Sussex Business Times issue 416 by Life Media Group

SBT

OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE 416

FREE

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

CHRISTMAS VENUES

HERE IN YOUR OCTOBER ISSUE AND WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO SPARE, WE OUTLINE SOME OF OUR TOP THREE FINE DINING VENUES FOR A SOPHISTICATED CHRISTMAS DO

HASTINGS DEVELOPMENT BACK IN AUGUST SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES TOOK A LOOK AT THE UPCOMING REGENERATION OF EASTBOURNEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOWN CENTRE. THIS TIME AROUND, WE FOCUS ON HASTINGS

IRWIN MITCHELL: CIL IN SUSSEX IRWIN MITCHELL RETURN TO OUR PAGES AGAIN THIS MONTH TO EXPLORE THE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY AND ITS RELEVANCE TO SUSSEX BUSINESSES.

SUSSEX INNOVATION CENTRE

CELEBRATES 21 YEARS

IN THIS ISSUE OF SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES WE TALK TO MIKE HERD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SUSSEX INNOVATION CENTRE ABOUT THEIR SUCCESS OVER 21 YEARS OF BUSINESS SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

Powerful, Intelligent Design

www.silverbackstudios.co.uk | 01403 336 336 Suite 1 The Parade, Loxwood, West Sussex, RH14 0SB

2 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

â&#x20AC;Śmade to measure We work with a diverse range of clients, all with different needs. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why all our designs are bespoke. We bring fresh thinking to your brand, tailored to your specific requirements. Being a full service design agency we cover all elements of brand strategy and design requirements, both online and offline. Why not get in touch?

SBTWelcome MEET THE TEAM

Lee Mansfield, Managing Director/ Publisher

Jon Dawson, Sales

Clare Fermor, Operations Director

Tom Alexander, Web Designer/ Developer

Jess Saunders, Editor

Linda Grace, Subscriptions Manager

CONTRIBUTORS

Ben Hulme, Founder of MiddlemanProfits. com

Graham Peters, Director, Spectrum Independent Financial Advice

Fred Thomas, Business Support Navigator, Business East Sussex

John Coupland, Brand Projects Manager, Firebrand

Welcome to our October issue. As we fast approach the final months of 2017, the world of business in Sussex is still steaming full speed ahead… Events have taken over the business calendar throughout 2017 and while in this issue we take a look at the latest events from Network My Club and Chestnut Tree House, we look forward to the Brighton Business Expo, taking place early this month at Brighton Racecourse. Our cover feature this month focuses on the Sussex Innovation Centre, who outline their success over the years as they celebrate their 21st birthday. We hear from Mike the company’s Chief Executive, Mike Herd. Elsewhere in our October issue and following on from last month’s focus on Eastbourne’s town centre, we take a detailed look at the upcoming development of Hastings, with help from Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors. Meanwhile, our Health and Wellbeing section focuses on breast cancer and our Finance pages explore flat rate tax. Alongside all of this, we provide you with our regular Ask the Expert columns and Made in Sussex feature, this month featuring Guardian Advice. Also, for October’s motoring reviews, Sussex Business Times got behind the wheels of the Citroen C3 Flair and the Peugeot 508 GT, putting both motors through their paces and reporting back on our findings. Of course, also included in this issue are our usual hotel and lunch reviews, this month focusing on Ghyll Manor and the West Beach Bar and Kitchen (following a trip up the British Airways i360 of course), plus your usual local, national, motoring and Chamber news sections. Enjoy your October read!

Jess Saunders, Editor

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3

SBTContents

Issue 416

Cover: Hastings Direct

Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Operations Director: Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Sales: Jon Dawson jon@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Barry Koster barry@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Editorial: Jess Saunders jess@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 018 Designer: Tom Alexander Subscriptions: Linda Grace linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 015 Accounts: Anne Greenwood anne@lifemediagroup.co.uk 01323 819 007 Published by Life Media Group, Unit1, Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by Gemini Print A1, Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6NZ 01273 464884 www.gemini-print.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.

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

06 10 14 16 19 24 30 34 44 50 52 58 66

News

View the latest local and national business headlines.

Spending it

Get boardroom ready with SBT’s best beauty products in every category from hair to skin-care, electrical and fragrance.

Irwin Mitchell: CIL in Sussex

Irwin Mitchell return to our pages again this month to explore the Community Infrastructure Levy and its relevance to Sussex businesses.

Sharing Economy

Co-Founder of Homeit, André Roque explains the sharing economy and answers some of your burning questions.

Hastings Development

Back in August Sussex Business Times took a look at the upcoming regeneration of Eastbourne’s town centre. This time around, we focus on Hastings.

Education: BritWeb

Here in your latest issue, we explore BritWeb Education’s upcoming course, set to take place in Horsham later this month, and the benefits of video content marketing for businesses.

Christmas Venues

Here in your October issue and with plenty of time to spare, we outline some of our top three fine dining venues for a sophisticated Christmas do.

Cover Feature: Sussex Innovation Centre

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Sussex Innovation Centre. In our pages this month we speak of the company’s success so far and plans for the next 21 years.

Tried and Tested in Sussex

For this month’s review, SBT’s Jess Saunders and Amy Watson took to Brighton to enjoy a flight on the British Airways i360 followed by a bite to eat at the West Beach Bar and Kitchen.

Chamber News

For this month’s Chamber News section, Sussex Business Times has partnered with Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce.

Motoring

Ahead of this month’s motoring reviews, Sussex Business Times got behind the wheels of the Citroen C3 Flare and the Peugeot 508 GT.

Ask the Experts

Local Sussex business experts advise on relevant issues.

Made in Sussex

This month’s home-grown hero is Guardian Advice.

LOVE OFFICE SPACE Flexible space with great terms

MEETING ROOMS

VIRTUAL OFFICE

TELECOMS

BUSINESS SUPPORT

As a business owner, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your passion and commitment that drives your business. Basepoint Business Centres share this enthusiasm and are committed to helping businesses by offering first-class workspaces alongside services that support you in making your business a success. Offices | Flexi-Space | Virtual Office | Meeting Rooms

Unique workspaces for your business

hellonewhaven@basepoint.co.uk

Crawley 01293 817721

hellocrawley@basepoint.co.uk

basepoint.co.uk

@basepoint_Newh

@basepoint_crwly

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 5

SBTLocal News Community Solar Project Awards £40K to Local Schemes

The Ferry Farm Community Solar project, situated between Selsey and Sidlesham, West Sussex has announced seven local projects which will benefit from the first phase of awards provided via its community grant fund. The 2017 grant fund will total £40,000 across two application phases. Ben Cooper, Ferry Farm Community Solar Director comments: “We are delighted to announce this first phase of funding, which supports local charities and community groups in Selsey and Sidlesham. As well as providing an ethical investment opportunity for local people who invested in our community share offer last year, the Ferry Farm Community Solar project is also generating community funding from the sale of the electricity generated. So, it really does see investment come back into the local community.” The second phase of funding is now open to applications, and closes on 30th November 2017.

Sussex Firm Scoops Global Award for Legal Excellence Renaissance Legal, specialists in legal advice to families and carers of disabled and vulnerable people, have won ‘Boutique Law Firm of the Year’ at the 2017 Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP) Private Client Awards. The awards are seen as the hallmark of quality within the legal industry. Open globally to both STEP members and non-members, the prestigious Awards recognise and celebrate excellence among private client solicitors, lawyers, accountants, barristers, bankers, trust managers and financial advisors. This year saw a record number of entries from 24 countries around the world. The Judges said: “We much admired

the energy and commitment that comes through in Renaissance Legal’s submission. The size of the firm is ideally suited to the very specialist client group that it serves, and the fact that other firms with their own private client departments make referrals to them, is testament to their high level of expertise.”

SME Business Awards Winner Slays Dragons Den on BBC Hit Show

business brand going from strength to The winner of an SME Business Award strength. has gone onto prime time television “Juliane is a great example and slayed the tycoons “Creative Nature is of what winning an SME that take on thousands Business Award can do of entrants every year. a great brand and Juliane Ponan, the CEO of since winning the SME for you personally and Creative Nature has taken Young Entrepreneur for your business,” said Awards Director Damian the brand from strength to of The Year 2016 in Cummins. “Creative Nature strength launching it into Surrey the business is a great brand and since Ocado and immediately has grown and grown winning the SME Young becoming one of their fastest growing superfood to the great success it Entrepreneur of The Year 2016 in Surrey the business brands in the UK. is today.” has grown and grown to Julian won SME Young the great success it is today.” Entrepreneur of The Year at the 2016 Further information on the awards can SME Surrey Business Awards. It has been the springboard to her personal and be found at www.smenationals.co.uk

Children’s Charity on the Way to Raising Half a Million Pounds for Anniversary Appeal Sussex children’s charity Rockinghorse has revealed it is well on the way to raising £500,000 during its Golden Jubilee year. The charity launched its 50th anniversary appeal ‘Sussex Giving for Sussex Children’ last October. They aim to raise half a million pounds worth of funding in 2017, to be split between 10 children’s centres and paediatric services in Sussex. Nine months in, Rockinghorse has announced it has reached £380,000 of their target and have completed five out of 10 beneficiary projects.

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Ryan Heal, Chief Executive at Rockinghorse, said: “Since our appeal began, our supporters have helped us raise over £380,000 towards our total! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to each and every person who has contributed to our appeal. We are over the moon to be able to announce that five of our 10 projects have already been completed. The remaining 50th anniversary projects are underway at various stages of development and will reach their own completion dates across 2017 and 2018.

SBTLocal News Business Confidence in Sussex Falls, Despite Increasing Sales and Profits

West Pier Centre Opens With Support From Coffin Mew Coffin Mew proudly hosted the launch of The West Pier Trust’s new seafront home, celebrating the iconic pier and its rich heritage. The West Pier Trust opened its new centre beneath the arches on Kings Road, on Wednesday 06 September, overlooking the renowned pier and the beautiful West Pier Golden Spiral. Over 40 people, including West Pier Trust Chairman, Michael Farthing, West Pier Trust Chief Executive, Rachel Clark, CEO of Coffin Mew, Miles Brown and Partner

and Head of Commercial Property at Coffin Mew, Nick Leavey, attended the event. The centre is part of a new community hub for everyone to enjoy with the 24 cast-iron West Pier Golden Spiral, the BAi360 West Pier tollbooths and the restoration of the West Pier octagonal kiosk. Michael Farthing, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have opened the new centre and I must give huge thanks to Coffin Mew for organising such a wonderful event.”

Sussex Businesses Help raise £4000 for Local Charity

For the second year running, Sussex charity the Starr Trust held ‘Starr Water Wars’ where 12 Sussex Business Teams battled it out on the water and raised in excess of £4000 for local kids and young people. This multi sport event held at Hove Lagoon Watersports on Sunday 3rd

September included some wonderful water activities such as paddle boarding, kayak water polo, raft building and log rolling whilst back on dry land there was some crazy golf. Starr Trust Events Manager Rosie told us: “The day couldn’t have gone any better with so many teams getting involved and Guy Lloyd helping to create a fantastic party atmosphere. We are so grateful to all the businesses that took part and also to our event sponsors, Beales of Worthing, Airsprung and Drum Technologies for their support. In excess of £4000 was raised which will help local youngsters achieve their goals in Art, Sport and Education”.

Business confidence in Sussex has fallen as businesses adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach following increasingly uncertain Brexit negotiations with the EU, according to a survey conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW). The survey highlights that the latest Sussex business confidence index stands at -10.1, sales growth is up 4.8% year-onyear, domestic sales and exports are expected to grow by just over 4% in the year ahead and turnover growth is helped by an increase in selling prices at 1.8% compared to 0.4% a year ago. The survey also showed that input prices, such as raw metrials and fuel, are growing significantly faster than last year at 3% this quarter, compared to 0.9% in Q3 2016 and profit growth is predicted to rise to 4.9% from 4.5% over the past 12 months, while capital expenditure is anticipated to rise by 2.1% over the next 12 months.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

SBTNational News UK Business Training a New Generation of Mobile App Entrepreneurs

A Leicester business is training the next generation of mobile app entrepreneurs after extending its reach to encompass partners in more than 30 countries worldwide. Its burgeoning client list now stretches from all corners of the UK to North America and as far afield as New Zealand. Founded in 2012 by Leicestershire entrepreneur Zakir Daud, Eazi-Apps puts its success down to a unique training philosophy. This approach empowers entrepreneurs and individuals who are looking build their own successful businesses to branch out and offer mobile app services to other brands. Eazi-Apps spotted a gap in the market to help others build thriving mobile apps businesses and, having just added a new partner in a 30th country, is rapidly becoming one of the region’s most successful enterprise. In addition to providing the infrastructure needed to create a new business, Eazi-Apps has also developed a series of advanced e-learning courses and customised sales e-learning sessions, all to facilitate training and partner growth. This mentor-like approach has seen the East Midlands business record stratospheric growth and quickly led to international success.

British Start-up Breaks US Market with£53bn a Roadtrip Shopping On Mobile To Top By 2024 Tom Cridland and Los Angeles, started a sustainable fashion brand, The 30 Year Collection, over 2 years ago. This year, he and his business partner and girlfriend, Deborah Marx, decided to take it one step further: go on a road trip across America to promote their sustainable designs. So how did he go about organizing a press road trip across America and why not just hire a firm? As a scrappy entrepreneur Tom argues that these in-person TV appearances and engagements with the media can be more effective. To plan the 21 stops between Boston

Cridland started 6 months before the trip, which took place this spring. “You’ve got to arrange each route, your accommodation, what you plan to squeeze in to sightsee at each stop, and most importantly, actually engage the interest of local journalists in multiple locations,” he says. The stops included: Boston, New York, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Washington, Williamsburg, Charleston, Atlanta, Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Lafayette, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff/Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Retirement Funding Gap Looms as Pension Confusion Reigns Among UK Savers More than a quarter (27%) of British adults do not understand the UK pension system, according to new research from Close Brothers Asset Management. The research, carried out by YouGov, looks to highlight the impact that government changes have on UK consumer’s understanding of their pension options. Following the radical changes brought about by pension freedoms, and the recent changes to the state pension age, more than a quarter (26%) state that they find changes in legislation in the UK pension system confusing. A further 29% admit that they find the range of products available confusing, the most popular response. Just 7% of British adults stated that

they understood the pension system and feel confident enough to use it to their advantage. Interestingly, women admit to understanding the system less than men, with 30% of female respondents stating that they find the system too complicated, compared to 23% of men.

Employees Struggle to Recruit as Applications Drop Due to Brexit to Brexit. According to a survey, the availability of workers suffered its biggest fall in July in a year and a half. London is feeling the Brexit pinch, with hiring for permanent roles at a slower rate than other parts of the UK. The Midlands and the North of Adobe Stock ©

New study shows a the number of people available for new jobs is dwindling, leading to a push in pay for those already in work. Employers are facing ever more difficulties in recruiting staff as the number of candidates for jobs shrinks in the UK due

England performed strongest in the latest figures published by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation. A study by Deloitte suggested 38% of lower skilled EU nationals are looking at their options in relocating away from UK businesses, potentially damaging a range of industries including high street retailers, small businesses and public services.

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

BLS-01

Delivering simple solutions to complex problems

There is no leap of faith in instructing Irwin Mitchell - we act for clients who expect a fast moving, commercial approach combined with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;can doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problem solving attitude.

irwinmitchell.com

0370 1500 100 @irwinmitchell For a list of our offices visit our website. Irwin Mitchell LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

BLS-0111-AD

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9

BLS-0111-AD-Sussex Business Times A4.indd 1

23/08/2017 11:36

Business Beauty Get boardroom ready with SBT’s best beauty products in every category from hair to skin-care, electrical and fragrance, we’ve got it covered.

