SBT December 2018 ISSUE 427

SBT

ISSUE 427

FREE

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

SBT CHRISTMAS CHARITY EDITION AS WELL AS CELEBRATING WHAT THE AMAZING CHARITIES OF SUSSEX HAVE ACHIEVED IN 2018 & HOW THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAVE SUPPORTED THEM, WE HAVE ALL THE NEWS AND SOME GREAT INTERVIEWS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTY.

ROCKINGHORSE WE HAVE A ROUND-UP FROM ROCKINGHORSE CHILDREN’S CHARITY ABOUT THEIR WORK THROUGHOUT 2018, AS WELL AS TOBY GRAVES SUPPORT FOR THEM WITH HIS ‘BIRDIES FOR CHARITY’ INITIATIVE.

SEARCH SEVEN AFTER AN INCREDIBLE FUNDRAISING YEAR, #SHARE7 CAMPAIGN SMASHES

ITS TARGET.

IN THIS YEAR’S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CHARITY EDITION, WE TALK WITH SBT’S CHARITY PARTNER LOVE LOCAL JOBS.COM FOUNDATION AND THEIR SUPPORTERS TO SEE HOW THEY ARE SIGNIFICANTLLY RAISING CAREER ASPIRATIONS LOCALLY.

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

IF YOU WANT TO PLAY SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL WITH OTHER BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONALS THEN JOIN FIRMBALLS 5-ASIDE LEAGUES IN YOUR AREA. We have leagues all over Sussex in Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Crawley, Hastings, Tunbridge Wells and many other venues.

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SBTWelcome MEET THE TEAM

Sam Thomas, Managing Director/ Publisher

Greg Carroll, Partner

Mark Butcher, Partner

James Morrison, Production

Belinda Bennett, Editor/ Head of Social Media

Stephen Lawrence Photographer Snap it Now

CONTRIBUTORS

Nick Leavey, Chairman & Partner, Coffin Mew.

Tom Huckle, Lead Cyber Security Consultant and Head of Training at Crucial Academy

Welcome to our final issue of 2018!

As I celebrate my first anniversary year at Sussex Business Times, I would firstly like to thank my amazing team at SBT, with a special mention for our head of design and production, James Morrison, WhiteSpace Studio, our Editor and Social Media manager Belinda Bennett and our print partners at L&S Printing, for a truly fantastic year. I would also like to thank the amazing Sussex Business Community. I have been truly overwhelmed by your support throughout the year, and you really have helped to make the magazine a great platform, written by the Sussex business community for the Sussex business community and I look forward to working with you all throughout 2019.

I, therefore, felt it was only fitting to finish the year with another special Christmas Charity Issue and celebrate some of the fantastic charities across the county as well as the amazing business community that continue to support them.

Our cover feature focus is on the launch and amazing work of the Love Local Jobs.com Foundation, and the amazing work they have done with their Be The Change initiative. It continues to significantly raise the aspirations and standards locally and helping to create a phenomenal future together. Read all about it in these pages.

We also have a round up of the work that Rockinghorse Children’s charity has been up to in 2018 as well as see how Gavin Willis and his team at Search Seven have smashed their fundraising target with their #share7 campaign.

As always, alongside these great features we have some amazing interviews and news from businesses across the county. As ever our popular motor section, sponsored by Rivervale Leasing, our Ask the Expert and Made in Sussex sections provide an interesting, informative read. As well as your usual local, national, motoring and chamber news we have a final packed issue for you.

Enjoy this month’s read and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Thanks again for your continued support and we will see you in 2019!

Guy Barwell, Implant Surgeon, Co-founder of The Implant Centre in Hove & Haywards Heath

Sam Thomas, Managing Director

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3

Issue 427

SBT

ISSUE 427

FREE

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

SBT CHRISTMAS CHARITY EDITION AS WELL AS CELEBRATING WHAT THE AMAZING CHARITIES OF SUSSEX HAVE ACHIEVED IN 2018 & HOW THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAVE SUPPORTED THEM. WE HAVE ALL THE NEWS AND SOME GREAT INTERVIEWS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTY.

ROCKINGHORSE WE HAVE A ROUND UP FROM ROCKINGHORSE CHILDRENS CHARITY ABOUT THEIR WORK THROUGHOUT 2018, AS WELL AS TOBY GRAVES SUPPORT FOR THEM WITH HIS ‘BIRDIES FOR CHARITY’ INITIATIVE.

SEARCH SEVEN AFTER AN INCREDIBLE FUNDRAISING YEAR, #SHARE7 CAMPAIGN SMASHES

ITS TARGET.

IN THIS YEARS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CHARITY EDITION. WE TALK WITH SBT’S CHARITY PARTNER LOVE LOCAL JOBS.COM FOUNDATION AND THEIR SUPPORTERS, TO SEE HOW THEY ARE SIGNIFICANTLLY RAISING CAREER ASPIRATIONS LOCALLY.

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

Cover: Love Local Jobs.com Foundation Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Head of Production Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk Web Designer/Developer Tom Alexander Accounts: Clare Fermor accounts@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 016 Published by The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by L&S Printing Limited Hazelwood Close Worthing BN14 8NP 01903 821005 www.ls-printing.com

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 The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Sussex Business Times Magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisement contained within Sussex Business Times Magazine. All prices featured in Sussex Business Times Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2018 ©

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

06 10 12 16 22 24

30 40 42 46 48 54

News

View the latest local and national headlines.

Spending It

New Year New You.

Finance: Safeguarding your business against a data breach

Andrew Dix, sales director at UK insurance broker Gallagher, explains how to safeguard your business against Data Breach.

Legal - Irwin Mitchell: Liability for the actions of employees.

Irwin Mitchell, as sponsors of our Legal section, feature again this month. We hear from Sarah Burke, who shares her insights and knowledge around employment law issues.

Property – Nicholas James Sales & Lettings

Following on from over cover story in last months issue, as sponsors of our property section Nicholas James explains how the lettings market remains strong across the city as well as some prime properties they have on offer.

Charity

We have a round-up from Rockinghorse children’s charity, as well as hear from pro golfer Toby Graves about his ‘Birdies for Charity’ initiative. Also we find out how Search Seven have smashed their fund raising target for their #share7 initiative.

Cover Feature - LoveLocalJobs.com Foundation

We celebrate the launch of the foundation and find out how they are significantly raising the aspirations and standards locally as well creating a phenomenal future together.

Interview– A Q & A with Chloe Ross

This month we chat with Chloe Ross, VP International at Class Pass.

Interview Q&A – Carl Fillery

We have a Q & A with Carl Fillery, CEO, of Boundless after recently being awarded Businessperson of the Year at Sussex Business Awards.

Chamber News

For this month’s Chamber news section we have again partnered with Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

Motoring – Rivervale reviews

This month Rivervale tell us about how they are going green.

Ask the Expert

Local Sussex business experts advise on relevant issues.

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SBTLocal News New Appointments Strengthen Leadership Team at MHA Carpenter Box Partner at the firm I first joined as a trainee. I have been supported every step of the way during my career, and in my new role I look forward to providing further opportunities around helping clients succeed in their business aims.”

Sarah Fitzgerald has also joined MHA Carpenter Box at Partner level with the Business Services Group. Sarah previously ran her own accountancy practice in West Sussex. She brings over 25 years’ experience to the firm and will be providing owner-managed businesses with expert advice covering strategic planning and business development, as well as providing expert tax and accounting support.

Rapidly growing Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants, tax and business advisers, MHA Carpenter Box, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of two new Partners.

Peter Reading, who joined the firm in 2001 as a 21-year-old trainee, is now Partner in the firm’s Assurance and Advisory Group. His particular focus is on regulated audit work and compliance advice in the construction and real estate sector.

Peter commented: “I am delighted to have been made a

Grant Thornton’s Gatwick Office Continues to Grow

Grant Thornton’s local Tax team has been further strengthened with Martin Verrall’s promotion to Director.

With over 11 years’ experience in providing tax advice, Martin specialises

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Sarah said: “I am thrilled to be joining the leadership team of such a forward-thinking firm of accountants. MHA Carpenter Box enjoys a great reputation across the region reflecting its progressive values and the importance it places on client relationships.”

In addition to the new Partners, MHA Carpenter Box has also appointed two new directors to its leadership team.

James Gawman has been promoted from Associate within the Assurance and Advisory Group to Compliance Director, while Rachel Pearce has been promoted from Associate to Client Service Director in the Tax Services Group. www.carpenterbox.com

in advising dynamic, growing businesses and their shareholders’ in the South East on maximising and protecting ‘after tax’ value, in particular those on a ‘buy and build’ strategy and on their own journey to a value event for shareholders.

His experience spans the full range of transactions from both buy and sell side, ensuring that clients receive proactive tax advice in the run up to, during and after a deal process to maximise tax efficiency and manage tax risk. This includes tax efficient financing structures and also our Employee Buy Out (EBO) proposition for mid-sized businesses, allowing businesses to restructure into employee ownership and allowing their owners to achieve a CGT free disposal where requirements are met.

As part of the Innovations Tax team, Martin also supports businesses to claim innovation tax relief for research and development activities and patented technology.

A keen cyclist, Martin co-founded and helps run the Crawley Business Bike Club and would welcome interest from local businesses.

“I am delighted to welcome Martin to our Leadership Team. His fresh thinking and energy will be of great value both to our clients and the whole team at Gatwick and will support our ambitious plans for our next phase of growth and development,” explained Jon Maile, Practice Leader, Grant Thornton Gatwick.

SBTLocal News Midnight scoops GOLD for best Travel and Tourism Campaign Brighton-based PR agency Midnight Communications has added yet another gong to its heaving awards cabinet with a gold award for best Travel, Leisure and Tourism Campaign at the recent CIPR PRide awards.

The consultancy has been recognised for its outstanding work on behalf of its client, the original and best hen and stag experts, Red7.

Over the course of a year, the campaign delivered nearly 300 items of coverage,

reaching a potential audience of over 1.2 billion. Almost half of the coverage items included backlinks to the Red7 website and one creative campaign idea went viral across several sites including LadBible, The Sun, Metro and the Daily Star.

Midnight was sold to PR specialists Flo Powell and Alex Hankinson, now Joint Managing Directors, in January 2018.

Flo Powell commented: “I’m hugely proud that our team took home the gold award for Travel and Tourism – it was

a tough category. We live and breathe ideas at Midnight and nothing motivates us more than achieving great results on behalf of our clients.”

The CIPR PRide Awards recognise the outstanding talents and achievements of public relations practitioners across the UK’s regions and nations. They are the most prestigious and rigorous awards of their kind.

For more information, please visit www.midnight.co.uk.

Brighton Technology Company Wins International Business of the Year Brighton-based global technology company Paxton is celebrating being awarded International Business of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards.

The company, which design and manufacture security systems within Sussex, export their products to over 60 countries worldwide, including France, Middle East, Scandinavia and South Africa.

Celebrating thirty years in 2018, the Sussex Business Awards are the most sought-after accolade by organisations from every sector in Sussex. This year saw a record-breaking number of nominations for each category, with representatives from sixteen towns across Sussex making the shortlist of fifty-one finalists. Judges had an enormously difficult task, as the entries were of such a high standard.

Commenting on the win, Dan Drayton, Paxton’s International Sales Manager, said: “We are delighted to have been

named International Business of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards. It’s a fantastic achievement to be recognised among some of the best businesses in Sussex for our continued global presence within the security market.

“Paxton’s success to date has largely been due to our commitment to our installers who buy and work with our products. Our goal is to provide a consistent world-class experience for our customers wherever they are located around the world. We’re incredibly proud of our Sussex roots and the global impact we have had on the security industry over the last 30 years.”

Chair of the judging panel, Mike Herd, said: “Each year the standard of entries gets better and better and this year was no exception. This year’s finalists are a stimulating mix of established businesses and new entrepreneurial ventures with a common thread

running through them all – resilience and determination to succeed.

Congratulations to all the winners!”

Employing over 300 people globally, Paxton’s headquarters are located in the Home Farm Road Business Centre, just off the Lewes Road in Brighton, and all products are manufactured locally at its facility in Eastbourne. Paxton was established in Lewes in 1985 and moved to its current location in 2004.

The company focus on the research and development of their products.

This has seen Paxton feature in this year’s London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Europe Report and the 2017 Financial Times Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies list.

To find out more about Paxton’s award successes please visit: http://paxton.info/3713

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

SBTNational News Pubs Targeted Over Food Hygiene

Pubs are often the go-to places for Sunday lunch and other meals.

They rival restaurants with their menus and often make as much - or even more - from selling food than alcohol. But how many meet hygiene standards? Food hygiene inspectors are cracking down on pubs with poor food safety records. Recently a pub in Staffordshire was fined over £17,000 for breaching 12 hygiene regulations.

And the BBC’s Watchdog programme has also highlighted failings.

A fine of tens of thousands of pounds is enough to put a free house out of business. That is why pubs are being encouraged to look again at staff training and invest in robust hygiene solutions that make the cleaning process easier in pub kitchens.

Online Retailers Face Tax Call Mike Ashley, the owner of Sports Direct, is urging the government to impose a new tax on online retailers. He says the extra cash can be used to revive ailing town centres. Mr Ashley claims the “internet is killing the High Street”.

He is suggesting retailers that make more than 20% of their turnover online be hit by the new tax. While he admits such a tax would hit his own £400m ecommerce business, he says it will give retailers a reason to keep stores open.

