension can only help this trend. The changing demographic was one of the major rationales behind this extension plan.

Do you think the extension will kick start a shift in demographics within the town centre? Contrary to popular stereotype, Eastbourne is not a sleepy seaside town.

How will the extension impact on local business? The big message is that it’s going to put Eastbourne more on the map. It’s going to bring more retailers and caterers to

the town plus many more shoppers. This gives everybody the opportunity to make the most of the additional footfall brought in to the town centre. The cinema and the catering will provide a major boost to the evening economy also and, especially combined with the Council plans to start works down on Terminus Road and Cornfield Road to relocate the buses, the town centre will be completely transformed. We believe businesses can only benefit. We’ve done a lot of research on gaps in the market which the extension will follow, boosting economic growth by fitting to people’s needs and desires for a shopping centre. Will the extension look very different to the original Arndale? As you can see from the images of how the extension will look, the development of the centre will totally rejuvenate the heart of Eastbourne. The new units in the extension will be much bigger to accommodate the needs of today’s retailers and the entrances to the centre will look totally different to the way they do now in order to blend in with the new design. The aim is to have a seamless blend between the existing centre and the extension. We want to give visitors a first class shopper experience for the 21st century. www.eastbournearndale shopping.co.uk www.legalandgeneral.com

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Taxing Concerns for Property Portfolio Investors With the Conservative party now secure in Government for another five years, there has never been a better time to get your tax ducks in a row The Conservatives ruled out rises in Tax Corporation Tax, VAT, Advice National Insurance and Income Tax but, with the mandate given to them by the British public to plug the national deficit, there is a concern that other taxes could be targeted including those in real estate such as stamp duty land tax. The buy-to-let market in the UK has grown significantly in the last decade and is unlikely to slow down under the new Conservative government. Recent figures show that there are now over two million private landlords in the UK who own and rent out five million properties. However, as Andrew Stanley, Specialist Property Tax Adviser points out: “Not every new landlord is given the proper advice at the point of sale or purchase and this can result in substantial losses, sometimes tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost tax relief.” Property tax isn’t always

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simple and getting the proper advice is vital to achieving your goals.

Capital Allowances – use it or lose it!

Commercial property owners and some owners of large residential buildings can claim capital allowances to write off the cost of things bought for use within their business against their taxable profit. In 2014 new legislation kicked in that could block property owners from claiming their entitled tax relief. Now, if capital allowances are not correctly pooled and transferred when a building is bought or sold then the opportunity to claim on them can simply disappear and in extreme cases trigger unexpected tax charges. However, providing purchasers of a building have a savvy tax specialist at their side these risks can be avoided. In many historic cases it is not too late to claim if the right advice is sought as soon as possible.

So make sure you take this into consideration if you are buying or selling.

Multiple Dwelling Relief (MDR)

Property investors purchasing more than one residential property at the same time from the same seller (e.g. a block of flats), or multiple properties in a linked transaction could be eligible for MDR. MDR changes the way stamp duty works in the investor’s favour, calculating the rate payable on the properties’ average value (note the minimum rate is 1%). This is still payable on the total consideration but paying, for example, an effective rate of 1% is a lot better that 4%! This can save property investors, businesses and private individuals a lot of money. Unfortunately MDR is not a particularly well-known form of tax relief and often escapes the observation of conveyancers overseeing the transaction. This could mean investors are entitled to

Property Tax

compensation for negligent legal advice relating to unclaimed tax relief, a potential windfall of tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Consider going fully furnished to claim a 10% tax relief

In 2012, HMRC announced that the renewal allowance for the replacement of white goods was to be scrapped. This was not good news for landlords of unfurnished or partly furnished properties, as this was the only tax relief available for the replacement cost of freestanding white goods such as fridges and ovens. However, if the property is let fully furnished then the landlord can claim a 10% wear and tear allowance. This could be well worth the cost of the beds, sofas, chairs and tables needed to bring the property into the fully furnished bracket.

Don’t fall foul of ATED

Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) is applicable to buildings owned by a ‘non-natural person’ (defined as including companies, partnerships with corporate members, LLP or other collective investment vehicles). ATED is payable by companies that own UK residential property (a dwelling) valued above a certain amount. This was originally set to only catch the most expensive homes valued at £2m+. As often happens though, little by little the threshold has been travelling downward towards £500,000, bringing many more buildings into this tax bracket.

Reliefs are available for numerous entities (developers, professional investors etc) but the vast majority still need to file a return to claim these reliefs even if there is nothing to pay. Not doing so can trigger penalties. If you hold property in any other way, other than in your own name, it is worth checking with a specialist to see if there is anything you should be sending to HMRC… before the penalty notices turn up!

“MDR is not a particularly well-known form of tax relief and often escapes the observation of conveyancers overseeing the transaction”

Consider how you’re going to own the property

This might sound like an obvious piece of advice, but property investors need to consider how they will own the property and ensure they’ve got it right for their medium and long term objectives. For example, a rental investment might be better owned by a limited company rather than being put in your own name. Changes further down the line can be expensive from a tax point of view. So choosing the right vehicle for your objectives from the outset is the best way to go.

Andrew Stanley, MD, MDR Claims & STax  www.mdrclaims.com   www.staxuk.com

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Cover Feature

A Recipe For Success 18 months after our previous interview, Jenny Ardagh catches up with Alan Margetts on his continuing success within the kitchen industry

After starting in 2004, The Kitchen Store has Cover grown rapidly, with success after success Feature made. When we last spoke to Alan, he had recently won and been highly commended for a range of prestigious awards, including the Fastest Growing Company Award and Managing Director of the Year, whilst also coming highly commended for Best Independent Retailer. I caught up with him to find out what has been happening in the meantime and what the plans for the future are. What has the main focus been for The Kitchen Store since we last spoke in 2014? The aim has always been to open up three successful stores in Sussex, and we have just been focussing on achieving that goal. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a plan till 2018, for which weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

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2 years in. It’s all about growth - we want to get to £5 million by 2018, and we’re well on track to get that if not beyond. What’s the most important thing to you when thinking about the future of The Kitchen Store? It’s important to us that we remain Sussex based. I used to do a lot of travelling in my old job and I decided when we started The Kitchen Store that we would keep it close to home. So, it’s all about keeping it in Sussex for me. The good thing about doing kitchens is that people don’t tend to go very far from home to get what they want, or to look for it. Even trying to pull people in from Brighton to Lancing has been a difficult task. Actually, what you’ve got to do is realise that when people look for something like this, unless it’s a real ‘go-to’ destination or

huge brand, people won’t drive far – they will stay local. It’s good for us as it means that our branches don’t have to be too far away from each other – we can have a quite tight network. We’ve always stuck to our plan and known what we’re going to do. Now, the final pieces are about to go into place. Once that happens, we have our platform set for the future. If at some point someone wants to take the business further, that’s no problem. Have you made any other new developments since we spoke last? Yes, we also opened a small appliance store this year called smartappliance in Hove. It operates independently from The Kitchen Store and sells our supplier’s surplus or obselete appliance models at discounted rates. That started in April. We’re also close to completing the deal for our third store ready for opening in the Autumn in mid Sussex.

