Sussex Business Times - Issue 400 2016

SBT ISSUE 400 FREE

400

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

TRADING PLACES: WE NOW LOOK AT HOW A BREXIT VOTE MIGHT AFFECT THE UK’S IMPORT AND EXPORT SERVICES

EXPERT

ADVICE FROM LOCAL SUSSEX BUSINESSES

+ WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NISSAN PULSAR

CHOOSING THE PERFECT OFFICE SPACE

DISCOVER WHY BUSINESSES THRIVE IN MANAGED OFFICES BASEPOINT OFFERS HIGH QUALITY WORKSPACES TO LET, INCLUDING SERVICED AND MANAGED OFFICES, WHILST ALSO OFFERING EXCELLENT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES, ALLOWING START-UP BUSINESSES TO GET THE RIGHT FOUNDATIONS TO GROW. SEE PAGE 34.

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

ISSUE

EST. 1975

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SBTWelcome MEET THE TEAM

Lee Mansfield, Managing Director/ Publisher

Simon Skinner, Clare Fermor, Group Director/Editor Operation Director

Jenny Ardagh, Deputy Editor

Thomas Allen, Features Editor

James Marchant PR Account Manager

Lou Dobson, Sales

Elliott Mansfield, Sales

Geoff Diamond, Sales

Harriet Weston, Production Manager

Amy Watson, Amelia Wellings, Production Designer Financial Controller

CONTRIBUTORS

Matthew Tyson, Managing Director, Richard Place Dobson

Clive Janes, Owner of CRJ Lettings and Author of the Chichester Property News

James Stoner, Founder, JSPC

We’re very happy to this month be celebrating this, our 400th issue of Sussex Business Times! That’s 400 times we have provided you, the reader, with all the latest and biggest news in the local and national business community – pretty impressive huh?

Alongside this big milestone, there are also some pretty big topics being thrown around in business, politics and finance at the moment. The EU referendum is getting closer and closer, and the possibility of a Brexit vote is becoming more and more real. Last month we looked at generally what that would mean, and this month we focus on how export and import may be affected should we leave the EU. Equally, David Cameron has come under large scrutiny in the past month over his father’s involvement in tax avoidance. This month, we discuss offshore tax havens – what the issue is and how we can go about tackling it.

In the technological world, we sometimes forget that the small things go a long way. Equally, more traditional approaches are sometimes better than our more sophisticated, modern approach, especially within customer service in retail. Read on for an overview of the changes that have occurred in customer service over the years – should we embrace technology or in fact be focusing on the more traditional tactics?

Elsewhere, we look at some of the top events in Sussex this month, including the Big Futures Show at the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne, bringing 14 and 15 year olds all the information they need on their future careers. Our health section looks at the importance of posture in the workplace and we review Buxted Park hotel.

Enjoy your 400th May read!

Duncan Swift, Partner & Head of Food Advisory Group, Moore Stephens LLP

Rebecca Gattinesi Regional Manager, Basepoint Business Centres

Christina Ewbank, ACES Facilitator

Jenny Ardagh - Deputy Editor

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3

SBTContents

Issue 400

SBT ISSUE 400 FREE

ISSUE

400 EST. 1975

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

TRADING PLACES: WE NOW LOOK AT HOW A BREXIT VOTE MIGHT AFFECT THE UK’S IMPORT AND EXPORT SERVICES

EXPERT

ADVICE FROM LOCAL SUSSEX BUSINESSES

+ WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NISSAN PULSAR

CHOOSING THE PERFECT OFFICE SPACE

DISCOVER WHY BUSINESSES THRIVE IN MANAGED OFFICES BASEPOINT OFFERS HIGH QUALITY WORKSPACES TO LET, INCLUDING SERVICED AND MANAGED OFFICES, WHILST ALSO OFFERING EXCELLENT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES, ALLOWING START-UP BUSINESSES TO GET THE RIGHT FOUNDATIONS TO GROW. SEE PAGE 34.

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

Cover: Rebecca Gattinesi - Regional Manager Basepoint Business Centres www.basepoint.co.uk Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Group Director/Editor: Simon Skinner simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 017 Operations Director: Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Sales: Lou Dobson lou@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Elliott Mansfield elliott@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Geoff Diamond geoff@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 013 Deputy Editor: Jenny Ardagh jenny@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 011 Features Editor: James Marchant james@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819019 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 2016 ©

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

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News

View the latest local and national business headlines.

Spending it

Discover 3 great ways to help you own the watch of your dreams this May with W.Bruford.

Finance: A Real Alternative for SMEs

SBT looks at alternative finance and whether the scheme is really all it’s cracked up to be.

EU: Trading Places

Having taken a look last month at how leaving the EU might affect businesses in general, we now look at how a Brexit vote might affect the UK’s import and export services.

Tax Havens

SBT takes a closer look at the latest aspect of ‘the tax world’ to come under the spotlight: tax havens.

Cover Feature: Basepoint Business Centres

Basepoint offers high quality workspaces to let, including serviced and managed offices, whilst also offering excellent networking opportunities, allowing start-up businesses to get the right foundations to grow.

Green Business

SBT has a look at what support is available and why businesses should endeavour to embrace sustainable development.

Sussex Business Events

Students from across Sussex were given the opportunity to gain an insight into the many different avenues at the Big Futures Show.

Tried and Tested in Sussex

Features Editor, James Marchant took the opportunity to visit Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield this month. Here, he describes his luxury experience for the leisure and business traveller.

Chamber News

All the latest news and events from ACES.

Motoring

Simon Skinner reviews the Nissan Pulsar and the Volvo V60 Cross Country.

Ask the Experts

Local Sussex business experts advise on relevant issues.

Made in Sussex

This month’s home grown hero is Koru Architects.

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SBTLocal News Two Leading Sussex Law Firms Announce Merger Worthing and Horshambased Coole & Haddock will join forces with Woolley Bevis Diplock LLP – whose offices are in Brighton and Hove – to create the firm of Coole Bevis LLP. The newly formed practice will retain their four offices spanning East and West Sussex.

Stephen Loosemore, of Coole & Haddock said: “We’re excited by the prospect of widening our presence in the county and beyond. The main goal of the merger is to offer all the benefits that accompany size with the personal service associated with the best smaller firms.”

Richard Edmondson, of Woolley Bevis Diplock LLP added: ‘We’re pleased to have found in Coole & Haddock a firm with a similar culture and management style to our own.

Sussex Manufacturers Facing Uncertain Future The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey has suggested that growth in the UK economy continued to soften in the first quarter, with most key survey indicators either static or decreasing.

Ana Christie, Chief Executive, Sussex Chamber of Commerce, said: “The results for the Sussex region show a different picture when compared to the national results.

Manufacturers are reporting a decline in sales, orders and exports.

They are also facing difficulties in recruiting skilled or technical people or filling professional and managerial positions.

The services sector has however seen an increase in sales, orders and exports. Employment opportunities are increasing and turnover, as well as profitability has improved.”

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Morgan Sindall’s Support For Local Children’s Charity Local children’s charity Rockinghorse has benefitted from a number of donations made by the Morgan Sindall Group.

The construction and infrastructure arm of the company, which has an office on Dyke Road Drive in Brighton, has donated a total of £50,000 to Rockinghorse in the last two years.

They raised funds through a number of staff initiatives, including; dress-down Fridays, summer sports days, black tie dinner events and their ‘Chittick Challenge’ quiz nights. Morgan Sindall also chose to donate money from projects that are perfectly delivered, providing an extra boost to the charity.

Rockinghorse is the official fundraising

arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. They raise money for items necessary to every child’s treatment; from furnishings and toys for the wards through to cutting-edge diagnostic machines and life-saving medical equipment.

Coffin Mew Announces New Appointment And Several Staff Promotions Law firm, Coffin Mew has promoted one of its Brighton-based solicitors and appointed three new partners after another year of steady growth.

Coffin Mew, recently placed eighth nationally in the list of best managed firms over the past three years, has renewed its commitment to rewarding those who make a difference to the firm and drive it into new areas.

Managing Partner Miles Brown said:

“We are extremely proud to appoint and promote these hard working individuals.

We are passionate about rewarding talent and recognising the team members who make a significant difference to the firm.”

He continued: “With a strong drive for growth and planned acquisitions for the next 12 months, we are working to ensure there are great staffing structures in place for another year of expansion.”

Appointment to Bring New Approach for Leading IT Provider

IT infrastructure solution and support provider PAV i.t. services has appointed PMW Communications Ltd to undertake a bespoke marketing strategy on their behalf following a competitive seven way pitch.

PMW Communications’ remit will include a multifaceted marketing plan to reach new and existing customers through the provision of PR, social media and online marketing as well as enhancing the existing website.

Jason Fry, Managing Director at PAV I.T. services, said: “The IT industry is increasingly competitive and ever changing so we wanted to work with a company that would not only offer us flair, flexibility and creativity, but also challenge us to see beyond our original brief.

“PMW surpassed our expectations demonstrating their individuality and originality as well as their shared ethos for building relationships based on trust and respect. We look forward to working with them.”

SBTLocal News Headhunters Stelfox Receive Royal Nod for International Trade Brighton-based pharmaceutical search firm, Stelfox has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding contribution to international trade.

Regarded as the most prestigious business accolade in the country, Stelfox has been recognised in the International Trade category in this, the scheme’s 51st anniversary.

This year’s award organisers also recognised Stelfox’s ongoing commitment to international development, including their expanding operations into Asia and EMEA, and a new office in Basel, Switzerland in 2016.

Steve Kerassitis, Stelfox Managing Director, said: “The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a huge accolade and I’m incredibly proud of the team for receiving such prestigious recognition in the international trade category.

In recognition of their award, the Stelfox Management Team, including Managing Director Steve Kerassitis and Director Anna Pak Poy have been invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in July. Stelfox will be formally presented with their award when an emissary of the Queen visits their Brighton HQ later in the year.

Another Success Story For Brighton’s ‘Silicon Beach’ Graphite Digital, a digital consultancy which operates globally, has seen significant growth in the last year, having doubled in size with 12 new hires and a move to larger offices on Brighton’s seafront.

To accommodate its expanding workforce, Graphite has made the short journey from Kensington Street to Olivier House, opposite the Brighton Wheel. The agency has welcomed five new staff in 2016 alone, bringing the total head count to 24, compared to just 12 this time last year.

The consultancy credits its growth to its staff and developing work with Costa Coffee, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and fashion retailer Uniqlo.

Graphite Managing Director, Rob Verheul said: “I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved over the past few years.

I attribute our growth and success to the strength of our people and our drive to create powerful and innovative digital experiences for our clients.”

Lewes Chamber of Commerce announces New President

On Wednesday 13th April, Lewes Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Pelham House in Lewes where Clare Crouch, of hrscreative, having been Vice-President for the past year was elected to the position of President for the coming year.

Clare commented on her new position: “It is a great honour to be elected President of Lewes Chamber of Commerce. The past year as VicePresident has been a very enjoyable year for me. It’s been great meeting so many new people through the networking and business events and learning so much more about Lewes, the people and the businesses that make it what it is. David has set a high benchmark over the past four years and I look forward to following in his footsteps. I am delighted that David has decided to remain active within the Chamber and I relish working with him and the rest of the Lewes Chamber Executive Committee. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to represent members moving forward as President.”

High Profile Appointment at DMH Stallard Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology Solicitor, James Martin, previous Director at Fieldfisher law firm, has joined top 100 law firm DMH Stallard LLP. Tim Ashdown, Senior Litigation Partner at DMH Stallard, said: “This is a really exciting appointment and one that reflects our ever increasing presence in the market in London and across the south east.”

James said: “It is an incredibly exciting

time to be joining DMH Stallard following the firm’s recent mergers in both Guildford and London. DMH Stallard is already recognised as a leading firm for IP in the South East and, with the importance of IP continually on the rise for businesses of all shapes

and sizes as the digital economy grows, I look forward to working with my new colleagues across the offices in building upon the firm’s excellent reputation and to ensure DMH Stallard is recognised as a go-to firm for intellectual property protection and enforcement advice.”

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

SBTNational News BT to Invest Billions More on Fibre, 4G and Customer Service

BT have announced a further wave of investment to help the UK remain the leading digital nation in the G20. Its Openreach and EE businesses will, between them spend around six billion pounds in capital expenditure over the next three years in the first phase of a plan to extend superfast broadband and 4G coverage beyond 95 per cent of the country by 2020.

BT Group Chief Executive, Gavin Patterson said: “The UK is a digital leader today and it is vital that it remains one in the future. That is why we are announcing a further six billion pounds of investment in our UK networks, subject to regulatory certainty.

“Networks require money and a lot of it. Virgin and BT have both pledged to invest and we will now see if others follow our lead.”

HSBC Launches £10 Billion Fund to Support UK SMEs HSBC has launched a £10 billion lending fund to support SMEs in the UK. The fund is the largest package of support to be announced by HSBC for UK SMEs. HSBC’s Head of UK Commercial Banking, Ian Stuart said: “SMEs are the lifeblood of the UK economy and at HSBC we are committed to providing the finance and support they need to realise their business goals. The launch of the £10bn fund signals our aspiration to lend more to UK SMEs of all sizes.

Small Business Minister, Anna Soubry said: “We have a record number of small businesses driving our growing economy and while the picture is improving, access to finance remains an issue for many of them. It’s absolutely right that banks such as HSBC continue to develop their support for smaller businesses.”

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Apprenticeship Provider Sees Shopping On Mobile Toa 63% TopIncrease £53bnin Apprenticeship Take-up Over the Past Year

By 2024

Positive Outcomes, a governmentfunded training and apprenticeships provider, has revealed a 63% increase in apprenticeship placements for 16 to 18-year olds during the period from March 2015 to March 2016.

The company analysed its apprenticeship placement statistics over the last 12 months, revealing a significant increase in placements. Kelly Ball, joint MD of Positive Outcomes, said: “63% reflects the huge surge in apprenticeships we’ve been encountering over the past few months as an organisation and suggests apprenticeships are becoming ever more popular as an educational career path.”

Positive Outcomes recently conducted research which

demonstrated there were still some issues with apprenticeship awareness, but also revealed that 77% of apprentices go on to receive an offer of full-time employment.

Kelly concluded: “While there’s still work to be done around apprenticeships, our improving figures are an indicator that young people and employers are beginning to grasp how beneficial apprenticeships are.”

Demand for London Offices Weathering Brexit Uncertainty Demand for office space in London remained robust through the traditionally quiet first quarter, according to global real estate advisor CBRE. 3.1 million sq. ft. of the capital’s offices was snapped up by companies, despite fears that economic headwinds and the possibility of Brexit could dampen demand.

The 3.1 million sq. ft. is only marginally below the 10 year average of 3.2 million.

Emma Crawford, Head of Central London Leasing, CBRE said: “Between a weak outlook for global economic growth and an upcoming vote on EU membership, businesses have had to contend with a heightened level of uncertainty. That demand for office space has remained so resilient speaks volumes for London’s ongoing attractiveness as a global hub for those companies hoping to lay down roots or expand their footprint in the capital.”

Mums on the Buses Boost the UK Economy NatWest is supporting mum entrepreneurs (Mumpreneurs) by lending its iconic purple branded bus to the Mumpreneurs Networking Club as they do a whistle stop tour of 4 UK locations in May: Guildford, Brighton, Kingston and Portsmouth.

The Mumpreneur economy (businesses run by mothers with children under 18) generated £7.2bn for the UK economy in 2014 supporting over 200,000 jobs. That figure is predicted to rise to £9.5bn by 2025 according to research carried out

by EBay. The goal for the bus tour is to inspire

more mothers to start their own businesses, to offer support and advice to those running businesses and to showcase some excellent examples of successful Mumpreneurs who will inspire the ‘bus tour ticket holders.’