Funeral Industry Under Investigation

Rail Fares Set To Rise By 3.1% After a year of problems on the UK’s railways, fares are set to rise by an average of 3.1% in the New Year. The Rail Delivery Group announced the increase as passenger groups called for a freeze on fare prices. It is estimated that the rise will add hundreds of pounds to commuters’ annual work journeys.

Regulated fares are currently capped at a maximum rise of 3.6%. In the North, rail fares will rise by 3.2% - something that has been met with consternation after a year of delays and disruption.

Critics of the rises say rail fares are going up faster than wages.

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into the funeral industry.

The authority says it has “serious concerns” about above-inflation price rises hitting the bereaved.

The average cremation fee was £737 in 2017 - an 84% rise on fees ten years ago. Meanwhile, the average cost of arranging a funeral is now £4,271.

SBTNational News Government Puts £72m Into Digital Construction

The government has announced it is to invest £72 million in the future of construction. The major cash injection will boost virtual reality, digital design, off-site manufacturing and the use of drones in the construction sector. The move aims to ensure technologies of the future support the UK’s construction industry.

The new Core Innovation Hub is part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy. It says, the investment will make the UK “a world leader in the latest construction techniques” and create new jobs.

In an official announcement, it was revealed the hub, spread over three centres, will support essential research and development in digital and offsite manufacturing technologies. This is to support widespread hopes that augmented and virtual reality will transform the sector, improve the UK’s infrastructure and plug a skills gap.

News of the Core Innovation Hub was announced by Business and Industry Minister Richard Harrington. He said it will support the development and use of technologies such as digital design, advanced manufacturing, robotics, drones and augmented and virtual reality.

During a visit to the Building Research Establishment, part of the Core Innovation Hub, he said: “We have the opportunity to revolutionise construction in the UK and the Core Innovation Hub will help us build smarter, greener and more efficient buildings much faster and cheaper than we do now.”

Other centres set to benefit are the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and Cambridge University’s Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB).

Debenhams Posts Major Losses High street retail giant Debenhams has posted its worst ever trading results in its 200 year history. It has reported almost half a billion pounds of annual losses. A third of its department stores could now close.

Thousands of jobs are potentially at risk.

Profits have also dropped at John Lewis and H&M.

CBI Response To Brexit Deal

The CBI has responded positively to the updated political declaration between the UK and European Commission. The declaration sets out the broad terms of the post-Brexit future relationship. However, the Prime Minister faces a monumental task in Parliament to get the deal approved. If the UK crashes out of the EU with no deal the country could be plunged back into recession, critics warn.

Josh Hardie, the CBI’s Deputy Director-General, said: “It appears that we’re on the cusp of a muchneeded agreement. This shows a deal can be done.

“The progress made is a credit to both sets of negotiators. But hard work lies ahead. A 20-page vision needs to become a 2000-page agreement that secures trade and jobs before the spectre of no deal can be put to rest.”

Meanwhile, the Bank of England has said that under a worst-case exit from the EU, Britain could suffer greater damage to its economy than during the global financial crisis.

The bank’s governor, Mark Carney, told the Treasury Committee on December 4 that food prices could rise between 5% and 10% if there is a disorderly Brexit.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9

New Year, New You Looking ahead…If your Christmas hangover generally lasts into the New Year, we’ve got some great ideas to mitigate the excesses of the festive season. Start 2019 on a happy, healthy note with these great pick-me-ups.

Sitting Pretty

£1,800

If your dining table took a bit of a battering or let you down over Christmas, invest in a new one. This Willis & Gambier Ash Denver extending table and 4 chairs set is medium sized and suitable for a wide range of spaces - from purpose-built dining rooms to kitchens and conservatories. www.debenhams.com

Unwind with a Good Book Curl up and immerse yourself in a world of make-believe. Don’t want your imagination to stray too far? Discover a detective series set in Brighton and penned by international author Peter James. Meet Detective Superintendent Roy Grace as he grapples with the city’s darker side. Buy the book of your choice or order in store.

Tone Up and Get Fit January is the time to get into shape and shed those excess pounds accumulated over Christmas. Check out the winter offers at Bannatyne Health Club, Eastbourne, and tone yourself up for summer.

£15

day pass

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Safety First Stay safe when you are on the road with this winter driving kit. It includes first aid essentials, de-icer spray, de-mister pad, emergency foil blanket, ice scraper, disposable gloves, screenwash and a wind up torch.

Float Away Book yourself a relaxing float in a pod of Epsom Salt for a refreshing start to the year. Flotation offers complete freedom from gravity and is super calming. It reduces muscular aches and pains. Lie back and feel tension and stress melt away. Ahhh…

£14.49 www.viking-direct.co.uk

£65 www.thefloatspa.co.uk

Simply Boot-iful A Real Snip

Step out in boots that will keep you warm and add a touch of style to any look. These neutral leather boots from John Lewis & Partners are in the Sienna Knee High Slouch Boots style.

Give yourself a lift with a new hairstyle. Check out the latest fashions and turn heads with a completely new you. As well as making you feel fabulous, a cut and finish will give you more confidence.

Women: £30 to £56

www.johnlewis.com

£175

Men: £18 to £30 www.lavidahairdressing.co.uk

Refresh Your Wardrobe With their own in-house designers, not to mention a host of top name brands, Fold in Hove is the perfect place to kit yourself out with luxury clothes. With an outstanding range of high-end coats, dresses and more, you will be spoilt for choice. How about this black and blue V-neck check dress, crafted from a Japanese cotton wool blend?

£265

www.foldbrighton.com

Men Only Spa Day Enjoy a soothing back massage, deep cleanse and facial exfoliation finished with a relaxing head massage. This special men only spa day package offers treatments for 1 hour 20 minutes. That all adds up to pure ‘me’ time. Available at The Grand Hotel, Brighton.

www.spaseekers.com

£110

Insurance

Safeguarding your business against a data breach A recent Court of Appeal ruling upheld a decision that found supermarket Morrisons vicariously liable for data theft by a disgruntled employee that led to thousands of personal employee details being posted online. This means it could face paying millions in compensation, even though it was not implicit in the breach. Andrew Dix, Sales Director at UK insurance broker Gallagher, based in Metro House in Chichester, discusses what this means for businesses and how they can protect themselves against a similar crisis.

The Case

Current and former workers of Morrisons brought a claim against the supermarket after a disgruntled employee deliberately leaked the personal data – including salary and bank details – of nearly 100,000 staff, both online and to newspapers, exposing them to potential identify theft and financial loss.

Finance

The employee was jailed for eight years in 2015 after being convicted of fraud, securing unauthorised access to computer material and disclosing personal data.

In spite of incurring more than £2 million in breach response costs, the High Court ruled in the civil case that Morrisons was vicariously liable for breaches of privacy and confidence as well as data protection laws.

This October, the Court of Appeal upheld that decision*. It ruled that the supermarket must pay compensation for the upset and distress caused by this breach. Morrisons now plans to take its appeal to the Supreme Court.

This is a landmark case as it means that other employers could be held liable for criminal misuse of third-party data caused by an employee even if they were not implicit in the breach.

What are the risks?

With extensive data on employees and potentially customers, companies could be susceptible to data breaches and theft. If a situation arises, this could cause serious financial and time constraints to correct the breach.

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

This can include:

• The costs of notifying affected data subjects, offering credit monitoring and setting up call centres for concerned customers • Fees for a forensic identification of the reason for the breach as well as potentially blocking the hacker or removing the malware from their systems • Legal costs if any regulatory action is taken • Costs and compensation awards for affected employees and customers It is also possible that funds or assets can be stolen through the manipulation or misuse of IT systems by a third party.

What can be done?

Good risk management planning, which can include thorough vetting of those employees with access to financially sensitive information, strengthened security procedures and good digital housekeeping, can help to prevent a data breach. However, you cannot prepare for every eventuality. That’s why it’s important that you have the correct insurance to help to support you through any incident.

Cyber Liability insurance is one option that should definitely be considered as it is intended to cover breach response and regulatory defence costs, incorporating security and privacy liability. It also includes cyber extortion. A broker can help you identify which cyber insurers offer experienced claims professionals who could help access specialist forensic IT and other services to quickly identify the source of a leak and PR consultants

Andrew Dix

to help you manage the situation both internally and externally. It would also provide you with access to money to fund this work, as well as to pay breach response and regulatory defence costs thereby removing the impact from your balance sheet.

Operational insurance is another option which covers business interruption, data restoration and income loss, while cybercrime cover helps to protect you against fraud and the theft of your funds by a third party.

Ensuring you have the procedures and protections in place is critical for safeguarding against a data breach.

If you need advice regarding your risk management planning, or to find an insurance policy that’s suitable for your business, then get in touch.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK?

For more information contact us: T: 0800 612 3760 E: Andrew_Dix@ajg.com W: www.ajg.com/uk

*BBC News: October 2018

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www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

Brighton Technology Company Open Their Doors to University and Brighton Students A Brighton technology company has opened its doors Education to local university students. On 9th November, Paxton welcomed students to their state-of-the-art Paxton Technology Centre to showcase what’s on offer from the 2019 Paxton Scholarship programme. Over 140 enthusiastic students attended the scholarship open day, where they discussed Paxton’s latest products with the firm’s technology experts in engineering, research and product design. The students enjoyed hands-on product demonstrations and discovered their potential career opportunities with the company.

Samson Mwita, student at University of Sussex, said: “I think it’s great that Paxton are offering students this opportunity and guidance with their studying. It seems like a fun exciting company to work for and hearing about the company’s journey directly from the CEO was really inspiring.”

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Paxton, who design and manufacture security systems, launched the Paxton Scholarship in 2017. They now offer students studying engineering and product design related courses, the opportunity to win one of four scholarship places each worth £10,000, plus a 3-month paid work placement from July 2019. As part of the scholarship they will participate in current technology research projects at Paxton, that will form the final year project of their degree course.

open day. All our visitors were able to see first-hand some of the technologies we use, and chat with staff about what it’s like having a career at Paxton.

2018 Paxton scholar Laurence Budd, BSc Computer Science student at University of Brighton, said: “I am working on an idea for a new internal app and I’ll be testing some CCTV cameras too. I can happily say I’m thrilled to be working here at Paxton and I’m loving working on the projects I’ve been given.”

George Livas, student at University of Brighton, said: “The scholarship open day was fantastic. The facilities at Paxton are amazing and all of the staff were lovely and polite. I really enjoyed the presentation from the CEO and talking to the product developers.”

Commenting on the open day, Adam Stroud, Paxton’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Paxton has been able to attract so many students to our

“Our partnerships with both University of Brighton and Sussex are going from strength to strength. The Paxton Scholarship is an initiative that we intend to build on each year. This year, we have four scholarship places to award and I can already tell that it’s, once again, going to be a difficult decision.”

For further information about the company and the variety of job opportunities Paxton are recruiting for, please visit http://paxton. info/3690

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15

Liability for the actions of employees

The Court of Appeal in Bellman v Northampton Recruitment Ltd 2018 has found the company liable for the costs of providing care to one of its employees who suffered life changing injuries after he was punched by the MD at an impromptu gathering that took place after the Christmas party.

The law An employer can be held vicariously liable for the unlawful actions of a member of its staff if these take place in the course of their employment. “Employment” is given a wide meaning and can extend to work related social events that take place off site and outside of normal working hours, particularly if they are organised by the employer. However, the dividing line is not always clear. What happens if something takes place after a party organised by the employer. Will the employer be liable?

Legal

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Facts Northampton Recruitment Ltd is a small company. Its managing director Mr Major was in overall charge of the business. He liked things done “his way”.

In December 2011 Mr Major organised a Christmas party for employees and their partners. At the end of the party, he arranged for taxis to transport the guests back home or to a hotel where some were staying the night.

Mr Major and some of the staff arrived at the hotel and instead of going to bed, most stayed up drinking and talking in the lobby. The judge described this as an “impromptu drink” and not a planned extension to the party.

Initially the conversations were on social topics. However, around 2 am, the conversation turned to work matters and stayed on this topic. A controversial issue arose during these discussions and Mr Major became angry after one of his decisions was criticised and he “summoned” those employees still around and told them he owned the company and could do what he liked.

One of the employees, Mr Bellman continued to challenge Mr Major who responded by hitting him twice in an unprovoked attack. Mr Bellman was knocked out and his injuries caused severe brain damage. In order to obtain compensation, Mr Bellman had to show that the company was vicariously liable for the actions of Mr Major.

Legal

Sarah Burke

Court of Appeal decision The Court of Appeal said the company was responsible for the actions of its MD, even though the assault took place some hours after the end of the Christmas party at an impromptu gathering. This was because Mr Major’s role gave him power and authority over his staff which he grossly misused.

He was not a “fellow reveller” and had used his position as MD to berate his staff and to attack Mr Bellman. This put the blame firmly at the door of his employers.

Implications The High Court said the company was not responsible and found that the drinks were separate from the Christmas party itself and at a separate location. The High Court also concluded that the incident had arisen in the context of “entirely voluntary and personal choices” by those present to engage in a drinking session and there was therefore insufficient connection between Mr Major’s role as MD and the assault. The fact that the attack was triggered by a work-related discussion was not sufficient to bring the encounter within the course of Mr Major’s employment.

Mr Bellman appealed.