Alan Margetts

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Cover Feature

but you can’t change behaviour,’ and that message has stuck with me.

Last time we spoke you had just won Sussex Entrepreneur of the Year. Has your winning streak continued? Well since then we have won Fastest Growing Business at the Brighton and Hove Business Awards, and also came highly commended for Best Independent Retailer. I was also Finalist as MD of the Year for the second year running. We have also received the FIRA Gold Award for our installation service. We’re just one of 13 companies in the UK and the only independent retailer in Sussex to hold it. We are very proud of that as it sets us apart from our competitors. We are also an Investor in People Silver accredited business, which we got earlier in the year, so we’re in the top 5% of IIP accredited companies in the UK now. We’re in a consultative sales environment and our customers buy because they believe in the person they’re dealing with, so The Kitchen Store is all about getting the team right which is why the Investor Award is very important to us.

past 6 years. We’ve only had one year in our time when sales went backwards, which was 2008, as the recession hit. We’re up 16% this financial year, which is indicative of the reason why we won the Fastest Growing Company of the Year Award. It’s unusual because what we’re doing is selling kitchens. It’s not a inexpensive product: it is high value and it’s discretionary. To have kept growing is fantastic, and as we do very little

“We do very little advertising, so all this growth has come mostly through recognition and word of mouth”

Do you think that your peoplecentred approach is what has and will continue your success in the industry? It’s as much to do with reputation than anything else. I believe 50% of the reason people buy from us is because they like the person they’re dealing with. It’s very important to us to get the right people, and that I think is what has led to our success. Whether it’s because of this attitude or not, we’ve grown 22% each year over the

34 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

advertising, all of that comes mostly from spreading the word via our customers. I’m sure that wouldn’t happen unless we focussed as much as we do on our customer service. So, we must be doing something right! The people you employ must be chosen based on this ideal of great customer service then? Yes, I don’t tend to employ people based on the skills they have but on their attitude and values. So, we often take people who haven’t worked in kitchens specifically at all, but they’ve got something that fits the mould. They’re all very genuine, authentic people. Someone told me years ago: ‘you can change skills,

New customers must be very important in the kitchen industry? Do you get loyal customers return? The life cycle of a kitchen is a minimum of 10 years, and even then this is if fashion changes, so repeat purchases can take a long time. In a crowded market, our focus is on being different in terms of store environment, people and service and doing such a good job that our customers tell their friends and family, so we build growth through recommendation. There are a huge amount of people that know the Paula Rosa Manhattan name from years ago. So, as well as new customers, we also regularly get the customers come in who want replacement parts for their original Manhattan kitchen, which they bought over 20 years ago. In addition to new kitchens, we also sell to about 3000 customers a year who want to buy extras for their kitchen. That’s quite an important part of our business and what we’re doing right now is separating this part of the company into its own entity known as The Kitchen Store Direct to allow it to grow unencumbered by the complete kitchen business. Do you have any advice for other independent retailers or startup businesses? Focus on the detail. You’ve got to be on the ball all the time and you’ve got to keep moving no matter what – get over your last issue and tackle the next one. Unless you’ve got your foot on the pedal, you lose ground. I’ve learned to keep pushing and when you take a risk or step outside your comfort zone, generally something good comes out of it.

Customer care is something that is evident in The Kitchen Store, and I had the opportunity to speak to one of the Hove store’s recent customers, Mr Franklin. He had nothing but praise to share with me about The Kitchen Store, commenting that the Director, Jan was ‘the most helpful and lovely man I’ve ever had the pleasure to do business with’. He added: “We’ve had numerous kitchens installed over the past 50 years, and we’ve never had a more personal

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and efficient service as with The Kitchen Store. We found the store on the Internet, went in and were lucky enough to meet all the staff, who were all lovely and put absolutely no pressure on us to buy anything, which was very refreshing.” When I asked if he and his wife would recommend the service to others, Mr Franklin said: “Yes! It was a superb experience with fantastic people who did a wonderful job with my kitchen, and they also went above and beyond, agreeing to help with my bathroom worktops. They never made me feel ill at ease or awkward and if I were to ever need another kitchen – although it’s unlikely – I wouldn’t go anywhere else!” I also spoke to one of The Kitchen Store employees, Mark Davies, Design Manager who proved that working in an environment such as The Kitchen Store really pays off: “I love my job, which is something not many people can say. We’ve got a really upbeat and friendly team and everyone takes a lot of care in everything they do.” Mark started working for The Kitchen Store five years ago, having previously worked for Alan at Paula Rosa Manhattan. He said: “I liked the way his career progressed and was keen to work for him again.” He adds: “I’m responsible for all the design process and if there’s ever an issue, everyone takes full responsibility - we take it very personally and always deal with the issue directly, going straight out to see the customer to fix the problem.” The Kitchen Store, and Alan, clearly has a successful future written in the stars, and I look forward to another catch up soon. www.thekitchenstore.co.uk

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 35

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SBT

ASK THE

SBT Ask the Experts is Sponsored by

EXPERTS

WE ASK THE EXPERTS TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

EXPERT

Ana Christie, Chief Executive, Sussex Chamber of Commerce accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and with this, Town Chamber members will be able to take part in BCC surveys to influence government policy. It will not cost Town Chambers anything and will allow members to tap into the benefits that the affiliation will bring, such as opportunities to network with a wider group of businesses across the whole county, and tangible benefits such as access to training and support. What kind of support services does the Sussex Chamber provide?