GIORGIO ARMANI SI ROSE Strong. Sensitive. Serene. A lighter, more floral limited edition inspired by Armani Couture fashion and the rose. £73.00. www.debenhams.com

100% NATURAL ACTIVATED CHARCOAL POWDER

CELLULAR WATER CREAM 50 ml Universal moisturising and revitalising product. All the energy benefits of Cellular Water combined with intense hydration in a beautifully lavish, creamy texture. £39.50. www.esthederm.com

Made with premium 100% natural food grade charcoal and peppermint to help leave your breath fresh as well as that white confident smile. £10.99. www.naturalteethwhitening.co.uk

ULTRADEX FRESH BREATH ORAL SPRAY Within a team of office colleagues in the boardroom, excessive talking and a lack of water can lead to a dry mouth and bad breath. So make sure you have UltraDEX Fresh Breath Oral Spray with you for on-the-go freshness. £3.50. www.ultradex.co.uk

ORIGINAL HAND CREAM In case your hands feel rough you need a hand cream that will keep your skin smooth but not greasy - nobody wants to shake a clammy hand after all. £5.00. www.super drug.com

10 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

GHD V GOLD CLASSIC STYLER Smoother gold plates glide effortlessly through the hair to make straightening on all hair types and lengths even quicker and easier, while their contoured edges help to create perfect curls and waves, all with a high shine, salonstyle finish. A handy protective plate guard also allows you to pack up your styler straight after use while an automatic sleep mode is activated if the styler isn’t used for 30 minutes. £139.00. www.very.co.uk

GENTLEMEN’S HARDWARE SHAVING KIT Gentlemen’s Hardware Shaving Kit, Shaving Brush, Shaving Cream, Post Shave Lotion. £35.00.

www.wildandwolf.com

DYSON SUPERSONIC HAIR DRYER

MONROE OF LONDON SKINCARE Cleanse & Shave - 100ml - £36.99: Invigorating citrus extracts brighten and hydrate dull, tired skin, delivering a healthy complexion and leaving you feeling refreshed. Moisturiser & Shave Balm SPF20 - 50ml - £39.99: Doubling up as a shave balm and with SPF20, this fast-absorbing hero is your best bet in the battle against the elements. Beard Oil - £20.00: Formulated with a blend of natural oils, this fast absorbing and ultralight Oil will keep facial hair flake-free and smelling fresh. Matte Clay - 60ml - £18.00: Achieve texture and a strong, lasting hold with our light, non-greasy hair clay. www.monroeoflondon.co.uk

W=HB2 POWER DUO FACE SERUM Ι The Power Duo Face Serum Ι provides a Triple Action breaking new grounds by combining a strong antiageing action for skin beauty in phase I, with intense brightening & pure antipollution actions for skin health in phase II. RRP £280.00, available from 15th of September at whb2.com

Achieve salon-like hairstyles at home with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. Built with ergonomics in mind, the Dyson Supersonic is powered by a light and compact digital motor, making it quiet and fast. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer uses intelligent heat control to regulate temperature and prevent extreme heat damage. £399.00. www.harveynorman.co.uk

PUREHA Using extensive scientific research, this clever beauty breakthrough provides users a daily dose of pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to effectively hydrate and nourish the skin from within. Available in a handy sachet, the clear, tasteless liquid is simply added to any soft drink to help you achieve a more hydrated you. Designed using an innovative liquid formula, proven to be more effective than any other form, PureHA is easily absorbed by the body within just 60 minutes. £29.95. www.pureha.co.uk

THE BLUEBEARDS REVENGE GLADIUS STRAIGHT RAZOR With its olivewood scales and Spanish point, it was obvious that the latest straight razor to join the ranks of The Bluebeards Revenge was destined to be named in honour of Rome’s legendary side-arm. The Gladius boasts a 6/8 inch stainless steel blade with a serrated tang. £199.99. www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk

BLACKBIRD AND BRAMBLE COSMETIC BAG Cotton cosmetic bag, screen printed with Blackbird and Bramble design, featuring a grey zip. 24 x 17 x 10 cm. 100% cotton Made in Great Britain. £21.95. www.annabeljames.co.uk

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 11

Finance

Flat Rate VAT Scheme: Do Changes Impact You? Here in our Finance section, Sheen Stickland Chartered Accountants outlines the ways in which the new flat rate tax scheme might impact you and your business From April 2017, new rules were brought in for what Finance were called “limited cost traders”, that is, those who run their business on a very low-cost basis. This may include people such as IT and engineering contractors who were perceived by the Treasury to be benefiting unfairly from the flat rate VAT rules due to the low-cost base for running such a business. Other examples might include service businesses from hairdressers to accountancy firms. The rules will also affect construction workers who supply labour if the raw materials are provided by the main contractor. In all instances, the rules apply to any limited cost trader with a turnover of no more than £150,000 per year. Limited cost traders will be moved to a new flat rate of VAT at 16.5%. The scheme is not a replacement for the original rules – companies still have the option to run their accounts using the original VAT scheme or flat rate VAT based on their industry. However, there is now an additional requirement to prove that the business is not one of the targeted limited cost traders. If you do fall in this category and are liable for the 16.5% VAT rate, you may want to assess whether the system is still going to work for you. The first step is to assess whether

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

you do fall into the category of a limited cost trader. Under the new rules, this is categorised as any business that spends less than 2% of VAT-inclusive turnover on goods, or less than £1,000 a year, even if this is more than 2% of VAT inclusive-turnover. There is a clear and relatively narrow definition of goods in this instance – business costs on services and capital expenditure are both excluded from the calculation, for example. In addition, any items claimed must be purely for business use – so for example, you will need to prove that the printer ink and paper you claim as part of your annual costs are not also used at home. Examples of goods you can claim for include stationery and office supplies, stock for a retail business or food to be used in meals for customers. A full list is available on the HMRC website. The HMRC guidance includes some examples to clarify the issue of which companies will be eligible. A business with a flat rate turnover of £10,000 a quarter that spends £260 on relevant goods can demonstrate it spends more than the required turnover of 2% and more than £250 and therefore the sector rate for the business can be applied. If a business has a flat rate turnover of £20,000 and spends £325 on relevant Adobe Stock © goods, this

is more than the £250 minimum, but does not represent 2% of the flat rate of turnover so the new 16.5% rate will apply. Similarly, if a business pays more than 2% of turnover but the total is less than £250, they will be classed as a limited cost trader. In short, if your total allowable costs exceed the 2% or £1,000 annual threshold, you can continue applying your existing industry-based flat rate of VAT. If you do not meet the threshold and are classed as a limited cost trader, you are now liable for the 16.5% VAT rate if you choose to remain in the flat rate scheme. At this point, your options are to remain in the simplified system at that potentially higher rate, or return to

Finance

Adobe Stock ÂŠ

the original VAT system. Using projected costs and earnings, you can calculate which method will work best for you, highlighting both the financial benefits and the potential complexity of coming out of the flat rate scheme. Although some people will undoubtedly be paying more as a limited cost trader, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth taking the additional time and resource into account of returning to the original scheme. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re recording only a few costs and single monthly invoices as a contractor, it may be worth it financially to make the switch back. However, there are added advantages to the flat rate scheme which include simplified record-keeping and fixedrate percentages that are lower than

the standard rate as well as supporting cash flow management. Whether to switch will vary depending on a range of factors. For example, if your customers are VAT-registered, you will need to calculate and issue VAT invoices in the normal way. If you are involved in importing or exporting goods, HMRC highlights that the scheme may become more complex in the future. Ultimately, the decision lies with the business owner. Flat rates are calculated as an average, which may mean that you pay more VAT on the Flat Rate Scheme than you would on normal accounting, but they may simplify accounts for many. The scheme could, in the long term, cut down the amount

of time spent calculating VAT and other business costs, although this new system is not compatible with cash accounting, retail schemes and the margin scheme for second hand goods. Of course, the flat rate does not eliminate the administrative requirements entirely. Whether you are classed as a limited cost trader or not, you must keep a record of your flat rate calculation which shows the flat rate percentage you have applied, the tax due and the amount spent on relevant goods. This record must be kept with your VAT account, but will also act as a signifier of whether or not you may be better off, as a limited cost trader, in moving away from the flat rate scheme in the future.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

Irwin Mitchell

CIL in Sussex

Irwin Mitchell return to our pages again this month to explore the Community Infrastructure Levy and its relevance to Sussex businesses

What is the Community Irwin Infrastructure Levy? The Community Mitchell Infrastructure Levy is a locally set development land tax, which local planning authorities can choose to adopt in order to raise funds for investment in new infrastructure projects. The Levy is charged on a £ per square metre basis, with the total amount payable depending on the amount of new-build floor space generated by a development. The amount of floor space is calculated on the basis of the gross internal area of the new development. The amount charged can vary, depending on the type of development, the size of the scheme and its location in the relevant council area. As the Levy is set locally, there is a wide variation in charges between different areas of the Sussex, which can be seen in the table below. Why is it important? Because CIL liabilities attach to and run with the legal title to land, in a similar way to s.106 liabilities or restrictive covenants, CIL could potentially impact on a very wide range of property transactions – not just the development of land. For example, anyone purchasing a new build home that was granted planning permission after CIL came into effect would need to check that the developer had paid their CIL liability – as if it had not been paid, the buyer would become responsible for settling the debt when they bought the house. Similarly, liability could be triggered if a prospective tenant of a commercial unit, which had been vacant for some time, wants to obtain planning permission to change the use of the unit before taking occupation. As the default position is that CIL is paid by the owner of the property, liability here could fall onto the landlord of the unit.

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Unsurprisingly, given that it is (at its heart) tax legislation, the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations are both extremely technical and very complicated. The rules governing how the levy is calculated and administered are not straight forward and there are a large number of potential pitfalls for developers who are unfamiliar with them – for example, commencing development too soon can result in a developer losing their right to appeal a CIL charge. In addition, certain exemptions can be lost if notices are not served on time.

Councils that are charging CIL have a wide-range of measures available to them to enforce payment – which range from levying surcharges and late payment interest to bringing insolvency proceedings against defaulting parties or obtaining legal orders to seize their personal effects or property. Given the size of the financial liabilities involved, and the potential consequences if things go wrong, it is worth taking the time to check if CIL is likely to affect your transaction (and how) before you commit to going ahead.

Authority: Lewes Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: October 2015 Development Type Residential Low Zone (South of SDNP, i.e. the coastal towns) High Zone (North of SDNP) Residential Institution Industrial Office Retail Hotel Standard Charge1

Charge (£/m2) £90 £150 £0 £0 £0 £100 £0 £0

Irwin Mitchell

Headline charges * Authority: Chichester Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: 1st Feb 2016 Use of Development *Residential - South of the National Park *Residential - North of the National Park Retail (wholly or mainly convenience) Retail (wholly of mainly comparison) Purpose Built Student Housing Standard Charge (applies to all development not separately defined)

Charge (£/m2) £120 £200 £125 £20 £30 £0

Authority: Crawley Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: 17th August 2016 Development

Charge (£/m2) £100 £50

Residential General Retail A1-A5* (excluding Food Supermarket) Food Supermarket A1* £100 (less than 3000sqm) Food Supermarket A1* £150 (3000sqm plus) All other uses £0

Zone Boroughwide zone** Boroughwide zone** Boroughwide zone** Boroughwide zone** Boroughwide zone**

Authority: Eastbourne Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: 1st April 2015 Type of Development Dwellings* (C3) excluding residential apartments Retail (A1-A5) All other uses

Charge (£/m2) 50 80 0

Authority: Horsham Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: 1st October 2017 Residential Development (1) District-wide (Zone 1) Strategic Sites (Zone 2)

Charge (£/m2) £135 £0

Other Development (Across the Charging Area) ‘Large format’ Retail Development (A1 to A5) including supermarkets (2) and retail warehousing (3) ‘Standard Charge’ applies to all development not separately defined above, including, smaller retail development (A1 to A5) (4), offices, warehouses, leisure, education and health facilities (including B, C1, C2 excluding purpose built student accommodation, & D)

Charge (£/m2) £100 £0

Authority: Rother Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: 4th April 2016 Residential Zones Zone 1 Battle, Rural North and West Sheltered/Retirement Homes (C3) Zone 2 Rye, Hastings Fringes and Rural East Zone 3 a) Bexhill - Urban b) Bexhill - Rural c) Bexhill – Strategic urban extensions Extra Care Housing (throughout District) Non-Residential Development Retail – in centre convenience Retail – out of centre convenience Retail – out of centre comparison All other forms of Development

Charge (£/m2) Zone 1 £200 £140 £135 £50 £170 £75 £25 £100 £120 £250 £0

Authority: South Downs National Park Authority Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: 1st April 2017 Use of Development Residential – Zone 1 Residential – Zone 2 Large format retail All other development

Charge (£/m2) £150 £200 £120 £0

Authority: Wealden Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: 1st April 2016 Use of Development Residential (higher band) Residential (lower band) Retail - wholly or mainly convenience Retail - wholly or mainly comparison Standard Charge (applies to all development not separately defined)

Charge (£/m2) £200 £150 £100 £20 £0

Authority: Worthing Date CIL Charging Schedule Comes into Effect: October 2015 Charge (£/m2) Use Zone 1 Zone 2 Residential (C3) £100 NIL Retail (A1-A5), excluding £150 £150 ancillary car parking

* CIL Charging Rates are linked to the BCIS Index and automatically increase over time as a result of indexation. Rates stated in this chart are as originally adopted and are not adjusted to take account of indexation

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

LinkedIn Business Building

The Sharing Economy: Saviour or Scoundrel?

For several years we’ve all, knowingly or otherwise, witnessed the explosion of the sharing economy; from ZipCar to Uber, from Airbnb to Couchsurfing. Here, Co-Founder of Homeit, André Roque explains the sharing economy and answers some of your burning questions We’ve come to a mass realisation that by sharing our assets Insight we can make extra money, save money and increase efficiency - all the while feeling smug that we’re helping others, helping ourselves and contributing to the wider ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ culture. But while we’re taking steps away from the capitalist economy and moving back towards a skill-and-asset-swapping culture, many are beginning to find that this kind of peer to peer economy comes with its own, often surprising challenges. So, can our new sharing economy survive? Or will it sink?