This decision does not mean that employers will automatically become liable for the violent or other blameworthy conduct of their staff but they might do if:

• the perpetrator is in a position of power within the organisation; and/or

• there is a strong connection between that position and his/her wrongful conduct.

In other words, if an assault (or other blameworthy conduct) takes place as a result of managerial authority, however misguided, it won’t really matter if the incident takes place at or after a work event.

Further decisions over the last few years on vicarious liability have demonstrated that Employers can run the risk of being held vicariously liable even where the act us unforseen. By way of further example in Mohamud v WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc 2016, the Supreme Court held the supermarket vicariously liable for an employee’s unprovoked violent assault on a customer at one of its petrol stations. In this case the court found that there was a sufficiently close connection between the assault and the employee’s job of attending to customers, such that the employer should be held vicariously liable

Tips It can be difficult to maintain usual standards of behaviour at social events, particularly Christmas parties, where alcohol is flowing and employees let their hair down and relax. It can be even harder for an employer to maintain standards where employees have impromptu gatherings.

Notwithstanding this, it is best to set the tone before any work social events and to provide a clear policy setting out the standards of behaviour you expect of your staff. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated and it may be helpful to remind employees that social events may be seen as an “extension of the workplace”.

It is also sensible to limit the amount of free alcohol available at social events. If your managers are encouraging staff to drink to excess, you are more likely to be responsible for any poor behaviour that results.

Sarah Burke Associate employment

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

Legal

Why recognising paralegals in your company is good for business Is there an element of legality involved in running your Legal company? Do you have someone drafting contracts of employment, perhaps, or contracts to provide services, or an individual that looks over any contract received by your company? Are these individuals not qualified solicitors?

If the answer to any of the above questions is ‘yes’, then the person performing these tasks is a paralegal.

It’s possible that you have people employed in a paralegal capacity without even realising it so it’s worth considering whether any of your team are, for example, being responsible for ensuring that letters are sent out to non-rent payers and/or taking them to court. Also have they ever been given in-house training that includes an element of law or legal knowledge? For example, working in an in-house human resources department and been given training in employment law.

Formally recognising that these individuals are ‘Paralegals’ within your company can encourage loyalty and status.

In addition, if you are prepared to offer your paralegal personnel formal recognition by encouraging them

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to join a professional body such as NALP (National Association of Licensed Paralegals) and give them the opportunity to gain paralegal qualifications (for example, through NALP Training), this will add credibility to your organization. It will also give the right impression to potential customers.

Paralegals are defined as ‘persons who are trained and educated to perform certain legal tasks, but who are not qualified solicitors, barristers or chartered legal executives’.

As an owner of a company, you have to cope with a broad spectrum of expenditure for all areas of your business. Not least, having the right legal advice and assistance when required, is essential. However, solicitors’ fees can be quite debilitating and place an undue burden on finances.

No matter - nowadays, there are other legal professionals that may be able to offer the same or similar services for a fraction of the cost.

In 2007, The Legal Services Act, sought to liberalise and encourage competition in the market for legal services in England and Wales. This statute, together with the withdrawal of Legal Aid (for all but the most urgent cases) means that there is no longer funding to assist consumers financially in bringing an action or defending an action through the courts.

This has, in turn, encouraged more and more people to train and qualify as paralegals in order to plug the gap that remains. A paralegal professional is not statutorily regulated in the same way as other legal professions, like solicitors, and therefore is able to charge a fraction of the cost that a solicitor may charge.

However, this does not mean that they are any less knowledgeable, diligent or professional than solicitors.

Paralegals are trained in the same way as solicitors are. They study the same areas of law and procedure and have the same level of experience. However, they cannot call themselves ‘solicitors’ or hold themselves out e.g. infer that they are solicitors, if they have not fulfilled the criteria laid down by the regulatory body, the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority).

“Paralegals are trained in the same way as solicitors are. They study the same areas of law and procedure and have the same level of experience” Paralegals are regulated by NALP which is a self-regulatory body. In other words, it can only regulate its own members.

This is the reason why every paralegal should be encouraged to join NALP as a member. This will differentiate them from those who are not NALP members.

Many NALP paralegals are setting themselves up as independent practitioners. NALP can provide them with a Licence to Practise (subject to fulfilling eligibility criteria) and assist them in gaining PII (Professional Indemnity Insurance) to do so.

However, paralegals can assist and advise you if you do need to represent yourself (as a litigant in person (LIP)) and in some cases, subject to the discretion of the Judge, they can get permission to speak on your behalf.

Attracting and retaining top talent is always a challenge – but by offering formal recognition for your paralegal staff, and perhaps allowing them days off for training, you can attract better applicants and retain your best people.

2.

Conduct litigation: Paralegals cannot conduct your case and are unable to file documents at court and make applications on your behalf. However, paralegals can assist you to do this yourself as a LIP.

3.

Conveyancing: For example, buying and selling property on your behalf.

Paralegals cannot undergo such a transaction on your behalf although they can give advice about the process. Only persons who are Licensed by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers are authorised to act on your behalf in a sale and purchase of property.

4.

When someone dies: if they have left a Will leaving gifts to various beneficiaries such as family and friends, an official document known as a Grant of Probate needs to be attained in order to distribute the gifts in the Will. A paralegal cannot sign such documents on your behalf but you can do so yourself, and the paralegal can assist you through the process.

People like to be recognized and rewarded for the work they do – this is one way to achieve that. On the flip-side, ignoring their status and the contribution of these valuable employees, may lead to a talent exodus as staff look for fulfilment elsewhere.

For Paralegals already working within your company, there are bespoke nationally recognized qualifications to help them hone their skills and knowledge – building their confidence and increasing the services you offer to customers.

There are however, certain activities that paralegals cannot undertake. These are known as ‘Reserved Activities’ and remain the monopoly of solicitors.

These are: 1. Solicitors have an automatic right to represent you in most courts.

Apart from the above, there remains plenty of scope for a paralegal within your company to perform valuable tasks, without the need to approach a solicitor.

To find out more contact NALP (National Association of Licenced Paralegals) www.nationalparalegals.co.uk

About the Author: Amanda Hamilton is Chief Executive of NALP, a non-profit Membership Body as well as being the only Paralegal body that is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual (the regulator of qualifications in England & Wales). Through its training arm, NALP Training, accredited recognised professional paralegal qualifications are offered for a career as a paralegal professional.

See: www.nationalparalegals.co.uk and www.nalptraining.co.uk/nalp_ training Twitter: @NALP_UK Facebook - www.facebook.com/ NationalAssocationsofLicensed Paralegals/ LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com /in/amanda-hamilton-llb-hons-840a 6a16/

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

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World’s best winemaker 2018

Ridgeview Crowned World’s Best Winemaker International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018 Ridgeview are delighted to have been awarded the Awards coveted trophy of Winemaker of the Year in the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018. This is the first time in the IWSC’s 49-year history that this has been presented to an English producer. The IWSC attracts entries from over 90 countries and is seen as a benchmark for quality with over 400 global experts assisting with the judging. The award was announced at the Guildhall in London with guests gathered from the global wine world.

Ridgeview’s CEO Tamara Roberts commented: “It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of this award to Ridgeview and the family. Being the first English sparkling wine producer to win such a coveted trophy from the ‘Oscars’ of the wine world is a huge achievement. I love the IWSC for its uncompromising focus on quality which gives all producers a way of

benchmarking their wines against the very best in the world. Being recognised as the International Winemaker of the Year shows just what can be done when quality is at the heart of everything you do. Our achievements will always be tinged with sadness that Dad is no longer here with us, but we take great comfort that we are living his dream and that life really is for celebrating.”

Ridgeview were also awarded ‘English Producer of Year’ and ‘English Wine of the Year’ for their Marksman 2014, a collaboration with Marks & Spencer. As winners of the best English Wine Trophy Ridgeview were eligible for the overall world-wide trophy and were ecstatic to be even considered in such illustrious company.

Second generation Head Winemaker Simon Roberts added: “We are truly honoured to be awarded this accolade, we have always held the IWSC with the highest regard. When we first started Ridgeview it was our goal to win the best bottle fermented sparkling which

we did go on to win twice! To win Winemaker of the Year is amazing, especially humbling amongst previous winners who we hold with the greatest esteem.”

Ridgeview, founded in1995 by the Roberts family, were one of the first wineries to be devoted to the production of English sparkling wine.

Founder Mike Roberts (1943 – 2014) was awarded an MBE for his services to English wine. Ridgeview is now operated by the second generation of the Roberts family. Ridgeview wines have been served at four Buckingham Palace State Banquets, many prestigious restaurants and exported to 17 countries around the globe. This award has topped off a great year for Ridgeview with the 2018 vintage, the biggest and best ever harvest on record which is due to be released in Ridgeview’s 25th anniversary celebration year in 2020.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

Nicholas James Sales & Lettings In last month’s edition we discussed how exciting this year Property has been along with our plans for next year. A big part of those plans include increasing the awareness of our modern technology that is now available to all of our clients.

Our landlords rely on us to manage their property(s) and we very much employ a hands-on approach with plenty of personal contact. That said, our ‘mynicholasjames’ platform now allows landlords to keep on top of their investments 24/7 with the ability to log on from a pc, tablet or phone. With a few clicks of a button, you are able to view and download everything you need – track maintenance jobs, review inspection dates and safety checks, view accounts and much more.

It is another example of how we want to stay one step ahead and adapt to

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consumer needs. The software feels very similar to online banking and many of our existing landlords have been delighted with it and amazed it hasn’t been available sooner.

The lettings market remains strong across the City and the New Year is often a very busy period. We would love to hear from anyone considering letting their property or any landlords who would be interested in a rental value review on any of their existing properties.

We can often do this without having to disturb your current tenants and is a completely free service with no obligation.

“The lettings market remains strong across the City and the New Year is often a very busy period”

We are also keen to help anyone in their search for a suitable investment property.

Our experience in both sales and lettings allows us to offer reliable advice on what makes a good investment.

Finally, we would like to wish all of our clients along with all the SBT readers a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Contact Nicholas James Sales & Lettings on 01273 917915 or email hello@nicholasjamesproperty.co.uk www.nicholasjamesproperty.co.uk

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www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

Rockinghorse children’s charity It’s been another incredible year for Rockinghorse as the children’s charity celebrates over 50 years of making life better for sick children in Sussex. Best known for its work with the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, Rockinghorse funds projects to support babies, children and young people.

The charity works in partnership with local hospitals, respite Charity centres and specialist services by funding projects which focus on improving children’s physical and emotional well-being – while providing additional support services for parents and carers.

Through its funding, Rockinghorse strives to make services stimulating, cutting-edge and accessible for the many youngsters who rely on them. As an independent charity, Rockinghorse doesn’t receive any government funding and solely relies on the generous support of local businesses, schools, trusts, community groups and individuals; people like you.

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Over the past year, the charity has launched two successful appeals in support of the county’s most poorly babies and children. The support received has enabled Rockinghorse to reach their £100,000 target for the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) X-ray appeal this year. Launched at the beginning of 2018, the charity raised funds for a state-of-the-art real-time X-ray imaging facility to help treat premature babies at the specialist neonatal unit in Brighton.

The new equipment will significantly improve the overall experience of a preterm infant, who typically requires multiple X-rays to be taken during their admission. The machine has been developed to provide neonatal staff at the TMBU with an instant X-ray image,

allowing immediate modification of lines and tubes on a premature baby.

The new digital imaging system will completely revolutionise the way in which staff can treat their tiny patients.

Back in the summer, Rockinghorse launched its ventilator appeal for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton. With an increasing number of young patients requiring ventilation as part of their treatment, the charity committed to providing additional ventilators which will be used by hospital staff in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) to treat the most poorly patients.

Teamed with funds raised at the annual Rockinghorse Ball, the charity raised enough funds to purchase not one, not two, but five additional advanced

Rockinghorse aims to provide bilirubin monitors so that newborn babies can be tested for jaundice during home visits. the county. The charity has pledged its ongoing support for Chalkhill Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Haywards Heath – Sussex’s only inpatient unit for young people suffering with mental health illnesses – by funding The Rockinghorse Activities Programme.

non-invasive ventilators for the Alex.

These will have a huge impact in the critical care of children being treated at the hospital and will ensure that all young patients who require this type of medical treatment will receive it immediately.

“This Christmas, Rockinghorse has launched a brand-new appeal and would like your help to improve the post-natal care of newborn babies within the Sussex community.”

The new ventilation systems are the best available and combined with the innovative Optiflow breathing systems (also funded by Rockinghorse), consultants and nursing teams can effectively treat children with respiratory issues. The efficiency of the new ventilators will also result in shorter stays in hospital for young patients.

Whilst fundraising for the bigger appeals, Rockinghorse also funds lots of other smaller projects all over

Worthing Hospital has been the recipient of new toys and games for Bluefin children’s ward – dedicated to the care of babies, children and young people. They provide a much-needed distraction to patients and siblings as well as providing a more relaxing environment for families to interact away from the main ward and hospital beds. Rockinghorse has also continued its support for the dedicated Play Team at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, recognising the ever-importance of play therapy in hospital.

This Christmas, Rockinghorse has launched a brand-new appeal and would like your help to improve the post-natal care of newborn babies within the Sussex community. The charity is raising funds for bilirubin monitors to support the Community Midwife and help them detect jaundice in newborn babies during home visits.

