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ISSUE 443
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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES
WE CHAT TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE DEAN ORGILL SBT CHARITY SPECIAL
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RYAN HEAL - CEO OF ROCKINGHORSE
SBT AWARDS SPECIAL
WE HEAR FROM THE WINNERS AND SPONSORS OF THE VIRTUAL BUSINESS AWARDS SUSSEX
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975
1
Relaunch of the new County Business Clubs Sussex Community Platform
COMING SOON
Content Hub
Community
Marketplace
Growth Services
Your Business | Your Community | Your Platform www.countybusinessclubs.co.uk
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SBTWelcome
WE LCO M E
Welcome to the first, packed issue of 2021
The year has started much like 2020 finished as we survive the first month of lockdown 3.0. Despite the continuous
uncertainty, juggling between working from home and home-schooling, talking with people this month there is certainly an
air of optimism, as we are hopeful this is the final hurdle before the vaccine is rolled out and we can look forward to a better spring/summer and end to 2021.
This month we had great pleasure in interviewing County Business Clubs latest Value Added Partners, Mayo Wynne Baxter as we chat to new Chief Executive, Dean Orgill for this month’s cover feature.
We also have an exclusive interview with Rockinghorse CEO Ryan Heal, with a tribute to him and his work over the past eight years as he announces that he will be stepping down and moving onto pastures new.
County Business Clubs have some exciting announcements as we look to relaunch the new platform in February. Thanks
to your feedback and support we have some amazing new tools and functions including our new Marketplace and growth
services. We are delighted to also announce our new Value Added Partners Mayo Wynne Baxter, Whitespace, HR Dept and Learning Cog all who will be able to provide support, great content and advice for all our members.
We have a Virtual Business Awards Sussex special, as we talk to our winners and sponsors. This issue is packed with
insights, advice and great content across a variety of sectors, written by the Sussex business community for the Sussex business community.
Thank you all as always for your continued support and we look forward to a more positive and prosperous new year. I hope you enjoy the issue, Sam Thomas, Managing Director
VALUE ADDED PARTNERS
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3
Issue 443
06 11 Cover 443
Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Production & Design Kim Butler 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. 2020 ©
4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Monthly News SBT Finance
MHA Carpenter Box – What the Brexit Deal means for business in the EU
15
SBT Legal
19 23 27 31
SBT Property
37 55 59 65 69 75 83 86
Employment Law what to expect in 2021– By Alex Jones 365 Employment Law
The Letting Partnership insists agents should be proud of the crucial service they provide
SBT Sales & Marketing
How to get your business through a global pandemic – by creative pod
SBT Charity Special
A tribute to Ryan Heal – CEO Rockinghorse
SBT Cover Feature
We chat to Mayo Wynne Baxter’s New Chief Executive Dean Orgill
SBT Awards Special
We hear from our winners and sponsors from the inaugural Virtual Business Awards Sussex
SBT Tech
New World Tech discuss women IT
SBT People Management & Recruitment
Can businesses insist that employees are vaccinated?
SBT Lifestyle
Spirit of the Downs – Plus Recipe of the month is back
SBT Motoring
COVID 19 Vehicle Update – 2020 in review - bought to you by Rivervale
SBT Networking & Events
5 Reasons your networking might not be working – Brighton up your marketing
SBT Ask The Expert
Why your business narrative matters – Inside Stories
Cube Corner
Cube Consulting by Paul Rogers focus on City Utilities
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MO NT H LY N E WS
World Cup winner helps launch Sussex Cricket’s groundbreaking Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub • Cricketing great Sarah Taylor on hand to launch world first • Online platform harnesses power of shared experience and video, backed by NHS • Developed in response to long-lasting impact of COVID-19 pandemic Sussex Cricket is
Monthly News
proud to become
the first professional sports club in the
world to launch its
own, bespoke online mental health and wellbeing platform for the community. The Sussex Cricket Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub is being launched on
6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Monday 18th January by Sussex and
England cricketing legend, Sarah Taylor, who herself has contributed to the groundbreaking innovation.
Developed in partnership with Frog Systems and with the support of
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust, the hub is a free, online resource designed to help users find hope and
support through the power of shared, lived experiences.
At the heart of the mobile-optimised
platform is the ‘Champions Cinema’, an ever-growing collection of thousands
of videos of 60 seconds or less where people from the Sussex Cricket
community and beyond share their
experiences from an A to Z of topics
MON T H LY N E WS that impact or can help with our mental
position to make a positive difference in
Contributors include Sussex Cricket
The Sussex Cricket Mental Health &
club cricketers, experts from Sussex
that needs it at sussexcricket.frog.net
health and wellbeing.
players and staff – including Taylor,
Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as
well as individuals from a whole host of backgrounds and life experiences.
The fully searchable library also provides links to trusted local resources and
further help relevant to the videos being viewed by a user.
The Sussex Cricket Mental Health &
Wellbeing Hub is completely free to use by anybody with an internet connection and requires no registration, ensuring complete anonymity for users.
The platform came to life after a Sussex Cricket working group, chaired by club
president, Sir Rod Aldridge, was tasked
with finding ways in which Sussex Cricket with its prominent role and significant
reach in the community could make a
this aspect of people’s lives.
Wellbeing Hub is available now to anyone
Sarah Taylor, Sussex player, World Cup winner and nominee for ICC Women’s Player of the Decade:
“I know from my own experiences
how helpful it is to share how we’re
feeling when it comes to looking after our mental wellbeing. Sussex’s new
platform is a wonderful way of taking the power of shared experience and using it to give as many people as
experiencing some form of depression
during the coronavirus pandemic, nearly double the pre-pandemic level, making
it clear that mental health and wellbeing was an area where help was and will continue to be needed.
With over 3,500 members, 182 affiliated cricket clubs, tens of
thousands of supporters who attend matches each year, thousands
more people encountered through
community programmes and corporate
partnerships, over 400,000 followers on social media and more than 850,000 unique website visitors each year,
Sussex Cricket is in an incredibly strong
safety, disrupted our daily routines, uprooted our lives and shaken our
world. It isn’t easy to maintain mental wellbeing, personal resilience and
optimism when we are surrounded and affected by such unsettling
uncertainty. This is why I’m so pleased we are working with Sussex Cricket
on this fantastic resource to provide
advice, information and support about mental health and wellbeing for our local communities.”
nation has collectively found its voice
be a better time for an innovation like this. I’m proud to have shared my
experiences on the platform alongside
so many other people from all walks of life. I’m sure the hub is going to make a big difference.”
to be breaking new ground as the first
one in five adults were likely to be
pandemic has threatened our personal
this current lockdown, there couldn’t
COVID-19 pandemic.
from June 2020* showed that almost
Foundation Trust CEO: “The COVID-19
Phil Worms, CEO of Frog Systems
the challenges of the last year and
Sir Rod Aldridge, Sussex Cricket
Office of National Statistics (ONS) data
Sam Allen, Sussex Partnership NHS
possible support and hope. With all
meaningful and long-lasting contribution
to addressing issues exacerbated by the
topics. I hope people find it useful.”
president,: “We are extremely proud sports club in the world to support
its community in this way. We have
long been able to count on people’s support and we’re delighted to be offering some support back in an
area that is so important, particularly now. It was felt with our connectivity across the entire spectrum of age, gender, background and personal
circumstances that Sussex Cricket
is ideally placed to reach out to our
said: “Over the recent months the
through technology, with millions of
people using video daily. Speaking up and out is essential in countering the
stigma associated with mental wellness issues - and video engages in a way that the written word simply cannot. The stories of hope and support
showcased within the Champions
Cinema will encourage others to feel less stigmatised by their own issues and will feel empowered to take
personal ownership of them. It’s so
commendable that Sussex Cricket is
using its influence and reach in such a
positive way to support its community.” *Source: Office of National Statistics (https://www. ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ wellbeing/articles/
coronavirusanddepressioninadultsgreatbritain/ june2020)
supporters and wider community at
such a challenging time. The Sussex Cricket Mental Health & Wellbeing
Hub, with a seal of approval from the NHS, harnesses the power of shared experience – so vital when it comes
to addressing our mental health - and
provides an innovative and accessible ‘one-stop shop’ for people to easily
access support across a huge range of
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7
MO NT H LY N E WS
Henry Powell
How the Brexit deal is impacting West Sussex businesses With a Brexit deal
Monthly News
agreed, businesses have spent the first
weeks of 2021 getting to grips with its
long-awaited details and implications. Members of the Coastal West Sussex
Partnership, representing some of the region’s key sectors, have explained what the deal means for them.
Tim Hague, Director of Property and
Infrastructure at Shoreham Port said
the biggest impact of the deal, which he described as “significant”, is the new requirement to have all cargo
cleared through customs prior to it being released from the port.
David Martin, Partner at SHW, said businesses in the property sector
faced impacts on supply chains, as
well as the costs of buying and selling
raw materials and finished goods. “It’s
early days yet, but it may lead to more
8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
goods being made and sold in the
of workers from the EU and delays
UK,” he added.
at ports are causing disruption to the
At global engineering and consultancy
costs.” The need for great advice on the
Group Risk Manager said increased
was recommended by the majority
some tasks were taking three times as
Hanson at Landlink Estates added, “we
perishable supply chain and adding
firm Ricardo, Andrew Swayne,
import and export of goods and services
paperwork and processing time meant
of business owners interviewed; Paul
long to complete.
need to embrace the new regime.”
At Allergy Therapeutics, which
Henry Powell, Chairman of the
Operations Director Bev Lees said
“Businesses are picking apart what the
regarding import licensing, “masses”
clear that across many sectors there
of medicines in the EU for goods not
having a deal is far better than a no-deal
We have a laboratory set up in Spain
ours can work with businesses and the
government to help exporters negotiate
possible – that is our key concern.”
EU to change its import requirements.
For more information, please visit
manufactures and exports medicines,
Coastal West Sussex Partnership, said
Brexit has meant complicated logistics
Brexit deal means for them, and it’s
of paperwork and “Complete retesting
are impacts and challenges. However,
approved prior to Dec 31st 2020.
outcome, and now partnerships such as
to perform retests.” Bev wants the
public sector to create the best outcome
with EU bodies and put pressure on the John Hall at the West Sussex Growers’ Association said: “There is a shortage
https://coastalwestsussex.org.uk.
MON T H LY N E WS
Jamie Oliver & Jimmy Dougherty try winemaking at Ridgeview
Jamie Oliver and his best mate Jimmy Dougherty tried their hand at winemaking on a visit to Ridgeview. Filmed before the
Monthly News
pandemic in the
Summer of 2019 as a part of their
Friday Night Feast
programme, Jamie & Jimmy visited the vineyard in the South Downs of
Sussex on their quest to explore English sparkling wine.
To be aired Friday 29th January 8pm on Channel 4, Ridgeview feature alongside guest host Susan Sarandon in the final episode of the current series. As a
part of every show Jamie & Jimmy set
themselves a series of challenges. In this show Jimmy leads the way to the South Downs where he has heard that English sparkling wine is competing with some
of the best sparkling wines in the world and wants to learn more.
Jamie & Jimmy joined Ridgeview’s
Head Winemaker Simon Roberts as
apprentices by helping blend the base
wines. It was then Simon’s job to judge which apprentice had created the best
blend. The team at Ridgeview had such a
great day welcoming Jamie and Jimmy to the estate. Simon Roberts commented: ”What a great honour to have Jamie,
Whilst Jamie & Jimmy were at Ridgeview
English sparkling wine. With Jamie &
with us at Ridgeview. With their passion
final end product of Ridgeview sparkling
of English produce, the programme is
palates, they made for great apprentices.
episode as “Amazing with a smooth fresh
have always been big fans of Jamie &
end of the programme Jamie & Jimmy
filming and lots of laughs.”
some sampling to spread the word about
Jimmy and the team spend the morning
they had the opportunity to taste the
for all things wine and knowledgeable
wines which Jamie describes on the
It was such a great experience as we
flavour”. After the Ridgeview visit, at the
Jimmy. Most of all we had so much fun
take bottles of Ridgeview into London for
Jimmy being such incredible champions great piece and well timed to help spread the word of the joys of English sparkling, putting a spotlight on this very exciting and rapidly expanding industry. www.ridgeview.co.uk
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9
MO NT H LY N E WS
Family soap business wins international business award Sussex-based soap
Monthly News
and luxury products manufacturer
Christina May is
celebrating after
winning the International Business of the Year category of the South East Region Federation of Small Business Awards
2020, sponsored by Lovetts Solicitors,
and being named a finalist in the Good Retail Awards 2021*.
Multi award-winning Christina May
now manufactures and exports a range of products to every continent apart from antarctica under The English
Soap Company brand as well as under white label.
Last year the family business
Alisa & Oliver
celebrated 20 years since it was
introduce new products such as scented
from their kitchen. Christina May’s
proved extremely popular.”
production taking place from a factory
The FSB awards follows success during
launched by Bob and Juliet Butts
turnover now exceeds £3 million with all
hand sanitisers to the range which have
near Heathfield in rural East Sussex.
2020 in the regional Institute of Directors
Today the company is run by Managing
category - and also being named a finalist
Director Oliver Butts and employs 47 staff while continuing to grow and innovate.
Awards - winning the Family Business
in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Christina May Ltd, best known for
Oliver said: “We are all absolutely
its English Soap Company brand,
prestigious award for our success and
luxury soap bars each year along with
has worked incredibly hard with the help
under The English Soap Company brand
to expand our overseas customer
sold through major UK and international
delighted to have won another
manufactures more than five million
get this type of recognition. The team
more than 220 other products sold
of the Department for Trade and Industry
and also white label. The products are
base, market our brand and build our
retailers, hotel and gift suppliers.
reputation around the globe.
The company, which is based in
“It has been very challenging during the
Waldron, near Heathfield, was founded
but we have managed to adapt and
they discovered some vintage soap
pandemic with not being able to travel,
10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
in 2000 by Bob and Juliet Butts after
moulds in a machinery workshop in
Kent. This coincided with Juliet finding
a 25-year-old book about soap making which sparked Bob’s fascination.
The couple spent several years creating a soap bar that is smooth and silky in texture, moisturises rather than dries
the skin and is infused with a luxurious
perfume that lasts until the end of the bar. Managing Director Oliver Butts joined
Christina May in 2012 to work alongside his parents. Bob remains the Senior
Director and Juliet is Company Secretary. Ailsa, Oliver’s wife, joined the company as Operations Manager in 2016.
Today the company’s 47 staff deal
with everything from production to the
packaging design, wrapping and boxing up for distribution.
SBT FINANCE
WHAT THE BREXIT DEAL MEANS FOR BUSINESS IN THE EU BY MHA CARPENTER BOX
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What the Brexit deal means for business in the EU What great news to end a very tough year – the UK finally has a Free Trade Deal with the EU. Businesses have
Finance
craved this certainty
and to have tariff and quota free trading conditions is the
best possible outcome for businesses trading in and with the EU and UK.
Here’s what we know about the Brexit deal and what it means for doing business in the EU. Trade
Under the agreement, goods
originating from the UK or the EU
12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
will not be subject to tariffs, thereby providing for ‘free trade’ between
the territories. The question of where goods originate from will therefore
be very important, particularly where goods are assembled in the UK and
where the component parts may have been imported. As expected, there
are exceptions and special rules for certain categories of goods ranging from medicines to motor vehicles. Whilst there may be ‘free trade’
between the territories, it does not
mean that trade will continue as it did
pre-Brexit. Importantly, whilst tariffs may not be applied, businesses will
be required to complete import/export declarations for movement of goods. There could also be delays due to
customs checks at the border which were not previously required.
Businesses will also need to consider the need to register for VAT in an EU territory to facilitate ongoing trade, particularly if selling directly to consumers.
Going forward the UK will no longer be
required to follow EU law. Great Britain
AWAR D S SPO NS O R to provide details on their affected movements.
Northern Ireland (NI) will operate a dual VAT regime as part of the Brexit Withdrawal agreement.
The rest of the UK, Great Britain (GB), will leave the EU VAT
EU transactions. Businesses in
NI may be required to have two
on goods that enter Northern
declarations will be required when
moving goods between Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, or into Northern Ireland from outside the UK. To
facilitate these movements, the UK
has introduced a new Trader Support
System (TSS). This is a free of charge online portal that enables businesses
the value of the sales.
extended to cover all B2C cross
supply is deemed to be in the EU. This is likely to include legal and
professional services, freight transport and the provision of information.
way in which VAT is charged
TOMS will continue to apply to all
sales from GB to customers in
Northern Ireland Protocol, customs
services to EU consumers, regardless of
Tour Operators Margin Scheme
and accounted for on most
Due to the UK’s obligations under the
VAT will be due on all supplies of digital
Ireland from Great Britain.