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

If we look at some of the biggest names in the asset-swapping game, Uber and Airbnb, it doesn’t take long to dig up plenty of information on both platforms’ ongoing struggles with regulatory hurdles. And these hurdles come from governments that are trying to get their heads around this new landscape, creating new legislations aimed at protecting their assets as well as the public’s. It might feel like second nature to a lot of Airbnb users, but the wider landscape is still fragile and yet to be explored. As is evident by the Financial Times’ Sharing Economy Summit, where the most informed brains came together to point out the possible pitfalls and

“Whether you see yourself doing business with this person or not, you came to the event to meet them and build your network. Once you’re connected, you can stay front of mind even if you can’t attend regularly”

The Sharing Economy concerns for those navigating this new marketplace. Is it fair? A lot of sharing economy-reliant companies are (in theory) just connecting those with a skill (I can drive and need some extra money) with those who require that skill (I have a little money and need to get somewhere by car). But how can a company that’s just connecting people with the services they require be sure their labour is in a secure and properly benefitted working environment? Zero-hours contracts aside, there are concerns that a female cleaner, for instance, can be denied employment status, and therefore maternity pay and other benefits, despite working for a single company. Some companies are looking to address this. hassle.com for example, has strict rules around providing the London living wage to its. The platform’s CEO Alex Depledge says that their ultimate aim is to destroy the black markets that have been exploiting the housekeeping labour force for so long. As self-employment via online platforms becomes more common, perhaps governments will have to step in to protect workers. However while some companies are challenged by the new economy others are benefitting. It’s fair to say that an increase in Uber drivers will mean an increased demand for car cleaning services in the same area. Or a higher number of Airbnb properties will lead to a greater need for ‘on demand’ cleaning services. Homeit, a remote access provider used mostly by short term property rental hosts, is an example of one company that has spotted this correlation. It has just started to integrate cleaning services into the app, so that as you accept a reservation, you can then arrange for your property to be cleaned in time for the guests. Can we trust the sharing economy? Uber has suffered massive knocks to its reputation and subsequently promised more rigorous screening processes for hiring drivers, and in these periods of mistrust it’s the traditional services that people will go back to - in this case, black cabs. The whole idea of a sharing economy relies on utopian values, and on the delicate balance of no-one abusing the opportunities it provides. We need to trust

the cleaner we’re letting into our house. In the past, this was based on personal recommendation; now it comes in the form of a trusted platform. In theory, if a guest in your property damages something, you rate them badly and they can even be banned from services like Airbnb. This helps hosts to rely on the platform. There’s also the interaction with strangers. Travellers (and hosts) may not feel comfortable waiting around to speak with a stranger. This is of particular concern to minorities and LGBTQI customers. High gain = high risk Very recently, hundreds of people came together at Los Angeles City Hall for a hearing on how a tourist destination like LA should regulate its short-term rental industry. Members of the local hotel worker union as well as HomeAway, VRBO and Airbnb supporters, filled the room. The discussion was about the need for rules that place a 180-day cap on the time a room can be let during a single year. Other restrictions stated that hosts must live at the property they are renting. Discussions like these are happening all over the world, arguing that Airbnb rentals affect longer-term rental

properties and increase the cost of living rent. In Barcelona, the government is cracking down on illegal hosts who aren’t paying tax on their rental income. In 2015 Airbnb generated an economic impact of €740 million in that city alone. For those of us intending to utilise the sharing economy while it’s still building up to the crest of its wave, the trials of property management, government legislation and host-wrangling could turn into a massive headache. And so, it’s the supporting platforms that are the most useful for streamlining that experience. In the short-term the sharing economy is only set to get bigger as tech entrepreneurs come up with new and innovative ways to help us share our assets and make or save money – but in order for sharing to be the new norm, legislation and technology will need to change and develop to make the process simpler, fairer for workers, and safer for both hosts and users. https://www.homeit.io/en/ https://www.facebook.com/homeit. international/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ homeit https://twitter.com/homeit_pt

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

Hastings Development

SOUTH DOWNS NATURAL MINERAL WATER Water Coolers, FROM 420FT BELOW THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH DOWNS SPRINGS OUR PREMIUM BUSINESS NATURAL MINERAL WATER. IS YOUR FILTERED THROUGH THE DEEP CHALK LAYERS OF THE SOUTH DOWNS OUR WATER Boilers NATURALLY & ISZip Taps MISSING SOMETHING? HIGH IN CALCIUM AND LOW IN SODIUM FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PURITY OF TASTE. for your office

LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT WITH A CHICHESTER COLLEGE APPRENTICE

Proud to

business@supply British chichester.ac.uk Airways 01243 812948 i360 chichester.ac.uk/ apprenticeships

With apprenticeship programmes across a wide Need help navigating the range of industries – from www.edgarswater.co.uk new apprenticeship levy? construction to care, 0844 579 3999 Contact our dedicated levy hairdressing to horticulture hotline to find out how we BOTTLED AT OUR INDEPENDENT, FAMILY RUN SOURCE IN SUSSEX ANDand DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR – FREE OF CHARGE. businessDIRECTLY to engineering can help. – we can help you get on the WHY DRINK WATER FROM ANYWHERE ELSE? Contact us on 01243 812948 right track.

T: 01243 376156

E: enquiries@southdownswater.co.uk

W: www.southdownswater.co.uk

“EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE OPTION FOR DEVELOPING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS”

M L I F & Y H P A R G O PHOT S E C I V R E S D N A O I STUD SHOOTING PORTRAITS, FAMILIES, PETS, PRODUCTS LARGE AND SMALL, OR FOR PRIVATE RENTAL 40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 18

Contact the team at Life Studios to discuss your requirements or simply to enquire about hourly or day rates for professional hire: 01323 819007

MRN: CC1153_08.17

Apprenticeships are a great way for you to develop your business and invest in its future – and they are available for new team members or for upskilling your existing staff!

MRN: CC1153_08.17

The Development of Business in Sussex: Hastings

Back in August Sussex Business Times took a look at the upcoming regeneration of Eastbourne’s town centre – focusing on the Arndale Centre, Devonshire Quarter – and the A27 development. This time around, we focus on Hastings and delve deep into what is soon to become of the coastal town Located on the south east coast, around 16 miles from Insight Eastbourne’s town centre, Hastings is a town that carries a deep and interesting history. It’s known for the 1066 Battle of Hastings, fought on a nearby field where Battle Abbey now stands and the Norman ruins of Hastings Castle (once home to William the Conqueror) overlook the coast. Despite this, and through years of neglect, Hastings has (somewhat

undeservingly) earned itself a misjudged reputation, but this is all about to change… Hastings Borough Council confirmed a few months back that it has started talking to partners about the possibility of developing a harbour, housing and transport improvements in the Old Town of Hastings. “We have been approached by Hastings Harbour Quarter Ltd, a company specially formed for the purpose. Its directors are experienced developers and architects who have carried out a number of

large projects across the country,” said Council leader, Peter Chowney. “The scheme is at a very early stage, but it has potentially very significant benefits for the town, including a new marina providing moorings, boat storage facilities and support services; around 1,000 to 1,300 new homes; a protected launching and landing site for our fishing fleet; and transport improvements to the area. “The proposal could have a substantial and lasting direct benefit to Hastings, with its construction alone worth around £500m. The spending power of the

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

Hastings Development

residents of the new homes is expected to be around £26m per annum, with significant additional spending from the many thousands of new visitors the development could attract. “There are still a lot of questions to be answered, before I’d be comfortable with the scheme. I would want to see at least 25% of the new homes as social housing, access for vehicles would need to be achieved without damaging the Stade and its character, and car parking lost at Rock-a-Nore would need to be replaced, ideally with underground car parks. It would also need to protect, and indeed enhance, our local fishery, along with the existing attractions on the Stade. But these are very early days, and we will debate the principle of the work at our cabinet meeting on September 11.” Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye, has also spoke out following the announcement of such discussions. She said: “This scheme has the potential to deliver fantastic new opportunities for our town through boosting the supply of housing, improving local transport, creating jobs and providing new facilities for our fishing fleet. However, we must make sure this development is in the best interests of our community. I’m pleased there will be further discussion

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

and consideration of the proposals before a decision is made on whether to take it forward,” as Cllr Keith Glazier, East Sussex County Council leader, added his view: “While still early days, this is an exciting proposal which could potentially have significant economic benefits not just for Hastings but for the whole area. Clearly there are a large number of transport, environmental and financial challenges to overcome but we will work with the borough council and other partners to endeavour to address these issues, which need to be resolved to enable the scheme to progress.” Moving onwards and upwards though, this £500 million regeneration plan for Hastings seafront was confirmed and unveiled last month. The Hastings Harbour Quarter project will transform the town while preserving and enhancing the town’s maritime heritage. Construction of a new harbour will provide jobs in the area, from construction jobs through to the ultimate job creation connected with the operation of the harbour, new public realm, marina and many associated facilities and attractions. Speaking in terms of numbers, the regeneration is expected to create It will also create jobs, extra parking and a working marina for up to 600 vessels. In addition to this,

it is also intended to provide in the region of 1,300 much-needed houses, including homes for harbour and key workers. As part of the process, Hastings Harbour Quarter – a newly-former company which will undertake the development – will be consulting with the public and interested parties over the size, location and access arrangements. Andrew Doyle, Director at Hastings Harbour Quarter said of the development plans: “This is truly a transformational potential development for the people of Hastings. The intention is to construct a ‘halo’ development as an exemplar for seaside towns and communities. We believe that this development will provide many much-needed jobs and continue the regeneration of Hastings , which has seen tremendous improvements in the last few years. The many elements of this project here mentioned will secure the prosperity and community of Hastings for generations, with growth thriving future for all the people of Hastings.” Of course, as we make our way further through these development plans, we’re expecting certain elements to change, and unforeseen circumstances will surely affect the current schedule. Either way, what is to come of Hastings is exciting and no matter what, promises to enhance the town and its surrounding areas.

Hastings Development Development Hastings

Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors: Over 125 years of legal services for Hastings

Gaby Hardwicke’s Hastings office at Wellington Square

Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors has been providing first-class legal services to the people and businesses of Hastings for over 125 years. Back in 1889, the firm’s founder, Dr Frederick Goodwin, opened their first office and was joined in partnership shortly after by Ralph Gaby. Some years later, Allen Hardwicke joined the partnership and the rest as they say is history. Gaby Hardwicke has grown exponentially since those early years, but has stayed true to the values of its founders, with the pursuit of excellence, a caring approach and the provision of fast, effective legal advice at the heart of its philosophy. Today Gaby Hardwicke has offices in three East Sussex towns – Hastings, Bexhill and Eastbourne, and its business clients have access to a highly skilled team whose practice areas

cover a wide spectrum of commercial law fields. Many of Gaby Hardwicke’s commercial solicitors gained experience at regional or City firms, which enables the provision of a city-style service at competitive regional rates. Gaby Hardwicke’s clients have included substantial companies in both the manufacturing and service sectors including many well-known local businesses in the field of vacuum technology, healthcare and the motor industry, and of course many SMEs and local family-owned businesses. More unusual clients have included the London Military Attaché’s Office of a Middle Eastern government, telecommunications companies, fashion houses, fabric designers, and publishers. In recent years the firm’s lawyers have handled landmark cases in the fields of trade marks, database rights, confidential information and employee competition. Mark Williams is Corporate Finance

and Commercial Agreements Partner at the firm. He leads most of the high-value corporate and commercial transactions and has acted for clients in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and America, frequently in deals of up to £20m. He is also the key lawyer for commercial contract matters and company law. If a business needs expert advice on shareholders’ agreements, terms and conditions of business, licensing or franchise agreements, partnership agreements, matters involving directors or any corporate transactional matter, Mark is on hand. Partner Jeremy Laws heads the Commercial Dispute Resolution team, resolving business disputes for Gaby Hardwicke clients as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Our preferred approach

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

Hastings Development

Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors: Over 125 Years of Legal Services for Hastings

Gaby Hardwicke’s Hastings office at Wellington Square

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Hastings Development

is to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation or arbitration, but where litigation is unavoidable we’re a match for any city law firm. The firm has a strong reputation for Commercial Property, and among its specialists is Hannah Bambury who recently joined the firm from the City. The Commercial Property team has vast experience in the sale and purchase of shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs, offices, industrial premises, development sites and healthcare businesses. They are also experts in agricultural land transactions and the use of commercial property as security for business funding or pension investment. For employment law matters Gaby Hardwicke’s clients turn to Partner Paul Maynard and his team of specialists. Paul is one of a small number of British lawyers to successfully fight a case in the European Court of Human Rights. Paul’s team are on hand to provide a speedy response to day-to-day enquiries by phone, email or in person at the firm’s offices or at your place of business. As one of the longest established

law firms in Sussex and a major employer in Hastings and beyond, Gaby Hardwicke has a long-term commitment to the local community. The firm regularly supports and advises local charities. Each year, Gaby Hardwicke’s partners donate part of their annual profits to the Gaby Hardwicke Foundation, a registered charity that supports and assists worthy local causes. The firm’s 2017 ‘Charity of the Year’ is the Friends of the Conquest Hospital, and staff and partners alike are raising funds for the hospital’s MRI Scanner Appeal. Gaby Hardwicke is renowned throughout the East Sussex business community for its strong principles and impeccable standards. Thanks to the breadth and high level of its lawyers’ expertise, many of the firm’s business clients will never need to use another law firm.

Mark Williams

Jeremy Laws

To find out more visit www.gabyhardwicke.co.uk , call 01424 457 500 or email info@gabyhardwicke.co.uk.

The firm included a “Pier to Pier” cross-country bike ride in its list of events raising funds for the Conquest’s new MRI scanner.

Hannah Bambury

Paul Maynard

www.gabyhardwicke.co.uk 01424 457 500 info@gabyhardwicke.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

BritWeb Education:

The Ultimate Guide to Video for Business

In the last year alone video marketing and video content for business has seen huge growth. Here in your September issue, we explore BritWeb Education’s upcoming course – set to take place in Horsham later this month – and the benefits of video content marketing for businesses According to Wyzowl statistics, 61% of businesses now Education use video content marketing and the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, has stated: “I see video as a megatrend. That’s why I’m going to keep putting video first across our family of apps.” When this is the case, can you afford not to use video to expand your reach?

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

As one of the newest tools in digital marketing, it can be sidelined as too costly or difficult but the truth is it has become cost efficient and achievable with minimal equipment - you just need the confidence and skills to hit record. So what are the benefits of video content marketing? BritWeb Education, the training arm of Horsham’s leading digital agency BritWeb Ltd, are running a course on 29th September 2017 in the town centre

focusing on how you need to be using video in your business, and how to plan for the best results. Tim Fifield, Business Development Director at BritWeb Ltd, said: “This is the most comprehensive guide to devising, creating and distributing video we’ve ever produced and I’m really looking forward to working with ambitious businesses who want to drive better results from this exciting opportunity.”.

BritWeb Education

Until then, here are some key benefits of video content marketing: Google rewards video content The default search engine of online customers is Google and the company looks favourably on video. Why? Videos keep visitors on your site for longer as they watch your content. The longer users stay on your site the more this signals to Google that you’re fulfilling their needs, that the content is good and as a result, worth ranking highly. Since 2006 Google has owned YouTube where 4 billion videos are watched per day, increasing the importance video has on SEO. If optimised correctly when they’re uploaded, it can have an even bigger impact. It builds trust Video is a form of storytelling. It allows your brand to connect on a deeper level with its target audience through sight and sound. With planning it’s possible to create a video that entertains and influences your audience to look favourably on your services or products. Once this connection has been made, you have brand loyalty that aids repeat business. In essence, video is more personal and can be used to explain your business more fully and clearly. You may consider creating video content to explain a complicated product or service and embed the video directly on your website.

“Video is a form of storytelling. It allows your brand to connect on a deeper level with its target audience through sight and sound”

It increases conversions Video has been shown to increase landing page conversions on ecommerce websites by up to 80% (according to HubSpot), proving their power to influence the behaviour of a visitor to become a lead. As it’s interactive and engaging, it prevents visitors from simply reading information. Consider how you’ve seen video work as a selling tool for other companies. How could you see this working for your own business? It’s ideal for mobile YouTube, Google’s own video platform, reports mobile video views rise 100% every year, most likely because they are easily digestible on the go from smartphones. Mobile users are also more likely to watch adverts than desktop users, which will have a positive

impact on your ROI from promoted video content. As the modern consumer gets busier and busier, it’s essential to reach them on their mobile devices where it is quick and easy for them to consume your content and increase visits to your website. Video encourages social shares Outside of your website, video is incredibly important to post on social media channels for engagement and to expand your reach. With the auto-play features on social platforms, the moving images can catch an eye’s attention and engage a user. If you post an informative, topical and entertaining video relating to your services it’s likely to be shared and liked, which means it will show on the news feeds of friends of your followers; an untapped market. Undoubtedly it’s an effective way to get people talking about you online. This social engagement is part of Google’s ranking algorithm, which links the process back to being seen in the search engine and driving visitors to your site. BritWeb Education’s hands-on session will be hosted by three video experts and includes video planning templates, a prastical session using professional video equipment, advice on how to present to camera and information on presenting and editing a video for your business. The course aims to get you ready to incorporate video into your marketing plan and to utilise the medium’s potential to increase conversions and engagements. To book online please visit the BritWeb Education course information here - http://www. britweb-education.co.uk/book/ - or email donna@britweb.co.uk. Lunch and refreshments will be provided; you just need to bring a fully charged smartphone or tablet which will be used to create a video for your business. BritWeb Ltd, 7-8 Sterling Buildings, 1st Floor, Suite 2, Carfax, Horsham , RH12 1DR. 01403 261491.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

Good Corporate Governance is Key to Selling your Business

John Merrigan, Business Consultant at Nestor Advisors explains everything you need to know surrounding the introduction of new investors into your business What is a fair price for your business? John This is a key question Merrigan for any business owner thinking about selling-up, a partial sale, or bringing in a new investor. It goes right to the heart of what your business is worth and what you plan to do with it. The truth is that there is no single answer to the question, and each business has its own particular set of current circumstances, past history and desired future path. Based on my experience of many years advising on corporate governance

26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

across a wide range of clients who have completed a sale process, the following are some useful pointers to consider, if the “sale” question is currently on your mind. To begin, a short story. Well advanced in the sales process, an institutional investor asked my client for details of the last 12 months board meetings and the minutes – this was after completing the legal and financial reviews. The reality was the board was only in the process of being properly established and we were not ready. The sale process was delayed but the investor agreed to wait after we took

time to explain the plan and show commitment to taking steps. Once the corporate governance processes were in place and effective, the investor came back a year later and paid an extra 30% compared to the original offer. It was a salutary lesson that although it can be difficult to quantify how much good governance increases a business sale valuation per se, it can certainly delay a sale or reduce values when it is absent. What is your motivation as an owner? This is the basic question for any owner whether contemplating full or part

Adobe Stock ©

John Merrigan

sale of the business - every business is unique and every owner will have a unique reason to sell, whether to obtain new investment for expansion, restructure or for personal reasons. Once decided to proceed, then there are some deeper questions to address: • •

Adobe Stock ©

•

Is now a good time to sell? This connects with the business cycle or growth phase of the business. Is the business ready to sell? The focus here is on the legal structure, readiness of audited accounts and whether all the owners / board are aligned to sell. Am I ready for the new reality after the sale? What will I do personally or how will I cope with loss of control of the business? What are the potential dealbreakers? A list of those “red lines” not to be crossed that will preclude completion of a sale. The cost of equity. The old adage that equity is the most costly form of investment is still true, not only financially but also emotionally and in risk terms. Have you considered other forms of investment or encashment apart from a sale?