These monitors will be used by a team of 75 community midwives based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Between them they cover 500 square miles throughout Sussex, visiting GP surgeries and children’s centres as well as looking after 6,000 mums and babies every year throughout their pregnancies and births. One of the most serious conditions that the community midwives look out for in newborns is jaundice.

This is a build-up of bilirubin and if left

untreated, can cause organ failure and brain damage.

Jaundice can be very common in the first few days of life as a baby’s system adapts to life outside of the womb. If a community midwife or support worker suspects jaundice, the current course of action is to refer the baby immediately to A&E for assessment. This is often a day or two after the family have been discharged from hospital.

The baby will have a simple meter reading test to measure bilirubin levels in the blood. While some babies are admitted for further treatment, the vast majority of newborns will have a normal reading and be sent home.

However, the whole experience may have exposed mum and baby to a risk of infections and possibly a long wait for a simple procedure.

Rockinghorse has pledged to purchase the same monitoring equipment used by the A&E department so that the Community Midwife Team can carry out post-natal check-ups on new babies at home and in clinics. The bilirubin meters are non-invasive, simple to use and the vital test takes less than a minute.

By equipping community midwives in Sussex to carry out monitoring as part of their post-natal care, only babies tested positive for jaundice would be sent to hospital for further tests and treatments.

The charity would be so grateful for your support this Christmas. Visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk to make a donation online, or you can also text ROCK00 £2, £5 or £10 to 70070 to donate via your mobile.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

Birdies for charity Young aspiring golfer comes up with new charity initiative.

Toby Graves, 22, from Brighton is pursuing his dream Charity of not only becoming a professional golfer, a status which he achieved last Spring, but to actually make a full time living from the game.

Toby has spent the last four years at Keiser University in West Palm Beach Florida, playing a big part of the men’s golf team success, culminating as runners up in the NAIA National Finals in 2018. At the same time, he managed to graduate with a BBA in Entertainment and Sports Management.

“I wanted to go to University to further my studies and at the time I was playing for Sussex and studying at Brighton College. A few people I know gained places at various colleges in the U.S., so we looked into it further with the help of ProdreamUSA, a golf scholarship consultancy based in Scotland. Oli, my twin brother and I managed to be awarded an academic and golf scholarship at Keiser and we both had the time of our lives at the University,” commented Toby.

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Playing college golf at the likes of the Blue Monster at the Doral Trump National, Primm Valley in Las Vegas and their home course, the PGA National (venue for the PGA Honda Classic), seems like a great test of your golfing ability and has hopefully prepared Toby for life on tour.

“I have registered for the Jamega and Europro Tours for 2019, which will be my first full year. Qualifying starts in March and I am currently concentrating on some Winter conditioning training and have been out to Spain recently for some personal coaching and to keep the swing in check,” he added.

But financing the tour commitments is a tough task and Toby has been fortunate to attract some corporate sponsorship with some Sussex based firms, SO Legal, Antrams accountants and Graves Jenkins. He has also come up with an innovative sponsorship deal for businesses who want to support him and help the local children’s charity, The Rockinghorse Charity at the same time.

On July 5th 2019 at East Brighton Golf Club Toby will be hosting a golf day in aid of Rockinghorse as well as raising funds for himself.

Supporting Rockinghorse and working with the local business community is also where the ‘birdies for charity’ idea came about. For every birdie that Toby makes in an official professional golf competition, he splits the pledge with his chosen charity. If need be, the budget pledge can be set in advance. For example, if he plays 10 tournaments, each with three rounds and he manages to make three birdies on each round at say £20 per birdie, both Toby and the charity benefit £900 each.

Ryan Heal, Chief Executive of Rockinghorse, said: “ We’re so grateful to Toby for driving (pardon the pun!) this innovative fundraising challenge. It has 100% been of his own doing and his own passion to support Rockinghorse.

We survive on goodwill gestures, like Toby’s, and we’re all excited about seeing the initiative unfold in 2019.”

If you would like to help Toby with his golfing journey and the sick children of Sussex at the same time, please contact Toby Graves at tobygraves@ icloud.com or the fundraising team at the Rockinghorse enquiries@ rockinghorse.org.uk

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Sponsors www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

Smashed it!

#share7 campaign exceeds fundraising target with £20k total.

We’ve been following the progress of #share7, an Charity ambitious campaign to raise £17k for seven charities in 2018, by Search Seven. As the year draws to a close and the final figures are tallied, we talk to Gavin Willis, MD of the Hovebased digital marketing agency, to look back on all they’ve achieved with this remarkable initiative.

Tell us about #share7 and the ethos behind it “I started Search Seven with the goal to make it a business that gave back.

That has always been at the heart of everything we do, hence our name.

We pledge to give 7% of our profits to charities and the local community. In 2018, our seventh anniversary year, I wanted to make a statement about how a small business could do something big. I set the goal to match the funds

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

raised in our previous six years, in one.

That meant raising £17k, at the same time as keeping the business going.

Rockinghorse’s Trevor Mann Baby Unit, who saved Ted’s life (my Godson) six years ago, as well as nursing me through pneumonia when a baby, is our flagship charity. But #share7 gave us the opportunity to make a difference to other organisations. We decided to put the funding towards seven charities in total, each being chosen by a member of Search Seven. Everyone needs to have something to drive them and having a personal connection to the charities was a real inspiration to the team. Alongside Rockinghorse, they chose: Group B Strep Support, Alzheimer’s Society, RISE, The Sussex Beacon, The Clock Tower Sanctuary and the Nkuringo Foundation in Uganda.

How did you set about raising such a big number?

Every year we do a big event but we knew that to reach our goal, we had to up the ante. We put on three events and got creative about finding more fundraising opportunities and bigger auctions, raffle prizes and sponsorship ideas.

First, we hosted a charity football match at the Amex stadium. I was completely overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses in Sussex who donated free prizes: everything from a night’s stay at Drakes hotel to a champagne trip up the i360. It’s the prizes that really make the money and we walked away from that match with just under £8,000, nearly half of our target.

Our second event was a charity golf day hosted at Mid Sussex Golf Club. We knew from experience that the football game would be a success, but golf was more of an unknown entity. It actually ended up raising more money than expected, due to the fantastic sponsors, auctions and prizes.

Gavin with Rockinghorse CEO Ryan Heal at the TMBU

Who else played a part in #share7?

Group B Strep Support with the Search Seven team

The final event was a charity quiz at Grand Central in November. It was great to have everyone at such a fun evening.

We knew we were very close to the total before the quiz night started, so it was always going to be a celebratory night as we went past the target. As the evening went on, the atmosphere was electric – everyone knew it was the finale and that we needed to end in style, although we didn’t expect to raise so much on that evening itself.

When I was handed the total amount I was amazed, we were now up to £19,200 and way over target. We did a final push and added in more ourselves to bring the total raised to £20,000.

It’s easy to donate or hand over a cheque, but to put on events takes time, effort and a lot of work. But it is worth it, because events bring people together in a way that simply donating can’t, getting everyone in the community involved. It also gave our charities a platform to talk about what they are all about and to raise much needed awareness.

There are so many people I’d like to thank, starting of course with the Search Seven team who have shown so much passion and dedication. I’d like to thank Sussex Business Times, Face Media Group, Tuesday Media, Me & You Create, Creative Blend, Mid Sussex Golf Club, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Grand Central, Classic Collection Holidays, Tates Portslade, Oakwood Lofts Ltd, Shutters of London Ltd and TK Installation, other advertisers, friends, family, clients, partner agencies and businesses supporting via raffle and auction prizes and all those that participated and donated. It’s a community effort and we’ve all come together to do something pretty special.

What will be the #share7 legacy?

We sent out an email to every charity and told them what we were going to give to them. Their responses of gratitude and stories of what they are going to do with the money had me in tears as we are now understanding the real impact that #share7 will have on people’s lives: “For a small agency to dedicate so much time and effort to organise such innovative events as part of their charity ethos is amazing. The funds raised by Search Seven will make a huge impact in the treatment of premature and sick newborn babies.” – Rockinghorse “With the money that you raised we can help pay for more people with dementia to access our National Dementia Helpline.” – Alzheimers Society

potentially life-saving information about group B Strep.” – Group B Strep Support “We have just started a campaign to raise enough money to provide a lifesaving operation to Gilipina – a young lady with a tumour behind her eyeball. The money raised will give Gilipina the funds to start her treatment, as well as help towards beds and books at both the primary and secondary school” – Nkuringo Primary & Secondary School, Uganda “We will commit Search Seven’s donation to helping vulnerable 16 to 25-year olds to move from crisis to independence.” – The Clock Tower Sanctuary “The campaign has created a real buzz. It was great for us to be able to spend time with the other charities and there are real possibilities for future collaboration between us, sparked by #share7” - The Sussex Beacon “It has been a real pleasure to be part of the #share7 initiative. You’ve raised a fantastic amount of money and this will help provide desperately needed shelter and support for domestic abuse survivors in Sussex, so thank you!” RISE We recently surveyed our clients and found that that 9/10 of them feel proud of us for being a business that gives back to the community. That’s how I feel. I’m so proud and so happy. It just feels amazing really and something that I will look back on in years to come with immense pride on what we have helped to achieve.

“Thanks to Search Seven… we are reaching more and more families with

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

Creating phenomenal futures together Significantly raising career aspirations and standards locally.

LoveLocalJobs.com launched their first online jobs board Cover in 2010 to support Feature both employers and job-seekers in Brighton and Hove. Since then, the focus has been all about LOCAL. The aim of creating award-winning regional job boards and employability programmes is to significantly raise the career aspirations of future generations. LoveLocalJobs.

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com works together with partners to ensure every young person has the tools, confidence and knowledge needed to step up and realise their full potential.

LoveLocalJobs.com last month launched the Love Local Jobs Foundation in Sussex - a not-for-profit enterprise supported on the day by football legend Harry Redknapp. We asked the Foundation to tell us more about its vital work.

What does the Love Local Jobs Foundation do?

As well as advertising the region’s best job opportunities, we proactively link businesses with universities, colleges and schools. We work with the public sector, third sector and other amazing organisations to create local employment opportunities whilst also providing much-needed careers, information, advice and guidance to local businesses and job-seekers alike.

Why did you launch the Foundation?

After seeing first-hand how faceto-face collaborations can work to bridge the gap between education and employment, and receiving feedback from employers about the gaps they were experiencing in their talent pipelines, we decided to take this a step further and use our networks and relationships to build an infrastructure within which schools and businesses can work more closely together for mutual benefit. We created a wellreceived community engagement programme, Be the Change, in 2015.

Tell us more about Be the Change Be the Change is an inspirational programme aimed at students who have become disengaged with school or lack confidence in their own abilities.

They may struggle academically, but have real potential once engaged in an activity that captures their imagination.

The programme focusses on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and

employability. It encourages students to identify their personal barriers to success and helps them to find ways of overcoming them. Business representatives from local organisations are invited to be involved throughout the programme as mentors and guides.

They are invited to act as role models and share their experiences and career stories. This is achieved over six separate interactions/activities.

They include three conferences, two one-to-one mentoring sessions and a workplace visit. The programme helps students to believe in themselves, develop 21st century skills and understand what positive changes they need to make in order to realise their aspirations. It helps them to focus on what qualities and qualifications are required to be successful in life and work.

What are the core objectives of Be the Change? ● To increase business mentoring in schools

● To bridge the gap between education and employment ● To develop the life skills and employability skills of young people ● To create sustainable networking opportunities for young people ● To build stronger and more meaningful partnerships between local schools and businesses ● To encourage sharing of best practice for careers teaching between schools ● To strengthen the profile of local employers and related career opportunities and to engage and develop employee volunteers on both a personal and professional level ●

To inspire young people to consider their route into employment whether that be through FE, HE or via an apprenticeship, traineeship or work experience placement

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Cover Feature

How many people are involved in the campaign?

Since its inception, Be the Change has worked with more than 90 organisations across the public and private sectors, 60 schools and over 1,600 students.

The really great thing is that 100% of all participating business representatives, teachers and students surveyed said they would recommend Be the Change to others. Be the Change has been running in Bexhill and Leicester, sponsored by Hastings Direct. It has also been running in the Gatwick and Crawley area since 2016 and is now set to launching in Chichester and Brighton in the New Year.

What do those who take part say about it?

Be the Change is now in its fourth year with Bexhill Academy. The school has really started to see the effect the programme is having on the school.

Trudy Hillman, Assistant Principal, explains: “We have been able to see first-hand the impact of the Be the Change programme on our students. It gives them the support and dedicated

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time to consider the opportunities they have to move to further education and employment whilst equipping them with the skills and confidence they will need on their journey.

helps us to understand the extent of the impact we can have.”

“Our first cohort of students to complete the programme are now in Year 11 and colleges and education providers are telling us how these students are already making considered choices and focusing on their future.

Students cite Be the Change as one the most significant aspects within their CEIAG education for being ready for this next step in their life.”

A survey has found that 91% of participating students feel more confident as a result. More than 80% say are now considering higher education and 85% agree they now understand the skills and qualities employers are looking for.

What about sponsors?

Gary Hoffman, Chair of Hastings Direct, sums up how the campaign has helped it make an impact: “I think Be the Change has been really good for Hastings Direct.

It reinforces our business model and reflects how we do things.