Members of the Chamber and affiliated town Chambers can gain access to a number of support services with leading organisations. These agreements have been negotiated by the BCC and are designed to help save you money. We are able to offer members of any level a variety of free or reduced fee services Our vision is to move towards speaking including foreign exchange, healthcare, up for Sussex with one voice. Affiliating HR, credit insurance, health & safety, with the Sussex Chamber of Commerce legal expenses will give town and roadside Chambers more assistance. influence and boost “Members of the work, which will Chamber and Can the Sussex therefore attract trade affiliated town Chamber help to the area. Working in partnership will support Chambers can gain my business on a all members and drive access to a number global scale? business growth. of support services A main objective Sussex Chamber with leading of the Sussex of Commerce has Chamber of implemented a more organisations” Commerce is to strategic role with help companies a wider economic develop their business through the overview over the past 12 months. The international trade route. Whether you point of affiliation with town Chambers is are considering international markets to create a powerful relationship across for the first time or a seasoned exporter, the county. Town Chambers retain their we can offer various services to support independence and character but by your business. standing together, we are stronger. That The Sussex Chamber of Commerce makes us more powerful in terms of is licensed to certify and arrange businesses having more influence locally, legalisation of export documentation. regionally and nationally. We will also assist exporters Sussex Chamber of Commerce is You’ve recently affiliated with Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, why should a Town Chamber work and affiliate with the Sussex Chamber of Commerce?

info@checkaprofessional.com 40 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

throughout the process of completing the documentation; from choosing the right documentation to ensuring it is correctly filled in. Export documentation is required to comply with import regulations in the country of arrival, evidence the country of manufacture of the goods and ensure payment under a Letter of Credit. Furthermore we can provide: • Comprehensive training courses which are designed to help you understand all the elements involved in having a sustainable and growing export business. • Advice on all aspects of international freight, translation services, credit checks and finance funding. • International trade forums and workshops. • Foreign exchange services to protect your business against adverse rate fluctuations.

To find out more about the Sussex Chamber of Commerce visit our website: www.sussexchamberofcommerce. co.uk or call 01444 259 259.

0808 901 9042

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WE ASK THE EXPERTS TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

EXPERT Sam Dickinson, Mayo Wynne Baxter fails to pay NMW can also be “named and shamed” automatically by The Department for Business Innovation and Skills. 3) Does the recent case involving a bakery in Northern Ireland affect my business?

What’s new in Employment Law? 1) Have the Government outlawed ‘zero hours’ contracts? No. Despite electioneering promises, so far the legislation as to zero hours contracts has only banned exclusivity clauses in such agreements (as opposed to banning the use of zero hours contracts entirely) so that workers, in theory, can’t be prevented from working elsewhere while engaged on a zero hours basis. 2) Has the National Minimum Wage increased? No, the rate until 30 September 2015 is £6.50 for workers aged 21 or over but the penalty for underpayment has increased to a maximum of £20,000 in respect of each worker who has not been paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW). HMRC enforce the NMW Act and can carry out inspection at any time. If they issue a Notice of Underpayment there is usually also a requirement to pay a financial penalty to the Secretary of State. Don’t forget that an employer who

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Businesses in England and Wales already face the same issues that were determined by the Judge in Northern Ireland who presided over the case of the bakery who refused to bake a cake with the caption “Support Gay Marriage”. As you know the Court found that the owners of the bakery had discriminated against the customers by refusing their order. In 2013 the Court of Appeal here held that the Christian owners of a hotel discriminated against gay civil partners when they refused them a double room. Both these judgments (and others) confirm that commercial entities may not discriminate based on the religious beliefs of their owners. In contrast, an Employment Tribunal in London recently found for a Christian nursery worker who had been dismissed for discussing her views about gay marriage with a lesbian colleague. Because the employer’s investigation prior to the dismissal was flawed, in that the Tribunal found the outcome of the investigation and disciplinary process was prejudged and based on stereotypical assumptions about evangelical Christians, the dismissal was deemed unfair and discriminatory. This case demonstrates that, as always, a fair and balanced investigation and disciplinary process is vital. 4) Has there been any further judicial guidance on how to calculate holiday pay recently?

There has been another Northern Irish case (Court of Appeal) as to whether pay for overtime hours voluntarily worked should be included in an employer’s calculation of what a week’s pay amounts to for a worker on annual leave. Judgment was reserved but the employer conceded that there was nothing in principle that would stop voluntary overtime being included within the calculation of holiday pay if such voluntary overtime satisfies the key components as to what constitutes “normal remuneration”. It would be a surprise therefore if the Court did exclude voluntary overtime pay from the calculation in light of this concession but no doubt there will be continued debate as to what constitutes “normal remuneration”. Although decisions of the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland are not binding on the Courts in GB it will undoubtedly be a highly persuasive authority.

Contact Sam Dickinson on: 0800 84 94 101 www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

0808 901 9042 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 41

From Parent Helper to Outstanding Nursery Owner

Sharon Rea praises the guidance given by Central Sussex College, which has allowed her to get to where she is today

Sharon Rea, owner, manager and special educational needs Advertorial coordinator for New View Nursery in Horsham, is studying part-time for her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood at Central Sussex College’s University Centre. Sharon said: “I first joined New View Nursery as a parent in 1993, with all three of my children enjoying their time there. In 2002, after my youngest child left, I joined the team, inspired by the care provided by the former nursery owner, Jean. Over the years that followed, I discovered a passion for child care and was able to study towards NVQs in childcare and nursery management. In 2008 I was given the opportunity to buy the business from Jean and focus on developing the nursery further. I enrolled at Central Sussex College to study a Foundation Degree in Early Years in 2010, attracted by the College’s locality, and impressed by the attitude

of the staff. The course was thought provoking and helped me to develop my ideas and understanding of early years practice further. The tutors were marvellous and helped me to build more confidence in myself and my vision for the nursery. After proudly graduating in 2012, I wanted to focus on the business, but with the encouragement of my tutors, and the incentive to learn from one of my favourite special needs and early years writers, I decided to continue. I started my degree in 2014 and haven’t looked back since! The course is more challenging than I expected and it tests my views on early years practice. It has already helped me to refine my business and, most beneficially, try new methods of engaging young people. The support I’ve received has been amazing, with a higher level of guidance than I have experienced anywhere else. I’d recommend the College to anyone looking to develop within the sector - I

also send my own staff there to train towards industry qualifications. In 2011, the nursery was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, a goal that my staff and I were all determined to reach and incredibly proud of achieving. Honestly, I don’t know whether we would have reached that milestone without the support and the education that myself and my team received from Central Sussex College.” For more information about how the University Centre at Central Sussex College can help you, visit www. centralsussex.ac.uk/universitycentre

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Chamber News

The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex Best4Biz Conference 2015 – “Adapt and Thrive”

Last year 200 business people from across the county met at Buxted Park Hotel to takeaway some great ideas to help their business grow and succeed in 2014/15. They rubbed shoulders with the Chief Exec and Leader of Wealden District Council, with the Director of Economic Development for East Sussex County Council and with the members of the many successful Chambers of Commerce in East Sussex. In addition they saw terrific keynote

speakers present on the digital business world and attended some relevant and useful breakout sessions. This year the theme is “Adapt and Thrive” and we will be looking at the amazing technological developments that will affect your business in the future, so save Friday 16th October in your diary. More details next month.