It is vital that business owners evaluate these aspects honestly and thoroughly to be ready for a process that will likely be all-consuming for at least 6-12 months after the starting-gun is fired. What are investors/lenders looking for? Savvy investors are becoming more sophisticated about how they approach a potential investment in your business. Their objective is to pay as little as possible for the maximum value they can acquire. They will look for value and they will look for issues in the business to reduce the cost to them, up to the point where they reach the limit of their risk appetite. They are looking beyond the financial statements to understand the business. In short, investors / buyers are looking at three main focus areas:

2. What is the current state of play? What are the current balance sheet metrics and ratios today? What is the depth and strength of the management team and the processes they use to manage day-to-day operations and execute future plans? How dependent is the business on the owner? What are the main risks in the business and how are they managed?

1. What is the past track record of the business? Sales and profitability growth, reputation, major customers, managing risk and expansion, keeping good

3. What is the future growth story? How well the business is positioned for growth, and is the plan adequately funded and resourced? How realistic and

people, cashflow and debtor management are just some of the historical indicators they use.

robust are the growth plans in light of the general economic and business environment, and specifically how will the new funds be deployed? Clearly, the business owner must address these questions to be ready for an effective negotiation with any prospective investor or buyer. The strength of actual evidence and apparent gaps in governance will impact the final sale price, positively or negatively. No single valuation methodology There is no single methodology to predict the valuation of your business – a range of measures are out there in the marketplace, ranging from: EBITDA and turnover multiples, net asset value, or any combination of these. The one true point is that your business is worth what an

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

John Merrigan

Adobe Stock ©

investor is prepared to pay TODAY!! For example, the UK 200 Group publishes an annual index based on EBITDA showing the multiple has gone down from 5.4 in 2015 to 4.8 in 2016. But what if your business is in start-up phase and EBITDA is negative or very small? A further indicator is a multiple calculation based on annual turnover. A recent analysis we undertook of a sample of 66 SME businesses across the UK was revealing. With an Average Annual Turnover (ATO) of GBP 0.8M across the sample, the Average Asking Price (AAP) was GBP 0.48M, equating to an Annual Turnover Valuation (ATOV) of 60%. There were striking differences in ATOV across industry sectors and UK regions. One important point: be realistic in the valuation you seek. It is natural for any owner to value their business on the high side (the opposite position to the investor perspective). However, unrealistic valuations can result in too big a gap between the sides, and potentially good and fair deals are missed out. Bear in mind also, that 75% ownership of a wellfunded business with a helpful /engaged investor may be better than retaining 100% with a long-term struggle to find the “elusive” perfect investor.

– other factors count. In advance of a sale, I always recommend a thorough governance audit is undertaken to focus on key questions including:

Governance audit – going beyond due diligence Due diligence by the investor on the business, and in reverse, by the business on the prospective investor is vital. The annual audited accounts only tell part of the story and investors know this. Good deals that work well in practice don’t depend only on financial or legal audits

Practical steps to begin the sale process I believe there is a compelling case to prepare well for a sale of your business by putting in place good governance practices and being able to demonstrate them at work. Start 12 months out with a clear action plan so that when engagement with investors / buyers

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

1. Is there a written detailed business vision for the next 5 years? 2. Does the business have a realistic and well prepared annual business plan, directly connected to the vision, and supported by sound financial reporting systems to measure it effectively? 3. Is there a strong management team, who understand their roles and targets? 4. Is there an active and balanced board of directors, preferably with at least one independent director? 5. Is there a written Risk Register for the business that identifies the key internal and external risks, mitigation strategies to address these, and clearly assigned responsibility to manage each item? 6. Is there a strong system of approving / assessing major financial investments and key staff appointments, together with mechanisms to monitor implementation against clear milestones?

does commence, you are ready and well prepared to get the best deal possible. Even the very act of taking these steps is a worthy goal in itself, irrespective of whether a sale happens or not. So here are the basic steps to begin: 1. Be clear on why you are selling all or part of your business, and engage all key stakeholders so you are strategically prepared and aligned for the sale negotiations at every stage. 2. Ensure all aspects of good governance are in place versus the perspective of what the investor is looking for. Identify the gaps and deploy a governance action plan, actively supported by the Board 3. Make sure you keep focused on the business during the sale process. Don’t get distracted or excited at the prospect of quick sale. Sometimes, it’s good to distance yourself from the sale process and retain a trusted advisor to consult or act on your behalf. I hope this article has raised the important points for you to consider if you are contemplating the sale of your business. If you are mentally ready, well-prepared and focused, you will be set to get the best possible outcome to fulfil your plans. Better still, by focusing on and executing good governance, you are taking greater control in an uncertain business climate. To find out more about corporate governance for your business, contact John Merrigan: jmerrigan@nestoradvisors.com

ock ©

John Merrigan

BOOK A PARTY TO REMEMBER THIS

CHRISTMAS AT CROWNE PLAZA FELBRIDGE!

With a range of fabulously festive party nights to choose from this year, there’s something to suit everyone! Our themed evenings include incredible live entertainment and all party night guests will enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, 1/2 bottle of wine per person and a disco until the early hours.

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT OPTIONS • CLASSIC PARTY NIGHTS with a DJ - from £47pp

• DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES - from £59.50pp

• MOTOWN NIGHT - from £67.50pp

• POST CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS - from £35pp

Adobe Stock ©

• 80S NIGHT - from £59.50 pp

PRIVATE PARTIES Prefer to have the whole party to yourselves? We can help! Our beautifully refurbished private suites and event rooms are ideal. We can take care of the planning, theme ideas and preparation, so you can truly relax and enjoy the party.

READY TO BOOK?

Call our sales team on 01342 337700 or email events@CPFelbridge.com and we’ll do the rest. Crowne Plaza Felbridge London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 2BH Telephone: 01342 337700 Email: events@cpfelbridge.com www.cpfelbridgehotel.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

Christmas Parties

Book a Party to Remember this Christmas at Crowne Plaza Felbridge. Whether it’s your annual office Christmas Christmas party or just an excuse to Parties celebrate with family and friends at Crowne Plaza Felbridge, we’ve got the perfect party night for you! Ideally located on the border of Sussex and Surrey, our luxurious hotel has undergone a £3 million makeover, making it the perfect venue to celebrate Christmas in style. Events will take place in our magnificent Grand Ballroom, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland to get you in the festive spirit. Guests can enjoy incredible live music at our themed events which include 80s, Motown and Dancing Through the Decades, with prices starting from £59.50 per person. Or you can enjoy a classic

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

party night with our resident DJ from £47 per person. Prices include a sumptuous three course dinner, half a bottle of wine and a disco to the early hours. Private Parties Sometimes it is nice to have the whole party to yourselves, so reserve one of our newly refurbished private suites and let us do the planning, theming, preparations, and entertainment bookings whilst you sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. In addition to a choice of private dining rooms, we also have two superb event rooms. Our Grand Ballroom can cater for up to 350 guests for a sit-down meal and our Treo Suite is a more intimate setting with a capacity of 100 people. Whatever your requirements, we can create a bespoke experience just for you.

Christmas at Crowne Plaza Felbridge The festivities don’t end there! We also have festive afternoon tea, dining in our Bay Tree restaurant, residential packages and gift vouchers, which could make the ideal Christmas present. For a truly memorable start to the New Year, our Diamonds and Dinner Suits Ball offers an experience like no other. With champagne on arrival, a decadent four course meal and a fabulous live band, it’s the perfect way to see in the New Year!

To find out more visit www. cpfelbridge.com/christmas where you can find our online Christmas brochure or get in touch with our events team on 01342 337700 or events@cpfelbridge.com.

Christmas Parties

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

As we fast approach the festive period, it’s about time for businesses to get planning their Christmas parties. Here in your October issue and with plenty of time to spare, we outline our top three fine dining venues for a sophisticated Christmas do Christmas Parties

Starry Nights Christmas Parties with British Airways i360

Put some sparkle into this year’s Christmas party by hosting it at British Airways i360, with canapés overlooking the festive lights of Brighton followed by dinner and dancing. There’s nothing like a great party to kick off the festive season, so British Airways i360’s popular Starry Nights shared Christmas parties are back – designed specifically for groups wanting to enjoy the atmosphere of a larger event. With an overall height of 162m, and a glass observation pod that glides up from ground level to 138m above Brighton beach, British Airways i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower and the world’s first vertical cable car. Visitors

enjoy unprecedented unfolding views across Brighton and Hove, the South Downs and the beautiful Sussex coast. ‘Flights’ carry up to 200 passengers and depart every 30 minutes. While on board, guests can enjoy a drink at the Nyetimber Sky Bar which serves a range of drinks from Sussex including Nyetimber, an award-winning sparkling wine. The British Airways i360 beach building will be decked in festive lights and as guests arrive they will be given a warm welcome before boarding the glass observation pod for a night-time flight. Glass in hand, guests will watch in wonder as the festive lights of Brighton & Hove spread out beneath them, while delicious canapés are circulated at 450ft by our dedicated team. Back at beach level the evening unfolds with a seated two-course meal and DJ entertainment until late.

Starry Nights packages include: •

• • • •

Flight on the British Airways i360 pod with canapés (drinks can be purchased at the Nyetimber Sky Bar on board) Two-course meal with choices of mains and desserts Half a bottle of wine per person at the table Mince pies with tea or coffee DJ music until late

Starry Nights Christmas parties are available on selected dates between Saturday 25th November and Friday 22nd December 2017, from 7pm until late. Price £62 + VAT per person. More information, including menus, and a link to online bookings: BritishAirwaysi360.com/festive

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

Drakes Hotel

Eat, Drink and be Merry at Drakes Celebrate this year’s Christmas party in style Christmas at Drakes, Brighton’s top boutique hotel. Parties Whether celebrating with a few friends or a group of colleagues, the Restaurant at Drakes is a stylish, relaxed room for an elegant yet fun filled celebration. Add that extra special touch to your party by reserving the Private Dining room; a lovely, intimate space for up to 12 people which includes the services of a designated waiter. No additional room hire charge makes this an very appealing option. The Restaurant has again achieved the highest score of all Brighton restaurants in The Good Food Guide ’18, making this the 9th consecutive year as recipient of this prestigious accolade. Head Chef, Andy Vitez’s skills and flair are evident in his cooking, so you can be sure the Christmas fayre is set to impress. Make a night of it… After dinner, continue the festivities up in the sea front Cocktail Bar. They’re open 24hrs for hotel guests… So be sure to book a room in advance and party on until the wee hours. A short wander upstairs to Drakes’ glorious handmade beds and luxury rooms ensures a great night’s sleep and a perfect way to conclude your celebrations in style. The excellent Christmas Party menu is a very agreeable £40pp for 3 courses, including an arrival glass of Prosecco and Christmas crackers. Guest rooms from only £75* when booking your Christmas party with us. *room only rate/ single or double occ/ minimum 6 rooms /incl. VAT

Drakes Hotel, 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 696934 www.drakesofbrighton.com info@drakesofbrighton.com

32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let lack of finance hold back your dreams If you have a small to medium-size business (SME) or are a start-up based in East Sussex, we could help you fund a wide range of capital items to help increase sales, improve productivity and boost profitability. Grants of up to ÂŁ10,000 available. Terms & conditions apply

See businesseastsussex.org.uk/ south-east-business-boost-sebb/ for details

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

Cover Feature: Sussex Innovation Centre

Celebrating 21 Years of the Sussex Innovation Centre This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Sussex Innovation Centre. In our pages this month we speak of the company’s success so far and plans for the next 21 years. We spoke to Sussex Innovation’s Executive Director, Mike Herd, about the Centre’s approach to supporting the regional business community, its successes and future plans. Hi Mike, thanks for speaking with us. Could you give us Cover an overview of the Feature Sussex Innovation Centre and what its role is within the Sussex business community? We have three primary roles. The Innovation Centre for a long time has been the place to go when someone has a new business idea or a new innovation, where they can get practical support and help from people who take them seriously. We’ve been doing that for 21 years and we’ve had a very high success rate. The second primary Working with the University of Sussex Since becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Sussex in 2008, the Centre has taken a more

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

area is that we now take a lead for the research commercialisation for the University of Sussex, so we’re very much involved in being a business face for the University and to create ways in which businesses can access graduates and research. We’re also responsible for delivering student enterprise programmes, including StartUp Sussex, which provides workshops, mentoring and funding to many young entrepreneurs. Essentially we’re creating opportunities for businesses to work with the University. This and offering entrepreneurs a place to get that support are our two primary areas. active role in helping to bring academic research into the commercial realm. As well as supporting spinout companies, the Centre takes a role in identifying and approaching commercial partners for

Sussex research. One of the biggest successes of this approach has been the Electric Potential Sensor (EPS), a revolutionary measurement tool, capable of detecting tiny changes in spatial potential, electric field or charge. The sensors were developed by Prof Robert Prance and his team at the Sensor Technology Research Centre. In 2012, the microchip manufacturer Plessey Semiconductors procured a full license to manufacture and market the technology, which is now used in a range of products including imPulse, a joypad-like tool that can be used to take an instant ECG reading as part of a routine GP appointment, allowing for early identification of patients at risk of strokes and heart conditions. The imPulse device will be demonstrated in an exhibit of academic

projects at the Centre’s 21st birthday celebration, alongside several current ventures: •

•

MetaSonics, a suite of tools currently being researched at the School of Informatics, employs an array of 3D-printed metamaterial bricks to • shape and manipulate sound in real time. The technology could have numerous applications, from bespoke therapeutic wearables to PA systems capable of broadcasting to one person among a crowd. HeartRater is a wellbeing app developed at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School. It harnesses ‘interoception’; the brain’s ability to recognise and respond to the signals coming from the body. People with stronger interoceptive abilities – particularly awareness of their own

heart rate – have been shown to respond better in stressful or high-pressure situations. It is also a skill that can be trained, helping to reduce anxiety, make better intuitive decisions, or maximise physical capabilities. Syncphonia is a networked app created at the School of Media, Film and Music, designed to help ensemble performers keep time with each other. Pilot projects have demonstrated that this helps novice musicians to play alongside more experienced performers, and it is hoped that the app will encourage a whole generation of schoolchildren to persist with learning a musical instrument.

“Being a business rather than a project means you have to evolve and change to make sure that you fit the market and meet exactly what customers need. ” - Mike Herd, Chief Executive at Sussex Innovation Centre

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

Cover Feature: Sussex Innovation Centre

Upon inception how did you initially procure contracts? The Innovation Centre was set up as a company with five public sector shareholders and then there was some initial capital that came from the outer development of Hollingbury. The planning that came from that paid for the initial building – from Brighton & Hove Council – and East Sussex Council also put some capital in for that also. The contract that we had with businesses at the beginning was bringing companies in and providing space, but we were selective with which types of companies could come in. We were providing a different kind of environment – a very flexible, easy-ineasy-out route for companies to find that space. To be a part of a community with other innovators and other entrepreneurs was and still is important.