“We do things for our colleagues, and we do things for the community we serve and I think the programme has been really good for morale as well. It makes us feel better about ourselves, and that’s a good thing, and I believe it

How has Be the Change helped students?

Steph Hancock, Year 9 Leader at St Wilfrid’s Catholic School, said after a Be the Change event: “Wow! What an incredible day the students have had.

Many of them were apprehensive about stepping out of their comfort zones but from the word ‘go’ they’ve been encouraged to put their trust in others and take a leap of faith.

“All have done something today which they never would have done without the ideas and motivation received at Be the Change. I can’t wait to see them blossom through the next five sessions.”

Cover Feature Foundation’s ground-breaking work, to help them realise their full potential.

The Foundation was officially launched

by Harry Redknapp with more than 120 local professionals present at a celebratory lunch.

A student from the Gatwick/Crawley initiative says: “Be the Change really brought me out of my shell, my confidence was boosted so much that I made a speech at the end. It meant a lot to me and this programme has changed me & my life. Thank you so much.”

Another told the Sussex Business Times: “My Business Guide has taught me that I shouldn’t be afraid, failures create opportunities. I am not useless if I fail and there is just more learning.

He has taught me to be happy with who I am and not try to please others by changing myself to fit their needs. I have learnt to be more outgoing. I can’t thank my Business Guide enough for what he has taught me.”

Tell us more about the launch of the Love Local Jobs Foundation in Sussex We launched the Foundation as a commitment to raise career aspirations for young people across Sussex. The aim is for them to benefit from the

The event raised over £10,000 from an auction. All the money raised will be used to take 20 local school students on a life-changing experience to outdoor pursuit center, Dolawen, and enable LoveLocalJobs.com to run trips on an ongoing basis. We think this will help young people to significantly grow in confidence and realise their full potential. Dolawen is situated on a working farm in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales.

Dorothy Stringer School runs school trips to Dolawen. Each trip includes a wide range of activities including: Canoeing, Climbing, Wide Games, Gorge Walking, Problem Solving and Dry slope skiing.

“We launched the Foundation as a commitment to raise career aspirations for young people across Sussex. The aim is for them to benefit from the Foundation’s groundbreaking work”

What else is the Foundation planning?

The Foundation will also fund other programmes to give young people the tools, confidence or belief to realise their full potential. The LoveLocalJobs Foundation is set up to ensure our local next generation can thrive in a career they love, irrespective of any barriers that may be in their way at this time.

How can local businesses get involved?

The Foundation is looking for inspirational business professionals to speak to and inspire the next generation. If you would like more information, get in touch with the Foundation at info@lovelocaljobs.com.

Gary Peters, of the LoveLocalJobs Foundation, said: “We were delighted to be joined by Harry Redknapp to launch our foundation. Harry gave me a break many moons ago that ended up leading to my first ever job. Nearly 23 years later he gladly gave up his time to launch our fantastic foundation and it really couldn’t have gone any better — he was incredible.

“So many people leave school without the tools, confidence or belief to realise their full potential. The LoveLocalJobs Foundation is set up to ensure our local next generation can thrive in a career they love, irrespective of any barriers that may be in their way at this time. Anybody can work to be the best they can be; it’s our commitment to give them the tools, confidence and inspiration to do so.”

With the launch of the Foundation, LoveLocalJobs.com is committed to working in the community. The support of its partners and other local organisations as mentors, sponsors and ambassadors means that its work in the community has become an allencompassing ‘family affair’.

Gary adds: “The Foundation’s work is at the the very heart of everything we do. We are passionate about making a tangible difference to young people.”

Find out more www.lovelocaljobs.com Email info@lovelocaljobs.com

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Hastings Direct Be the Change Be the Change has been a key part of Hastings Charity Direct’s community programme for over three years.

Supporting year 9 students from Bexhill Academy in Bexhill-on-Sea (Hastings Direct’s Head Office) and Welland Park Academy in Leicester (the company’s second site with over 1,400 colleagues), Be the Change gives colleagues the opportunity to make a difference to the education and career paths of young people.

Since sponsoring Be the Change, in partnership with LoveLocalJobs. com in 2015, over 940 Hastings Direct colleagues have been business volunteers; mentoring and guiding the students with anecdotal support and advice, with many continuing to volunteer year after year.

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Bexhill colleague Anna Cruttenden hopes to make a difference as a business volunteer on this inspirational programme. She said: “Being part of Be the Change is important to me because I want to support and help build positivity in the lives of these young adults. I want to learn and listen about any hardships or worries that they are currently facing, and help to build an uplifting, positive structure of how to relieve some of that pressure.”

Leicester colleague Joe Monksfield explains the personal impact Be the Change has had on him and why he supports the programme: “Having left school with no qualifications I am proud of the career I have built. By sharing my story with the students I hope to make an impact with some of the students and open their eyes to the opportunities they could pursue.

“Be the Change gives colleagues the opportunity to make a difference to the education and career paths of young people.”

Be the Change not only inspires students, it also gives our colleagues the chance to make a difference and share their stories and experiences.”

As well as the sessions with the students within a conference setting, the young people also visit Hastings Direct’s offices as part of the course, to gain hands-on experience of the workplace and further understand the experiences and skills needed to be successful in their career and life.

Charity

Oliver & Graimes Be the Change Be the Change is an exciting programme that we at Oliver Charity & Graimes are particularly proud to be partnering.

Founded by our existing client Love Local Jobs, the Be the Change programme targets young people in and around the Sussex and Surrey areas, that have either become unmotivated and disinterested in school, or perhaps simply need encouragement to have more confidence in their own abilities and achievements.

Matching individuals who fit this criteria with local business professionals, Be the Change uses mentoring as an effective tool to engage, support and inspire young people in need of additional guidance. Mentoring takes place five or six times across the academic year, and may include 1-2-1 sessions, large scale conferences and perhaps even a workplace visit, used to educate and inform students of the wealth of possibilities available to them after leaving education.

“By dedicating time to a young person, listening to them and advising them, mentoring has been proven to boost confidence” By dedicating time to a young person, listening to them and advising them, mentoring has been proven to boost confidence, motivate and energise not

only the mentee receiving the support, but also the professional providing it.

We’re particularly excited about this for the mentees selected and, also, our team whom will be involved too!

A little about us. Oliver & Graimes is a creative marketing agency, established in 1979. We provide strategic and creative marketing services to our clients, including Love Local Jobs. We are a team of creatives, developers, project managers and digital experts it’s this broad spectrum of individuals that we work with each and every day, that we feel will really add value to the Be the Change mentor offering.

With professionals holding degrees in Graphic Design, Marketing, Architecture and beyond, combined with those of us

that left school and have worked their way through the industry ever since, our experience is multi-faceted and varied, and we are sure that this will be insightful and reassuring for young people that are perhaps unsure about what the future may hold for them.

Over the past three years, Be the Change has tackled challenging issues surrounding bullying, poor behaviour and building inner confidence which has been hugely helpful to the young people involved with the programme. Oliver & Graimes love taking part and supporting this amazing initiative and, quite literally, being a part of ‘the change’ that this programme has on young people and our community.

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Lewis Hatchett The Sport Yogi

How to be (kind of) Sensible Within the Silly Season Health

Mince pies, bread, cheese, turkey, beef, potatoes, pigs in blankets, oh yes, don’t forget the pigs in blankets!

As we enter the most indulgent period of the year (hasn’t the year flown by, I hear you cry), it doesn’t seem that long ago when we last had that last fork full of Christmas pudding. The endless supply of food, wine and just sheer over eating can leave us entering the new year with a feeling of guilt as we set new goals. Whether that be physical, business or something else entirely.

Whatever it may be, navigating our way around the food and drink consumption onslaught that is about to happen can be daunting for some. In this article, I’m going to talk about trying to stay a little ahead of the curb.

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Now I’m an advocate for a good old party, so in this article I am not going to tell you to lock yourself away.

Studies have shown how healthy relationships and a strong sense of community has the biggest impact on our health and wellbeing. You’d think it would be exercise and diet but at the top of the list to help reduce stress and inflammation, is strong relationships with others. And what a better time to strengthen this than during the festive season.

I will just stress, that you still need a balanced diet and exercise to stay healthy. Socialising isn’t the equivalent of getting your five a day!

It’s a time for reflecting on the year, yes.

But, also, a time to celebrate the year.

So, dive right in! Use your down time to spend it with those that you love. Throw on a jacket, go outside. Go for a walk.

Breath in the fresh air. Light a fire, turn off the TV and talk through your year.

Maybe even start discussing about what you’d like to do in the new year.

Side note: One of the best tactics for achieving a new goal is verbalising it to another person. Allow them to make you accountable, may be even get them to join in. Doing something together becomes easier than on your own.

So back to the food (dribble). If you would like to limit the amount of damage done in this period. I’d like to put to you just a few options to help make a few more conscious decisions when the platters get put out in front of you.

Portion control Rather than consuming mindlessly, begin to practice portion control by selecting the foods you would most likely to taste and stick to a small

Health sample. A simple tactic to use is that if each element on your plate (protein, carbohydrates, vegetables) are much bigger than the size of your own fist, then you’re probably consuming a large portion. Another tactic is to get a smaller plate!

Stay hydrated

calories, you need to cut out all calories leading up to a big haul of food later in the day. By eating little and often throughout the day you reduce the chances of overindulging later in the day and throwing caution to the wind, you’ll feel better about yourself after not over indulging (as well as entering January with less dread!)

Being hydrated helps with making us feel fuller than we are, your brain can misinterpret dehydration as hunger.

Try to drink 2 litres each day, noncaffeinated, non-alcoholic. Staying hydrated also helps with digestion, which will more than likely to be on overload during this season!

A non-food focus

Don’t starve yourself to save calories

Christmas is a period full of opportunities to let go, release at the end of the year. But it doesn’t have to be to excess, it is possible to not

Don’t see that in order to reduce

With so much on offer, use this time as a time to catch up with friends and family. Turn up to a party and find something with a non-food focus.

Taking your mind away from all the food and drink on offer.

lose all control. Healthy living is about moderation and balance, so don’t feel guilty about having your favourite treats – Christmas is a celebration after all!

Follow @thesportyogi on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.

If you’d like to get in contact further, please visit www.thesportyogi.com

This section is SBT’s way of looking after the businesses of Sussex.

To help promote healthier workplaces across the county.

Meditation of the month

Nutritional tip

Stretch of the month

With an opportunity for a winter walk in the cold. Use this moving meditation to make your walk a bit more mindful.

With the cold weather here why not try a Turmeric Latte. Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, drastically lifting anti-oxidants in the body.

This pose allows for a great stretch into the lower back and glutes but also promotes digestion and spine health.

Can be great to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top as well. Next time you’re in a café be sure to ask them for one!

- Draw one heel into the glute, hug the knee in.

- Each step that you take being to notice the feeling of your foot connecting to the floor.

- Begin to focus on the feeling of the parts of the foot that feel connected to the ground in your shoes.

- The feeling of your toes push into the ground as you take each step.

- When you feel like you mind wanders. Try to turn your mind back to that feel.

Repeat as much as you would like.

Your feet follow you everywhere!

- Extend the legs out while seated.

- Thank the foot the other side of the opposite knee.

- Twist the body toward the bent knee - Hook the opposite elbow around the bent knee.

- Inhale lengthen the spine, Exhale twist gently.

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The Old Ship Hotel

There are so many reasons to love Brighton, but my favourite thing has to be the sheer volume of stories that originate here. At its heart, history is about telling powerful stories and it’s this that Brighton has in abundance.

The Old Ship Hotel dates back to 1559, with records stating History that a cottage owned by Richard and John Gilham was the original building named as the Shippe Inn. Unsurprisingly, this makes it the oldest hotel in Brighton.

I’ve already referenced Charles 2nd in a previous article (St Mary’s House, Bramber) and for the Old Ship we turn back to him once again. In the reception you’re greeted with a fabulous portrait of the restored monarch, referencing one of the interesting stories that this historical building contains.

Some 100 years after being built, the hotel was purchased by Nicholas Tettersell. You may not be familiar with this name (I certainly wasn’t!), but Nicholas’ big claim to fame was that he owned the boat that took a fleeing Charles 2nd to France. You could say that he saved our monarchy. When Charles was restored to the throne some nine years later, he rewarded Nicholas with the rank of captain in the Royal Navy, along with £100 a year for 99 years. It was this fortune that allowed

Captain Tettersell to buy the Old Ship Inn, where he put on display part of the boat that took Charles 2nd to safety. At that stage the boat had been renamed The Royal Escape and I’m sure the tourists would have flocked to see this living history.

Brighton is synonymous with George, Prince of Wales and the Old Ship Inn benefited from his attention. In 1769 a fabulous function room was built to host his lavish parties. It’s still in working order now but has been renamed the Gresham Suite.

One of my favourite parts of the whole building is the wine cellars (which double up as event space). They ooze story and intrigue, with good reason.

In 1995 a series of smugglers’ tunnels were uncovered, constructed out of French and English materials. These tunnels were excavated and now operate as beautifully restored wine cellars. It’s impossible not to imagine smuggling contraband away whilst enjoying a cold glass of white wine. This was smuggling on an industrial level!

In the following centuries many famous faces have graced the hotel, including

Charles Dickens but another name stands out. Niccolò Paganini – a violinist so talented that the rumour was that he’d sold his soul to the devil.

