SBT issue 444

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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

THE SMALL SHOREHAM-BASED BUSINESS MAKING BIG MOVES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY WE CHAT TO 67 DEGREES

AN SBT SPECIAL FEATURE AS WE CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021 COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS VIRTUAL AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN

BUDGET 2021 OVERVIEW

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

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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 latest, packed issue of SBT

Spring is in the air and with the latest government announcement, the road map to return is in place and there is truly light

at the end of the tunnel. There is definitely an air of optimism around and I am getting a positive vibe from the community in my various meetings over the past couple of weeks.

This month we had great pleasure in speaking with County Business Clubs latest Value Added Partners, 67 degrees as we chat to founders Laura Coleby and Justin Woodford for this month’s cover feature.

To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March and Women’s History Month, the issue is packed with a selection of great news and articles from some amazing Sussex Business women. This also includes a month of great events from the team at Plus X with their ‘Trailblazing Women’ online events calendar.

County Business Clubs have more exciting announcements this month so watch this space as we continue with our ethos of collaboration over competition and welcome new partners and members. We are delighted to announce this months latest Value Added Partners 67 Degrees, Extech Cloud, Plus X, Gaydio and Silicon Brighton all of whom will be able to provide support, great content and advice for all our members.

We have also announced our next Virtual Business Awards for the Sussex business community in partnership with Network My Club, on Thursday April 22nd, start nominating NOW! This issue is once again 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 brighter few months ahead.

I hope you enjoy the issue, Sam Thomas, Managing Director

VALUE ADDED PARTNERS

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5

Issue 444

07 17 21 Cover 444

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 ©

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Monthly News

International Women’s Day Special

SBT Finance

MHA Carpenter Box – Budget 2021 Special

SBT Legal

How to Evict a Tenant – MayoWynne Baxter Employment Law: Self employed or Worker?– By Alex Jones 365 Employment Law

SBT Property

We catch up with Eightfold Property

SBT SPeople Management & Recruitment

Now is the time for business owners to prepare for cost of redundancies

SBT Cover Feature

We chat to 67 Degrees Owners Laura Coleby and Justin Woodford

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SBT Sales & Marketing

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SBT Tech

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SBT Charity Special

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Challenging perceptions through marketing – An interview with Stephanie Prior | It’s Time to Re – Re-emerge with Learning Cog | How and Why to prioritise business reputation in 2021

A packed SBT Tech section as we hear from NWT on Diversity matters, Silicon Brighton supporting digital growth | Truchallenge founder Tim Chase| Launch of Robus Automation

Table Talk Foundation Launches in Sussex Plus who are the Sussex Cancer Fund?

SBT Motoring

The value of Britains most popular car colours – April 2021: Changes to electric company car tax - bought to you by Rivervale

SBT Networking & Events

Being an effective Networker of the future

Chamber News

We see the return of Chamber News as we hear from Ana Christie, Sussex Chamber and Brighton Chamber’s Basecamp En-route Event

SBT Lifestyle

BOOST Mood with Kate Cook and an exclusive online cooking demonstration from Steven Edwards

SBT Ask The Expert

This months Ask the Experts are James Kelly, Storganise – Bonamy Waddell, Bon insight and Jeremy Taylor, The Company Connector

SBT MONTHLY NEWS SPECIAL

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

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MO NT H LY N E WS SP EC IA L

Public Sector membership club, Boundless, announces new CEO Colin Slinn steps up as part of a new-look executive team Monthly News

Boundless, the UK membership club for civil service and public sector workers, has announced Colin Slinn as its new CEO.

Colin, who has been with Boundless since 2004, previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer and has 25 years of experience as a finance professional.

He has also worked within the senior finance team at Lloyds TSB Private Banking and at American Express Global Network Services.

Brighton-based Boundless, which was formed in 1923, has a national

membership in excess of 230,000 and has recently won praise for its campaign to raise awareness of the UN’s Public Service Day which had previously flown under the radar in the UK. Now, at a time when the British public is increasingly aware of the work done by those in the public sector, Boundless is focusing on helping its members to make the most of their free time, helping to improve their work-life balance and general wellbeing.

Colin is joined on a new-look executive team by Chief Operating Officer Peter Worster, previously Managing Director at business transformation and marketing strategy business Worster Ltd.

Lisa Parrott has been appointed as the new CFO, bringing a wealth of financial expertise from Saga Plc, a FTSE 250 company, where she has spent the majority of her working life. In her most recent role, Lisa was Group Finance Director for a group of entrepreneurial insurance, conveyancing and property data SMEs at CLS Group Services Ltd. Darren Milton, a board level brand and marketing strategist who has been with Boundless since 2009, moves from his role as Head of Brand & Marketing to become the business’ new Chief Marketing Officer.

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

Sussex sees wave of COVID entrepreneurs Finds research from accountants Kreston Reeves Monthly News

Sussex has seen a wave of COVID entrepreneurs with 27% more businesses registered in 2020 than in 2019.

The research from accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves is based on analysis of corporate databases that draw on information provided by Companies House in 2019 and 2020.

In Sussex, 14,825 new businesses were incorporated at Companies House, an increase of 27% on 2019 when just 11,646 new businesses were registered.

Across the UK, 772,002 new businesses were incorporated at Companies House in 2020, an increase of 14%.

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Commenting on the research, Jake Standing, a Partner and member of the Growth Advisory Team at Kreston Reeves said: “Times of crisis are often a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs as they look to capture an opportunity, and that is true of 2020. The South East has seen a wave of COVID entrepreneurs, far outstripping business start-ups across the rest of the UK. “It should, of course, be noted that many of these new incorporations will be subsidiaries of existing businesses looking to expand their offerings, but we believe that the majority of them will be new businesses where the individual has taken time in 2020 to think about the direction they want to head. Some will remain small, operating from home, but others

will grow and help build our postCOVID economy.

“Government support has focused to date on supporting existing businesses that have been impacted by the global pandemic, and that is as it should be. But government should also look to measures to support this new wave of entrepreneurialism to help them grow and become the engines of tomorrow’s economy.”

There is a wealth of freely available advice and guidance on successfully growing a business. In addition to www. krestonreeves.com, businesses may also wish to explore www.locateinkent.com, www.coast2capital.org.uk in Sussex, and www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline.

MON T H LY N EWS S PECIA L

Midnight expands client portfolio with global alternative fuels producer

Midnight Communications, an award-winning PR agency based in Brighton, has been appointed by Waste Knot Energy, an innovative fuel manufacturer that supplies pellets made from waste materials as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

L: Flo Powell & R: Alex Hankinson

Primarily targeting

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key decision makers at power stations

and manufacturers

of cement and steel,

Midnight’s objectives are to educate

audiences on the benefits of using these pellets, which are ideal for high-energyuse industries. These benefits include

decarbonisation, high energy content, reduction in waste going to landfill, reduced costs and fuel security.

“Ultimately, Midnight aims to raise awareness of, and preference for,

Waste Knot Energy as the alternative

fuel manufacturer of choice and drive

the sale of its pellets among potential

customers across the UK and beyond,”

said Midnight’s joint managing director

Midnight made a compelling pitch and,

innovative and making great strides in

delivered some significant results.”

are very excited to be appointed.”

Waste Knot Energy is building eight

Waste Knot Energy joins a raft of market

which will source local commercial

industry sectors such as construction

paper, card and non-chlorinated

Flo Powell. “The company is highly

helping to fight climate change, so we

following its appointment, has already

production plants across the UK,

leading B2B clients across a breadth of

and industrial waste such as wood,

and professional services.

plastics, before turning it into high

Roger Ferguson, managing director

Middlesbrough, is almost complete

mission is to enable large scale energy

early as May this year.

emissions and minimise the amount of

For more information, please visit

a communications agency that could

www.wasteknotenergy.com.

at Waste Knot Energy, added: “Our

users to slash their costs and carbon

waste going to landfill. So, we needed

quality fuel pellets. The first, in

and is to begin receiving waste as

www.midnight.co.uk and

spread this message far and wide.

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Acumen Business Law Top 50 Fastest-Growing Businesses in Sussex Acumen Business Law, the Brighton & Gatwick based law firm, has launched its Top 50 Fastest-Growing Businesses in Sussex initiative.

Powered by data from mnAI (the world’s first AI-powered deal-flow search engine for the private investment markets), Acumen Business Law will formally recognise the top independent businesses that have seen substantial growth over the last 12 months.

The purpose of the initiative is to identify and provide recognition to local and regional businesses for their outstanding growth year on year.

We were lucky enough to chat to Penina Shepherd, the firm’s founder & CEO, to find out a little more about Acumen Business Law and why they have chosen to recognise Sussex’s finest businesses.

Why now have you chosen to recognise the Top 50 Fastest-Growing Businesses in Sussex?

After one of the toughest years in the business world, Acumen Business Law wants to celebrate some successes too. To say it has been a difficult year will be an understatement. The sudden halt of everyday life, had a devastating effect on many businesses who had to deal with a substantial reduction of income as well as the need to adapt overnight to new requirements such as home working, social distancing and the complexity of the government’s furlough scheme, which wasn’t always as flexible as the most recent version. It also meant businesses had to learn to operate with reduced staff, with those furloughed unable to have any input into the day to day running of the business.

I am therefore in awe of those Top 50 Businesses who have managed to continue with their successes throughout this period, and as such, this recognition is even more deserved.

How are you identifying the Top 50 businesses?

We instructed the local marketing agency, Creative Pod, to find a local business that can offer the required advanced technology and they recommended using the MNAI software. They explained it’s an intelligent system which pulls data from nine million data points, to produce data on UK companies in real-time showing the top 50 fast growing businesses in the area. The system uses parameters such as annual accounts, shareholder details, companies house information and more to amalgamate the selected criteria we wanted to recognise.

What tips do you have for a business in Sussex, looking to take the next step?

With the recent announcement from Boris Johnson, we can see there is now some light at the end of a very long tunnel. It’s been a bumpy ride for us all, but it’s now time to pick up the pieces and go full steam ahead again.

This is the time to rely on the community that so many have built upon throughout the years, who trust you and will be there for you. It’s this community which we, at Acumen Business Law, have built over a decade that has stood by us and helped us come out the other side.

For some businesses, they did all they could to fight through, but Covid-19 has brought circumstances that meant they simply cannot survive, and my heart and thoughts go out to the employees and people behind those businesses. I hope with the recent roadmap announced, they can now redirect their energy and come out emerging in a different format.

How would Acumen celebrate the Top 50 Fastest-Growing Businesses?

The Top 50 businesses will shortly be contacted by post with their certification, along with recognition across our

www.acumenbusinesslaw.co.uk | 01273 447 065 | Follow us on social media

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Penina Shepherd, CEO & Founder, Acumen Business Law

social media platforms. I’m then looking forward to meeting each and every one of them when it is safe to do so, to present their trophy and I am very excited to hear their business stories which we aim to feature on various blogs and our social media channels.

We also hope to celebrate their success in our next Acumen Business Convention, our annual event that we have been running for over a decade at the Grand Hotel in Brighton with approximately 300 business leaders present. The 2019 event had to be postponed, but we are all very excited to plan the next one, which will be the perfect place to showcase these success stories.

About Acumen Business Law They are an award-winning, innovative and dynamic Law Firm, specialising in business and commercial law. In a bold move in the legal industry, they scrapped the hourly rate system and operate solely on a fixed fee-pricing model for all non-contentious matters.

Democratically run by all, with no secretaries, letters dictation or pretension - just modern, approachable, smart lawyers and top notch support of a different kind.

(And if you happen to see a lawyer in flip flops - not to worry, that’s just one of the ways they do happy!)

The revolutionary vision and business model have been remarkably successful and the firm was listed in the Financial Times’ Top 50 Groundbreaking & Innovative Law Firms in the UK and Europe and were voted as the UK Rising Star by the Observer and have won many other prestigious local awards.

Watch this space…

If you are one of the Acumen Top 50 fastest growing businesses in Sussex, you will shortly be contacted by post with your certification, along with recognition on social media, before meeting over Zoom or face to face with Penina, when the national lockdown ends, and it is safe to do so.

You can also follow Acumen Business Law on social media, where each finalist will be announced: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

www.acumenbusinesslaw.co.uk | 01273 447 065 | Follow us on social media www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

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International Women’s Day A Seat at the Big Table Every year on the 8th March, women across the globe celebrate International Women’s Day. It provides a great

Monthly News

opportunity for

women in business and communities

to come together to

celebrate successes, share experiences and inspire others too.

Last year, Healys Women in Business hosted MAKING HERSTORY at Brighton Palace Pier. Over 150

professionals attended the event and

the energy was electric. Award winning comedy coaches ‘Funny Women’

hosted their ‘Her-larious” workshop, which got guests on their feet;

chanting and laughing in mixed teams.

The event’s sense of togetherness and empowerment was irresistible and led to a range of 150 women in business,

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showcasing confidence through public speaking, use of humour, team work and more.

The event also included a panel of some of Sussex’s leading Women in Business.

Each panellist had their own experiences and perspectives which were interesting and inspiring to listen to. We explored finance, competing in corporate

environments, barriers in existing work

models, aging, imposter syndrome, and

juggling family responsibilities alongside work commitments. These discussions highlighted that in recent years there

have been positive changes that have supported women to lead and make

history. However there was more that

still needed to be achieved to overcome existing barriers.

Last year IG reported that only five

percent of FTSE 100 companies were

directed by women. This field remains

highly dominated by men who make up

the remaining 95%. Data also shows that women in business still struggle more so then their male counter parts for venture

capital (VC) investments. In 2019, research commissioned by former Chancellor,

Philip Hammond, showed that female-led start-ups receive just one penny for every pound of VC investment in the UK. This

compares starkly, according to the British

Business Bank and Financial Times, to the 89% of funds invested in all-male start-up

teams. The remaining 10% of funds go to mixed gender teams.

These statistics remind us that women in business are still seeking to break

MON T H LY N EWS S PECIA L

of clients to broaden professional connections, as well as provide

advice and support. Don’t let any

perceived barriers prevent you from

seeking professional advice as there are people like us who are willing to explore how we can help you.

Embrace Confidence: Regardless of age, gender or

race, it is essential that you do

not focus on what has historically worked against women. Whether it is a job interview, a new

meeting or networking event, remember you (like everyone

else) have already earned your seat at the table. Although

social barriers exist and can be

through that ‘glass ceiling’ to establish

Expand Your Professional Network:

ascension and business progression.

One of the causes of this inequality is

accept this. Our focus is much more

business networks that support

be achieved. Whenever possible, live

makers. Although networking can be

the journey of growth, and embrace

an equal playing field for career

For women of colour in the workplace,

this glass may be even harder to break, with the statistics being even lower.

I remember reflecting on my experiences as a woman in business when listening to speakers at MAKING HERSTORY

International Women’s Day event last year. I remember questioning whether I considered the barriers that I had

experienced (or sometimes witnessed) to

be a reflection of my gender, race or both.

This year, Forbes reported that there are no black CEOs and CFOs in the UK’s 100 largest companies in the

FTSE-100 index. Recent statistics also highlight that just under 1% of venture capital investment in the UK went to

black entrepreneurs across the last 10

years, with black female entrepreneurs receiving just 0.02% of this funding.

Many of these issues require institutional reviews and further support to establish a more inclusive and diverse playing field in business. However there is

increasingly more support available.

extremely challenging, it is ultimately our decision whether we choose to

the lack of accessibility to the required

invested when it is spent on what can

business ventures or to the key decision

in the minute; rise to challenges, enjoy

extremely daunting, it’s a must in order

every minute.

to maximise your business and profile.

A huge thank you to all of the

There are a range of networks in

businesses who have partnered with

and innovative professionals including

& promote International Women’s

Women in Business, Sussex County

Brighton Gin, Cloud9 Insight, Clearline

Network my Club, Ladies Lunch Club,

Palace Pier, Dynamic, Funny Women,

Sussex that attract a range of friendly

Healys Women in Business to support

Sussex Innovation Network, Healys

Day. Investec, MHA Carpenter Box,

Business Club, The Boundary Club,

Recruitment, Gemini Print, Brighton

Platinum Business Club, Mumtrepreneur

My Brighton Hotel

Brighton and many more.

For more information about Healys

Get Professional Support:

commercial service offerings for

Network Club, Women of Colour

Seek experienced corporate and

LLP and their available corporate & entrepreneurs, please don’t hesitate to visit their website.

commercial lawyers, accountants and financial advisors! One of the perks of

working as a Business Development & Marketing Manager at Healys LLP, is

having the opportunity to work alongside some influential women who are leaders in their fields. Our team support a range

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

MO NT H LY N E WS SP EC IA L

Yellow fish announce new ownership

Maria Valentine steps back from the business but remains on the board

Left: Laura Pace. Right: Maria Valentine

Monthly News

Launched in 2003,

content-driven projects as well as large

across a broad portfolio of household

creative agency

AXA, SITA and PTC.

Fresh and Campari.

the Brighton-based quickly garnered a reputation for

delivering innovative event and

marketing solutions - grabbing the attention of big-name clients and

achieving the accolade, in 2015, of one of the fastest growing female-owned

small businesses. And it’s an enviable

reputation that has seen the agency post year-on-year organic growth, attract

some of the very best industry talent and expand its remit - delivering solutions for Dixons, Samsung, EE and PTC Therapeutics to name a few.

And whilst the pandemic has brought

scale virtual events for clients including

“Handing over the reins to a business you

Commenting on being the new owner

I adore, was never going to be easy.”

joined as MD, I was bowled over by the

have built and nurtured, and in an industry Says Maria Valentine “But I know the time is right - and more importantly, I know that Laura is the right person to move

the business forward, to write the next

chapter of Yellow Fish. And whilst I will be

taking some time to assess some exciting new opportunities - I will remain a part

of Yellow Fish, in an advisory capacity,

and will continue to be active within the industry I love and I’m excited to have

more time to contribute in other areas’.

huge challenges for many businesses,

New owner, Laura Pace, joined Yellow Fish

particularly hit hard - Yellow Fish has

experiential agency, Hot Pickle, where she

with events and experiential agencies successfully pivoted, adapting its

offer to deliver a number of brand and

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brands including: Magnum; Hovis, Hello

in March last year from London-based

held the role of Business Director. In the

eight years with the agency, Laura worked

of Yellow Fish, Laura says: “When I

extraordinary talent in the agency and

the quality of the work. It is hard not to fall in love with a business like Yellow

Fish and when the opportunity came up to take over the business, I instinctively knew it was the right decision. Maria has built a happy, vibrant creative

culture that extends to the long-term

relationships we enjoy with our clients.

And whilst Maria is leaving some big

shoes to fill - I’m excited to continue to grow Yellow Fish, to explore new

waters and consolidate its reputation as a leading independent full-service creative agency.” www.yfish.co.uk

MON T H LY N EWS S PECIA L

Story of Sussex Wine Families by the Glass

Launched on International Women’s Day by award-winning wine journalist Liz Sagues, Sussex by the Glass is the story of wines, vines and two pioneering families of Ridgeview and Bolney.

With interviews from

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the people behind

both wineries and a

focus on their leading female CEO’s, the

book captures the wonderful stories and images, celebrating the trials, tribulations and triumphs.

Author Liz Sagues: “I wanted to add

to the information available on English

wine, but in a different and very human way. The stories of Ridgeview and Bolney are timely and special, and

weaving an overall picture of wine

in Sussex around them was exciting

and rewarding for me. I hope readers will enjoy the words as much as fine English wine.”

The book is published at a celebratory

moment with Ridgeview Wine toasting

25 years in 2020 and Bolney reaching its 50th birthday in 2022. Written, designed and printed in Sussex, the book is

illustrated with more than 100 colour

photographs. With education in mind

it also focuses on sustainability issues,

tourism and a month-by-month account of activity in vineyard and winery.

Importantly, it stretches beyond the

individual stories to explain the past and

present significance of Sussex in England’s fastest-growing agriculture sector.

Liz is a natural storyteller who has

managed to unearth some behind the scenes gems captured with beautiful

supporting images, embodying the spirit behind the pioneering rise of the Sussex family wine businesses.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

MO NT H LY N E WS SP EC IA L

Trailblazing Women online events #TrailblazingWomen celebrates the women in our business community that are innovating for social, environmental, and political good – in Brighton and beyond.

Monthly News

To mark #Interna-

Joining us is Erika Brodnick, Sky News’

and #WomensHis-

software companies Karisma Kidz

tionalWomensDay

resident parenting expert, founder of

play! Both women are part of the BRITE innovation programme.

and Kami, and board member of the

FRIDAY 26TH MARCH

Brighton has partnered with women’s

Nangia, angel investor, advisor to female

The final event is taking place on March

ish to curate a month-long series of

– a company set-up to democratize and

the women in our business community

Hughes, the designer of MarinaTex,

mental, and political good – in Bright-

alternative to plastic film using fish

toryMonth, local Innovation hub Plus X

APPG for Entrepreneurship; Deepali

business network Found and Flour-

founders, and co-founder of Alma Angels

events. #TrailblazingWomen celebrates

demystify angel investing; and Lucy

that are innovating for social, environ-

a new biodegradable material and

on and beyond.

waste and algae that’s transforming our

All of the Trailblazing Women online

approach to plastic pollution.

events are ‘pay what you can’ with

FRIDAY 19TH MARCH

WomensCentre, so save the date:

Games

all proceeds going to @Brighton-

https://events.plusx.space/trailblazing-women/

MONDAY 8TH MARCH

// Panel | Women Innovating for Good

// Interactive talk | Serious About In this interactive interview, we’ll meet two female founders that are carving

a path in the male-dominated gaming industry. Sarah Ticho of Hastumi and

Hazel Reynolds of Gamely Games will

A lunchtime panel with three entrepreneurs

chat about their stories, how they’re

through innovation, technology and

level, and their tips on how to run a

Sheldrake, founder of Found & Flourish.

can expect some live interactive game

on a mission to create positive change

taking gaming innovation to the next

financial empowerment. Chaired by Lara

kind business – and, of course, you

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// Masterclass | Art + Activism

26, a conversation with community

leaders and local business women, details to follow.

TICKETS

We are offering a pay-what-you-can

ticket option, with all proceeds going

to our charity for the month, Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC). BWC has

been supporting self-identifying women in the Sussex area since 1974 – all

donations will contribute towards their food bank, therapy, and peer-to-peer support services. However, we want these events to be as accessible as possible. If you are unable to make a financial contribution to BWC at

this time, we are also offering a free

ticket option to this event at checkout.

Anyone with a ticket is automatically

entered into a raffle to win a month’s free desk space at Plus X Brighton.

SBT FINANCE

BUDGET 2021: HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU?

BY MHA CARPENTER BOX

SBT FINANCE SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

Budget 2021: How will it affect you?

On 3 March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak had a difficult task in this Budget: to indicate how he might balance the Government’s books in the future, while still having to pay out huge sums to support the economy.

He said that he would

Finance

continue to provide

‘whatever it takes’ to

protect businesses and jobs during the present

crisis, while being honest about the need

to ‘fix the public finances’ and setting out his plans to build the future economy.

After spending more than £400bn to

mitigate the effects of the pandemic,

it was inevitable that Mr Sunak would

have to raise taxes somewhere – but he

was bound by an election promise not to raise the rates of Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions or VAT during the life of the Parliament.

18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Despite predictions of Capital Gains

Tax changes, it will be Corporation Tax

instead that increases, but not until 2023, and after extra tax reliefs have been

offered for investment in the meantime.

There will also be the less visible effect of freezing personal allowances and other

reliefs until 2026, increasing the tax take year by year as inflation pushes more people over the limits.

Measures to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus

The Chancellor began by setting out further measures to provide support for businesses and individuals

suffering from the financial effects

of the pandemic. The monetary amount of these items, as set

out in the Budget forecasts, is far

greater than the impact of most tax announcements.

• Extension of the Coronavirus

Job Support Scheme (‘furlough payments’) to September 2021 across the UK, with employer

contributions to salary from July

•F ourth Self Employment Income Support Scheme grant covering

February to April 2021 to claim from late April, similar to first three grants – and newly self-employed people who filed

2019/20 tax returns by 2 March may be eligible to claim for the first time

FI NA NCE •F ifth Self Employment Income Support Scheme grant covering May to

September to be claimed from late

July, varying in amount according to

the fall in turnover during the pandemic

•N o further support announced for

people working as directors through their own personal companies

•6 -month extension of the £20 per week Universal Credit uplift, with

an equivalent £500 grant to eligible Working Tax Credit claimants

•R ange of ‘Restart’ grants for

businesses reopening after lockdown

•R ecovery Loan Scheme from 6 April

2021: government to guarantee 80% of eligible loans from £25,000 to £10 million to give lenders confidence to support UK businesses, with some

other loan schemes coming to an end on 31 March 2021

•B usiness rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure premises in

England continues for first 3 months of 2020/21, followed by a 66% discount for the rest of the year.

•5 % reduced rate of VAT for hospitality and leisure industry extended from 1

April to 30 September 2021, followed by 12.5% intermediate rate to 31 March 2022

Extended reliefs

An extension of Stamp Duty was

predicted, and the Chancellor took on

board comments from the property sector regarding a cliff edge from 1 April 2021.

•N il rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax on

property transactions up to £500,000 extended from 31 March to 30 June

2021, with £250,000 threshold up to 30 September 2021

•D uties on alcoholic drinks and fuel frozen for the second year running

Changes for the upcoming tax year (2021/22)

•S mall increases in main Personal Allowance, Basic Rate Band and National Insurance thresholds

confirmed, as already announced

•L ifetime Allowance for tax-advantaged

• Establishment of ‘Freeports’ enjoying

pension funds, Inheritance Tax nil rate

significant tax breaks announced

amount, ISA subscription limits all

areas to be discussed with devolved

band, Capital Gains Tax annual exempt

in 8 areas of England, with further

frozen at 2020/21 levels

administrations

• No increase in CGT rates announced,

contrary to some speculation in advance

Compliance

31 March 2023

of increased efforts to crack down

investment by companies: 130% of

compliance. The Government intends

plant for two years from 1 April 2021

and new technology for HMRC in order

(50% for ‘special rate’ assets, and

revenue between now and 2025/26.

•C orporation Tax rate remains 19% until

The Budget includes several mentions

•N ew ‘super-deduction’ for

on avoidance, evasion and non-

qualifying expenditure on general

to invest £180m in additional resources

can be deducted from taxable profit

to bring in £1.6 billion of additional tax

cars are excluded)

• Trading losses (up to £2 million)

£100 million will also be invested in

for companies and self-employed

a Taxpayer Protection Taskforce of

years instead of the usual 12 months,

within COVID-19 support packages.

losses against pre-pandemic profits to

has been one of the success stories

businesses to be carried back up to 3

1,265 HMRC staff to combat fraud

making it possible to set current

HMRC’s ability to distribute money

obtain a repayment

of the pandemic but giving the cash

claims: payable tax credit not to

taking the risk that the system can be

& NIC liability

find the people who took advantage.

‘off-payroll working’ (IR35) rules, which

How we can support you

private sector employers from 6 April

Hub which includes our Budget

•C ap on Research and Development exceed £20,000 plus three times PAYE •N o significant changes announced to

to people who need it has involved

exploited. They are now going to try to

will apply to large and medium-sized

We have created a dedicated Budget

2021, as previously announced

Summary as well as comments from

Tax measures coming into effect later •P ersonal allowances and income tax

rate thresholds frozen at 2021/22 levels

our team.

We will review the new proposals to ensure we offer our clients the best

until the end of 2025/26

advice to help them remain as tax

pension funds, Inheritance Tax nil rate

at MHA Carpenter Box Financial

exempt amount all frozen at their

manage investments and pensions in

•L ifetime Allowance for tax-advantaged

efficient as possible. And our colleagues

band and Capital Gains Tax annual

Advisers are always on hand to help

current levels until the end of 2025/26

these turbulent times.

current level of £85,000 until 31

For more information, please visit

• VAT registration threshold fixed at March 2024

•C orporation tax rate on profits over

www.carpenterbox.com/budget2021 or call 01903 234094.

£250,000 to increase to 25% from 1

April 2023, with the current 19% rate applying to profits below £50,000

and a tapering calculation on profits between £50,000 and £250,000

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

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

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT

LEGA L

LEGAL

HOW TO EVICT A TENANT

BY MAYO WYNNE BAXTER

EMPLOYMENT LAW: SELF EMPLOYED OR WORKER?

BY ALEX JONES, 365 EMPLOYMENT LAW

SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

How to Evict a Tenant

Many tenancies come to a natural end, but sometimes a landlord will have to take action to get the property back.

By Paul Rooke, Solicitor, Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors If you want to end

Legal

the tenancy to regain possession of your property, you will

need to serve notice

on the tenant. If the tenant does not leave after you have served a valid

notice, you will have to apply through

the courts for an order for possession.

There are two different procedures

available to the landlord to terminate an assured shorthold tenancies (AST).

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The first step is to give notice to

on which the Section 21 notice is given.

your tenant.

• Must not be used where the landlord is

If the AST has expired and it is a no-

•C an only be served where the landlord

fault eviction, then you can use the

procedure set out in Section 21 of the

prevented from retaliatory eviction.

has complied with all legal requirements.

Housing Act to terminate an AST. A

Also, the minimum notice period

• Must be in the prescribed form.

months. If the tenant does not leave

section 21 notice:

to be given in a Section 21 is six

• Cannot be served within four months

the property within the notice period,

• Is only valid for ten months from the date

you need to terminate the AST during

of the day on which the tenancy began.

court proceedings can be issued. If

LEGA L the minimum notice period is reduced.

For example, where at least six months’ rent is unpaid the landlord need only

provide four weeks’ notice to the tenant before issuing court proceedings.

If a tenant does not leave a property within the notice period following

service of a Notice (be that a section 8 or section 21 notice) then the

next step would be to issue court

proceedings which must be issued to obtain possession. A landlord must

not evict or make attempts to evict a

tenant without obtaining a court order.

To seek to evict a tenant without a court order is an offence.

There are two different court procedures

Paul Rooke

then the Order for Possession will need to be enforced.

in place; an Accelerated Procedure and

Except in certain circumstances, and at the

Procedure can be used where:

be carried out until the end of March 2021.

• I t is a written tenancy.

The limited circumstances by which

a Standard Procedure. The Accelerated •T he tenancy is an AST.

•T he landlord is only seeking

possession of the property and the claim does not include a claim for payment of rent arrears.

time of writing, residential evictions cannot

it will be possible to carry out a residential eviction include -

• Action against trespassers which the occupier is unknown.

• Where the court has ordered

Subject to a defence being filed by

possession on the ground of anti-

that the AST has been ended by service

violence, or false statement.

the tenant, if the judge is satisfied

of a Section 21 notice and the Claim

social behaviour, nuisance, domestic • Where the rent arrears outstanding is at least an amount equivalent to six

the fixed term, then you can use the

Form has been served on the tenant

the Housing Act. The grounds for

be made without a hearing. The tenant

Housing Act and include:

possession of the property within 14

out evictions this does not mean that a

within the Accelerated Procedure then

proceedings can be issued and a Notice

months’ rent.

procedure set out in Section 8 of

then a Possession Order will generally

obtaining possession are set out in the

is then usually ordered to give vacant

Despite the difficulties with carrying

•R ent has been unpaid for a period of

days. Where the claim does not fall

landlord should not take action. Court

the Standard Procedure must be used.

of Possession can be obtained.

The court normally sets a hearing date

If you need help gaining possession of

paying rent.

The hearing will be at least 28 days after

then get in touch. We are here to help.

of the AST.

the court will either order possession or

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

o eight weeks where rent is paid weekly or fortnightly.

o two months if rent is paid monthly. o t hree months if rent is paid quarterly.

• The tenant has persistently delayed

when serving the claim on the tenant.

•T he tenant has breached the terms

the court issue the claim. At the hearing,

As with a Section 21 Notice, the

minimum notice period to be given is six months. However, in limited situations,

make directions to progress the claim.

a property or in recovering rent arrears

0800 84 94 101

Where the tenant does not leave the

property by the date set by the court

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

Employment Law: Self Employed or Worker?

Many of you will have seen the recent reports on the UK Supreme Court Uber Case (Uber V Aslam and others). The affect of this decision on the status of workers cannot be underestimated.

In UK Employment

Legal

law, those offering

services, do so in one of three situations, the genuinely

employed, the genuinely self employed or workers. The simple position in law is that employees are entitled to all

employment rights, and the genuinely self employed none (other than some basic non discrimination rights in

services). The middle category of worker

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

is a category who, on the face of it,

should probably be employees, but

cannot quite get over that hurdle, the best example being agency workers.

Workers, in law, are entitled to basic

employment rights, such as the national minimum wage, holiday pay, and

non-discrimination rights. They are not entitled to claim unfair dismissal.

Prior to the Uber case, the test for self employment was led by the contract

between the parties. Various questions were asked: What do the terms

say? Do they reflect the reality of the

relationship? Is the contract an attempt to avoid worker rights or can it be seen as a genuine self employed contract?

Other non contractual tests are also

applied to determine true status, such

as control, integration into the business,

and the economic reality of the situation.

The Uber set up is well known,

LEGA L be able to take a fare, it was deemed

through their own service company,

were entitled to be paid the National

an employee. The Public Sector has

working time. This meant that they

Minimum Wage for that full duration, and accrued holiday rights on that

basis. Other work rights such as non-

discrimination, whistleblowing etc, also flow from this.

Whilst finding worker status in the

individuals, the Supreme Court also

set out further how that status should

be determined, and narrowed the test.

In simple terms, if a situation should

be a worker one, then it will, and any contract, even if negotiated in good

faith, that seeks to avoid that status

will not be valid. The simple position

is that a worker/employer negotiation can rarely be equal, and therefore

calling a status self employed, and Alex Jones

contracted on that basis, will in most

but are treated for tax purposes, like been following that model for several years, and from April, the private

sector will do the same. Companies that hire individuals through IR35,

can almost certainly expect those individuals to have worker status.

4) A gency Workers – An agency

arrangement used to circumvent status, will almost now certainly

fail on that basis. Genuine agency arrangements ie short term and

limited, will probably still survive the

test, but long term placements at an end user, by an agency, are clearly

on the analogy of the Uber case, and attempt to avoid worker status, and will likely fail in avoiding it.

cases fail, and worker status will

The simple position in the past is

customers download an app, then order

individuals rights to offset unequal

the contractual position, that will be

by the app to them. At the time of the

those rights will not work.

(but no longer), the drivers did not

This decision is obviously fundamental

The customer then got a specific

it is difficult to see how those who

As far as Uber (and potentially others)

licence plate details etc.

worker status. It also has massive

arrears that they owe the 40,000 drivers

Uber’s defence was that there was no

following areas:

weren’t required to accept work, and

1) On call self employed organised

apply. Parliament legislates to give the taxi, and the driver is allocated

original employment tribunal hearing

relationships, and an attempt to avoid

see the job until it was allocated.

in the gig economy industry, and

notification, naming the driver, giving

engage workers in that area can avoid

mutuality of obligations, that the drivers

implications, in my view, in the

when they did accept work, it was

services eg plumbers, electricians etc,

took the view, that the case was about

but work through another organisation

a limited and defined job. They also

who do not run their own business

unpaid wages in respect of the workers

that provides them with the work;

in the case only.

2) C onstruction Workers, who are

The Supreme Court found

often engaged on long term

individuals, finding that they were

short notice, to be placed on site,

purposes, but more importantly, that

limited time worker basis;

overwhelmingly in favour of the

projects, and have to be available at

workers for employment rights

but do so on a self employed or

they were workers for the duration that they were working, in other words,

whenever they turned the app on to

that business was able to rely on

much more difficult now, and in many cases impossible, to the point where

engaging individuals as workers will be the only option.

are concerned, the sheer scale of the they engage will be vast!

Please always take advice on any staff related issues.

By Alex Jones, Managing Director, 365 Employment Law Tel: 01903 863284

ajones@365employmentlaw.co.uk www.365employmentlaw.co.uk

3) IR35 and off payroll individuals, who are placed in an organisation, but

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

Does your business need help?

During these unprecedented times, many businesses are struggling so we would like to help.

We are offering free general guidance on: • Unpaid invoices & contract disputes • Commercial landlord & tenant issues • Professional Negligence • Commercial insurance claims

• Trading Standards & consumer complaints • Shareholder & Partnership disputes • Employment claims & compromise agreements • Franchise disputes

Call us on 01273 223290 or visit www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/here-to-help

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk 26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT PROPERTY

WE CATCH UP WITH EIGHTFOLD PROPERTY AGENCY AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS

SBT PROPERTY SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

We catch up with Eightfold Property

Well, it’s been an interesting time to say the least recently and again we are back in a supposed lockdown!

In our role as agents

Property

in the commercial

property sector, one of the benefits is

that you get to see

patterns emerging before others do

sometimes more often than not with

the requirements that hit your desk (or dining room table these days). Further

patterns can be seen as a result of the

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

deals that you agree and complete as

well as the mindset you live your life with and have a continual interest as to why

you are often seeing the trends you do in the various property sectors.

Indications appear to be that secondary/ suburban locations are becoming more popular and stronger trading locations

than in previous years. Despite not being

able to go inside we will have all recently seen massive lines of customers outside the local Coffee Shops, Butchers &

Bakers (will we see the return of the candlestick makers?).

Over the last few months, we have seen a real surge for secondary positions

and have completed lettings to home

furnishing retailers, coffee shops, hair

P RO PE RTY

affordable and close to home? I think

COVID has been the unity it created in

this could be a major factor.

communities in the first lockdown. Across

As opposed to those looking for a

encouraging people to shop local.

geographical change giving up the

local shops helped allow this whereas

so much home working, new customer

forced this upon some shoppers. I

small commuter towns. Whilst not in

we reverted to using local butchers,

fresh air and treat yourself to lunch or

than not experienced a better product.

providers, tattooists, and several other

retail therapy still exists!

So changing times, lifestyle changes,

main city centres in spite of Covid and

Another important factor could surely

from home, planning changes, small

businesses, we are seeing many that are

are just a few of the reasons that are

save costs on rent and most importantly

much stronger and potentially taking us

business rates can be eradicated by simply

such as 15-minute cities!

& beauty operators, financial service operators in locations outside of the

social media, we saw many campaigns

career change are those looking at

Constantly being in the vicinity of your

commute and working from home. With

limited delivery slots at supermarkets

bases have been created in villages and

know from my own personal experience

the office, the need to pop out for some

fishmongers & grocers and more often

coffee, get a haircut or indulge in some

online sales, parking charges, working

the economic climate.

be cost! Whilst it doesn’t apply to all

business rates relief and shopping local

So we ask ourselves what is the reason

looking to adapt their model so they can

making suburban trading locations that

giving strength to the suburbs?

dead costs such as business rates! Where

back to the past and creating names

I guess first of all we have to ask

moving to more secondary and possibly

owners choosing to locate to these

sensible choice for operators where they

economic situation, both pre & post-

adopt the profit is sanity viewpoint.

of people jumping out of the rat race

Shopping local is another big factor...

destiny, looking for premises that are

of the real positives to come out of

for this shift in shopping pattern that is

ourselves, who are the business

smaller premises this is quite simply a

spots and why? As a result of the

can save a significant sum of money and

Covid are we seeing a greater number and looking to control their own

01273 672 999

max@eightfold.agency www.eightfold.agency

a big factor indeed, I believe. One

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT

COVER FE ATU RE

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE COST OF REDUNDANCIES ADVICE FROM EASTBOURNES, HR DEPT

SBT PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

Now is the time for business owners to prepare for the cost of redundancies

Smaller businesses looking to reduce their workforces should urgently prepare for the costs of redundancies, following changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme made late last year.

That’s the warning

HR

from human resources experts The HR

Dept, which provides human resources

advice and support for more than 6,500 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the UK and Ireland.

Rule changes last December mean that

furlough grants can no longer contribute towards notice pay, a fact of which

32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The HR Dept believes many smaller businesses are unaware.

Its experts believe this will prove a major challenge for some small businesses,

many of which are struggling to survive this crisis, once the furlough period comes to an end.

Serena May, director at The HR Dept

Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove, said: “Last year, employers could use the

furlough grant to cover the redundancy

notice period, topping up the remaining 20 per cent to full pay. Employers

might not realise that this 80 per cent contribution towards notice can’t happen again.

“As things stand, changes in furlough

rules mean that the employer will not be able to use the furlough grant and will need to pay the notice in full, without Government support.

P EOP L E MAN AGEM EN T & R ECR UITM E NT

Left: Serena May Right: Sue Beeby

“Other employers may not understand employees’ statutory rights to notice periods, or age factoring when considering redundancy pay.

“In any case, employers need to

be aware of these issues and start

preparing now, as time for consultation processes and time and cost for

statutory notice need to be factored in.

“Particularly where the employees facing redundancy have long service – this is

likely, as they are the most experienced and will have been the most expensive

to make redundant last year and remain on furlough – the coming costs could well push businesses under.”

Having continually welcomed the

Government’s efforts to support the

UK’s small business network through

this crisis, The HR Dept has played an

important role in lobbying for change to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

(CJRS) since it was rolled out last spring.

The company successfully campaigned

for the introduction of a flexible element

to the scheme, as well as helping ensure that the changes happened in July,

rather than August as originally planned.

avoid a mass of insolvencies further down the line.

“Otherwise, there is a serious risk that

Now it is recommending a further

businesses which delay the redundancy

grant to contribute towards notice pay

period will face significant costs,

change to the rules to allow the furlough

process until the end of the furlough

again, as was the situation last year.

especially regarding long-serving

Serena May said: “If the furlough grants

employees.

could be put towards notice pay again,

“These could sink the whole business,

redundancy process now. Then, if the

the redundancy costs, through the

they simply retain the employee and

winning situation for anyone involved

cost to the business or the taxpayer. If

importantly, as well as the taxpayer and

employers could potentially start the

with the Government picking up all

situation proves less dire than expected,

National Insurance Fund. It’s not a

stop the notice period – at no additional

– the business or the employees most

the redundancy still needs to take place,

the Government itself.”

been absorbed.

For more information about The HR Dept

much of the notice pay cost has already

visit our webiste www.hrdept.co.uk

“It wouldn’t cost the Government

any extra – the Exchequer is already

contributing furlough periods during this time anyway. However, with the reality of redundancies rapidly approaching,

this measure would let small business take those decisions now, so we can

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT COVER FEATURE

SMALL SHOREHAM-BASED BUSINESS MAKING BIG MOVES

WE CHAT TO SIXTYSEVEN DEGREES

SBT COVER FEATURE SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

The small Shoreham-based business making big moves in the automotive industry Cover Feature

Who are 67 Degrees?

with large car supermarkets, small

a team of like-

and franchised groups, tailoring their

who specialise in

needs. The team provides expertise

this small Shoreham-based business is

67 Degrees is

independent and specialist dealers,

minded individuals

services to suit each client’s individual

The story so far...

developing impactful websites and offer

in website design, SEO, social media

67 Degrees began life in April 2016,

to the automotive industry. The SME is

creative content writing and more.

adding to its already impressive portfolio

By creating innovatively engaging

creative marketing services exclusively

winning hearts and minds in the industry,

management, PPC, PR support,

of car dealer clients.

products and providing a variety of

Supporting a cross-section of

creating a sought-after brand which

customers, 67 Degrees works

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

key marketing services, 67 Degrees is has got the industry talking about how

taking on the goliath’s of the industry.

founded and driven forward by codirectors Laura Coleby and Justin

Woodford who had previously worked

together for a number of years. With a background in all things automotive, Laura and Justin set out to create a

bespoke service for car dealers looking to redesign their websites.

COVER FE ATU RE

It wasn’t long before Stuart Harvey

joined the pair which enabled them to introduce and offer a number of

marketing services too. The trio soon

began to reap the rewards of bridging a gap for a more personalised and

unique service that was being sought

had been renovated to accommodate a

number of independent businesses. It’s a unique setting for a unique set of people who have come together for their love

of all things automotive as the company continues to expand.

after by car dealerships across the

Putting the wheels in motion

with the welcome addition of Susie

67 Degrees is proud to work with a

UK. Soon after, three turned to four Ancell as account manager. Having

quickly established themselves as a serious contender in the market, 67

Degrees relocated to new premises in

2019 which prompted an exciting new chapter for the company, growing to over 10 team members.

Shoreham Airport is now the place that 67 Degrees calls home; the team moved into one of the original airplane hangars which

variety of car dealers from all over

the UK. The company isn’t bound by

location or type of dealership and has won pitches from some big players in

the industry, who have actively sought

out a provider that can offer a personal

service and provide the highest level of

World, luxury supercar specialists

Premier GT, and franchise giant Wilsons

group. Their pool of clients demonstrates 67’s diverse and skilled offering, taking businesses to the next level through

class-leading automotive websites and

services, where customers can enjoy an exceptional user experience.

This success has led their clients to

accomplish numerous award wins at

industry events within categories such as; Used Car Website of the Year,

Best Car Website of the Year, Social

Media User of the Year, amongst other notable achievements.

support and guidance.

The future of automotive marketing

Among their portfolio of clients are; used

Car dealers no longer want a one-size-

car supermarket leaders Big Motoring

fits-all solution and that’s where 67

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

C OVE R F E AT URE 67 Degrees ever-expanding portfolio has seen them launch a brand new website for franchise giants, Wilsons group.

The site is almost a year in the making and proves a very exciting time for 67 Degrees as the team makes in-roads

into the franchise car market. Wilsons

is the largest family run multi-franchise dealership and used car supermarket

in the South of England; their website will revolutionise the way in which

customers can purchase a vehicle.

With car dealerships up and down the

country having been forced to close their doors during recent weeks and months,

owners have sought alternative solutions to keep businesses running and meet

customer demand. As the appetite for online purchasing grows, 67 Degrees

have worked to create a seamless endto-end ecommerce experience.

Wilsons customers can now fully transact online by using the new visually exciting website which

seamlessly brings together its vast offering of partner manufacturers.

David Wheatcroft, managing director at

Wilsons, says, “I am very excited for our new partnership with 67 Degrees. This

is the first of many advances for Wilsons as we strive to become one of the Degrees comes in. Dealerships want to stand out from the crowd by offering

something that will push boundaries for them as a business.

To meet this demand the team has

created a platform that allows them to create bespoke websites with an

exceptional user experience, alongside additional features to enhance their clients’ day-to-day lives and daily

processes. As the need for ecommerce solutions becomes ever more

prevalent, the 67 Degrees team has

been working increasingly hard over

the past 12 months to develop a fully

integrated end-to-end buying journey for their clients.

38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Members of the 67 Degrees team have

market leading dealerships, by offering

like AutoTrader and other automotive

software available.”

the knowledge that has helped

The rise in popularity of electric vehicles

marketing solutions.

their wings into the world of EV. So too

The team is proud to be an automotive

first EV specialist customer to the family

company with a difference by putting

a brand new website for R Symons. The

what they do. They deliver outstanding

retail specialists in this ever-expanding

long-standing partnerships with dealers

for the 67 team...

previously worked for industry leaders media providers, where they gathered them to provide exceptional digital

the most up-to-date technology and

means that car dealerships are spreading have 67 Degrees who welcomed their

design and marketing services

at the end of last year, when they created

quality customer service at the heart of

dealer is one of the original independent

results which has seen them establish

market and have had nothing but praise

for years to come.

Driving business beyond the forecourt

Director Richard Symons, says, “We chose 67 Degrees for our website

COVER FE ATU RE

redesign and they’ve been nothing

short of amazing throughout the whole process. From the initial consultation

and discussion on design ideas, right

through to now managing our website and helping us keep the content up-

to-date. The private WhatsApp group

where we can share ideas and request

amendments is a really great touch with such a personal service. We can’t wait

to keep working and building together.”

Making a statement Sheer hard work and determination has seen Laura and Justin lead their team to success, having picked up over 20 awards and commendations for their agency services and client relations at major industry events. They have been regular winners at the annual

prestigious Car Dealer Power awards,

where for three years in a row the team have been recognised.

In 2018, 2019 and 2020, 67 Degrees has

been crowned winner of the Website

Provider for Independent Dealers award, having dug deep to provide unrivalled

support to its customers. Upon winning

their most recent Car Dealer Power award which was voted for by the car dealers

themselves, the event’s organiser praised the team’s efforts, by announcing...

“With physical showrooms closed,

dealers up and down the country turned

to their websites to keep their businesses running. It was the website designers

that burned the midnight oil to get them up-and-running when they needed it

most. Our winner is a small firm with big ambitions and a fantastic reputation;

their clients couldn’t praise them highly enough. Our winner is 67 Degrees.”

Laura explains why the award means

so much to the team, she says, “We’ve been fortunate enough to win this

award for three consecutive years now,

however, this year’s win feels particularly special given the global situation we find

ourselves in. When Justin and I started the business, we pledged to provide

fantastic customer service teamed with hands-on support and guidance.

“Winning the award reaffirms our

approach and its testament to the

hard work of our team - alongside

the support of our customers - to be

announced as winners once again. We are extremely passionate about what

we do here at 67 Degrees. Many of us

have worked in the automotive industry for many years now and we have a real desire to see our customers and the wider sector performing well.”

67 Degrees were also recently

recognised locally at the inaugural

Virtual Business Awards Sussex, where

they were shortlisted in Sussex Success Story. The category was created to

recognise a business in Sussex that has served as an inspiration and achieved or celebrated a significant milestone, despite it being a very difficult year.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

C OVE R F E AT URE Festival of Speed, the Geneva International Motor Show, as well as embarking on their

own adventures, which has included a road trip to the

world-famous Nürburgring

in Germany - home to major motorsport events like Formula One.

Taking on 2021 Laura and Justin are looking

positively towards the future and have heavily invested in the company’s offering by

developing an ecommerce

product, which is now being rolled out to customers. The team is also excited to be moving into bigger

premises within their current building which cements

another milestone moment in 67’s journey.

Reaping the rewards

67 Degrees also takes its corporate

So what’s in store for 67 Degrees? As

seriously. The company proudly

the opportunity for new team members

industry’s dedicated charity - by

new additions to the fold. Laura and

fundraiser. A social highlight in the

like-minded individuals to join them and

challenge sees teams travel across the

social responsibility (CSR) very

the company continues to grow, so does

supports Ben - the automotive

and this month, they’ll welcome further

taking part in its annual Bangers4Ben

Justin are continuing to actively recruit

automotive industry calendar, the

be part of 67’s future.

UK to a European destination in their

Laura explains, “Thanks to continued

under the hammer to raise vital

themed ‘bangers’ which then go

growth and some exciting new projects

funds for the charity.

talented and passionate people to help

Supporting local causes is also a

a new challenge and want to be part of

sponsoring Search Seven’s upcoming

to hear from you.”

place on Thursday 18th March. The

The company is part of the Brighton &

charities, including local children’s

in the pipeline, we’re on the hunt for

shape our business. If you’re looking for

priority for 67 Degrees, who are

our award-winning team, then we’d love

Virtual Interactive Pub Quiz which takes event is raising funds for 10 different

Hove Living Wage Campaign and offers

charity Rockinghorse.

hours, a work-from-home policy, a birthday

The 67 Degrees team are a regular sight

events and team-building days out.

the Goodwood Revival and Goodwood

many perks, including; flexible working day off, as well as tickets to motoring

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

at annual automotive fixtures, such as;

Justin says, “The UK automotive industry is extremely resilient so

we’re feeling very optimistic about it bouncing back post-pandemic.

We’ve already seen a huge uptake

in requests from our clients who are

keen to offer and integrate ecommerce solutions to their sites and thanks to

this demand, other dealers are keen to jump on the bandwagon too.

“It’s an exciting time for us as a

business and when we reflect on

the last few years and how far we’ve

come, we feel so proud of what we’ve achieved and we can’t wait to see

what 2021 has in-store for us as we branch out further as a brand.”

Discover more about the company

online by visiting 67degrees.co.uk.

SBT

P RO PE RTY

SALES & MARKETING

CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS THROUGH MARKETING

AN INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE PRIOR

IT’S TIME TO RE...

RE-EMERGE WITH LEARNING COG

HOW – AND WHY – TO PRIORITISE BUSINESS REPUTATION IN 2021

ALEX HANKINSON, JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR, MIDNIGHT COMMUNICATIONS

SBT SALES & MARKETING SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

SA L E S & MARK E TI NG

Challenging Perceptions through Marketing: Racism One of my favourite aspects of marketing is its power to connect people and promote powerful messaging. Regardless of what product or service you are selling, there is opportunity to lead, be creative and add value to people.

Marketing is the key to making people

Sales & Marketing

aware; it cultivates a brand or individuals’ credibility. It can support trust and loyalty

from customers and enhance value through a variety of platforms and technologies.

First impressions of a person are usually made by a variety

of symbols; what they wear, accents, language and or values

they promote. Whether it is one’s personal profile or the brand or institution they represent, there is constant opportunity to create, support and share powerful messaging.

Last year the world witnessed national and international

movements that challenged social narratives. Captain Sir

Thomas Moore reminded us of the importance of giving during a time of fear and panic, through his dedication to fund raising for those who needed help. His leadership and goodwill was contagious and within weeks, politicians, businesses and

individuals were promoting and supporting togetherness through a range of charitable campaigns for the NHS and key workers.

The Black Lives Matter Movement took precedence after

the world watched the unlawful killing of George Floyd in the

United States. This resonated with the global community and on a local level, led to 12,000 people taking to the streets of Brighton to protest and show their support for equality. This prompted Brighton & Hove City Council to consider ways of tackling the issue internally and externally. Brighton &

Hove City Council lacked diversity and it needed to be more representative of its residents. Therefore the council made a pledge to become an anti-racist city.

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

All of the above were powerful campaigns driven by the media. We have also seen marketing used to promote

negative messaging through false media and extremist

groups. However, this is not a new tactic. When exploring

history, there is evidence to suggest that racism has been marketed to the public as a means to support capitalism.

In many ways, racism has operated as a business model, justifying exploitation and division of people (physically &

mentally) on a global scale. This has ultimately effected the decisions and perspectives that we make every day.

If we are to challenge stereotypes that may justify the over

policing of young black men, or the lack of diversity in leadership or even commercial ideologies of beauty and intellect, we need

to consider where these ideologies came from, what keeps them alive and how we can change the narrative.

SAL ES & MARKE TI NG

Leading with Pride

presented on the vehicle with the person

Sin’ reminded viewers (and in many

outlook on the police and their role within

previous decades, it must have seemed

of guerilla marketing and its power to

Channel 4’s recent TV series, ‘It’s A

who is driving it. It provides a different

ways educated viewers too) that in

the community. It is a fantastic example

nearly impossible for members of the

promote and influence people.

love considered a sin, could be a love

Brighton’s Cultural Identity

celebrate as many people do today.

contributed to other modern factors of

The celebration of Pride is one of the

or our Green led council. However when

of Brighton and Hove. The city holds

cultural history and its modern diverse

successful Pride events in Europe,

embrace this.

the annual festival. But we must not

During Black History Month, I interviewed

required to push Pride to become the

During our discussions, we explored a

today. Originally established as Brighton

place in Sussex. In the early 20th century,

was formed in 1972 by The Sussex

under a third were volunteers) arrived

however there is much opportunity

first march in July 1973. It wasn’t until

Europe. During the fifties and sixties’,

the city was a canvas, it is exciting

to increase significantly, which led to

of women from the Caribbean to support

how much could be done to promote

LGBT community to imagine that a

that millions could openly take pride to

The city’s diverse identity has arguably the city, such as our choice of local MPs

greatest commercial achievements

it comes to celebrating the city’s rich

and hosts one of the largest and most

community, we have been slow to

attracting over 300,000 people to

overlook the commitment that was

Cuthbert Williams MBE with Latest TV.

and around the city, as well as the

movement that we have come to know

range of untold historical events that took

to Brighton & Hove.

& Hove Gay Pride, this movement

over 15,000 Caribbean soldiers (just

The council’s pledge is a challenge,

Gay Liberation Front and formed its

in Sussex in preparation for fighting

to be made by enhancing equality. If

the nineties that the festival began

Sussex Hospital also recruited hundreds

to consider and explore what and

traction from sponsors, venues and

the National Healthcare Service.

valuable messaging that we wish for the

began in 1996 and has grown from

If we go back further to the 19th century

creative artists. Pride in Preston Park

thousands of tourists who are attracted

city and beyond to embrace.

strength to strength ever since.

in Brighton, we can find that The Duchess

Racism goes further than stories in the

Although there is more to be done, there

woman of colour to be welcomed into the

should be working on eliminating. But this

and the LGBT community’s commitment

a young black slave, who was captured

from all backgrounds to work together

attention of a nation and beyond. In

Queen came to admire the girl’s natural

something that I am keen to support

in social ‘norms’ and values.

1862, she gave Sarah sanction to be

on the Tourism, Equality, Culture and

Today, it is not unusual to pass through

Such historical facts provide a different

promoting the city’s support for the

identity and the people who have and

of Sussex, Megan Markel was not the first

news, it is a narrative that all marketers

is no doubt that the marketing of Pride

Royal Family. Sarah Forbes Bonetta, was

cannot be done alone; it requires leaders

to fight for equality has captured the

and later given to Queen Victoria. The

to move forwards collectively. This is

many ways, it has contributed to a shift

demeanour and intelligence and in August

through my position as a Standing Invitee

married in St, Nicholas Church in Brighton.

Community Committee for BHCC.

Brighton & Hove and see marketing

narrative in understanding the city’s

For more information on Brighton &

LGBT community. From business

continue to live here.

https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/

cars – the Pride event and its values are

Whether this has been overlooked or

If you’re interested to explore how your

When a police car with rainbows and

explore in maximising the city’s cultural

this initiative, please don’t hesitate to

cannot help but identify the values being

but the businesses that operate within

prior@brighton-hove.gov.uk

branding, public transport, to police

Hove’s Council’s pledge, please visit: becoming-anti-racist-city

constantly being promoted to us.

ignored, there is so much opportunity to

business could potentially support

Pride messaging drives passed, I

offering not just to support its community,

contact Stephanie Prior, at: Stephanie.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

It’s time to RE…

As we begin to move away from what seems to have been the hardest few months of lockdown, I have been discussing with lots of clients, business owners, colleagues and friends the idea of it being a time for us to RE… We are in the midst

Sales & Marketing

of the biggest global

change that we have ever had to face

within our lifetimes.

This is a state of being like nothing

we have ever known because we are all going through it together; yet our

individual experience of the pandemic

is different from one another. You’re not imagining it; nobody seems to want to talk right now. Messages are brief and replies late. Meetings are postponed.

Talk of video catch ups are perpetually put on hold. It’s not you! It’s everyone.

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

We are fatigued. We are unsure of

what will happen next. The outlook is optimistic, and business looks set to jump back. Yet at the moment many

of us are being cautious and waiting tentatively to take our next step. We

are tired of saying ‘I can’t wait for this to end’; so we say nothing, keep our

heads down and get through each day.

Depending on where you are at, and

Re-emerge

verb: re-emerge emerge again; come into sight or prominence once more.

The idea of now being the time to RE, is based on the idea that things have changed. What will it be like for you as you continue in new and different ways? Your customers have

how you have been doing, is it now

changed and are working differently,

Re-start? Re-motivate? Re-invent?

back your prominence and excite your

the time for you to Re..? Re-focus?

it is time for you to do the same. Take

Re-emerge?

customers even more than before.

SAL ES & MARKE TI NG Here are a few RE’s to think about as you begin to move forward…

Re-Plan:

To Plan again, to make a different plan

than the one you had before. What has

changed in your customers business and

how much does your plan need to change to reflect this? It would be very easy for us to move forward with the plans as

they were, which might be the right way

forward for you. If everything has changed, then what do you need to re-plan?

Re-Focus:

Some of us may have become

unfocused recently. Or may be so

focused in one direction we may not be seeing the other options. Take

some time to look around and re-

focus your attention. Write down your top priorities...and keep them in view.

Identify what does NOT deserve your

attention. Cut out the distractions and

Ric Hayden

stop all that multi-tasking.

without a thought of how. Take some

positives. It has allowed us time to

Re-Learn:

re-connect and re-board yourself, your

has supercharged change and led to

time to think how we can re-motivate,

look at current working practices. It

The concept of unlearning and

people, and your customers.

shifts in traditional ways of working

As the futurist Alvin Toffler wrote: “The

Re-flect:

even decades to happen. My biggest

those who cannot read and write, but

to you. If you look in a mirror, you will

realise, again, that it’s our human skills

relearn.” Take some time to understand

on your past experiences, you look at

challenges, and that as we re-board,

need to learn, unlearn and relearn.

you reflect on from the past that can

that will always be the most important

Re-Connect:

confidence do you have? What can you

relearning has never been more relevant.

that may have otherwise taken years or

illiterate of the 21st century will not be

Something that reflects comes back

highlight is how much it has made us

those who cannot learn, unlearn, and

see your reflected image. If you reflect

that will get us through our toughest

your own skill set and what you may

them once again thoughtfully. What can

re-focus, and re-connect it is people

support you moving forward? What new

thing for us as we Re-Grow.

The dictionary definition of re-connect is

learn about yourself?

Ric Hayden is the Owner and

again after becoming separated’. Who

What is your RE that you need to do

‘to join or be joined with something else

Managing Director of LearningCog.

are all the people you need to re-connect

right now to help you grow?

LearningCog specialise in developing

the last year that you can re-connect with

I have heard several people call

and knowledge they need to succeed

with? Who have you lost contact within

and supporting businesses with skills

and continue to build relationships?

2020 a write-off, a time where things

and grow.

Re-Board:

Re-Frame this as a year of pivotal

www.learningcog.com

were allowed to slide. We prefer to

Many millions of people are beginning to

moments. The global pandemic has

biggest mistake businesses can make

are far reaching for us all, yet during

return to work from being furloughed. The

been truly devastating and the effects

right now is to simply slide back to work

this time there have also been many

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

How – and why – to prioritise business reputation in 2021 Alex Hankinson, Joint Managing Director, Midnight Communications Businesses with a

Sales & Marketing

strong reputation

set themselves up

for stellar long-term

performance. A good

reputation endures, helping to win

greater levels of customer trust and

endorsement. It also secures the best and most loyal talent and engenders goodwill that withstands rockier

times. All this interlocking good karma feeds into the bottom line. A great reputation, authenticity and skilful

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

communication have never been more business critical.

Edelman’s latest Trust Barometer makes for fairly grim reading. Trust levels

amongst consumers have dipped,

reflecting a new zeitgeist characterised

by mistrust, scepticism and volatility. The results are fairly woeful for government

and the media, where misinformation and perceived double standards in a year of pandemic and societal crisis have seen public confidence plummet.

However, there are signs of a gentle

upswing for businesses. They are now rated the most trusted institutions

globally, with a 61 per cent trust score.

And, of the four institutions – businesses, government, media and NGOs –

businesses alone are considered to be both ethical and competent.

Out of the gloom, perhaps this is

a cause of optimism for business

leaders? Edelman’s research suggests there is now an expectation for CEOs

SAL ES & MARKE TI NG to lead on societal issues and fill an

information void left by governments.

So, how as businesses, do we fulfil these expectations?

Here are a few ways to drive reputational value.

1. Articulate your purpose

Business-facing and consumer-facing

brands alike need a purpose (and that excludes making a profit!). Audiences

need to understand what the business stands for, what its values are and what it believes in.

The pandemic has made people even more alert to brands and businesses

which have kindness and empathy at their core - these values should run through all communications strategies, from social media to PR and internal comms.

2. Be authentic

We’ve seen an uptick in media interest for CSR stories as people are craving good news stories to counteract the

pandemic headlines. But it’s important to be authentic with it and to display a dose of humility. Companies who can

demonstrate they are a force for good in the world and who operate sustainably will see their reputation boosted and stand the best chance of success.

3. Talk to the troops

For many businesses their teams are the bedrock of their business.; if you look

after your team, your team will look after your business.

Yet internal comms can sometimes get overlooked in the mix. Are you

sharing enough knowledge and insights with your team to help them be your greatest ambassadors?

One of the heart-warming things we’ve noticed recently is the fabulous ‘side

effect’ of a new PR and media relations push: enhanced staff pride. Have you

got a splash in the national media, some

business’ search engine ranking.

press, some local media love for a charity

This is important to catch the eye

morale booster! I think we can agree that

intent but not actively looking for your

incisive thought leadership in the trade initiative? Show the team – it’s a huge

of people who are searching with

everyone is in need of a lift right now.

individual business.

4. Prove competence

It’s also important to have a well-

CSR. Demonstrating competence and

stories and articles featured in a wide

comes to business credibility.

want to partner with a business that is

A thought leadership campaign properly

has strong expertise (placements in key

marketing channels, is an opportunity

socially responsible (CSR stories).