Croydon, Brighton and Beyond As Sussex Innovation enters its third decade, the organisation has begun to spread its wings and expand across the south east. In 2015, a sister site opened across two floors of the iconic ‘50p building’ near to East Croydon station. Sussex Innovation Croydon was launched to help Sussex companies access the capital, while giving local businesses a route to access academic research and University graduates. In recent years, the borough has gained a new name for itself as the UK’s fastest growing technology startup cluster.

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Do you work with businesses of all kinds and sizes or do you have a specific business demographic? We are primarily known for working with start-ups but that is more because a lot of the people that come to us are at that stage in their business journey. We also work with more established businesses that maybe have a new product idea, which would take them into a different market – that might typically be an agency business or a consultancy business that wants to produce a product to sell in a different way. We also work with quite a lot of corporates in terms of them getting a better understanding of how to work with startups, how they work with entrepreneurs and how they take ideas forward. So

Sussex Innovation members in Sussex and Croydon are encouraged to use the support, facilities and community across both sites, and many startups will be travelling down from London to participate in the Centre’s 21st birthday event and network with their peers. A third site is currently under construction in the centre of Brighton, minutes from the city’s main railway station, and plans were confirmed earlier this year for a ‘bio-innovation’ facility on the University campus, as part of a new development to house the School of Life Sciences.

to summarise we mainly work with businesses in the early stages while approximately 20% of our work would involve working with the more established corporates, although these aren’t statistics that we abide by as a business. How does the business model work and what support services do you offer to businesses? In order to make the Innovation Centre financially sustainable, what I’ve had to do is create what I call a hybrid business model; the types of things that companies would have to buy anyway, we do commercially. That helps with companies that can’t afford this level of expertise. The things that we provide commercially are space and renting out offices, accountancy services and bookkeeping, new graduates through our catalyst programme. These are all at commercial level but are delivered in a way that assists the demographic and the level of businesses we’re working with. The bookkeeping and the payroll is done in such a way – and the reason we do it – that we can show and teach people how to use the financial information that they get to build business models and to understand their businesses. The Sussex Innovation Centre as a whole is bespoke – clients don’t just all sign up and get the same and it’s tailored to each and every business’ needs and areas for improvement. Why do you think offering office space is such an important element for businesses in their early stages? There are several reasons and these have changed or evolved over the years as the property market has changed. Certainly now, the office is a way of creating a supportive environment and a community that helps people gain the confidence to grow. Within a community 40-60 businesses we have here where everybody is trying to do the same sort of thing with different technologies and different product, they can see other people succeeding, they can talk to other people about gaining investment or gaining a new customer and essentially gaining confidence with that. We’ve found that if you put companies in an office space that is slightly too big for them, then they’ll have even more incentive to grow.

Cover Feature: Sussex Innovation Centre

The Catalyst Scheme Launched in 2014, the Catalyst scheme provides a unique opportunity for Sussex graduates and placement year students to work with a range of local businesses. Billed as ‘the ultimate temp team’, 10-12 Catalyst Team members sign up each summer for a fully paid year-long placement, working alongside senior staff at the Centre and shadowing them as they meet with clients. Founders agree a strategy and plan with the Centre’s advisors, and Catalyst team members are responsible for delivering against that plan, mentored and overseen by the senior support team. For start-up businesses, the Team

provides a flexible, cost-effective and riskfree way to carry out projects. For early stage companies, there often is simply not enough time or resources to find, train and oversee interns or work placements in-house. Meanwhile, graduates on the scheme gain experience of real, meaningful work in a range of different roles and company cultures, learning more about themselves and their future ambitions in the process. To date, the Catalyst team have worked on more than 500 projects for more than 150 clients, creating many new jobs and industry placements in the process. Many team members have gone on to work full-time for one of the clients they have supported during their year’s placement. “My business is self-funded, so at

the time I needed to launch I didn’t have the luxury of hiring all the staff I needed”, says Gavin Sandells, founder of van hiring platform Vanuse. “With the help of Catalyst, I had the flexibility and the experienced team I needed to launch my business on time. We have created a marketing strategy together and I have delegated the initial marketing activities to Joseph and the team as I focus on other areas of getting my business launched. He has surpassed my expectations in the quality of work and results he has produced…I’m not sure how I would have launched my business without them.”

Are your support services affordable for smaller startups that might not have the funds to pay for such assistance in the early stages of their journey? The way that we try and do it The Catalyst team usually surrounds government grants to help companies access and pay for the support they need. There aren’t many of these grants around at the moment, and so what we do is cross subscribe to reduce the cost in terms of the more experience expertise, and use the graduate interns that we have as a way of making it more affordable so that, rather than having five days with a sales consultant, clients might have one day with a sales consultant and then ten days with a student or a graduate that we’ve helped train through the company.

success over all these years and how do you plan on moving forward with the business? When we first started, the Sussex Innovation Centre was very much like

that we were working with could see and follow. They could see us having growing pains and witness how we dealt with them. It’s important that the way in which we work with companies is about support rather than providing advice and so the way in which my staff work needs to be very much in understanding what being supportive is. Being a business rather than a project means you have to evolve and change to make sure that you fit the market and meet exactly what customers need. This has certainly changed a huge amount over the last 21 years, allowing us to evolve too – something that we will continue to do in years to come.

You’re currently celebrating your 21st birthday - how have you ensured

a start-up business and so we were far more like the companies that we were working with than we were like the universities or the council or that type of thing, The way in which I and we managed and built the business and the way in which we worked with our staff was a model that the companies

www.catalyst.sinc.co.uk

The Sussex Innovation Centre will be throwing open its doors and hosting a party to celebrate its 21st birthday later this month. SBT will report back from the evening in next month’s issue.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

Adobe Stock ©

Health and Wellbeing:

Breast Cancer

Following on from last month’s focus on prostate cancer, this time around we delve into one of the most common forms of cancer for women in the UK; breast cancer. We take a look at the symptoms and treatments with further expertise from Hove’s Montefiore Hospital

2014 UK statistics show that there were 55,222 new cases Health & Wellbeing of invasive breast cancer, and 141,433 deaths from the illness. Meanwhile, the same statistics show that there was a 27% prevention rate during this same year, and between the years 2010 and 2011, 78% of females survived breast cancer for 10 or more years. These statistics really are quite shocking, yet many people still shy away from the C-word. As with any kind of illness or disease, catching it in the early stages is important and allows easier control over the issue. This is the reason why having knowledge on such problems is so important. It’s clear to see that breast cancer is among the most common illnesses for women in the UK and while it might be heard of all too often, do people really know the signs and symptoms to look out for? Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell.

38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out, but over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumour. Not all tumours are dangerous; benign tumours are not considered cancerous and their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Regardless, it’s always better to be cautious and to know exactly what you should be looking for. Breast cancer refers to a malignant tumour that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milkproducing glands, or the ducts however,

less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues. Most people are under the impression that getting cancer is down to either genes or just incredibly bad luck, however scientific research has shown that our risk of developing such a condition depends largely on a combination of things – our environment and lifestyle included in this. In the UK, more than one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Every year, more than 350,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, but experts estimate that more than four in ten cancer cases could be prevented, largely through lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet, cutting back on levels of alcohol consumption and keeping active. People who work in certain jobs may have higher risks of cancer because of

“Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy”

Adobe Stock ©

Health & Wellbeing exposures to some chemicals, radiation, or other aspects of their work. Scientists estimate that occupational exposure to health hazards is responsible for nearly 4% of cancer cases in the UK. However, these exposures are not too much of problem now due to the fact that a large amount of them have been banned, and employers are now under a legal obligation to control exposure to such chemicals. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer can vary, and some of which can occur due to regular breast changes or a benign breast condition. Some people think that having breast cancer will cause other symptoms apart from a breast change, such as feeling tired, having less energy or weight loss, but this is not always the case. The most common symptoms of cancer of this kind include; a change in breast size or shape, a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast, a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling, redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple, liquid (sometimes called discharge) that comes from the nipple without squeezing, constant pain in your breast or your armpit or swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone. Sussex Business Times yet again caught up with The Montefiore Hospital in Hove and here Breast and Endocrine Consultant, Mr Charles Zammit offers his expertise… The key message is to be breast aware and to be familiar with your own body. Some ladies, particularly younger women, have firm glandular tissue, so it is even more important to be aware of changes as it can be difficult otherwise to detect lumps. This can get worse just before a period due to increased hormonal stimulation, leading to congestion of the breast tissue. This symptom gets better once a period starts so it is always worth waiting until after your period to see if an area of lumpiness persists before consulting your GP. How to examine your breasts The best time for self-examination is around a week after a period as this would be the time of least hormonal stimulation. Never use two hands and fold breast tissue between them, as this would give the impression of lumpiness. Stand in front of a mirror and raise your arms above your head. Look carefully

“Every year, more than 350,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, but experts estimate that more than 4 in 10 cancer cases could be prevented” at the shape of each breast. Then lie down and with your fingers flat; feel over the whole surface of both breasts for anything which is different from the last time. This is easier in a bath when the skin surface is soft and slippery to allow the flat of your hand to glide more easily. Never squeeze the nipples to check for discharge, however, do seek advice from your GP if the nipples discharge spontaneously. A wide range of conditions, most of which are harmless or easily treated, can cause nipple discharge. Discharge that is ‘toothpastelike’ in consistency, and greenish/yellow is usually due to inflammation of the ducts and not cancer. Leaflets on breast self-examination are available from most breast cancer charities in the UK. Although most lumps aren’t breast cancer, any unusual changes to the breasts should be checked by a GP as soon as possible. If your GP finds a lump on examination,

they will routinely refer you to be seen by a hospital specialist. Diagnosis A GP will do an urgent referral so that you will be seen by a local breast unit within two week, although the vast majority of ladies referred don’t have a diagnosis of breast cancer. Tests to diagnose cancer include mammography (an x-ray of the breast) an ultrasound scan, or a needle biopsy in which a thin needle is used to remove a small amount of cells. Painful breasts This is a common symptom in many ladies and is usually due to hormones just before a period. This is normal and your GP could advise you on simple measures to help with this. Post-menopausal ladies can still get breast pain often caused by spurts of oestrogen secretion which stimulate the breasts, creating congestion and sometimes cysts. This creates pain in

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

Adobe Stock ©

Health & Wellbeing

patchy areas of one or both breasts. It is not a sign of cancer on its own, however it is advisable to see your GP.

Adobe Stock ©

Nipple changes Some ladies have some degree of nipple inversion and this is of no concern. If nipple inversion is a new symptom, particularly if the nipple cannot be retracted out easily by gentle stimulation, consult your GP. Some cancers can pull onto the nipple as they grow, although nipple inversion is not always a sign of cancer and can occur during the menopause. New scaliness of the nipple, particularly if you don’t suffer from

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

eczema and affecting only one side, requires attention. Do not apply any topical steroids as this may mask important symptoms and delay a diagnosis. If it is itchy, don’t scratch, and apply a simple lubricating ointment until you see your GP. Treatments for breast cancer Most patients with early stage breast cancer undergo a lumpectomy to surgically remove the tumour. This is

usually followed by a combination of other treatments such radiotherapy, antihormonal treatment or chemotherapy. A new development in early low stage breast cancer is intra-operative radiotherapy or IORT. During the lumpectomy, a single high dose of radiation is administered to the site of the tumour which means the patient wakes up having received a full treatment and is able to return to their daily routine much more quickly. The Montefiore Hospital was one of the first in the country to offer this treatment to appropriate stage one and two breast cancer patients. All treatment will depend on the stage and grade of your cancer – how big it is and how far it has spread. Each cancer is unique and treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs. You will be supported by a team of surgeons, specialised nurses and oncologists to help you make appropriate decisions about your treatment.

Breast and Endocrine Consultant, Mr Charles Zammit

Website Investment

Investing on a Website: Bring Quick ROI this Year If you still want to get more out of your Website website this year, Investment this article is for you. I’m covering three different areas of possible investment into your website, to bring you a good ROI this year. CRO Conversion Rate Optimisation.(CRO) involves looking at how visitors to your website interact with it and making changes to improve their experience. The improvement in the experience should lead to more sales/enquiries generated. The cheapest, simplest and the most interesting tools to start with are: •

•

FiveSecondTest: you can upload your website and ask visitors a question on what they remember for example during their five-second visit. This helps to see if you’re putting your main message across well, as the first five seconds count the most. AttentionWizard: using automated eye tracking systems, this site mimics the way visitors’ eyes moves around your webpage. Great for recognising what people will focus on on your site and what falls into the background. Make sure your USPs are in the focus here.

There are many very advanced CRO tools to help you monitor the experience every time someone interacts with your website; some worth exploring are: Session Cam, Hotjar, Optimizely and Qualaroo.

SEO Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the activity of increasing visibility of your website on search engines (Google being the main one). The better your SEO the more visitors get to your website using this unpaid channel. The key areas worth exploring, which don’t require an in-depth knowledge of how search engines work are: •

•

Increase local exposure: By gaining exposure on websites of other local businesses and in the local press, your local Google rankings will naturally improve. Organising events, meet-ups, getting press coverage, partnerships and all PR related activities contribute here. The more the better. Keep a check on competitors: Review your competitors’ websites

and compare them to yours in terms of content and keywords. Google’s Keyword Planner is good for this. If your competitors are using different terminology when describing your services or have a lot more wording on their pages, it may be a sign that you’re falling short on the content side. Some of the tools I most recommend for SEO are SEMrush (the best all-in-one tool) and ScreamingFrog (a tool built in the UK for scanning websites for SEO) - free up to 250 pages. PPC Google’s AdWords platform is the most popular Pay Per Click solution. PPC is great for a quick burst of visits. Targeted ads can drive good sales and enquiries. Many businesses are built entirely on PPC as the main traffic channel. If you’re looking for a quick increase in visibility, AdWords is the way to go. Google often sends out ‘free £50 vouchers’ and similar offers for first time AdWords users; you can sometimes find them on HotUKDeals or MoneySavingExpert. The one area of PPC I’d like to focus on is remarketing. This is when you can ‘follow your visitors on the internet’. It’s when someone visits your website and you cookie tag them so that they can see your ad messaging (banners or text ads) on other websites. This works great when your “visit to purchase” funnel is a week+. Not so great if it’s really quick (instant purchases), but it still works then. If you’d like to get help with any of these techniques, just google ‘Krystian Szastok’ and drop him a line.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

Adobe Stock ©

Independent SEO consultant, Krystian Szastok has been helping businesses for over nine years to attract more visitors and generate more business through their websites. Here, he explains the important areas on a website for investment

Silverback Studios

Digital Design & Development: Does One Size Fit All? Your brand, and the way you present it, is the personality of your business, which is why it’s crucial to make sure it represents exactly what your business is about. Silverback Studios explain why bespoke may be best for you... Today it’s easier than ever to take a photo, create a logo or make Advertorial a basic website by yourself. Seemingly affordable design options are available at the click of a button, so why would you choose to pay for a bespoke solution? When it comes to web design we believe one size doesn’t fit all. There are so many DIY template builders on the market, that provide a basic way to get your company or product online – while these can be reasonably priced, they can be time consuming and confusing for those less technically-minded. Using templated solutions can tie your hands in the long term, limiting the freedom of your website’s design and functionality, leaving it looking generic and lack lustre. At Silverback Studios we like to work completely bespoke, from iconography, logo design and print to websites and digital media. We believe creating something tailored highlights your brand’s unique selling points. Our value, as an agency, comes from getting under the skin of our clients’ businesses and more importantly, understanding their audiences. By doing this we can design and build websites that fit our clients’ exact needs. In doing so we create better user experiences which in turn make your website work harder for your business. What are the other benefits of going bespoke? There are no restraints on design or functionality, allowing you to have complete flexibility to create something completely unique to your brand. In addition to this, bespoke websites offer long-term scalability without the hassle and cost of having to start over again – a phased approach allows your website to grow over time and at a rate that suits you and your business needs. Our tailored approach goes beyond web design, we like to look at the brand as a whole. By designing a bespoke visual identity, you can create something

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

individual to your business. Generic stock images can be easily spotted, and using photography of this kind can mean you carry the risk of your brand losing credibility. Carefully selected and edited stock imagery, or even where budget allows, bespoke photography, best reflects the true nature of the company or product.

Jarrett Owen Head of Digital, Silverback Studios

“ When it comes to design whatever the medium we believe bespoke design solutions make you stand out from the crowd and add the most value to your business.”

A bit about Silverback Studios As a full service design agency we pride ourselves on being able to cater to all your brand’s requirements; from brand strategy, naming and logo design to guidelines, print, website design and digital media. Our clients’ aspirations always come first, so we listen to what you need, bring fresh thinking to your brand and help you get the best results.

The Potting Room Sanderson

Gatsby Albany Opulence

Salvia DESIGNERS GUILD

Blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blue PAINT LIBRARY

Fable Linwood

Mister David LITTLE GREENE

GREAT CHOICE, BR ANDS & ALWAYS GREAT SERVICE & ADVICE

Just visit brewers.co.uk to find your local store FOR FURNITURE & GORGEOUS ACCESSORIES BREWERSHOME.CO.UK www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

Lunch Review:

A British Airways i360 Experience

British Airways i360 ©

It wasn’t too long ago that Sussex Business Lunch Times took a trip to Brighton’s seafront to Review review the Belle Vue restaurant following its opening in August 2016. One year on, much has changed at the sight of the British Airways i360 – the addition of the new, updated restaurant being at the core of this. Of course, we jumped at the chance to once again review Brighton’s most loved attraction and the restaurant that sits below – the West Beach Bar and Kitchen – following on from our pleasant experience last time around! The British Airways i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower and

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

British Airways i360 ©

For this month’s review, SBT’s Jess Saunders and Amy Watson took to Brighton to enjoy lunch with a twist; a flight on the British Airways i360 followed by a bite to eat at the West Beach Bar and Kitchen is the latest project from Marks Barfield Architects, who are also the creators of the world-famous London Eye. The i360 pod glides gently up to 138m (450ft) as a fully enclosed observation pod, offering guests breathtaking 360-degree views of Brighton & Hove, the South Downs and the beautiful Sussex coastline. The pod is ten times the size of a London Eye capsule and carries up to 200 passengers. Flights depart every 30 minutes and guests can enjoy the unfolding views as they walk around freely and enjoy a drink at the included Nyetimber Sky Bar, which serves award winning English Sparkling wine and other drinks from the region. Since opening, the British Airways i360 has won numerous prestigious

British Airways i360 ©

awards for innovation and design and an exhibition of photography and film, “British Airways i360: How it was Built” is now open for visitors in the beach building, documenting the design and construction processes. Brighton & Hove is one of the most visited cities in South East England and what better way to spend an afternoon than with a flight and a glass of something refreshing on the city’s largest and most loved addition? We arrived at the i360 site at around 1pm and the weather was beautiful – it was the perfect day for a trip up the attraction and we couldn’t have asked for a better setting. The queue to board the i360 was quite large, showing that one year on, the attraction is still one of the most sought-after for Brighton residents and visitors of the city. We were escorted on to the pod and over to the bar, where we were each served a refreshing glass of Rose Nyetimber Sparkling wine. Of course, before boarding the pod, each and every passenger is asked to go through a security bag check, which to some might seem a little bit extreme, but we personally appreciated the fact that the team of staff are so thorough and professional. One thing we noticed before our flight started was how the British Airways theme was consistent in all aspects. For example, each member of staff was dressed in British Airways uniform and tickets on to the pod came in the form of boarding passes to a plane. It was small elements like this that made the whole experience, for us anyway. As the i360 flight took off we were able

to walk around and enjoy views from above Brighton & Hove, witnessing the different areas of the city and staring in awe at the beautiful coastline and into the distance. The flight as a whole isn’t particularly long – around 10 minutes in from start to finish, but of course there’s only so much you can see, so this seems perfectly acceptable. If you’re a lover of art then you’ll also appreciate the beautiful paintings that sit on top of buildings. As we returned back to the real world, we were shown to the exhibition room, which documents in photographs and

film the i360 planning and construction processes. This was a very interesting addition to the attraction and I think with something like this, many people forget the amount of preparation and insanely hard work that goes into creating it and ensuring it’s safe for the public. Following on from this, we were shown down to the restaurant area where we were welcomed by an incredibly friendly team of staff. A window table had been reserved for us, where we could sit comfortably and enjoy watching the world go by. One thing I love about dining in Brighton in particular is being in amongst all of the goings on, and being seated right on the seafront meant we were in the midst of this. West Beach Bar & Kitchen is the newest attraction to Brighton seafront’s i360 site, replacing the former Belle Vue restaurant, and the refit comes as British Airways i360 marks its firstyear anniversary. The restaurant is now open, offering a fun and unique dining experience, which celebrates this vibrant city by the sea. West Beach Bar & Kitchen is a stylish all-day seafront venue, which is zoned into four distinct areas; a restaurant offering dishes inspired by Brighton, a lounge bar serving cocktails and other drinks, a café serving coffee, afternoon tea and cakes, and a secluded area for groups. The interior is designed by the awardwinning creators of British Airways i360, Marks Barfield Architects. Colourful local art adorns the walls thanks to a

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

partnership with Gallery 40 in North Laine, and Brighton neon artist Andy Doig has created a bespoke piece for the lounge bar area inspired by the murmurating starlings above the old West Pier. West Beach Bar & Kitchen is right on Brighton’s beach and offers one of the best views of the city’s muchloved West Pier. The new décor is inspired by the colours of the sea, beach, pier and sky. Timber tabletops are a nod to the timbers out on the beach while colourful upholstered seating adds softness and comfort. Many of the ingredients served in West Beach Bar & Kitchen are grown, reared or caught within sight of the viewing tower and the menu celebrates the distinctive character of Brighton & Hove – we could hardly wait to tuck in! An incredibly friendly member of the front-of-house staff, who also provided us with a bottle of fresh water to accompany our meal, presented us with a drinks and starters menu. Being located in Eastbourne meant that driving to the i360 was the easiest option, and both being designated drivers meant that we had to opt for a non alcoholic beverage – cue the mocktails! I chose the Voguing Virgin Mojito; with angostura bitters, lime wedge, mint sprigs, soda water and sugar, while Amy opted for the St Clement; a combination of orange juice,

bitter lemon and grenadine. Both arrived at our table promptly and looked even more appealing than we’d imagined. It was then that our food order was taken – I chose the local Sussex sausages with mustard mayo for my starter, while Amy chose the Aromatic Bombay popcorn with sweet & tangy mango chutney. One thing we can say for sure is that if you’re planning on dining at the West Beach Bar and Kitchen, you won’t wait long. Our starters made an appearance very soon and tasted just as divine as they looked. My sausages were served on a wooden tray-come-platter with the mustard mayo on a large spoon – this was a great touch and it’s nice to see that being different from traditional Brighton cuisine is something they’re aiming for. Both starting courses disappeared within minutes and the extremely attentive staff were sure to clear our table straight after. For our mains we opted for The South Coast – locally caught white fish fingers, homemade tartar sauce and baby pea shoots on Bloomer Doorstop – with a side of sweet potato fries, and The West Beach Dirty Burger an angus beef burger – Sussex forester cheese, chorizo jam, crisp gem lettuce, tomatoes and dill relish – served with skinny fries and kimchi slaw. Although the bread to The South Coast sandwich came in hand with thick

“The British Airways i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower”

bread, the dish as a whole was very light and it was clear to us that the fish was of a very high quality. Meanwhile, the burger itself was huge – probably too big for a lunchtime bite although this was through no fault but my own. Regardless, it was delicious and was nicely accompanied by the slaw. Both the regular fries and the sweet potato fries were equally lovely; salted and perfectly crunchy. After looking over at a number of the other tables, it would have been nice to try one of the West Beach Bar & Kitchen’s desserts, however after devouring two plentiful main courses, we just couldn’t fit it in! All in all, our lunchtime bite at the West Beach Bar and Kitchen was among the best that Sussex Business Times has had the pleasure of attending and we left without a single complaint or criticism. Anyone looking to attend a unique but professional business meeting in the Brighton area really should take to the British Airways i360 – a relaxing flight on the pod followed by a delicious bite to eat or a drink in the sun is the perfect way to get to know clients and customers, and we couldn’t recommend it enough!

Address: British Airways i360 Lower Kings Road Brighton BN1 2LN 03337 720360

Christmas Packages

available from 24th November To Include: 4 Course meal and a £20 Lucky Roulette Voucher to get you started on the tables

Sunday- Thursday £22.50 pp Friday & Saturday £32.50 pp to include Live Entertainment

2 Course midweek lunch £18.45pp Create your own party packages:

2 Course Festive Buffet £15.95 pp (min 8 people) Festive platters and drinks packages available to suit all budgets Free bottle of wine per 4 people when make your booking before 31st October.( Sunday to Thursday Bookings ) Grosvenor Casino Brighton, 9 Grand Junction Road, Brighton, BN1 1PP Tel: 01273 326514 Email: F&BManager.GC-Brightonnrank.com T’s & C’s apply

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

Hotel Review: Ghyll Manor As we fast approach the winter months, for September’s hotel review, Sussex Business Times enjoyed a cosy night in at Ghyll Manor Hotel & Restaurant in Horsham Ghyll Manor Hotel and Restaurant is situated in the typically Review English West Sussex countryside. The black and white timbered manor house dates back to the seventeenth century, whilst a beautiful lake provides a perfect backdrop for those special wedding photographs and romantic walks. Behind the Tudor beamed exterior, 29 individually designed bedrooms of varying shapes and sizes await, offering an effortless blend of charming period features and modern facilities. While we weren’t at Ghyll Manor for any such occasion and were there purely to enjoy an overnight stay, we were still able to appreciate the beautiful grounds and buildings that the hotel comprises of. A member of the front of house staff greeted us at the reception area and this part of the hotel alone was stunning – nice and cosy with welcoming background music. The only downside however, was the amount of furniture, slightly too cluttered and this continued through the rest of the hotel. For some people though, this might make up a large amount of the hotel’s charm. We were shown to our room after exploring the grounds and enjoying a relaxing rest on a table that overlooked

48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

the gardens. Aesthetically, Ghyll Manor is very pleasing to the eye and features a 500 year old tree that the owner and staff are obviously very proud of. It’s small but traditional elements like this that

make a venue all the more interesting. We stayed in the Magnolia cottage, which was beautifully spacious and impeccably clean. There’s no doubt that the daily cleaners ensure that there isn’t a spec of

Tried & Tested in Sussex

dust or dirt to be seen. Again, the room was full of furniture, which on one hand made the space a lot more cosy, however it wasn’t particularly consistent – old furniture was mixed with newer, modern furniture, which was slightly confusing. We dined during the evening at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, which for us, was the highlight of the entire stay. It’s safe to say that the food itself was absolutely delicious – it’s a shame we didn’t attend purely for our lunch review section, because it would have been among some of the best Sussex Business Times has had the pleasure of reviewing! Regardless, we can still vouch for the hotel’s level of high quality food and professional chefs. The restaurant itself also boasted a lovely atmosphere and the overall ambience was everything we could have hoped for and more – pleasant lighting and relaxing background music at the perfect level of volume. The team of staff were equally as lovely and lived up to every other aspect of our dining experience, with extensive knowledge of the foods and wines, which to us, always makes a huge difference. It pays to know you’re being well looked after by someone who knows exactly what they are serving you. While the beds were incredibly comfortable with fresh sheets, we did unfortunately experience a disrupted

Opening its doors to brides-to-be! Many brides dream of a country wedding at a historic house set within beautifully landscaped grounds, but finding the right venue can be daunting. With three open evenings this year, couples can explore Ghyll Manor to ensure it’s the venue they’ve been looking for. Happy couples looking for their perfect wedding venue can explore the beautiful country house and surroundings at one of Ghyll Manor’s open evenings this year. The events will showcase two elegant rooms fully dressed for a ceremony and reception. Visitors will be welcomed with a drink on arrival and invited to discuss their wedding day ideas with Ghyll Manor’s friendly event managers. Open days are from 12-4pm Sunday 17th September

sleep due to the airplanes that continually flew above, so low that you could practically see which airline they belonged to! Of course, this isn’t anyone’s fault and is just something that the guests of Ghyll Manor would have to overlook. Breakfast caused mixed feelings for us… While the food itself was beautiful (we each opted for the poached eggs and then picked from the buffet), there seemed to be a little bit of confusion and hassle with some elements. We found that unfortunately, we had to ask for some of the morning essentials such as our coffee, milk, toast and butter, which

was slightly frustrating, however you always have to appreciate that hotel and restaurant staff are quite often run off their feet. All in all, our stay at Ghyll Manor was a pleasant one. With friendly and well-mannered staff, an all round great atmosphere and an absolutely divine dining experience, our only critique would be that it the hotel as a whole could possibly do with a bit of an update. Of course, too much of an update would cause Ghyll Manor to lose a lot of its character, but some money spent would go a long way.

Open evenings are from 6-9pm Wednesday 13th September Wednesday 11th October

Terrace Room or Conservatory and hold a sparkling reception for 100 guests, with everything from breakfast to the DJ included in the price. There are plenty of refreshments for guests included, with two reception drinks and four canapés per person and an evening finger buffet. With a dedicated wedding co-ordinator and ‘Master of Ceremonies’, as well as table plans, menus and a cake stand included, the big day is sure to run smoothly.

All of Ghyll Manor’s weddings come with high quality as standard with a personal service and a promise never to host more than one wedding on the same day. Ghyll Manor is also just 40 miles from London, making travel to the wedding convenient for guests from the capital and further afield. Wedding guests also have the opportunity to make the most of the time in the country with an overnight stay, as selected wedding packages include preferential rates on Ghyll Manor’s rooms. Winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular and Ghyll Manor has a great package those looking for their dream winter wedding. Couples can tie the knot in Ghyll Manor’s Hunsdon Hall,

The Winter Wonderland package is valid for weddings October 2017 – April 2018. To find out more about the wedding offers available at Ghyll Manor and availability for 2017, please visit www.ghyllmanorweddings.co.uk or call 03301 230 371.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

NEWS

EASTBOURNE CHAMBER:

BIDDING FOR SUCCESS For this month’s Chamber News section, Sussex Business Times has partnered with Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce

This Autumn, Eastbourne is on course to join over 270 other towns, cities and streets across the UK to be a Business Improvement District (BID). But what exactly does that mean, and how do they help? What is a BID? A BID is a business-led and business funded organisation that is formed to improve a commercial area, normally, but not exclusively a town centre. In a BID, the ratepayers of a defined area decide and direct how they want to improve the area to increase footfall, improve sales and improve the general environment of the area. And, over the next five years Eastbourne plans to raise over £1.5 million to invest in improving its town centre.

A BID can only be formed following consultation and a ballot in which businesses vote on the Business Plan for the area. The ballot is overseen by the local authority and all businesses eligible to vote are balloted over a period of 28 days. There are already over 270 BIDs in the UK, including Hastings, Brighton, Bournemouth and Worthing and each focus on different priorities as defined by their business community. They have been part of the UK’s town centre since January 2005 and operate for a maximum of five years. If they wish to continue, they must go through a renewal ballot to secure another BID term of up to five years which Brighton has done successfully twice.

Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Chamber News

Many focus on increasing events, marketing, floral planters, winter lighting, Christmas lights, street ambassadors and security wardens. How is it funded? A BID is funded by the business community, with a levy charged to all businesses in the area based on the rateable value of the business. Rules vary from BID to BID depending on the steering group, with exemptions for charities and NHS properties being common as well as a reduced fee for those based in shopping centres. In Eastbourne £300,000 is expected to be collected per year for five years. Why Eastbourne? As a result of more than £175m of inward investment, the town will be transformed with an expanded shopping centre – bringing with it new retailers and restaurants. The towns conference and theatre facilities will be developed and there are ambitious plans for the seafront and improved leisure facilities. Yet the past five years have seen the high street change dramatically with some major names disappearing from the shopping scene altogether and a national decline in footfall. To compete against online shopping, business leaders believe the town centre needs to create a visitor experience that brings people back, time and time again. Ashley Pugh from W. Bruford Jewellers, a major independent retailer in the town centre, summarised that: “Eastbourne has a bright future and real opportunity with the investment being made. The BID process will give us the ability and the finance to make both physical and strategic changes to bring the town centre into the 21st Century”.

What will the BID do? “Over the last two years, we have held a number of highly successful consultation meetings with local businesses to hear

their thoughts about our evolving town centre, and the unique chance we have to capitalise on this investment”, said Stephen Holt, Business Development Manager for the non-profit EDEAL Enterprise Agency and one of the founding members of the steering group working on the BID for over two years. “These consultations have ranged from big, multinational retailers, to small one man businesses. The BID steering group has met with businesses in cafés, solicitor’s offices, banks and in one memorable case, a store cupboard in a retail chain! We have been so determined to listen to the thoughts of all businesses to ensure that our plan is right. And we were proud to hear the overwhelmingly positive response the BID has received and their aspoirations to make sure Eastbourne is the best town in the South East!” “Our business plan pulls no punches! It highlights the concerns we’ve heard about a two-tier town centre, the need for exciting events all year round and for additional street security. Yet, it also provides solutions – with a few highlights including funding of street ambassadors, winter lighting, planters, the return of our amazing Christmas lightshow Neon Noel and other popular events.” “It’s important to understand that we won’t be taking over the Council’s responsibilities – one of the legal requirements for a BID is that we sign an agreement with the local authority to ensure a baseline of services. However, the BID is business led, which means, we are in control of our funding, our projects

and ultimately our future”. To be a BID town, all ratepayers are given the opportunity to vote with a majority of both the rateable value and the votes cast needed to secure a successful campaign. So how is Eastbourne looking for a “YES” vote this Autumn? “Two of our steering group members actually confessed to voting against a BID in a neighbouring town”, Stephen Holt said. “They have since been convinced of their success and want to help us develop our own BID. They have realised – as many other businesses do – that a BID allows us to support our town, and its future. That’s not uncommon either, as the majority of BIDs actually increase their YES vote during their renewal ballots”. Stephen Holt concluded “Our BID steering group contains representatives from all businesses sectors and areas in the town. From charities to multinationals, restaurants, pubs, solicitors and hotels. We have heard the concerns of the business community and they are overwhelming telling us that they support our plans for the future. They know that this is our chance to control something really special, that with the BID – our town will go far.”

Full details about the Eastbourne BID can be found on the Your Eastbourne BID website – www.youreastbourne.com as well as a copy of the BID Business Plan.

www.youreastbourne.com

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

Test Drive Ahead of this month’s motoring reviews, Sussex Business Times got behind the wheels of the Citroen C3 Flare and the Peugeot 508 GT. Here, we report back on our findings

Citroen C3 Flair André-Gustave Citroen founded French car Citroen manufacturer, Citroen, in 1919. 15 years later, the firm established its reputation for innovative technology with the Traction Avant – the world’s first mass-produced front wheel drive car. Since then and with an incredibly successful history in motorsport, Citroen is the only car manufacturer to have won three different championships from the International Automobile Federation; the World Rally Raid Championship (five times), the World Rally Championship (eight times) and the World Touring Car Championship. It’s clear to see from this that Citroen have, over the years and since its inception, earned itself a great reputation for car manufacturing across the world. It hasn’t been too long since Citroen last graced our motoring pages, but this time around SBT got hands on with the C3 Flair. The C3 is intended to offer something not found in rival small

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

cars, and amongst all other aspects is the promise of a car more comfortable than any rival. Going on external appearance only, the C3 is a car that takes quite a bit of getting used to – on first look it’s not the most attractive, however it’s definitely one that grew on us over time. Eccentric-looking cars can often be the most attractive, however this wasn’t really the case with the C3. Despite this, it’s a deceptively large

car, which is great for small families or for the older or business demographics who might appreciate space on long journeys. The C3 has a much longer wheelbase than its predecessor, while bigger wheels and black plastic wheel arches assist in giving it a similar look to many SUVs. The Citroen C3 Flair weighs almost exactly the same as its predecessor and the optional two-tone paint emphasises the ‘floating’ roof,

Motoring

separated from the main body colour by the black windscreen pillars. The main noticable difference though, is that the panoramic windscreen option that features on the previous C3 isn’t available with this model. Moving on to the interior of this Citroen motor, we found that sitting in the drivers seat meant that the gear stick was too far forwards, even when altering the seat closer, making the overall drive a little uncomfortable at first. Also, the digital speedometer is a bit of a non-entity sat next to the analogue. The controls however, come with everything you could possibly need without making the dash too complicated – air con and cruise control reverse cameras are included in this, although as mentioned earlier, the air con unit isn’t the quickest to say the least. Speaking of comfort, the Citroen C3 is pretty average, although the seats could maybe be a little bit more comfortable, but of course these are only minor things now and really, we’re just being picky. Rear passengers sit high enough to get a good view out, and thanks to the longer wheelbase they have plenty of leg room given the C3’s compactness. With regards to the drive itself, once it gets going, it’s definitely an enjoyable car to drive. Whilst we found it slightly sluggish when puling away and when stopping and starting (this was slightly frustrating) the brakes are sharp and the steering is incredibly responsive and pleasantly light, which helped when attempting to park. The fuel economy is fantastic with this motor – 76 miles to the gallon. We managed to get around 300 miles out of it during the week we had hold of it and only used around ¾ of a tank. It’s an easy, restful travelling companion, with all its control efforts well matched and with enough verve to give the driver a good time. Overall, our only critiques in this area were the fact that A) it could do with a little more power so pulling away isn’t so tedious and B) the air conditioning takes quite a substantial amount of time to cool down for such a new vehicle.

Peugeot 508 GT

Another French car manufacturer, the family business Peugeot that preceded the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810 as a manufacturer of coffee mills and bicycles. On 20 November 1858, Émile Peugeot applied for the lion trademark. Armand Peugeot built the company’s first car, an unreliable steam tricycle, in collaboration with Leon Serpollet in 1889. Peugeot has received many international awards for its vehicles, including five European Car of the Year awards and in 2013 and 2014, Peugeot ranked the second lowest for average CO2 emissions among generalist brands in Europe. Peugeot is known as a very reliable brand, citing how its 1950s and 1960s models are still running in Africa and Cuba in the 2010s. Although always at the forefront of car manufacturing across the world,

Peugeot have really upped their game in recent years, and SBT is always pleased to get its hands on one of its many models. This time around, SBT got behind the wheel of the 508 GT. Peugeot’s new large saloon and estate, the 508 replaces the brand’s 407 and 607 models. Peugeot claims the “508 offers interior space to match the 607, but within smaller exterior dimensions, and that although it is 10cm longer than the 407, that it weighs an average of 35Kg less.” When we first saw the car arrive at the Sussex Business Times headquarters, we were pleasantly surprised. The overall appearance of the car is beautiful; a modern and sleek but sporty-looking saloon. It has a great-looking low profile, tyres and low suspension. The exterior overall has lost some of the unique quirkiness of the 407, and is, in our opinion, slightly more boring as a consequence, however the interior demonstrates that Peugeot has taken a step in

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

Motoring

the right direction since this model’s predecessor… The 508 – similar to the Citroen – has pretty much everything you can expect and more. All controls are especially easy to use without trying to find anything, making it the perfect car for the older demographic in particular, or for those who desire a slick car but don’t know too much about vehicles as a whole. The heads up display for the speed and the seat massager are nice touches to the car, despite the fact that we found it slightly difficult to have to get used to being in a certain position to achieve the full benefits. We also found the steering wheel to be overly large for such a sporty car – it was small elements like this that slightly reduced the overall comfortability of the car, but it definitely doesn’t ruin it. Driving the vehicle at night, however, is a different ball game entirely – the blue tinted led headlights are fantastic, lighting up all road signs blue from a distance. Also a separate light points to where the car is turning which is another great touch. The Peugeot 508 GT is, all in all, comfortable, spacious and noticeably more upmarket. Clearly this GT model represents the 508 in its best light (quite literally), with full leather

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

trim and full colour information screens, but in the design, arrangement and action of the main switchgear the 508 is class-leading. Performance-wise, this vehicle is suprising, yet again the car is extremely powerful and fast when pulling away and cruising on a dual carriageway. The handling of the 508 is hard to describe, but put plainly, it sticks to the road incredibly well, however one slight downside is that of the overlyaggressive tone when you put your foot down. Also, when parking we found the

OTR Price Engine capacity Transmission 0-62mph Max speed

steering to be slightly too heavy for the standard GT motor. To summarise, this Peugeot model was a joy to drive and we almost didn’t want to return it! If we could describe the car in relation to SUVs in other brand’s collections, it would have to be a cheaper Audi. It looks fantastic and drives relatively well with exceptional handling. As mentioned earlier, the only slight downsides concern the heads up display and steering – making it difficult to park. Nevertheless, it’s still a fantastic car.

Citroen C3 Flair

Peugeot 508 GT

£17,505 1.2L 5 speed manual 10.6 seconds 114mph

£32,915 2L 6 speed manual 8.5 seconds 143mph

“EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE OPTION FOR DEVELOPING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS”

M L I F / Y H P A R G PHOTO S E C I V R E S D N STUDIO A Studio and services include: • Unbeatable rates • Private/dry hire or full creative team available • Corporate films on location or studio based • Editing suite will full Adobe Creative Cloud • Complete team on hand to assist • Production team on site • Comprehensive kit list • Make up/changing area for styling • Free Wifi • Lounge area with refreshment facilities & fridge • Male/female toilets • Studio and equipment rental or full creative team available

SHOOTING PORTRAITS, FAMILIES, PETS, PRODUCTS LARGE AND SMALL, OR FOR PRIVATE RENTAL

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 55

Contact the team at Life Studios to discuss your requirements or simply to enquire about hourly or day rates for professional hire: 01323 819007 or email contact@lifemediagroup.co.uk

SBTMotoring News Wake Up to the Dangers of Fatigue, Urges Gem Motoring Assist Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to be wise to the dangers of fatigue on journeys. The advice comes as thousands of families across the country embark on long road journeys to holiday destinations. GEM road safety officer Neil Worth comments: “It is widely accepted that fatigue is a major contributory factor in road crashes, particularly in the early hours of the morning. Many thousands of collisions occur because of a driver’s

Mercedes-Benz Vans Launches My Van Service

Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd has launched My Van Service – an online service booking tool with five new options to allow customers to book their vehicles in for a service or repair at a time that suits the operational needs of their businesses, taking the management of servicing and repairs to a whole new level of simplicity. Customers can see a choice of slots available to book a service, MOT, diagnostics work or repair with the Dealer of their choice using a live booking facility and benefit from access to the latest servicing offers. In addition, SMS booking and confirmations are also possible, and payment online can be made via PayPal or Sage Pay. Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK ltd, said: “We know that servicing is a ‘necessary evil’ when running a van and is something that businesses who rely on their vans could probably do without – our customers are busy people so need servicing to be as easy and flexible as possible.

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

reduced ability to respond quickly and safely if a dangerous situation arises. If you’re making a long road journey, then it’s vital to be properly rested before you set off – and to ensure you build in time for breaks on the way. “Statistics show that those most at risk from a fatigue-related collision include young male drivers, shift workers, truck drivers and company car drivers. Around 85% of drivers who cause fatigue-related crashes are male, and more than one third of these are aged under 302.”

Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition: Experience the Darker Side Bentley Motors last month announced full details of the new Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition – the car of choice for customers seeking a luxury performance saloon with a more dynamic aesthetic. The suite of striking exterior and interior features have been created by the British brand’s designers to reflect the car’s sporting character. Black gloss brightware, dark tint lights, gloss black window surrounds and door mirrors, and new wheels provide a more dynamic, contemporary

commentary for the mighty power output of the V8 S engine. Tuned for more power, the 4.0-litre V8 engine delivers 528 PS (521 bhp) and 680 Nm (502 lb. ft.), which propels the Flying Spur to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds), and on to a top speed of 306 km/h (190 mph). This power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a surefooted, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

BCA Wins 2017 BusinessCar Techies Award BCA has won a 2017 BusinessCar Techies Award. BCA Data Science won in the Techies Remarketing category, the fifth win for BCA in recent years. As the industry’s only dedicated fleet technology awards, the BusinessCar Techies are designed to reward those companies whose clever use of technology makes business car fleet operation easier, cheaper, cleaner, safer and more straightforward. No other industry player has such a detailed set of remarketing data as BCA and the company has introduced new methods to analyse and deliver

information back to business customers. BCA is using the latest Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Cloud environment to analyse the data more efficiently and provide greater level of accuracy for customers in every aspect of their remarketing activity. Craig Purvey, BCA CCO added: “We are delighted to win the 2017 Techies award for remarketing, which reflects our ongoing commitment to develop technology driven services that meet the changing needs of our customers in a highly competitive marketplace.”

FRESH CLEANING SERVICES LIMITED

CLEANING SERVICES Fresh Cleaning Services are a Sussex based family owned commercial and domestic cleaning company. Fresh Cleaning has been established for over 10 years. We pride ourselves on the personal touch to each individual client. Our staff are fully trained, achieve high standards which we except and maintain for our clients.

WHAT WE OFFER: • Office Cleaning • Stripping and resealing floors • Carpet Cleaning • Consumables provided • Free estimates and advice • Drive ways, patios and flag stone jet washed • Washroom services • Fully insured • Competitive rates • Testimonies available • Initial ‘spring clean’ to all new contracts • Visits from management to client sites

d.stephens@fresh-clean.co.uk • Tel: 07976 568241 • www.fresh-clean.co.uk

SBT

ASK THE

SBT Ask the Experts is sponsored by

EXPERTS

WE ASK THE EXPERTS TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

EXPERT

Ben Hulme, Founder of MiddlemanProfits.com of the main and ever-growing reasons for this is because companies are using technology to run leaner businesses. The issue here is that it’s not going to get better; technology is getting more sophisticated and unless we adapt as individuals we could be looking at a problem further down the line.

How can we overcome the fact that technology is taking so many jobs? Many people are finding it harder and harder to keep their existing jobs; one

EXPERT

We have a skills gap in our business. Is there anyone that could help us with advice or with staff to plug the gap? There can be no doubt that a skills gap can be very debilitating for a business.

info@checkaprofessional.com 58 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

What should I do if I feel that my job is at risk? My advice would be to create multiple streams of income, meaning that if you lose your job, you have other income streams working for you. I advise all my clients to carry on with their jobs and make the money to pay the bills, but start a business that you can work on during the evenings and weekends. We must learn how to use technology to our advantage. There are so many ways to achieve success and financial freedom but sadly our education

system has taught us to become employees. With technology advancing daily, a lot of people are in for a shock within the next few years unless they adapt now. How easy is it to start your own business? Building a business online or offline takes time, but there are ways to shortcut. The one thing you cannot shortcut, however, is your education; that shouldn’t just stop at school or university. You should always be growing and learning new skills. If you want to succeed and have a scalable, sustainable business you can do it, it’s just a case of learning how and applying what you learn. For more information about building multiple streams of income please visit: www.MiddlemanProfits.com

Fred Thomas, Business Support Navigator, Business East Sussex Nationally, the biggest shortage we face is in digital skills. Research from O2 has suggested the UK needs 2.3 million workers with digital skills to reach its digital potential by 2020. Plus, the government has said the digital skills gap is costing the economy an estimated £63 billion a year in lost GDP. At Business East Sussex we have experience with helping people with their skills needs, whether it is digital or some other skill. Hailsham-based Valet PRO is a specialist in pH neutral cleaning formulations and had wanted to develop its own range of ecologically friendly car products. However, owner Greg Spink could not find a member of staff to help him or someone with the right technical knowledge. We put him in touch with Dr Shona Robertson at Brighton University to explore

a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). KTP schemes help businesses innovate and grow by linking them with a University and a graduate to work on a specific project. Each KTP is a three-way partnership between a business, an academic institution and a graduate. The academic institution employs the recently-qualified graduate who works at the company. Valet PRO is now working with a specialist chemist, based at the University, to develop and refine the new formulations and products. A KTP can last between 12 and 36 months depending on the project and the needs of the business. It is part-funded by a grant making it an affordable option for many small businesses. If you need help with a skills gap just get in touch.

0808 901 9042

SBT

ASK THE

SBT Ask the Experts is sponsored by

EXPERTS

WE ASK THE EXPERTS TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

EXPERT

John Coupland, Brand Projects Manager, Firebrand have a great brand name, you become memorable, sharable and connect emotively with your audience in ways that your competitors cannot. A great name represents the positioning, personality and story that you are sharing with the world. Think Patagonia, Virgin and Innocent.

Is my brand name holding me back? Your name is the most visible element of your brand strategy. When you

EXPERT

What should I consider when thinking about a brand name? 1) Be different. Businesses with mediocre names usually have failed to understand the importance of naming, and are setting themselves up to be forgotten. When a name is boring or simply descriptive it soon becomes a ‘me-too’ in the brand landscape. Avoid mediocracy. Be bold, unafraid and confident with your name so you stand out. 2) Beware the thesaurus. Always use a thesaurus wisely. It’s a good starting

3) Engage with experts. Naming is a science fraught with technicalities and you need to get it right to ensure your longevity. As part of your strategy, naming requires investment to ensure that it supports your brand positioning and can be legally protected. Seeking an expert will ensure you’re on track and could be the most important decision you’ve ever made. Firebrand are an agency who specialise in brand name development. Visit firebrand.co.uk or call 01323 430700

Graham Peters, Director, Spectrum Independent Financial Advice I’ve heard that it might be possible to buy business premises using my pension fund – is this true? Yes - there are certain circumstances where you may be able to ask your pension fund to invest in a commercial property which you could use for running your business. Your pension fund would own the property and your business would pay rent to the fund. So what is the benefit if I’m still a tenant paying rent? Rather than paying rent to a third party landlord, you would be paying rent directly into your retirement fund. This is a very tax efficient way of increasing your pension fund whilst not necessarily increasing the operating costs of your business.

info@checkaprofessional.com

point but lacks imagination and can lead to a dead end. Not only this but you can guarantee a competitor has already done this.

Sounds almost too good to be true, so why doesn’t everyone do it? There are several things you need to be aware of – firstly, it has to be commercial property, so if you run your business from home, it won’t work. Secondly you need to have the right kind of pension plan which is usually a self-invested arrangement. Thirdly, the rent you pay your fund needs to be market value and commercial so you can’t use this as a way to reduce your monthly outgoings. Finally – get an expert to help you – there’s a lot at stake and you don’t want to discover somewhere down the line that this process isn’t actually the best solution for you. To get in contact with Graham, please call 0800 195 1066 or email graham@specifa.co.uk

0808 901 9042 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 59

LinkedIn Business Building

How Investing in Refurbished Computers can Benefit your Business There’s no doubt that modern day businesses require efficient, and secure computer systems to complete day-to-day operational tasks that are vital to business stability and growth. Here, we explore why refurbished IT can benefit your business Replacing old desktops and Technology funding a brandnew IT suite can be costly and stretch even the healthiest of budgets. All new computers are sold at a premium as first-hand machines, and this expense can prevent SMEs, in particular, from upgrading at the right time. This premium cost can be saved by simply choosing refurbished computers something which many businesses are failing to realise. Cost effective solutions “With the evolution of computer

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

technology and the speed at which it develops, it’s become ever more important for businesses to have access to the best, up-to-date technology to support their growth and, in turn, success,” explained Michael Tu, Co-founder of Hardware Associates, a Sussex business specialising in the refurbishment and repair of IT hardware equipment. “Refurbished machines cost up to 80% less than their new counterparts, so it’s an extremely cost-effective solution that provides access to higher quality machines than would otherwise be afforded,” continued Michael. “This price ratio is the financial sweet spot for business owners, managers

and also IT managers and finance controllers in larger companies, as it means employees will be provided with the technology they need to be the most productive but at a significantly less cost to the business. The latest models can be available as refurbished machines just three months after release date, so it’s a win-win situation.” Secured technology Sole traders and businesses can also benefit from replacing old hardware and systems that are less energy efficient and more vulnerable to cyber attacks when the provider no longer offers updates. In this instance, it is vital to find affordable systems; refurbished

Technology computers offer outstanding protection without the price tag. It’s also worth noting that in any competitive sector, slow running machines vulnerable to attack will make companies less productive and, as a result, less competitive. Refurbished machines provide the speed and quality businesses need, without breaking the bank or damaging business productivity like prolonged use of old machines will. Improved brand image As businesses enjoys the quality and speed of computers that work as good as new, opting for refurbished models can also be an effective brand exercise. Being ‘green’ and environmentally conscious is appealing to the public and potential clients, and presents a company as being ethical, trustworthy and in touch with current political agendas, business trends and standpoints. In fact, it’s such a powerful message it could even be a selling point against your competitors. A business of any size can become part of this community where the positive results are multifaceted. When you buy refurbished, you create an environmentally friendly cycle; it’s an opportunity to reduce business landfill waste and reduce the costs of managing and handling waste. In turn, you can also opt to recycle your current computers, which can be used for spare parts. Rewarding asset disposal service Many businesses, especially smaller ones, are unaware of the potential goldmines that they’re sitting on in unused IT equipment. “Every business will have systems, monitors or laptops that they no longer use and are literally just sitting there gathering dust”, explained Bill Champness, Managing Director and Cofounder of Hardware Associates. “We offer an asset disposal service which can be very financially, and socially, rewarding for enterprises across many sectors. Most firms will undoubtedly have IT systems or equipment that are no longer being used and what we can do is take that off them, thoroughly check them and provide cash back for the unused equipment. In this way, businesses are provided with cash they never thought they had and can use it to purchase further equipment as and when they need to.”

Exterion Media, Europe’s largest privately owned Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising business, did exactly this. The conglomerate relies heavily on technology to deliver advertising across its estate, which reaches millions of people across urban areas. In fact, 47.4 million see Exterion Media advertising across the UK every week. Underpinning the business is an IT real estate of desktops and laptops. When Exterion’s IT infrastructure manager, Stuart Harris, needed to review the hardware requirements of the business earlier this year, he decided to look at a better way of upgrading the hardware that could be both environmentally friendly and also give something back to the community. “We recently refreshed our hardware because of an office move and wanted to ensure an easy, safe and environmentally friendly disposal of the replaced kit, while at the same time, wondered if another party could benefit from our old systems,” commented Harris. “I quickly discovered that Hardware Associates run an asset management service which met all our requirements. Of the 127 machines, ranging from Dell laptops to Apple Mac Pro systems, the team were able to carry out a data destruction process, successfully wiping and recycling 118, and destroying and recycling the remaining machines that failed the process.” “Exterion’s move to recycle its old

hardware is something that we’d like to see more firms doing,” added Bill. “But the real beauty of this asset management process is that we could still derive some value out of the old kit and were able to pay back £5,000. Rather than Exterion simply donating their old hardware to charity, which would have caused the charity a maintenance headache in the long term, we were able to turn it into money and donate the £5,000 to the NSPCC and Childline.” Refurbished doesn’t mean second best A big myth of refurbished hardware is that it’s not as good quality, or matches the exact specifications businesses require. However, that’s not the case,” concluded Bill. “For the amount it costs to buy, for example, 10 new PCs direct from a vendor such as Dell or Apple, a business could purchase 20 reconditioned systems that are exactly the same spec and quality. Our premise has, and always will be, to provide small, medium and large businesses across a range of sectors with quality computing equipment at affordable prices.” Please visit https://www. hardwarespares.com for more information and to view a range of refurbished Apple, Dell, Lenovo and other top branded machines and parts. You can also call a team advisor on 01403 707900.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61

Money Matters

Developing Business Relationships with Network My Club

Yet again, Network My Club return to our pages this month to give you the latest on the success of their Network Albion Business Club and Network Fontwell Business Club events Network Albion Business Club September’s Network Events Albion Business Club networking breakfast took place in the italk Lounge at the Amex Stadium last month, with another packed room with over 100 guests in attendance! Guests took time out of their busy schedules to join us and enjoy networking, a full English breakfast put on by the wonderful staff at Sodexo, and hear from this month’s guest speaker, Craig Peters. Craig is known as ‘The Burpee Man’, following a series of challenges involving the full body exercise. In February 2014, at week 20 of his wife’s pregnancy, their two identical twin boys were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Thankfully, Craig’s twins survived and are now both young Albion fans!

However, the trauma Craig and his family went through gave him motivation to raise money for St George’s Hospital in London, the hospital that helped him and his wife through this incredibly difficult time. In 2016, Craig started the 1-365 challenge, involving adding one burpee per day for the whole year, amassing a total of 67,000 burpees. In the same year, he completed 6,000 continuous burpees over a 24 hour period for charity raising £15,000 for St George’s Hospital, and spoke about the mental and physical barriers he faced doing such challenges. Craig is now currently working closely with worldwide brand Reebok - and plans to work with local businesses to encourage healthy living amongst staff in the workplace - all through the 1-365 challenge. The next Network Albion event takes place on Thursday 5th October

from 8.00am-10.00am, ahead of the Brighton Business Expo taking place at Brighton Racecourse throughout the day. Businesses are invited to book at www.networkalbion.co.uk. Network Fontwell Business Club The latest Network Fontwell Business Club breakfast meet took place on a glorious day at Fontwell Park Racecourse. Guests enjoyed a full English breakfast, two hours of networking as well as all guests being given the opportunity to give a short talk about their businesses, who they are looking to meet and upcoming offers or opportunities. The next Network Fontwell event takes place on 12th October, 8:30-10:30am, and businesses are invited to book at www.networkfontwell.co.uk

Learn more about Network My Club at www.networkmyclub.co.uk

62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Benefits • A place at monthly networking events at the Amex Stadium • Company listing in the match day programme at every Albion home match (approx. 9,000 sales per match) • Full company profile page on Network Albion website • Exclusive use of Network Albion logo • Discounted access to attend or join other Network My Club groups throughout the UK

Cost

Annual Membership per Company £600+VAT (1 month free) or £55+VAT per month

Want both b to join usin clubs? ess

Save £60!

Benefits • A place at monthly networking events at Fontwell Park Racecourse • Company listing in the race day programme at each race meeting (approx. 3,000 sales per race day) • Full company profile page on Network Fontwell website • Exclusive use of Network Fontwell logo • 1 x use of corporate box at Fontwell Park for external meeting/conference purposes • 6 x tickets to a Fontwell Park race meeting, for your company to enjoy, entertain clients or reward staff • Discounted access to attend or join other Network My Club groups throughout the UK

Cost

Annual Membership per Company £385+VAT (1 month free) or £35+VAT per month

www.networkmyclub.co.uk or contact them on 01903 898025

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63

Networking in Sussex

SBT

Society Crawley Town Football Club Sponsors Networking Breakfast

Over 40 people attended the latest networking breakfast hosted by Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, which took place at the Checkatrade Stadium in Crawley on Friday 14th July. Sponsored by Crawley Town Football Club, the morning encouraged local businesses to get together to network and learn more about the work of the charity. Guests included representatives from the Football Club, Gatwick Airport, Bloc Hotels, and guest speaker, Kevin Byrne, Founder and CEO of Checkatrade. Crawley Town head coach and ex-Leeds United and Liverpool player Harry Kewell also attended. Lucy Rippingale, a nurse at Chestnut Tree House, outlined the vital work carried out by the community care team, helping lifelimited children and families in their own homes. Using the analogy of a car – with the fundraising team providing the fuel – Lucy described what her job entails, the importance of teamwork and how important all the different roles at the charity are, from nursing to fundraising. Terrina Barnes, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Chestnut Tree House said: “We started hosting networking breakfasts as a way to get people together and spread the word about the specialist care services that we provide to local children and families. It’s always great to see local businesses showing their support, and it was encouraging to see familiar and new faces at this event. We would like to thank Crawley Town Football Club for sponsoring the breakfast and Kevin Byrne for his inspiring words.”

For more information about Chestnut Tree House, visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

An inspirational presentation from Kevin Byrne of Checkatrade

The Chestnut Tree House team at Crawley Town FC

An essential part of any breakfast networking meeting

Aaran Blaskett of HSBC, John Bellamy of Sussex Sign Company and Toby Lanaway of Diversey Care

Chestnut Tree House Sarah Arnold with Mike Potts of S4B

64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Mike Monk of Monk Marketing with Kelly Derham Operations Director at Crawley Town FC and Chestnut Tree House Terrina Barnes

Harry Kewell Head Coach at Crawley Town FC

Here are some of the organisations we are in partnership with in 2017

For Outstanding Quality & Service

01273 464 884 info@gemini-print.co.uk www.gemini-print.co.uk Gemini Print, Unit A1, Dolphin Way Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 6NZ

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65

Made in Sussex

2 B

W i e i

A a w s

Made in Sussex: Guardian Advice

F s c

For this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Made in Sussex feature, Thomas Webster, Managing Director of Guardian Advice with offices based across Sussex, explains his journey in Financial Services sector so far Bitten by the entrepreneurial bug Brand early on, I started my first venture at the Focus age of nine, a line of comic books I would sell in school. With two successful entrepreneurs as parents, I was inspired to carve out my own path in business. I have started a range of ventures, including a nightclub promotions company, a fashion line and an online estate agency, each have their own accompanying success and failure stories! Understanding that failure is a stepping stone to success I have never been afraid to try and fail and I use each unique experience as a lesson and build from there. More recently, I have been running my own financial advisory firm, Guardian Advice. Six years ago I was approached by an old client of mine to take over his business as he was coming up to retire and wanted to leave his clients with someone he could trust; an extremely flattering offer and an opportunity I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn down. Coming out of the

66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

back end of the recession the financial services sector was starting to build itself back up and I wanted to make the most of this trend. My initial challenges were to take a fully paper based office with 2 staff who are used to their typical working day and make their processes efficient using technology as well as getting my head around the regulatory mine-field that comes with running a business that is FCA regulated. The true game changing moment for the business was the appointment of two new advisers in 2016 and the opening of our second office in Eastbourne. In the last year we have experienced exponential growth due to the hard work and dedication of our advisers and support staff alongside a successful on-going digital marketing campaign. Using tools such as google adwords and social media we are building the business off of the back of more leads being generated for the advisers which in turn generate more profits for the business to reinvest. We also subscribe

to TrustPilot, which is a leading client review website, it is an expensive tool to use but having honest client reviews gives us the confidence boost to know we are doing the best job possible and constantly improving based on client feedback. In May of 2017 we opened our Mayfair, London office along with a new brand Guardian Capital. Focusing on specialist finance this is a major growth market for us and has opened us up to starting our own property developments. Over the next three months we have four more advisers joining our family and we have recently agreed terms on a new office in East Grinstead which will move our Forest Row staff from a serviced office onto the high street to replicate the successes of the Eastbourne branch.

For more information on Thomas and Guardian Advice please contact them via their website: www.guardianadvice.com or call on 01323 409 849.

F e o

21 Years of Building Business Confidence We know that starting a business and growing it can be a rollercoaster. Some days it’s the best feeling in the world, and others you’ll feel like just giving up. That’s why, ever since we opened in 1996, the most essential thing we’ve offered our members is confidence. At the Sussex Innovation Centre you’ll find a supportive environment in the heart of an entrepreneurial community. Our team of dedicated innovation advisors have walked in the same shoes as you. We appreciate that founders sometimes need a sounding board for ideas, and sometimes need someone to share frustrations with. From providing detailed strategic advice and market insight, to on-demand practical support and modern, flexible office space - everything we do is designed to build confidence - in yourself and your business.

“Sussex Innovation is a great environment for startups. They have the perfect combination of friendly advice, great knowledge and professional services to support any growing business. They are always happy to help, make introductions and talk through any stumbling blocks you may face as an early-stage business.” Jason Grima, Founder, Deal Zippy

Find out more: call us on 01273 704 400, email info@sinc.co.uk, or visit www.sinc.co.uk

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 67

Starry Nights Christmas Parties

Take to the skies for a Christmas Party like no other 68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Concieved and designed by Marks Barfield Architects

Find out more BritishAirwaysi360.com/Festive 01273 448370