‘The Unusual Accountants’, McPhersons, sponsor DLWP Sunset Screenings The De La Warr Pavilion will once again be running the sunset screenings through the summer of 2015, in association with McPhersons. These free to attend screenings will showcase some of the classics such as E.T, Bugsy Malone and Indiana Jones and make a great night out. Starting on July 18th and going through to 29th August, the events are open to everyone.

These screenings will be even more special this year due to the De La Warr celebrating its 80th Anniversary. McPhersons also have a surprise up their sleeve for those attending. The directors have been busy on set filming their latest video which will be shown as a trailer before each film. There’s no prize for guessing which movie inspired them!

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 43

Chamber News

Apprentice Builds Career Local bricklayer Joe White, who works for building contractors Colbran & Wingrove, has taken the next step in building a successful career with completion of the NVQ Level 3 in bricklaying. This means Joe has now graduated to become a qualified bricklayer improver with the company. Joe joined the locally-based firm which operates across East Sussex in December 2013. Having already completed Level 1 via a full-time college course at Sussex Downs College, he secured the position with Colbran & Wingrove in order to learn other aspects of the building trade whilst completing his apprenticeship. To achieve the Level 2 & 3 NVQ Qualifications Joe attended college one day a week, spending the rest of the week working alongside Colbran &

Wingrove’s team of tradesmen to gain practical experience. Managing Director Russell Colbran said: “I am very pleased for Joe. He has worked hard and shown real enthusiasm to complete his apprenticeship. Joe has been a great addition to our team. He shows maturity and continues to improve his skills and grow into a rounded tradesman. I wish him all the best for his future with us.” Colbran & Wingrove Ltd are keen to invest time and training into the building trades people of the future and are passionate about engaging and developing new apprentices. If you feel you have what it takes to become part of the team please call Colbran & Wingrove. 01323 729025 www.colbrandwingrove.co.uk

Joe White

Wightman & Parrish Celebrates 100 Years In Business One hundred years ago, when King George V was on the throne and television hadn’t been invented, one Sussex company was beginning a journey which continues to this day. Wightman & Parrish (W&P) is now a leading supplier of healthcare and hygiene supplies, but when Frederick Parrish joined George Wightman to start the firm in Lewes in 1915, they were selling horseshoes and other ironmongery products to wheelwrights and blacksmiths across the county. The company has evolved to meet the changing needs of society and at one time had china shops and a builders’ merchant, but in more recent years, its core business has been in healthcare and hygiene. The firm is now in the fourth generation of the Parrish family and has grown to employ more than 100 employees with an annual turnover of £14m. With a warehouse and offices in Station Road Industrial Estate, Hailsham, W&P has in excess of 4,000 customers across the South East. Going into the family business became a popular choice and Frederick’s son Eric joined the company in 1922 aged 16. During his career with the company

44 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Wightman and Parrish - Michael Pam and Nicholas Parrish

he developed the building merchant side of the business, but retained the ironmongery side. Eric was well respected and was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Lewes in 1970, in recognition and appreciation for his services. His high profile roles included Mayor, Magistrate and Chair of Lewes Petty Sessional Division. It wasn’t only the men who joined the firm. When Eric served in the army during the Second World War, his mother Catherine stepped in to run the business. Grandson Michael joined in 1960 and

developed the retail side of the business, joined by his wife Pam a few years later to take care of pricing and payroll. A turning point came in 1968, when Sussex Police Authority established their headquarters in Lewes. Michael visited them to ask if W&P could quote for their business. “Although the job went out to tender and we didn’t know a thing about industrial cleaning products, we quoted and won the contract. That was the start of the business as we know it today,” he recalls. Thanks to this contract, by 1976 W&P had outgrown its Lewes premises. “We

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

in East Sussex

Chamber News

ACES

TR Fastenings - Best Profits for 10 Years

Battle Chamber of Commerce

(A Trifast Company)

www.battlechamber.org.uk

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.

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.

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 Wightman weeks Parrishfrom team their centenary dinner theatlarger industry market leaders. Their core values were “look By 2010 profitability started to recover, as did professional, be professional, provide the share price. outstanding service, sell on value rather than 77,athat regularlybolt goes out with couldn’t find a warehouse anywhere so cash aged In 2011 majorhe automotive the cheapest price, maintain dynamic was acquired Malaysia, Account Managers toinsay helloand to we relocated to Hailsham. Twelveand years management and motivate take care themanufacturer in May 2014 a leading domestic appliance of your staff”. customers and check they are happy with later we built new offices adjoining the

warehouse and we were very lucky in that W&P’s service. Looking to the future, W&P’s team all our staff came with us,” commented is facing the challenge of continuing to Michael, Chairman of W&P. provide a good level of service, while But you make your own luck and so remaining competitive against prices Michael Parrish pledged to pay for staff customers can find on the internet. transport because they’d relocated from Nicholas said: “The world and the Lewes to Hailsham and he honoured that speed of change is relentless; it’s getting pledge for 25 years until the last person faster and faster and therefore for our from Lewes retired. When Michael’s son Nicholas joined the business to succeed in the future, it’s important that we continue to keep those company in 1995, he led W&P into the healthcare equipment business. Ten years traits in place, embrace the changes and grasp all the opportunities that come our later he became Managing Director. Although W&P’s success is partly down way.” Michael sums up the success of the to adapting to customers’ changing Diamond MBE and Jim Barker business: “A company is only as good needs, the Malcolm firm also recognises the as the people it employs and we are importance of a strong workforce and In 1978, manufacturing of specialist screw business in Italy waslucky brought grateful and tointo employ works hard to develop and retain staff.fasteners extremely was started in Uckfield, with subsequent the Group. W&P still retains a fleet of 26 vans, and the people that we do. Their loyalty factories established in Northampton major customer 80’s. Telford in the andTR’s hard work has sectors takeninclude us into our which is unusual, and customer care is Automotive, Domestic Appliances, year.” so important tolate Michael now In the 80’s, IBMParrish, selected TR as their most centenary Electronics and Distributors – all of which are eligible component supplier to be trained in zero defect/on time deliveries to a new assembly facility that relied on “Just In Time” deliveries straight to their production line. Successful compliance led to TR being a single source supplier with IBM, which then attracted other major telecoms manufacturers to TR. The massive 1990’s surge in the electronics sector carried it to a full LSE listing as a PLC in 1994 named Trifast.

enjoying organic growth.