In December 1831 Niccolò Paganini stayed at the hotel (whether before or after the soul selling, we’re not clear), playing a recital in the assembly rooms.

It is due to this visit that the Paganini Ballroom take its name.

Deservedly, the hotel became a Grade II listed building in 1952.

So, next time you’re in Brighton go and have a look, drink a glass of (nonsmuggled) wine in the atmospheric cellar and thank our Prince Regent for his love of all things opulent, that gave us so much of what we love about Brighton.

By James Dempster - Cobb Digital

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Q&A with Chloe Ross This month we chat with Chloe Ross, VP International at ClassPass

Q&A

Can you please tell us a bit about ClassPass?

ClassPass is very simple. It’s an app for booking fitness classes, activities and gym time. In every city where we operate there are thousands of classes on offer in multiple high-quality venues. You choose, book and pay in the app - and there are no subscription tie-ins, you just go month by month. We’re in more than 60 cities worldwide - and ClassPass can travel with you, from Brighton, London and Bristol to New York, Singapore and Dubai.

Who would benefit the most from a ClassPass membership?

ClassPass works best for people who

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want a varied fitness regime and who don’t like being stuck doing one thing.

That includes people who are serious about fitness and who understand the real health benefits of variety, as well as newbies who want to try out different classes and ‘find their thing’. It’s also great for people struggling to keep motivation to work out with a standard gym membership – the first time people try a boutique fitness class, they realise it’s a qualitatively different type of workout and it tends to be a lot more fun.

For those who commute it’s great to have this flexibility - so if you work in London and live in Brighton you can take your ClassPass membership with you and do a class in London at lunchtime and keep it up in Brighton at weekends. And, of course, ClassPass is for people who travel – it’s great if you travel overseas for work to take

your fitness routine with you to the US, Australia, Asia or the Middle East.

Can you name some of the studios available through ClassPass in Brighton and Hove?

Is there a view to increasing the number on offer in the city as time goes on?

Too many to name them all, but we’ve got Rox Life - a brand new studio in town offering great indoor cycling and boxing Marina Studios, Barre Studio Brighton, The Box, Brighton Pilates, Yoga with Olive, It’s Yoga Brighton, and martial arts studio Elements. But you can find a lot more besides – the Brighton studio scene is going from strength to strength.

And yes, we’ll continue to develop what we offer in Brighton, we’re signing new venues up all the time.

Q&A a high-quality app, people who want variety, and people who would just never find the studio otherwise. So, it’s a really smart move for the studios and that’s why so many have joined us. It helps that many of the people who work for ClassPass are passionate about the industry and about working with small business owners and creating some buzz.

What inspired the move to make ClassPass available here?

Well, it’s my home town so I’ve had my eye on launching here for a while – partly to do some meetings closer to home for once and also to be able to use my own ClassPass here! We screened Brighton like we screen all prospective launch cities and from a commercial perspective it ticked all the right boxes: a high quality and diverse network of fitness studios and class providers, fitness enthusiasts, and people who need and want flexibility.

That way, our members can try multiple classes a week, without being tied down, while still getting fantastic quality teaching. That’s what ClassPass is all about. The Brighton model is what we look to replicate wherever we go.

How has the launch been received in the local area?

“ClassPass is very simple. It’s an app for booking fitness classes, activities and gym time” Was it easy to engage with studios in the Brighton area?

It was, and we’re loving working with them. A lot of studio owners in Brighton have close connections with the industry in London, and London is one of ClassPass’ largest markets worldwide, so they understood what we do and how successful we’ve been at doing it. They know that we’re here to introduce a new type of customer to them – in most cities where we launch, over 50% of the users who sign up are brand new to studio fitness.

We offer this industry a whole new revenue stream - people who want to find, book and pay for a class on

So far so good. Brighton is still in the early days but so far, we’ve been delighted with the results. One of the reasons we’re doing well is that Brighton is a busy commuting town.

People who work in the city need something easy and flexible to get their class in and the commuters want the ability to find a class in London without paying for extra memberships. The Brighton demographic is really suited to our business model.

Are you able to tell us anything about ClassPass’ next steps?

Since I started my role at ClassPass this year, we’ve launched around two international cities per month and looking ahead to next year, we have plenty more places to go as we expand into a truly global company, as well as consolidating the leadership position we’ve already established in Asia and the Middle East. Naturally we’re keeping our next moves close to our chests, but 2019 should be an exciting year for the team and for ClassPass overall.

You’ve had a colourful career so far. How does being International VP of ClassPass compare to previous roles?

Yes, it’s been varied for sure. I’ve worked in big business, start-ups and in the centre of government, but the thing that unites all these experiences is being surrounded by smart, driven people who are totally committed to what they’re doing. I was lucky enough to be a senior official in the Cabinet Office across two government administrations and was surrounded by some of the best people I’ve ever met, who were leaders in their fields but didn’t just trade on that expertise - they could not have worked harder to have an impact. I can say the same about the team I work with now at ClassPass – at all levels it’s a world class team and that shows in the pace of the company’s execution and the momentum we have.

You’ve lived in the area for about 10 years. What do you love most about living in Sussex?

What I like most has changed over the years. In my twenties I enjoyed the many things Brighton has to offer people that age! Nowadays, I like that it’s a great place to bring up my sevenyear-old son. We’re so close to so much stunning countryside, it’s easy to get outdoors and get together with friends and their kids on the beach after school in the summer. Like a lot of people who commute from Brighton, I like the fact it’s close enough to get into London for work but far enough that it’s not just a commuter town – it has its own culture and identity. Having spent a lot of time working in start-ups, I also love the creative and entrepreneurial community here – the number of businesses making their homes here makes it a very inspiring place to live and work.

Do you have a personal favourite exercise class or sport?

I honestly struggle to name a favourite class – they’re all so different and what you want out of a class varies from week to week or even time of day.

Early mornings, I tend to go to barre or Pilates classes, as those are tough enough to feel it the next day, but not such a shock to the system first thing. If I need to wake myself up in the middle of the day, I tend to choose something with more pace.

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Carl Fillery CEO of Boundless Carl Fillery, CEO of Boundless, received the Interview recently Businessperson of the Year Award at the prestigious Sussex Business Awards.

We caught up with Carl to find out more about Boundless and its cultural transformation.

ones and to spend less doing it.

We offer products and services at a discounted price in order to keep more money in the pockets of our 230,000 members, covering everything from family days out and sporting events to relaxing spa days and exclusive theatre packages. We are a mutual, which means all profits are reinvested for the benefit of our members.

Can you tell us a bit about Boundless?

We have a heritage which stretches back to 1923 and an incredible membership base which includes thousands of volunteers who run local and special interest groups. The volunteers are amazing and are the heart and soul of Boundless.

Boundless is a not-for-profit membership club for public sector and civil service workers – in fact we’re the largest membership club for the sector in the UK. Boundless is all about good times and memorable experiences. We want to help people get the most out of their spare time, to inspire them to spend more quality time with family and loved

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Why are membership clubs important?

Public sector and civil servants are the backbone of this country, but they really don’t get the recognition that they

should. We aim to give them a louder voice whilst we inspire and support them to try new activities, make lasting memories and to live life to the fullest.

How did your career develop?

My career started in the hospitality and leisure industry, which took me to different countries, continents and cultures, constantly keeping me moving and developing. From early on, I realised I thrived on competition and craved responsibility, which drove my ambition to achieve.

I was appointed CEO of Boundless four years ago to transform and modernise the company. I had been part of the senior leadership team for some years prior to that, so I already had a deep understanding of it and a clear vision what it could become.

I pride myself on leading successful

Interview

“Sussex is a fantastic county to house our HQ. It is home to bright, energetic and creative people.”

How does Sussex suit your business?

Sussex is a fantastic county to house our HQ. It is home to bright, energetic and creative people.

Being sandwiched between the South Downs and the sea also means it’s a great place to live as well as work so I feel very lucky to be based here.

What’s the key to your success?

I would say that my career has grown out of an ability to understand the critical connection between an engaged workforce and a happy customer. transformations and building a peoplecentric business. But it’s the satisfaction of working with a team, of making meaningful human connections, of achieving things together and offering value to the world that gets me out of bed in the morning.

How do you successfully modernise a heritage brand?

When Boundless was founded 95-years ago as the CSMA, it was a motoring association founded by people who clubbed together to save money on fuel. We see cars in a very different light today but at the time motoring was pioneering and it was all about the spirit of adventure – getting out of the office, seeing the world and bringing people together.

CSMA was an enabler to do a lot of things shared under the umbrella of membership. What I’ve tried to do with the team is to stay true to that spirit of adventure and develop the modern-day version, helping as many members as we can to experience more.

How do you feel about winning Business Person of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards in 2018?

It means an awful lot to receive the award and to be recognised externally for what we have achieved. This award

is so prestigious and there were so many other very worthy candidates.

Being born and bred in Sussex, receiving this award was particularly special.

It’s been a real journey over the last four years, transforming a heritage brand and modernising its proposition. As CEO of Boundless, I’ve been honoured to take the organisation on a journey of exciting evolution, both culturally and operationally – leading its transition from a traditional, membership services organisation into a fully commercialised and diversified business model with robust financial health.

What advice would you give to others transforming a heritage brand?

You must be perfectly clear about why your business was established, however long ago that may have been, stay true to the original vision and purpose.

Take care of your stakeholders and they will be loyal to you. Simply take it back to the core and make a commitment to it. Decide where you are going and don’t get derailed.

The key is finding how that relates to your modern-day audience and get people to buy in. By wholly believing in the heritage and putting people at the centre of your organisation provides a great foundation for success.

I couldn’t have achieved anything without the hard work and focus of our teams. We have built a platform for success through an unwavering focus on people. By establishing the right working cultures, business results will follow.

As CEO I focus on people, nurturing leadership teams, making sure we communicate our strategic purpose and that our teams are empowered to deliver on that vision.

What’s next for Boundless?

We’ll always stay true to our core membership and values and we intend to expand our membership base so that we can help more people make the most of their leisure time.

Our team is more confident than ever and empowered to be more innovative with a focus on continually improving our offering and value to members.

We already own several hotels and leisure parks across the UK, as well as a museum. Leisure is an area we are keen to grow further.

I’m excited for the future and am looking forward to seeing our team, and membership, continue to grow and flourish.

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Over recent years, Flint and Flame have become a major player in the UK kitchenware scene with their outstanding range of knives. Their luxurious knife range combines exceptional quality, performance and value.

Made from the highest quality German carbon steel, Interview and celebrated by top chefs and passionate home cooks alike, their knives make a fantastic addition to any domestic or professional kitchen.

We caught up with Sales Manager and Executive Chef Simon Marshall to find out more about this luxury kitchenware brand.

Hi Simon, tell us a little about Flint & Flame.

As a company we’ve been running about 7yrs here in the UK, our head office is based in rural Billingshurst in the West Sussex countryside. Our core product line is luxury kitchen knives along with a great range of accessories.

What makes your knives so different to what you can buy on the high street?

Design! Design! Design! Our handles are designed so they have no pressure

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points, it is the most tactile knife you’ll ever use. We have a centre and a counter balance on the handle so you have a perfectly balanced blade so it’s light and lively in the hand, you won’t feel like you’re swinging an axe! They are made with a high carbon German steel giving you an unbelievably sharp knife with a fantastic edge retention that is easily sharpened. It is also the most stylish knife you will ever see. On the high street you are likely to find softer stainless steel knives, which are not as sharp and they won’t hold their edge as long, you’ll likely replace them in a year where as ours come with a 35yr warranty.

What should you look for when buying a knife?

The most important factor is the steel, it will ultimately determine how your knife will behave. It’s important the steel is hard enough so that you can achieve a fine edge and edge retention but not so hard that it is brittle or difficult to sharpen. The knife should have a full tang (metal runs from blade through the

Simon Marshall

handle) so it doesn’t snap or break. The handle is important too, it should have a comfortable grip. Good knives aren’t cheap and cheap knives aren’t good.

Some people shy away from really sharp knives for fear of cutting themselves, what are your thoughts on this?

Ludicrous! You’re more likely to cut

yourself with a semi-sharp knife, simply because of the amount of pressure you are having to apply on the item you are trying to cut. With a sharp knife, point it in the right direction and it does the hard work for you.

What is your favourite knife to use in the kitchen?

Simple, the 8” Chef knife. For me it’s the most versatile knife from dicing onions to 8 piecing a chicken. However I’m a firm believer in using the right tool for the right job, you could fillet a fish without a fillet knife, but it won’t look as attractive or be as easy.

I understand as a company you exhibit at 300+ shows and events each year with your range of knives?

That’s a lot of shows!

It certainly is. For us, it’s a great opportunity to meet our customers, we also see so many returning customers, and so although we don’t have a physical shop, it feels like we have shops all over the country where we get to know all our customers. It also gives new customers the opportunity to physically try our knives, one slice of a tomato is usually all it takes for them to see the difference in the quality of our knives to the ones they have in their drawer at home.

You also offer corporate gifting?

Yes, we have a laser etching machine and are able to brand the knives with a customer’s logo or message, we’ve produced branded knives for companies such as Panasonic, the Novelli Academy, California Prunes to name a few, we’ve personalised a lot of knives for awards ceremonies also as an alternative to a glass trophy. It’s a great branding opportunity as it is something you’ll use every day. We offer trade pricing for corporate orders.