The Mumpreneurs Networking Club Bus Tour, sponsored by DotUK starts on May 16th in Guildford, May 17th in Kingston, May 25th in Brighton and May 26th in Portsmouth. Each tour starts from 10am to 4pm and has a packed agenda covering off all aspects of running a business with advisors (who are mumpreneurs) giving free advice sessions.

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ENDS 31st MAY

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Money Matters

A Real Alternative for SMEs

With the government launching new regulations that will supposedly make it easier for SMEs to access financial support, SBT looks at alternative finance and whether the scheme is really all it’s cracked up to be

“The government has named 9 designated banks and 3 credit reference agencies (CRAs) to disclose SMEs credit information (with their permission) equally to all finance providers in order for the competition to increase within the SME lending market”

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Launched at the beginning of April, the government’s Finance new SME credit data sharing scheme provides a welcome boost to small and medium businesses looking towards alternative finance options. The new regulations will require banks - including RBS, Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays, Santander, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, Bank of Ireland, Danske Bank and First Trust Bank - to share data on their SME customers with the aim of making it easier to seek credit checks.

Harriett Baldwin, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: “The government is determined to encourage a competitive banking system that supports growth and creates jobs. Small businesses are the backbone of Britain’s economy and it is right we make every possible source of finance available to them.

“The best way to deliver this is to increase competition in the banking sector and remove the barriers to new sources of finance for SMEs. Requiring banks to share data is a major structural reform that will level the playing field between banks and alternative finance providers.”

The government has named 9 designated banks and 3 credit reference agencies (CRAs) to disclose SMEs credit information (with their permission) equally to all finance providers in order for the competition to increase within the SME lending market. These include: Experian, Equifax and Creditsafe. Under the new regulations, SMEs will need to be notified by their banks that their data will be shared, also giving permission at the point of applying for finance for their data to be used in this way. SMEs will have the right to access and challenge the information which is shared about their business also.

Experian’s Max Firth commented on

Money Matters

their involvement: “We are enthusiastic advocates of the changes brought about by these new credit data sharing regulations. Receiving more credit data on SMEs will be a source of high quality predictive data for the credit market, and help to fulfil the Government’s goal of increasing competition between financial providers.”

In the past, many - including the Office of Fair Trading and the Competition Commission - have highlighted how a lack of information about the merit of an SME’s credit has presented a significant barrier to competition in the SME lending market. The biggest banks were previously privy to much more data than any of the alternative providers, making lending much more of a one horse race than it should be. Finally, the winds of change have brought to pass these new regulations that is predicted to enable over 100 alternative finance providers to compete much more effectively.

Rachel Mainwaring, Operations Director of Creditsafe, said: “We are delighted to be recommended for designation and to play our part in further opening up finance provision to smaller companies, who often need an alternative source of funding beyond the traditional big banks. We are looking forward to contributing to the greater success of British business through this excellent initiative.”

This is a hugely important move following the rapid expansion of the alternative finance sector in recent years. In the face of prolonged caution from traditional lenders, the alternative sector has firmly established itself as a mainstream provider of small business finance within the UK. It is a sector that has proved itself to be the ideal answer for many business people – in particular small business owners - who either need easily arranged, reasonable cost loans without onerous conditions, or somewhere to get high interest on their hard earned savings.

Head of Businesscomparison. com, Philip Brennan commented: “As alternative lenders become popular, banks are working harder to secure their faith in them. I think once the scheme takes place this year competition will rise and it will be good to see rates reduce with competition. The most significant thing is SMEs having different options which will ultimately help them either long-term or short-term. Potentially,

businesses with access to funding will help accelerate the economy.”

While the new regulations have been welcomed by many around the UK, there are those who believe that caution should be exercised.

Angus Dent, CEO of ArchOver praised the initiative, but gives fair warning: “This is a worthy initiative to try to improve the amount of lending from all sources to SMEs. Obviously this is a problem that needs tackling, as our customers tell us that their efforts to obtain bank loans very often get nowhere. However, like many Government initiatives, it is too blunt a tool. By the time the data comes from the banks the borrower will have gone elsewhere anyway, given up the idea of borrowing or, in even more extreme cases, gone out of business.”

There’s also the consideration that data sharing is less helpful when assessing new start-up businesses with no track record or for those high growth scale-up businesses where growth can be difficult to manage and risky by nature. As such, experts in the field are warning that, although this is indeed a positive step in the right direction, banks shouldn’t neglect the basics of lending in order

“Once the scheme takes place this year competition will rise and it will be good to see rates reduce with competition” - Head of Businesscomparison .com, Philip Brennan to provide a complete overview of the business they’re facilitating.

Despite doubts, as there usually are with government schemes such as this, legislation seems to be slowly going in the right direction for SMEs, with numerous announcements from George Osborne’s Budget in support of small businesses, and now this credit data sharing scheme - expected to begin later this year when tests between banks and CRAs confirm that data can be shared accurately and securely.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

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Trading Places

Having taken a look last month at how leaving the EU might affect businesses in general, we now look at how a Brexit vote might affect the UK’s import and export services The UK is one of the most open economies in the world, with Insight significant trade and financial links with other countries.

While the EU now accounts for less than half of goods and services exported from the UK, it still remains the UK’s largest trading partner.

In the prevailing uncertainty of an EU referendum, the relationships we’ve spent so long building may well be on the line as we face a potential Brexit. Would the outcome damage or strengthen our trading partnerships?

A briefing paper published in February by the House of Commons Library found that, taken as a group, EU trade accounted for 45% of UK goods and services exports (equating to £230 billion) and 53% of UK imports (£289 billion).

In 2015, UK exports to the EU equated to £134 billion, with UK goods imports from the EU at £223 billion. UK to EU exports made up 38% of all UK service exports in 2015, whilst UK imports from

rest of Europe will be damaging for both the EU made up 48% of all UK imports sides. However, post-Brexit outcomes of services. Although this number is a which keep trade the same or even decline on previous years, it’s safe to say increase trade – or its economic benefit that our current trading relationship is a – is of course a welcoming thought to vital cog in the workings of our economy. those who reap other benefits of a Brexit Standing on the edge of an EU vote. referendum leads to more and more As with most political questions about how the debates, it’s near UK’s export performance “The undeniable impossible to find a will be affected – and consensus across balanced argument. whether a Brexit would Politicians notoriously indeed shatter our strong the board is that we relationships with the simply cannot know use the statistics in their euro area. what would happen favour, and this situation is no different. Boris The terrifying fact should we exit the Johnson says one thing; is that we are going EU, and it is for us to David Cameron says into this potentially decide whether that another. The same facts; life changing vote completely blind to risk is worth taking” different outcomes. All we have is speculation what lies ahead. The and our own judgement. undeniable consensus across the board is that we simply cannot According to Open Europe’s new report on the potential outcome of a Brexit vote, know what would happen should we exit UK GDP could be 2.2% lower in 2030 the EU, and it is for us to decide whether – that is, if Britain fails to strike a deal that risk is worth taking. Post-Brexit with the EU or reverts into protectionism. outcomes which reduce trade or increase In a best case scenario though, under the cost of trade between the UK and the

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

EU Referendum

which the UK is successful in entering into liberal trade arrangements with the EU and the rest of the world, we could be better off by 1.6% of GDP in 2030.

These are, however two extremes. What is suggested to be a far more realistic range is between a 0.8% permanent loss to GDP in 2030 or a 0.6% permanent gain in GDP in 2030, in scenarios where Britain mixes policy approaches.

There is a possibility that leaving the EU, even if we re-build relationships, would leave the UK as a weaker trading partner than we currently are. A recent report from the international courier, ParcelHero, for example, has warned that if Britain were to exit the EU, there would be an immediate and significant decline in trade, potentially negatively impacting those businesses who see such benefits from exporting, and equally, importing.

ParcelHero warned that there will be an average of 5% – 9% added to the price of items in duties, and VAT of around 20% to pay. Additionally, it warns there will be increased transport costs, as the UK becomes a less competitive market for international couriers, and new ‘customs clearance’ charges from global carriers: typically around £15. Head of Consumer Research for ParcelHero, David Jinks, said: “Our report reveals that the typical SME engaged in importing from the EU will be spending around £163k extra annually, including duties and taxes, if we leave the Union.”

It has been argued that once outside

www.electoralcommission.org.uk ©

the EU, the UK may be unlikely to qualify for the many favourable trade agreements negotiated by the union with key countries and markets around the world. Inclusion in the planned Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the US and EU, aimed at removing most customs duties, would be debatable. This would mean, for example, British cars exported to the US would still face a 2.5% tariff that will no longer apply to EU cars. It is also likely that many other British exports such as fuel and chocolate could also be at a disadvantage if TTIP abolishes tariffs on those products.

On this subject, David Jinks added: “If we were to plough our own furrow completely, leaving the common market and setting our own tariffs, that would also mean moving outside the EU’s Common External Tariff and setting new duties on 19,000 individual tariff codes: a

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

guaranteed recipe for increased red tape and delays.”

In addition, the UK may lose the strength in numbers when settling disputes with countries like China, and would lose out on the comprehensive trade arrangements already in place in the EU, having to renegotiate on agreements which don’t automatically apply, which would take considerable diplomatic effort.

On the other hand, the UK would be free to set its own trade policy priorities, under particular Brexit models.

Something to consider within free trade arrangements (FTA) is the application of sturdy and efficient regulations and technical standards. Regulations for importing and exporting goods and services are currently fairly tight within EU laws, but perhaps not so secure in other trade models. This may affect business as we know it.

In these situations, it’s usually a good

idea to look to other countries which have steered away from EU regulation and struck their own trade agreement with the EU, such as Canada. However, as the BBC recently reported that, even after 7 years of trade negotiations, with a document spanning over 1400 pages, there are still issues over regulation and technical standards between Canada and Europe which need to be resolved.

Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Minister for International Trade says: “This is a really high quality, gold plated trade deal. When I look at what Canada will have in terms of its ability to trade with Europe compared to being a member of the EU, the really big difference is regulatory harmonisation. What it means for Canadian businesses is they have to – quite rightly – meet European regulatory standards without having a say in how those standards are written.”

So, how important has exporting been

“The UK would lose out on the comprehensive trade arrangements already in place in the EU, having to renegotiate on agreements which don’t automatically apply, which would take considerable diplomatic effort”

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

EU Referendum

for these businesses? The most recent survey by UKTI of their trade clients found that 85% said exporting led to a ‘level of growth not otherwise possible’ whilst 87% said exporting had significantly improved their profile or credibility. 78% said exporting had given them exposure to new ideas, 73% said exporting had increased the commercial lifespan of products or services and 70% said they had developed or modified a product or service due to doing business abroad.

The South East of England is currently doing particularly well in terms of export and there are numerous examples of company exporting successes, some of which have been made possible by the services offered by UKTI, in our very own region of Sussex.

The UK Trade & Investment department works with businesses across the UK to assist in developing and building export opportunities with international markets.

UKTI suggests that the South East is England’s biggest exporting region, exporting goods to the value of £39.2 billion for the year ending September 2014.

Two Brighton-based companies, Elmeridge Cables and Harlow & Fox have taken advantage of the support that the

18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

“The South East is England’s biggest exporting region, exporting goods to the value of £39.2 billion for the year ending September 2014”

UKTI gives - a step in the right direction for the UKTI’s ambitious Exporting is GREAT campaign, whose headline aim is to get 100,000 additional companies exporting by 2020.

In 2014, support from UKTI enabled Elmeridge Cables to attend an exhibition in China, securing an export deal and new local agent. The company received a significant order from a large Chinese research organisation for a 10,000 metre steel tow rope. Elmeridge also secured an agent to represent it in China at the exhibition. This has since generated 12 new leads. At the time Company Director Darren Holmes said: “Having delivered this contract and appointed a Chinese agent, we are in a good position to secure more new business in this region.”

Also in 2014, luxury lingerie company,

Harlow & Fox secured a deal to supply their products to firms in Dubai and Qatar. Founder Leanna Williams said: “Exhibiting at the biggest lingerie trade show in Paris last year certainly helped and led to approaches from stockists in both Dubai and Australia. Exports have helped me to almost double my predicted target turnover and I am now on track for unprecedented success in the first year.”

Bdifferent, a financial services specialist research company, is yet another local example. In 2014, they were introduced to the UKTI and attended one of their export seminars.

This inspired them to look at exporting their services on a more serious level and in 2015 they set up an office in Singapore to respond to the needs of clients with bases in Asia. The venture has been an overwhelming success and turn over from non-UK clients now accounts for 25% of total turnover.

Kim Bell, Director and Founding Partner of Bdifferent believes that their UKTI experience has been instrumental in their success, saying: “We have utilised the UKTI’s Export Communications Reviews and these have been extremely helpful in building our international image. I’m not sure we would have had the confidence to have done what we have, without the support of the UKTI, I can’t praise their support enough.”

Commenting on what the EU referendum could mean for the financial services sector Kim, like many others, remains wary: “In terms of the future, we await the result of the Europe vote with mixed feelings, working in the financial services sector, anything that creates adverse volatility in the market, has an effect on our clients and in turn has an impact on their marketing budgets. The UK is seen as a major financial centre and we have easy access to carry out projects across Europe for our UK and International clients, we don’t yet know whether an exit from Europe would make this more difficult and would ‘downgrade’ the UK’s perception as a financial centre of expertise – so for us it is a case of wait-and-see.”

Wait and see is what seems to be the over-riding answer for us ahead of 23rd June. However, ultimately the decision is ours and the evidence overwhelmingly points to the need for more information across the board.

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We Need to Talk About Tax Havens

With issues around tax hitting the headlines in a big way once again, SBT takes a closer look at the latest aspect of this hugely complicated subject to come under the spotlight: tax havens In the wake of the huge data leak from Panama-based Finance law firm Mossack Fonseca, there have, inevitably, been renewed calls for the government to crack down on tax avoidance. In particular, the government has come under pressure to force British tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands - where Mossack Fonseca registered more than 100,000 companies – to show greater transparency.

So what exactly are tax havens?

Quite simply a tax haven is a country or territory that has a very low rate (or even zero rate) of income tax. A broader requirement is that they also offer a veil of secrecy not available in the home country.

In the case of the British Virgin Islands, which is a British overseas territory - a self-governing territory that relies on the UK for defence and international relations

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

tax havens themselves are not illegal, - the authorities in the British Virgin and bending the tax rules to minimise Islands have set the corporate tax rate at 0%, meaning companies are exempt from the tax one pays is, more often than not, a moral rather than legal matter, tax tax on all sources of income, including evasion (deliberately concealing facts capital gains, dividends, royalties and or lying about them) most certainly is interest. Additionally, illegal. It is estimated that the personal income tax “HMRC is tax avoidance and evasion top rate is also 0%. A committed to could be costing the UK tax British overseas territory’s exposing and authorities up to £7.2 billion autonomy can be acting on financial a year. Not an insignificant removed however; the UK wrongdoing and we sum. government can impose relentlessly pursue With HMRC usually direct rule if it deems it tax evaders to under the spotlight in necessary – as was the ensure that they pay these situations, Jennie case with the Turks and every penny of taxes Granger, Director General Caicos Islands in 2009. and fines they owe” of enforcement and Of course there are compliance at HM Revenue legitimate reasons for and Customs, said: “HMRC is committed using tax havens. The issues raised by to exposing and acting on financial the Mossack Fonseca leak is that the wrongdoing and we relentlessly pursue majority of what has been going on has tax evaders to ensure that they pay every been done in an attempt to hide the penny of taxes and fines they owe.” identity of the true owners of the money, She continued: “We have brought in the origin of the money and ultimately, more than £2 billion from offshore tax to avoid paying tax on the money. While

Money Matters

evaders since 2010 and the government has repeatedly strengthened our powers and resources with new criminal offences and higher penalties, so we can take even tougher action against the minority who try to cheat the honest majority by hiding their money in offshore tax havens.

Our message is clear: there are no safe havens for tax evaders and no one should be in any doubt that the days of hiding money offshore are gone.”

That’s all well and good, and very reassuring but if, as it appears with the Mossack Fonseca case, the majority of what has been done comes under legal avoidance rather than illegal evasion, what is the problem? After all, isn’t it entirely natural for people and businesses to try to pay as little tax as possible, and if tax havens can legally facilitate this, then so be it - right?

Firstly, the sheer scale on which tax havens are being utilised to facilitate tax attempt to increase transparency, the avoidance is eye watering and raises government had struck a deal with its plenty of moral questions. overseas territories to share information Also, from the point of view of small on the ‘beneficial owners’ of companies businesses, the tax-avoiding activities registered in their jurisdiction, either in facilitated by tax havens - which allow centralised registries or ‘similarly effective multinationals to so utterly outcompete systems’. However, the government’s their smaller and more local competitors original request for publicly accessible - is of grave concern. Of course tax registers of these havens aren’t the only companies was rejected. reason small businesses And demands for the “It appears that are struggling but there’s now would be the UK and other domestic no denying that they law enforcement and tax perfect time for are contributing to the the government to authorities to be given struggle in a big way. In unrestricted access to act upon reforming this information were also an article written for The the international Independent, investigative denied. Why not exert systems to increase more pressure? At that journalist, Nicholas transparency once time the junior foreign office Shaxson made the point: and for all” “Tax havens are tilting the minister, James Duddridge playing field for business: argued that applying any people across the political more pressure on the UK’s Overseas spectrum should oppose this. To be antiTerritories would be counter-productive: tax haven is, in a very profound sense, to “We don’t want to move corrupt money be pro-business.” and corrupt practices, we don’t want Furthermore, if the current UK to move tax evasion and avoidance, we government truly is as much of a want to eliminate it and we want to do champion of small business as they that everywhere.” suggest, then shouldn’t they be doing It is this apparently ‘soft’ approach everything within their power to break that has left many unconvinced by the down this barrier to competition that government’s efforts. The campaign pitches the field so far out of favour? group, Global Witness viewed the Equally, as Mr Cameron has recently development as a small step towards discovered, following the rules themselves greater transparency but suggested that is essential in convincing the public of the UK would lack credibility at an antitheir moral standing and legislative aims. corruption summit to be hosted by David So what is the UK government doing, Cameron this May unless it acted more or not doing, about tax havens? It was strongly. Campaign leader, Robert Palmer reported last December that, in an suggested: “Unless the government uses

the upcoming summit to force the UK’s tax havens to end anonymous company ownership, our other efforts won’t be effective. We have to clean up our own back yard first.”

Commenting on the Mossack Fonseca leaks Richard Pyle - head of UK Policy at Oxfam – agreed, saying: “The UK is in a unique position to help clean up the murky world of tax havens - starting by ensuring that the real beneficiaries of shell companies registered in the UK’s Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, such as the British Virgin Islands, are revealed ahead of May’s Anti-Corruption Summit.”

So it appears that now would be the perfect time for the government to act upon reforming the international systems to increase transparency once and for all. Daniel Hough, Professor of Politics at Sussex University (who also heads the Sussex Centre for the Study or Corruption) has suggested: “Given both the size of the UK’s financial services sector and the fact that many of the tax havens that the likes of Mossack Fonseca use fall under UK jurisdiction, the UK government has an opportunity to push others in to a corner and make a difference.”

He continued: “David Cameron has the choice between watching and worrying from the sidelines, or seeing the Mossack Fonseca case for what it really is – a wake-up call to try to finally do something about the long-outdated rules and regulations that shape international financial transactions.”

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

Brewers

The Accidental Landlord

Lorna Sizer, Senior Manager, Knill James Chartered Accountants www.knilljames.co.uk

Many landlords find themselves owning more than one Advice property by accident rather than design, perhaps from an inheritance or by not being able to sell a previous home when moving house. Generating income from the letting of the additional property seems like a good idea but beware of the tax man as he will want to take his share.

The letting of property should be viewed in the same way as running a business, with a separate bank account being used for the rental income and expenses relating to the let property. This will make it easier to work out the annual profit from the letting. The usual overhead running costs of the property can be set off against the rental income if paid by the landlord such as insurance, council tax and utilities (water, gas and electricity), together with the costs of repairs to the property, replacement of any items damaged by the tenants, cleaning and any other expenses relating to the letting.

One important decision is whether to deal with the letting yourself or appoint an agent to manage the letting for you. An agent will charge a monthly management fee which is tax deductible and will take over dealing with the tenants which can be time consuming.

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

It is a common mistake to think that the whole of the mortgage repayments can be set off against the rental income. Tax relief is limited to the interest element of the monthly mortgage payments and any capital repayments will not count. The tax relief on the mortgage interest is going to be restricted from next year which may mean that your tax bill increases from the 2017/2018 tax year.

You will need to register with HMRC to complete annual tax return forms if your rental profit for the year (rental income less allowable expenses) is at least £2,500 or if the annual rental income is £10,000 or more before deducting any expenses.

Where the property is owned jointly with someone else then the rental profit will be split between the owners in the same proportion as their ownership of the property. HMRC assumes that the income is to be split equally between married couples even if they own the property in different proportions, although an election can be made for the income to be split in proportion to the actual ownership by the couple if preferred.

Landlords have responsibilities towards tenants by making sure that all gas and electrical equipment is maintained and checked annually, providing an Energy Performance Certificate, fitting smoke alarms together with carbon monoxide

alarms and generally keeping the property free from health hazards.

Another way to earn money from property is to rent a room in your home to a lodger. Rental income from a lodger is tax free up to £7,500 each year (ie £625 per month). Any rental in excess of £7,500 is taxable without any deduction for expenses and should be advised to HMRC. There are scores of accidental landlords in Sussex due to our thriving student and tourism economies. It is worth noting the tax implications and seeking advice if you’re unsure.

Lorna Sizer, Senior Manager, Knill James Chartered Accountants

Roundtable

Making it Happen: A Roundtable Event for Entrepreneurs

The next installment of the SBT and NatWest Roundtable sessions brings something a bit different. We will be discussing entrepreneurship and you – this time with a live audience for you to be part of This year, NatWest Bank and Sussex Round Business Times are hosting a series of table bi-monthly discussion events in order to address regional and national business issues: particularly those that affect businesses operating across the Sussex region.

Previous months have covered ‘The Revitalisation of Coastal Communities’ and ‘Innovation and Growth in the Technology and Professional Services Sector’.

Now, on Friday 13th May, NatWest and SBT are bringing entrepreneurs together to ‘Make it Happen’, discussing the topic of: Entrepreneurship and Start Up Business Ventures: Supporting Us, Supporting Them.

This discussion will cover past, present and future ventures; how local business start-ups are thriving; the good and the bad about our current entrepreneurship climate; how we can all support each other as a community in Brighton and the rest of Sussex; and how we can grow.

Held at NatWest’s Entrepreneurial Hub in Preston Road, Brighton, the event will involve a roughly 90 minute long roundtable discussion with local business representatives, including those from the ESpark hub themselves and big names in the business and start-up support community.

Something a bit different for this month though – we are opening up the discussion to a public audience and you are invited to attend. For FREE!

This discussion in particular promises to be a fascinating event, giving you the chance to learn about the fantastic entrepreneurial community of Brighton and also, for the first time in our roundtable series, give your own opinion – live! There will be a Question and Answer session after the roundtable discussion, where audience members can question all members of the panel.

12.30 – Questions open to the audience 13.00 – Drinks, snacks and networking opportunities

Where Entrepreneurial Spark 149 Preston Rd Brighton BN1 6AF

Coverage As with our other roundtable events, the discussion will be filmed and recorded by the Life Media Group production team and footage from the discussion will be made available on our YouTube channel as well as on the Sussex Business Group website: www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk Additionally, the discussion will be transcribed in our next June issue!

When Friday 13th May 10.30 – Arrival at the Entrepreneurial Spark hub, Brighton 11.00 – Roundtable discussion begins

How to be in the audience Head to our EventBrite page (search for ‘Making it Happen: a Roundtable event for Entrepreneurs’ or ‘Sussex Business Group’) and book your FREE ticket!

Alternatively, contact Life Media Group on 01323 819007

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

Brewers

A Happy Birthday for

Brewers Home

On the weekend of 16th and 17th April, Brewers Home celebrated its first birthday in style – and it went down a storm

Clement Brewer and his wife, Mary opened the first Brewers in Events Eastbourne in 1904 and today, their extended family run more than 150 stores in the United Kingdom. In Spring 2015, Brewers Home was born as a unique edit company, grown from Brewers’ 112 year establishment in the decorating trade.

The company has developed over the past year to include a wide range of beautiful, British made furniture, leading brand wallpapers, fabrics, accessories and the finest paints. On the weekend of 16th and 17th April, celebrating their anniversary at their flagship store on Birch Road, Eastbourne, Brewers Home offered 20% off to all customers, a prize draw and free tea, coffee and birthday cake in store.

“Throughout this first year, we have had a wonderful response to the Brewers Home concept,” says Retail Development Manager, Melanie Adams. “Our flagship store in Eastbourne has seen many customers come through the doors with big ideas on how they can design their own interiors. With the help of our inhouse interiors experts, these ideas have been able to become a reality.”

Alongside the success of the store,

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

customers have enjoyed the freedom that the website gives. Ellie Rothero, Web Content Manager for Brewers Home says: “The website allows customers to order fabric and wallpaper samples, paint tester pots, colour cards and furniture fabric samples to enable them to create their own moodboards to make a decision before buying.”

Their furniture collections have proved extremely popular within the industry itself too. Melanie explains: “Companies such as Little Greene and Ideal Home have used our pieces in beautifully put together schemes for photoshoots. TV Stylist, Sophie Robinson has also used Brewers Home furniture and accessories in the latest photoshoot for Wallpaperdirect.”

On the events in store on the birthday weekend, Melanie added: “The weekend was fantastic! The store was packed with customers enjoying their discount vouchers and a slice of delicious birthday cake, and it was lovely to see the community celebrate this milestone with us.”

A very happy birthday to Brewers Home from Sussex Business Times. www.brewershome.co.uk Store Information Brewers Home Store: Birch Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6PL Telephone: 01323 434600

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Customer Service

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Customer Service

Balancing Old and New

As technology takes over our lives, traditional methods of business seem to be dwindling, including the way we serve our customers. SBT looks at the importance of maintaining that ‘traditional’ approach to customer service: continuing personalisation and face-to-face contact before robots take over I’m sure many of you reading this can still remember the time Develop when contacting a company in the event of an enquiry or complaint necessitated visiting the shop in question in the hope that the staff could help you out; making a telephone call, or even writing a letter. Of course all these methods still exist and, for some, talking to someone face to face or making do with a telephone call still remains the preferred way of resolving an issue.

While the basic aim of customer service – to keep the customer satisfied - has remained the same, developments in technology have brought to pass a whole new aspect to the customer service experience. Perhaps the biggest change that technology has introduced is the sheer number of channels through which companies have been able to make themselves contactable by their customers – some of which have proved popular, while others less so.

In addition to the more traditional methods mentioned earlier, customers can now make contact through, among others; automated and self-serve systems, live chat, email, social media, text message and video call. Furthermore, online forums allow consumers the ability to air their views or complaints not only at any time of the day, any day of the week, but also to a worldwide audience. Now, this could of course be a good or a bad thing, depending on whether you are

the customer or the company. For this reason it may well be argued that the new systems empower the consumer, giving them a formidable voice that companies cannot ignore. However, some feel that these newer channels are making for a poorer experience overall.

While companies may well have made themselves more contactable and accountable, a report published recently

by Echo Managed Services - a specialist outsourcer, has found that 53% of consumers said that they prefer to deal with service providers either face-to-face or over the phone, increasing to 62% in more complex and/or emotive situations, such as making a complaint or trying to correct a complicated problem. Monica Mackintosh, Customer Services Director at Echo Managed Services, said of the report: “The research findings highlight that despite the wide variety of channels open to customers, there is still a huge demand for customers wanting to talk to real, highly skilled and empowered human advisors.”

So if, as this report suggests, the traditional methods are more popular, why are companies employing so many

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

Customer Service

of these newer systems that - in some cases - have the potential to create more problems than they solve? Unsurprisingly there are some very good reasons. For a start, automated and self-serve systems offer customers both increased speed and convenience. The systems also not only allow companies to deal with an ever increasing volume of queries efficiently, but they also reduce operating costs.

Using vast teams of real, trained people that would otherwise be required to deal with this volume is prohibitively expensive.

However, here is where the problems arise. These systems are often seen by consumers as presenting frustrating barriers and obstacles when, more often than not, all they want to do is speak to a real person. Indeed, the report found that the biggest customer service frustrations cited by customers included being kept waiting on hold (56%) and automated call answering (17%). Additionally, if businesses focus too much on technology-based customer service channels over, arguably, higher quality traditional services, the resulting existing service will suffer. For example, when asked in what way they believe that good telephone service improves their experience as a customer, 22% said it increased trust and reassurance; 16% said it gave them a sense of loyalty; 10% felt valued and cared for; and 7% felt less stressed.

This is not to say that digital channels do not still have an important role to play; of course they do and they are in fact being widely embraced by customers

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

- particularly in more simple situations.

Web self-service, for example, was the most popular method for paying a bill (35%), as was email for requesting information (27%).

And so it seems that, as with so many things, what needs to be done for the benefit of both the consumer and the company is to create a happy medium between the traditional and modern methods. Clearly, it’s important for businesses to deal with customer enquiries in an efficient manner in order

to remain competitive. However, it’s just as vital to ensure they continue to provide a quality customer experience without creating the impression that the self-service systems are all about saving money.

“Self-service certainly has its advantages and, deployed in the right manner, this ‘always-on’ access to your organisation can increase customer satisfaction levels by making interactions quick and easy”, suggests Monica Mackintosh.

Another key part of this balancing act is that the company must use human insight to complement the speed and convenience that technology can provide, while also understanding when each contact channel is best utilised and when human contact is required: “Competent and helpful contact centre advisors are still a vital part of any customer service strategy, helping customers when needed and giving those great experiences where technology cannot serve or is not desired to do so.”

So, for those businesses looking to reduce customer service costs, let’s not underestimate the very real risk posed by deploying under-trained customer service advisors or relying too heavily on technology not backed up by the option of expert human contact. As the Echo report has made clear, customer losses and damaged reputation are likely to follow – both of which can be difficult to recover from and surely far outweigh the cost of getting it right in the first place.

The Sugar-Gate Tax Great taste of success with R&D

An Obstacle or an Opportunity for Fizzy Drinks Producers?

Tax Relief for brewers of craft beers

The Health Lobby has won a significant battle, as the Chancellor gets busy with the fizzy.

It’s not technology and manufacturing companies Whatjust might his new tax mean for soft that canproducers? apply for R&D Tax Relief. Entrepreneurial drinks

brewers can now claim back thousands of pounds Just for the taste of it…with research and development against costs connected Following Mr Osborne’s new tax on industry which projects. Brewing is a competitive sugary fizzy drinks, announced March’sthirst for new constantly has to address the in public’s Budget, is it now beholden on soft drinks avours and products. In an environment like this, producers to develop new recipes, opportunities to research raw ingredients and try out new primarily perhaps -just for the taste of it? production methods and taste combinations are almost The soft drinks industry is big business, inexhaustible. but if money is to keep flowing from customers’ pockets and the Health Lobby

The Hackney Brewery is another good example of a business that could examine recouping costs for R&D. Brewers Tristram Stuart and Jon Swain spent time developing Toast Ale. They source left over fresh bread from artisan bakeries, then slice, toast and mash it, adding the breadcrumbs to malted barley, a mixture of hops, yeast and water. Prots from the sale of the ale, which is stocked in a number of different outlets in the UK, go to Feedback, an environmental organisation that campaigns to end food waste.

wonisthem legions of customers.

Neither, awards and at a spoonful cash Simon Bulteel, from Tax Consulting, an R&D Inventive brewers Tax canRelief contact Simon CoodenofTax and the public are to Cooden see any genuine run the risk for of R&D might theadvice medicine go down. and measurable longer benefits from perhaps, tax relief specialist.

He term recently discussed how thiswill taxthey want toConsulting Taxhelp Relief on the cost of taxation to Where expenditure be shown to with the new thetostreams of of Soda relief can sanctions, be applied brewers varioussimply sizes passing with (www.coodentaxconsulting.co.uk).

Hecan works directly those customers. have been outlaid on such work, whether are going to have to carry a lot less Craft Beer World. The Charles Wells Brewery in Bedford businesses, as well as via Accountants, Solicitors and Research in to how to ultimately successful or not, there may be a sugar than they used to. are a wonderful example of precisely the sort of project Patent Attorneys. Simon will ascertain if you are eligible keep the flavour, channel via which an application for R & D However, that could qualify for R&D Tax Relief. Master Brewer for this specic taxTax relief and whilst reducing Relief canundertake be lodgedthe withclaim HMRC. producers Chris Read spent “…a lot of time researching brewing process for you.

He is currently processing claim for a the sugar, may Applying for Research andaDevelopment will not want archives, looking for traditional malt and hop recipes and hop processor that also manufactures hop products for present an Tax Relief is not straightforward, but that’s to lose working out how best to evolve them for modern tastes”. the brewing industry.

Cooden Consulting has opportunity for where Cooden Tax Consulting comes trademark those developing in. businesses We’re positively fizzing withbetween advice to£3k He then went on to the development work with his raw successfully helped with claims flavours, new recipes and assist all sorts of enterprises.

We’ve saved that the ingredients and “arrived at a blend of Galaxy, Simcoe and £300k. processes, to companies between £3k £300k in tax sugar and Goldings Hops, alongside various lighter malts, to recoup significant that’s even better than a sugar rush! content Which business owner wouldn’t raise a glass to that? create a traditionally bitter and hoppy IPA with a soft, sums in Research contributes modern, tropical avour.” and Development www.coodentaxconsulting.co.uk to, that have

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TAX RELIEF SPECIALISTS RAISE A GLASS TO CASH BACK FROM HMRC Call COODEN TAX CONSULTING NOW!

100% Success No Claim, No Fee Call us on: 01424 225 345

@CoodenConsults

Office 10

Charter House

email us on: info@coodentaxconsulting.co.uk

www.coodentaxconsulting.co.uk www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

43 St Leonards Road

Bexhill on Sea

East Sussex TN40 1JA

29

MDJ Services Ltd

A Better B2B Service Having discussed the importance of traditional customer service in the business-toconsumer world, SBT takes a look at the importance of customer service for B2B companies, seeking advice from quality, customer-focused accountancy firm, MDJ Services Ltd

The customer is always right. This is something we Advertorial hear time and time again, but what does it actually mean?

It’s certainly not about taking your customer’s word for everything without consideration, but about listening to and appreciating your customer. Losing a consumer in a B2C environment – where there is generally a high turnover rate of customers – will have little repercussions for the company itself. However, in a B2B world, the loss of a business customer can impact upon the entire year, or worse.

A B2B business often derives the majority of its business from a relatively small customer base. This is down to loyalty and relationship building. B2B companies make it their life goal to make their business clients happy; getting the desired results; ensuring the client’s footfall; and guaranteeing future business.

B2B companies may have served some of their clients for years, but it just takes that one malfunction in customer service to lose them. What have you got to lose? Well, the question is more about what has your competition got to gain?

Your business must stand out amongst the crowd of other businesses doing the same thing. With the ease of finding and utilising company information nowadays, switching service from one business provider to the next is a simple Google search away. Equally, word of mouth is a powerful tool within industries – angering just one of your business clients could set off a wild fire of complaints, leading to a widespread loss of business. Between 30 - 40% of B2B customers offer referrals if their customer experience was a pleasant one. Now, more than ever, customers are looking to their peers for input on

30 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

“B2B companies make it their life goal to make their business clients happy; getting the desired results; ensuring the client’s footfall; and guaranteeing future business” upcoming purchases, and for advice on which company out of the many to go for.

Quality customer service makes all the difference.

MDJ Services is a well established accountancy practice serving Sussex and the South East that offers a wide range of services for their business clients. Their aim is to establish and grow successful enterprises with a friendly and efficient, tailored service. One of their core values is good customer service, so SBT spoke to Managing Director, David Jenkins about his views on the importance of

B2B customer service: “For MDJ, putting the client first means we have always prided ourselves on forming a relationship with our clients, listening to them and communicating with them in a way they understand - after all we grow together.”

MDJ Services Limited started in 1999 when it was decided that going it alone, like so many of its clients, was the best option. “It was an exciting but uncertain jump into the unknown,” said David.

“Since then we’ve gone from strength to strength and recently moved into larger premises in Chaucer Business Park,

www.mdjservices.co.uk

Call us on 01323 646477

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 31

MDJ Service Ltd

“Smaller companies can offer a more personal, friendly and tailored service and in our experience, it makes all the difference”

Polegate - the future’s looking brighter than ever.”

Having started and built up their own business so successfully, the team at MDJ know how hard it can be to keep going, to keep making that all important profit and, in particular how difficult it is to find and keep new business.

However, they also know how difficult it is for new businesses to grow and develop themselves, so put providing high-quality support services at the forefront of everything they do. David explained: “Everyone at MDJ strives to provide their services in a friendly and accessible manner. We firmly believe that our focus on developing strong working relationships with our clients has been the key to our business going from strength to strength. Also, many small businesses can find accountants rather distant and unhelpful to deal with - we are determined to change this.”

As a B2B company, this understanding of your market is essential. Just as a B2C company must understand its consumerbase and target market, it’s essential that B2B companies have a good idea of which businesses need their services, who is their competition and how they can best provide that service (better than their competitors). This often comes down to listening and learning, which David believes SMEs do best.

David commented: “As a small business ourselves, MDJ knows full well what start-ups and small businesses need to distinguish themselves from their larger competition in order to thrive and grow. One of the best ways to do this is through providing a high quality customer experience and building strong working relationships with clients. Smaller companies can offer a more personal, friendly and tailored service and in our experience, it makes all the difference.”

32 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

David added: “I believe that we understand other SMEs better than large companies do. SMEs have a far more intimate knowledge of the business needs and conditions of a smaller business as they’re one themselves! SMEs are also more acutely aware the importance of the role of good customer service in building relationships and for client retention because it’s more essential to them.

Dealing with someone who understands you properly is clearly an asset in a B2B environment.”

Building the foundations from the start will provide a stronger and longer-lasting result. In the case of B2B business, MDJ has seen first hand that if a good customer relationship can be built and maintained, as a company, they will reap the benefits in the future. David advises: “If a business tries to take shortcuts

or the systems are otherwise poorly executed then they’re very unlikely to be as effective as they could or should be.

Taking the time to get it right at the start will pay dividends later on.”

So, what do MDJ do that perhaps other companies don’t? Of course their services themselves are high quality, but the key is really how that service translates for the customer. David added: “We endeavour to constantly improve the quality of our service and of course we always try to listen and communicate with clients in a positive and friendly manner, while making sure we provide all the high quality accounting and taxation services that should be expected. In doing so this gives our clients the direction, planning and practical help that they need to develop both as individuals and in financial terms – growing in every way.”

www.mdjservices.co.uk

Avoid a Wrong Turn When Paying for Care: Plan for the future today

Long-term care could be one of the most expensive purchases people make after buying a house

Most people wouldn’t take out a mortgage without Advertorial financial advice, yet many don’t think about this when it comes to paying for care. Good financial planning is vital.

There are a wide range of options available when paying for care and it can be difficult to know what is right for each person. Carewise recommends letting the people you work with know how the scheme can work. Carewise was set up by West Sussex County Council, the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), Age UK West Sussex and West Sussex Partners in Care to provide trustworthy, independent advice about care and support and the most cost-effective funding solutions.

Carewise includes a panel of locallybased independent financial advisers specialising in planning for later life; all are members of SOLLA. They provide advice from across the market and can help people to preserve their savings and assets for as long as possible.

To provide people with added confidence they are all approved by Trading Standards’ Buy with Confidence scheme, Disclosure and Barring Service checked and trained in safeguarding adults.

Here’s how financial advice from a Carewise care fees specialist helped one West Sussex family.

Grace was 84 when her daughter and lawyer asked for advice on paying for long-term care. Grace suffered from physical problems and mild dementia and required full-time residential care. Grace owned a house and after it was sold she had assets of £210,000.

We estimated that if Grace did nothing her money would decrease and after seven years she would need her care paid for by the local authority. Council funding would be lower than the care home fees, meaning a family member

would need to pay the difference. but will only pay out if Grace still needs We considered a number of options. care in five years’ time. In the meantime One was to arrange an immediate she funds the care from her assets. Overall care plan for a premium of £138,000. the long-term cost of this option is greater It would pay her care provider £2,100 but Grace and the family were happier a month, which with this solution as would increase each felt that the extra “Carewise includes a they April by 5% and money had been spent panel of locally-based on Grace’s care. be payable for her lifetime. However, Once paid, the independent financial this option would premium can never be advisers specialising only leave £72,000 returned, but Grace in planning for later of her estate and and her family found life; all are members Grace and her family that the plan gave them were uncomfortable of the Society of Later great peace of mind. with the idea Grace knew that the Choosing carethat could be one of the most expensive Life Advisers” such a large sum income from the plan decisions you make and good advice is vital. could be lost if would be there as long Carewise was set up by West Sussex County Grace died soon after buying the plan. she lived and she would still have money Council, Age UK West Sussex, West Sussex Partners Instead, we agreed that Grace should to leave to her family. Upon Grace’s death, inbuy Care the Society Later LifeatAdvisers.

It a and five-year deferredofcare plan a she will leave an estate between £184,000 off ers independent, specialist adviceand about cost of £26,100. This plan hasfinancial the same £67,000, depending upon how long choosing and paying for long-term care.

Contact long-term benefit as the immediate plan, she lives.

Carewise now to find out more.

01243 642121 01243 642121

www.westsussexconnecttosupport.org/ www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 33 www.westsussexconnecttosupport.org/carewise carewise

carewise@westsussex.gov.uk carewise@westsussex.gov.uk

Choosing care could be one of the most expensive

Workspace Solutions Basepoint offers high quality workspaces to let, including serviced and managed offices, whilst also offering excellent networking opportunities, allowing start-up businesses to get the right foundations to grow

Basepoint are dedicated to Cover supporting SMEs and start-up businesses. In Feature addition to their range of business services, they aim to provide the right infrastructure and environment to encourage and nurture business growth - not only within their centres, but also in the local business community. Basepoint Business Centres provide a wide range of quality, cost-effective, dog friendly, managed and flexible office spaces designed to suit all companies. All their units are available on ‘easy-in’, ‘easyout’, flexible 2 week rolling contracts and they can also offer longer or short term commitments; from 6 month contracts to 5 year leases. The business centre group also offers additional services such as free membership, virtual office packages, call answering and on-site serviced meeting rooms.

Facilitating and encouraging SMEs to develop a network of contacts is an important aspect of the business centre operator’s ethos, which is why all Basepoint Centres host free busines-tobusiness ‘Networking Hubs’. Following research and feedback from customers,

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Basepoint discovered that a number of SME’s weren’t satisfied with their networking options. Obstacles such as early morning starts, few attendees, same attendees, lack of guest speakers and stringent formats were just a few of the issues highlighted.

Rebecca Gattinesti, Regional Manager for Basepoint explained: “Our centre staff have long been attending networking events hosted by external companies, and while these networking groups can be very beneficial, some do charge a fee and can be very regimented with their approach, which doesn’t suit all SME’s. As such, we introduced a new event that was less formal, but still allowed businesses to meet like minded people – whether that’s a new business contact or a supplier – share ideas and create opportunities.”

All the Networking Hub events include talks from guest speakers, who offer tips and relevant advice across a wide range of subjects including tax, employment, social media, HR, marketing and more for small businesses. These speakers are particularly important, often providing a break from the networking format, good topics of conversation and most importantly, business advice through shared knowledge.

We started our business just over a year ago. We needed a fully serviced office from day one, Basepoint Business Centre, Crawley fitted the bill perfectly.

They have always been fully supportive and keen to assist with any technical issues we’ve had.

Due to their “no fuss” approach, when it came time to move to one of their larger offices they were able to switch everything over and be fully operational the very next day.

Their staff are always helpful and friendly and we feel they portray our company well, when our customers come to visit the centre.

I can’t thank Basepoint enough for their help and constant support in helping our continued growth!

- Paul Morfett, Hussar Gruppa Ltd These events focus on smaller groups, offering an informal setting with lunch provided and a looser timetable to enable more small businesses to gain maximum benefit. On the networking events, Rebecca added: “In the minefield that is running a small business – particularly

Upcoming Networking Hub Dates Crawley – 12:00, Wednesday, 15 June 2016 Shoreham - 12:00, Thursday, 23 June 2016 Newhaven - 12:00, Thursday, 14 July 2016 Haywards Heath - 12:00, Thursday, 28 July 2016 For further information or forthcoming event dates, please visit www.basepoint.co.uk in the early stages – people need all the support and adivce they can get.

With online networking becoming more popular than ever, we are losing many of our free face-to-face business advice services. This is why we have introduced guest speakers into our networking, as it allows SMEs to both learn and network at the same time. We take a proactive attitude towards building productive relationships with local businesses, education organisations and Local Authorities, and from these connections, there are often people who are willing to provide their time to speak and share their knowledge at our events. This, in turn offers SMEs opportunities to network within their local and regional business communities, as well as providing introductions to organisations that may be able to assist them.”

Basepoint’s Networking Hubs are

free to attend and open to all local businesses: you don’t have to be a Basepoint licensee to attend. Basepoint also provides a business car prize draw and a business 2 business exchange facility, where you can promote your business to other attendees.

The support doesn’t end there though - Basepoint licensees can also benefit from their free business support service, MiBase. This 24/7 online service gives users access to experienced business mentors via live chat, factsheets and information, as well as giving access to events and training.

On top of all of this, Basepoint actively

promotes ways for members to work with each other, including a Licensee Directory* on the Basepoint mobile app, which can be downloaded on Apple iOS and Android smartphones. This app offers a quick and simple way for anyone to find their local centre, book meeting rooms on the go, get a quick quote for an office using the workspace calculator and find their nearest free networking event.

Basepoint currently operates 4 centres in the Sussex region, located in Crawley, Haywards Heath, Newhaven and Shoreham.

Basepoint Crawley, based on County Oak in Manor Royal is a popular centre Basepoint have been a supportive and flexible office solution for us.

We first arrived at Basepoint as a team of four with limited office space requirements. Since then (3 years ago) we have grown to a team of twenty and moved our offices within Basepoint three times. Throughout this Basepoint have shown a proactive and flexible attitude to accommodate our ambitions. They combine a professional approach with a personable touch and great facilities at reasonable rates. We love it here and recommend it highly.

- Sam Garrity, RocketMill

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

Basepoint

The Basepoint centre is a modern office building in a very central location at Shoreham, with all the facilities to support our business.

It’s a friendly environment, and all the staff are very professional and helpful. The building is shared with other people from different businesses, so you don’t feel isolated and yet it gives us the privacy and independence we need. We’ve had an office here for 18 months now, and it’s given us so much more flexibility, with a pleasant, clean and efficient environment to bring our clients, and we haven’t looked back! We would have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone!

- Steven John, Sagari Limited

in the Sussex area and has had a high level of occupancy with many businesses moving and growing within the centre.

The most recent example is a company that initially started in a small one-person office and has now grown to occupy 14 units. They are now able to take the step of moving into their own premises, which is giving rise to an unusual and fantastic opportunity for new businesses to move into the centre, with a variety of different sized units coming available in the spring this year.

Stephanie George, Centre Manager said: “Seeing companies grow and expand is a real delight and I believe the success stories we see so often within the Basepoint Centres are a true testament to the flexibility and support we’re able to provide to SME’s. We are thrilled to now have the opportunity to BikeMend Ltd is a mobile business and doesn’t need a full time office, so being a virtual licensee at Basepoint works very well.

It separates the business from my home giving it a professional image, particularly where suppliers require a business address as a trading condition. Its convenient location means I can drop in between appointments to collect mail and make use of the breakout facilities. Perfect.

- David Payne, Bikemend Ltd

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

work with more local businesses and assist them with their growth over the coming years.”

The Newhaven Enterprise Centre, managed by Basepoint and located on Denton Island, is also happy to announce some exciting changes that will open the doors to several new businesses in the spring. As part of the £2.5 million Newhaven Growth Quarter project, financed by the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund, the Newhaven Enterprise Centre will soon offer an additional 8,000 sq. ft. of office and workshop space, with an emphasis on green, clean and marine technologies.

Rebecca Gattinesi commented on this exciting news: “The extension at Newhaven Enterprise Centre will provide numerous local businesses in Newhaven with the high quality flexible space they need, and will offer local employment opportunities. There is a high demand for flexible business space across our Sussex Centres, including at our most recent

Basepoint

This is the first time I have worked in a serviced office environment and I have heard negative things in the past from others about how they operate. But, I can safely say that in the 6 months that we have been with Basepoint, the dealings we have had with Claire, Sandie and Roxy have been superb and they work hard to include the business owners in what is happening and set up initiatives and networking events. I can strongly recommend Basepoint as a strong provider of serviced offices.

- Mathew Gurr, Move Revolution

Centre in Haywards Heath that opened in September 2015, which is already reaching capacity. It is encouraging to see so many successful businesses across Sussex growing and benefitting from the services Basepoint provide.”

The newest Basepoint Centre, John de Mierre House, is located on Bridge Road in Haywards Heath. The Centre, built in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council, opened its doors on 1st September 2015, welcoming 19 business through the doors in its first week.

Basepoint Shoreham, located on the High Street in Shoreham-by-Sea, joined the Basepoint family in 2012. The Centre is home to 38 businesses across 49 units and has maintained high occupancy levels for the past 3 years. Roxanne Haid, Centre Manager stated ‘’Flexibility has been key to the success of the centre with many of their licensees’ upsizing or downsizing at short notice in line with market demands’’.

Uniquely, Basepoint Business Centres is owned by The ACT Foundation, a leading UK grant-making charity, dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need. As such, each Centre is dedicated to fundraising for a selected charity and The ACT Foundation match funds any money raised by the chosen charity, up to the value of £10,000 per Centre. Basepoint Crawley currently supports The Olive Tree Cancer Support Centre, Basepoint Haywards Heath is supporting The Golden Lion Children’s Trust, Basepoint Newhaven supports FitzRoy and Basepoint Shoreham is currently supporting Chestnut Tree House. *The Licensee Directory is only available to active licensees and requires registration and authentication.

For more information on upcoming space or to register your interest, please contact the relevant centre: Basepoint Crawley crawley@basepoint.co.uk or call 01293 817717.

Basepoint Newhaven newhaven@basepoint.co.uk or call 01273 615250.

Basepoint Haywards Heath haywardsheath@basepoint.co.uk or call 01444 849250.

Basepoint Shoreham shoreham@basepoint.co.uk or call 01273 467500.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

Sussex Sport

Spanish Tour Leaves Under 16s on a High Eastbourne Rugby Club’s Under 16s have just returned from a five day tour to Barcelona. After succeeding in raising enough funds to go on the tour itself, playing in Spain was as much of a challenge – but the team battled away and returned with flying colours

The tour to Barcelona, sponsors wanting to be involved was which was supported astonishing. Our sincere thanks go out financially by many a to City Gym and to PCR but also to Events local business inspired Vosseler, Wood & Pilcher, Sovereign by the team’s high Construction, Surrey Nanosystems, calibre dedication Millwood Homes, East Sussex Golf over the last four Academy and to First Aid For You.” seasons, was a resounding success for The tour itself was underway with a Eastbourne Rugby Club’s Under 16s challenging game against Catelldefels team. A grand total of over £25,000 RUC, which saw Harvey Warren sustain was raised by players, parents, coaches an ankle injury. The team soon made it and business sponsors over 12 months back on their feet though, with a hat-trick through a variety of fundraising events, of tries from centre Angus Bingham. The including golf days and quizzes. second game saw play against Sant Lead Coach and Eastbourne RFC Cugat Rugby, who have the reputation Junior Chair, Mike Chapman commented: of being one of the best youth teams in “There was really only one big-ticket Spain. Despite the challenge of an early fundraiser which was an overnight 14-0 lead, determined play continued to sponsored static gain them an end result cyclathon at the start of 19-all: an astonishing “The thing that has of the Rugby World impressed me with this come-back from the Cup which netted us Eastbourne team! set of players over the over £3,500. Apart Mike shared his delight last four years is that from that it has taken with the outcome of the the vast majority of the sheer graft through tour overall: “The tour small fundraising squad attend local state committee started the initiatives, such as planning for this trip well schools where rugby the town-wide Penny opportunities are limited” over a year ago and Collection, to help us we set ourselves two meet our objectives. goals; to raise sufficient Special thanks are due to Adrian at the funds through sponsorship and other Hurst Arms in Willingdon Road who has fundraising activities that every one of the hosted the tour committee on numerous 25 players in this squad would be able occasions and who has supported us to travel free of charge and to give these throughout.” players the rugby experience of a lifetime.

The positive response was a pleasant In both respects the tour has proved a surprise for Colin Dowle, Team Coach, complete success.” who gives his thanks: “The number of The tour proved the amazing

38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

progression of this team over the years, and certainly created some fantastic memories for the players, some of whom had played as a team for up to 9 years, having joined Eastbourne Rugby Club as minis. Now at the end of their time together, Chapman reflected: “The thing that has impressed me with this set of players over the last four years is that the vast majority of the squad attend local state schools where rugby opportunities are limited. They invariably overcame bigger sides with a better rugby pedigree through a team spirit that only touring together can create.”

He adds: “Coaching these boys has been a challenge and a pleasure. The successes we have achieved would not have been possible without the determination of the players and the fantastic support of their parents. I will miss them all.”

Sussex Sport

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

Money Matters

The Makings of a Healthy Business

Posturite has been designing, manufacturing and distributing posture-improving products for the home and workplace for more than 25 years. Desk jobs have proven to take their toll on the body and this business aims to tackle this issue: putting posture right

“Researchers have linked sitting for more than six hours a day to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems and rather alarmingly, reduced life expectancy”

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Posturite, based in Berwick, East Sussex, offers a Health comprehensive range of posturefriendly products to clients across the public and private sector, covering all the key areas of the workplace. We at SBT headquarters have discovered for ourselves the benefits of sit-stand desks, which are popular abroad and starting to win fans over here also. Using the Varidesk Pro 30 from Posturite, our in house design team have been alternating between sitting and standing - proven to improve comfort, circulation, concentration and productivity. The human body certainly wasn’t designed to sit for long periods!

We wanted to find out more about the physical health-protecting and innovative products that Posturite offer, so we spoke to the CEO of Posturite, Ian FletcherPrice.

What is ‘ergonomics’ exactly?

Ergonomics is all about designing products that are not just fit for purpose, but also fit for the individuals using them.

That’s the difference between a chair with a seat and a back, and a chair with a seat and a back that can be adjusted according to the height, shape and specific needs of the user. Ergonomics is a science. It takes into account all factors - social, environmental, physiological, all to create a better experience for the user.

Have work related, bad posture influenced injuries been on the rise in recent times?

The human body evolved over millions of years to move - we built endurance, athleticism and strength in order to survive. But with predators rather thin on the ground and food coming in handy packages these days, there are fewer and fewer natural reasons to move.

Now the average person spends 60% of their day sitting still. Yes - computers

Occupational Health

are having a massive impact on this. We no longer have to get up to speak to our colleagues. Modern life is increasingly sedentary and this is undoubtedly causing a rise in musculoskeletal disorders (known as MSDs).

What are some of the more common problems that arise?

In 2014 the most cited reason for taking sick leave in the UK was back, neck and muscle pain. If you sit slumped at your desk with bad posture you are at high risk of developing an MSD. Likewise, there are hazards associated with computer mouse use. The repetition of clicking and typing in one position all day places strain on the small muscles in your hands, which can lead to more serious problems including repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Sitting all day is also incredibly unhealthy. Researchers have linked sitting for more than six hours a day to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems and rather alarmingly, reduced life expectancy.

That’s why we always recommend sitstand desks - it’s such a small investment to make for the improved health, loyalty and productivity of your employees.

Should it be an employer’s duty to ensure their staff are well looked after in terms of their physical health?

It is an employer’s legal responsibility to assess risks in the workplace and put appropriate measures in place to protect employees. Some businesses do the bare minimum; others take the physical health of their staff more seriously. In fact there has been something of a revolution in recent years. Companies such as Google and Facebook are well known for offering perks like free massages and free healthy food 24/7. They insist it pays off to keep staff healthy. Considering they’re two of the biggest earners in business and consistently voted best places to work for, I’d be inclined to agree.

What does Posturite do to combat these issues?

Everything we do is geared towards creating healthier workplaces. Businesses sometimes come to us for help with meeting their health and safety regulations. We help do this with our smart WorkRite software, which can manage all health and safety training across a company and keep track of individual data, so it’s easy to produce

reports and conduct audits. We also develop engaging e-learning modules on a range of topics. We still design and sell ergonomic chairs, sit-stand desks and a huge range of other products. Our expertise means we can visit businesses to conduct DSE assessments and offer advice and recommendations. We also offer free equipment set-up to make sure customers are getting the most out of their purchases.

We’re also just as happy to visit someone’s home office as we are a multi-national organisation. Health and well-being is important whoever you are, or whatever you do.

What specialist equipment do you offer for the workplace and how do they work?

We offer everything from sit-stand desks and ergonomic office chairs, to vertical computer mice and compact keyboards. Sit-stand desks are growing in popularity as we follow our Scandinavian neighbours, 90% of whom use sit-stand desks. At the moment that

figure is just 1% in the UK - but we hope to change that. Sit-stand desks have an electric motor that changes the desk from a sitting to a standing position. This encourages users to be more active throughout the working day.

What additional advice would you offer for helping to prevent workrelated MSDs and injuries?

Move more. Stand up, sit less, walk to work, walk at lunch and stretch during your breaks. Moving your body in any way at all is better than not moving. At Posturite we encourage active working (otherwise known as activity based working, or ABW). We believe employers should create an environment that encourages and rewards activity. This will no doubt help reduce work-related health problems, reduce absenteeism, boost productivity and increase staff happiness.

For further information and the full range of products available visit: posturite.co.uk, or call 0845 345 0010.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

Green Business

Green Business

As issues surrounding the environment and the way in which we treat our world become ever more prevalent, SBT has a look at what support is available and why businesses should endeavour to embrace sustainable development

Having a more sustainable, ‘green’ approach towards Focus how we live our lives and treat the environment around us has been a hot topic for a while now. Over the course of the last decade or so in particular, the Labour, coalition, and Conservative governments have endeavoured to promote greener business operations. As a result, various incentives and initiatives have been introduced. So what’s on offer and are they having the desired outcome?

Published by the Labour government in 2005, the ‘UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future’ paper suggested the key role that businesses play in sustainability, improving resource efficiency and reducing waste and harmful emissions. This was reinforced by the business resource efficiency and waste programme (BREW), launched the same year. As an example of the type of improvements that needed to be made, it was reported that the cost of wasted natural resources to the UK manufacturing industry was equivalent to around 7% of profit, and that energy efficiency improvements by business and individuals could save £12 billion annually across the UK economy.

The UK Sustainable Development Strategy paper also suggested that business’ approach to corporate responsibility would need to extend throughout their supply-chains, ‘from tackling the issues arising in the extraction of their raw materials, to

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engagement with consumers about the products and services that they buy and eventually discard. Simply relying on consumers to make potentially complex choices is far from sufficient’ - said the paper.

However, being ‘green’ can be an expensive exercise, creating a barrier for many smaller businesses. In an effort to get as many businesses as possible across the UK involved in reducing their environmental impact, the government and local councils have developed a number of initiatives and schemes, chief among which are environmental taxes, reliefs and schemes that encourage businesses to operate in a more environmentally friendly way. A range of grants - energy efficiency grants and free energy audits, low carbon workspaces grants, eco innovation grants, and grants to help reduce business travel costs – have also been introduced to make sustainable development more viable.

A relatively simple step, such as switching to energy efficient lighting would certainly appear to be a worthwhile undertaking. According to lighting supplier BLT Direct making this switch can reduce lighting energy usage by up to 80% compared to conventional light sources, whilst also greatly increasing life span - energy efficient bulbs can last up to an impressive 25,000 hours. So, although some may be put off using energy efficient lighting by the higher initial cost, the savings from energy saving bulbs mean that they soon pay for themselves. A switch to LED lighting at Arundel Museum, for example, is expected to save over 5,700 kWh per

year, equivalent to £716 and 2.77 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

At an initial cost of £950, the new units should pay for themselves in around sixteen months. Another example is the Sheldon Hotel in Eastbourne, which was given a £1,000 grant from the Energy Efficient East Sussex programme to install energy efficient lighting. Sensor-controlled LED spotlights in the hotel reception have reduced annual electricity consumption by 6,400 kWh and costs by £700.

This is likely to raise the interest of certain business owners in the wake of a survey that highlights the apparent unpredictability of the energy prices around the UK. A recent study by Love Energy Savings revealed that the price of

Creative Commons - Photo by Olearys

energy bills can vary depending on the postcode of the business - surprisingly, it revealed that the energy prices of a small sized company in Liverpool were almost ÂŁ1000 more expensive than that of a similar company in central London.

Of course there are a fair few businesses that are already switched on to the benefits of being green. According to research conducted by O2 a few years ago, some businesses were even forging ahead of the government when it came to environmental issues. The research found that corporate commitment to environmentalism had reached a tipping point as businesses had found that making themselves green could do more than just boost their image. Nearly 60%

of the 500 senior executives questioned said sustainability could increase market share whilst almost half felt it could boost profits by making their operations more efficient.

Whilst the lure of cost savings and extra profits may form a large part of what makes sustainability attractive to business (after all, they do need to make money) businesses have also been facing up to the fact that they are increasingly expected to operate in a sustainable manner; by staff, shareholders, and the general public. While many of us may do our bit at home, it is of course businesses that have a far greater impact on resources, waste and emissions and therefore the potential to make the biggest difference.

“Nearly 60% of the 500 senior executives questioned said sustainability could increase market share and almost half felt it could boost profits by making their operations more efficient�

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

Green Business

Creative Commons- photo by mattwalker69 - 91957046

“Both large and small businesses are indeed jumping on board and joining the sustainability party; which undoubtedly is a great thing”

In fact, the feeling around corporate social responsibility has become so strong in recent years that a survey by BT found that more than a third of young professionals valued working for a socially responsible employer over earning a higher salary.

Regardless of their reasons for doing so, both large and small businesses are indeed jumping on board and joining the sustainability party; which undoubtedly is a great thing. However, there are still plenty of SMEs remaining that either don’t have the time, or simply do not know about the schemes, grants and benefits that may be available to them; which is where sustainable partnerships come in.

Looking towards Sussex, organisations such as the Sustainable Business Partnership (SBP) CIC have been established. Through a combination

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of events, seminars and assistance with obtaining grants, the SBP aims to assist and support businesses, social enterprises and public sector organisations across the region in an effort to help them to both reduce costs and their environmental impact. Similarly, the East Sussex business excellence through resource efficiency (BETRE) initiative provides advice to local small businesses on reducing waste, energy and water use. Another local example is the Green Growth Platform, launched by the University of Brighton in 2014. The platform supports Sussex’s green sector through a network of environmentally focused businesses, their aim being ‘to deliver a menu of one-to-one business support, innovation and R&D support, events and skills development.’

These schemes and initiatives would appear to be bearing fruit too, with the East Sussex BETRE project reporting that since 2003 it has helped to: cut enough CO2 emissions to fill 2,800 Boeing 767s per year; save enough energy to drive a small car over 8 million miles per year; save enough water to fill 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools per year; divert enough waste from local landfills to fill 236 dumper trucks per year; and save local businesses £1.3 million. As an individual example, the BETRE project helped East Sussex charity, Pestalozzi International Village Trust to identify potential savings of up to £12,000 per year on their energy bills.

In addition, it provided a Green Action Award to help improve heating controls, which cut gas use by 34% and saved £2,600 per year.

There’s been positive news also from the University of Brighton, who reported in late 2015 that their Green Growth Platform was already over halfway to its target of working with 1000 businesses by 2018. In addition, a 2015 report by the government’s Department of Business, Innovation and Skills showed that the low carbon and environmental economy has displayed year-on-year growth over the period from 2010 to 2013.

Encouraging signs then, but we can by no means afford to take our foot off the pedal. Unfortunately this is an issue that has no easy solution and all businesses, regardless of their size, increasingly need to face up to their responsibility to reduce the negative impact that their operations can have on the environment. Of course, this isn’t the responsibility of business only; it lies with everyone, everywhere.

Experts Take Part In Biggest Disaster Exercise Staff and students from the University of Portsmouth have taken part in Europe’s biggest ever emergency response exercise – involving a tower block collapsing on Waterloo Station

The fictional but painstakingly realised scenario was at the Advertorial heart of Exercise Unified Response, which took place at four sites in London and involved more than 70 agencies and 4,000 people.

Organised by London Fire Brigade and the London Resilience Partnership, the exercise was designed to test the UK’s readiness in dealing with major incidents involving urban search and rescue and identifying victims.

The University provided teams of evaluators led by academic researchers Dr Alison Wakefield (of the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies), Dr Sara Thorne (Portsmouth Business School) and Dr Richard Teeuw (School of Earth and Environmental Sciences).

Some students were also involved and will be using observations from the exercise as the basis for postgraduate research projects.

Dr Teeuw said: “Taking part in the exercise has been a unique opportunity, allowing a team of around 20 from the University of Portsmouth to work closely

with London Fire Brigade organisers in order to support the evaluation of the exercise and learn lessons for the future.

“This will enable the UK and the EU to fine-tune their urban disaster responses, training staff in rescue techniques, testing procedures and equipment.”

Tom Hales, a part-time student on the MSc Crisis and Disaster Management course and a specialist rescue technician and trainer, added: “It was a fantastic opportunity to be part of the evaluation team and participate in an exercise on this scale.”

The exercise took place at sites in central London and a disused power station near Dartford Bridge, with a mock-up of Waterloo Station containing train carriages buried under rubble – designed to make the search and rescue efforts as realistic as possible.

In the scenario, UK search and rescue teams are already at full stretch because of another major building collapse elsewhere in the country, so help has been requested from Europe.

Specialist teams from all over Europe took part in the exercise – part-funded by the EU – which involved more than 2,000 volunteers playing casualties.

For information about Portsmouth Business School, its courses and regular events, please visit www.port. ac.uk/pbsevents

Show you mean business – do the Portsmouth MBA

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) will develop your capabilities and enable you to bring fresh thinking to your organisation right from the start of your studies. Not only will it enhance your career prospects but it will allow you to build lasting networks with like-minded individuals.

• Innovative work-based learning • Taught part-time in two day blocks over two years • Generous scholarships

‘The MBA is a key to unlocking the doors to senior and executive level management roles.

The pace of the course allows me to carry out a full time international sales role at the same time as studying.’

Katie Ilincariu Europe and South America Sales Manager, Fosse Liquitrol

Come along to one of our Postgraduate and MBA open evenings and listen to a guest speaker, meet the teaching staff and current students in a relaxed and informal atmosphere – for details visit www.showyoumeanbusiness.com.

For more information or to apply: T: +44 (0)23 9284 4888 E: mba.admissions@ port.ac.uk W: www.port.ac.uk/mba www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 45

Made In Sussex

The BIG Futures Show

Year 9 and 10 students made their way to Eastbourne’s Winter Gardens on Wednesday 20th April for the Big Futures Show, to be inspired by the many different career paths on offer to them

Students from across Business Sussex were given the opportunity to gain an Events insight into the many different avenues that they could go down for their future careers, and how to get there at the Big Futures Show on 20th April. Colleges, professional services and a range of local businesses all offering different paths to success and future career prospects lined the halls at Eastbourne’s Winter Gardens, all giving advice and promoting their apprenticeship programs or courses to interested 14 and 15 year olds. SBT attended the show as an exhibitor, also making our way around the room to find out how the day had gone for other local businesses, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive!

Matt Attrell, Customer Care Officer at Mears Housing Management commented: “Overall, this has been a great networking experience, both in terms of getting the word out to young people currently in education – potential employees – and in terms of business-

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

to-business networking. These events She came to us when she was 16 and give a really wide scope for future career was far more mature than many of the prospects and new business ideas, others we’ve employed through a more and the kids seem to have been really traditional route. She has grown with us interested.” and has done what she wanted, and Emma Bell, Assistant Procurement we’re very pleased for her.”

Manager at Faithorn Kerri Hynd from Farrell Timms said: “It’s Sussex Police said: “The amount of been really good to see “We’ve been very the youth coming through impressed with the level businesses here and to talk to them about of engagement from the is wonderful as it their futures. We have had students today. A lot our own apprentice here, gives them a wide of them have wanted Georgia, who has been to know more about range of ideas to at the stand all day with careers in forensics go away and us, giving advice to other or detective work, but potential apprentices on we’ve also been trying consider” her experience with us to encourage them to - Eastbourne as a company. We have think about the perhaps Borough Council found that many of the slightly less obvious students simply aren’t roles in the police force: aware of the industries that are out the non-uniform staff roles. Many of them there, and often haven’t considered an have approached me and asked why I apprenticeship with a company like us. am not in a uniform if I am in the police We’ve been trying to push the fact that – they’re not educated on the force as you don’t have to go down the traditional a whole. All in all, this has been a great route, and that funding is available should event for us, and I hope for the students they need it. Georgia has been fantastic. too.”

The Big Futures Show

The TR Fastenings stand saw much interest also: “We have been giving out a lot of brochures to people keen on finding out more about what they can do with us. We’ve in turn been asking them about what they would like to do.

They are young though (some only 14) so a lot don’t know what they want to do as a career at all, which is perfectly normal, but we are here to give them that kick-start and inspiration, so they can go away and think about it with us in mind.

We’ve surprisingly had a lot of interest in engineering as a career path, which is great!”

Jamie Pierce, Marketing Manager of Parker Building Supplies, and the team added some advice for improvement next year whilst praising the event: “This event is a fantastic idea for youngsters to get an idea of what is out there for them. We think it should be expanded to older age groups who perhaps still haven’t had that integral careers advice though. It would be great if next year it was developed to encompass those older age groups.”

A representative of Eastbourne Borough Council at the show said: “This has been a really worthwhile event, which encourages young people to really think about their future at an early age. The amount of businesses here is wonderful as it gives them a wide range of ideas to go away and consider. All the children have been lovely and enthusiastic too.”

Helen Dode from Rix & Kay explained:

“This has been a great networking experience, both in terms of getting the word out to young people in education – potential employees – and in terms of business-to-business networking” - Matt Attrell, Customer Care Officer at Mears Housing Management “We’ve had a lot of interest both this morning and this afternoon. It’s something we feel is very important – we have taken on apprentices over the past 3 years and in fact have a new apprentice starting this week, so we know the interest is there and it’s all about expanding that. I think an apprenticeship is an equally good path to take as the ‘traditional’ route, and it completely depends on whether the individual is more academically focused or would rather have a more hands-on experience and begin a career immediately.”

The team on the NatWest (RBS) stand were particularly enthusiastic about the running and format of the show: “This afternoon has gone better than this morning for us, but overall the footfall has been far better than at other similar events that we’ve exhibited at.

We have been particularly impressed

with the organisation of this event, with the workbooks that the students were given ahead of today – this has meant that they’ve come to us with questions prepared and know exactly where they need to go and who they want to talk to.

It gives the day a focus that other events don’t have, and I’m sure the students feel the same. We personally feel that schools often simply either don’t have or don’t share the right knowledge of apprenticeship schemes, or alternative routes to a career, so what better way is there to get that message out?”

The Big Futures Show will continue to drive regional and individual prosperity for young people and their future next year.

Steven Goss-Turner, Chair of Eastbourne Education Business Partnership, organisers of the event itself, said: “It is the belief of the Eastbourne Education Business Partnership that the ‘BFS’ will become a highlight in the annual calendar of Eastbourne events, and a major contribution to the future economic and societal development of the region.”

Website: www.bigfuturesshow.org.uk Facebook: BIGFuturesShow Twitter: BIGFuturesShow #BIGFS2016

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

Hotel Review:

Buxted Park Hotel Features Editor, James Marchant took the opportunity to visit Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield this month. Here, he describes his luxury experience for the leisure and business traveller

Buxted Park Hotel Uckfield

Address: Buxted, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 4AY Telephone: 0845 072 7412 Web: www.handpickedhotels. co.uk/buxtedpark/

48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

When I was offered the opportunity to review Buxted Park Review Hotel for this month’s edition of SBT, I headed to the Internet for some more details of what I could expect. A quick look at the Hand Picked Hotels website who own Buxted Park along with a collection of similarly splendid former private residences covering the length and breadth of the UK - revealed that Buxted Park Hotel is a Grade II listed Palladian mansion. Built in 1722 by Sir Thomas Medley, the hotel is set in 312

acres of Ashdown Forest parkland with 44 bedrooms and 7 suites. The hotel also boasts a 2 AA rosette restaurant, and has been awarded the AA four red star inspector’s choice of country house hotel.

Needless to say, I was excited.

I arrive on a reasonably bright Monday afternoon and drive leisurely down the long driveway - from which I am able to admire some of the surrounding parkland – and pull into the complimentary car park. A couple of signs direct me to the reception area where I’m greeted warmly by the receptionist and the General Manager. I have the privilege of staying in the Winston Churchill suite, so called

Tried and Tested in Sussex

“The room exudes the history and character of the hotel with its grand furnishings, and has magnificent views of the surrounding 312 acres” as the man himself stayed there. It’s huge; complete with high ceilings with intricately decorated cornicing and tall windows through which the daylight pours, lighting the room nicely.

The room includes a generous Super King sized bed, writing table, sofa, coffee table, seating area, fireplace and, of course, tea and coffee making facilities. The room exudes the history and character of the hotel with its grand furnishings, and has magnificent views of the surrounding 312 acres. The bathroom is the largest that I have ever seen, with marble floors and a walk-in wardrobe. There’s also a roll top bath, double size shower, his and hers basins and plenty of mirrors – very nice indeed.

After taking some time to settle in and admire the view I head downstairs to the Coat of Arms Lounge and Crystal Bar. This too is a wonderful room, with high decorative ceilings, full-height windows,

a grand fireplace with elaborately sculpted stone surround, and leather armchairs and sofas. The room also plays host to an impressive chandelier, making this a wonderful place to sit and relax.

I am greeted promptly and recommended a Chilean Merlot to sip at my leisure before being presented with the dinner menu. There are two main choices, either the Buxted menu (two course or three course) or an individually

priced A La Carte menu. I opt for the former and choose the roast quail breast, celeriac and potato salad, pickled wild mushrooms and pear gel starter. For main, I go for the grilled sirloin of beef, wild mushroom, cherry tomato and watercress salad, peppercorn sauce, and Pont-Neuf potatoes (essentially ‘chunky’ chips).

Upon ordering I am offered a small plate of canapés (which are very tasty indeed) before being led into the main restaurant. This room must be an extension of the original building as it unfortunately doesn’t have the same splendour as the lounge and bar area - a little disappointing when compared to the rest of the main house.

Throughout my meal the waiting staff are attentive, friendly and helpful. Foodwise it’s hard to fault and the grilled sirloin is a particular highlight: beautifully tender and flavoursome. Once I have finished my main, I choose a lemon tart with orange gel and raspberry sorbet for dessert, which rounds off the meal nicely. I then retire to the lounge and bar area to relax some more with a pot of tea.

After a supremely comfortable sleep, I indulge in the Buxted cooked breakfast – a full English - which isn’t included in the room price, unlike the continental breakfast. This proves to be a good decision as it’s very tasty and sets me up nicely for the day ahead.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

I was pleased to learn that Buxted Park Hotel offers an impressive array of business and conference facilities too. There are seven different areas of varying size in the main house that are available for conference and meeting use, the largest of which is the ballroom that can host up to 180. There’s also

the library, orangery, blue drawing room, red drawing room, and oriental – all wonderfully preserved with original features of the sort you would expect from a grand country estate of this age. If you’re looking to inspire or impress then these rooms are ideal.

In addition there is a projection theatre

and smaller meeting/ conference room called Academy 1. As has become the norm these days, the hotel offers complimentary WiFi - this was nice and fast during my stay. These business facilities are clearly popular as I saw a number of them in use during my short stay.

Located 45 miles from London and 24 miles from London Gatwick, the hotel is certainly well connected for all visitor needs. There are two train stations nearby, Buxted (0.5 miles) and Uckfield (4 miles), which are both on the same direct line from London Bridge (a journey of just over 1 hour) plus Haywards Heath isn’t too far if you wish to use the Brighton line. Equally, driving is simple, situated 35 minutes south of the M25 and 30 minutes from both Brighton and Tunbridge Wells.

Without a doubt I would recommend Buxted Park Hotel, be it for business or pleasure. Throughout my stay the staff were warm, courteous and helpful. And if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and rural but still well connected, with history, original features and a grand ambience, then Buxted Park is the place.

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

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Telephone: 01323 646477 01323 646477 Fax: 01323 646412 Email: post@mdjservices.co.uk 36 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 4216www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

P SBT_November11_Version3.indd motoring SBTSBT NOVEMBER 2013.indd P Finance July 2013.indd 16 42 55

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 55

05/12/2013 14:2810:56 13/08/2013 09:43 05/12/2011

Made In Sussex

The Perfect Country Retreat

Park House is a 21-bedroom, luxury country house, hotel & spa located in the West Sussex village of Bepton, a 5 minute drive from the historic market town of Midhurst

The hotel sits in ten glorious acres Park of gardens and grounds and offers House a superb choice of on-site sports and spa facilities.

Locally, there is wonderful countryside for walking, including the South Downs Way, fishing, shooting, clay pigeon shooting and riding. Top quality motor racing and horse racing are also held close by. Its rural location and the surrounding countryside provides breathtaking views and tranquility for business events and away-days all year round.

Adjacent to the main hotel building is The Barn, a beautifully renovated traditional Sussex barn which is a perfect countryside venue for business and board meetings, seminars and conferences, corporate entertaining, networking events and company parties. When combined with the hotel’s luxurious bedrooms, intimate PH2O Spa and warm, efficient service. The Barn makes a great location for hosts and their guests.

The Barn comprises two areas downstairs: the main barn area with its beautifully timbered roof and a smaller area to the side that can be closed if required. Downstairs is ideal for conferences of up 60 guests, receptions for a maximum of 80 guests or seated

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

dinners for up to 70 guests. Upstairs there is a state-of-the art boardroom for 12 which is fully equipped with air conditioning, video conferencing facilities, WIFI and all the technology and services expected of a luxury business venue today. The Barn looks out over the beautifully kept hotel gardens and in the summer months these can be included as well.

All Park House business guests can enjoy the spa with its 15 metre indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, a gym and fitness suite, four treatment rooms and areas to relax in.

In the summer months, there is also an outdoor heated swimming pool with surrounding sun terraces, bar and alfresco dining facilities, two superb quality grass tennis courts, a bowls lawn, a croquet lawn, a putting green and a 6 hole, Par 3 eighteen tee golf course.

The hotel can be hired on an exclusive-use basis and off-site activities can also be organised.

To visit, tour the hotel and discuss your requirements, please contact the Hotel Reservations Team on 01730-819020 or email: reservations@parkhousehotel.com

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The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex

ACES represents 4,000 members across the County and you are automatically a member of ACES if you are a member of one of the Chambers listed overleaf. This entitles you to share your news stories in these SBT Business pages without charge

A room with a view In the ‘70s the Transport and General Workers Union built a state of the art training facility and conference centre on the seafront in Eastbourne. It ran successfully for many years giving union members the chance to visit Eastbourne from all over the country and enjoy stunning views of the Sussex shoreline from Hastings all the way to Beachy Head.

The hotel was originally open only to TGWU members and then in 2006 it became an open hotel welcoming non-union members under the title “The Eastbourne Centre”.

In 2014 the hotel was renamed “The View” and started a multi-million pound refurbishment to give the hotel the very latest, state of the art facilities. The Hotel now offers sophisticated facilities to visit, stay or hold a conference and prides itself on offering a completely up to date personal service with free WiFi facilities throughout the hotel, tailored events and a variety of meetings and event packages.

Visit The View for a polished, inner city experience with a friendly seaside feel. Situated close to the theatre district and town centre it is ideally located and easily assessable by public transport and car.

The Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Airbourne Lunch at The View because its views of the beach and air show are without doubt the best in Eastbourne. After lunch the members can watch the air show from the hotel roof and enjoy panoramic 360° views of the Downs and the sea. On a clear day you can watch the Red Arrows fly in from Biggin Hill over the Downs and you can just

about see France over the Channel.

The hotel’s newly refurbished restaurant caters for up to 120 guests and is open 7 days a week. The Vista Bar & Lounge welcomes non-residents throughout the day and evening for drinks and food with an outside terrace with a sea view.

For a room with a view, visit Start-Up Workshop The View Hotel www.theviewhoteleastbourne.com

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Chamber News

UK Export Finance Unlocks African Markets for UK Exporters

UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency, has become the newest member of the African Trade Insurance (ATI) agency, offering UK exporters enhanced access to growing markets in Africa.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) has announced that it has joined ATI, the pan-African export credit agency (ECA).

The move comes as the UK government looks to encourage more UK businesses to trade with African countries as part of

the nation-wide ‘Exporting is GREAT’ campaign.

As an ATI member, UKEF will gain access to information about upcoming opportunities for exporters, as well as local knowledge of firms and projects.

ATI will also provide a platform to raise awareness among project sponsors and buyers in African countries of the UKEF support available to importers of UK goods and services.

Joining the Premier Division Auditel, the UK’s leading cost management specialists, joined Eastbourne unLtd Chamber of Commerce as Premier Members in 2015 after a recommendation from Chamber President, Tim Cobb.

Although confident of her negotiating skills with suppliers, CEO Christina Ewbank explains “I felt that an independent and impartial review of our costs was an opportunity that was too good to miss and I was keen to try the Auditel service for the Chamber.

The potential value to us was obvious so I engaged Ian Hopping and Eddie Finch from Auditel Sussex to examine

our expenditure on energy, stationery and merchant services”.

The Chamber’s business premises are relatively small and their expenditure not

UKEF will be able to share risk with other ATI-member countries in strategically important markets, increasing risk capacity for projects in African countries sourcing goods and services from the UK. British High Commissioner to Kenya HE Nic Hailey said: ‘The UK is a global leader in many of the sectors for which Kenya has greatest demand: infrastructure, advanced engineering, energy, ICT and defence and security. In these and other specialist areas, UK expertise can help accelerate Kenya’s development and economic growth’ Louis Taylor, UKEF Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘UKEF’s ATI membership will help UK exporters unlock fast-growing markets in Africa. We will be able to offer even more comprehensive support to help UK companies win contracts in African countries, combining access to export finance with access to the local knowledge needed to enter new markets.’

ATI has supported trade of over $17billion since 2003, providing insurance to secure traders against risks ranging from political instability to non-completion of a contract. Its vision is to make Africa a prime trade and investment destination.

For more information visit African Trade Insurance (ATI) – www.ati-aca.org/index.php massive, however the results were very impressive. After reviewing the Chamber’s spend over the last 12 months Auditel were able to produce some very pleasing results. A new electricity contract was put in place saving over 10% from the previous tariff and stationery savings of 17% were identified. However, best of all was a fantastic saving of 59% on merchant card fees!

Christina continues, “It’s not just the savings that have impressed me.

Auditel have saved me so much time, allowing me to get on with my real work for our members. I have no hesitation in recommending Auditel to our members, especially those taking credit and debit cards!”.

For further information, contact Auditel on 01323 819379 or email bhp@auditel.co.uk

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

Chamber News

in East Sussex

Exceptional Entries for 2016 Lewes TR Fastenings - Best Profits for 10 Years District Business Awards (A Trifast Company)

F

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

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

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

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

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

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

ACES Battle Chamber of Commerce www.battlechamber.org.uk 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

District have put themselves forward Celebrating excellence amongst the for an award”.

District’s business community, the Judging is taking place now and for Lewes District Business Awards are the third year, Hugh Burnett OBE, DL, free to enter and open to organisations FCA will chair the panel. of all sizes and sectors.

This year’s sponsors include: The Awards create a fantastic Harvey & Son Ltd, Santon North opportunity for many different types Street, Cheesmur Building of businesses to come together Malcolm Diamond MBE andand Jim Barker Contractors, Veolia, Swindells celebrate the success of the District’s business talent achievement.

In 1978, and manufacturing of specialist fasteners Accountants, screw businessCavendish in Italy was brought into was started in Uckfield, with subsequent the Group.

Communications, Brooklyn Hyundai, Past winners have included factories established in Northampton and TR’s major customer sectors include LEAP, Richard Soan Roofing Service, many localTelford favourites such as The in the 80’s.

Automotive, Domestic Appliances, Basepoint, Viva Lewes and Platinum Runaway,InThe Charleston Trust and the late 80’s, IBM selected TR as their most Electronics and Distributors – all of which are Mill Laine eligible Farm, component as well assupplier established to be trained in Business. enjoying organic growth. zerocompanies defect/on time deliveries to a new The Awards are supported by the international such as Cash In June 2014, TR announced the best sales, assembly facility that relied on “Just In Time” Alliance of Chambers inaEast Sussex, Bases anddeliveries successful organisations profits and share price for decade, now straight to their production line. with 1,150 staff spread across 17 countries.

Peacehaven Chamber of Commerce, such as Furniture and led theto TR being a Successful Now! compliance Trifast Plc is based in Uckfield and along with single sourceAcademy. supplier with IBM, which then Seaford Chamber of Commerce, National Lifesaving TR’s sales, distribution and manufacturing attracted other major telecoms Newhaven Chamber of staff Commerce, There are 12 trophies upThe formassive grabs1990’s surge facilities employs on site. As the over 150 manufacturers to TR. largest local employer, the Company it to a full LSE Lewes in the electronics Chamber of Commerce, this year including threesector new carried categories maintains close links with both the Uckfield listing as a PLC in 1994 named Trifast.

Locate EastofSussex and The Argus.

– Best Employer, Customer Service and Chamber Commerce a founder member By 2000, sales turnover peaked at £120m of the Alliance ceremony of Chamberswill in East Sussex The awards take International Business. There are also sales, and by 2001 three component (ACES) and the local Community College. place on Thursday 14 July at the special awards to recognise innovation factories had been established in Singapore, The College is the main annual provider of ‘A’ Lewes Hall.for TR’s 2 year NVQ Business and the community, an and Malaysia and along Taiwan,with with sales Level Town candidates in Southern Ireland, Studies Apprenticeship scheme. leading Around 200 of the District’s award for distribution the LEAPfacilities new entrepreneur Norway, Sweden, USA, Holland, Hungary and business people, sponsors of the year.

Despite global uncertainty thereand is clearly China, plus eight around the UK. and a feeling TR management judges areamongst expected to attend giving Leader of Lewes District Council, The Company had become global by staff that there are grounds for cautious guests the perfect opportunity to Councillorfollowing Andy Smith, said: “Following its former UK based multinational optimism for the future continuing growth key customers to lower of their with business as sales for year ended network peers, celebrate with the huge success of the lastcost twoeconomies March 2015 are forecast to reach overseas – mainly Asia and Central/ colleagues and find out those allyears, theEastern LewesEurope.

District Business £150 million. important results!

Awards continue to go from strength to For more information, contact the strength. organisers on 01273 666200 or by “We are delighted that so many email lewes@midnight.co.uk. exceptional businesses from across the

www.acesalliance.org

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.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

Will Your Team Take You to the “Premier League”?

Rachel Stone of Bespoke Training, Eastbourne contemplates what Leicester City’s success can teach us about business success – can your team make the cut?

Even if you are not a footy fan, you may still have Advertorial heard about the remarkable story of Leicester City this year. They have gone from mediocre to outstanding in a short period of time.

It hasn’t been without hard work, but it has been against the odds. To avid football fans it has been a really uplifting story. No flashy, expensive players have been drafted in and stolen the show here: it’s much more impressive than that.

This team has played like a proper team. They have understood the key ingredients that make up a successful team and the results have been amazing.

This is disrupting the football market and creating results where they never thought it would be possible.

Could your team get these kinds of results? Are you leading as an expert so that your team can rise above mediocrity to excellence?

So what is a team?

A team, as a noun, is defined as a group of ‘players’ or participants who form one side in a competition or sport; or as a group of people with a full set of complementary skills required to complete a task, job, or project. As a

verb, the word team means to come together to achieve a common goal.

The key to all definitions is that a team will share a common purpose or goal to which everyone is committed. Can you say the same about your own team?

One theory of team behaviour by Tuckman defines the stages a team goes through until they reach the ‘performing stage’. When this happens the following is possible: • The team is more strategically aware • The team knows clearly why it is doing what it is doing • The team has a shared vision and is able to stand on its own feet with no interference or participation from the leader • There is a focus on over-achieving goals, and the team makes most of the decisions against criteria agreed with the leader • The team has a high degree of autonomy • Disagreements occur but now they are resolved within the team positively, and necessary changes to processes and structure are made by the team • The team is able to work towards achieving the goal, and also to attend to relationships, styles and will process issues along the way • Team members look after each other • The team requires delegated tasks and projects from the leader • The team does not need to be instructed or assisted • The leader delegates and oversees • Team members might ask for assistance from the leader with personal and interpersonal development Is your team truly performing?

I work with business leaders to develop highly effective teams to create the results you desire so that everyone can have their best year yet. This is a coaching programme that has proven to deliver outstanding results. Please contact me if you would like to develop your leadership and your team. I’d love to hear from you.

I have a few spaces available from June.

Coaching and training programmes are accredited by the Continuing Professional Development standards office and count towards your CPD. 01323 332316/ 07545 217966 or email rachel@bespoketrainingeastbourne. com Mandy Brook MD RSE Group Ltd Worldwide Recruitment We had some very specific training needs when we first started talking with Rachel and it quickly became apparent that her training style, manner and knowledge was perfect for our company and got the very best out of our staff. As a manager of people it has been a source of joy to see my team flourish and embrace new working practices and come back to the office with a renewed vigour and true sense of purpose in their jobs and the ability to do their jobs better than they already were.

Rachel has a great knack of empowering people and ensuring they follow best practice whilst enjoying what they do. I would highly recommend Rachel to any organisation trying to get the best from their staff and any leadership or team training that they are considering - she’s definitely the lady for the job!

Corin Dudley MD, Electrical Services Rachel’s personality is infectious and her training techniques are powerful and thought provoking. The changes we have made within the business already after just a few sessions are incredible and contributing to moving the business forward! Best thing we have ever done!

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 57

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Motoring

Test Drive Nissan Pulsar DIG-T 190

SBT trials the sporty, top of the range Pulsar from Nissan There have been a number of Nissan cars gracing the Sporty pages of SBT over the last 12 months or so. It’s been with great interest that we’ve explored the range to find out what has been making the brand consistent winners of numerous specialist awards in recent years.

At first glance, the Pulsar is clearly from the same set of designers that have delivered the Juke and Qashqai to the nation’s forecourts. Perhaps aside from the larger Qashqai, I’m not convinced that they’re a big seller due to their looks, but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So the Nissan range must have other attributes that are drawing our nation to the dealerships. Price is a likely candidate, along with economy and performance perhaps?

The drive of the Pulsar is convincing

58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

enough and with an average mpg of 45+ it’s certainly economical, which should appeal to families and of course business users with a high mileage to consider.

The Pulsar DIG-T 190 offers up a six speed gearbox which, I can only assume is for the purposes of fuel economy, drenching the maximum efficiency from any single gear and giving the sense of higher performance from the gear ratios in the box.

It is my opinion however, that the six speed box in this car only serves to cause wrist-ache from the constant stepping up-and-down through gearing as you attempt to get on your way. And all for an extra few mpg?

Now I understand that modern gearboxes commonly run up to (and around) the 8-gear mark, and that makes a lot of sense with centrifugal gearboxes. We rely on the super-clever computers and gizmos to decide the best gear for us to be in at any given time, to get the best performance, dependent on how heavy our right foot

“Electric everything, heated seats, decent stereo system and cameras for every manoeuvre, it’s fully loaded” is. When it comes to manual gearboxes though, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being duped in the name of statistics and the ever-present drive for fuel economy ratings to bolster marketing campaigns and therefore, sales.

This of course, isn’t an issue that’s exclusive to this car, or even this manufacturer. Simply something that has occurred to me during my time with the Pulsar and here seems like as good a place as any to air my grievances!

The engine though, is decent. The

Motoring

1.6-litre DIG-T engine has been the secret weapon that’s powered the most underrated Nissan Juke, so sticking it into the front of the Pulsar was always going to make for an entertaining hatchback. Perhaps more on the warm side rather than a hot hatch, but still, it more than merits your attention when

you push your foot down.

On the plus side, and with the benefit of this decent motor, when the Pulsar hits the open road (and the higher gears), it’s a good place to be.

It’s comfortable, quiet, spacious and taking advantage of the time earned by not constantly having to change

gear, you are allowed the opportunity to appreciate just how well loaded the car is with tech.

Given the price point of this car, it really has an impressive array of mod cons. Pretty much everything you would expect from a modern motor is here, and a few that are unusually absent from some, (i.e. no DAB radio in the near-30K Infiniti Q30 was a surprise). Electric everything, heated seats, decent stereo system and cameras for every manoeuvre, it’s fully loaded.

If you’re considering the Nissan Pulsar DIG-T 190, you’ll want to allow a budget of approx £19K for this car once you’ve allowed for dealer offers and a few well selected extras, which seems good value given the performance on offer. A quick scoot around the Internet tells us that you’ll not want to veer far over this price.

Both variants of the car include a unique trim finisher that extends to the full width of the dashboard, while alloy sports pedals give it a sportier look.

The Acenta model gets equipment such as Forward Emergency Braking, automatic lights and wipers and Nissan’s ingenious i-Key system. At the top of the range, the Tekna gets distinctive white stitching on the threespoke steering wheel and leather seats.

On top of this, you have Nissan’s ‘Safety Shield Technologies’ package, which includes forward emergency braking, moving object detection, lane departure warning and blind spot warning for a decent level of passenger protection. Both models are well kitted out for more common safety equipment, with six airbags, wheel-mounted audio controls, a tyre pressure monitoring system, anti lock brakes backed up by electronic brake force distribution and a stability control system.

All in all, a decent car from Nissan and a hell of a lot of car for the money.

Price: £23,015 MPG: 47mpg Insurance Group: 18 EU Emissions Standard: 6 CO2 Emissions: 138 g/km Fuel Delivery: Turbo Direct Injection Transmission: Manual Gearing: 6 Speed

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Volvo XC60 D4

Volvo’s mid-sized SUV rolls in for its SBT critique information system, which includes It’s been some time our favourite abbreviation (BLIS) with since we had a ride cross traffic alert! A hefty list of amazing in an XC60 and this Luxury safety features that set these cars apart time, it’s the turn of from the pack. the AWD Geartronic So there are the obvious benefits SE Lux Nav version. of driving a Volvo in 2016; your safety We have, however is more assured than perhaps it tested a number of Volvos from the would be in a competitor vehicle. This current range in our recent editions and does, though, come at a price. A fair it has become clear to us that Volvo whack, when compared to alternative are adamant to remain at the forefront mid-sized SUVs in the market. This of safety and build quality. Traits, which particular model, have long since been (fully loaded) reaches the calling card of the “The pick of the over £45K. That Swedish manufacturer.

This XC60 is no bunch for us though, said, with the right amount of haggling different. Loaded with is the 2.0-litre and seeking out some all manner of safety D4 powering the of the deals that are and security features, (some standard and entry model, which currently available, the XC60 becomes a real some optional extras) delivers 179bhp contender in its class. the list reads as a yet emits just 117g/ It has to be said, checklist of just about that the Volvo XC60 every available piece of km of CO2” is an extremely stylish technology you could SUV that’s aimed imagine. squarely at rivals such as the Audi The driver support pack, (at £1,900) Q5, BMW X3 and the Range Rover includes collision warning with full Evoque. We first saw it in 2008 and the auto braking, pedestrian and cyclist facelifted version later in 2014, quickly detection, adaptive cruise control becoming Volvo’s best-selling car along and distance alert, queue assist, lane the way. departure warning, driver alert control The interior of the XC60 is a real (DAC) with active high beam, road stand out. Soft touch features are sign information display and blind spot

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

everywhere suggesting the notorious design and build quality that many would expect from the brand. As with all Volvo models the seats are supremely comfortable. The XC60 doesn’t fall short of expectations and offers plenty of room for the average family or for the business user who needs plenty of adaptable space to play with. The configuration of the inside is very flexible, giving many and various options for you to utilise the substantial boot space, depending on how many passengers you may have at any given time. It’s fair to suggest that, with the rear seats fully flat, you basically have space akin to a small van available.

The limited engine choices and a slightly less than engaging driving experience are the downsides of the current model, when compared to some of the smaller, sportier models in the range, but considering everything, the XC60 is a comfortable high mileage cruiser and perfect for business travel, (especially with that room in the back).

As with its upmarket rivals, this Volvo is available with a choice of either two or four-wheel drive, also there is the option of the all-new eight-speed auto box in place of the standard six-speed manual option.

Currently, there’s a limited line up of four, and five cylinder diesel engines, and petrol models are no longer available at all. The pick of the bunch for us though, is the 2.0-litre D4 powering the entry model, which delivers 179bhp yet emits just 117g/km of CO2.

SBTMotoring News Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair Travels to Hastings This summer, Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair returns to London, and announces its second venue for this year: in Hastings, East Sussex.

On 12th June, the iconic event that sees the art world let its hair down returns to the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, London. This year’s theme is ‘The Hand’, and promises a hand-selected line-up of established and up-and-coming artists who will be pitching up and selling their original, exclusive artworks out of the back of new and vintage Vauxhall cars.

The event will also honour the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations

in its own irreverent style, bringing a street party vibe to this mini festival in a carpark with artfully-made finger food, quirky circus acts, magic tricks, and special exhibits from artists such as Christian Furr, the youngest ever artist commissioned to officially paint Queen Elizabeth II. Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair will be hitting the road and popping up at the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings, Sussex on 16th July.

Shell Announce Super-Eco Car Shell has unveiled a concept city car, which, if it were ever to go into production, could deliver material reductions in energy use in the road transport sector.

The three seater car is tangible proof of energy efficiency improvements that can be achieved by using cutting edge technology available today through a process of ‘co-engineering’ whereby vehicle body, engine design and lubricants are all created together.

Independent testing and a rigorous lifecycle study shows that Shell’s Concept Car would deliver a 34% reduction in primary energy use over its entire lifecycle when compared to a typical city car available in the UK. The Shell Concept Car would use around half the energy required to build and run than a typical small family car available in the UK and 69% less than that of a typical sports utility vehicle available in the UK. The car’s fuel consumption has been measured using a range of vehicle

testing protocols, covering both steady state and urban driving styles.

Sample test results include a steady state consumption of 107 miles per gallon at 45mph and an improvement of 4.67g CO2/ km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) from the use of bespoke lubricants; equivalent to a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard lubricants available in the UK. Mark Gainsborough, Executive Vice-President of Shell’s global lubricants businesses which backed the project said: “This is a significant automobile engineering milestone. The improvement in economy derived from the collaborative design of engine and lubricant is impressive and highlights the enormous benefits achieved from close relationships between design partners. It also shows the powerful role that lubricants can potentially play in helping achieve CO2 reduction targets.”

Volkswagen wins Van of the Year

Volkswagen’s sixth generation Transporter has extended its awardwinning year to claim both ‘Best Medium Van’ and overall ‘Van of the Year’ at this year’s Trade Van Driver Awards 2016.

The Transporter’s impeccable handling, efficient engines and market-leading residual values helped to give it the edge over its rivals in the judges’ minds.

The latest Transporter offers an extensive range of wheelbases, roof heights, load volumes and payload options to cater for all business needs within the medium van sector.

Available as a passenger carrier, panel van or more recently chassis cab and dropside variants, the Transporter comes equipped with range of economical 2.0-litre engines, manual and DSG transmissions and two- and four-wheel drive.

Commenting on the awards success, Carl zu Dohna, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The Transporter continues to impress judging panels across the industry, which is testament to the quality of this new model. This award is judged by a mix of industry experts and light commercial users which makes the result particularly pleasing!”

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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

Clive Janes, Owner of CRJ Lettings and Author of the Chichester Property News the rate of tax on the part of the property price within each tax band. This was a popular change, with all purchases under £925,000 seeing their stamp duty bill either decrease or remain the same.

What’s the problem then?

In November 2015, George Osborne announced that all second home and buy-to-let purchases above £40,000 will be subject to an additional 3% stamp duty charge from 1st April 2016.

What’s going on with stamp duty?

Before December 2014 stamp duty ran on a ‘slab structure’, whereby you paid a single rate of tax on the entire property purchase. This was changed so that, much like income tax, buyers only pay

EXPERT

3%’s not a lot though is it?

With the average property in Sussex selling for £238,522, the extra 3% will mean a stamp duty bill of £9,426 rather than £2,270 for single-property owners (an additional £7,156).

I’ve got a holiday home in France, am I affected?

I’m afraid you are; if you have a second

info@checkaprofessional.com 64 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

How will this affect house prices?

That’s the million dollar question many estate agents are seeing an immediate drop in demand from buyto-let investors whilst others maintain there are enough owner-occupiers to take up the slack.

In the long-term the extra charge may pale into insignificance, considering the average property in Sussex has increased by 4.9% in the past six months.

For more information or advice please visit www.chipropertynews.co.uk or e-mail clive@crjlettings.co.uk

Duncan Swift, Partner & Head of Food Advisory Group, Moore Stephens LLP ago. Food suppliers are still bearing the brunt of the supermarket ‘price war’ – their profit margins are being squeezed by big supermarket chains trying to offer consumers the lowest prices while maintaining their own profit margins.

What impact is competition between the UK’s leading supermarkets having on food producers?

Last year, 162 food production companies entered insolvency, more than treble the 48 insolvencies in the sector in 2010 and 11% more than a year

home anywhere in the world any U.K property purchase will be treated as a second home and thus you’ll be liable for the extra 3%.

What role have budget retailers played?

The expansion of budget retailers over the last five years has put traditional supermarkets under even more pressure to cut prices. Both Lidl and Aldi plan to expand their UK presence, so the pressure on domestic supermarkets to find extra savings in their supply chains is only going to increase. Sainsbury’s has, for example, announced a major review of its price discounting policies.

How big is the supermarkets’ buying power?

Over 70% of UK food suppliers’ produce goes across the buying desks of the UK’s top 10 supermarkets, so their buying power is enormous. As well as putting downward pressure on headline supply prices, 120day credit terms are commonplace. There are ways to mitigate destructive buyer power, but suppliers often don’t prepare themselves early enough.

Is anyone taking action?

The Groceries Code Adjudicator recently issued its first censure of a supermarket for its treatment of suppliers, particularly regarding late payment and unilateral backmargin deductions. However, as these unreasonable behaviours are prevalent, the regulator needs to show its teeth more often.

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EXPERT

Matthew Tyson, Managing Director, Richard Place Dobson not have to be fully furnished to qualify; it now applies to all landlords.

The allowance includes any movable furniture and furnishings in a letting such as televisions, fridge freezers, carpets, curtains, linen, crockery and beds. Any fixtures that are an integral part of the building are not covered, i.e. bathroom suites and immersion heaters, unless they qualify as a repair.

How will tax changes affect landlords?

On 25th November 2015 George Osborne announced his Autumn Statement and Spending Review which included changes that could seriously impact landlords.

Wear & tear allowance From April 2016 landlords can no longer claim a 10% discount from their tax bill for wear and tear - only the actual cost of replacing furnishings. The property will

EXPERT

The use of tablets, smart watches and mobile phones to browse the web has been on the rise for quite some time, reports show that the quantity of mobile traffic has now far exceeded desktop traffic. With this in mind, it is more important than ever to make sure a company website works smoothly across all devices.

info@checkaprofessional.com

Mortgage relief restriction Gradually implemented over four years from April 2017, landlords will not be able to deduct financial costs to calculate rental profits, including mortgage interest and application fees. Instead they will receive a basic reduction from their income tax liability.

When will this take effect?

• 2017/2018: deduction from property income restricted to 75% of finance costs, the remaining 25% available as a basic rate tax reduction

• 2018/2019: 50% finance costs deduction and 50% basic rate tax reduction • 2019/2020: 25% finance costs deduction and 75% basic rate tax reduction • 2020/2021: all financing costs given basic rate tax reduction Will these changes make a difference?

Higher rate tax payers will be impacted most with tax relief on interest payments reducing from 45% to 20%. Landlords could see tax payable on properties doubling, meaning some may make a loss on their properties. Individuals considering property investment may now want to consider doing so through a limited company.

If you have any queries regarding rental properties, please contact Richard Place Dobson on: 01293 521191 or info@placedobson.co.uk

James Stoner, Founder, JSPC Studies show that the average person is willing to wait only 6-10 seconds for a site to load before clicking off. If a website is easy to use and loads quickly then it will significantly reduce the bounce rate of users thus increasing the likelihood of custom.

Having a mobile optimised website brings with it many benefits. Not only do optimised websites provide a much improved user experience, Google’s mobile friendly algorithm means that mobile optimised websites are favoured, therefore ranking higher in a Google search. Additionally the portable nature of mobile devices means that a business with a mobile optimised website can open up itself up to constant connectivity with its target audience.

There are two options to make a website mobile friendly. Either by creating a responsive website, that follows the same HTML and CSS as the browser ready website but is able to adapt to different devices and screens of all sizes. The second is to create an entirely different HTML website, a new version of the regular site, but modified specifically to cater to tablets and mobile phones.

JSPC Computer Services provide ICT technical services for businesses and educational organisations. The company has grown consistently, and recently branched out to include an expert Website Development Service.

For more information and advice visit www.jspc.co.uk

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Made In Sussex

Made In Sussex: Koru Architects

SBT’s Made in Sussex this month is Koru Architects, an architecture practice based in Hove that specialises in sustainable low-carbon design

The business was set up in 2000, when Brand director Mark Pellant returned from three Focus years of travelling determined to put his environmental principles into action and make a positive impact on the built environment. His goal: to design sustainable, inspiring buildings which reduce carbon emissions and promote natural materials. The Koru Architects aesthetic is thoroughly contemporary, with influences from Koru PassivPod Scandinavian and Japanese architectural styles. Spacious open-plan living under construction) and diversify into new areas with large south-facing windows sectors. They now plan to branch out into characterise many of their residential education, small healthcare facilities and designs. the leisure market.

Architectural Assistant Christina An exciting flagship project is the Vakarelova joined in 2014 to assist development of the ‘PassivPod’ - a luxury with technical drawings, specification zero-carbon holiday home with a rounded research and concept designs. In 2015 ‘pod-like’ shape. The idea originated Mark started working with Clive Bonny, as an entry to the 2014 Sunday Times a business consultant who continues to Eco-Haus Competition and is currently help Mark drive the small business to moving from concept to growth and success. In technical design, with the the spring of 2016 the help of the Green Growth “Sustainable team doubled with the Platform innovation employment of Tegan design is so specialists. Koru Architects Tallullah as a Marketing important for are soon to launch a Officer to build a strong people’s health funding campaign to online presence and finance the construction of attract leads, and Issi and wellbeing, Rousseva as a Project and of course for a full-size prototype, which will then be perfected Architect with a focus the planet” before production kicks on quality management off. The PassivPod offers systems, research a rejuvenating retreat to and networking. Their enjoy nature and outdoor activities from employment coincided with the launch of a comfortable and inspiring base that a new website to drive the business into a takes ‘glamping’ to a whole new level. new phase of growth.

The 4-bedroom holiday home meets Koru Architects has worked on a mix passivhaus standards, is off-grid (except of residential and commercial projects, for drinking water), has exceptionally with initially a heavier focus on residential. low running costs and is made entirely They are now pushing to extend their of natural materials. It also boasts luxury commercial portfolio (with a cafe in Hove features such as ensuite bathrooms, and workshops in Brighton currently

66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Mark Pellant

balcony, gazebo, hot-tub, barbecue and boat jetty. It illustrates that sustainable design does not need to mean skimping on beauty, comfort or functionality.

On his vision for the business, Director Mark Pellant said: “This year, I want us to expand sustainably to enable us to take on more diverse projects and offer our services to new clients and new sectors.

Clients are attracted to our focus on sustainability and our design philosophy.

“Sustainable design is so important for people’s health and wellbeing, and of course for the planet. We all need to do our bit to tackle climate change and buildings can be a big part of that.”

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