In June 2014, TR announced the best sales, profits and share price for a decade, now with 1,150 staff spread across 17 countries. Trifast Plc is based in Uckfield and along with TR’s sales, distribution and manufacturing facilities employs over 150 staff on site. As the largest local employer, the Company maintains close links with both the Uckfield of Commerce a founder member theChamber BEST4Biz Conference on Friday If you belong to one of the Chambers of By 2000, sales turnover peaked at £120m of the Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex 16th October 2015. Commerce in the panel on the right, or sales, and by 2001 three component (ACES) and the local Community College. Also, ACESis the hasmain a strong the FSB or IoD inhad East Sussex, youinare factories been established Singapore, The College annual voice providerwith of ‘A’ Malaysia and Taiwan, sales and Level candidates for TR’s Business local policy makers and2 year canNVQ lobby automatically a member of with ACES. distribution facilities in Southern Ireland, Apprenticeship scheme. on Studies your behalf to remove barriers to This means that you can share your Norway, Sweden, USA, Holland, Hungary and Despite is clearly business.global Just uncertainty call ACESthere on 01323 company China, newsplus in these SBT the Business eight around UK. a feeling amongst TR management and 641144 or check www.acesalliance. pages – without charge. Just email your The Company had become global by staff that there are grounds for cautious UK based multinational formerChamber the they future can continuing orgoptimism to see for how help.growth news itemfollowing to yourits local with a key customers to lower cost economies of their business as sales for year ended high resolution picture and they will pass March 2015 are forecast to reach overseas – mainly Asia and Central/ it on to the ACES press office. £150 million. Eastern Europe.

Aces Is The Alliance Of Chambers In East Sussex Linking 4,000 Business Members Across The County

Alternatively, if you would like to network with progressive business people from across the county, you can attend one of the varied ACES events or

www.acesalliance.org

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 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

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 45

Motoring

Test Drive SBT’s Simon Skinner reviews the new Renault Clio Dynamique S NAV TCE 90 Stop/Start

It’s with the thrill of the Twingo still a recent memory; the Stylish revisiting of my first days as a [legal] driver reminisced upon and the smell of a small, yet thrashed engine billowing around my nostrils, that I take delivery of the Clio Dynamique S. A mid-ranged Clio, and still one of the smaller cars in the current Renault line up, I’m almost as keen to get on the road with this as I was with its younger brother. The Dynamique has a 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and 1.5-litre diesel option, both producing around 89bhp. The petrol version has a sensible amount of punch from around the 2500rpm mark, but throw in a few inclines and you’ll need to start working the gears with some vigour. The drive itself is pretty good, although, if I’m honest, it doesn’t hold up to the equivalent Ford [Fiesta] or Volkswagen [Polo]. It’s not bad on the motorway and chews through relatively comfortable miles. It’s stable and, given the size of the engine, it’s fairly comfortable at speed. Higher-spec versions [than mine] come with a touch-screen that seems to pay homage to the latest generation of mobile devices on the market. It’s not the best set up in its class, but at least the Clio’s touch-screen is big

and simple to navigate. The space in the car isn’t half bad though really. There are roomier cars in the category, but the Clio is still big enough to let four adults travel in reasonable comfort. The boot’s a decent size, too, at 300 litres, and the rear seats split and fold 60/40 to provide extra load space. So far as standard kit goes, included are electric front windows, door mirrors, a USB port, Bluetooth, Hill Start Assist and keyless entry and ignition, but you’ll need to trade up to Dynamique Media Nav or above to get the infotainment touch-screen. Renault have made it possible to customise your Clio, thanks to various exterior and interior packs. These highlight different parts of the cabin and co-ordinate the colour of the dashboard with the upholstery and door panels. A nice idea, but I think that the ‘bling’ is better suited to the Twingo driver. Overall, I didn’t mind the Clio, but hand on heart, I would have to climb the range if I were to consider buying one; even if it were for the car pool. Sure, it’s economical, it’s not bad looking [with the Dynamique trim]. That said, the trim suggests a sportier car than you get with this model and you could find yourself ‘left at the lights’ on occasion.

“the Clio is still big enough to let four adults travel in reasonable comfort”

46 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Renault’s competitors have nailed this category better than they have if truth be told. I mean, why spend nearly 16 grand for this, when you can get a Polo R-Line for a little over?

Gearbox: 5 Speed manual Front wheel drive Economy: 68.2 mpg Top Speed: 113mph £15,675.00

Motoring

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 47

SBTMotoring News Looking Back At The Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Sussex has hosted one of the region’s largest and most successful events, this June. SBT takes a look at some of the highlights Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the world’s largest automotive garden party, set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring

LargestEver List Of International Stars Appear In Gas Arena

48 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

and motor sport take part, with some of the most legendary figures from the sport as well as international celebrities regularly attending. Highlights of the 2015 event, which took place on June 25-28, included the Moving Motor Show presented by the AA in association

with The Telegraph, Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Run, GAS Arena powered by TomTom Bandit Action Camera, Cartier ‘style-et-luxe’ concours d’elegance, Drivers’ Club presented by TAG Heuer, FOS Air presented by Shell and Bonhams auction.

Goodwood Action Sports [GAS] has become as much a part of the Festival of Speed as the iconic 1.16-mile Hill-climb and the Cartier ‘Style-et-Luxe’ lawn since its debut in 2011. The list of athletes in the GAS Arena read like an international who’s who of action sports that included legends from the world of Freestyle Motocross, BMX dirt, Trials and Mountain Bike. The calibre of athletes at last year’s event was staggering and 2015 was

no different. From the Czech Republic, performing for the second time, Petr Pilat is undoubtedly one of the best FMX riders in the world with an arsenal of jaw-dropping tricks that stuns audiences. “Last year at GAS we had such an awesome time, great weather, great people and such an unbelievable event… I am stoked to be invited back,” he said. Pilat performed this year alongside some of the world’s most talented riders: Britain’s Jamie Squibb , Australian Steve

Motoring News

Sommerfeld , German Lukas Weiss and the youngest ever FMX backflipper, Lucas Ackerman from Germany. Australian hero Ryan Brown will also make his debut at GAS alongside Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, the UK’s Dan Whitby. Ex-World Champion and all-round BMX legend, Britain’s Kye Forte will head the strongest list of riders ever to grace Goodwood, which include X Games hero Chris Doyle, his US countryman Anthony Napolitan, and British aces Ben Wallace,

Harry Main, Tom Justice Leo Forte, Matt Roe, and Mountain Biker Matt Jones. And of course GAS wouldn’t be GAS without Goodwood’s long standing legend, multiple Trials World Champion, Dougie Lampkin MBE. As well as performing in the main GAS Arena, Lampkin – along with Alexz Wigg – these kings of balance showcased their incredible skills in ‘Pop-Up’ GAS shows around the venue all weekend along with two of the UK’s top MTB trials stars: Chris Doney and Andy P.