Whilst this won’t change the
Northern Ireland Protocol
consumers (£8,818). This means that EU
border services where the place of
Protocol, import VAT will be due
to see what the practicalities look like.
get the benefit of the current EU-wide VAT
number, the latter for continued
Under the obligations in the
arrangements and we will have to wait
must register by 10 February 2021.
From 1 July 2021, MOSS will be
VAT-free trade with EU suppliers.
time to adapt to the new trading
make supplies in January 2021, you
VAT numbers, their UK one and a special EU VAT identification
No doubt it will take businesses some
example the Republic of Ireland. If you
threshold for supplies of digital services to
continue to be treated as intra-
incentives as it sees fits.
scheme in an EU member state, for
and Single Market for goods
NI and the rest of the EU will
to introduce targeted subsidies and
register for the non-Union MOSS
In addition, UK businesses will no longer
only. Goods moved between
aid regime, allowing the government
(MOSS) scheme. UK suppliers can
regime but NI will remain inside the EU VAT, Customs Union
will also be free from the EU state
to use the VAT Mini One Stop Shop
Northern Ireland, there is an important change where goods are moved but ownership does not change. Services
UK financial businesses lose their access to EU customers (many
larger firms have already established
subsidiaries within the EU to continue access). In addition, whilst the UK
has granted EU businesses temporary permission to continue servicing UK
customers, there is no reciprocal EU
(TOMS)
tour operators located in the UK.
From 1 January 2021 the margin on
designated travel services which take place inside the EU will be zero rated in line with the current treatment of
supplies that take place outside the EU. The margin on travel services
enjoyed in the UK will remain taxed at the standard rate except for
passenger transport (the margin will
be zero rated) and certain hospitality
and accommodation services taxed at 5% until 31 March 2021 (the margin will be 5% rated).
agreement for UK businesses yet.
This information is correct as of 12th
We expect regulatory discussions
the latest updates:
about “equivalence” in 2021 and
hopefully, an arrangement whereby UK
January 2021. Visit our Brexit Hub for www.carpenterbox.com/brexit
firms will get access to EU customers. Digital services
UK businesses will no longer be able
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13
Our thinking starts with you “They are excellent in every respect and I am absolutely delighted with the service we receive. Everything has been done in a first-class manner. We know the next period is going to be uncertain, however, with MHA Carpenter Box’s help, I look to the future with confidence.”
Standing still is not an option In today’s environment you need an accountant that does more than just numbers. You need a trusted adviser that helps your business thrive. With our relationship led service, we look to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by you and your business. Our focus is always on client service, with open and honest relationships.
We’re here to help Audit and assurance Accounts and business consulting Tax planning Digital solutions Financial planning
www.carpenterbox.com Now, for tomorrow
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LEGA L
LEGAL
EMPLOYMENT LAW: WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2021 BY ALEX JONES, 365 EMPLOYMENT LAW
SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:
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Employment Law: What to expect in 2021 By Alex Jones, Managing Director, 365 Employment Law As the Covid 19
Legal
pandemic continues to dominate all
matters related to
staffing issues, how
employment law will develop in 2021 is in some ways difficult to predict, but in
others, we can already see the issues that will be discussed in most workplaces.
Covid 19, combined with Brexit having
now happened, and the direct and indirect fallout from that, and I can see certain
issues coming up as the year develops: 1) COVID 19 and the end of furlough
Prior to late March 2020, the concept of furloughing in staff in the UK
employment relationship simply did
not exist. In response to the economic challenges the COVID pandemic
was presenting, the Chancellor, Rishi
16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Sunak, introduced the concept of paid furlough leave for staff, to essentially
place them in hibernation for a period of time, and to assist business
through any closures, reductions in turnover etc
The CJRS introduced the concept of paid furlough, when in simple terms,
employers could inform staff they were
not needed in the workplace, keep their jobs open, and recover 80% of their
salary (capped at ÂŁ2,500) from HMRC. Initially, employers had to either place
staff in furlough, or keep them in work.
They could not split the two options until later in the summer.
There have been various extensions
of the CJRS scheme, the last taking it until April 2021. Given the huge costs
of the CJRS, the vaccine rollout, and
the warmer summer months, I cannot see the scheme being extended further, unless for example if a
lockdown continues. Even if it is, it will be for a short period.
This creates a potential cliff edge for a number of businesses, particularly those that have essentially been
in hibernation due to covid, such
as hospitality businesses. This will
mean that redundancy consultations will accelerate in the spring, with
redundancies happening from late April onwards. Employers may
not appreciate the consultation
requirements, which become more
detailed with 20 plus affected staff, and this will also lead to unfair dismissal claims.
LEGA L 2) Health and Safety in the workplace
metre plus. Employers should think about
staff, who interact on a close and daily
reopen at the start of June, but large
of COVID-19 and how those can be
same as those in an office. Employers
not back at work, or working from
result in an investigation by the Health
almost immediately went back to full
outbreak.
warehouse based business, had to
Every workplace, should continue
they needed to put in place to protect
guidelines relating to COVID and their
4) Brexit and Employment Rights
been put in place, and lower paid staff
place relating to what to do in terms of
that workplace rights would not be
Large parts of the economy started to
the risk areas for possible transmission
parts of the workforce were either
mitigated. A failure to do this could
home at that point. Those areas that
and Safety Executive in the event of an
attendance, including factories and
consider what protections and systems
to assess, on a rolling basis, issuing
staff. In many cases, systems were not
staff safety, including having protocols in
were at times exploited and continue to
symptoms and an actual diagnosis.
November, working from home was not
Employers should appreciate that
to many workplaces being as normal.
extend to the worker’s commute to
position was in the middle. Certain
reduces transmission risk is not enough,
previously, were for no obvious reason,
for example, via crowded public
being estate agents.
environment. Working out mitigation
I have advised on a number of employee
eg later starts, should be considered
employer is taking, is that they are
engaged with their staff throughout the
provision. This assumption in a number
a much better place, than those who
having the view that because staff are
when those expectations had no legal
previously. This is incorrect and will lead
continue to be for more flexible and home
certain situations, a COVID outbreak
will be ahead of others in recruitment.
Health and Safety Executive.
3) Vaccination requirements
The Health and Safety at Work Act
given examples of employers taking
a safe system of work and this applies
by them, or continue to be employed
Covid. The specific application of that to
This unilateral path is a dangerous one
be considered by employers. Employers
claims. The question that employers
this. That should include a detailed risk
workplace require a COVID vaccination
specifics of their business/workplace and
staff or customers. As an example,
be exploited. In the second lockdown in a requirement, but a suggestion, leading
providing a safe workplace, can also
In the third lockdown this month, the
work. Eg an office that dramatically
workplaces that were not exempt
if workers attend the workplace,
exempt this time, the best example
transport, and also their home working plans on an ongoing basis in that regard
enquiries, where the position their
by all employers. Employers who
exempt from the work from home
pandemic, have found themselves in
of cases, also leads to the employer
dictated expectations to them, especially
in the office, everything should be as
justification. Staff expectations will
to claims against those employers. In
working, and employers who offer that
could lead to an intervention by the
A number of recent news reports have
basis with the vulnerable, is not the
should always take advice on specific
circumstances. Terminating employment because of this issue could lead to
Unfair Dismissal and Discrimination
Claims, with the latter also applying to job applicants too.
Despite the governments protestations diminished as a result of Brexit, they are now on a consultation path to removing some of those rights, specifically those
in the Working Time Regulations (WTR).
The simplicity of the discussion, ignores the reality, of removing those rights,
which will be difficult, both politically and legally. As an example, the WTR requires a rest break of at least 20 minutes in
every 6 hours. If this was removed in
law, an employer would no longer be required to offer it, but what about
existing employees? They could argue the break right was a contractual one.
What about Health and Safety? The HSE could take the view that the removal of
the right breached safety requirements.
Finally, the issue of the duty of trust and confidence could come into play, any
employer that denied a rest break, could be in breach of those obligations, and claims could arise accordingly.
It will be interesting to see how this develops, but my guess would be
that the practical problems, combined with pressure, for example from Trade
(HSWA) requires all employers to operate
the view that staff will not be employed
in all workplaces, specifically related to
by them, without a COVID vaccination.
the return to work and Covid-19 had to
for employers to take, and will lead to
should of course continue to assess
should ask themselves is, does this
Alex Jones
management plan, that focuses on the
to function safely, either towards
Tel: 01903 863284
not just based on general guidelines eg 1
a vaccination requirement for care
Unions, will mean this sits in the background for a long period.
Please always take advice on any staff related issues.
365 Employment Law Solicitors ajones@365employmentlaw.co.uk www.365employmentlaw.co.uk
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17
Create your own bespoke legal documents online with LawEasier, it’s easy-peasy!
www.laweasier.co.uk 18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
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INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BRIGHTON WORKS CLOSE TO CAPACITY
ARTISAN BAKERY COBURN & BAKER IS THE LATEST TENANT
SBT PROPERTY SPONSORED BY:
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The Letting Partnership insists agents should be proud of the crucial service they provide As we enter a New
Property
Year and a new
Due to the Government’s belief in the
agents should take
moves are still permitted in the latest
lockdown, letting
pride in the essential
role they provide, said The Letting Partnership.
It praised the industry for responding quickly to new legislation, which has
been changing constantly throughout the pandemic, and for working so hard to
allow many people to safely move home.
20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
importance of the property sector, house lockdown and agencies can continue to
work as long as they follow the national guidance on moving home safely.
Operating safely means protecting everyone, whether that is staff,
landlords or potential tenants, and this provides many new challenges which agents have risen to.
The Letting Partnership, which delivers
outsourced client accounting and Client Money Protection services, pointed
out agents have a challenging job and
should champion their hard work during a difficult year.
Gill Waller, Compliance and Development
Manager at The Letting Partnership, said: “Letting agents should stand proud as
we head into 2021. They play a vital role
in helping people to find housing which is
P RO PE RTY Not only do they have no right to
enter the property once a tenancy
has commenced, except in extreme
Money matters
list of regulations, or risk financial or
must be handled correctly to protect
even custodial penalties.
Advertising the property, carrying out
also the Non-Resident Landlord tax to
a safe and healthy environment. This includes possessing an
understanding of safety regulations
such as the Furnishings (Fire and Safety) Regulations, Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations, Gas Safety
(Installation and Use) Regulations, and
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations for England. Moving in
When a tenancy is agreed, the agent must ensure they provide the tenant
and often it has been a home that they have invested time and emotion in.
When a landlord entrusts their property to a letting agent, they do so for the
reassurance that all rules and regulations are being complied with and the
knowledge that their investment is safe.” Starting out
Renting out a property always poses
a risk, and for some landlords handing over the keys to a stranger can be the cause of immense stress and worry.
as management of the property, there is consider. Without an agent it would fall to the tenant to operate the scheme. The agency as a whole must also comply with all of the relevant
regulations, such as having Client
Money Protection to protect landlords and tenants’, while making sure client accounting runs like clockwork. They remove all the stress for landlords of chasing rent, reconciling payments, paying contractors and tax. Agents
are also on hand to guide landlords
through the processes around the end of the tenancy.
with statutory documentation such as
Gill Waller added: “At the end of the
(if applicable). Failure to serve all of the
that must be followed to legally obtain
a current EPC or Gas Safety Certificate
are renting out is their biggest asset,
landlord, and an audit record kept.
iceberg. Letting agents must carry out a is ‘fit for human habitation’ and provides
“For a lot of landlords, the property they
the interests of both the tenant and the
If landlords live overseas then, as well
variety of checks to ensure the property
can sometimes go under the radar.
All money received from the tenant
COVID-safe viewings and finding a
suitable tenant is only the tip of the
we think the level of service they provide
waters where necessary.
circumstances, but they must ensure
that they comply with an ever-growing
fundamental to leading a happy life, yet
between the two parties and calming the
correct documents at the start of the
tenancy could jeopardise their chances of taking back possession of the property at a later date.
Agents are also required to provide a detailed inventory, or schedule of
tenancy there is a very strict process possession of a property. The rules
surrounding this process have been
changing constantly over the last year as a result of the pandemic – sometimes on a weekly basis! Letting agents have had to keep up to date with these changes.
condition, which records all of the
“The role of the letting agent has never
property and their state of repair. It is
involved in letting and managing a
contents, fixtures and fittings of the
crucial this is carried out thoroughly
as any future claim on the deposit for
dilapidations will rely on it as evidence. During the course of the tenancy the
letting agent will monitor the condition of the property and will liaise with the
been so important, while the work
residential property has never been so
involved and yet so underrated. Letting agents should feel proud.”
For more information visit: https://www. thelettingpartnership.co.uk/
tenant over any repairs. Letting agents have a duty of care to both landlords
and tenants, often acting as mediators
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21
PRO PE RT Y
Industrial development Brighton Works close to capacity Artisan bakery
Property
Coburn & Baker is
the latest tenant to make the move to Brighton Works in
Bevendean where lettings have been popular, with only three out of seven remaining units available.
This builds on the success of the striking development which was revamped by Charter Land and
responds to a need for industrial and warehouse space in the city.
Brighton Works has already welcomed
cheese and charcuterie supplier The Great British Charcuterie and local produce distributor Sun Harvest to the site.
Charles Sandy, Director of Charter
Land, said: ”Brighton Works is definitely
22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
emerging as a hub for the food and
been supplying direct to consumers with
hospitality industry in the city, but our
the help of its team of delivery drivers.
any business in need of warehousing
Brighton Works provides a total of seven
site in Bevendean would be suitable for and industrial space.
warehouse and industrial units, at The
”We’ve seen a number of industrial sites
housed Brighton Sheet Metal, which
Hyde, Auckland Drive. It previously
in the city turned into housing in recent
closed in 2018.
of good quality warehousing units in
Located around three miles north east
robust. It’s a pleasure to welcome our
Road and Falmer Road, as well as
years and we know there is a clear lack Brighton, so demand continues to be
of the city centre near the A27, Lewes
latest tenant Coburn & Baker.”
Moulsecoomb Train Station, the site is
Coburn & Baker is a thriving artisan
good parking and the units boast views
Brighton which crafts artisan breads,
from 1,750 sq ft to a combined total of
well served by public transport. There is
bakery, employing 40 staff, based in
of the South Downs. Units range in size
vegan and savoury items, fine patisserie
50,500 sq ft.
restaurants, gourmet shops, cafes and
For more information, please visit
and cakes for wholesale to hotels,
caterers throughout Sussex and beyond. During the pandemic year it has also
www.brightonworks.space.
SBT
P RO PE RTY
SALES & MARKETING
HOW TO GET YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
BY CREATIVE POD
SBT SALES & MARKETING SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23
How to get your business through a global pandemic Since March
Sales & Marketing
2020, the global
economy has faced unprecedented
collapse, not from a
physical world war, but an international, invisible war on the human race. Many of us never expected to be in our third national lockdown in England almost a year since the onset of the global
pandemic, yet here we are. And with
the economic recovery of our country going to take years before we see
a substantial return to some distant
resemblance of normality, now is the
24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
time to prepare long term strategies of
how you will keep your business afloat. Award-winning marketing agency, Creative Pod, have experienced
great success and expansion during
COVID-19, and have pulled together
some advice on how to survive a global pandemic as a company.
Although a survey by ‘Simply Business’
outlines that the South East has had the second to lowest business closure rate
due to coronavirus of 3%, we sit slightly above the national average for loss of
earnings last year, at just under ÂŁ12,800.
A study conducted in June 2020,
showed that 28% of national SME companies think they will need to
make redundancies in the aftermath of COVID-19, and 36% have had to
halt all growth projects. The study also estimated that more than 50% of SME
companies could be out of business in
the next 12 months, and we are now just four months till this deadline. So, with
many businesses at breaking point, what is the solution?
Many studies have shown that the
key to keeping your business afloat is
AWAR D S S PO NS O R
marketing as possible, as the IPA also
this more than ever with our clients.
reduces profitability and growth of
in businesses approaching us for
send a company into insolvency in the
have invested in this activity have seen
reports that cutting marketing budgets
We have seen a massive increase
marketing, but this is often one of the
a business, which is a sure way to
marketing assistance, and those that
at when needing to cut costs, which
current economic climate.
the huge benefit it can have. For many of
lockdown of 2020 between March and
Matt Turner, CEO of The Creative
still around in the next 12 months.
Advertising (IPA) reported the largest
including Creative Pod, said “The reason
Right now, it’s about keeping your head
since it started its research more than
because they don’t have enough clients
their life jacket will be marketing.”
financial crisis of 2008. IPA recorded
there, even in our current economy, it’s
For help with your marketing, or if
reduced their marketing budget, and
Well, the only way you are going to find
please contact Creative Pod on matt@
first things that business owners look
is a fatal error. During the first national
them, it is likely to be the reason they are
June, the Institute of Practitioners in
Group which holds six companies,
decrease in business marketing spend
businesses are becoming insolvent is
20 years ago, superseding the global
to break even, but those clients are out
that 50.7% of UK companies drastically
just a little more difficult to reach them.
you would simply like some advice,
with England deep into its third national
those clients is by marketing.
creativepod.uk.com
more now than ever. But it is of vital
We have always known that you need
that they continue with as much
the last ten months, we have witnessed
lockdown, companies are struggling importance to an owner’s business
above water, and for most businesses,
to strike while the iron is hot, and over
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25
Digital, design & branding
We are a full service creative agency specialising in design, web and marketing. Founded by three passionate creatives.
whitespace.studio 4 St. Georges Place, Brighton BN1 4GA 01273 258000 / hello@whitespace.studio 26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT CHARITY SPECIAL
SBT CHARITY SPECIAL...A TRIBUTE TO RYAN HEAL
CEO OF ROCKINGHORSE
CHOSEN CHARITY PARTNER:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27
SBT Charity Special...A tribute to Ryan Heal This month SBT got an exclusive interview with CEO of Rockinghorse Ryan Heal, now stepping down after 8 years. Charity
Ryan you have
career to come. I remember applying for
Sussex Business
FM and being told by my soon to be
been involved in the Community for many years, tell us about
your career to date?
the my first job in radio with Southern
boss Bob Hoad, that they couldn’t take me on at the moment but to keep in
touch……..I don’t think Bob realised
Firstly, it’s incredible how quickly the
that to me that wasn’t a veiled offer and
for 300 years and I’m only 44! The career
hired me in month 13! Bob still tells that
publishing / commercial sales with Reed
in my career. Bob and those glory years
years pass! I feel like I’ve been around
I hounded him every week for a year. He
started straight out of University in
story, and he was the first great mentor
Elsevier, a great training ground for the
at Southern FM were very special and
28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
planted the “radio bug” in my DNA that remains strong to this day. In between stints in the recruitment sector, which
everyone seemed to have a stab at in
the early 00’s, it was my arrival at Juice FM in 2005 that re-ignited the radio
connection. For years, Southern FM
had been the only game in town when it
came to radio. Every business looking to advertise on the radio in Sussex found their way to Southern FM, then all of a
sudden this little upstart of radio station
CHA RITY
starts to make inroads into market
share and the hyper local commercial
radio platform that Juice FM provided was gaining real traction. Around this time, the much loved Southern FM
had been re-branded and re-launched as Heart FM. There is no doubt that Juice benefited greatly from Heart’s
decision to move to a more national
outlook, leaving Juice to build endless local partnerships for many years to
come. I became Managing Director at Juice in 2007 and held that post until
my departure in 2012. Having moved on operationally, I held the position
of Chairman until the sale of Juice in 2018. I was incredibly proud of what
we achieved at Juice against a huge
global market leader and in the midst of the 2008-2011 economic crisis. At
the time of the credit crunch recession,
we were one of the only profitable radio
stations in the country. It taught me the importance of relationship building and how local corporate partnerships still
stand for so much and should never be underestimated.
You have been at Rockinghorse for over 8 years, have you achieved
what you wanted to and how has the charity evolved during your time? I moved to Rockinghorse to “give
back” following our son’s illness and
subsequent season ticket at The Royal” Alex.” I don’t think I would have made such a move had it not been for the
personal connection. It didn’t feel like a career move that’s for sure. I recall
being interviewed at the time and stating firmly that I’ll do a couple of years with the charity, get our son better and
then move back into the commercial
world………I blinked and 8 years flew
by. I’m so proud of our achievements
at Rockinghorse during my time, it’s no secret that the charity was struggling
for direction, profile and engagement in the local community prior to my arrival in 2012. By 2014, the turnover was up
104% whilst, crucially, keeping the cost
base the same and therefore generating a very healthy surplus. By 2017 this
had reached record levels of surplus, not seen in the charity’s previous 50
years, while the fundraising team never grew beyond 4 members of staff with
an average of just 7 full time equivalent staff at the entire charity. This was the case throughout my tenure. The staff
have been incredible over the years and their utter dedication to the cause has
enabled us to give so much away to our projects at the Royal “Alex”, the Trevor Mann Baby Unit and beyond. I always wanted to focus on what we actually
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29
C HA RI T Y
gave away as opposed to how much we raised. Many charities out there will tell
you they raised £1M, without telling you
they spent £990,000 getting there! I was
base Rockinghorse enjoys, I have no
doubt it will continue to be successful for many years to come.
adamant from day 1 that I was going to
After such an impressive impact on
a big change for Rockinghorse, but I
close place in my heart, our readers
run the charity as a business. This was
think the outcome defends the strategy. Too many charities don’t incorporate
commercial thinking into their overall strategy and I think that’s very short
sighted. Personal highlights will include running the London Marathon in 2015
raising over £10,000, arranging a Royal visit to the children’s hospital in the
50th year Golden Jubilee and winning
Outstanding Contribution to Charity &
Outstanding Contribution to Sussex in 2018. As I move on from the charity, I
know I’m leaving it in a much stronger position with a profile that has been
resurrected beyond recognition (to what
it was previously.) With the huge support
30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
the charity, one as you know has a will want to know what is next for Ryan Heal?
As one chapter ends, another one
begins and I’m very excited about the future. Using the experience
gained over the past (nearly) 25 years, including 15 of those as Managing Director & Chief Executive, I’ll be
starting up my business consultancy - BN1 Consulting - with the sole aim of working with local businesses to
raise their profile, network, footprint, engagement and ultimately increase their bottom line. Additionally, I’ll be continuing with my “Best of British”
Events which have been going since
2009 and have benefited many regional causes, including Chestnut Tree House & Rockinghorse, with hundreds of
thousands of pounds being raised
over the years. Admittedly, with the current pandemic, our larger scale
events will take a little longer to return but hopefully not too much longer
now. When they do return, I expect
them to be as popular as ever given the pent up frustration of not being
able to engage with our networks and professional communities for so long. I look forward to helping a variety of
regional charities through these events - Book early for 2021/22! Finally, and
until such times when the larger scale events return, I’ll also be launching
the Best of British Members Club –
BBMC for a smaller, select group of
businesses and business leaders so watch this space!
SBT COVER FEATURE
WE CHAT TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE DEAN ORGILL FROM MAYO WYNNE BAXTER
SBT COVER FEATURE SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31
We chat to Dean Orgill from Mayo Wynne Baxter After 13 years at the helm of one of the South East’s most prominent regional law firms, Chris Randall has passed on the Chief Executive of Mayo Wynne Baxter baton to Dean Orgill. Dean is a well-known
Cover Feature
face in the Sussex
business community
and takes over during what we can politely
call ‘interesting times’. We interviewed
Dean to find out a little more about the man behind MWB.
Are you from Sussex originally?
No, born and bred in the Staffordshire/ Derbyshire border country. My home
32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
town is Burton-on-Trent which was the brewing capital of the world.
What were you like as a child?
That is a long way back, but I will try
to remember. The word that comes to
mind is happy. I was always involved in as many sports as possible, which was
a good outlet for my competitive streak. I was lucky enough to go to excellent
schools, particularly a grammar school
that really taught me how to study. Most
importantly though I met the love of my life at a young age – and happily, she is still prepared to put up with me now.
Did you always want to be a lawyer?
When it became clear that no sport was
going to invite me to play for England, my first thought career-wise was psychiatry
– but I do not have the scientific aptitude that was going to be needed to qualify. History was a real interest, but I could
not see how it would earn a living. Law
COVER FE ATU RE
was interesting for two reasons. Firstly
it suited my natural inclination to argue, and secondly working my way through
to qualify and then make a career looked like the toughest challenge that I could take on – so I did.
When did you join MWB, and what is your specialist area?
In December 1987. I joined as a general litigator dealing with civil, criminal and
they were spread around the county.
However, I am glad to have done both
as I think the experiences are invaluable. For the last 20 years though I have
focussed very much on commercial
disputes, predominantly about contracts, and developed my expertise in dealing
with intellectual property issues such as copyright and brand protection.
family cases. I was not a natural fit for
In your time at MWB, what are the
with criminal matters for ten years.
Sussex’s commercial landscape?
the family work, but I did enjoy dealing During that time, I worked in preparing
and appearing as an advocate in either defence or prosecution cases, and
would also attend police stations on the 24-hour duty solicitor scheme. I miss
the advocacy but cannot say that I miss the early hours calls to attend a police station, especially since at that point
main changes you have noticed to The biggest significant change has to
be the rise of digital technology. When I started at Wynne Baxter Godfree,
there was no internet – incredible but
true. It is almost impossible to imagine any business now, no matter how
traditional, that does not use digital
technology in one way or another. Plus,
of course, there are whole swathes of businesses that would not exist at all
without digital technology, and Sussex has many clusters of world-leading companies in that sector.
The other area that has come on leaps
and bounds is food and drink. We have always had superb producers in the area, but the number has increased significantly, and more of these are
establishing national and international reputations. It seems that our local
producers are very well-placed to meet
the increased demand in the market for accountable sourcing and sustainable production methods.
This also makes me think of our
efforts regarding sustainability and
consideration of our natural resources. As one of the inaugural trustees of
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33
C OVE R F E AT URE
You are taking over at one of the
most challenging times in recent
history, what are your plans for the firm in 2021?
Like everyone in business, we would
love to be able to predict exactly what was going to happen in the next 12
months. At the best of times, that is not
possible, and these are certainly not the
best of times. We all have to get through the short-term, but we will, and beyond that, we are looking to continue our firm’s long-term expansion.
We continually review both the services we provide and how we provide them. Like many businesses, we learn the
lessons from operating in the pandemic. Fortunately, we were able to leverage the substantial investment in IT
infrastructure that we had made over many years. Our ability to work with
greater agility in terms of location and access to files was already set up,
and we were anticipating the trend
towards blended working methods.
In no way though would I say that we the South Downs National Park Trust, I am very aware of many initiatives in
place to help support local community
businesses and the support they provide for our environment.
where they are operating and want to give something back to that broader
community. The support generated for
our local charities is always tremendous, and long may that all continue.
had anticipated the turbo-boost to
that change that the pandemic put
into effect. Things that may have taken
months or years to evolve were required to be done in weeks if not days. We will be looking at how we best utilise what we have learned to benefit our clients,
Ultimately though business in the area
You were previously Chairman at
involved. The drive, initiative and support
to your new role as Chief Executive?
The pandemic has had an enormous
meetings, work with Chris Randall our
has it impacted MWB?
survives and thrives because of the people that the business community offers to
each other has not – I am delighted to
say – changed at all. The Sussex business community is an excellent example of
businesses supporting one another and
collectively supporting their communities. While the Sussex business community knows that profit is essential, it does
not forget that it is not the sole purpose for a business to exist. I have met so many people who really appreciate
34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
MWB, what will be the main difference As Chairman, I would Chair the board previous Chief Executive on strategic matters, and hopefully offer some
“sage” advice before stepping back and reverting to dealing with my caseload.
As Chief Executive, the role is much more
operational. Things I would have pondered
on and given my view upon I now have the responsibility to make happen.
our staff, and the business.
effect on many business sectors, how As I have mentioned, the way we work has altered in that as a firm, we are
currently spread around the county,
largely working from our homes. But given the technology available, we have maintained the same levels
of service to our clients which they
have appreciated. I can say that with confidence not only because of the
COVER FE ATU RE
public reviews data but also because we ask those clients directly.
Overall we have not been able to hit the
services provided by our highly-skilled
that we had set for ourselves 12 months
free legal guides to help explain the law
that keep us on track to resume growth
allows clients to create bespoke legal
challenging targets for this financial year
legal advisers. These products include
ago, but we have successfully hit levels
and legal processes and technology that
going forward.
documents online. Our research showed
have perhaps seen the biggest swings
Many businesses are moving to the
amongst clients that the traditional law
a short surge as people needed to
happen in the legal sector?
As a business we have various
departments that are differently
affected by different aspects within the economy. Our property departments from market closure (which led to
put emergency measures in place
for ongoing transactions), to virtually nothing whilst the market was
effectively closed, to another surge as the SDLT measures injected stimulus into the market again.
Other departments have maintained business levels more consistently,
while still having to adapt to temporary changes in the law which can then be further extended at short notice and advising accordingly.
digitisation of services, can that
a great demand for some services
firm is not, and will not be, asked to
meet. Therefore, we have invested in
It definitely can, and it definitely is. We
providing the means for that need to be
has been developing, as we are always
services directly if they wish to through
have kept a close eye on this trend as it
met, allowing people to purchase legal
aware that the way our services can
www.laweasier.co.uk .
services depend on communication, and
How do you see the Sussex
to evolve. It has probably changed more
next five years, and do you think that
years previously.
“Normal” is continually evolving in
As an example, we have developed our
constant. Things will not go back
be delivered continually changes. Our
the way we communicate now continues
commercial landscape changing in the
in the last 30 years than in hundreds of
there will ever be a ‘back to normal’?
LawEasier products to supplement the
any event. Change is really the only entirely to the way they were. Some of
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35
C OVE R F E AT URE
the changes we have seen will, I am
sure, be kept. Blended/flexible working patterns will be maintained in some
shape or form as employers have come to realise that “working from home”
is not just a “duvet day” in disguise. Working spaces will become more
flexible. I do not think the office is dead, but I think it will look different.
I also wonder whether our values
and what we view as important, have
irreversibly changed. It will be interesting to see if those changes are permanent. One thing I personally would like to revert back to as soon as possible
though is actually meeting people and
interacting in the real world. I doubt very much that anyone reading this would say otherwise.
Your face will be familiar to many of
our readers from your work outside of Mayo Wynne Baxter, can you tell us a little about your other roles?
As Chair of Brighton and Hove Economic
36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Partnership, I chair the business group
also sit on the panel of the Sustainable
the City and acts as a critical friend to
grants to community projects that also
that promotes inward investment into
Communities Fund, which provides
Brighton and Hove City Council to devise
support the National Park’s objectives.
Because of that, I also sit on the Greater
With so much on your plate, what do
partnership side, which looks to promote
We are largely back to the sports theme
for the whole of the City region.
active playing football, rugby, squash
As Vice-Chair of the Board of Sussex
years ago and am now an absolute
can to Ana Christie and the rest of that
whilst also being able to cover long
Sussex businesses in as many ways
that you can feel that you are part of the
courses and support, local networking
it in a sealed container. In the winter
British Chambers of Commerce.
other passion is ice hockey – simply the
Finally, I mentioned earlier, the
stop moving I love listening to (what I
which looks to create long-term
comedy fan generally preferring radio to
and implement its economic strategy. Brighton Economic Board’s business
you do to unwind?
a cohesive strategic economic approach
here. Like many people who have been and running, I turned to cycling a few
Chamber, I look to offer what support I
convert. It is a great way to “switch off”
excellent Chamber team in supporting
distances, but also to do so in a way
as possible, such as providing local
landscape rather than passing through
and advocacy through the national
months, I love to ski whenever I can. My best team sport that there is. When I do
South Downs National Park Trust,
define as) good music, and I am a keen
sustainable funding for the support
TV -though live is best of all.
itself and its objectives. Within that I
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
and maintenance of the National Park
COVER FE ATU RE
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37
The Float Spa
Winner - The Business Resilience Award Because The Float
Award Winner
Spa’s raison d’etre is to help people, being forced to
close when people
needed them most was a real blow.
Fortunately, the wonders of modern technology, some innovative ideas and sheer determination allowed
them to continuing offering services.
Being recognised for doing this with a
Business Resilience Award voted for by the local people they set up to help felt like a real privilege and just the boost they needed after such a hard year.
38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Looking After Mental Health
health as anxiety rose and depression
Spa after realising she needed to take
lockdown went on. Not being able to
and wanted to share the mental health
them feel during this time was heart-
business was the first of its kind in the
The Float Spa offered.
discovering how much floating could
Continuity
wellbeing, it quickly became popular.
popular so they were very fortunate
Float Spa was forced to close along with
continue those classes online. The
it had a huge effect on people’s mental
classes up and running was impressive
Camille Pierson founded The Float
and loneliness started to set in as the
better care of her own mental health
offer people floatation therapy to help
benefits of floatation with others. The
breaking but, fortunately, it was not all
area but, as soon as people began improve their mental and physical
Yoga at The Float Spa was also very
When the pandemic struck and The
in being able to use technology to
lots of other businesses on 20th March,
speed with which they got the online
AWAR D W I N N E RS alone as they were so popular through the webshop.
Future Proofing
Since the 2021 lockdown began, The Float Spa have been working harder than ever to expand their offering to
keep supporting people’s mental and
physical wellbeing during this difficult
time. In addition to the booming online sales and popular online yoga classes,
they recently introduced beginners’ yoga courses which people can purchase and follow at their leisure. These courses
are designed for total beginners to learn specific styles of yoga rather than just
generic yoga-type practices. They hope these classes will introduce new people to the benefits of yoga and give them the confidence to join a real life class
once lockdown is over. Camille Pierson herself has been adding to her skillset
to expand her offering going forward by
training to be a behavioural scientist. She as well as the safety features built
into their online platform. It meant
people could login and pay securely
to see their favourite Float Spa expert yogis teaching live from their homes. Additionally, they added all kinds of pre-recorded yoga and meditation
content to the platform for people to
access on demand so they could get
their yoga and relaxation fix whenever
they needed it. They felt this was very
important for people who depended on their yoga for their peace of mind and physical health. New Starts
Technology wasn’t the only option to help people during lockdown either. A new scheme by the NHS offering
acupuncture to its staff allowed The
Float Spa to offer its facilities for their use. This first of its kind research
project yielded some impressive results. The Float Spa offered the NHS their
facilities initially free of charge but now
have been forced to charge a small fee
to allow it to remain open. When they
finally reopened in August, they had to
make all the kinds of adjustments to stay COVID safe but still found themselves shortlisted for the Small Business
Saturday 100. The online platform continued to be popular until the
opportunity arose to expand the online offering even further. Limited Support
The Float Spa’s situation meant they received very little financial support through the first two lockdowns
(and still aren’t receiving it through the latest one) but were fortunate
enough to receive a small fund from Coast to Capital Funding to create an ecommerce platform to sell the
branded goods they’d been selling
in a very limited way into local small
is now fully qualified and offering online
coaching through Zoom. The total lack of support for company directors made this a necessity but she has found it a really
interesting opportunity to learn how she
could help people to achieve their goals and live a happier life.
Winning the Business Resilience
Award after such a hard fight to keep
going, keep helping people and keep looking to the future has really given The Float Spa the recognition they
needed to push on, continue expanding and improving. Obviously, they’re
desperately looking forward to opening again to see all their lovely visitors but The Float Spa have learnt a great deal from these lockdowns and believe it
will help them to offer an even better service to help people in the future.
independent retailers. This means
they went from selling a handful of
bath bombs and bags of Epsom Salts each month to making over 800 bath bombs in November and December
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39
Turning Tides
Winner - The Sussex Business Community Award Turning Tides is the
Award Winner
largest provider of
homeless services for single adults
throughout West
Sussex. For over 28 years, the charity
has supported thousands of homeless men and women, including people
who are forced to sleep rough. Almost 90% of those they support are local. Currently, they run 21 properties in
various locations across the county, offering a broad range of housing
and specialist support to help people rebuild their lives.
40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
At the very core of Turning Tides’ ethos is the belief that everyone has the right
to a home, regardless of the difficulties they may face in their lives. They work to empower homeless and insecurely housed individuals throughout every
step of their journey, from outreach and community hubs to specialist multidisciplinary teams in-house.
Turning Tides are constantly developing
and enhancing services not only to meet the ever-increasing rise in homelessness but also to ensure they meet the diverse needs of their clients.
2020 has been an extremely challenging year for the charity and this is set to
continue. They are facing significantly increased need for their services as rising numbers of people lose their
homes due to the economic impact
of COVID-19. The pandemic has also
brought some more hopeful changes.
The largest of these being in March last year when the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative opened the doors of hotels
and B&Bs to men and women who had nowhere to live to protect them from
the spread of the virus. This brief, but truly historic moment, all but ended
AWAR D W I N N E RS
homelessness. This was made possible thanks to the dedication of frontline
workers across Sussex. Partnership working across sectors was also
fundamental as everyone rallied to keep people safe in their communities.
‘Everyone In’ ended in July 2020 and
since then Turning Tides have continued to house many people in their own
services - which are now stretched to
the limit. As the virus grips even more tenaciously at the beginning of 2021,
the Government have just announced a second ‘Everyone In’ to ensure that no
one is sleeping rough. However, this will be temporary, as with the first.
COVID-19 continues to accelerate financial hardship, relationship
breakdown and mental health struggles,
all of which contribute to homelessness. At the end of 2020, local councils
reported a doubling of people becoming homeless. Even without the threat of a deadly virus, homeless people die
on average 30 years sooner than the general population.
2020 saw a number of vital fundraising initiatives from the charity to meet the
increasing demands for their services.
The charity are particularly grateful for
the overwhelming support of a Worthing fundraiser Phil Heckles, aka Hercule
van Wolfwinkle - whose ‘Pet Portraits’
whilst living on the streets:
and attracted media attention from all
and hopelessness, to high levels of
on Facebook have raised almost £50K
“We are used to long periods of boredom
over the world.
stress and even dealing regularly with
At Christmas, Turning Tides launched
people who have died on the streets
appeal and Ben, a client who
COVID yet.”
shared his story:
Despite everything, Ben remains
“I was made homeless after a difficult
a home in a community of people who
better of me and I just couldn’t ask my
helped to turn my life around.”
got cold, I slept by the heaters in the
There are still enormous challenges
you live on the streets, you just can’t see
undeniably risen to the hugest challenge
with your life. It takes everything out of
ongoing support from the community
their ‘Christmas is Not Cancelled’
supported the charity’s appeal, bravely
relationship breakdown. Pride got the family and friends for help…. when it
the possibility of dying. I know of many but, fortunately, no one who has died of
positive; “I feel incredibly lucky to have support this charity – a charity that has
car park next to the bowling alley. When
on the horizon but the charity has
how you are going to do anything else
in their 28 year history - COVID-19. With
you to just survive and you lose hope of
they hope one day they will be able to
achieving anything else”.
end local homelessness for good.
After 5 years of living on the streets, Ben
To find out more about the work of
Tides’ accommodation:
to read Ben’s story in full or to donate,
was offered a room in one of Turning
Turning Tides across West Sussex and
“It was the first time in a very long
visit: www.turning-tides.org.uk
time that I felt safe and had a reason for living. Having an address and my
own room gave me both security and
head space to start thinking about the possibility of a future.”
Ben provided a stark reminder COVID-19 is only one of the threats you experience
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41
Ridgeview
Winners Sussex Success Story In a year when they
Award Winner
were supposed to be celebrating their 25th Anniversary, opening their new winery and
curating their third Ridgefest, Ridgeview’s plans were brought to an abrupt halt
as England was plunged into the first
lockdown. 2020 changed quickly from a year of celebration to a year of resilience and survival in response to the global
pandemic. The team had to be agile and quickly flip their business plans, diverting sales into the channels that remained open whilst ensuring a safe working
42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
environment was created to allow
production to continue. What a year for
Ridgeview to voted by their peers as the Sussex Business Community ‘Sussex Success Story’.
Despite the challenges, there were
plenty of successes during the year. With an online platform already operational, a switch to digital
marketing and free delivery paid
dividends with web sales quickly
outperforming the past in a significant way. Ridgeview also has a thriving
members club called OurView which
also increased in size with members receiving a Winemakers selection
of wines delivered directly to their
door twice a year. Corporate clients
increased as companies looked to new ways to treat their staff and clients,
with a rise in online tastings as well as gifts of wines and specially curated hampers filled with local produce.
During the months when Ridgeview
was able to open to the general public, they adapted the offering in their Wine Garden to include wines by the glass and local produce sharing platters
which resulted in an incredible amount
AWAR D W I N N E RS numbers over the summer were all the
incentive Ridgeview needed to prioritise investment in their on-site hospitality offering, phase one being the launch
of a new alfresco bar & kitchen in their Wine Garden in 2021. Tourism is so
important to the future of English wine and Ridgeview are at the centre of
this in Sussex. Working with Sussex Wineries, Sussex Modern, South
Downs National Park, Tourism South
East, Wines GB and many local tourism bodies Ridgeview see the very exciting future in Sussex Wine tourism with
the key being many of the successful wineries working together.
Sustainability is also high on the
company’s agenda, not just following sustainable practices in viticulture and winemaking but making sure
a sustainable and ethical culture is
present throughout the whole company. Winemaker Simon Roberts is a of footfall with customers loving the opportunity to enjoy sparkling wine
alfresco by the vines. Some came back numerous times!
All of the above helped to re-gain a
small proportion of the sales Ridgeview had lost due to the closure of the
hospitality industry. A decision was
made early on to support their friends in hospitality who were bearing the brunt
of the closed economy and a donation
of £1 for every bottle purchased online was made to the charity Hospitality
Action, resulting in close to £10k being raised to directly support hospitality
workers who had lost their jobs. They
also continued with the planned launch of a new wine to celebrate their 25th
Anniversary. Developed over several
years by Director of Winemaking Simon Roberts, the Ridgeview Oak Reserve received immediate critical acclaim
from wine writers and it’s packaging,
designed by local agency CookChick,
gained three awards including label of
the year in the UK Packaging Awards
for best overall food and beverage label
of the year – another first for the English Wine Industy.
Like all other manufacturing industries, Ridgeview had to contend with
numerous changes to government
guidelines in relation to making the workplace COVID secure on top
of all the normal health and safety
requirements. Ridgeview were able to carry on production in 2020 as wine
was classified as essential (of course!) under the exemptions granted by the
government for Agricultural Food and Beverage Production. The one thing
we must all be thankful for during 2020 was the weather. This is particularly
true for Ridgeview as all the marvellous
member of the founding group of the Sustainability Wines GB.
Last, but certainly not least, Ridgeview are very aware of the increasing
competition within the English Sparkling Wine industry with new brands coming onto the market regularly. They
need to continue to build their brand awareness and customer loyalty to maintain their position as industry
leaders with increased investment into targeted marketing campaigns being planned. Never resting has always
been a fundamental guiding principle at Ridgeview, leading the way, they look
forward to continuing being central in the exciting future of English sparkling wine. Cheers to 2021 and beyond!
Summer sunshine meant that the vines could carry on growing uninterrupted and made for an excellent harvest,
something good to come out of 2020! What is next for Ridgeview? The visitor
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43
Creative Pod
Winner - Team of the Year Award Creative Pod thrive
Award Winner
during economic crisis of 2020
The year 2020 is one
have local businesses coped in these unprecedented times?
Award winning marketing agency,
Creative Pod, which is part of The
that will never be forgotten. It was a
Creative Group, have experienced the
separation, and adaptation. As we begin
the last 10 months. Like all office-
COVID-19 poses a bigger threat to our
overnight how to operate from home,
programme in history, however, now
to adapt at lightning speed to ensure
But with the economic climate likely
heightening needs as the country went
year of unimaginable change, isolation,
full force of the global changes over
2021 in our third national lockdown,
based businesses, they had to discover
nation than ever. The largest vaccination
but as a marketing agency, they had
offers a light at the end of the tunnel.
they could support all their clients
to be affected for years to come, how
into its first national lockdown.
44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Head of marketing at Creative Pod, Sarah Lyons, said “Whilst most
businesses had to work out how to
conduct their own business from home, we had to do that, on top of assisting our clients to do the same and get
messages out to all their customers. It
was quite a learning curve, and had to
be done very quickly, but as a close-knit marketing team, we are used to being flexible which worked in our favour!
There were of course many obstacles to overcome, but Creative Pod has
expanded greatly since the beginning of 2020. Of course, for some businesses
AWAR D W I N N E RS coming up, and to then debrief on what had
unfolded over the day.
They also started weekly Friday quizzes after
their meeting to catch up properly and bring
the team together over
a drink. Throughout the year, everyone would
contribute to send gifts
when it was somebody’s birthday, and CEO, Matt
Turner sent everyone a
hamper of luxury, locally hand-made chocolates
for Christmas as a thank
you for all their hard work during the year.
Marketing Assistant,
Becca Torricelli, said, “It was very strange and
rather nerve wracking the decision to stop marketing was
inevitable, as the economic climate
worsened, however most of our clients trusted us and saw that advertising
was the best way to ride the storm, and we actually gained many new clients because of it.”
Over the last 11 months, Creative
Pod have gained thirty clients, which
included roughly one new client each
week at the height of their demand. They have also completed sixteen full website creations since March 2020, with
another eight in current development. They soon had to expand their staff, and since June 2020, have employed six
new individuals to the team, including two marketing executives, one digital
designer, and one marketing assistant. The dynamic team is now made up of
ten people, meaning they have doubled in the last year.
All of this culminated in Creative Pod
winning the Team of the Year Award at the Sussex Business Awards in
December after being nominated for four recognitions.
Matt Turner, CEO of Creative Pod, said “Winning the award was a great way
to round off 2020, as it recognised the whole team’s enormous efforts! All of
the team had really gone the extra mile during such a challenging year, and
being recognised for it is an excellent representation of the work they have put in. The logistics and financial
implications are one area that has been affected by COVID-19, but I was also
determined to keep up the team morale and make sure we stayed connected, as my team are what makes Creative
Pod so special. Creativity is key in our business, and that only happens if people are happy and motivated!”
starting a new job in a
global pandemic, but everyone made
me feel so welcome. Even though we
couldn’t go into the office, I managed to get to know everybody, and I often
forget that I’ve actually only met half of the team face-to-face! I think it’s rare,
especially in the current circumstances when stress levels are high, to be working in a business where the
management is so supportive and encouraging, and the whole team
genuinely enjoy each other’s company; it’s made working from home a great deal easier.”
Creative Pod are a prime example of
how local businesses have survived and
thrived the relentless setbacks of the past year. If you would like support or advice with your marketing, contact Creative Pod at matt@creativepod.uk.com.
During the first national lockdown, the
whole team had twice daily zoom calls to discuss all the tasks and meetings
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45
Hove Fitness & Squash
Winner - New Business of the Year Award For so many
Award Winner
businesses
around the Sussex region, 2020 was a challenging,
rollercoaster of a year. And that’s
certainly no different for the Directors
of Hove Fitness & Squash. Having put huge amounts of effort and energy
into opening the doors to their new
community-focused club in October, they had to swiftly close them again to so many new and enthusiastic
members, both in November and again in late December due to the effects of COVID-19 restrictions.
These lockdowns didn’t however dent
46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
the positive, “can-do” attitude of the
team behind the club, or its fantastic membership base, which have time
and time again shown their ongoing support for the club’s success. This
was demonstrated when in December, Hove Fitness & Squash was voted
the 2020 “New Business of the Year” winner of the prestigious Sussex Business Awards.
“It hasn’t been an easy year to start a business, especially in the leisure industry,” says Lucy Egan, one the
club’s three directors. “But we’re really proud to have launched a club that
offers something for everybody and
have worked hard to find new ways to
keep all our members fit and healthy
whether physically open or not. We’re so grateful to each one of them who took the time out to vote for us – thank you”.
As Lucy explains, the November
2020 lockdown – the first after the club opened – forced her and her
co-directors, Matt Lambert and Ben
Hutton, to think creatively about how they delivered the club’s various
fitness activities: “Having successfully opened over the summer, we wanted to keep the business going, and our members moving, into the winter”. The team quickly shifted as many
classes as possible online when the
AWAR D W I N N E RS
Christmas brought another lockdown
Hove Fitness & Squash’s online
This time though, the team were more
club is unable to open but Lucy,
and sadly the club had to close again. than ready to relaunch their online
programme and are now offering a
wide range of over 25 online classes a week including Pilates, Zumba,
Circuits, Legs Bums and Tums, Yoga, HIIT and Abs and core. And while
it is obviously harder for the club’s
squash players to continue playing
from home, co-director and squash
coach Ben Hutton is running squashspecific HIIT sessions three times a
week. “Squash is such an important
and thriving part of the club so it was
crucial for us to help all our players to stay match-fit while they can’t get on court” he says.
During the current lockdown, Hove
classes will continue as long as the Matt and Ben are looking forward to welcoming existing and new
members to the club in person as
soon as they are able. The inclusive
and friendly gym has a wide range of
socially distanced cardio and weights equipment with fitness inductions
provided free of charge. There are also six squash courts used by a warm, welcoming squash and racketball
community, with club nights and team matches due to return as soon as they are allowed. A new outdoor timetable of classes such as
bootcamps, Boxfit, beginners’ running and Walkfit groups is also planned for the spring.
Fitness & Squash is offering even
And of course, members will be able
that, just like the rest of the club, the
choose by a visit to Hove Fitness
more to its community, making sure online version provides something for everybody. To help members
maintain and improve their health they have launched a free Hove Fitness & Squash Weight-Loss course on closure was announced. For many of
Facebook, encouraging healthy eating
Teams have become our second home
loss. Healthy, tasty recipes and food
and some good lighting, it was a
eatwell_hs on Instagram.
high-quality classes such as HiiT,
Members can also sign up for an
Zumba online straight to the comfort
which will help anyone who wants to
even loaned out equipment” adds
and tips including how to begin your
bikes and kettle bells to our members
routes what to wear, as well as a four-
Some of those staircases were a
offered advice with improving their
to follow whatever workout they
& Squash’s fabulous lounge, which offers great coffee, cakes, shakes and protein drinks, as well as a
fully stocked bar offering Harveys, Guinness and IPA on tap.
us, online platforms such as Zoom or
and providing support with weight
Fully inclusive membership is available
so, with a few technical upgrades
inspiration are then shared through @
or £5 each pay-as-you-go for non-
relatively smooth transition to deliver Legs, Bums & Tums, Pilates, Yoga and
online beginners’ running group,
of the members’ living rooms. “We
start running with a range of advice
Matt. “I spent a day delivering spin
running journey, how to pace yourself,
so those classes could continue.
week plan. New runners will also be
workout in themselves!”
5k run from February, and - building
The team were excited to reopen
challenges, a 28-day fitness
to their returning, loyal members and
throughout the month via the club’s
from £42.50 with all classes then free, members.
To find out more or join today, have a
look at hovefitnessandsquash.com.
on the success of previous online
their doors again in December, both
challenge will be open to everyone
new members. However, of course
Facebook page.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47
Brighton Gin
Winner - Business Pivot award Brighton Gin was set
Award Winner
up in 2013 by Kathy
Caton and team and epitomises the spirit
that defines Brighton:
independent, fun-loving, open-minded, adventurous and ethically conscious. Coming out of the city’s first ever
distillery, Brighton Gin is also the UK’s
first vegan certified gin (and that means not just the liquid and its ingredients
but its packaging, bottle-sealing wax
and glue for the labels too!). Over its
relatively short life Brighton Gin has won
many awards, including being named as
48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
the UK’s Best Gin and winning multiple gold and silver medals.
From day one, the company’s emphasis has been on ethical and sustainable
production, and making simply the best
quality gin that they can. Founder Kathy Caton says, “if there’s a choice between one way, and the better way, we’ve
resolved always to take the better way. For example, we use 100% organic
wheat spirit as our base alcohol (all the better for dodging those hangovers
with), use a UK-made bottle that’s made with a minimum of 85% recycled glass
sourced from the South Coast area, and make local deliveries on our reclaimed
Post Office bikes and our e-cargo bike”. Every bottle of Brighton Gin is made genuinely by hand, a pebble’s throw
from the beach, by a friends and family
set up of six employees, with a 53-year
age gap between the youngest and the oldest. Jude, (founder Kathy’s Mum),
is our Production Manager, waxing and
labelling each bottle and with final sign-
off to ensure that every bottle meets her exacting standards - no mean physical feat at 77. Sustainability and inclusion
AWAR D W I N N E RS
meant that two more have been donated
to front line workers - everything from the NHS, care homes, food banks, to mental health workers and delivery drivers. The response from our customers has been
amazing, and I’m very proud to say that
through their support we’ve been able to donate literally thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser.”
Kathy also says, “Huge, huge thank
yous to every single person who has
ordered gin, hand sanitiser, gift boxes or anything else through www.brightongin. com over the past year - not only
have you kept us going but it’s been a
privilege to be sending Brighton Gin all
round the country as presents to people. We may not yet be able to gather in
person, but sending people a bit of the Spirit of Brighton is certainly helping raise some much-needed cheer!”.
The team were absolutely delighted to have received the Pivot Award -
supporting and giving back to the local community has been one of Brighton
Gin’s guiding principles since the start,
and making and distributing the not-forprofit hand sanitiser has been another step on that path. The Brighton Gin
team are both proud and humbled to be recognised for this!
Brighton Gin is available through many are key pillars of the company, which
is committed to supporting community
events such as beach cleans, Pride and
local charities such as the Rainbow Fund. At the time the first lockdown came
in, back in March 2020, and with it the closure of hospitality, an estimated
85% of the company’s business ceased overnight. However, within the space of a week the company had pivoted
to change their focus to sales via the
website, with the team jumping on their Brighton Gin pushbikes to make direct doorstep deliveries to customers (all
delivered following best-practice social distancing methods).
The biggest shift for the company - and certainly the one that was never in any
business plan - was to adapt operations virtually overnight to enable us to
make and deliver the best quality hand
sanitisers, made in collaboration with the
fine independents through Sussex
such as Quaff Wines and Southdowns
Cellars, through Waitrose and Marks and Spencer regionally, and shipping around the world via Master of Malt and The
Whisky Exchange. Gin, hand sanitiser and other goodies can be ordered
directly from www.brightongin.com for next-day delivery nationwide.
Lewes-based AS Apothecary. Kathy says, “an early decision was that these hand sanitisers would be not-for-profit, but
rather we would set up a “spray (rather
than pay) it forward” scheme. Every hand sanitiser sold through the website has
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49
AWAR D S S PON S O R
It’s all Food & Drink!
To say it’s been a tough time for the hospitality industry would be an understatement to say the least!
Gars Chinese Prince Albert Street, Brighton www.gars.co.uk
We caught up
Awards Sponsor
with Noel Preston,
Managing Partner of Preston Insurance
Brokers in Brighton,
to talk about all things food & drink.
Noel wanted to recognise some of the amazing businesses we have in our
fantastic City of Brighton & Hove and how they have adapted, coped and survived through 2020!
What has been your experience of the food & drink industry during 2020? My over riding feeling is one of great
respect. The lengths some of the local
businesses have had to go to, adapting and coping with the various changes
thrown at them through the pandemic is very humbling. I personally do not think
there has been enough public recognition
of how these businesses have responded and the good news stories seem to have
50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Golden Lion Group Various locations www.goldenliongroup.co.uk
been neglected somewhat, so I wanted to highlight some great examples of these. What have they had to do?
It would probably be easier to say what they haven’t had to do! Adding home
delivery and click & collect was often the first phase during the initial lockdown.
Then when things started to open again; the social distancing measures required, reduction in covers and capacity, cost
of regular COVID cleaning, provision of
hand sanitiser and protective equipment
such as masks and the like were all direct additional costs to these businesses. What kind of businesses are we talking about here?
A wide range of businesses in the food & drink industry have been affected;
restaurants, pubs, food & drink suppliers to name a few. It’s impossible to provide a roll call to honour all of our superb
local businesses in one article but I
wanted to highlight just a few as really good examples.
Jo & Co Restaurant
They were just coming to the end of
their first year of trading as lockdown presented itself. It had been a good
year but lockdown was like running very quickly into a brick wall.
This didn’t stop them though. Very
quickly they started up Jo & Co At Home,
delivering their renowned recipes and cook at home meals to the local community,
keeping them in the mind of the residents and providing a much needed and welcome service during this time.
On reopening and with the advent of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme they were
fully booked 7 days a week (which is how long the owners Jo and Peter have been
AWAR D S SPO NS O R
Brighton Gin Brighton www.brightongin.com
working since March!). The changing
restrictions of the various Tiers has of
course also been a challenge but one they have risen to as a fine example of how
so many smaller independent restaurants have responded.
As a recognition of their efforts, Jo & Co
were runners up in the Business Resilience Award category at the inaugural Sussex Virtual Business Awards in December. Gars Chinese
Another local independent restaurant affected by the pandemic.
Throughout the year Gars normally host a number of events at their restaurant,
be it birthday parties, special occasions, corporate events and the like. We have
our own annual party at Gars, where we thank our clients and contacts for their business. It was booked for the 2nd
April 2020 and subsequently cancelled following lockdown. So immediately, before any impact from the social
distancing restaurant restrictions, this was normal repeat business lost.
Again restricted covers on reopening
meant skeleton staff, with take-aways
or deliveries being dropped off either by themselves or the likes of Deliveroo.
An establishment with the reputation of being the best Chinese restaurant
Jo & Co Restaurant Church Road, Hove www.joandcorestaurants.co.uk
in Brighton & Hove for over 30 years
Golden Lion Group establishments are all
their status, quality of service and food
is driven by the area they are situated
has successfully fought hard to retain
very different in their own right. Custom
throughout this period.
and the demographic of the customers
Brighton Gin
slightly different ways or in some cases
themselves, each having to adapt in
Like many a company supplying libations
having to shut their doors altogether.
pubs, restaurants and visitor attractions
Some City centre based and others in
orders reduced significantly.
of takeaway, collections, heat at home,
Celebrating 7 years this year, they too
hampers and Christmas dinners to the
to the food & drink industry, while the
who normally buy their product closed,
residential communities meant a mix deliveries, all in addition to providing
found themselves in a position where they
elderly community.
business with the advent of the pandemic.
Whether it is a new or established, large
alcohol to make their own hand sanitiser
community, the challenges have been
gifts. All of this in a sustainable manner.
of these types of business need to be
needed to quickly adapt and evolve their This involved utilising their stocks of
or small business in the food & drink
and expanding their online products and
huge. The resilience and achievements
Due to their amazing efforts, Brighton
celebrated and recognised.
Gin won the 2020 UK Spirits Alliance
So, when they are open again, either in a
at the inaugural Sussex Virtual Business
of normality, I urge you to support your
Community Award and the Pivot Award
restricted way or back to some semblance
Awards in December.
local, independent businesses and
Golden Lion Group
around in our City for many years to come.
Pub Venues: Hove Place, Libation, The
establishments to ensure we have them
Cricketers, The Colonnade, The Ladies
Noel Preston, Managing Partner of
The Plough Inn.
www.prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk
Mile, The Long Man of Wilmington and
Preston Insurance Brokers
Managing through COVID is hard enough with one premises but when you have
seven the challenge increases! Each of the
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51
Is your business being held to ransom by your IT Manager?
Many business Leaders and Entrepreneurs are aware that they need to make their IT more efficient to grow the business. Sounds simple,
Awards Sponsor
yet quite often IT Managers block
EVERY suggestion
even when they are
told that there is a better way.
So why is this happening? And how can you find more efficient ways of working while futureproofing your business? Long ago before the days of colour
television or England winning the World Cup, in many businesses there was
one employee who seemed to have a significant influence on the business. “This ‘influence’ came from a sense
52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
of mystique around their role and the
fact that they gave off the impression that their skills could not be replaced and that they were essential to the
success of the business…that without them it would not be able to continue operating,” says Andrew. “Managers
would be constantly afraid of upsetting these workplace influencers and deferred to their every request.”
Not only did this affect workplace morale
Along with it came easy access to
processes and the ‘influencers’ grip on business culture was finally released. Leaders took back rightful control of their own destinies and all was well.
“Fast forward to 2021 and we have déjà
vu,” says Andrew. “Obstructive employees have been reincarnated in many
workplaces in the form of an IT Manager, whether that is internal or external.”
as other members of staff’s views were
How can businesses overcome this
the team’s views of their own leader.
“Though the issue might have changed
ignored, but it also negatively impacted Then came the computer, and BOOM!
problem?
slightly, the solution is exactly the same
AWAR D S SPO NS O R
Andrew Hookway
as it’s always been,” says Andrew.
“Don’t delay any further or bury your
head in the sand, it’s time to accept that you will - more than likely - get negative feedback from your IT Manager when
you’re looking to do something different. However, to break free and ensure
your business is future proof, you need to take the plunge and engage with
modern IT practices, not just a repeat of the old server or hybrid cloud setup that your IT Manager has insisted upon.”
This cloud vs server debate has been ongoing for years. The technologies
now make the cloud argument more
compelling than ever. For businesses
where this conundrum sounds familiar,
the team of IT experts at Extech Cloud can help, with a focus on transitioning businesses to the cloud to work smarter, not harder.
“It’s a completely different way of
doing things, to give the workforce
exactly what they need without the
frustrations,” says Andrew. “When it
comes to making long-term decisions about your IT, it can be challenging to make the jump to a new system and
process – especially if your IT Manager is not initially on board.”
This change can be even more daunting
if your business has been promised the
“We’ve spoken with a handful of
it has not been delivered.
their IT or MSP provider that a hybrid
“A move to the cloud doesn’t have to be
business. Or they were informed that
at Extech Cloud. “Digital transformation
Andrew. “Not only is that wrong, many
have the systems in place that you need
innovative enough or thinking ahead.
to battle through the transition without
whether this is because it’s easier or
world in the past by an IT solution…and
businesses where they’ve been told by solution is the perfect solution for the
scary,” says Ian Bryant, Project Manager
the private cloud is the way to go,” says
with Extech Cloud ensures that you
IT Providers and Managers aren’t being
when you need them. You will not be left
Businesses are being kept in the dark,
expert help and guidance.”
they don’t know what to do”.
“Providing the right solution for clients
Though there may be tough
and I’m delighted that our team can
not address these concerns and consider
is much more important to us than profit
conversations ahead, businesses that do
facilitate this,” adds Andrew Hookway.
change, will likely not grow as planned.
working, everyone should have access
Digital transformation is easier than
their business grow faster, it should also
Cloud. Speak to the experts to get the
flexible and happy workforce”.
443200, email info@extech.co.uk or
“After all, in today’s world of modern to an IT system that not only makes
you think when you come to Extech
make it more efficient too leading to a
facts. Contact the team on +44 (0) 1444
Often regarding IT, firms will be
visit www.extechcloud.com.
desperate to adopt new technologies
In the first instance, if you would prefer
anxieties. This can be that they’ve
Andrew, then contact him direct on
or have already made an investment
time to speak.
but will be put off by a handful of
to have a totally confidential chat with
tried to buy “silver bullets” in the past
ahookway@extech.co.uk to arrange a
in technology that didn’t pay off in the
long run. Extech Cloud is committed in
helping to reassure businesses that their IT is safe in the right hands.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53
THAN K YOU
Thank you, thank you, thank you! The inaugural Virtual Business Awards Sussex on December 17th was a huge success, I have had so many amazing
comments and great feedback, and am truly humbled by the business communities’ support for this event. From the initial vision, the event exceeded all my expectations with 100 attendees, 31 nominees, over 2500 votes and 6 fantastic, well deserved winners. We also raised over £1000 for the amazing Rockinghorse charity which was truly fantastic.
I wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Preston Insurance Brokers, Extech Cloud,
Creative Pod and MHA Carpenter Box, as well as our supporters YBrighton, Picture Book Films, MCR Media, Remarkable Rhymes, The Hilton Brighton and Gars Restaurant. Also, to my amazing co-host Bradley Hatchett and the Network My Club team, whose support and advice helped to make my vision a reality. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone that attended the event, nominated someone or voted, the event really would not have been such a success without the support of the amazing Sussex Business Community.
Congratulations to all nominees and our winners, watch this space for the announcement of our next Awards night coming soon.
Partners
Sponsors
Supporters
54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
TECH
NEW WORLD TECH DISCUSS WOMEN IN IT
BY CATH HOLT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
SBT TECH SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55
New World Tech discuss women in IT
By Cath Holt, Chief Operating Officer of Brighton based New World Tech In this, the second
Tech
of a series of four
articles, Cath Holt, Chief Operating
Officer of Brighton
based New World Tech discusses the stereotypes surrounding the types
of roles within the tech industry and the impacts – good and bad – that
COVID-19 is having on her mission to
improve diversity and get more women into the sector.
“The number of women in important IT and technology roles has always
been dramatically lower than that of men. Despite campaigns for equal
56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
opportunities for women in tech and the fact that many organisations claim to
have diversity initiatives, only one in six tech specialists in the UK are women. Only 34.4% of the workforce in the
five largest technology companies in
the world (Amazon, Facebook, Apple,
Microsoft, and Google) are women. Lack of visible female role models is one of
the biggest contributing factors for the
lack of women pursuing a career in tech. Despite the fact that IT is an amazing place to be right now – we know for
example, that for every person who is
qualified, there are basically two open
jobs. We are still not graduating enough
people in the science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM)
professions to reverse that trend. This
makes the labour shortage in IT a major priority for the industry today, and
nowhere could this be more effectively addressed than by attracting more women to the profession.
Now, that may seem like a hopelessly old-fashioned argument, after all,
women have been transforming the
workplace across every industry for
decades. Do we really need to still be having this conversation in IT?
The answer is yes. Because for all our hi-tech solutions to everyday
TECH
It’s this scenario as a whole that
we have to change, because the IT profession just can’t afford not to.
It’s really not about gender equality
at all; it’s about the kind of power in numbers – and the kind of diversity – that IT businesses today need to
propel themselves forward in a globally problems, we are still failing to attract
competitive market.
of the talent we could be tapping
IT workers used to be isolated. They
organisations forward.
projects that were slipped under the
The problem with attracting women
didn’t need to concern themselves
believe that schools are missing and
couldn’t be more different, as employers
at an impressionable time, when they
lot more collaboration.
career choice.
With more women in IT available to
At the college and university level,
kind of well-rounded talent pool that
in STEM continue to see a male-
in a vacuum. We would have that
upon graduation, the women who are
that can come up with ten solutions
than men for doing the same work.
have a knowledgeable workforce in
women, who make up a huge portion into to fill the gap and move our
would sit in their offices, receiving work door. They would write the code; they
to the industry begins in schools. I
with anything else. Today’s workplace
opportunity to attract young women
today demand business acumen and a
could start to think about IT as a viable
fill critical jobs, we would have the
women looking to pursue a career
understands IT work no longer exists
dominated world on campus. And
diversity of talent in the workplace
choosing IT jobs are still making less
instead of just two. And we would
place to sustain us for critical projects that demand highly skilled workers – whether male or female.
From the start NWT has always offered an inclusive environment for women
and our recruitment strategy and values reflect this. I believe that increasing the number of women in tech is essential
to add diversity to our sector and help inspire the next generation. My role as COO includes ensuring that we
continue to have important diversity and inclusion conversations.
Sadly, I believe that the drive to close the gender gap has potentially been
derailed by the coronavirus outbreak. More women in tech are likely to feel the devastating effects COVID-19 is
having on employment and recruitment than men.
Women in tech are more likely to be
laid off or furloughed than their male colleagues. This is largely due to
female employees still being more likely to hold entry-level or junior positions in companies. Women
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57
TEC H
Cath Holt
working in the tech field are at a
further disadvantage, being 1.5 times more likely, than their male peers, to be struggling to manage childcare responsibilities during lockdown.
The focus right now is on surviving
COVID-19, so I fear that improving diversity of the workforce will slip
down the priority list. But there is a
glimmer of hope. I predict we’ll see
a surge in the tech industry because
tech is at the forefront of businesses’ agendas in the age of coronavirus.
Companies are having to switch to digital incredibly quickly, artificial
intelligence is growing and we’re not going to lose that momentum. Tech has never been more relevant, jobs
will be created in the field and the new remote, flexible ways of working could really benefit women.
Since the outbreak, tech has gone
from being nice to have to an absolute necessity and COVID-19 is forcing
changes that will enable women to work in sectors they may have previously
58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
shunned. All sorts of businesses are
moving to remote working and more people are beginning to understand that greater flexibility can mean you
might work less conventional hours and still get the job done.
Those types of changes are more likely to benefit women than men
because we all know the unpaid care
burden falls more on women, whether
for children or elderly relatives. A lot of tech roles in our field have traditionally involved time away from home,
visiting customers on site. Those jobs are not so attractive to women with
those kind of responsibilities at home, but greater use of tech and wider
acceptance and adoption of remote working potentially opens up those roles to female candidates.
While there may be reasons to be
optimistic about more women working flexibly in the future, the fact remains that many young female candidates who hoped to break into the tech
industry in the last year currently find themselves unemployed.
If you are in that position, I strongly
advise you to remain hopeful and use the extra time you have as a result
of lockdown to polish your skills and make new contacts.
If you’re out of work, look at online
courses and research how you might build up your professional skills and experience. If you can demonstrate
that you have used your initiative and committed to online learning you will be more attractive to future
employers. And don’t be afraid to
try networking through sites such as LinkedIn. If you see someone who
works in a role that you aspire to, get in touch, they may have advice or be
able to connect you to others who can help. You are welcome to reach out to
me on LinkedIn and follow my journey in the industry. Once the pandemic
passes, the tech sector will be busier than ever. Contacts you make now could pay off.”
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT
CAN BUSINESSES INSIST THAT EMPLOYEES ARE VACCINATED?
EMPLOYERS SHOULD TREAD CAREFULLY WHEN CONSIDERING A VACCINATION POLICY
REIMAGINE HOW YOU WORK AND COMMUNICATE TO INCLUDE EVERYONE BY CONSULTANCY BUSINESS WATCH THIS SP_CE
FOUNDATION SUPPORTS YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC WITH VIRTUAL PROGRAMME
SBT PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59
Can businesses insist that employees are vaccinated? • COVID vaccines are here, but not everyone wants one. • Employers should tread carefully when considering a vaccination policy in the workplace. • There is a multitude of legal risks, from discrimination to data protection, to take account of. The well-publicised
HR
roll-out of COVID-19
vaccines is gathering pace. While it is
initially reserved for
the high-risk categories and frontline
health and care workers, it will not be long before millions of other people of working age are invited for a jab.
It raises key questions for employers
regarding their stance on the vaccine. The first question on many employers’
lips will be ‘When can my employees get
60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
vaccinated?’. It is probably the simplest to answer as the government has given an expected timeline of everyone aged
18 and over being offered the vaccine by the Autumn of 2021.
From there the questions are not quite so straightforward to answer: ‘Can I
ask that employees get vaccinated? What are my options if an employee refuses a vaccination?’
Whether you could ask that employees get vaccinated would really depend on
if it was a reasonable request to make
in the context of your business. There is an obvious difference between asking
a care home worker to get vaccinated, compared to someone who works by themselves remotely, for instance.
Doing any more than asking (best done by a non-contractual policy which
outlines the benefits of vaccination and
why your business is recommending it), exposes you to a number of risks.
The employment law risks are significant.
P EOP L E MAN AGEM EN T & R ECR UITM E NT examination of options will generally be
a better starting point than confrontation; but professional advice is essential.
Here at The HR Dept, we have been working closely with SMEs through
the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide urgent support to many
businesses through this unprecedented time of change.
Our core focus in recent weeks has
involved supporting businesses through
furlough and walking employers through the many rules and iterations of the
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. After speaking with a wide range of SMEs about the new and very real challenges they face beyond lockdown, we have devised a bespoke short-term HR
package to directly address and resolve
common concerns. Our local and personal service means that we can be flexible with this offering to find the perfect solution One of the protected characteristics of
the Equality Act is religion or philosophical belief. A person who does not believe in vaccinations or a person whose religion
bans the use of certain substances found
in the vaccine may claim protection under this. In December, the Vatican has said
it is acceptable for Catholics to have the
vaccine, but other faiths may not accept
it. Those who are pregnant or suffer from
severe allergies would likely be prevented from having the vaccination on medical grounds. So, it is a complex area.
That being said, if a company has carried out a risk assessment and the request is a reasonable way to achieve the aim of
minimising the risk in the first place you could potentially dismiss. You would, however, have to ensure a dismissal
process was followed properly – and taken on its own merits. Obviously looking at alternative roles or working from home
before dismissal would be sensible. There is no case law to which to refer.
Other legal areas into which an employer-
led vaccination initiative could stray include
that puts your business first.
between pro- and anti-vax employees.
To find out more about a beyond
As well as the legal issues, there are
contact your local HR Dept today.
allow employees paid time off to
The HR Dept is now the UK’s largest
How will you cover their absence?
outsourced HR support. Our clients
advance, and you will probably want
brands, across all industries.
appointments have been attended.
We pride ourselves on delivering cost-
Asking for information about
HR solutions that leave you free to
data protection and workplace disputes
other areas to consider too. Will you
lockdown plan for your business,
attend their vaccination appointment?
network of HR professionals providing
You may need to plan rotas in
vary, from tiny start-ups to established
confirmation that both vaccination
effective employment law advice and
vaccinations or lack of them is
concentrate on growing your business.
all discussions will be strictly
Your local HR Dept Offices:
store the information and who will
Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove Serena
a sensitive area and as such
confidential. How and where will you have access to it?
What on the face of it may seem a
May – serena.may@hrdept.co.uk 01323 403500
reasonable health and safety precaution
Chichester, Arun, Worthing, Adur and
Education and persuasion and a thorough
hrdept.co.uk 01243 214404
in embracing the vaccine is full of nuance.
Horsham Sue Beeby – susan.beeby@
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61
PEOPL E MAN AGEM E N T & R EC R U ITM E N T
Watch This Sp_ce helps you reimagine how you work and communicate to include everyone This inclusion consultancy business launched during the lockdown. Watch This Sp_ce helps organisations see the benefits of diverse, inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. Back in March 2020
HR
when we were all
forced to stay in our homes, the three
Co-Creators of Watch
This Sp_ce were on a zoom call to catch up. They could see the inequalities of society being highlighted during the
pandemic and wanted to do something positive to change that.
They already run a networking group in their hometown, Brighton Digital
62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Women, so they had a network and
experience in building a community.
They had contacts in a range of different organisations and could see they could
bring a new dynamic offering to people. Co-Creator Allegra Chapman said “the workplace as a concept is outdated and not fit for the world we live in.
There’s such a wide variety of people
and their lives that employers need to adapt to. The pandemic highlighted this further with employers who
previously said working from home was not possible, being forced to
adapt overnight. We could see that there was a place for us to create easily accessible, good-quality
consultancy and training courses to help organisations who often don’t know where to start”.
Allegra Chapman, Rachel Pearson
and Mo Kanjilal spent time creating training courses, a podcast,
workshops and consultancy services.
P EOP L E MAN AGEM EN T & R ECR UITM E NT
As soon as restrictions eased slightly, they recorded video content together.
Rachel is a film maker so she used her skills to create the video content to
engage with people for their training courses. They created simple ways for people to learn about being
inclusive in their behaviours and communications.
Mo Kanjilal said “creating a fair and equal society with opportunities for
everyone is the world we want to live in. There’s also a strong business
case. Research shows clearly that diverse teams create 19% higher
output of innovation. Diverse teams have greater productivity, faster
decision-making, and happiness. Younger people look for diversity
and inclusion when they are sizing up employers, so those who don’t address this now, will not be able
to attract people to work for them.
They won’t be the organisations who survive and thrive.”
The team recognised that a lot of people and a lot of organisations
have a long way to go with this. So
they have created simple messaging and content to help people start on
their journey to inclusive workplaces. Rachel Pearson said “people engage with content in a variety of ways. We worked hard on creating simple and
impactful messages, interactive content
of attention, with a TV and radio
we are working with clients on their
campaigning and speaking at events
help them to be more inclusive.”
many inequalities in our society, last
The team have already won new
working practices, for diverse teams
types of organisations. They have
and care for their children. Those
recruitment, run training sessions on
have been impacted by the pandemic
and inclusive communications, and
routinely represented in leadership, for
to help with inclusive communications
the world we want to see.”
new audiences.
As restrictions start to ease later this
They work closely with their local
more in-person meetings, events and
both Brighton and Worthing Chamber
online content and events as they can
Innovation Centre. They also run their
access their content easily.
join. They are becoming well-known in
The team were delighted to be
at events. They have become used to
award in December. Allegra said “after
from their own homes. This has
worked so hard on the new business,
across the country as there was no
an award in recognition of our work”.
including videos and e-learning, and
appearance. They aim to continue
communications to advise them and
and to the press. Mo said “with so
year highlighted the need for flexible
business with a variety of different
and for parents to be able to work
delivered workshops on inclusive
needs are not going away. Women
unconscious bias, inclusive leadership,
and people of colour are still not
they are currently working on a project
example. We will continue to work for
for a political party to connect with
year, the team are looking forward to
community, running workshops for
workshops. They will continue to offer
of Commerce and the Sussex
see that this is a way to help people
own open workshops for individuals to the community and regular speakers
nominated for a County Busines Clubs
attending events online as speakers
a tough year for everyone, we had
allowed them to speak at events
so it was amazing to be nominated for
travel time to factor in.
2020 was a year where the team
worked on campaigning on many
For more information contact: www.watchthisspace.uk
hello@watchthisspace.uk
issues which also got them lots
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63
PEOPL E MAN AGEM E N T & R EC R U ITM E N T
Foundation supports young people through the pandemic with virtual programme The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C is to offer their 2021 ‘Be the Change’ programme to young people in a virtual format, for the first time since the programme was launched in 2015. Be the Change is
HR
an inspirational
programme aimed at
helping students who may face challenges
and difficulties to realise their full potential. The programme focuses on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and
employability and encourages students to identify their personal barriers to
success, before helping them find ways of overcoming them.
The virtual offering coincides with the reintroduction of home-schooling, amid a crisis that has seen young
people experience more severe stress and anxiety than in previous years.
the students and listening to their day to
is no better time for young people
Sponsored by a plethora of leading
day struggles.
to be inspired and learn from those
to make its biggest impact to date.
The need for a programme such as
confusion and turbulence. We continue
Sussex Police, Legal & General, First
drive to support the local community.
accelerate and support young people in
Foundation Trust and PwC.
remains committed to supporting young
for this programme is greater than ever
Business representatives from
to support their futures, at a time when
Founder, Gary Peters.
local employers, the programme is set
who are leading through disruption,
Supporters of the programme include
this is greater now than ever, as is the
to give everything we can to energise,
Central, Sussex Community NHS
The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C
our local area, at a time where the need
people from the area and is stepping up
before.” said LoveLocalJobs Foundation
organisations across the local area
they need it most.
programme as business guides and
“We are incredibly excited to be able to
the Change’ virtual launch conferences
sharing their experiences and stories
in a virtual format. In the midst of a
and 4th February. Visit https://www.
on virtual tables, as well as encouraging
and with schools closed, there really
change to learn more.
have been invited to participate in the
The LoveLocalJobs Foundation ‘Be
positive role models – they will be
hold our ‘Be the Change’ programme
will be taking place across 2nd, 3rd
regarding their lives and career journeys
year unlike any that’s come before,
lovelocaljobsfoundation.com/be-the-
64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT LIFESTYLE
SPIRIT OF THE DOWNS
HANDMADE ARTISIAN SUSSEX GRAPE SPIRIT
RECIPE OF THE MONTH SUGAR FREE BANANA BREAD
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65
Spirit of the Downs Handmade Artisan Sussex Grape Spirit For 2020 the main focus has been with our grape spirit, but for 2021 we will be entering the two new Sussex brandies for IWSC awards for 2021 awards with the hope of winning again. Lifestyle
Recognition of the
Spirit of the Downs Cocktails on
winning sparkling wine grapes from
quality of Spirit of
We have produced a range of cocktails
a growing sector especially with the
more experience bars and restaurants,
expect more grape spirits to be coming
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/
Brandies and liquers.
uniqueness and
the Downs grape
spirit We have had
a great response and were recently featured in the Telegraph’s top 20
Unique gifts for December https://
www.telegraph.co.uk/ christmas/0/ best-unusual-christmasgifts-2020quirky-present-ideas-unique/
66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Youtube
local vineyards. Wine based spirits are
for both the home cocktail maker and for
growth of vineyards in the South East
see our Youtube channel for inspiration
through from Vermouths to Eau de Vie,
UCHBcSspIhARFFbyjwMDSp6w/videos What is Spirit of the Downs?
Spirit of the Downs uses award
Our most recent releases include a
limited edition of run of 700 bottles of
the Pinot Noir Vintage 2019 Grape Spirit
L I FE STYLE
as well as two new Sussex Vintage
2019 Brandies, one lightly aged in an English oak barrel made by Alistair
Simms the UK’s last Master Cooper based in Yorkshire and the other a
more traditional Brandy using French oak (in a VS Cognac style). These
small handmade batches of spirits are
available from £30 a bottle for the Pinot Noir Grape spirit and £31 for the two
brandies through the website or selected local wine merchants.
For 2020 the main focus has been with our award winning grape spirit, but for 2021
we will be entering the two new Sussex
interested in trying one of our unique.
with the hope of winning again.
an opportunity looking for a change to
Future plans
something new and local.
brandies for IWSC awards for 2021 awards
In 2020 we produced 700 bottles, for
As well as a great tasting spirit this is
the usual vodka or gin spirits and to try
2021 are hoping to produce 10,000
For further details of Spirit of the
markets. We are working with four local
spiritofthedowns.co.uk, for all enquiries
Tickerage and Plumpton producing eight
michael@spiritofthedowns.co.uk
bottles for both the UK and export
Downs please visit our website www.
vineyards including Breaky Bottom,
please contact me on 07773766225 or
different spirit varietals for 2021.
We hope that more people who haven’t
Michael Yeoman Owner,
www.spiritofthedowns.co.uk
tried Grape based spirits before will be
After winning Bronze for our Pinot Noir grape spirit, the International Wine and Spirit Challenge (IWSC) 2020 judges commented with the following regarding the spirit; “Elegant & restrained nose. Subtly aromatic with fruit and spice. Balanced, clean palate.”.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67
REC I PE OF T H E M O N TH
Recipe of the Month: Sugar Free Banana Bread By Joanna Myles, The Baking Artist www.thebakingartist.bigcartel.com
Yield: 12
Cook time: 55 mins
Prep time: 20 mins
Total time: 1 hour & 15 mins
Paleo & Whole30 friendly banana bread. A most delicious sugar and grain free banana bread, perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Ingredients • 4 Bananas, mashed • 4 Large eggs, beaten • 2 tsp Vanilla extract • 1/4 cup Melted Ghee Instructions
• 1 3/4 cup Ground almonds
1. Pre-heat oven to 180c/325f.
• 1/2 cup Coconut flour
2. Grease and line a 1lb loaf tin.
• 1/4 cup Coconut nectar blossom sugar
3. I n a large bowl mix together the mashed banana, melted and cooled ghee and vanilla extract.
• 1 tsp Baking soda
4. I n another bowl mix together the ground almonds, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and poppy seeds.
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
5. A dd the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and then
• 1/4 tsp Salt
add the poppy seeds to this.
6. Mix together, but don’t over mix! Just mixed is what
• 1/8 cup Poppy seeds
you’re aiming for.
• I Banana, sliced (to top)
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. 8. Top the mix with the sliced banana.
Calories: 278.55
Sugar (grams): 12.70
Fat (grams): 18.12
Protein (grams): 8.16
Sat. Fat (grams): 4.69
Sodium (milligrams): 281.27
Carbs (grams): 23.94
Cholesterol (grams): 72.93
Fibre (grams): 4.36
Contains: Eggs, seeds, nuts.
Net carbs: 19.58
68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
9. B ake in the pre-heated oven for 55 - 60 minutes. Testing
the banana bread with a skewer, it should come out clean. Cool on a wire rack, removing the banana bread from the loaf tin after 15 minutes.
Slice once cooled and enjoy!
SBT MOTORING NEWS
COVID 19 VEHICLE UPDATE:
HERE’S WHAT DRIVERS CAN AND CAN’T DO DURING LOCKDOWN
2020 IN REVIEW
A ROUND-UP OF CAR/VAN RELATED NEWS FROM THIS YEAR
SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69
MOTO RI N G N E WS
COVID 19 Vehicle Update:
Here’s What Drivers Can and Can’t Do During Lockdown Brought to you by Rivervale Leasing www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk
Motoring News
For the third time
Can I still drive my vehicle under
is going into a full
Given all the new rules, you might be
in history, the UK
national lockdown.
lockdown?
wondering if you can drive your car at all
assisting elderly and vulnerable people is also allowed.
Jumping in the car just to have a
during the lockdown.
break and get out of the house?
out. Wash your hands. Only see those
The answer is yes. You can still drive
exercise or a reasonable excuse and
All that said, there are some key
specific purposes.
By now, we all know the drill. Don’t go in your household or support bubble. differences this time around when it comes to the Coronavirus rules, particularly for drivers.
If you’re a UK motorist wondering what
it all means, we’re taking a look at what you can and can’t do as a driver under this third set of COVID-19 restrictions.
70 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
your car under tier 4 but only for
The government has drafted a list of ‘reasonable excuses’ - it includes
shopping for food or dropping kids off at school if you’re an essential worker
Unfortunately, this does not count as is therefore not permissible. If you’re stopped by the police and can’t
give a good reason for why you’re
travelling, you could face a fine of up to £200 or more.
Read more: Driving in the Dark - How
(children of essential workers are still
to Stay Safe
for medical appointments as well as
It’s also vital that any passengers going
allowed to go to school). Travelling
MOTOR I NG N E WS along with you are from your own
household or your support bubble. Drivers and passengers are encouraged to: • Open windows for ventilation,
• Face away from each other (in terms of seating arrangements),
• Clean the car after each journey,
• And, of course, wear face masks Are garages open? Can I get an MOT test?
During the first lockdown, garages were closed. This time they’ll stay open.
MOT testing and vehicle servicing are considered essential business. That
means you can book your car for an MOT or check-up during this third lockdown.
It’s important to note that since MOTs
and servicing will go ahead, there will
be no MOT test extension period, as there was due to the first lockdown.
What about fuel top-ups? Are petrol stations still open?
Petrol stations are also essential
businesses and therefore will remain
open throughout the 3rd lockdown. That includes motorway stations as well as independent sellers.
While topping up, you’re advised
to wear gloves and practice proper hygiene.
Can you still get a car wash under
tier 4 restrictions? The answer is yes,
though while automatic car washes are open, manual hand-wash locations won’t be.
Read more: Green Number Plates Introduced on UK Roads
Can I buy a car during lockdown?
Those dealers able to offer a click-andcollect service as well as contactless
delivery can stay open during this current
lockdown, though showrooms and
physical locations must remain closed. That means motorists can order a new
car or lease online and collect their new purchase outside of the dealership at a social distance.
If the car was previously purchased or
used, the dealer must sanitise the whole vehicle along with its keys. Instead of
in-person demonstrations, they are to provide walk-through videos.
What about renewing my driving license?
During the first lockdown, the DVLA
struggled to update photocard driving licenses as most of its workforce was forced to work from home. Drivers whose licences were set to expire
between the 1st of February and the 31st of December 2020 were thus offered an 11-month extension
Motorists with licences due to expire in 2021 will have to apply for a renewal. Can I take a driving lesson or test?
The DVSA has confirmed that both driving lessons and tests cannot take place
during this 3rd lockdown, including
in Scotland and Wales. That applies to everyone, including key workers.
The agency stated that they’d be in
contact with candidates as soon as
possible with additional information but
that they await the government to make further announcements.
Is it time for a new set of wheels?
Get the car you want on lease from
Rivervale. You’ll find a superb range
of leases on offer from family-friendly
models to the latest electric and lowemission vehicles.
It’s a challenging time, but we’re still
here, operating on a contact-free basis to ensure your lease’s smooth set up and delivery. All vehicles on offer are
completely sanitised, including keys, before their contactless delivery or hand over.
For more information or to get answers to any more questions, get in touch on 01273 433 480 or email info@
rivervale.co.uk Our friendly team is on hand to help.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71
2020 in review - a round-up of car/ van related news from this year
From the early excitement of new car and van models, to a global pandemic 2020 has been quite the ride. Brought to you by Rivervale Leasing www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk
Motoring News
The automotive
and their pick of the best in show? For
adapt, and quickly.
Ford, starting with...
industry has had to But despite a very
odd year, there are
still some celebrations to be had. There
are the usual new model launches along with developments to electric cars and changes to the way we drive.
Here’s our round-up of the good, the bad and the ugly car and van related news from the ever-evolving year of 2020.
the sixth year in a row, it was all hail the
The Ford Puma
Winning the coveted Car of the
Year award, this crossover SUV was
commended for its driveability, smart
packaging and pretty affordable price.
Not to mention extra points for its ability to showcase an unbeatable economical side in real-world driving, thanks to its mild hybrid technology.
January
Other accolades included:
mention the What Car? Awards of 2020
thanks to its powerful performance
What better way to start the year than to
72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
The Audi TT - voted the best coupe
The Land Rover Defender - scooping the Reader Award as voted for by the public.
The BMW 5 Series - winning best luxury car (more on this one later). February
After an exciting start to the year, the
green light was firmly on, as Plug-In EV car sales more than doubled. In fact,
sales of BEVs pretty much tripled. The total number of Plug-In car registrations
at this point was sitting at an impressive
4,566. An increase of 117% year-over-year at a market share of 5.9%. Not bad for the environment, and the EV arena, at all.
February saw the unveiling of the new
MOTOR I NG N E WS Hyundai i20 while Citroen rolled out their Ami electric city car (more accurately known as an electric quadricycle)…
sadly only onto the streets of France.
But drivers keen to adopt their own Ami for a ride on the UK motorways may not have to wait too long as the firm announced they could register their interest for the time being.
In other more sombre news, the Ford
Ranger 3.2-litre was discontinued but more eco-friendly 2-litre engines
looked set to replace the current models later in the year. March
We can’t round up the year without
mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect this has had on the
auto industry. And in March 2020, the
emergency brakes were pretty quickly slammed on due to a rapidly rising number of infections.
With a halt on manufacturing, purchases and changes to employment, the
industry has seen effects that will last beyond the year. It was also the first lockdown the UK experienced, with detrimental effects.
UK car sales saw a rapid decline in the wake of coronavirus as lockdown hit
and consumers were forced to tighten
their belts. Many UK van service centres remained open but mainly for essential
April
Not featured in this list but after winning
becoming more apparent, the auto
of 2020 earlier on in the year, the BMW 5
to its events schedule. Due to take place
From a reinterpreted front fascia with
Vehicle Show was unfortunately
kidney grille to its extended integral
it would resume again the following year.
wheels, it was an exciting revamp to
As the scale of the pandemic was
best luxury car at the What Car? Awards
industry had to act quickly when it came
Series received a striking facelift in May.
on 28-30 April 2020, the Commercial
beaming new headlights and reshaped
cancelled due to COVID-19, with hopes
active steering and new 18-20 inch
The industry also saw a dramatic 99.7
per cent year on year fall in production,
June
no choice but to close, due to strict
services - in an already increasing
as all vehicle manufacturing plants had
Due to a significant increase in delivery
Government guidelines, throughout the
landscape - and the need for businesses
month. In addition to this, new UK car registrations fell by a huge 97%.
In bids to try and drive home some
positivity, Ford decided to deploy a 131-strong fleet of Transit vans to
help in the fight against the virus, the
same month they turned 55 years old. Servicing 40 different organisations,
they put their best driving foot forward
to help as only they know-how. Further inspirational news came as Vauxhall
announced they were extending their
free breakdown cover to NHS workers. And from cars to ventilators, it was
declared that renowned brand SEAT,
would be collaborating with the healthcare system to make automated ventilators
with adapted windscreen wiper motors in order to help combat the virus.
servicing and repairs.
April was also the month in which the
There was some more uplifting news
topped the UK bestseller list for car
in the car and van world, however, with the unveiling of the new Renault Zoe
and some mysterious photos of the new
Mercedes Citan, due to emerge from the showroom shadows in 2021.
However, the brokers, leasing
companies and dealers in the industry have all successfully adapted their
process to provide “business as usual” while being COVID-19 compliant.
mark hitting the middle of the year.
Tesla Model 3 and the Jaguar I-Pace sales. May
With showrooms set to reopen in June 2020, it’s time to list the top five most popular new cars for the month:
to keep their vehicles in good working
order, Ford increased its fleet of Mobile Service Vans by 25 per cent. And in
more positive news in the car world, Fiat opened its registrations for their allnew electric Fiat 500. July/August
Throughout these months, everyone’s
foot was firmly on the eco-friendly pedal. From the electrification of the Maserati
brand to EVs outperforming the new car market in July. The numbers showed
a growth of 260% for pure-EVs and 320% for PHEVs, compared to the same period for the previous year. And in August, the sale of EVs set a
whopping great new record, as sales
shot up to 78% in August 2020 vs the same period last year.
In van related news, there was applause all around for the Mercedes-Benz Vito,
which showcased the results of its shiny
new facelift. Offering a choice of two trim
lines, a new generation diesel engine and
the intelligent Mercedes PRO connect - a real-time vehicle monitoring system - it
changed the game for small businesses at an extremely welcome time.
1. Tesla Model 3
There was also exciting news in the
3. Ford Fiesta
Government announced the potential
5. Ford Focus
motorways in 2021.
2. Vauxhall Corsa 4. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
world of self-driving cars, as the UK
introduction of such vehicles on the
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73
MOTO RI N G N E WS September
pop-up roof and camping table with
number plate, new car sales still
who can, to get away for a weekend
Despite the introduction of a new
chairs. The perfect excuse, for those
continued to fall for the industry, with
with their bubble.
September performance since the
Another car model making an upgraded
system in 1999”. But there was good
Convertible. Flaunting the return of the
this month labelled as “the worst
introduction of the dual number plate
entrance was the BMW 4 Series
news to be found amongst the bad.
desirable soft top, it makes for a much
In the absence of festivals, funfairs
execute so its drivers were able to get
summer, one industry that seriously
their socially distanced hair.
indoor ice-cream sellers. Due to
Sadly, in a not particularly great end
to move their business to the streets.
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
In the wake of the easing of the UK’s
cream van manufacturers, Whitby
new car registrations. Falling even
introduction of a strict tier system, the
Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans and
hit a nine-year low. The “firebreak”
brand new Toyota Hilux. With an upgraded
ice cream vans to treat universal fans
introduced on October 23, contributed
facelift also came with a new 2.8-litre
manner and help sweeten the sour
and other large scale events this
felt the heat of the pandemic was
lighter ride and takes just 18 seconds to out of the house and feel the wind in
COVID-19 restrictions, many decided
to the month, the Society for Motor
December
With this in mind, world-leading ice
released the latest statistics for
second national lockdown and the
further by 1.9 per cent, the figures
nation also saw the introduction of the
transform them into bright and cheery
lockdown in Wales, which was
design and bold new looks, this Hilux’s
of ice cream in a socially distanced
to this decline. Though electric sales
engine, which is the biggest engine of any
continued to rise.
new UK pickup on the UK Market.
November
In other shock announcements came
second national lockdown, it was
Camilleri announced his resignation
new car market registrations saw
Officer. Though the reasons were not
however, announced that UK MoT
for its successor to make themselves
Morrison, decided to order 55 classic
effects of the pandemic.
In more general news, and in an
With the Government declaring a
the one where Ferrari’s CEO, Louis
announced that four UK motorways
time to hit the brakes once more, as
from his position as Chief Executive
a decline of 27.4 per cent. It was,
entirely clear, the brand will have to wait
12 months.
testing stations would remain open
known in 2021.
And in no particular order, the following
would be agreed.
To round up the year in suitably festive
facelift in September:
However, as time continued to move, so
over at Mercedes-Benz. Unveiling their
• Peugeot 3008
slower pace, with the top five best
Christmas jumper, they’ve given us all
• Vauxhall Corsa - 3,718
with more pictures to come throughout
• Mercedes-Benz A-Class – 3,243
we’ll take two.
On the 13th of the month, it was
• Ford Focus - 2,922
If you want to take a look at any of the
in the UK was bringing back its beach
Mercedes-Benz also announced the
up or want to enquire about another
Tour and Camper - it arrived in the
help make it easier for consumers to find
give our expert team a call on 01273
effort to cut down on pollution, it was would be in receipt of a reduced
speed limit - down to 60mph. It was
stated this was due to be assessed after
car models all benefited from a 2020 • Audi Q2
• Peugeot 5008
• Jaguar F-Pace • Hyundai Kona October
announced that the VW California range
but it was unlikely another extension
style, we’ve left it to the genius minds
did the sale of cars, albeit at a slightly
iconic G-Wagon in a wonderfully ugly
selling cars of November reported as:
the perfect present to top the year off,
• Volkswagen Golf - 3,625
the month. Not sure about you but
• Nissan Qashqai – 3,073
cars mentioned in our yearly round
model. With two models on offer - the
launch of a new online van showroom to
car or van for the new year, why not
absence of a kitchen but included a
their ideal model.
433480, or email info@rivervale.co.uk
74 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS
5 REASONS YOUR NETWORKING MIGHT NOT BE WORKING
BY NETWORK MY CLUB FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, BRADLEY HATCHETT
BRIGHTON UP YOUR MARKETING
HERE TO HELP YOU CREATE A STAND OUT BRAND BY YBRIGHTON
ADVANTAGE BUSINESS MENTORING SERVICES NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75
Network My Club
Networking is one of the most effective business development activities you do. That’s when it’s done purposefully and strategically. Some people see
Networking & Events
networking as a
tick-box exercise.
By simply going to
an event will result in
new business. No!
Like any aspect of your business, the
the returns you’d hoped for from
networking, there may be some things to work on.
Here are 5 common reasons why your networking might not be working for you:
more you put into it, the better the
1. Y ou have unrealistic goals (or
This doesn’t mean spending hours
What are you trying to achieve from
results will be.
networking every single day. Nor does it mean chucking hundreds of pounds at different events and memberships and hoping for the best.
Work smarter not harder. If you’re scratching your head
wondering why you’re not getting
76 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
none at all)
your networking?
If you go in with the mindset of “I
want to sign up 5 new clients within this one event”, you will be bitterly
disappointed. Even thinking you’ll gain a new client at all from attending one event will result in disappointment. Networking is about creating new
opportunities, sharing ideas, but most importantly, helping others. Please,
please, please do not see it as a place to sell.
Think of networking like gardening. It’s about planting the seed and nurturing
the shoots (relationships). The flowers (sales) will come in time.
2. You don’t have a networking strategy
When we say strategy, it doesn’t
mean a structured plan or document. Although that would definitely help.
We mean how you approach an event. Aimlessly tipping-up 10 minutes late. Not having a clue who else is in the
room. Not understanding who you’d
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
like to meet. These will all lead to disappointment.
Plan your time either side of an
event accordingly. ALWAYS check
out the delegate-list beforehand and make a note of anyone you’d like an introduction to.
Know which types of industries/people are often good at referring business
to you and also who you can typically refer business too. Make a conscious effort to connect with these people.
Remember to put others first. Always
think ‘how can I help this person’. It’s
true what they say; what goes around, comes around.
3. P eople don’t properly understand what you do
For people to refer their friends or
Bradley Hatchett
clients to you, they have to like know,
4. You aren’t following-up properly
With some groups (such as Network
have to understand what you do and
This bit is really important. The fruits
additional benefits. Make sure you are
like and trust you. But they also problems you solve.
Don’t fall into the trap of spewing heaps
are in the follow-up. So, what is your follow-up process?
My Club) you have access to making the most of these!
Pro-actively send content to the
of jargon and industry-specific lingo.
If you’re sending an email or Linkedin
relevant person. Be brave. Shout
This may position you as an expert
about your service, you’re probably
news, industry insights and offers.
message with generic paragraphs
about what you’re doing. Share good
amongst your competition, but when
doing more harm than good.
your industry you may risk alienating
After you’ve spoken with someone,
advantage of being able to attend
don’t fully understand what you do in
connect via LinkedIn. You could
applicable. Ask for introductions.
conversation to trigger their memory.
with specific people.
to a six year old, you don’t understand
people but more importantly ask them
Struggling to make networking
speaking with people from outside of
Broaden your horizons. Take
them and cause a disconnect if they
make sure you share details and
multiple events in different areas if
simple terms.
include something from your
Don’t be afraid to ask to be connected
As Einstein said: “If you can’t explain it
Remind them how you can help
it yourself.”
how you could help them.
work for you? Try one of our online
Make sure you can convey what
If you think there could be potential
won’t be disappointed. Find all
able to address the problems your
arrange a 1-1 call or meeting to
networkmyclub.co.uk.
you do clearly and concisely and be
for collaboration or business referrals
service or product can help with. Give
discuss further.
you can.
5. You aren’t utilising all benefits
relatable or recent real life examples if
meetups. We’re confident you
upcoming online events at www.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77
Brighton up your Marketing Here to help you create a standout brand! Here at YBrighton
Networking & Events
we pride ourselves
on creating engaging experiences which
showcase our fantastic
city. What you may not know is we have a
whole inhouse creative team with a wealth of creative experience across all areas of creative, from brand strategy through to print, digital and video.
Nothing brings us more pleasure than
helping local businesses be the best they can be. Whether you’re looking for a full rebrand, a tactical re-vamp or digital, video or print assets to support your
messaging, our down to earth creative
crew are on hand to guide you through your creative journey.
Understanding your world
With a focus on your vision, mission
78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
statement and objectives, our creatives set to work, brainstorming, researching
the competitive set, and pulling together inspiration boards which lead to the
creation of your new logo, graphics, content or campaign. We know that
every brief and project is an invitation
into your world, so we carefully consider each touch point to ensure it delivers on your objectives. Our aim is to bring your brand identity to life whilst keeping your
business objectives and messaging at the forefront of everything we do. Brand Strategy
We get to know your story, goals and
dreams. Where do you see your brand
going in the future? What are the insights that will drive your target market? What is the short, medium and long term
innovation pipeline? This allows us to
create an identity that is meaningful and
memorable. Whether it’s bringing a new brand or product to life through a brand vision and guidelines or helping you
reshape and refresh your brand identity, we’ll work with you to help drive your
business forward in the right direction. Digital
With a team of front-end developers,
creative designers, and programmers we’re ready to tackle all your digital projects. We’ve deployed global
communication platforms, reward & recognition schemes and bespoke
email campaigns for some of the UK’s top brands.
A long-term SEO strategy (organic) and an ROI goal is the first step to putting your local business on the
map. That’s why we work with you to find your target audience, their
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
requirements, and how your business can help. In combination with a SEM strategy (paid) we can help create
dynamic display ads and social media plans that best target your audience
for the ultimate return on investment. To capture the interest of your target audience, our design team create eye-catching creatives to set you
apart from the competition. From the more traditional animated, static &
responsive display ads to epic video and digital out-of-home ads.
Our geeky but gifted team design and
build user friendly, engaging websites, email marketing solutions as well as
developing web and native apps. Give the team a presentation to bring to
life and they’re never happier, we’re
talking engaging layouts, animations
and infographics. If it’s a full template or simply a tidy, the team can liaise directly with presenters and offer
onsite support to ensure every slide is consistent and engaging, we can help spread the word in style!
Print & Display
world of 2D and 3D motion graphics,
we get that sometimes your message
your fingertips. From creating eye-
business print, display, event materials
story, to developing content to launch a
studio designs is with your objectives
the secrets to creating impact for your
brand and on message. We are in a
importantly, keeping it.
importance of print, business cards,
YBrighton HQ is based a stone’s throw
and signage, we can create magic with
of our vibrant city. Professionals in
Pros at standing out from the crowd,
animation and audio production is at
needs to be larger than life. From
catching animation to tell your brand
or promotion print, everything our
product into new markets, we know all
in mind to ensure every output is on
brand, grabbing attention and most
digital age, but don’t underestimate the flyers, event programmes, packaging,
from Brighton beach, right in the heart
your brand.
partnering form and function, consider us
Video & Multimedia
ready to hit your inbox with inspirational
One of the most impactful ways to
tell your brand’s story is through the power of video.
your first port of call – we’re primed and creative to take your brand to the next level in 2021.
Feeling creative? Drop us a line.
When time is ticking, nothing says
Email: louisa@ybrighton.co.uk
like video. Our team can help you plan,
www.ybrighton.co.uk
more, shares more, or engages quite
Tel: 07825 773160
storyboard, film and produce engaging content for a multitude of platforms. Our in-house team also means the
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 79
Advantage Business Mentoring Services - New Website Launch This month SBT talk to Mike Monk about Advantage Business Mentoring, the launch of his new website and how he can help your business. “It Pays To Take Advantage” Business Mentoring
Networking & Events
You Can Trust
Being at the helm of your own enterprise
can be daunting. You can feel isolated
calming influence and help you plot a
• Professional mentoring
the results you desire. In addition to
• Networking
course that will assist you in achieving helping you set up and grow a new
business, we can help you expand, franchise or prepare an existing
and, at times, you may struggle to cope
business for sale.
have goals you are not 100 per cent
Our services are all about helping you
all the facets of growing a brand may
costs down. We will show you how
plan ahead.
business processes that break down
with stress. On top of that, you may
confident you can realise. Dealing with
pinpoint opportunities and keeping
not give you the time or confidence to
to implement efficient and effective
You are not alone. Even the most
successful people in business need
a helping hand from time to time. As professional mentors, we provide a
80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
known barriers to success.
Among our comprehensive range
of business mentoring and support services, you will find:
• Effective support
• Strategy planning
• Performance reviews • Risk assessments
• Help to franchise your business • Social media support
•M arketing solutions, including trade show support and advice
Whether you are starting a new
project, expanding your brand to
include new products / services or
across additional channels, we are
here to ensure you get things right. We have got more than 30 years’
experience in business planning and
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
Mike Monk
marketing. We are also recognised experts in franchising. We offer:
• One to one support
• In-person mentoring • Telephone support • On-line support
• Industry-leading mentoring
• Specialist services designed to boost your business
About Advantage Business Mentoring Who We Are
Advantage Business Mentoring was founded by Mike Monk.
He has owned one of the South East’s leading marketing and promotional merchandise businesses for more than 30 years.
Trusted by those from multiple sectors, he is a confidante and advisor to many successful brands.
In addition to delivering powerful
marketing solutions, Mike is an expert
has seen him develop his portfolio
to include trade shows. He has been the organiser of Brighton Business
Expo for four years. The biggest free
B2B event of its kind in Brighton, it is the go-to platform for those looking to launch new brands, source local
suppliers and to gain valuable insights from experts in their field.
With a huge circle of connections and
his extensive business knowledge, Mike is the go-to person for those looking to take their ideas to the next level.
He is an expert in brand image, effective
entrepreneurs across Sussex, London and beyond.
His passion for networking brands
Advantage Business Mentoring, we
believe that trade shows are a great place to network your brand.
We help businesses of all sizes seize
the opportunity to gain a place in the spotlight. In addition to helping you
match your goals to the right event we
help with everything from preparing for
a show to getting your messaging right. And, importantly, how to generate and follow up leads.
Our services include:
promotions and franchising. He works
• Business exhibition selection
their business.
• Branding
with start-ups and those looking to grow
A sought-after advisor on franchising, Mike understands the often complex
and legal processes involved in creating a new franchise. He has started and owned a few of his own. Exhibit Your Business
Generate Leads at Trade and Business Shows
networker. In fact, his tips on business networking have been used by
and valuable engagement. Here at
There are few better ways to raise
awareness about your brand or launch a new enterprise than at a business
exhibition. Well-run events guarantee an audience, with good footfall
• Stand location and size • Promotional products • Pre-event planning
• Help to maximise lead generation • Networking tips
• Guest speaking opportunities and coaching
• Lead follow-up support If you want your business to take centre stage, a business exhibition is a great investment. Matching your goals to
event audiences is just part of what we do. We will make sure you project the right image and sell your products or
services uses the right messages and calls to action.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS While often profitable, franchising can
be complex to achieve. It requires a firm understanding of business law to avoid common pitfalls.
In addition to providing trusted legal
advice, Advantage Business Mentoring helps with:
• Brand image
• Franchise systems • Training
• Quality control • Marketing
Starting a franchise from scratch can be
exciting but daunting. Having an expert on board from the very beginning will greatly enhance your chances of success.
Our franchise mentoring and coaching packages are designed to help those Networking
Growing Your Connections Networking is essential if you want to build your circle of connections and grow your brand. Advantage Business Mentoring offers a range of services to help you
promote your business at events. We
help entrepreneurs, including start-ups,
identify networking opportunities and build valuable connections.
We can also support brands at networking and other events across Sussex and the wider South East.
Considered as valuable as referrals, networking is the key that unlocks
new doors and helps to grow trust in your brand.
• Support when you need it
• Representation at events you are unable to attend yourself
We recommend networking to
businesses of all sizes. As well as raising awareness about what you do, this
type of marketing can help you develop lasting and lucrative new business
relationships. It helps people get to know your business and ‘like’ it.
Advantage Business Mentoring is one of the South East’s leading authorities on networking for success. If you want to
make the most of opportunities available through networking events, contact us. Franchising
Get Help To Franchise Your Business
We offer:
Grow Your Business Quickly
• Coaching on how to network for
Franchising your business is one of the
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• Insider tips on how to make the right impression
• Expert guidance on how to target potential new clients
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quickest – and most lucrative – ways
to grow a brand. Whether you want to
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concept to the market, we can help.
from any sector, including B2B,
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will help you identify opportunities and develop robust, standardised systems that will be attractive to franchisees.
We will ensure you develop a consistent
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If you have got a great business
concept, there is no reason why you
cannot replicate it in a franchise model. Contact us for more information or book a FREE one-hour consultation. Visit
www.advantagebusinessmentoring. co.uk or call 01273 286133.
“I help you increase your Sales and make more Profit”
SBT ASK THE EXPERT
INSIDE STORIES
WHY YOUR BUSINESS NARRATIVE MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
CUBE CORNER: JANUARY 2021
BY PAUL ROGERS
SBT ASK THE EXPERT SPONSORED BY:
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AS K T H E E X PE RT
Ask the expert:
Why your business narrative matters more than ever Ask the expert
Give yourself a pat on the back. Go on, you deserve it. 2020 tested every single one of us, and we should feel proud to have even made it this far.
Now, with vaccines on the way, we’re finally able to look ahead to the future. So, where do we go from here? And what have we learned about ourselves, and our business, over the last twelve months? It’s my sincere hope that we’ve all had the chance to reflect on the role we play in the world, and think about the value we bring to our customers and clients. However, that’s often easier said than done. It’s tough to get introspective when you’re worried about bills. ‘Higher order’ thinking probably comes more naturally when you’re not spending all your time fighting fires. This is why storytelling is such a vital part of the communication ecosystem. Ultimately, it’s a discipline for processing all of the things we think and feel about whatever it is that we’re building, and sharing it in a way that will mean just as much to other people. It’s easy to forget that emotions are just as important in making business decisions as they are in our day-to-day lives. And stories are the best way of engaging audiences on an emotional level. We learn about stories from an early age – usually at bedtime, as exhausted parents hurriedly flick through the pages in the hope that we’ll nod off before Hansel and Gretel find the path of pebbles to lead them back home. The problem is, we begin to take for granted what makes a great story. Because there’s a vast difference between hearing one, and telling one. Have you ever watched a movie or read a book and thought “I’m enjoying this, but I’m not really clear on where it’s going?” That’s usually a sign that the writer hasn’t figured out what the story is really about. That leaves the reader or audience crying out for something more meaningful.
84 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
ASK T H E E XPE RT In his successful marketing blog, Dave Trott recently talked about the various businesses floundering or flourishing in the wake of COVID lockdowns. Looking at gyms, he pointed out that the fitness brands that see themselves as a space where people come to exercise were struggling to stay afloat. Alternatively, the brands that understood that their purpose was to motivate and inspire people to exercise, were pivoting and finding new ways to engage their consumers. Like the caterers who’ve switched to creating indulgent ‘pamper hampers’ or the bars who offer DIY at-home mixology solutions, the businesses who’ve figured out what they’re about, rather than what they do, are the ones who aren’t just surviving. They’re finding all new ways to build customer loyalty, based on the thing that they stand for. They understand their purpose, and have been able to find a variety of ways to activate it. That’s the power of storytelling. But, in the same way that introspection can be difficult when you’re trying to stay afloat, finding clarity can be equally
challenging in a world that seems to have a voracious appetite for content. If you’ve ever spent the evening scrolling through Netflix just trying to decide what you’re going to watch, only to realise you’ve run out of time, and switch back to old Friends reruns, you’ll know what I mean. There’s stuff everywhere and it can be overwhelming. Sometimes, more is just more. So, when it comes to telling your story, you want to find something that feels distinctive, unique and unforgettable. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get distracted by all the detail instead. Before you know it, a quick introduction has turned into a full-blown autobiography, and editing it down feels like an insurmountable hurdle. What to leave in, and what to cut out feels like an impossible ask. The fact is, a lot of great writers believe that the story isn’t revealed until the editing stage. They craft their narrative like a sculptor who, rather than making something out of a blob of clay, chips
away at a block of marble. Chiselling, shaving and polishing until the subject is finally revealed. As a business storyteller, you have to get it all out first, and then be willing to sift, edit and finesse with ruthlessness. And this is where people usually need the most help. Firstly, to ask the right questions and shake out all that detail. Then, to dispassionately chop away at anything that isn’t essential, or vital to the telling of the story. The end result is always better for it. A compelling story that captures why your business exists, and why the rest of the world needs to know about it. A tale that’s more than just the sum of its parts – a narrative that’s meaningful, memorable and moving. So here we are, at the start of 2021. You’re still here, and you want the world to know about it. It’s time to turn the page, and tell your story. www.insidestories.guru terry@insidestories.guru
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C U B E C ORN E R
Cube Corner - January 21 I hope you all had a
Cube Corner
great Xmas and New Year break, it was all a little different this year but hope you
are all re-charged for the year ahead. It certainly looks like there may be some
more challenges ahead but I am sure the local business community can help each
other through the next couple of months. In this months Cube Corner I wanted to
introduce City Utilities who I am assisting
Steve Darby
with their Business Development and Partnership Strategy. City Utilities
is headed up by Steve Darby, no
we can pass on all these savings to our
up to 80% more expensive than rates
you I am sure, and Malcolm Jacobs who
any like for like renewal quote.
state that up to 10% of small businesses
Utilities will be specialising on a number
The directors are drawn from many
efficient ways of cost saving. I caught up
run, or own businesses. This means they
introductions necessary to a number of
has immense experience in this area. City
customers and guarantee we will beat
charged in a negotiated contract. Ofgem are on Deemed contracts.
of areas across your business to find
industries, all of whom have managed,
We are only just getting started, so as well
with Steve for an update:
completely understand the stresses and
can carry out Energy Audits, advise on
City Utilities is a small company with a
and appreciate that time can often be in
strains running a business can produce
big idea! To help businesses of all sizes,
short supply.
contracts, and reduce costs through
People often ask “why should we use
get the best possible deal on their utility their energy audits.
a broker; the quick answer is it will
To do this, its directors deliberately set
thirty energy suppliers in the UK just
base; we do not have luxurious offices
you to contact them all and ask them for
save you time and money, with over
the company up to have a very low-cost
imagine how much time it would take
or embark on expensive advertising
prices, we are talking hours if not days.
a process of referrals and good old
Because the process of either going direct
campaigns. We are growing through fashioned hard work.
or using a broker can be frustrating, many
City Utilities have a strong working
existing supplier or worse still do not renew
utility suppliers, giving us access to the
or gas but are not under a contract, you
and relationships with suppliers means
Tariff that, according to Ofgem, can be
businesses elect to continue with their
relationship with over 30 of the UK’s
their contract at all. If you use electricity
best possible rates. This control on costs
will be placed on what is called a Deemed
86 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
as gas, electricity, water contracts, we
water-saving devices, bring you industry
beating rates on your credit card merchant
services and help you assess the feasibility of setting up solar power systems. We
will shortly be announcing a partnership
with one of the best facilities companies
in the business, and as we go on we will
look to add more services to our company becoming a one-stop outsource resource for business.
Phone: 01273 600300
Email: info@cityutilities.co.uk
Email: steve.darby@cityutilities.co.uk
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JACK NEEDS
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