We understand you have quite a few well known ambassadors?

Yes, we have some fantastic chefs who love our knives, we produced a signature collection of knives with Monica Galetti, we also collaborated with the UK’s most prominent game Chef Mike Robinson producing the Robinson Hunting Knife. Other wellknown names such as Mark Hix, Nathan Outlaw, Eric Lanlard are all fans.

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Locally, we’ve also branded knives for Sussex Chef Steven Edwards for his restaurant ‘Etch’. We feel truly honoured that such great chefs love and use our knives. www.flintandflame.co.uk | 01403 740320 | info@flintandflame.co.uk

Offer expires 31st January 2019.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

Campaigning on behalf of business Sussex Chamber of Commerce is Chamber tackling key issues facing Sussex News businesses. Your voice is important to us and opinions are regularly sought by policymakers and parliamentarians helping shape the UK’s business agenda. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sit at the heart of the Chamber network representing local business communities in every part of the UK, helping businesses of every size and sector thrive.

These efforts have translated into significant ‘wins’ for business in the latest Budget. Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The Chancellor respondedd irectly to the BCC’s calls for bold incentives to turbo-charge business investment, for steps to support high street businesses struggling with business rates, and for measures that cut the cost of apprenticeships for SMEs.”

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Annual investment allowance Increasing the Annual Investment Allowance to £1m was the central ask of the BCC and we’re delighted the Chancellor has listened to our call for bold measures at this time of uncertainty. This announcement will provide a major enticement for firms to invest and grow. It will give companies across the UK the confidence to push ahead with investments in plant & machinery, property and staff training.

We are also pleased that the Chancellor delivered on the BCC call to incentive investment in new buildings through a 2% capital allowance.

On the changes to SME cofunding for apprenticeships The BCC called for co-funding to be dropped for SMEs but at least the Chancellor has met us half way. This is good news for employers, the workforce and young people starting their careers. Apprenticeships are key to solving the skills crisis that is now crippling businesses across most regions and sectors, but the costs can be prohibitive for smaller firms.

Reducing the cost of apprenticeship training for SMEs will help firms to invest in workforce skills to boost their productivity and competitiveness, as well as creating more jobs, and better career development opportunities for people of all ages.

“Your voice is important to us and opinions are regularly sought by policymakers and parliamentarians helping shape the UK’s business agenda.”

On the introduction of Making Tax Digital We are disappointed that no action was taken to alleviate the impending administrative and cost burden associated with the implementation of Making Tax Digital, despite low business awareness of this change and the deadline coinciding with the UK’s departure from the EU. With only a few

Chamber News months to go before its introduction, we would urge the government to look again at the pressures that Making Tax Digital is placing on firms at a time of significant change.

On support measures for UK high streets We’re delighted that the Chancellor has heeded the BCC calls to offer rates relief for the high street by cutting bills for the vast majority of high street firms.

It’s crucial that we support our town centres as they find their place in a changing world.

A need for a comprehensive Brexit deal Dr Adam Marshall added: “While today’s Budget measures were largely positive for business, the final and most important piece of the jigsaw is a comprehensive Brexit deal that gives firms the clarity and precision they need. The pro-business measures announced in the Budget will only yield their greatest possible results when paired with a Brexit deal that delivers

on VAT for imported goods. In the event of no-deal Brexit, business will not be compelled to pay VAT on goods at point of import.

certainty on the UK’s future terms of trade beyond March 2019.

“We are pleased that the Chancellor listened to our call to keep the VAT threshold unchanged over the near term, providing much needed certainty to firms across the UK. Against a backdrop of Brexit uncertainty and the rising cost of doing business, a reduction in the VAT threshold could well have proved to be a tipping point for some of our most promising young firms.”

As a result of that challenge from the BCC, the UK will introduce postponed accounting – the same system that is currently in place for intra-EU trade.

This measure will significantly reduce the cash-flow burden on UK businesses and gives much needed certainty on this critical business area.

Deferment of VAT on imported goods The government has a raft of ‘Technical Notices’ outlining the procedures that the UK government intends to follow if the UK and the EU are unable to reach a deal by March 2019. Businesses still require greater clarity and precision to trade as smoothly as possible across borders.

The BCC has already been instrumental in delivering an important concession

Share concerns and issues at our first event in January 2019. Our guest speaker is Hannah Essex, CoExecutive of Policy and Campaigns, British Chambers of Commerce: www.sussexchamberofcommerce. co.uk/events/chamber-events/ campaigning-on-behalf-of-business To find out the latest news on Brexit: www.sussexchamberofcommerce. co.uk/policy-representation/brexit

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Rivervale Goes Green

With the increase in interest for electric, eco and alternative fuel vehicles, along with the impacts of climate change being felt across the world, we decided it was time for us to do our part. Here at Rivervale we have made a pledge to encourage people and businesses alike to consider going green!

Thanks to programmes like Blue Planet II that Motoring have showed us just how bad things have become and the urgent need for change. We want to make sure that, as a business, we’re taking responsibility and inspiring change. We have recently introduced the practice of eco-friendly recycling at Rivervale, and we’re very excited about this change.

Just by simply segregating our waste correctly we will prevent recyclable materials going to landfill. Plastic being

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one of the biggest issues especially, we can now make sure this is dealt with responsibly and not end up in landfill or our oceans.

Additionally, Rivervale employees have made a concentrated effort to reduce unnecessary printing and increase paper recycling.

As a company, we’re also very lucky in our area as we have access to good recycling centers. Having an on-site Starbucks, the disposable cups were high on our agenda as they are viewed as ‘difficult’ to recycle because of the mixture of paper cup and plastic lining.

It turns out that the company who collects our waste are able to separate the materials and ensure all is recycled and not sent to landfill!

This project is a culmination of months of hard work by our staff in order to provide a work environment that cares for the global environment.

Every little bit helps and there’s a ton of easy ways that we can help save mankind, the animals and the environment! It starts with simply reducing, reusing, recycling any waste materials and together we can help turn this planet around!

“The millennial demographic surveyed here has the potential to be hugely influential in determining the future of transport and sustainability” Sarwant Singh 4. In 2016, 71.4% of UK packaging waste was either recycled or recovered compared to 64.7% in 2015. This exceeds the EU target to recycle or recover at least 60% of packaging waste.

5. Revised figures estimate UK generation of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste at 40.0 million tonnes in 2014, of which 31.7 million tonnes (around 80%) was generated in England.

The latest estimates for England only indicate that waste generation was around 31.9 million tonnes in 2015 and 33.1 million tonnes in 2016.

UK Statistics on waste Figures compiled by gov.co.uk on the total waste generated for the whole of the UK: 1. The UK recycling rate for Waste from Households (WfH; including IBA metal) was 45.2% in 2016, increasing from 44.6% in 2015.

2. The recycling rate for WfH increased in all UK countries in 2016. The recycling rate for England was 44.9%, compared with 43.0% in Northern Ireland, 42.8% in Scotland and 57.3% in Wales.

These statistics reflect the need to continue efficiently recycling waste materials and raises awareness to how important it is for motorists to eventually making the switch from driving petrol/ diesel vehicles to hybrid or electric vehicles.

Nissan revealed survey results on millennials’ attitudes toward the future of mobility and electric vehicles in the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy recently from FutureFest in London.

76% of millennials’ surveyed (18-34) said that they would consider driving an eco-friendly vehicle if they wanted to make their lives greener.

Over 50% of those surveyed already own or have considered buying an ecofriendly vehicle.

Sarwant Singh, Senior Partner, Frost & Sullivan and member of Nissan’s Intelligent Motoring Advisory Board, said: “The millennial demographic surveyed here has the potential to be hugely influential in determining the future of transport and sustainability.

3. UK biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) sent to landfill in 2016 was similar to that in 2015, remaining at approximately 7.7 million tonnes or 22% of the 1995 baseline value. The UK is therefore still on track to meet the EU target to restrict BMW landfilled to 35% of the 1995 baseline by 2020.

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We have consistently found in our own research that they are early adopters of new technology, much more environmentally friendly than previous generations and generally willing to make sacrifices and lifestyle changes in line with their personal values and beliefs.”

Environmentally-friendly electric vehicles If you are going to purchase an electric vehicle, it makes sense to purchase one that uses electricity as efficiently as possible, boosting the number of miles from each unit of power (kWh).

Having an electric vehicle that absorbs less power will help improve how far the vehicle is able to travel and allow manufacturers to use fewer batteries.

Here’s a list of some highly efficient electric vehicles; • Hyundai Ioniq 5.4 miles per kWh • Volkswagen e-up! 5.3 miles per kWh • Volkswagen e Golf 4.9 miles per kWh • BMW i3 4.9 miles per kWh • Smart EQ ForFour 4.8 miles per kWh

Environmentally-friendly plug-in hybrids

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Plug-in hybrids save money on fuel by operating on both petrol/diesel and electricity, and by saving money wasted by conventional vehicles like regular hybrids. Plug-in hybrids use both a petrol engine and an electric motor, but have a higher capacity battery to store electricity.

They take advantage of the electricity’s low cost, and the electric motors energy efficiency, but also take advantage of petrol/diesel. Plug-in-hybrids also have regenerative braking systems, which recovers the energy whenever you brake, and then stores the energy in the vehicle’s battery.

Some examples of environmentallyfriendly plug-in hybrids; • BMW i3 ReX 470.8mpg • Toyota Prius Plug-in - 283mpg • Hyundai Ionic PHEV - 256.8mpg • Kia Niro PHEV - 217.3mpg

Environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles A Hybrid isn’t much different to a plugin-hybrid, it uses two power sources in order to get it moving. It also recovers energy while braking, as well as energy from the engine. However, the main

difference is that it tries to assist the engine during acceleration, when fuel consumption is low. Hybrids are good in traffic where speeds are constantly changing.

Some examples of environmentallyfriendly hybrid vehicles; • Toyota Prius - 94.1mpg • Toyota Yaris - 85.6mpg • Toyota Auris - 80.7mpg • Lexus CT200h - 78.5mpg

If you need any further information about the best hybrid and electric vehicle leasing offers or just any general information about these vehicles, then feel free to get in touch with the Rivervale team.

We are always happy to offer customers advice on the best vehicle choice for their needs.

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SBTMotoring News Christmas At Beaulieu Beaulieu now boasts a magical, afterdark, illuminated trail just for Christmas.

Up until December24 , the tree-tops will glisten as the gardens and buildings shimmer with seasonal sparkle. The one mile illuminated path boasts the sights and sounds of the season.

London Motor Show The dates for next year’s London Motor and Tech Show have been confirmed.

The event will take place at ExCeL London on May 16 to 19. It will be the show’s fourth year and organisers promise the 2019 event will be their biggest and best yet.

Eye-Catching Design for Electric Racing Car

Ford Ranger Raptor ‘Smart and Tough’ Ford’s new Ranger Raptor isn’t just tough. It’s smart too. Due to go on sale next year, it will offer bespoke seats and a unique leather steering wheel, as well as boast a range of advanced systems.

Features include the powerful new Terrain Management System. With the push of a button you can choose from six different modes, each one optimising performance for a different terrain. Choose from: Normal mode, Sport mode, Grass, Gravel and Snow mode, Mud and Sand mode, Rock mode, and, for ‘unbeatable’ off-road performance, Baja mode.

Described as ‘not just a pick-up truck’, the Raptor delivers precision engineering for a tough life of mountain climbing and river wading. It features built-for-purpose front and rear bumpers, a front skid plate and distinctive Ford Ranger Raptor grille - not to mention alloy wheels with durable tyres.

Ford says: “The Ranger Raptor perfectly fuses Ford Performance DNA with unmatched offroad capability. The legendary Fox Pro performance-inspired suspension has been precision tuned to tackle the toughest terrains – soaking up big impacts, and smoothing out bumps and ruts with ease.

BMW i Motorsport unveiled the new BMW iFE.18 and presented its BMW i Andretti Motorsport team at BMW Welt’s double cone in Munich. Its latest all-electric racing car boasts an improved, eye-catching design, however, it was the innovative and hidden drivetrain of the BMW iFE.18 that was the real star of the show.

“The unique ladder frame chassis has been forged with high-strength low-alloy steel to meet the extreme demands of off-road performance driving. In fact, every feature is designed to make sure the Raptor delivers the ultimate off-road driving experience.”

Developed by the same engineers who designed the BMW i3 drivetrain, BMW i and BMW Motorsport are working on the Formula E project in tandem. This helps facilitate a technology transfer between series development and motorsport unprecedented in this form.

using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel, not wearing a seat belt and driving a defective vehicle are more likely to be enforced over Christmas than at any other time of year. And, if a driver is involved in a collision, they are almost certain to be breathalysed.

Now that the AA has launched its annual drink drive campaign, it is telling drivers ‘Don’t risk it!’

Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development and Motorsport, said: “For BMW, it is also the perfect test lab for production development. The technology transfer between motorsport and series production is intense… insights from Formula E flow directly into the development of future series production drivetrains. So, I am looking forward to a great racing season.”

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*Model shown is a Ford Ranger Raptor to Asia Pacific specifications and may not reflect final UK specifications.

Motorists Face Christmas Crackdown

Almost half of drivers believe that drink drivers are more likely to be caught at Christmas, says the AA. A survey of more than 20,000 drivers also found that a third (35%) believed that those who had taken drugs would be more likely to be caught over the festive period than over the remainder of the year (22%).