- especially important for professional

Together, all these components should

Trust and reputation extend beyond

considered and eclectic spread of

showcasing expertise is king when it

array of digital media outlets. People

joined up with PR, social and other

to shine a light on your team’s expertise

commercially active and innovative (news), industry, national and business media), and

services and B2B service brands.

fit together to weave a strong narrative

Over the years we’ve had a handful of

reputation.

campaign might mean they have to give

6. Does your brand measure up?

isn’t the case. Most businesses accept

maintain a strong reputation can be let

valuable door opener and builds their

of-date website.

the phone starts ringing more.

If you’ve worked hard to generate media

Your audiences consume multiple

social media engagement, make sure your

LinkedIn, the local paper, vertical sector

visitors stop to browse. And don’t forget to

ensure your business has a presence

fresh content that reinforces and marries

clients worry that a thought leadership

and support your digital presence and

away their trade secrets for free. This

Finally, all this great work to build and

that offering a nugget of expertise is a

down by a tired visual identity and out-

reputation. And they soon agree when

coverage, signpost great content or build

media – whether that’s scrolling through

digital shop window looks the part when

media or the broadsheets, so try to

populate your site with incisive, helpful and

across a broad spectrum of media.

up with your PR and comms themes.

It’s a powerful endorsement for your

In 2021 it’s never been more vital for

relevant media and on average people

and keep communicating to ensure they

business to be featured in high profile,

businesses to nurture their reputation

will need to see your business’ name

are trusted, memorable and chosen –

seven times before it sticks.

now and in the future.

5. Hone your digital footprint:

www.midnight.co.uk

awareness in a couple of key ways.

01273 666 200

Digital PR supports reputation and builds

hello@midnight.co.uk

High authority placements on credible

media outlets with relevance or domain authority (how influential Google

considers them) are gold dust to boost

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

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 48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT

COVER FE ATU RE

TECH

DIVERSITY MATTERS

BY NEW WORLD TECH CEO, GLEN BALLARD

SUPPORTING DIGITAL GROWTH, PIER TO PEER WITH SILICON BRIGHTON

TRUCHALLENGE, AN INTERACTIVE PLATFORM

FOUNDED BY TIM CHASE

AUTOMATE, DON’T TOLERATE

FOUNDED BY BRIGHTON BASED SISTER DUO

SBT TECH SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

Diversity Matters

In this article, the third in a series of four, NWT CEO Glenn Ballard discusses why there has never been a more important time to recognize the importance of inclusion and diversity (I&D).

His perspective

Tech

is grounded in his

extensive experience within global

organisations in the

IT sector and more recently managing a large professional services firm, whose success depends on attracting and

retaining diverse talent and leveraging it

to create unique solutions to address the complex problems its clients face.

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

“In my experience in the IT sector,

women, people with disabilities, older people and ethnic minorities are still

underrepresented in the industry. Tech

companies are still predominantly white, male and young. We had considerable feedback from our February article on

Women in IT, which clearly demonstrates that diversity is an industry-wide

problem – but thankfully one that is finally being talked about openly.

I believe strongly that diversity in the

workplace matters, not only because it makes sense in purely business terms (gender and ethnic diversity, inclusion and performance go hand in hand*),

but because it creates a more balanced and inclusive environment where ideas and actions can be tested, and the

best course of action selected. It is well

recognised that businesses with diverse

workforces are typically more innovative

TECH respectful environment where everyone can contribute and be counted.

At the core of NWT is an unwavering

commitment to I&D. We are committed to gender balance, parenthood,

disability, sexual orientation and gender

when faced with the awkwardness of

speaking on screen? And does everyone have the technical capacity or living situation to do video calls?

Flexible work and telework have long

environment and strongly

by women, who often shoulder the

believe that the diversity of our people helps us to work better together and

drives greater innovation for our clients and communities.

On a personal level I am worried

however that there is a very real risk

that I&D will fall off the central stage as priorities in many companies

change because of COVID-19. Many

been seen as either necessary or desired disproportionate burden of family care.

But telework, once a luxury for some, is now a necessity. Historically, the

women (and men) who did flexible work or telework were often perceived as

less committed to their careers. Will this

gender-biased assumption now be put to rest when everyone, from the CEO to the administrative assistant, is teleworking?

companies are facing an incredible

What will responsibility look like at

devastating losses of revenue,

others telework long past the eight-

degree of disruption including

dislocations to operations and supply

chains and challenges to liquidity and solvency. Others are having to cope with unexpected spikes in demand.

I believe that the qualities that

characterize diverse and inclusive

companies – notably innovation and resilience – will be much needed to

help companies recover from the crisis and profitable and grow faster.

and will contribute to the wider effort

companies recover from the pandemic.

social cohesion. Innovation is needed,

Cultural diversity brings in ideas

help heal our wounded workforce. The

foster effective communication from

and carry their varied experiences is

in experience and problem solving

unprecedented times.

experiences and gender diversity

The coronavirus outbreak also unearths

I&D is about understanding, accepting

efforts. Do video-conferencing calls,

us unique. By nurturing a culture

people work from home, help remove

ensure that they build and maintain

conference protocols helpful to ensuring

home as some people are laid off and hour workday? Most people do not

have a home office elegantly framing

themselves for a video call, with books

and fine art as a halo around them. But we can glimpse into their lives and see

that men have generally always played a smaller role in childcare and family

obligations. Have stay-at-home dads or male partners learnt more about what their significant other juggles daily?

to revive economies and safeguard

At some point, be it in a month or

not only to defeat COVID-19, but to

glean lessons in the wake of the

and traditional wisdom that helps to

numerous ways different people think

other cultures; age diversity brings

what we need to help us navigate these

from people with different historical

do we see them become even quieter

identity and equality for all. Our goal is to provide a truly inclusive work

Characteristics that are much needed as

learn more from quiet staff members, or

brings in investment and innovation.

some important questions around I&D

and respecting what makes all of

which have become mainstream as

of diversity, an organisation will

unconscious biases? Are video-

a collaborative, supportive and

that all employees are heard? Do we

in a year, we as society will try to

pandemic. We are sure to learn the

value of science, crisis preparedness and leaders who tell us truths. But

if those are the only major areas of

reflection, we will be missing out on a fundamental lesson: that diversity is imperative to our survival.” www.newworldtech.io

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

Supporting Digital Growth, Pier to Peer

Silicon Brighton has a mission: to drive digital growth in the Greater Brighton region.

Propelled by a

Tech

shared belief that we can achieve more

collectively than on

our own, co-founders

Steve Rackley, Phil Lewis and Matthew

Quinn set up the knowledge sharing and networking platform in 2019.

While Brighton has a thriving digital tech sector – worth over £1bn per

annum to the local economy – with

its collaborative, entrepreneurial and

socially-responsible spirit, great support systems, transport links and top

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

universities, and impressive track record of digital business successes, they saw incredible potential for further growth.

In addition, after seeing scale-up after scale-up leave the city due to lack of

investment (often following the money to London), they wanted to draw

attention back to Brighton as a place to absolutely invest in.

Since its inception Silicon Brighton has

been doing this by providing individuals with free opportunities for networking, training, up-skilling and development;

helping people take their careers and

businesses forward without having to sacrifice their location.

Working hand-in-hand with the region’s tech community, their events and

meetups covering a broad spectrum of specialist areas help freelancers,

full-timers and fans of all things digital

to gain essential knowledge, skills and connections.

Some of their most notable meetups include:

• Marketing Talk – a community

TECH

for marketers honing their craft, exploring topics every marketer needs in their toolkit.

• Brighton Gophers – workshops, talks

and discussions for those interested in

and economy is in jeopardy if its

develop digital services. This type of

Silicon Brighton Co-Founder Steve

all about.”

“Independents help celebrate our

Alex Preece, COO & Co-founder of

indie shops and businesses are lost, Rackley said about the campaign:

the Go programming language.

individuality and are a vital part of

salespeople, business owners and

of liberalism - a place where anyone

of selling, or just to understand more

belong - removing the bland high

• South Coast Sellers Club – for

Brighton’s makeup. They give a sense

those looking to break into the world

and everyone can feel welcome and

about it.

street chains so common in other

to answer the big questions in product

down through generations, supported

industry leaders.

most affected by lockdown. After

• Product Unleashed – which sets out

while bringing fresh perspectives from

cities. Many stores have been handed their families, and are some of the we’ve survived this pandemic, we

Silicon Brighton has also made a point

want the region to thrive, which

address it by forming new groups, assist

protect our independent businesses.”

audience and moving online, and open

So far volunteers include web

to identify gaps in the meetup space and

means working together now to

existing meetup groups in growing their up more opportunity for the tech sector

to support non-tech businesses, such as their full-day event last year which raised over £2000 for the NHS to aid those on the front line.

Their most recent initiative, Our

Brighton, matches local independent

businesses impacted by the pandemic with tech advisors who can offer free and impartial guidance on how to

utilise technology and adapt to a nowpredominately digital world.

Recognising that the city’s culture

community action is what Brighton is

developers, video producers, financial consultants, animators and marketing

specialists, offering a range of support from moving products and services online, increasing digital marketing

global SaaS platform Tillo, added:

“It’s great to see initiatives like this

happening locally to help our city’s independent shops adapt to - and

grow - in a virtual world. We’re thrilled to be supporting such a project.”

More information about Our Brighton and how to get involved, either as

a volunteer or business in need of assistance, can be found at www.ourbrighton.com

For those working or interested in

Brighton’s tech sector, you can join Silicon Brighton’s community for free and sign up to their monthly

newsletter for digital industry news, advice and events at

www.siliconbrighton.com

presence, pivoting processes for

remote working, improving existing

websites, content creation, and more.

On joining the campaign as a

volunteer, Co-Creator of inclusion

consultancy Watch This Sp_ce, Mo Kanjilal said: “We are delighted to

be involved in this brilliant initiative.

So many businesses need help to

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

TruChallenge an interactive platform

In modern day it can be challenging to reduce children’s screen times while managing the pace of everyday life.

TruChallenge is the

Tech

ideal interactive

platform founded by

Tim Chase, a second time dad and social

media entrepreneur, to encourage young people to engage in their hobbies. The platform has been designed to host

challenges to showcase unique skills

and to inspire new tricks to try. Chase’s eldest son had a huge influence on

why he wanted to build the platform,

as through their time spent together he was able to recognise the frustrations

parents have in the “ease of giving your

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

child ‘the iPad’. To combat this, Chase has made it his mission to create a

recognised platform that can engage and educate children, getting them

ignited with new passions while still engaging with technology.

TruChallenge, founded in 2016, saw an amazing response to its first challenge back in 2017 with The ‘Keyl Skillz

3-round challenge’ which resulted in

two winners. The challenge achieved 2

million views globally. The engagement

of the challenge left participants feeling proud of their entries, particularly one

of the co-winners who expressed their

admiration of self achievements despite having Autism. The platform has been

specifically designed to allow individuals to submit videos to an audience to get recognition for their talents - some of

which are seen by incredible footballers.

After gaining 2 million views in 3

weeks for their first challenge, Chase knew there was a huge appetite for

the new platform. In November, The

‘favourite trick challenge’ was set by

Manchester United player, Fred. There was an astonishing response to this,

where Fred had a 243% engagement

TECH the positive mental outcomes of

getting involved with your hobbies.

The challenges encourage users to

participate in sport related activities as they are active and exciting however the site is not just football related.

Being invited on Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan, Silva was able to promote the use of the company for

individuals who are finding lockdown difficult. Chase also uses the power

of TruChallenge to help raise money for mental health charities as he

understands the effects of this new way of life.

It can also be hard for sports stars in

lockdown without the encouragement of their fans and supporters, so the platform is beneficial for everyone

involved. Brazillian legend Roberto

Carlos recently set a daring challenge to recreate his physics defying 1997 free kick, this saw an incredible response

with people all over the nation trying to increase on his social media. More than anything, TruChallenge aims to engage with aspiring youths which it achieves through these interactive challenges.

Noticing the positive feedback, the

company was in a prime position to offer their service to schools to help improve students at home learning.

With children using technology a lot

more in recent years, security and safety of online interactions can be hard to

control with growing access to different

social medias and websites. As a father of two, Chase knows the importance of

ensuring everyone is safeguarded on the

internet and working with brands like the United Nations and IBM, TruChallenge has been able to ensure their platform is secure to upload quality content.

The company became partners with

the UN to host a Hackathon. This is a global scheme to work with methods to defeat certain objectives, in this

case COVID-19. TruChallenge was their perfect partner as they include and

elaborate ideas from the public, creating

master his technique. Jimmy Bullard

this community feel.

from SoccerAM was nominated by

This tight link to the UN has led

attempts, nailed the incredible freekick.

DQInstitute working on the project

just over two million views in the first

of educating families and schools on

SoccerAM. This has opened up a whole

up to the age of twelve suffering from

has taken off massively since it’s launch

is to provide a safe online space for

company is on a fundraising round so

their futures. For Chase, technology is

capitalise of their success.

lives massively, just like it did for the

For more information about working

2017. Social media doesn’t have to

opportunities please contact Tim directly

the former footballer and after many

TruChallenge into contact with

Streaming it on the show, there were

#DQEveryChild. The movement is a way

48 hours across TruChallenge and

internet safety due to 60% of children

variety of doors for the company which

online abuse. TruChallenge’s objective

in 2016; with this recent success the

children as technology is inevitably in

they can take it to the next step and

a blessing as it can impact individuals co-winner of ‘Keyl’s challenge’ in

with TruChallenge or investment

be a dangerous place if it is securely

tchase@truchallenge.co.uk

managed and TruChallenge proves this

with it’s growing feed and engagements.

Gilberto Silva, a TruChallenge investor, Arsenal Invincible and World Cup

winner, supports the company to help build its platform as he recognises

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

TEC H

Automate, don’t tolerate

• New automation (RPA) start-up set to smash the goalposts for small businesses • Founded by Brighton based sister duo as a pandemic project • Working to make automation accessible for all sizes of companies • Virtual robots will save time, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency Thanks to female

Tech

entrepreneurs (and

sisters), Becky Sharp and Emma Booysen, founders of Robus

Automation (robusautomation.com), long days of boring, repetitive, time sapping administrative tasks, are a thing of the past.

The Brighton-based, tech start-up helps companies of all sizes, but with an

emphasis on SMEs, automate repetitive work using virtual assistants. Bots that

never sleep, are easy to train and never make mistakes. Their aim is to make

automation accessible to everyone, by

offering affordable solutions which can be implemented using existing software and

IT infrastructures. “Using the latest UiPath technology, we provide everything from pay-as-you-go, pre-built bots to highly complex solutions requiring bespoke

development. As an example, one of our existing bots will process all your bank reconciliations using Xero accounting

software.” explains Becky, co-founder.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) robots are capable of mimicking many, if not all,

digital human actions. They can open and read emails, move files and folders, copy and paste data, log into applications, fill in forms, extract data from documents, make calculations and much, much

more. Robots are fast, easy to train,

infinitely scalable and 100% accurate.

“Instead of replacing employees, our bots are designed to support them

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

by becoming their

virtual assistants,” Emma reassures.

“These robots are not

designed to take away people’s jobs. They’re here to take away the

mundane tasks, freeing up people to be more

creative and innovative - doing all the things robots can’t.”

Robus want to

Becky Sharp

humanise RPA stripping away

jargon, making

the technology

accessible and

comprehensible.

Becky has always had a passion for helping SMEs,

working closely with

business owners and providing business support services.

Emma’s background

is in client and project

Emma Booysen

management of

software and data

solutions, which she now uses to guide and support their customers. During

lockdown – witnessing a boom in home working and a now obvious

realisation that time is money - they spotted a gap in the market.

Chris Duddridge, VP of Sales for

UiPath said: “It’s inspiring to see the

founding of an allfemale team at

Robus! The team’s drive to make robots accessible and affordable to the SME and commercial market can only be seen as a positive step.”

SBT CHARITY

TABLE TALK FOUNDATION LAUNCHES IN SUSSEX

PROVIDING FOOD EDUCATION TO CHILDREN IN THE COUNTY

WHO ARE THE SUSSEX CANCER FUND?

A CHARITY CELEBRATING THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

CHOSEN CHARITY PARTNER:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57

Table Talk Foundation launches in Sussex

A new charity has been launched in Sussex to help provide food education to children in the county as well as providing support for members of the hospitality sector who have fallen upon hard times.

Table Talk

Charity

Foundation was the brainchild of local business owner

Daniel Wade but has

been bought to life with the help of eight fellow trustees.

Dan, this is very different to your

other business. What has made you

58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

launch a charity?

a high level. This is where my love for

Yes, it is very different to my health

cooking started.

is in hospitality and it’s an industry I

After leaving school, I attended catering

first job was in my local bakery icing

as a chef for 3 years and was fortunate

doughnuts. The bakery was owned

some great chefs including Gordon

everything was made from scratch to

I am massively into my sport and started

insurance business! My background am extremely passionate about. My

college and trained as chef. I worked

all the cakes and putting the jam in the

enough to do work experience with

by some close family friends and

Ramsay and Jean Christophe-Novelli.

CHA RITY they live a healthy life and make good

choices when it comes to their diets. I also remember watching Jamie Oliver

many years when he went on his famous ‘Turkey Twizzler’ campaign and I was

shocked about how little vast amounts of children understand about the food they eat. This has stuck with me and I

really wanted to use my passion for food in a productive way and having my own children made me really want to help others as best I can.

Can you explain a bit more about what the charity will do?

Table Talk Foundation has two main objectives.

The first is to provide food education

to children in Sussex. We will provide

grants to primary schools in Sussex to fund the ‘Adopt a School’ programme which is run by the Royal Academy of

Culinary Arts. They have been running these classes for 40 years and have

the expertise in this field. There are five

sessions run over the course of a school year and these include bread making,

food seasons and even visiting a farm to understand food providence.

Our second objective is to help

members, past or present, of the

hospitality sector who have fallen upon to miss playing rugby and working as a chef, you do not get any weekends off so I decided to stop cooking.

However, the skills I learnt during my time as a chef really helped when I

launched my business 11 years ago.

Teamwork, communication, and hard graft all have helped me. But more

importantly, learning about where food

comes from, the seasonality of food and how to eat healthily are also skills I use on a day-to-day basis.

Since becoming a father 4 years ago, I was keen to pass these skills onto my

son (and now my daughter) to make sure

hard times. To help us with this, we have teamed up with Hospitality Action who are a national charity who have been going since 1837!

Why is this important?

Providing food education to children is

obesity with just over 60% of the UK adult population being classified as overweight or obese.

This has a knock-on effect to wider

society. We spend more treating obesity

on the NHS than we spend on the police force, fire service and judicial system

combined! This is a worrying trend that needs to be broken.

We want to teach kids in a fun and holistic way which can also inspire

them to join the hospitality sector after education. As with my story, even

spending a few years in the sector can give life skills that you could not get anywhere else.

In then makes sense for us to try and support members of the hospitality sector and that’s where Hospitality Action comes in. It is an industry

that has so many high points but it’s no secret that people in hospitality work long hours in high pressure

environments and this can take its toll on mental health. There are also high

levels of addiction issues in the sector whether this is alcohol abuse, drug abuse or gambling.

We will be providing grants to Hospitality Action to help them carry out their work.

This involves proving short term grants to people to help pay for utility bills,

proving a counselling service for people

to access or providing winter fuel grants for retired members of the sector.

massively important to help them make

You have an impressive list of trustees

diet. Children are a blank canvass and

There are 9 trustees in total and each

better choices when it comes to their will soak up knowledge if it taught in the right way.

Childhood obesity has more than

doubled over the past 10 years. 1 in 3 children are classed as overweight or obese by the time they finish primary school. This then leads into adult

involved; how did you choose them? person has their own strengths. One

thing we all have in common is a love for food, drink and hospitality.

We have a food expert with TV chef and restaurateur, Mark Sargeant and a drink

expert with Tamara Roberts who is CEO of Ridgeview Wine. We also have Tom

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59

C HAR I T Y

Surgey who built his reputation locally

working at Ridgeview before setting up his own drink’s consultancy business.

We will be running lots of different fundraising events through the

Foundation and Jess Aggarwal comes

from an events management background where she worked in hospitality sector.

Jess is very much a driving force in

Table Talk Foundation and has been instrumental in the launch.

Then I approached business leaders that I have massive respect for. Ian Posyden, Noel Preston, Jason Edge and Chris

Ketley. They are all people I have known through the local business community for several years and people I trust to help us with our cause.

chef teacher to deliver the Adopt a School programme for us.

your charity partner for the year? We will

to them making better food choices

money for the foundation whether that is

with food at an early age will lead

support anything that you do to raise

in later life which can help fight the

a bake sale to a sky dive!

obesity crisis we have in this country.

We would love to create a ‘Table Talk

all the way from primary schools to

How can people in Sussex find out

engagement with parents.

Our website is the best place to find

If this is successful, there is no reason

events. Our website address in www.

schools can adopt. We see this working secondary schools as well as creating

why we could not replicate this across more counties.

As I mentioned above, we are going to be

possibly can. To help us do this, we will be looking to recruit a full-time

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

important for us as a new charity! Follow

us on social media and share our content.

We just want to provide fun,

as many children in Sussex as we

Finally, just spreading the word is

Foundation Training Syllabus’ which

How can the Sussex business

educational cooking classes to

If you like what we do, why not make us

We think by getting children engaged

What are you hoping to achieve in the longer term?

please support these by buying tickets.

community help?

running some amazing fundraising events and each one will have a food/drink

theme. So, any business owners that are ‘foodies’, these are not to be missed so

more?

our more and keep up to date with the tabletalk-foundation.com.

We are also on all the social media sites

so just search for ‘Table Talk Foundation’ and you should find us!

CHA RITY

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61

C HAR I T Y

Who are the Sussex Cancer Fund?

It feels strange for a charity celebrating their 40th anniversary to be asked this question as you would think that with a history of service this long we would be well known.

But the truth is we

Charity

have been quietly

supporting patients

and cancer services in Sussex for four

decades just a little under the public

radar. Originally set up by Dr George

Deutch and other cancer centre staff to create a fund to buy additional

equipment and patient comforts and

also to fund medical research projects but with the ultimate aim of providing the best possible cancer care to patients in Sussex.

The Sussex Cancer Fund is now

run by just two part-time staff, Julia

62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

and Joanna with a board of Trustees

with Dr David Bloomfield, Consultant Oncologist at the helm. Our small

size means we have incredibly low

overheads meaning more of the money we raise goes to help cancer patients, and also means we are very flexible

and can respond to staff requests for equipment or help very quickly.

What does the Sussex Cancer Fund Do? Put simply we buy equipment,

additional patient services, carry out

refurbishments and building projects, and fund cancer research, essentially

everything the major national charities do but the money we raise stays here

in Sussex. The Sussex Cancer Fund

really are unsung heroes as it is likely

that every Cancer Patient in Sussex has benefitted in some way from something the Sussex Cancer Fund has provided.

We realise that having cancer treatment

is tough both physically and emotionally; we try and make the process a little

more bearable. Gestures like providing decent tea and coffee, music in the

radiography suites, an up to date glossy

magazine to read right through to having your own patient gown to preserve dignity are small but appreciated

touches we provide patients. One of the most recognised patient benefits is the

CHA RITY

provision of the Sussex Cancer Fund

car park, receiving daily treatments is

stressful enough without having to worry about where to park.

To help ease treatment effects we

also provide therapeutic massage and medical acupuncture. Our medical

acupuncture run through CBAS and

currently based in Brighton has been especially well received and we have a long waiting list, even longer now

due to COVID restrictions but in 2021 once restrictions are eased we are

hoping to extend the service to other areas providing satellite clinics so

people don’t have to travel so far and

also some group work where patients can gain support from other patients going through similar experiences,

receive treatment and learn some selftreatment techniques.

In terms of the equipment we buy, it

can be anything from small items like thermometers and I-pads through to state of the art medical equipment

costing thousands and thousands of pounds. Improved Patient Care and

treatment effectiveness and efficiency

are at the heart of all our purchases and by supporting the NHS in this way we

hope to provide the best possible cancer care in Sussex.

In the early years, much of our

work involved refurbishments and

building work including the complete refurbishment of the Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County

Hospital. Again this was with patient

comfort in mind. We wanted to move

from the stark dentist waiting room style and create a softer more coffee shop like areas to ease patient anxiety. We

We invested £1.6million into the Horizon

project and still contribute £50,000 every year towards its running costs.

Our research projects have gained

momentum and we have supported

projects looking at a very broad range of cancers from Brain Tumours and Breast

Cancer, Leukaemia and Bladder Cancers to name just a few. Some of our projects have gone on to gain international

recognition and it is great to feel we are contributing to the world’s fight against cancer from here in Sussex.

created quiet rooms where patients can

How are you asking the Business

in a more comfortable space. Our most

Along with most charities COVID

receive difficult news in a private and ambitious project was the Macmillan Horizon Centre. The Sussex Cancer Fund wanted to create a supportive hub for cancer patients, where they

could receive advice, access additional services and even attend specialist

cookery and exercise classes. Realising the project would have been too big for

the fund alone we worked in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Care, and

Brighton and Sussex University Hospital

Trust to create this much-needed facility.

Community to help?

has had a devastating effect on our

fundraising activities, we had an 80% drop in fundraising income in 2020.

Although we punch well above our

weight in what the charity achieves,

we rely very heavily on our supporters

to raise funds for us, with such a small team we don’t have the resources or funds to put on our own flashy

fundraising events. This is why even before COVID we were starting to

reach out to the business community

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63

C HAR I T Y

to help us. Being a relatively unknown

charity it is hard for us to gain corporate support when we can’t promise the

level of exposure of the big charities,

so we have started recruiting Business Ambassadors to help raise our profile with the hope that our additional

publicity could help generate some

much-needed fundraising. With the

numbers of patients growing year on

year and the expectation that one in two of us will require treatment for cancer at some point in our lives we still have an

awful lot of work to do…..please help us.

We Hear from Ambassador Shirley Price of SFC

Writing this made me look back to check when it was that I agreed to become

an ambassador for SFC and it was 31 October 2017.

I really can’t believe it has been that long. When I was told about the

business ambassadors role with SCF I did not have to think twice about

wanting to help them. Sussex Cancer Fund keep their overheads to a

minimum so that almost every penny

raised can goes directly towards helping their patients in very tangible ways.

64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

You can literally spend as much or

as little time helping as you have the

time to spare. You can share a social media post whilst doing your own

social media, or whilst networking

online or in person you can be having conversations and if the opportunity

comes up, ask if the company you are speaking to is looking for a charity for their company to support.

An example of a how you might

help is: You may be having a casual

conversation with a friend, customer or supplier who may mention that

their office is moving and they will

be getting rid of notice boards. You could send a quick email to SCF to

ask if they have a need for any notice boards, and then introduce the two

parties to enable them to liaise. This

has cost you a two minute email. It has saved the person / company having to make arrangements to get rid of the

items, it has saved SCF having to buy some. A real win/win situation.

This is what an Ambassador for Sussex Cancer Fund can do to help:

• Share SCF social Media posts through

your business (& personal) social media

channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

• Write guest blog posts on the SCF site about your personal stories

• Wear two hats to networking events by represent yourself and SCF at events

• Encourage your organisations to

participate in SCF fundraising activities

• Post your own messages through social media about SCF

• Find speaking opportunities at

business events & networking to raise SCF’s profile

• By helping us find Business partners for sponsorship opportunities

It is all about being open and receptive to what is being said around you and planting little seeds in other people’s

minds to see how they too might be able to help in some small way. If 100 people

help in a small way, suddenly that is a lot

of help and huge results can be achieved.

A huge thank you to SCF for all that they do to help so many in so many ways!

SBT MOTORING NEWS

THE VALUE OF BRITAINS MOST POPULAR CAR COLOURS

REVEALED: UK’S MOST POPULAR CAR COLOURS COULD LOSE YOU MONEY

APRIL 2021: CHANGES TO ELECTRIC COMPANY CAR TAX

BROUGHT TO YOU BY RIVERVALE LEASING

SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65

MOTO RI N G N E WS

The value of Britain’s most popular car colours Revealed: UK’s most popular car colours could lose you up to £6.8k Brought to you by Rivervale Leasing www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/car-leasing/

Are the most popular

Motoring News

car colours leaving us out of pocket?

We compared the

price of 21,000 cars

being sold online to see how the colour

of paint can affect your car’s value. Grey

remains Britain’s most popular car colour, according to the latest SMMT data, with 397,000 new registrations in 2020. Black comes in second place with 324,000,

followed by white at 283,000 and blue at 276,000. To show you the scale of these numbers, we visualised the UK’s choice of car colours from 2015 to 2020.

Brits’ wallets left black and blue as

popular car colours have the lowest resale value

Our study shows that black and blue

cars sell for the lowest amount, when 66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

compared to the average £10,050 sale

value of all 21,000 cars analysed. While it’s a very common colour, black cars

are shockingly 68% less valuable when

selling, which could mean losing out on £6.8k. The data also shows that blue

cars, our third most popular, drop in value by 30% or £3k, on average.

Brits with the most popular choice aren’t

affected as much, although grey cars still may result in a negative resale value. We

found grey cars to be 14% less valuable, or a loss of £1.4k.

Top 5 car colours with the lowest resale value

Cars that go for gold have a 4.5x higher resale value than black

DVLA data suggests that gold is

number 13 on the list of the UK’s most popular car colours, which might be unlucky for some, but not when it

comes to selling. Our research reveals that the highest-value car colour is

gold, with an average resale price of

46% more than the average, or £4.6k.

Compared to black cars, gold paint results in a 4.5 times higher resale

value, even though much fewer Brits choose to drive a gold car.

See the top five car colours with the highest resale value – you might be surprised to see some of the least popular colours among them.

Top 5 car colours with the highest resale value

Unpopular colours could net you up to £2.8k more when selling – except pink

MOTOR I NG N E WS

Comparing the top five least popular car

We found that the lowest-selling colour

‘The psychological reasoning behind car

turquoise and bronze – our analysis

those that weren’t, here are the colours

and with good reason. When you look

colours – multicoloured, pink, maroon,

shows you could get up to £2.8k more when it comes to selling.

The only one of these unpopular colours which results in a loss is pink, which

is infamous for limiting a car’s appeal,

after Katie Price’s Range Rover ‘wiped

£3,000 off its value’ with a pink paint job,

from 15 out of 20 brands was black. For you might need to avoid.

• Abarth - white -£3,983

• Alfa Romeo - turquoise -£4,579 • Land Rover - silver -£12,721 • Volkswagen - pink -£9,372 • Volvo - purple -£4,925

according to HPI.

Why do Brits choose the same

Drive a yellow Merc? Get up to £38k

valuable?

more than any other colour when selling When looking at manufacturers and

their colour options, yellow MercedesBenz cars prove to be the most

lucrative in our study. Drivers could

get up to £38k more than the average

selling price of a Mercedes if they have a yellow model.

Things also look bright if you have a

car colours, even if they are less

Rivervale’s Group Marketing Manager Bud Johnston said: ‘There are many

reasons why we might prefer minimalist

colour has been considered for years,

at the popular colours, grey, black, and white, they are conservative. When

driving, we want to make our journey

seamless and safe, and these colours are less likely to trigger attention and other road users.

‘The least popular colours would all be

labelled as unconventional. For example, pink is a bold statement colour. When

added to the cultural consideration as a colour of femininity and pampering, it’s appeal as a vehicle colour is niche at best.’ - Lee Chambers

car colours, like wanting the exterior and

Get more news and advice in the

seats are neutral, you want the outside

statistics on what your car’s colour

interior to match. If your dashboard and

of the car to complement them. We also

might pick certain colours purely because they’re more popular historically.

Rivervale blog, including more

says about its history. If you’re

thinking of selling your car and don’t

want to think about depreciation value

any longer, don’t forget to see our latest car lease deals too.

gold Audi or a multicoloured BMW.

‘However, as so many more cars

£21k more than other models made by

are of course going to be more of these

Methodology

affect the selling price, as there are lots of

We analysed 20,921 seller listings on

market for an unpopular colour have less

price of all cars to be £10,050. This

Both car colours could net you around the manufacturers.

See our visual as we reveal 20

manufacturers and their highest-value paint colours.

Black is back as the lowest value

registered are grey, black or white, there coloured cars up for sale. This could

models available. Drivers who are in the

choice, so might have to pay more to get the car they want.’ - Bud Johnston

colour for 75% of manufacturers

The psychology of car colours explained

Unsurprisingly, as black proved to be

We asked psychologist Lee Chambers

same result for 75% of manufacturers.

car colours.

the least valuable colour overall, it’s the

to explain more about the meaning of

Auto Trader to find the average selling data was broken into 18 car colours

with an equal number of cars recorded per colour (1,300), except in cases

where the colour of cars was fewer than this number. In this instance, the maximum number of listings

was recorded, including pink (682), turquoise (520) and maroon (233).

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67

MOTO RI N G N E WS

April 2021: changes to Electric Company Car Tax

With the approach of April comes the beginning of a new tax year, and the end of a lucky break for those with electric vehicle company cars, who have enjoyed 0% taxable benefit since April 2020.

Brought to you by Rivervale Leasing www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/car-leasing/ All is not lost, though.

Last year, it was decided that the Benefit

more and more companies to consider

vehicle would be reduced to 0% of

traditional gas engine.

more desirable option. This was always

Though the figure is admittedly rising,

to an end in April 2021.

considering electric vehicles should

When a company car, it’s a great perk.

Electric company car benefit

one of the highest priorities of the UK

provides personal benefit, it’s also taxable.

Now, don’t panic, because this isn’t bad

for the foreseeable future as they strive

company cars will be taxable again,

and goals. While tax changes are vital

the rate is only increasing to 1%, until

everyone’s best interest for this figure

guaranteeing a continuation of minimal

concerning EVs aren’t going anywhere.

the next few years.

Here at Rivervale, we’ve got a variety of

Realistically, a 0% tax rate, whilst

to suit your business or personal needs.

sustainable figure in the long run.

car, find out a little bit more about doing

was always outlined in the plan, so

www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk

Motoring News

In fact, actually very little is changing.

First of all, let’s get

back to the basics of

company cars and benefit in kind.

Company cars and Benefit in Kind

However, because it is an asset that also

Benefit in Kind is the tax that employees must pay on their company perks,

such as a company car. The amount

that you’ll need to pay is dependent on

various factors, which include its overall value. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be focusing on the upcoming

changes, specifically for EV company cars, but for more information on

Benefit in Kind generally, take a look at our guide here.

Electric vehicle company car benefits So, what makes electric vehicles

different? Well, because they are a

much more environmentally friendly way to travel - due to not being powered

by traditional engines which use gas and release harmful emissions - the government has been incentivising

their use. One of the factors for the

calculation of Benefit in Kind in recent years has been emissions. Vehicles

producing lower levels of Co2 are taxed less as a result.

68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

in Kind tax payable for a purely electric its P11D value, making them an even

intended to be temporary, and it’s coming

changes in 2021

electric vehicles over cars with a

company directors and their employees not be put off. Reducing emissions is

government, and will continue to be so

news at all. While it’s true that electric

to meet agreed climate commitments

it’s only by the slightest margin. In fact,

for economic health, it remains in

2022, where it will then rise to 2%,

to rise slowly and steadily. Tax benefits

monthly payments for these drivers over

leasing deals on all kinds of car models

enjoyable, was never going to be a

If you’re interested in leasing a company

The intended increase is slight, and

so contact us on 01273 433480 or visit

it won’t come as

a harsh shock to

any budgets. And, considering that vehicles with a

large production

of Co2 are looking to pay up to 37% in tax, it’s still a

fantastic deal, and

a huge incentive to continue to drive

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS

BEING AN EFFECTIVE NETWORKER OF THE FUTURE

BY NETWORK MY CLUB

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69

N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS

81% of businesses will combine physical and virtual networking.

That’s according to 150+ business owners from the Network My Club 2020 member survey in December.

Here, Founder and Managing Director, Bradley Hatchett, shares his views on being an effective networker of the future.

Imagine a world with

Networking & Events

more opportunity.

Less time wasted.

Better return on your time and

investment. This can be a reality with your networking.

Network My Club’s mission has always been to bring networking into the 21st century. Perhaps the pandemic has

propelled the evolution of networking?

We can’t predict everyone’s future

networking behaviours. But one thing

70 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

is for sure – networking has always

been a long-term strategy. It still is. But are there now ways to make it more efficient? And more effective?

With the rise in virtual networking

events, there’s been an adoption of

technology. With that came an openness to change methods. We have adapted

and keep innovating our virtual events to accommodate this.

There are new options out there. Virtual events and physical events will be fighting for your time.

Effective networkers will embrace both

forms. Using one to compliment the other, depending on their personal preference.

Combining both will mean more

opportunity, less wasted time, better

return from your networking and building a broader, more robust and diverse network.

Let’s dive into how that can be done.

Less time, less money, more efficiency Whether it’s commuting or travelling

to and from events or meetings. The

N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS the event to establish the need for a follow up conversation.

Your follow up process can

incorporate this blended approach to attending events too.

For example, during a virtual event,

you may set up to meet someone at

an upcoming physical event. Or during a physical event, you may arrange to follow up over a video call or inviting them to a virtual event.

This adoption of different forms of

networking and adapting your approach

Bradley Hatchett

can make your relationship building

more efficient. As it can when wanting to pandemic has made people realise

how much time (and money) they were

wasting. Putting a more significant value on how and where they spend it.

The same applies with networking.

People have identified inefficiencies in their previous methods.

With more choice across different forms (virtual and physical), businesses will be more selective with which events they

attend. Ultimately, where and how they spend their time.

Can that 4 or 5 hours spent travelling to/ from and attending that physical event

be better spent at a 2 hour virtual event?

Will it be more effective to attend that

physical event to meet those people in person rather than virtually?

How do I see this playing out in the wider networking process?

Virtual events will play a big part in

meeting new people for the first time.

Or to keep interacting with connections

regularly, without the need to spend time travelling to events.

With physical events to compliment

that. Building relationships, trust and

familiarity. Making relationships more

grow your network geographically.

human and real.

Explore new regions with reduced risk

The impact of shaking a hand or

Pre-pandemic, building your network in

sharing a joke or story over a drink

will not die out. It’s in human nature to have that interaction.

But the need to go to an event you’ve

other regions and territories meant a lot

of hours wasted travelling to events. A lot of time spent at events in that particular area that ended up being ‘hit or miss’.

never been to before, where you don’t

Effective networkers can avoid that.

will be reduced. This can be done

Now, meeting new people in new

know anyone, just to meet new people, equally as effectively online.

Organisers should be factoring this in

too. By putting together a live and virtual event schedule. We certainly will be at Network My Club.

Interestingly, we’re learning lessons from our virtual events we can implement at our physical events.

We’re creating environments at our

virtual events to make networking online more efficient. For example, including specific one to one areas. These are

private tables of two where people can have conversations during the event.

Members are arranging what would’ve been their post-event follow up during

the event. Or taking 5/10 minutes during

regions can be achieved online.

How do I see the process working?

Introductions and initial conversations can be done by visiting an online

networking event in that new area.

You establish that connection, introduction and start the relationship. Then

compliment it with live events. Live events

where you know you’ve established it to be a good fit to attend, already made contact and got face time virtually with others.

You reduce the risk of wasting time and money travelling to an event.

The results?

• Time and cost saved

• Better qualified events best suited to

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71

N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS your business

• Improved conversations having already started that online

• An expanded network

• More referrals and new business.

We expect to see this at Network My Club.

For example, attending an event in London for our members in Sussex meant the

best part of a whole day out of the office.

Now they can meet members in different

events to virtual (and vice versa). To

are, you’ll now further enrich your network

event platforms. Whether that be an

help and who can help you.

also operate and use different virtual event on Zoom or Remo for example.

Agility and adaptability will be rewarded.

with a diverse mix of connections you can

What’s to come?

Not just in opportunity you unearth and

Live events will come back in a big way.

meet, it also sends a great message

virtual events will remain.

the diverse amount of people you’ll about you and your business.

Confidence to attend will grow. But

I wonder what response I would’ve got

regions at our online meetups, then select

Increase reach and opportunity

relationships and conversations.

In our 2020 member survey, 81% said

been laughed at or politely told it would

events in their networking activity. 6%

those people I thought would’ve said it

events. 7% said they will go back to

virtual events.

live events to attend to build on those

The difference now is they can do that knowing people in the room before

they attend or having already arranged

meeting another member at a previous online meetup.

As we expand into new regions,

members can continue to grow their

network with less risk without spending time and money attending, whilst

balancing attending events with a more remote way of working.

But this means adopting new methods virtually the right way.

Be a networking chameleon A member of Network My Club objected to the idea online networking worked. I

asked what kind of events they’d attended (and on what platform), what process

they follow and how they’ve adapted their methods to network virtually.

With a little advice and suggestion

in a change of methods, they’re now

converted. Prepared to be an effective networker of the future.

The principles of networking in-person and online are the same. But the

behaviours, best practices and etiquette are somewhat different.

Therefore, effective networkers will be

agile. They’ll be able to adapt from live

72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

a year ago if I’d suggested a virtual

networking event. I’m sure I would’ve

they will include virtual AND physical

never take off. But, here we are, and it’s

said they will be going only to virtual

wouldn’t work that are most active at our

solely in-person.

For those waiting for ‘normal’ to return,

In summary? The opportunity for you

you could find yourself in a different

won’t be a return to ‘normal’. So you’ll

Maybe you will get back to what you

will be online and in-person. There

world to what you consider normal.

need to embrace it.

were doing before. But I can guarantee

If you aren’t, your competitors most

have moved with the times, putting

certainly will be.

themselves where the opportunity is.

More inclusive and diverse network

Predicting customer behaviours is the

Online networking is more inclusive.

us. Refining and recreating our offering

up to groups of people who previously

that is effective, efficient and inclusive.

events. We’ve now got members

We have a responsibility and added

have if it hadn’t been for online.

virtual or physical, as valuable, time worthy

It’s opened the world of networking

couldn’t or didn’t want to attend live

meeting each other that never would

This has enriched their networks with a

your counterparts and competition

exciting challenge for organisations like for businesses to network in a method

pressure to make any event, whether and productive for all as possible.

more diverse range of people. As a result,

It’s not a case of ‘going back’ to how

client base, supply chain, workforce and

the future of networking and embracing it.

this’ll no doubt lead to a more diverse

other areas of their business in the future.

things were, it’s a case of going forward to

That’s what we’ll be doing at Network

Some people dread walking into a room

My Club and I invite you to join us.

events. But there’ll now be a world to

Find our upcoming events and more

more comfortably and naturally.

www.networkmyclub.co.uk

of people. Some feel the same with virtual network in where everyone can participate

As the agile and adaptable networker you

information about online membership at

SBT CHAMBER NEWS

CASH REMAINS TOP CONCERN FOR LOCKDOWN-STRICKEN FIRMS ACROSS UK

BY ANA CHRISTIE, CEO SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BRIGHTON BASE CAMP: EN ROUTE

JOIN US ON FRIDAY 30 APRIL AND LET EN ROUTE BE YOUR WAYFINDER FOR 2021

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73

C HA M B E R N E WS

Cash remains top concern for lockdown-stricken firms across UK

By Ana Christie, CEO Sussex Chamber of Commerce Chamber News

Sussex Chamber of

firms reported

of an Accredited

from UK customers.

of 53 Chambers, all

reported increased

Commerce is part

decreased revenue

Chamber network

Only 19% of firms

represented by the British Chambers

revenue and 20%

of Commerce which sits at the heart

reported no change.

across the UK. We build relationships

When asked

locally, nationally and internationally with

long firms could

and with opportunities. Sussex Chamber

ran out of cash,

member benefits, designed to contribute

(23%) said less than

We are also a respected voice locally

figure rises to almost

of this unique network of businesses

on every level, connect your business

approximately how

other business, with decision-makers

continue until they

gives you access to a range of exclusive

almost one-quarter

towards the success of your business.

three months. This

and nationally.

one-third (31%) of

During the pandemic, the business

B2C service firms.

Ana Christie

group has successfully campaigned for

The results paint

only 42 per cent of full capacity, while

Having carried out a recent survey

landscape which has been severely

against a pre-pandemic level of 75

businesses, the results show they have

and massive changes in trading

companies reported they still have staff

multiple lockdowns.

suggest that without the huge amount

We have called on the UK government

companies to date, that business

When asked to rate the effectiveness

reopening, which was recently

been much worse.

support their business throughout the

workplace testing plans, and extending

Crucially, more support is needed

Scheme (CJRS), allowing firms to

businesses throughout 2021.

over a quarter (28%) of businesses

effectiveness rating. More than two-

Business conditions worsen

last more than a year. On average,

it has been very effective, with a further

continued financial business support.

a bleak picture of a business

all firms were averaging 57% capacity

on the impact of Coronavirus on

squeezed by repeated lockdowns

to 80 per cent. Almost half (48%) of

been pushed to the brink by the effect of

conditions. The survey results also

on furlough.

of government support given to

Rating the support from government

failures and job losses could have

of the various government schemes to

to set out a clear roadmap for

announced, advancing vaccination and key financial support measures for

Compared to October 2020, 61% of

74 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

crisis, the Coronavirus Job Retention

until firms can fully reopen, with just

furlough staff, had by far the highest

indicating they have enough cash to

thirds (68%) using this scheme say that

B2C firms are currently operating at

28% rating it as somewhat effective.

CHAM BE R N E WS

Other schemes with high effectiveness

British Chambers Director General Dr

cashflow being a major challenge for many

schemes (such as CBILS and BBLS)

“The last year has taken a heavy toll on

redundancies or business failures should

still the top concern, it is vital that the UK

Alongside a clear roadmap for reopening,

until firms can reopen and rebuild. Pulling

from a commitment to further accelerate

and would be akin to writing off the billions

wider workplace testing strategy that’s

Adam Marshall said:

ratings included Government loan

where 46% rated them ‘very effective’ and 44% rated them ‘somewhat

effective’, and the local authority

business grant scheme, where 45%

rated it ‘very effective’ and 40% rated

it ‘somewhat effective’. Business rates relief (49%), VAT deferrals (34%), VAT

cuts for certain sectors of the economy

(26%) were also rated as very effective.

What firms may do if support expires in April

When asked what their business might

do if the government support schemes end according to published timetable

in April, 25% of firms overall said they would ‘make staff redundant’, 25%

would ‘reduce staff hours’ and 19%

would ‘cancel or reduce investment or recruitment plans’.

businesses across the UK. With cash flow

Government support end prematurely.

government keeps financial support going

business confidence will also come

the plug now would be a huge mistake

the vaccination programme and a

already spent helping firms to survive.

accessible to businesses of all sizes.”

Firms are desperate to start trading again

Support from Sussex Chamber

thinking about the future. To do so they

port businesses through its campaigning

for reopening, and they need time to get

benefits. Membership prices have been

additional taxes, and the security of

a range of exclusive member benefits,

support them should we see additional

ness success and help drive economic

so they can boost revenue and start

Sussex Chamber will continue to sup-

need to see a clear, evidence-based plan

efforts and via its extensive membership

back on their feet without unnecessary

frozen, to allow businesses to access

knowing that Government will once again

designed to contribute towards busi-

restrictions imposed at any point.

growth. www.sussexchamberofcom-

In the meantime, support must remain

259259 or email: info@sussexchamber-

merce.co.uk Contact us on 01444

ofcommerce.co.uk to find out how we

in place for firms that need it until a full

GROW

Events

Responding to the survey results,

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can help your business.

reopening of the economy is possible. With

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businesses, we can expect to see further

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Young

259 Local and National Voice Young 01444 259 Policy Chamber Representation www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75 Local and National

01/03/2021 09:56:23

C HA M B E R N E WS

Brighton Base Camp: En Route After the chaos and change of 2020, is your business treading a different path than expected this year? So, how are you planning to reach your destination? What kind of journey will you choose?

Join us on Friday 30 April and let En Route be your wayfinder for 2021.

Chamber News

About Base Camp

and forging new ones – celebrating the

of Brighton Summit,

which makes our region such a dynamic

The younger sibling

spirit of our open-minded, quirky city,

Base Camp is a large-

place to live, work and do business.

scale virtual event

that brings together 200+ businesses

What to expect?

city’s diverse business community.

but there are plenty of opportunities to

footsteps of Base Camp 2020’s glowing

a morning of inspiring speakers,

and empowered for the year ahead.

networking sessions. You might want

Hosted by Brighton Chamber, it’s a

read a book in a quiet dark room or do

and entrepreneurs from across the

Brighton Base Camp is held virtually

Base Camp: En Route will follow in the

interact with other attendees. Expect

reviews, to leave you feeling motivated

expert-led workshops and structured

morning for strengthening relationships

76 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

to book the afternoon off to reflect, your follow-ups.

‘Brighton Base Camp Bananas was

positive high energy from beginning

to end. I met new people through the networking opportunities, was

inspired by the talks from a diverse selection of people and finished

feeling that it was time definitely well spent’ Nick Elliott: Booster

We have a brilliant line up of keynote

speakers and workshop leaders – and have already announced our first

keynote speaker, Alex Preece, Co-

Founder and COO of Brighton-based digital gift card platform, Tillo.

CHAM BE R N E WS

What will I get out of it?

You’ll get fresh perspectives and new approaches – quality conversations

with the bunch of brilliant like-minded contacts you’ll meet at Base Camp.

You’ll build connections and learn about new ideas to try in your own business.

‘Inspiring to listen to speakers and

reinforced what we’re all trying to do

with our businesses - to stay positive, grow and to come out the other side

of this really strong. I left feeling more connected to people’ Kerry Watkins, Social Brighton

Introducing Alex Preece

Alex Preece, COO and Co-Founder of Tillo will be joining as one of our

keynote speakers at Brighton Base Camp: En Route on 30 April.

He’ll share with us his fascinating

business journey, which is very much en-route! From starting his career

jumping out of military planes in the

British Army, to co-founding and selling multiple companies and becoming a serial entrepreneur and growing his

current multi-million pound venture. You might say that he’s always had a bit of a daredevil streak.

Who is it for?

Brighton Base Camp is for everyone in and around Brighton who wants to evolve and grow their business.

Whether you’re a big business CEO, a not-for-profit, an entrepreneur

or an employee looking for a bit of

inspiration, some variety in your day, or could use

with mapping

out where you want to go –

Base Camp is for you.

Starting Tillo five years ago with his business partner, Gareth, has seen the business grow into the market leading digital gift card platform,

connecting some of the world’s most popular brands with businesses

looking to incentivise employees and reward customers.

Alex has recently found himself right at

issued for free school meals to support disadvantaged families during the nationwide Coronavirus lockdown. The irony of this is not lost on Alex, who as a child went to school with free school meal tokens in his own pockets.

At Base Camp: En Route, Alex will talk about his early years and military career have provided the motivation he needs to run the ultra-resilient and successful business he has today. We’ll hear about Tillo’s rapid scale-up, plus the challenges, changes and opportunities that have been presented by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Join us to hear his fascinating business journey (plus other keynotes and

workshops) at Base Camp: En Route, on 30 April.

Brighton Base Camp: En Route Friday 30 April

Chamber Member ticket £40 Non-member ticket £50

the very heart of the nation’s response

Find out more and get tickets here

chosen to process the eGift cards

event/brighton-base-camp-en-route

to the pandemic, with Tillo being

https://www.brightonchamber.co.uk/

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77

78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT LIFESTYLE

BOOST MOOD!

WITH KATE COOK, A NUTRITIONAL EXPERT OF 20 YEARS

JOIN STEVEN EDWARDS FROM ETCH.

FOR AN EXCLUSIVE ONLINE COOKING DEMONSTRATION

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 79

Boost Mood!

Kate Cook, is a nutritional expert of 20 years, a speaker, author of 8 books – The latest, “Positive Nutrition” sets out a simple road map to getting the best from our food.

Kate has spoken in

Lifestyle

some of Britain’s

top companies and

continues to inspire

teams with her down

to earth style, twinkle in the eye, and

a practical sense of what is possible. www.katecook.biz

As we near a year Locked Down in our

own houses, with the threat of the virus ever present, the long haul of the past

year is definitely catching up with many

of us. Whilst we see glimmers of hope of

spring in the air, with the evenings getting

80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

lighter, and mornings less chilly, we are, at the same time not out of the woods yet. A great number of us are feeling

lethargic and blue, finding it very difficult to motivate ourselves to feel optimistic

about the future. What we need to do is find some strategies to start turning the tide on our low spirit, creating a feeling or renewed growth and hope. That all

starts with a getting the right foundation

on what we choose to eat! But diet does not exist in a vacuum so I am going to

give you some other lifestyle foundations that might just get your mood heading upwards to the stars.

Diet Foundation

The first step to getting a better

outcome on your mood is to make sure that your basic biochemistry

is balanced – this is a fancy way of

saying that you need to balance the amount of available sugar in your

system. Glucose (sugar) isn’t a bad

thing when it comes to cellular energy but it is about balance. Our system

is fine-tuned at any given moment by hormones that control everything in

our bodies – the hormone that controls how much available sugar is in our

bodies is called insulin. Our bodies

L I FE STYLE

Kate Cook

are ancient systems, 200, 000 years ago, we didn’t have processed food or foods stacked with sugar – are

systems are primed to balance the

right amount of glucose that will give

our cells energy, but not cause toxicity.

Insulin is adapted to allow glucose into the cells to give us energy, like a key in a lock, it turns the lock and allows the

sugar into the cell. The problem comes when there is just too much available glucose in the system – insulin has a

solution for that! The hormone acts as a fat storage hormone, and you start accumulating fat around the middle.

In the old days, that fat would have

been for a rainy day, or a cold winter

but now, it is the first step to diabetes, a disease that means the ability to

control the levels of sugar in the blood have gone array. So what has this all

got to do with low mood? It turns out, that when our blood sugar levels are

fluctuating we can actually feel blue,

we can feel anxious, and we can feel mentally depressed.

The simple first steps to making sure

your blood sugar is balanced is to eat

real food, that is food found in nature.

Plenty of vegetables, whole grain,

protein (meat if you eat it, otherwise good quality protein that isn’t in a

packet – eg NOT Quorn, or similar

– these foods are processed) Don’t eat refined food (especially breads

and pastas) and of course sugar is

like rocket fuel. In fact, may scientists like Dr Robert Lustig, think that sugar is actually truly addictive like a drug.

Eric Clapton accredits sugar as the

gateway drug that got him into heroin.

Whilst you can feel temporarily high on sugar, what goes up must come down and mood can tank.

Soul Foundations

Robert Lustig in his book “The

Hacking of The American Mind”

talks of other essential ingredients

control over, both for vibrant health but also to influence mood. 80 per cent of

all disease is reversible through lifestyle, and food is the area you have the most control over. Good food encourages a

healthy digestion, and the gut is thought

to have direct influence over your mood.

Eating real food will help with this – but

definitely fermented foods such as kefir can give you a head start!

Lustig also talks of another critical C

of happiness – Connection. Many of

us will have sorely missed this element this year but reach out to a friend.

Don’t get caught up in busy-ness,

finding community and connection,

and meaning are essential elements of that willow the wisp feeling of a contented, happy life.

to lasting Happiness, the C’s of

lasting contentment– The first one

being Cooking. Although boring, the

foundation of good health and lasting

happiness is being able to create your own food – food and what you put on

your fork is the biggest predictor of good health, and something you have ultimate

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81

Join Steven Edwards from etch. for an exclusive virtual cooking demonstration

The event, taking place in aid of the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, is a oneoff chance to see how a top chef creates their amazing dishes from scratch.

Have you ever wanted

Lifestyle

to know how your

favourite restaurant

creates their delicious food? Or have you

got a question that you’ve always

wanted to ask a well-known chef to

help with your own creations at home?

Then why not join Rockinghorse for this special culinary evening?

At 7.00pm on Monday 22 March

82 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Steven Edwards, the chef-owner of

etch. in Hove, will be creating one of

his delicious dishes via a virtual ‘At the

Chef’s Table’ event using an interactive online event platform from REMO. Located on Church Road in Hove, etch. is a 12 table British tasting

menu restaurant by MasterChef: The

Professionals winner Steven Edwards, celebrating local and British produce using monthly changing menus.

The event, sponsored by Piglet’s Pantry, Fish Galore, City Utilities and Retail

Distribution Services, is taking place in aid of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity which is a cause Steven is pleased

to support: “I love working with local

charities and think it’s really important to raise awareness of the work that

Rockinghorse does. I have signed up for the Rockinghorse football team so it’s

nice to be able to support the charity it two different ways.

L I FE STYLE

menu for two from

a lifetime opportunity. And along with

from Piglet’s

sure to be a popular evening and the

packs from

events we are hoping to run.”

in Lewes.

Tickets for this great evening of

Stella Buckingham,

and along with access to the virtual

Manager at

delicious bottle of sparkling Italian wine

pleased to be able

and a signed recipe card from Steven

something really

yourself at home.

last year we have

To find out more or to buy a ticket,

run many face to

website at: www.rockinghorse.org.uk

etch, hampers

the fantastic raffle prizes available it’s

Pantry and gift

first of several ‘At the Chef’s Table’

Harvey’s Brewery

Events Fundraising

platform, guests will also receive a

Rockinghorse, is

from Butler’s Wine Cellar in Brighton

offer supporters

so that you can re-create the dish

special: “For the

“It’s an easy decision to work with them

and I really hope people will enjoy taking part in this event and help raise some

much-needed funds for this great cause.”

Along with the 40-minute demonstration, attendees will also get the chance to

take part in a raffle with some fantastic prizes including a five-course tasting

entertainment cost £40 per household

been unable to

search ‘Chef’ on the Rockinghorse

face events due to

or call the charity on: 01273 330044.

the pandemic so we are really excited

that we have been able to arrange this amazing virtual event.

“To be able to learn directly from one of the best chef’s in the city,

ask questions about technique and

ingredients and even have a go at the recipe at home, it really is a once in

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 83

84 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT ASK THE EXPERT

WHAT IS TAILORED SOFTWARE, AND WHY WOULD I NEED IT?

BY JAMES KELLY, STORGANISE

TALKING DATA WITHOUT USING THE WORD DATA!

BONAMY WADDELL, DATA STORYTELLER, BON INSIGHT

THE WORLD IS LOOKING FOR CONTACT AND CONTENT

LOOKING FOR MORE COMMUNICATIONS, MORE CONTACT AND MORE CONTENT

SBT ASK THE EXPERT SPONSORED BY:

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AS K T H E E X PE RT

What is Tailored Software, and why would I need it?

By James Kelly, www.storganise.co.uk Ask the expert

Compare yourself to a business making biscuits.

You start off making lovely biscuits because you love baking.

You give them to friends, and they like them telling you you’re onto a winner.

Feeling bold, you start selling them and, hey presto, a small enterprise is born.

You soon get so popular that you need a bigger oven.

And then some staff to help you package them up, deliver and sell them.

Your next step is to get some machines which make the biscuits for you.

All is going well; your systems and processes have grown with your biscuit baking success.

Your business is No Different You started out doing what you love.

You used spreadsheets to track your clients and sales.

There were a lot of Word documents for Invoices and Budget sheets.

A bookkeeper came along to help rein in your receipts and invoices.

And this all worked well but then you started getting bigger, and the spreadsheets, journals and scraps of paper weren’t working.

If you were selling biscuits, you would now be getting some machines to take care of the graft.

Think of a piece of Tailored Software as the biscuit-making machine for your business. It takes care of things so you can concentrate on what you love to do.

Get off spreadsheets and paper and on to software created specifically to work the way you want it to.

We have been building systems and small processes for businesses for 9 years.

Sometimes we are asked to build a simple way to track Quotes, Invoices and Purchase Orders.

Other businesses need a centralised contacts database that can be accessed by all their staff, from home, the office, or on the move.

Job setting, assigning tasks, tracking assets, even complete Music storage systems - anything your business does, can be catered for by having your own software made.

The more niche your business, the less likely you are to find the perfect way of working available in a pre-built app.

That’s where we come in, and have worked with some wonderfully diverse clients - Comedy Promoters, Sign Makers, Estate Agent PR Companies, Financial Institutions, Pharmaceutical Corporations, Energy Salesmen, Charities, Orchestra Fixers, Unions, Freighting Companies, Travel Agents; the list keeps on growing.

It’s a rewarding process for the client • Staff become more engaged, because they are being listened to, and given a streamlined way of doing their job.

• Managers can see reports instantly rather than waiting for complicated data to be collected • Business owners see growth potential with the huge amounts of hours being saved from all of their workers’ days.

How long does this sort of thing take?

We like to get the first draft to our customers within 2-4 weeks so they don’t lose interest.

86 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

ASK T H E E XPE RT

Talking data without using the word data!

Bonamy Waddell, Data Storyteller, Bon Insight It seems many people

Ask the expert

aren’t keen on the word data. It can

sound so boring - but it’s not! And to prove

it, I thought I’d write about data without using the word data itself! (I’ve said it 3 times already – that’ll do!).

So – I want you to have a think

about your business processes for a

moment. Pick a couple of reports that get shared with clients, or an update that goes out internally every

fortnight. Now ask, why do those

reports exist? What insight do they

deliver? I wonder how often the reply might be “I’m not sure, we’ve just always done it like this.”

Now let’s flip it the other way and start with - what information is

required for me or my team to make business decisions? What is useful

for my client to hear in their monthly

update? It then shifts because it’s not just process for process-sake. You’re

really adding value to your team, your Board, your clients.

So how and where do I gather that

intelligence, I hear you ask? Here are two ideas to get you started: 1. C arry out an audit

Understand what intelligence already exists. This might include (but is not restricted to, by any means!):

a. Client intelligence: via client

satisfaction surveys, as well as your CRM database - easy to extract to

measure conversion rates, length of

client relationship, sector / service breakdown, geographic location,

and beyond – who owns this in your

that compare to your competitors?

d. Financial: again, this isn’t about

the financial nitty-gritty, but sales

organisation?

trends and how that maps to

social channel analytics, event

organisation, for example.

b. Marketing: campaign performance, attendance to name a few;

c. E mployee information: recruitment

performance from the rest of the

The point is this - using the business

/ retention rates, performance

intelligence (I could have used the ‘d’

and beyond;

alongside knowing what we need to

the Finance team (!), but what sales

all want that! It underpins all areas of

activities, for example.

answer to the question, “Why are you

management, Glassdoor reviews, d. Financials: leave the heavy lifting to

trends can be aligned with marketing

2. Fill your gaps

word here…!) that we already own,

gather, gives us confidence. And we

our decision-making. It gives you an

doing x, y, z?” – because the answer is the evidence you have gathered

Doing the audit means you know what

which will inform your next decision.

Playing the above 4 areas back, we

Eh voila! Talking data without saying

you know, but what don’t you know?! might see that:

a. C lients: are you completing regular

client satisfaction surveys and really

data. You’re welcome!

www.boninsight.com

listening to them? Does your CRM

track all fields – what sectors are you heavy / light in? Is there a gap in the size of organisation you work with?

Do you record new business win/loss debriefs? If you’re not gathering it, you can’t learn from it!

b. Marketing: taking an event as

an example, do you have a pre-

event survey to understand what

attendees want to get from it? And a post-event to assess how it all

went? This will shape your future events and set a benchmark;

c. Employees: do you carry out regular pulse checks to measure employee

Photo Credit: Lauren Psyk

wellbeing? Are you capturing the

reasons people leave? Do you keep Glassdoor updated, and how does

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AS K T H E E X PE RT

The world is looking for contact and content

One of the by-products from the COVID19 pandemic’s closure of air routes and travel is a greater willingness for businesses to talk to each other across time zones and continents.

As we become more

Ask the expert

physically isolated

through working from home and are unable to travel, so we are

looking for more communications, more contact and more content.

This has been seen in an International Trade promotion project I set up 2

years ago to explore links with specific

destinations on the Gatwick Route Map for trade between the UK and those

destinations. I was deliberately targeting Tier 2 destinations – those places that

do not first come to mind, but still have

a thriving economy. As they are often in

the shadow of other places they seem to be more willing to engage.

It isn’t always easy to find the right

88 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

people in the right places but, in the

So what could this mean for you?

discussing closer ties were met with

In a nutshell, I believe that around the

majority of cases, any enquiries about interest. However, prior to COVID19,

there was also a request for me to visit that destination and explain further.

Now that was fine for places like

Malaga, Oslo and even Sofia, but visits to The Philippines or Austin and San

Diego are a little more expensive and time consuming to arrange.

world there is a real hunger for contact and content. Reach out to new markets, make enquiries and be

open to the opportunities that are

there for you. Use your networks and start to explore – it’s still a big world,

but the distances feel smaller and the world is looking for your contact and your content.

Since the closure of travel routes, I have

For more, contact Jeremy on

with like-minded individuals in these other

thecompanyconnector.com

found it increasingly easier to engage

locations and we now have built a network of contacts in around 30 destinations. It

is a shame that there aren’t the flights, but Zoom, Teams and these other methods

bring me into daily contact with the world.

07831 148064 or jeremy.taylor@

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