Infiniti ‘Shapes The Future’ At Goodwood Festival Of Speed Infiniti’s design studio moved temporarily to Sussex for this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, offering visitors to the popular event an exclusive glimpse of its future line-up, welcoming them to see their new concept on all four days of the festival. Infiniti designers’ latest concept models – two of them never seen in the UK before – took centre stage on the Infiniti display. As the first time the trio were displayed together, it provided a unique view of the new models in the fast-expanding Infiniti range - fittingly the display is entitled: ‘Infiniti Shapes The Future’. “Design is at the heart of everything Infiniti does and our concept models are famous for their boldness and seductive appeal,” said Francois Goupil De Bouille, VP for EMEA. Q60 Concept previews an elegant new

sporting 2+2 coupe. Q80 Inspiration, being shown at Goodwood in a special display version of the concept, shows off the future of Infiniti with a superluxury four-door fastback. And the QX30 Concept offers a foretaste of how its production version will look when it comes out next year. Infiniti is currently seeing record sales increases in the UK. The QX30 active crossover will be

launched shortly after Infiniti’s first ever entry into the compact segment, the Q30 active compact, which will go on sale in Europe at the end of this year. Infiniti’s Festival of Speed stand also showcased Infiniti designers’ racing dreams with a scale model of the Infiniti GT Vision Gran Turismo, a ‘virtual’ racer designed for the Gran Turismo®6 (GT6™) game.

Four New Jaguars Debut At Goodwood 2015

In a year of exciting new product launches, Jaguar unveiled four new cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed The world premiere of the recently announced, enhanced Jaguar XJ range on the Jaguar Land Rover stand was this year, marked by the debut appearance of a very special version of British marque’s flagship luxury car, the Jaguar XJR Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) for Bloodhound SSC. Jaguar is a technical partner of the

Bloodhound Project and visitors to the famous British motorsport festival this year saw both the XJR and F-TYPE R Coupé versions of Bloodhound SSC Rapid Response Vehicles take on the Goodwood Hill in spectacular style. Visitors to the Jaguar Land Rover stand were able to try out the new Bloodhound SSC driving experience and take part

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 49

SBTMotoring News in a live track experience of F-TYPE, accompanied by a pro driver. On the stand, Jaguar presented a number of firsts including the international debut of the enhanced XJ luxury car and the UK debut of the all-new XF executive saloon. Highlights of the new XJ, which will be available to order from Jaguar UK retailers from this autumn, include the new InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system offering door-todoor navigation, seamless iOS and Android connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot and 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian Digital Reference audio system. The enhanced XJ will be available to specify with an updated 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine developing an impressive 300PS/700Nm. The Jaguar RRVs was joined on the Goodwood Hill by the first production version of the new F-TYPE Project 7, the exciting new 340PS, 3.0-litre Jaguar XE S, and a selection of Jaguar’s most iconic heritage cars including XJ13, Group 44 E-type, Long Nose D-type, TWR XJS and Broadspeed XJ12C.

Moving Motor Show Hosts Global Peugeot Launches Peugeot took this year’s Goodwood Moving Motor Show, in its sixth year, to host the global and European debuts of two brand new cars. The new 308 performance model made its world premiere at the show, as one of the main static features on the French marque’s Goodwood stand while the muscular, 500bhp 308 R HYbrid made its European bow. Visitors to the Moving Motor Show were able to book drives up the famous Goodwood Hill Climb course in three of Peugeot’s newest and most exciting models – the 308 GT 205 THP Hatchback, 308 GT Line PureTech 1.2-litre and the nippy 208 ‘GTi by Peugeot Sport’. Goodwood Festival of Speed and Moving Motor Show founder, Lord March, said: “Since we launched the Moving Motor Show in 2010, it has gone from strength to strength and the fact that major manufacturers like Peugeot are now using it to host global reveals is testament to how far the event has already come.”

50 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Goodwood Visitors: First To See New Bmw 3 Series

BMW brought the new version of its 3 Series Saloon offering visitors the chance to be among the first to see it ahead of its official arrival in the UK next month

Regularly among the top-selling cars in the UK, a company car staple, the BMW 3 Series has been substantially updated for 2015, now with exterior styling changes but a focus firmly on making a more involving and agile driving experience. The latest iteration of the 3 Series was on show as a static display at the BMW Pavilion stand and visitors had ‘sneak preview’ of the eagerly-anticipated car. Visitors at the Moving Motor Show took

test drives in two of BMW’s most recent range additions and saw the new 3 Series. BMW had a host of other models too on its Pavilion stand including: the new 2016 M6, M135i, BMW i8 and 2 Series Grand Tourer. BMW had three of its most iconic racing cars running up the 1.16-mile Hillclimb at the Festival– the BMW McLaren F1 GTR Longtail, the F2 March 782 and the E92 M3 GT2 American Le Mans Series car, as well as the electric i8.

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MICHELLE MONE: ‘MY FIGHT TO THE TOP’

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Introducing Berforts

Berforts in Hastings offers all the facilities you need to achieve a finished print, from hard back books to business cards Berforts is a printing company that offers professional Advertorial book, journal, brochure, catalogue, magazine and newsletter printing. The company, with offices based in Hastings, Oxford, Kings Lynn and Stevenage, was founded in 1964, and they can provide Litho and Digital printing technology at their offices. Gerald White, CEO of Berforts was recently voted as President of the BPIF – British Printing Industries Federation. What else do Berforts offer clients? They also offer services for printing business cards, letterheads, envelopes and content for ad agencies, independent companies and, sometimes, personal prints, such as invitations or biographies. Additionally, they offer a mailing service, so that the process is kept under one roof from design to mail out. Do they just deal with clients in the UK? Their commercial arm reaches further than Sussex and even further than the UK, to European countries such as

52 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Belgium and the Netherlands. One of their biggest clients is the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) in Amsterdam, who they have been collaborated with for over 25 years. Berforts print journals for IBFD monthly, and print books to add to the company’s vast library of publications on taxation – one of the biggest in the world. What is IBFD? The purpose of IBFD is to supply information concerning tax law (the application of) and to stimulate the development of tax science. They are relied on for independent tax research, international tax information, education and government consultancy. What do Berforts do for them? Berforts have a strong relationship with IBFD, having worked with them for years. They not only print books and taxation journals for them, but also have a storage and distribution service agreement with them – certain publications are printed, packed and dispatched for IBFD from the printing offices. Another strong business connection is with Indicator FL Memo LTD Publishing in

www.berforts.co.uk

“Their commercial arm reaches further than Sussex and even further than the UK, to European countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands”

Belgium, another far reaching commercial client. Berforts print weekly and monthly leaflets for Indicator FL Memo LTD on various topics advising company owners on legal, health and safety and tax issues among other things, making sure they are kept up to date on the industry news. This is another strong business bond, having worked with Berforts for 8 years. Their professionalism, efficiency and customer care is highlighted in these longstanding relationships with clients, of which they have a diverse spread. Any printing job you need doing, you can trust in Berforts to get it done smoothly and quickly.

Berforts Ltd if you’re buying print, please make sure you talk to us

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17 Burgess Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4NR. Tel: 01424 722733. Fax: 01424 721777 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 53 Email: sales@berfort.co.uk · www.berforts.co.uk

Hotel Review:

Blanch House Blanch House Brighton

Address: 17 Atlingworth Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PL Telephone: 01273 603504 Email: info@blanchhouse.co.uk Web: www.blanchhouse.co.uk/

54 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Blanch House Hotel immediately struck me as a Review place abundant in customer care on all levels, comfort to a high standard and a welcoming presence. I rang the doorbell and was greeted by the owners themselves, Jeremy and Kerry, who had kindly invited me to stay at the hotel for this review and attend their monthly Supper Club event that evening. They are evidently very proud of what they have achieved with the hotel since its beginnings in 2011, explaining that after they bought it, they carried out a complete refurbishment of the hotel from the top down - obvious

from my lovely top floor room, the Galaxy Suite. Although the décor in the hallway wasn’t much to look at, my room was delightfully spacious, pristinely clean, modern (yet still with the essential ‘Brighton’-like character) and comfortable. The interior designer, Kate Mckenzie later explained to me that the aim of the rooms – which are all different – is to provide guests with the luxury and special treatment they desire from a hotel stay combined with the feeling of ultimate comfort and ease. Everything in my room was well thought out: functional and convenient yet not too simple. The bed was very large and acted as a statement in the room, as did the wide window

opposite, looking out on to a quirky side street of Kemp Town. The Supper Club is a monthly event for members of the Blanch House Business Club, launched in 2013, involving an evening on fine dining, talks from guest speakers and an opportunity to network or share ideas with other passionate business leaders from in and around Brighton. This is something of an exclusive club, formed through invite or referral only. This made my joining even more of a novelty. This month, the guest speakers were Mike Gilson, Editor of The Argus Group, and Mark Thompson, Account Manager at Moet Hennessy UK. The evening gave me my first taste of Moet Chandon and I was not disappointed! I was handed a name badge and a glass of wine, and an evening of lively conversation broke out. Some whom I talked to were newcomers also, and others came on a more regular basis. I quickly began to believe everything Jeremy had told me - this was more of a ‘get together’ of like-minded individuals than a business club. We were all moved in to the Belle Époque Suite, where we would be eating our three-course meal, but not before we had more champagne. We were introduced to the Champagne industry, what we would be tasting over the evening, and how the product is made before being served a range of delicious champagnes and sparkling wine, including a vintage Moet and a rosé too. For starter, I had mozzarella bonbons with copious amounts of garlic and tomato and basil sauce. The vintage Moet was absolutely divine and went particularly well with the Turbot fillet with risotto and mushrooms served for the main course. The dessert, a strawberry ‘assiette’, accompanied by a sparkling wine and quickly followed by the rosé champagne, was very well presented and tasty. My stay was comfortable and undisturbed, and after my deep nights sleep, I went downstairs to the same room as I had spent my evening in the night before to enjoy my breakfast. The menu was small but certainly enough to choose from. Naturally, I went for the full English breakfast with scrambled eggs, which was an ideal sized portion and was simple, still clearly with a large amount of effort put into it. I was also able to admire the room a

bit more than I had done previously and appreciated the balance they had struck between business and pleasure, luxury and comfort all the more. Upon my time to check out, I felt a longing to stay, which is not something I often feel at a hotel. Blanch House encompasses the style, culture, character and easy, feel-good attitude of Brighton whilst still upholding an elegance and luxury. If I get the chance, I will certainly be venturing back to Blanch House, and I would be delighted to be invited back to a Supper Club also. www.blanchhouse.co.uk/

“the aim of the rooms is to provide guests with the luxury and special treatment they desire from a hotel stay combined with the feeling of ultimate comfort and ease” www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 55

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Connecting the Community Eastbourne EBP has an exciting year ahead for improving social and economic growth for the next generation Eastbourne Education Business Partnership Ltd Insight (Eastbourne EBP) is an independent organisation that seeks to deliver work-related activities to encourage economic and social growth and prosperity in Eastbourne and Hailsham. Eastbourne EBP encourages the creation of informed links between schools, colleges, businesses and the community that enrich the curriculum, contextualises learning and helps students to develop relevant employability skills for their working lives. The Chair of Eastbourne EBP, Dr Steven Goss-Turner writes, “Eastbourne EBP is a striking example of an initiative which provides the medium for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.” The impact that this organisation has on the local community is reflected in the unwavering enthusiasm of students, teachers and business leaders for the links between them that have been created, and the opportunities that have been brought to them. Eastbourne EBP works closely with Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce and Eastbourne Borough Council to help broker partnership support and contribute to workforce planning. This year is an exciting year for Eastbourne EBP. They are celebrating 30 years since being founded, with an event to mark the occasion in September

(information to come), plus they are counting down to the 15th year of the Youth Radio, broadcast from studios at Sussex Downs College between 18th and 20th November 2015 on 87.7 fm locally or on their website: www.eyr.org. uk Eastbourne Youth Radio (EYR) is a project involving over 2000 young people aged 5-19 from 25 schools and colleges in and around Eastbourne. For this celebration, representatives from businesses and the local community will be taking part also. EYR was recognised with a Global Entrepreneurship Week High Impact Award for the sixth year running in 2014 and won the ‘Services to Education’ category at the 2013 Eastbourne Achievers Awards. EYR is constantly on the look out for sponsorship, and they can provide various programme sponsorship opportunities with rates that range from £175 - £400 including: on-air promotion, website advertising, mention in press releases, an invitation to be interviewed, an advert in the 8-page Herald supplement published on Friday 13th November and an invitation to the EYR hospitality event. Everyone involved in EYR show huge enthusiasm for the programme, especially the children: “I’ve never done anything outside normal lessons before, but I took part in EYR and thought it was fabulous.” - Secondary School Student

“It was awesome! We really enjoyed it. I was nervous at first, but then I relaxed and it was a great experience. It was good to work as part of a team” – Primary School Student. “EYR inspires our students to be professional, focussed, creative and organised. It results in excellent grades for this part of the course.” - College Lecturer “Long may EYR continue; it is firmly fixed in our curriculum now and the pupils love to be a part of the event.” - Primary School Headteacher

Contact Tim Sorensen on 07890 388 624 or email tim@sorenlearningsolutions.co.uk Visit our website: www.eastbourneebp.org.uk www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

A World Class Manufacturer KJLC® opens new manufacturing facility due to high demand for quality vacuum products

“Expansion will enable KJLC® to support the high demand for quality vessels and components across Europe”

58 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Due to increased demand The Kurt J. Lesker Company® Advertorial has announced the expansion for specialty manufacturing at its European Headquarters, based in Hastings East Sussex. Further investment will allow KJLC® additional resource creating a dedicated manufacturing team, specialising in the fabrication of stainless steel and aluminium products for vacuum applications. The strategy being to replicate the current US manufacturing division, to become Europe’s largest vacuum manufacturing facility. In order for KJLC® Ltd to see growth

in Europe it is a necessity for the UK based manufacturing operation to expand. KJLC® currently produces Electrical Feedthroughs, Liquid Feedthroughs, and custom components onsite and subcontracts large scale manufacturing services from either their US parent company or from local manufacturing organisations. Expansion will enable KJLC® to support the high demand for quality vessels and components across Europe. Additional capital equipment will provide the capability to machine a 1mtr³ at competitive prices and faster lead times. Paul Hawes – European Manufacturing Co-ordinator states: “The expansion of European Manufacturing

has brought a buzz of excitement to the business and our local town. There is a natural pool of vacuum manufacturing talent within the town, which has now given the Kurt J. Lesker Company the opportunity to capture these skills and drive business forward. My aim is to create a manufacturing team that will become a global centre of excellent for the group; team work, driven by lean processes will ensure we meet this expectation.” Founded in 1954, as a regional distributor of vacuum components the Kurt J. Lesker Company® has grown into a highly recognised global organisation supporting the high- and ultrahigh vacuum markets. Customers include Universities, Government labs, Synchrotron rings, defence organisations as well as OEM and

Industrial accounts including those from semiconductor, photovoltaic, LED and optic industries. The new European facility will offer 5 axis, high precision machining with TiG welding, ultrasonic cleaning, FARO® arm inspection and vacuum bakeout in order to manufacture to the highest of standards. With over 30 years of manufacturing expertise KJLC® provides the highest quality products as shown through their ISO90012008 certification. With an extremely skilled team of engineers using the latest CAD design software and tools. Expert project management ensure ongoing consultation throughout the development cycle, providing production schedules and accurate lead times. The Kurt J. Lesker Company offer

“Kurt J. Lesker Company® has grown into a highly recognised global organisation supporting the high and ultra-high vacuum market”

customers a wide range of chambers from standard spherical with a variety of configurations and sizes to suit the customers’ needs. Standard chambers can be modified through the online Chamber Builder™. Box, Cylindrical and bell jar chambers are manufactured from 304 SS, with a range of vacuum accessories, all compatable at HV UHV levels for clean room environment. KJLC® has built a reputation as a world class distributor of quality vacuum products, with a wealth of technical expertise and renowned service solutions in the vacuum industry. KJLC® is achieving their mission of; Enabling Technology for a Better World.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 59

Supporting Opportunities for Sussex Sport Sussex based business, City Gym Express and Sussex Business Times Magazine have teamed up with Eastbourne Rugby Academy in a bid to help raise funds for their all important tour in 2016

With the Rugby World Cup taking place in September this year, Funding Eastbourne RFC are doing all they can to encourage more young people to play the game, keeping their fitness up and staying active. James Newton has been appointed Head Coach of their new Academy, which combines the U15, U16 and U17 teams. Thanks to the following companies The Academy is aimed squarely at encouraging young players for their help in the design, print and to move forward to a level they production of this leaflet feel comfortable with, or even further, in a positive reinforced environment. James explained to SBT that: “They will go through an advanced training cycle with the aim based on creating not only more advanced rugby players but better people as well. The training cycle will include game management, nutrition, strength and conditioning and physiological awareness of a rugby player”. Mike Chapman, Eastbourne RFC Junior Chairman and U15’s Lead Coach has followed their progress since 2009, and witnessed a coming of age on tour in Poole in 2013. When all odds were

against them, they trounced a Surrey division one side to win the Festival. The team have been champions of the Torbay 2014 South Coast Festival of Rugby and were winners of the 2014 East Grinstead Sunshine 7s Festival just to name a few successes. Four players have also been selected for the Harlequins Developing Player

“Sponsoring sporting events, presents some great opportunities for branding and exposure for regional businesses”

60 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Programme and another four for the Sussex County U15 squad. Needless to say, the development of this team has been remarkable and Eastbourne RFC and the Academy believe they can reach their full potential with the invaluable experience that an overseas tour will give the young players – something that can only be made a reality with funding. Mike is campaigning for help to raise funds for this 2016 tour to further

improve their skills. He explained that: “Touring has been the making of this team and I am confident that these players are County Champions in waiting… What we need is local financial backing, so anything that we can encourage Sussex based businesses to do, to support the tour in 2016 will enable this excellent group of players to fulfill their considerable potential”. All players, parents and coaches are taking part in a wide and diverse range of fundraising events across Eastbourne and the wider region, including cake stalls, quiz nights, sponsored team events, bag packing in supermarkets, raffle prize draws, penny collection boxes and many more. A proportion of the funds raised will also be put towards ensuring that all their players can be a part of the tour and benefit from the invaluable experience they’ll gain, by helping parents and players who may have limited funds. In addition to this community fundraising, the Academy has teamed up with City Gym Express and Sussex Business Times itself for corporate sponsorship. With the success of the rugby Six Nations and the World Cup just around the corner, sponsoring rugby

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