The AA says motorists think offences like

Statistics from the Department for Transport reveal 35% of drink-drive casualties occur between 9pm and 2am. In 2016, one in 10 drink drivers in England and Wales were at least twice the legal limit, doubling to a fifth (20%) in Scotland.

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SBT

ASK THE

EXPERTS

WE ASK THE EXPERTS TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

EXPERT

Nick Leavey, Chairman & Partner, Coffin Mew. Business tenants look to get out of their leases for a variety of reasons, for example, where business is booming and they need more space, or where things are not going so well and they need less, or where changes in their markets mean that they need to relocate elsewhere, or where technology means that they need a different type of premises.

How do I get out of my business lease early?

Would-be business tenants should consider this before they enter into their leases, at which point they can negotiate appropriate terms into them.

This is a question the European Medicines Agency is asking the Court, as it looks to move from its London offices to Amsterdam after Brexit, as its lease does not contain a break clause and it may therefore be stuck with its lease and a rent bill of around £500 million.

Ideally, the tenant will have negotiated a break clause into their lease. Break clauses can vary: some can only be exercised on a fixed date, others on a series of dates; most require a period of written notice to be given; many will only be effective where conditions have been

EXPERT

The Implant Centre is at the forefront of this field, exceeding average treatment outcomes because of our expertise and training given to the team. We pride ourselves on leading and training many dentists in the field of dental implants, from the most basic treatments to the most complex.

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Where there is no break option, if their lease allows, a tenant may look to assign, or transfer, their lease to a new tenant or to underlet the premises to an undertenant. However, these options usually require landlord’s consent and satisfaction of other conditions, and they usually do not let the original tenant completely off the hook.

If these and all else fails, it may be possible to negotiate a surrender of the lease to the landlord; however, the landlord may want their pound of flesh to accept the premises back, in the form of a “reverse premium”.

Guy Barwell Implant Surgeon, Co-founder of The Implant Centre in Hove & Haywards Heath Our exacting training methods mean that TIC are leaders in this field and have won many awards including ‘Best Implant Practice in the UK’ multiple times over 13 years of care.

Dental implants are an established and integral part of modern dentistry; fundamental for dentists to provide long-lasting and secure replacements for problem teeth.

satisfied, for example all rent must have been paid up to date.

The latest Digital Dentistry provides photographic scans of the patients’ mouth, linked to 3D CT scanning which ensures the highest level of safety and precision. Once the implants are in position, further digital scanning techniques allow the placing of temporary teeth onto the implants, produced in their on-site digital laboratory. The definitive restorations are then produced from the latest and strongest materials.

What type of implant treatments to we do?

A simple dental implant would simply replace a single tooth, at the other end of the spectrum is the patient who is losing all of their teeth through gum disease or failing dental treatments.

They might be the perfect case studies for replacement of all teeth on the same day – patients walk in with failing teeth and leave with a beautiful set of fixed bridges, securely attached to their new implants which is life changing.

Our website is full of patient stories showing how emotive dental treatments and care can be, and how we have transformed so many people’s views on what dentistry will offer.

We work extensively with patients who have been told by less-experienced implant surgeons that they ‘do not have enough bone’, or where implants from elsewhere have gone wrong.

How can implants help you?

Contact the Implant Centre - you don’t need a referral from your dentist, although they accept referrals from over 300 dentists in the South East. www.theimplantcentre.com 01273766690

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EXPERTS

WE ASK THE EXPERTS TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

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Tom Huckle, Lead Cyber Security Consultant and Head of Training at Crucial Academy Cyber security is not a ‘job for IT’ – an effective cyber security culture will be developed from the top-down. While they won’t always be the most technical people in the business, it’s vital that senior management understand how critical cyber security is and gain at least a base level of understanding so that the message of vigilance can be convincingly conveyed to staff. It’s senior management who will be able to sign off on company-wide security procedures and policy, inspire their teams, upskill existing staff and bring in the technical expertise to bolster their defences.

2. Ensure adequate staff training

How can you protect your business from a cyberattack?

The introduction of GDPR, a string of high-profile data breaches and reports of state-sponsored cybercrime made 2018 the year Britain woke up to cyber security. With millions wiped off share prices, corporate reputation and consumer trust eroded, UK businesses have seen quite enough cyber casualties to finally take the threat of attack seriously. A recent report highlighted a global shortfall of 3 million cyber security professionals just to keep pace with the demand from business.

The scale of the threat from malicious individuals or organisations can seem daunting, but a few changes and a shift in mind-set can drastically reduce the chances of your business falling foul of cybercrime.

Here are some key points to help protect your business.

1. Build a cyber secure culture from the top down

So often, the chink in a company’s cyber armour is its well-intentioned but untrained staff – and cyber predators are ready to take advantage.

Around 94 per cent of malware enters a network via phishing. Phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated, deliberately targeting staff with messages that appear to be addressed to them individually from clients or suppliers. Many include attachments which mimic anything from invoices to tax documents.

Conducting fun, interesting and easyto-implement staff training on a regular basis is key.

3. Be alert to malicious insider threats

Insider threats can be considered malicious when an employee intentionally sets out to harm your company through insider access to data.

Although these may be difficult to spot, there are some tell-tale warning signs.

Monitor for suspicious behaviour, such as employees accessing company networks at odd hours or outwardly showing hostility towards colleagues or company policies.

Keep in mind that staff who will be leaving the company may become liabilities if their access to company data isn’t limited adequately before they depart and completely stopped upon their leaving.

4. Ensure security policies are in place and up to date Put a PoLP (Principal of Least Privilege) policy in place to safeguard against breaches. This system sees a new arrival start with no privileges and only receive access to the systems and files they need to do their job. It may seem simple, but it takes planning as many security systems assign rights in groups rather than to individuals.

5. Install and update cyber security software Install anti-virus programs and monitoring tools on all systems and make sure all cyber security software and browsers are kept up-to-date.

These updates aren’t just helpful in providing access to their latest features, they are essential in the fight against cybercrime.

The best advice for business is to take cyber security seriously in 2019. Every business is a potential target regardless of size, income or industry and every single one of them has valuable business data to protect.

Founded by a former Royal Marine Commando, Brighton-based Crucial Academy offers free accredited courses, qualifications and careers in cyber security to those that have served in the armed forces.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

How to franchise your business Franchising your business can be extremely lucrative. It Business is one of the fastest ways to grow a concept. Suitable for a wide range of sectors, franchising is an exciting way to introduce your brand or idea to a potentially huge audience. KFC, Pizza Hut, Budget Blinds and Interim Healthcare are among the world’s top franchises. Your brand could join them. But, before you start dreaming of early retirement, it is worth knowing that creating a franchise can be complicated.

As a franchise expert with more than 14 years’ experience, I help people just like you avoid the common pitfalls that can finish an idea before it gets off the

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ground. I have been both a franchisor and franchisee, so I have seen the benefits and challenges from both sides of the coin. This brief guide will explain the main hurdles you will have to overcome to make your franchise a success.

The legalities of starting a franchise In order to start a franchise you will need to ensure your paperwork is in order. As a rule, the minimum you will require is a standard disclosure document. This is actually more complex than it sounds. A typical Franchise Disclosure Document has to explain, in print, the inner workings of your business. Seek professional advice before putting pen to paper. Getting this right will put you on a firm footing for the future.

“In order to launch a new franchise successfully, you will need to develop robust systems. Consider them the engine room of your enterprise” You will also have to consider the financial side of things. Make sure you have audited financial statements prepared. This is because you won’t be able to legally start a franchise without them. Professional help from an experienced accountant is essential.

Franchise systems and training In order to launch a new franchise successfully, you will need to develop robust systems. Consider them the engine room of your enterprise.

Develop every aspect of your business so that it can be easily standardised.

Replication is what franchising is all about, so standardising everything is pivotal. The devil is in the detail. Make sure you prepare a comprehensive, clearly documented Operations Manual.

Just like the concept of your business, training must also be standardised. You will need to develop a credible training programme. High-quality training, delivered by qualified professionals, will help you sell your concept to franchisees. ​​​​​​​

Franchise marketing and quality control Franchising requires two marketing strategies. One will be for your franchisees. A core message, strong product or service branding and compelling calls to action will be needed to drive customers to their businesses. Make it bold but simple

enough to be replicated anywhere and everywhere. Think about what your business stands for. What makes it unique? The second marketing strategy will be needed to attract and recruit franchisees – and, of course, generate revenue. What makes your franchise worth investing in? ​​​​​​​

The key to everything in franchising is quality control. Whatever your franchise is selling, put quality at the heart of it. Develop processes that include checklists, policies and also procedures to ensure your Operations Manual is uniformly enforced.

It includes, among other things: ​​​​​​​

• A franchise model and blueprint • An analysis of the potential competition in your marketplace •

A fully customised franchise website, optimised to increase online visibility.

It also includes tools to help you make the best use of your analytics

• Legal documents • Help to formulate your franchise Operations Manual

Learn more about starting a franchise

• A business plan and financial forecasts

Having the right attitude is the cornerstone of success in franchising.

Being focused, positive and flexible is crucial. Expect to face challenges and be prepared to overcome them. If it all sounds a bit daunting, you will be pleased to know there is expert support available to guide you through the franchise process. I offer the Complete Franchise Package. It is designed to help you save time and speed up the franchising process.

• A marketing and recruitment plan

Find out what else my Complete Franchise Package includes. Contact me today on 07885 490266 or email mike@monkmarketing.com

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57

Looking to Grow Your Network in 2019?

What business networking events do you currently attend? Are they working?

Visit a Network My Club event near you to see how it can work for your business...

Thursday 6th January, 8.30am-10.30am The Amex Stadium, Brighton Friday 7th January, 8.30am-10.30am Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester Thursday 17th January, 8.30am-10.30am Fratton Park, Portsmouth Friday 18th January, 12.30pm-2.30pm The Ageas Bowl, Southampton Thursday 24th January, 12.30pm-2.30pm The Kia Oval, London

01903 898025 | www.networkmyclub.co.uk 58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Network My Club

“I’ve found the business club to be an excellent way to meet like-minded professionals and those are often in senior positions.”

- Engage Healthcare

“Network My Club make you feel very welcome and allow you the time to actually network!

They take a keen interest in your business and try to help any way they can, which I find very refreshing.”

- Best Vehicle Leasing

“The structure Network My Club have created really is the future of networking.”

- Detect Fire & Security “In today’s fast-paced business environment, I was struck by the time and care the Network My Club team dedicated to getting to know our business and objectives.” - Hero IT Support

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59

Networking in Sussex

Christmas charity quiz night success A few pictures from the amazing Christmas Charity Quiz night at Cru, Eastbourne. Over ÂŁ300 was raised for Sussex Cancer Fund. Huge thanks to sponsors Whitespace, Firmballs and Cru, as well as all those who donated raffle prizes.

Whitespace team

Mayo Wynne Baxter team

SO Legal team

Quantama team

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Networking in Sussex

LMDB team

Sam Thomas, Milly Stone, Tony Stone

LMDB team

Fox & Sons team

Cru team

Humphrey & Co team Images from Graham Franks Photography

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Made in Sussex: The Implant Centre The Implant Centre in Haywards Heath & Hove is a stateBrand of-the-art practice, Focus equipped to the very highest standards and blends in perfectly with the surrounding listed properties. It is elegant and comfortable whilst also presenting a superb clinical environment for our professional team.

Founded by Implant Surgeons Bill Schaeffer and Guy Barwell, the Haywards Heath practice opened in 2006, and quickly expanded from 2 surgeries to 3 with patient numbers and referral numbers rocketing. The focus was on referrals from dentists, as there was no other practice offering this service in the South East.

In 2009-10 TIC Haywards Heath was completely full, and the need for expansion was needed. The Hove

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flagship practice opened in 2011 in a stunning grade II listed property a stone’s throw from the sea front. The clinic has been likened to a 5 star hotel for teeth and is now home to 11 clinicians, some 50 staff and a dedicated laboratory onsite. We have approximately 350 referring dentists, spreading from Norwich to London and in the South from Chichester to Eastbourne.

The focus has always been to keep implant dentistry out in the dental practice, with TIC as a hub for the surgical phase of implant treatment and for treating the most complex cases, whilst still referring most cases back to the patient’s own dentist to have the implant crowns made.

TIC is proud to have won many awards over the years with the focus on delivering the very best solutions in dental implants in the most empathetic manner.

In May 2018, The Implant Centre’s customer satisfaction survey of nearly 140 patients gave us a ‘Net Promoter Score’ of 82 – higher than that of Apple (only 72)! 100% would recommend us to family or friends, and 72% rated us 10 out of 10.

We have also become known as a centre for ‘sorting out problems’ with dental implants placed elsewhere – both in the UK and abroad. We always aim to do this in the most sympathetic and blameless way possible We believe that from the figures, the consistently flattering testimonials we’re receiving from patients and professional colleagues, and our commitment to continual improvement in every respect, The Implant Centre can justifiably claim to represent all that’s best in private dentistry today.

CREATING PHENOMENAL FUTURES

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at LoveLocalJobs.com.

We look forward to 2019 which is already set to be a very exciting year for LoveLocalJobs.com and our Foundation.

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Oasis Empire Print & design

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Branded clothing

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Exhibitions

Business supplies

Packaging

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64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk