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ISSUE 446
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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES
WE CHAT WITH CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FOX & BEAR, JAMES DEMPSTER COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS VIRTUAL AWARDS SPECIAL S E RVI NG TH E SUSSE X BUS I N ES S COM MUN ITYwww.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk S I NCE 197 5
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SBTWelcome
W E LCO M E
Welcome to the latest, packed issue of SBT
The last month has been great, being able to have some face to face meetings, attend a charity Golf Day, (yes a real life event) which was amazing, well done to the Care for Veterans team. It seems we are slowly, slowly getting there…
This month we had great pleasure in catching up with co-founder of the newly rebranded full service digital marketing agency Fox & Bear, we hear from the brilliant James Dempster for our cover feature.
We have a special Awards Issue this month as we hear from the winners, some nominees and sponsors from the second County Business Clubs Virtual awards last month. It was another amazing night, raising nearly £1000 for two great charities whilst
recognising some great companies from across the County. Thank you to all the sponsors and everyone that supported the event, especially my co-host Bradley Hatchett and the Network My Club team, as well as the brilliant James Johnson from Picture Book Films. Huge Congratulations to all our Winners.
As always this issue is packed with insights, advice and great content across a variety of sectors, written by the Sussex business community for the Sussex business community.
Thank you all as always for your continued support and we look forward to on the road to recovery. I hope you enjoy the issue, Sam Thomas, Managing Director
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Issue 446
Cover 446
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
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Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2020 ©
County Business Clubs Virtual Awards Special
SBT Finance
Back to the office – Help is available! By Carpenter Box
SBT Legal
To be or not to be (A Limited Company) Mayo Wynne Baxter
SBT Property
We hear from Award Winners Remmus Designer Homes Ltd
SBT People Management & Recruitment
HR Troubleshooting for businesses that are re-opening – from Award winners HR Dept
SBT Cover Feature
We chat to the co-founder of Fox & Bear James Dempster
39
SBT Sales & Marketing
47
SBT Charity
57 65 69
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.
Monthly News
77
Miss Bossy, the leader, by Stephanie Prior | 67 Degrees celebrate their Fifth Anniversary and Much more.
We hear from the Charity of the Year Winners Chestnut Tree House as well as all the Finalists.
SBT Tech
A packed Tech issue as we hear from Award Winners Silicon Brighton as well as Paxton Access and Extech Cloud
SBT Motoring
How much does it actually cost to lease a car in 2021?
SBT Networking & Events
We Chat to Bintems Crazy Golf | 8 Tactics to become a better online Networker, by NMC | Back together by the seaside, from YBrighton
Chamber News
We hear from Sussex Chamber – Brighton Brighton– Worthing & Adur Chamber
85
SBT Lifestyle
91
SBT Ask The Expert Special
We hear from Award Winners The Cleveland Arms | It’s all Food & Drink, we talk to Noel Preston, MD of Preston Insurance Brokers
We Interview the man behind Dad La Soul, Dan Flanagan | Plus Turn up. Do Your Best. Be Consistent advice from Ben Bennett, Second Voice.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5
Well here it is, what it feels like for months I’ve been working towards A very warm welcome to you all to the second County Business Clubs Awards Although the last one made me stressed and almost mangled my brain We decided it was such a success, we had to do it again. I really hope you like the new floor plan by Bradley As well as Virtual Pub Landlord he adds interior designer to his CV. I’m so grateful for another chance to show off what our business community can do From one lockdown to another, it takes support of course, from you. The start of 2021 didn’t exactly go to plan Home schooling, staying at home and the devastating pub ban. But slowly things are opening, starting with tonight We are so glad that you accepted our invite. We had such an amazing response, almost 3000 votes Let’s hope we match in cash for our charities – with our virtual notes. Two charities this year, selected specifically for good reason Table Talk – supporting hospitality who have really suffered this season. The timing for this charity could really not have been better Kudos to founder Dan Wade – our successful go-getter. Such an inspiring initiative, with fantastic Trustees To help our hospitality industry – that has fell almost to it’s knees. Inspiring others to focus on food education An invaluable skill for the next generation. You will hear more from Dan who will be on in a bit To give you more of an insight and details about it. The second Rocking Horse, a charity close to my heart, For saving my son’s life, I don’t even know where to start. Specifically when he was born, and rushed to ICU at Trevor Mann Time stood still, we could not think or even start making plans. But day by day he got stronger, and came home to join his twin Without the charity’s support, I’ve no idea where we’d have been. So a personal plea from me to you, the money goes direct To the babies who need it most, trust me I have checked. I made a promise there and then to raise money whenever I could It’s possible without them I’d not have witnessed his childhood. So here’s to happier times again, a fun, happy night awaits And it won’t hurt so much tomorrow for any of you lightweights. We have Brighton Comedian Stephen Grant, to lighten up the mood So raise a glass and I hope you’ve got some nibbles for your food. Though of course we miss out on some boogying on the dancefloor We have a silent auction and fantastic prizes to bid for. 2020 was a year of losses but also sometimes creation For me, the main positive to take away – collaboration. It’s the heart of County Business Clubs and the core of our values It’s what helped us cope day to day and helped us to get through. The Brighton Business Community as I’ve said before Work together and help each other – really are top draw. On that note I’m delighted to welcome Bradley Hatchett from Network My Club The man we all love to catch up with at the pub Whether virtual or in person, he’s the man to hobnob The Michael Buble to my Stavros Flatley, the James Bond to my Odd Job. So enough from me, we have lots in store tonight And despite it’s virtual nature, I’m positive you might, Enjoy the next few hours, and stay for the duration With awards and entertainment, auctions and celebrations. As we hopefully see some light at the end of the tunnel for 2021 Say goodbye to COVID 19 which can frankly – do one And show off our resilience, our sense of community Written by Kelly Thomas And enjoy each other’s company, with no disunity. Info@remarkablerhymes.co.uk Hope you have a great time, hope you have enjoyed my rhyme. www.remarkablerhymes.co.uk Sit back, relax, enjoy the show, you deserve a wonderful time.
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SBT MONTHLY NEWS SPECIAL
COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS VIRTUAL BUSINESS AWARDS
THE WINNERS
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MO NT H LY N E WS
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MON T H LY N E WS
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MO NT H LY N E WS
Sussex brewery offers free beer to pubs
•H epworth & Company has created a new light pale ale, Tier Drop, to give away to pubs and help them after lockdown •T he initiative will run from April to July and is available to pubs local to the brewery •L andlords still need to pay beer duty, but Hepworth will provide the ale for nothing Sussex based
Monthly News
brewery Hepworth is
helping pubs get back on their feet after
national lockdown by
giving away its new cask beer, Tier Drop. The brewery has created a premium light pale ale (3.3% abv) with locally grown barley and hops to provide a
beer to slake the thirst of many months of closure. Pub landlords will still have
to pay the beer duty, but Hepworth will provide the beer for nothing.
The initiative will run from April
to July 2021 to support landlords after the devastating affects the
coronavirus pandemic had on the
Head Brewer and Managing Director
suitable for vegans thanks to the
will be available to pubs within a 30
has seen one of Britain’s greatest
used that removes gluten naturally.
of successive lockdowns and so with
stocked in national retailers such
hospitality industry. The Tier Drop ale mile radius of the Sussex brewery.
Customers can order up to three casks of the free beer per order.
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Andy Hepworth said: “The last year
brewing process on certain beers
institutions, our pubs, bear the brunt
Many of the company’s beers are
their reopening, we wanted to help as
as Marks & Spencer, Coop, Tesco,
much as we can.
Waitrose, and Morrison’s.
“We decided to support them with
Hepworth & Company is also
serve customers once again. It is only
sustainability in brewing, being the
to doing what we can to support our
pump, which is powered by their own
free, good quality beer as they could
leading the way when it comes to
a drop in the ocean, but we are open
proud pioneer of a beer sourced heat
local pubs.”
solar panels.
Hepworth & Company, which recently
Tier Drop is available to order from
a range of 14 beers and lagers. Many
information on how to order, please
celebrated its 20th anniversary, has
Hepworth Brewery now. For more
of these beers are gluten free and
visit www.hepworthbrewery.co.uk.
MON T H LY N E WS
Designate launches new LV= Multi Car TV advert revealing how to make life better Brighton strategic creative agency Designate has unveiled its latest TV advert for insurance company LV= to showcase the brand’s Multi Car product.
The advert is part of
Monthly News
LV=’s It’s Our Heart That Sets Us Apart
campaign and shows customers that when
your family’s cars are on one policy, it makes life easier, simpler and offers a saving too.
Designate used familiar, relatable and
British pairings to illustrate this concept such as a biscuit dunked in tea or
traditional fish and chips and brought
this to life using stop frame animation. Becky Sherriff, Group Account Director
at Designate, said: “LV= has never used this style of production before and
stop frame animation creates a really
charming and magical effect. It already feels like part of the same LV= brand
world we all love. It was created with the help of the awesome animation experts at A+C Studios in Margate
under director, Dan Richards. We’re
“The advert sits perfectly in the
British production industry, especially at
warmth as well as the green heart
also proud that we could champion the
LV= brand world with its charm and
this particular time.”
branding and the ‘Have Love Will
One of the main challenges to
synonymous with the company. It’s
creative in a very restrictive lockdown
frame animation and it created a
Filming live action was possible, but
challenge of lockdown restrictions.”
frame gave the agency the solution
The advert launched during
complement the LV= brand and work
accompanied by further supporting
Travel’ music track, which has become
overcome was producing new TV
the first time we have used stop
period during December and January.
magical effect, while also rising to the
presented significant difficulties. Stop they needed to bring the idea to life,
Saturday Night Takeaway and will be
around any production limitations.
campaign activity.
Sophie Baker, Advertising Manager
This latest work builds further on
shows that when you bring two things
with LV=, having started working with
from LV= said: “The Multi Car TV advert
Designate’s long-standing relationship
together, they instantly become better,
the company in 2006.
Multi Car policy, which could offer a
For more information visit https://www.
like putting your family’s cars on one
saving and also means you’ve got one
designate.com/
policy and just one renewal date.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11
MO NT H LY N E WS
Sussex duo launch exciting investment fund to support growing businesses post COVID Monthly News
Brighton based
Click here to apply for funding
business succeed. We’ve seen many
Business Law,
Penina Shepherd, Founder & CEO
I pledge to support the successful
delighted to partner with Matt for this
marketing and creative journey,
offer my expertise in legal advice. As a
and increase their brand presence
that the unknown can be daunting and,
implementation and optimisation”.
world of law can be a complex barrier for
The unique opportunity to exchange
steps businesses take to grow and I’m
exchange for equity will no doubt be the
to get small businesses back on track
have craved during the COVID-19
law firm Acumen has announced its partnership with
the award-winning marketing agency Creative Pod, to create an innovative
investment fund opportunity for small businesses looking to rebuild and
continue to grow, post COVID-19. The unique initiative offers Sussex
based businesses legal advice, plus marketing services, in return for
equity in the business as a platform for growth following the pandemic.
Led by Sussex based entrepreneurs
Penina Shepherd and Matt Turner, the duo is pulling together to support the
community and are calling out for likeminded business owners looking to take that next step.
12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
businesses turned upside down, and
of Acumen Business Law, said: “I’m
applicant through every step of their
unique opportunity, and I’m excited to
ensuring they maximise opportunities
business owner myself, I am well aware
through planning and strategy to
as a business lawyer, I know that the
many businesses. I’m often in awe at the
legal and marketing expertise in
thrilled to be able to offer the opportunity
blessing that many small businesses
following the COVID-19 pandemic”.
pandemic. The offering from the duo of
Matt Turner, Founder & CEO of the
looking to get back on track and reach
entrepreneurs will enable businesses
award-winning marketing agency,
their potential in 2021 and beyond.
the heart of a business’ growth, and
Click here to find out more on the
Creative Pod, said: “Marketing is at I enjoy nothing more than seeing a
Acumen Business Law website
SBT FINANCE
BACK TO THE OFFICE - HELP IS AVAILABLE! BY CARPENTER BOX
FINANCIAL SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
MORTGAGE MEDICS
Q&A WITH SPARTAN FX
WITH CO-FOUNDERS DANIEL FIELDING & GARY STEADMAN
SBT FINANCE SPONSORED BY:
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FI NAN C E
Back to the office – help is available! With the rapid progression of the UK’s vaccination programme and relaxing of lockdown restrictions, many businesses could see an increasing number of employees returning to office premises over the next 6 to 9 months. Safety in the
Finance Consultancy Ltd
workplace
Phil Bath, Managing
Director at Phil Bath Business Services
As employees return to their workplace,
their safety is of paramount importance to their employers.
Many companies will be looking to rework their existing furniture, such as creating a minimum of 2m distancing between people in open workstations, meeting
spaces, cafés, and breakout areas. They may also look to reduce occupancy by
removing desks, tables, and seating, or use alternating desks.
The three stages to consider when reconfiguring spaces are:
• Density: the number of people per sq. ft/m
• Geometry: how the furniture is arranged
• Division: using screens, panels or barriers These should be used to create spaces
that, when implemented with new safety guidelines, allow people to confidently come back into the workplace.
Moving forward, organisations will want to create a diverse range of spaces that are highly adaptable and consider furniture that can be easily moved and surfaces
that can be effectively and easily cleaned. Meetings should take place in open
spaces for more than five people, using
14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
flexible furniture with movable whiteboards and screens to create boundaries.
Employees and visitors will expect a safe and secure space to work and
meet. As a minimum, organisations will
need to provide anti-virus desk screens, social distancing signage, hand sanitiser stations and PPE. Super-deductions
Anthony Davies, Tax Partner at Carpenter Box
The preparation for the return to the
workplace will no doubt have a financial impact on many businesses as they upgrade equipment.
From 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2023, there are two new reliefs available to
companies that qualify with expenditure on
plant and machinery assets:
• A 130% super-deduction capital
allowance qualifying plant and machinery
• A 50% first-year allowance (FYA) for special rate assets
This means that companies will be
able to save up to 25p of tax for every £1 invested.
The 130% super-deduction is for assets that would normally qualify in the main
pool for capital allowances with a writing down allowance (WDA) of 18%. This includes plant, machinery, furniture,
etc. This means if a company spends
£100,000 on qualifying office equipment, the company can claim a deduction of £130,000 against taxable profits.
The 50% FYA is for assets that normally
FI NA NCE qualify in the special rate pool with a
WDA of 6%. These are integral features such as air-conditioning, lifts and water heating systems.
What is Plant and Machinery?
Despite the industrial term, plant and machinery generally refers to the
equipment used for carrying on a
business (‘tools of the trade’). While it
can include machines, it can also include any number of office items including
fire alarms, security systems, carpets, computers, and refrigeration. What can be claimed?
In general, you can claim capital
allowances when you buy qualifying
assets. In the current climate, businesses
are evaluating how they can optimise their workspace to provide a more flexible and agile working environment.
The items must be new or unused. You can claim a super deduction on:
• Office chairs and desks, particularly furniture that allows distancing between staff.
• Computer equipment and servers,
for example laptops and equipment
to enable staff to work remotely and more flexibly.
• The creation of flexible workspaces
and areas within the office to facilitate
tax relief given. The balancing charge is
claim additional allowances.
(Please note this applies only to the super-
collaboration may create opportunities to • New heating or air conditioning systems, to increase the ventilation.
then multiplied by the relevant factor 1.3. deduction and not the 50% FYA).
If you’re looking to purchase used or
For businesses moving to increase or
second-hand equipment, or you’re a
• Blinds and curtains, carpets, and
benefit from the Annual Investment
decrease office space:
sole trader or partnership, you may
lighting systems.
Allowance (AIA) instead.
freezers, utensils and even cutlery racks
The AIA continues to be available
• Microwaves, coffee machines, fridges, can all qualify for capital allowances. What can’t be claimed?
Unfortunately, cleaning items, hand
alongside the new measures and
remains at £1m until 31 December
2021 before dropping to just £200,000.
However, the AIA can cover leased and
sanitisers and PPE (disposable or reusable)
second-hand assets.
Therefore, capital allowances would not
How we can help
typically fall under the general expenditure. usually be applicable to these items.
Separate and detailed records must be
When are they suitable to use?
can determine what is eligible and help
kept of the qualifying assets. Our tax team
The allowances are only available to
you with your claim. For further advice
partnerships. It also makes sense to use
please get in touch with a member of our
companies, and not to individuals or
on making the most of super-deductions,
if the investment is to be held until at
friendly tax and business advisers.
least 1 April 2023.
When are they not suitable for
Please visit www.carpenterbox.com
businesses?
If you plan to dispose of the asset before 1 April 2023, a balancing charge will be due. This will effectively claw back the
New look, but same great service!
We are very excited to announce that Carpenter Box has adopted a fresh new visual identity.
Our new look is modern and encapsulates our commitment to our clients, our team members, our communities, and our profession. Our focus continues to be providing exceptional client service during these unprecedented times. Though we may look different, Carpenter Box remains independent as it has been for nearly 100 years.
The locally delivered service we pride ourselves in supplying will continue to be our priority, with the support of our new international partner, PrimeGlobal.
We believe our new look together with our new tag line ‘Building a Brighter Future’ matches our commitment to making a difference to our clients.
For further news on our updated brand, visit www.carpenterbox.com.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15
FI NAN C E
Financial Service Award winners, Mortgage Medics I was thrilled to collect the Financial Services Award on behalf of the whole Mortgage Medics team at last month’s County Business Club (virtual) awards. To be honest I was sceptical about the idea of a virtual awards night but it was a fantastic event and great to see local businesses recognised. I must pay tribute to
Finance
my team who have been phenomenal
working from home
for the majority of the
last 13 months – every single one of them has been amazing, despite the various challenges everyone has faced, from
one should always think
carefully and weigh up the pros and cons, especially as the rates on offer for
these types of product are significantly higher than
similar deals pre-COVID.
home-schooling, to setting up a home
The Stamp Duty holiday
important sense of togetherness that we
buyers can continue to
workspace, and missing out on that all all miss from the workplace.
But the changes enforced by COVID-19 have also provided opportunities and
inspired innovation, upskilling with new
technology, and it’s taken us in a direction
I never thought possible – a predominantly remote workforce, happy, productive and still delivering great results for our clients.
Since the turn of the year (actually since June 2020) the property market has been busy, house prices have been
slowly increasing and our work has been dominated by two things – the return of
higher LTV (loan-to-value) lending and the stamp duty holiday extension.
The return of 90% and 95% mortgages, will once again allow those with smaller
deposits to move and get on the ladder.
These have partly returned through natural market forces as we emerge from COVID restrictions, and partly thanks to the
government’s new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, which I wrote about recently
here. It’s good news for the market but
16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
extension means that
save up to £15,000 if they complete a purchase
before 30th June 2021,
tapering to up to £2,500 if they complete
before 30th September 2021. Thereafter we expect Stamp Duty rates to return
to pre-COVID levels. The Stamp Duty
holiday has undoubtedly been a success;
it’s allowed more homeowners to seek out new surroundings than would otherwise have been able, and it’s also supported countless industries that benefit from housing transactions – think estate
the rest of 2021 will be about thriving and rediscovering the many facets of our work that keep us engaged and enthused in our work. Sam Murphy
Managing Director – Mortgage Medics sam@mortgage-medics.com www.mortgage-medics.com
etc Time will tell the full picture but
Mortgage Medics Limited is an appointed representative of The On-Line Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
industries may have been at risk, it looks
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED
agents, solicitors, mortgage advisers,
removals, DIY suppliers, building trades when you think how many jobs in these like a shrewd bit of fiscal policy.
As we head into Summer and hopefully the relaxation of the restrictions we’ve all been under for more than a year
now, I really look forward to re-engaging with our local business community.
We’ve all been trying to survive and
manage the last 13 months, hopefully
IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP
REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
FI NA NCE
Q&A with Co-Founders Daniel Fielding and Gary Steadman Spartan FX is an awarding winning currency specialist, with over 50 years of industry experience. Our expert team has
of our logo, which means protection
their industry. We have all had to adapt
resonated with our core values and what
hard to make sure that this change in
brand that is strong, safe, and reliable.
to a drop in the quality of our service,
account for mortgage and maintenance
What is it about Spartan FX that
reviews we have managed to achieve.
around the world, or paying suppliers
Gary: The people within the business
Gary: With Brexit, the main problem is
with the belief that deliverable FX could
makes it hard for businesses to prepare
started a brand that will never lose sight
are a lot of changes often resulting in
of service and our clients are the most
Spartan FX we do everything we can to
Finance
helped thousands of
customers move their money seamlessly around the world.
Whether you are topping up your local payments, buying or selling property
overseas, we will help you get the best
according to Spartan history. This really
to working from home, we have worked
we are trying to be for our clients: a
working environment wouldn’t lead
makes you stand out from the crowd?
which by looking at our continued 5-star
first and foremost. We all came together
the ongoing uncertainty of it all, which
be done so much better. We have
when there is still a lot unknown. There
of its original core values, that our levels
more costs to their bottom line, here at
important thing.
support our customers.
Why did you set up Spartan FX?
How do you reassure customers that
What tips would you give to individuals
primarily it was to use our knowledge
their money is safe and secure?
international payment this year?
rate at the right time.
Founders Dan and Gary share their
insights on the effects of Brexit and
COVID-19 on international payments and why they started Spartan FX.
Dan: There are so many reasons, but and experience to set up a business
that does things properly, and that we
could be proud of. Having both worked for a long time in large corporate FX
companies in London, we started to
become disillusioned with the industry. We were often being required to act
and transact in the best interests of the business rather than the customer. We wanted to create a customer-centric FX platform and a company where
the customers’ best interests are our number one priority.
How did you decide on the name? Gary: We had so many ideas but
ultimately, we wanted something strong,
that helped to convey what we are trying to achieve. We took this a step further by using the chevron as a key element
you are a company they can trust, and Gary: All our team have a substantial
amount of experience and that is really important. When it comes to looking
after a client’s transaction, you want the dealer to understand all the potential
or businesses who need to make an • Don’t overlook your FX payments.
• Give yourself time, the more time you have the more options you will have available to you.
• Have an honest conversation with your
scenarios and have an appreciation
dealer so they really understand what
of the reasons that all members of our
know the more we can help.
of how everything works. That is one client-facing team handling currency
transactions have at least ten years of
you want to achieve. The more we
www.spartanfx.co.uk
experience, helping our clients to avoid any potential pitfalls.
How are Brexit and COVID-19 affecting your business?
Dan: It’s made things tough for a lot
of our clients. The pandemic has seen some of our clients do very well while
others have struggled and have had to
furlough a lot of their staff depending on
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17
Selling, buying or starting a business? Call us on 0800 84 94 101 Offices across Sussex
18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
SBT
LEGA L
LEGAL
TO BE OR NOT TO BE (A LIMITED COMPANY) BY MAYO WYNNE BAXTER
EMPLOYMENT LAW: COVID VACCINATIONS AND THE WORKPLACE BY ALEX JONES, 365 LAW
POSSESSION CLAIMS & NOTICE PERIODS
BY DANIEL WINDSLOW, HEALEYS LLP
SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19
To be or not to be (a limited company)
The term “business vehicle” doesn’t just refer to a company car: it also references the type of legal structure you use to trade under. Your choice will have profound implications. Why does it matter?
Legal
you can exit your business when that
Your choice of
time comes.
directly affect the
The main commercial business
business vehicle will way you run your
business. It will impact the cost of
vehicles are:
running it as well as the tax you pay
Being self-employed (aka ‘sole-trader’
you incur. The ease with which you
This is just you, trading under your own
and business partners and the
e.g. “The Sussex Bagel Bakery”, but it’s
packages will be affected, as will how
brand). The advantages are that you can
pension. It even has an impact on how
register with anyone; it’s free to start; it’s
and the amount of personal liability
and ‘sole proprietor’)
can accommodate future investors
name (you can use a business name,
structure of your staff compensation
still you – the name is just a trademark/
you own property and manage your
begin immediately; you don’t have to
20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
flexible (you are the boss and, as long
as you obey the law and pay your taxes, then you get to call the shots). There is
nothing stopping you hiring staff; renting
business premises; getting registered for
VAT; etc. Nor do you have to worry about statutory obligations to do things like
file an annual return (nowadays called a Confirmation Statement) or prepare
accounts (although in practice you may
need them to manage the business and work out if you owe HMRC).
The drawbacks tend to arise when your business becomes profitable or overly
LEGA L the purposes
of conducting
business. Lots
of people have
unincorporated
partnerships but
don’t necessarily realise it – and
because they don’t
realise, they have not agreed all the terms
of a partnership. This makes things very messy if partners
subsequently fall out as there are issues
complex. Profit is subject to income
tax and national insurance, which can
save you money if you are in the lowest tax bands but can be quite painful if not. By definition, a sole trader is a
one-person business. If you need coowners/partners to run the business,
you can’t be a sole trader. Along with tax, perhaps the biggest drawback is
the personal liability. If something goes wrong in the business, then because
the business is you, it is you who are
personally liable - and so your personal assets (e.g., your family house) may be
seized to pay business debts. For these reasons, most sole traders run smaller, simpler, businesses.
Not surprisingly sole proprietorships
are the most popular form of business
vehicle: circa 3.5 million in a recent count (i.e., about 59% of all UK businesses). Partnerships
There were 414,000 partnerships in 2019, equal to circa 7% of all UK businesses. Partnerships can be incorporated
or unincorporated. Unincorporated partnerships are akin to being selfemployed - except you’re trading
together with somebody else as a co-
owner. A difficulty with unincorporated
partnerships is they automatically come into existence when you start acting
in concert with another person(s) for
about ownership of
assets (including any business name,
customers, goodwill etc.). Each partner
can legally bind/be held responsible for
the actions of all the other partners and
issues can arise regarding responsibility for any losses.
The advantages of unincorporated
partnerships are like those of a sole
trader – immediate; free to establish;
privacy (there is no public record), etc. Incorporated partnerships are a blending
of limited companies and unincorporated partnerships. As far as the world is
concerned, they are dealing with a limited company, but internally the governance
and reward mechanisms (and tax liability) are structured like a partnership. The
main draw of an incorporated partnership is the much-reduced personal liability: unless it’s something particularly
outrageous if the LLP messes up, then
Limited Companies
Often referred to as private limited
companies (to distinguish them from PLC’s), there were 2 million in 2019 (circa 34% of UK businesses).
Limited companies are treated as separate legal entities from the
shareholders who own them and the
directors who manage them. That’s why
directors and shareholders can be found to have defrauded their own companies. There are many advantages of trading through a limited company:
• You can easily separate investors and owners from managers (e.g. allowing for professional managers)
• It is easier to have different percentages of ownership.
• They are generally more tax efficient.
• It is easier to accommodate investors. • Their ownership and governance
structure works well for larger/more complicated businesses.
The main disadvantages are that they are subject to much more regulation
and public scrutiny, and they can be
expensive to set up and maintain as a
result. It is often easier for original owners to be pushed aside against their will,
and once you have finished with your
company you need to actively close it. Which vehicle is right for you will depend on your circumstances, especially regarding likely tax implications.
it’s the LLP and its assets that are held
By James O’Connell, Partner
their personal assets. Incorporated
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
liable, not the individual partners and
partnerships have similar obligations to limited companies, e.g., to register on
incorporation and file various documents at Companies House. Incorporated
partnerships are much more public than unincorporated ones, e.g. they have to
have accounts drawn up and be available for public viewing at Companies House.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21
Employment Law: COVID Vaccinations and the Workplace As we start to see an exit out of the COVID 19 pandemic, the issue of vaccinations has become a big discussion point. Many are excited about regained freedoms and lower risk as a result, some are sceptical about the effect and concerned about them becoming a requirement in law. There has been
Legal
widespread
discussion in the media about the
concept of “no jab,
no job”, and whether or not employers could require staff to be vaccinated in order to start a new job, or even continue in an existing one.
This is against a background of the government making it clear that
they have no plans to legislate for
vaccinations to be compulsory in the UK. The obvious point about them
22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
being de facto compulsory for foreign travel is still a major one, but that is not the purpose of this article, save
to say that in many countries, having a vaccine (eg for Yellow Fever) is compulsory to gain entry.
The starting point is that there is nothing in law that directly prevents this policy,
it is the indirect legal consequences that need to be considered. The debate at
present on “no jab, no job” seems to be binary, with those either fully in favour or resolutely against it. The reality of
the position is much more nuanced and
complicated, and any employer who is
considering the position should have the following in mind:
1) The Sector they work in
An example that has been discussed, is the care sector. Employees in
that sector interact with vulnerable
individuals, and the risk to those people is much greater than in the wider
economy. An employer that insisted
on a vaccination for new staff in those circumstances would have little risk.
Existing staff are more problematic, and I deal with that later.
LEGA L
Alex Jones
that group, or even those women
is an objective test based comparable
5) Unreasonable variation of Terms
7) Refusal to allow vaccine
Existing employees are already
considered, is employers that take an
planning to have a child.
of Employment
employed on agreed terms. If an
employer wants to suggest that a 2) Age Discrimination
vaccine is a job requirement, that
needed, at present, it risks being
An unreasonable variation of terms
younger people are not able to comply
repudiatory breach of contract and
justifiable under the law, but an employer
claiming Constructive Dismissal.
Using the care home example, they
about imposing such requirements,
employers of similar size, resources etc
One further area that has not been
anti vaccine stance themselves. An
employer may issue an instruction that staff are to not have the vaccine. This
would almost certainly breach the duty
If a requirement for a vaccine was
will mean a variation in those terms.
discriminatory on grounds of age. ie
without consent, could amount to a
as easily. That might be objectively
justify the employee in resigning and
would have to demonstrate that point.
Employers should think very carefully
would probably be able to do that, in an
unless the variation can be justified. Eg on safety grounds.
Please always take advice on any staff
office this is less likely.
3) Disability Discrimination
6) Unfair Dismissal
By Alex Jones, Managing Director, 365
reason ie a disability under the Equality
for a refusal to have the vaccine, they
365 Employment Law Solicitors
To make their employment condition on
qualify, staff must have been employed
relating to their disability.
the dismissal as fair, they have to show
4) Maternity Discrimination
also have to show it was reasonable.
to pregnant women. The requirement
the dismissal must have fallen within the
Employees may have a genuine medical
If an employer dismisses an employee
Act, why they cannot have the vaccine.
could face an Unfair Dismissal Claim. To
it could be discriminatory for reasons
for 2 years. If an employer is to justify
of trust and confidence that employers owe their staff, and could give rise to constructive dismissal claims.
Dependent on sector, there may be
direct risks associated with this stance, and health and safety implications.
related issues.
Employment Law Tel: 01903 863284
ajones@365employmentlaw.co.uk www.365employmentlaw.co.uk
that it was for a fair reason and they
At present, the vaccine is not given
This reasonableness test in law is that
could therefore discriminate against
“band of reasonable responses”. That
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23
LEGA L
Possession Claims & Notice Periods
Daniel Winslow – Partner & Head of Leasehold Services at Healys LLP Last year, the
Legal
country experienced
significant disruption caused by the
pandemic. That was
felt particularly hard by many private renters in the residential sector, who suddenly found themselves unable to pay the rent under their assured
shorthold tenancies. In response to
that the government moved quickly to release a raft of temporary legislation aimed at protecting tenants from
eviction and preventing what would have
inevitably resulted in mass homelessness during the hardest time many have experienced during their lifetime.
The new regulations led to considerable changes to the usual procedures that
enabled landlords to take back possession of their properties. Many of these changes remain in force, however some are due to
expire in the coming months. So what are
the rules and when will they change as we approach the end of lockdown?
Before the pandemic, landlords were
generally able to obtain possession of their properties by serving one of two notices. The first was a notice under section 21
of the Housing Act 1988, which enabled
them to give their tenant 2 months’ notice (often referred to as a no fault notice to
quit) to leave, following which the landlord could then issue possession proceedings and if necessary instruct a bailiff to evict the tenant if they refused to leave.
The second notice was under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, which
24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
unlike the section 21 route requires
valid grounds to terminate the tenancy.
Those grounds are numerous, however, by far the most heavily used ground is (perhaps unsurprisingly) rent arrears.
Generally, provided the tenant was at least 2 months in arears, the landlord could give the tenant 14 days’ notice to leave, failing which possession
proceedings could be issued. Following that a bailiff could then be instructed to evict the tenant if necessary.
One might therefore see how the
Daniel Winslow
existing mechanisms could have led to mass homelessness. Whilst I accept
there are tangible arguments that could be made against the fairness of the
legislation on landlords, the government no doubt considered the changes to be
the lesser of two evils and on balance, I would agree with that assessment. So what are the present notice
periods? Currently, the notice period for serving a section 21 notice is
6 months. This also applies to the
majority of section 8 notices. However, exceptions do apply and so you will need a professional to review your
specific circumstances and advise you on your position. For example, notices served on the basis of rent arrears is reduced from 6 months to 4 weeks
where the arrears is 6 months or more.
The rules remain in place until 1st June 2021 and so tenants and landlords affected by the recent legislation,
should be reviewing their position as
there is likely to be a flurry of activity once the law resets.
In addition to the changes made
to notices and notice periods, the
government also introduced a ban
on enforcing possession orders. This
currently remains in force until 31st May 2021. Again, there are exceptions and so you will need to seek professional
advice on your specific circumstances. If you require further information
regarding possession claims and
notice periods, please don’t hesitate to contact Healys LLP’s Property Litigation team.
SBT PROPERTY
PROPERTY AWARD WINNER 2021 REMMUS DESIGNER HOMES
WE HEAR FROM GREYSTONE ASSOCIATES
CBC VIRTUAL BUSINESS AWARDS CATEGORY SPONSOR
SBT PROPERTY SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25
Remmus Designer Homes
The multi award winning house builders based in Sussex At Remmus
Property
Designer Homes our passion is to create beautiful homes
and communities in
some of the most desirable locations
in the South East. All of our homes are thoughtfully designed in consideration to their local surroundings to sit
harmoniously within the existing
landscape and communities. We build a wide range of new homes from
bungalows and large five bedroom
family homes to small developments
of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes all with the same focus of luxury living in
prime locations. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail from
design to completion with our focus on enhancing the lives of our new
home owners. Each highly-specified
Remmus home has been thoughtfully designed to blend with the local
26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
landscape with internal specification
focused on providing luxury living and modern technology.
For more information visit:
globalhomewarranties.com Once our homes have been completed
All Remmus Homes are carefully
our construction and quality control
& construction to not only meet
element of each home and only when
expectations and our highly qualified
it be released for sale, additionally to
design stages of our developments to
code for new homes’ ensures the
homes are considered to enhance the
respect of marketing, selling and after
considered for location, design
team will thoroughly inspect every
but exceed our new home owners
it meets the high standards we set will
team take great pride and care in the
this our adherence to the ‘consumer
ensure that every element of our new
highest standards are set and met in
lives of our new home owners.
sales customer care.
All of our homes are designed and
www.remmushomes.co.uk
constructed to the highest standards and to the stringent standards as set by Global Home Warranties,
and all of our homes bear a Global
Home Warranties 10 year structural defect warranty, ensuring total
peace of mind long after completion.
P RO PE RTY
We hear from Greystone Associates
Graham Cosham has worked for over 40 years within the construction industry, both as a military engineer and in a civilian career.
This has involved
Property
working around the world, as well as
the UK on various
construction projects.
Attached to fire fighting teams for
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
works post-Gulf War One. Greystone
Associates was formed as a business in 1992, and is consistent in maintaining knowledge and training in current
Health and Safety laws and legislation. Clients have and do vary from Major Contractors Group (MCG), to sole contractors.
We enjoy challenges and know how
to overcome them in a cost-effective
way, and we advocate use of modern methods of construction to assist in
removal of hazards. We believe in a
practical approach to safety. Where
achievable, we can reduce the volume of paperwork required for projects. Our specialities include:
•C onstruction safety - safety policies,
site safety inspections, safety training in construction.
• CDM Adviser/Principal Designer. ACIOB, Institute of Construction
Management member, Institute of Leadership and Management.
•U ndertaking the provision of training, either in-house or bespoke with our associates.
• Undertaking of expert witness
• EOD surveys and party wall representatives.
Member of the Alliance of Safety
Professionals - a group of like-minded safety advisors who have a practical approach to safety challenges.
We are currently in the process of obtaining an OFQUAL certification, which will enable us to deliver training courses that are
government-recognised and fall within
current Health and Safety specifications. The motto of Greystone Associates is: We don’t have problems — just challenges.
reports for defence and prosecution in legal claims.
• Incorporated member of Associate of Project Safety (IAPS)
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27
P RO PE RT Y
28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT
HR TROUBLESHOOTING FOR BUSINESSES THAT ARE RE-OPENING WITH HR DEPT, THE PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AWARD WINNERS
THE STORY BEHIND LEARNING COG
WITH FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, RIC HAYDEN
WHAT CAN BUSINESSES LEARN FROM PROFESSIONAL SPORTS?
WE SPEAK WITH DANIEL WADE FROM WPA
SBT PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29
PEOPL E MAN AGE M E NT & R EC R U ITM E N T
HR Troubleshooting for businesses that are re-opening Earlier this month we witnessed the return of outdoor hospitality, non-essential retail, and other businesses such as gyms and hairdressers. With the speed of the vaccine rollout, we are hopeful that things will continue to get better from here, with more businesses expected to return next month. For employers,
HR
thoughts are turning
to a smooth return to
work. If you are getting ready to re-open your
business, it’s important to consider the following for a stress-free restart.
1. Managing back-to-work anxiety If you are keen to get back to
business, you will need your team
ready and engaged to get stuck in.
It’s likely that you will be dealing with a mixed bag of emotions from your
employees and a way to manage this
is to communicate your COVID Secure risk assessment. You can also provide
can spread negativity so seek to
Signage and announcements can
with a private chat.
chances of misunderstandings leading
resolve the source of their complaints
3. Managing absences during the
improve communication and lower the to difficult situations.
reopening of your business
5. Making sure your HR admin is
back employees from furlough and
Dealing with the day-to-day that
If only it were that simple! Whether
take up a lot of your time, leaving
or a childcare emergency, absences
made significant changes to your
recorded. Absence management
policies may need a review to keep
You’ve planned rotas, brought
accurate
organised who needs to be in when.
arises from people management can
it’s sickness absence, self-isolation
the paperwork to pile up. If you have
happen, so make sure they are all
business, contracts, handbooks and
software can be a time saver here.
you compliant.
Consult your absence management
If you’re overloaded with other work,
policy, which may need updating to
outsourcing this to your local HR Dept
consider COVID-related absences.
could be a good idea. We can help:
For those finding it particularly tough,
4. Managing conflict resolution
Sue Beeby (HR Dept, Chichester,
can provide confidential counselling.
From being closed for months to
beeby@hrdept.co.uk
lateral flow tests and require staff to
use these prior to starting their shift.
an Employee Assistance Programme
2. Managing non-compliant employees as you re-open
Maintaining a COVID Secure workplace is a legal requirement. You’ll need
your team onboard with this and so
any new procedures, along with the consequences of failure to comply,
should be well communicated early on. Equally, a bitter employee who is not
keen about returning to the workplace
30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
during times of high pressure
Arun, Adur and Horsham) at susan.
suddenly having queues out the door
01243 214404
could be a very busy time for some
Serena May (HR Dept, Eastbourne,
Conflict can arise during times of high
hrdept.co.uk
and a diary full of bookings, this customer-facing businesses.
Brighton and Hove) at serena.may@
pressure and employees are going
01323 403500
to need reliable reporting lines and
supportive management in order to
work well. Keep the communication
flowing during busy times so that you can catch any issues before they escalate.
P EOP L E MAN AGEM EN T & R ECR UITM E NT
Ric Hayden, LearningCog’s Founder and Managing Director
We are delighted to be nominated and finalists at this year’s virtual Sussex business awards, being proud members of the Sussex business community it was great to receive this recognition.
Ten years ago, when I founded LearningCog, my intention was to Training earn a living doing what I love the most; helping people to learn more about themselves and reach their full potential through learning, training and development. I never expected that 10 years later I would have built a global business that has supported so many clients and individuals. Setting up LearningCog I made a promise to myself to keep my passion first and foremost in everything I do. Back then I got first-hand experience of what it takes to run a business, on my own, and what happens when you challenge yourself and are pushed out of your comfort zone. The first client I worked with saw me travelling around Asia for nine months delivering a Leadership and Management Development programme to 350 people across 9 different countries. Being out of my comfort zone was an understatement! But through the success of this initial client, we have continued as a business to build on the success of this programme. The biggest thing I recognised from my career, and from the travelling across different cultures is that people have far more potential than they think they have. I include myself in that statement too. I recognised that I have so more in me and so much more to give. The commitment I made then is the same as the commitment I make now; support people with anything that is holding them back. Allow them to understand how they can be even greater than they already are.
From years of working with individuals and organisations my view has always been the same, people are inherently good. No one ever has the intention to be bad, or horrible. Many problems that individuals and organisations face, stem from fear which leads to a lack of trust, lack of skills and knowledge and no authenticity. Some people can come across as being arrogant, or withdrawn, or incompetent when they do not access the right skills and knowledge to be able to be their authentic self. Insights Discovery has, and always will be, at the core of the work we do. In the fifteen years that I have been working with the internationally recognised psychometric tool, it has been amazing to see the level of change and understanding people take away. Originally, we worked with small teams and groups on various Management and Leadership programmes. Now, we keep on doing those great things and work with organisations to develop highly engaged teams that work with and support each other. Many people reading this will remember attending an Insights Discovery programme with LearningCog and the life-long learning that they took away. I often speak with people who were on workshops ten years ago who still use the Insights model in everything they do. Looking to the future – we have exciting plans. We have recently launched a new offering Pitch Community www.pitch. community to help support sole traders, small and medium business to grow and build much needed skills to bounce back from the current pandemic.
unique approach to support learning and development for everyone. During the last ten years we have worked with so many clients from a variety of industries. We have employed and worked with some of the most talented people in Learning and Development, many of whom have stayed in contact with us or are still working with us. We have met thousands of learners along the way, and the ongoing feedback we get has been great. I want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who has been involved in LearningCog’s journey for the last ten years and hope you stick around for the next ten. Ten years ago, I would not have anticipated celebrating our anniversary and the Sussex business awards in this way. No party, no dancing, no hugs (most people know I’m a hugger). We are currently in a time where selfunderstanding, change, development, authenticity and agility are the key ingredients to help ourselves, our society, and organisations grow again. Now more than ever the support LearningCog offers has become so important. Our first ten years has been an amazing rollercoaster and we look forward to working with more Sussex businesses over the next ten years.
We are designing our own Digital Learning platform. We are taking a
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31
PEOPL E MAN AGE M E N T & R EC R U ITM E N T
What can businesses learn from professional sports? What is your favourite professional football/rugby/cricket team? Or even favourite golfer or tennis player? Let’s use Brighton
Health Insurance
and Hove Albion as an example. What
happens to their star player when they
get injured? Let’s pretend Lewis Dunk
suffers a nasty cruciate ligament injury which will rule him out for months. As a business, Brighton and Hove
Albion know that they need their best players on the pitch to give them the best chance to succeed. That is why they provide medical insurance to
their players so that they can access
medical treatment fast without having
to wait on the NHS for treatment. This enables them to get Lewis Dunk back to full fitness ASAP.
This could lead to them picking up more points which helps keep the Albion in the Premier League for
another year and earns them millions of pounds. Shirt sales stay high,
demand on season tickets remains high and club go from strength to
Daniel Wade
What are you doing to get your ‘star
save you money in the long term.
to Personnel Today magazine,
To find out more, please contact
Who is your star player? Who is your
average of £568 per person, per year
daniel.wade@hcp-plc.org.uk.
happens to your business if your star
each year. Having your star players off
strength. All because of getting their captain ‘back to work’.
player’ back to work? According
Now- think about your business.
absenteeism costs UK businesses an
captain? Now ask yourself what
with an employee taking 6.4 days off
player is off work with an injury or
work costs you money.
sales? Are you going to have to pay
Private medical insurance is not
workload? Are you going to have to
team. At WPA, we specialise in providing
more serious condition?
and SME’s. Investing in your team can
illness? Are you going to lose out on overtime to other staff to cover the
exclusively for your favourite sports
hire a temporary employee if it’s a
medical insurance for the self-employed
32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Daniel Wade from WPA Healthcare on
SBT COVER FEATURE
WE CHAT WITH FOX&BEAR
WITH CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FOX&BEAR, JAMES DEMPSTER
SBT COVER FEATURE SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33
We chat with Fox&Bear In this month’s cover feature, we sit down with Co-Founder and Managing Director of Fox&Bear, James Dempster. Having recently rebranded from Cobb Digital, 2021 marks a significant period of growth for the eighteen-strong team who have been delivering integrated marketing campaigns for a wide range of clients over the last eight years. James, tell us about
Cover Feature
Fox&Bear.
We are a full-service marketing agency
based in Brighton,
rebrand of Cobb Digital and design and branding agency, Spoken.
So why now? Why rebrand to Fox&Bear?
and Spoken and now we’re able to
offer expertise and insight across all
marketing channels from day one. We
still work closely with Cobb PR and our relationship has never been stronger
bringing together expertise in digital
Having worked together for a number of
design, branding and data insight. Back
with a full suite of digital marketing
called Cobb Digital and we solely focused
together under one roof, managed
Tell us about Fox&Bear, where does
by our sister PR agency, Cobb PR. Fast
fee. It made sense. A lot of our clients
One thing that has been consistent in
marketing, public relations, strategy,
years, we saw a need to provide clients
in 2013 I co-founded what was then
and branding services, packaged
on digital marketing activity, supported
by one main point of contact, for one
forward eight years and Fox&Bear is a
already worked with Cobb Digital
34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
with them. Tim and Sue Cobb remain on
the board as shareholders and are active directors in Fox&Bear.
the name come from?
the success of human beings is the
COVER FE ATU RE
ability to tell stories. It’s an innate need
to hear and share stories, whether it’s a
Greek masterpiece or a soap opera – we like to be told tales.
This storytelling starts in childhood and, so, when looking for inspiration for a
name for the rebrand, I looked no further than my two sons. Their middle names are Fox and Bear, animals renowned for intelligence and strength. It’s my
intention that Archie’s Bear will protect Charlie’s Fox and vice versa.
It’s the same with Fox&Bear. We care about your story and we know that
brands don’t have a never-ending supply of marketing budget, so we have to be efficient with spend whilst at the same
time bringing stories to life and helping our clients grow.
And tell us about Spoken, how did
just about sales and the number of
business cards collected at a lunch, but instead, people are willing to
help, willing to share expertise and
genuinely want our city to succeed
and for businesses to thrive. Some of my strongest friendships have been
made networking and Fox&Bear’s Co-
Founder, Lisa Seymour, is testament to that support and friendship.
Lisa set up Spoken in 2016 and working with a team of designers and website
developers, the team have been delivering unique, memorable brand design for
clients across corporate and consumer
brands. Upon first working with Lisa I was struct by her can-do approach, creating bespoke solutions that truly deliver for
clients. As both our businesses grew and
the need for our services inter-twined, we decided to team up as Fox&Bear.
your work become so integrated
This re-brand comes just as the
One thing that I truly believe Brighton
restrictions. How has the last year
across clients?
does better than anywhere else is networking. Networking here isn’t
country begins to ease out of been for business?
It will come as no surprise that the last
year has been challenging. The first
months when panic, uncertainty and
stress were setting in were the hardest. Every time my phone rang I dreaded it
was a client asking to pause, given they were shutting their doors, and I worried about paying salaries, showing strong
leadership to the team and how we would make it through the next months. It was hard. We reduced the team’s working
hours as a result of client demand and we took each week as it came.
Whilst it was undoubtably some of the most stressful months as a business
leader, I will always be grateful to our
team and the resilience they showed.
Their natural instinct was to see how we could assist clients, how we could help them navigate challenging situations and how we could ensure that we
were adding value. It certainly was a rollercoaster and I’m pleased to say
that Q1 of this year has been one of the strongest in our history.
With the re-brand bedding in, our team is stronger than ever and we’re proud
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35
C OVE R F E AT URE
spend to Facebook ensuring that we’re efficient with investment, delivering the
strongest returns. We look at this across
all marketing channels so that we can be sure we’re delivering the strongest return on investment.
This was our laser focus through the
pandemic. Many clients had to reduce spend and it was our job to make sure
we were providing value and results. In addition, we saw a huge rise in clients
requesting support for more traditional
communication channels ensuring that their customers and clients were kept
up-to-date as restrictions changed. Some to have a brilliant client roster and
a team of professionals that deliver stand-out results, day in, day out.
Whilst the landscape of business leaders changed, tell us how
the pandemic has impacted the
marketing needs of your clients.
It has been really interesting to see how this year has unfolded for our
clients. We work across a number of
sectors, so no two clients have faced
the same challenges and it’s certainly kept us on our toes as we look to re-
36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
think marketing campaigns, change
of our retail clients saw huge spikes in
tactics and build new strategies.
demand through lockdown periods, whilst
Since day one, we’ve always believed
industries worked hard to keep on top of
our clients in the tourism and leisure
in the power of telling stories. We’re
ever-changing restrictions and guidance.
our stories. All this means is that we’re
The more I hear about marketing, the
what actions our clients’ customers are
moving parts there are. Tell us about
if we’re seeing a much larger number
help with.
advertising campaigns, rather than
and there’s definitely not a one-size-fits-
also big believers of using data to tell
making marketing decisions based on
more I understand just how many
making and not gut feeling. For example,
your team and the services you can
of sales as a result of our Facebook
Marketing is an ever-growing discipline
our Google campaigns, we’ll divert
all approach. We have a team of experts
COVER FE ATU RE that cover branding and design, email
marketing, social media, public relations, paid media, website optimisation and
creative content. It sounds like a lot but it’s integral to have individuals who are absolute experts in their field so that
they can work together to deliver the
from social media campaigns, website design, account management and our
own branding! Now the team are able to
focus on a specialist area, enabling them to really spend time on getting the best possible results for our clients.
best service.
And what’s a typical day like as
Channels like Facebook and Instagram
No day is ever the same, that’s for sure.
are changing all the time with new products launching, new updates
being announced and new ways of
doing things. It’s the same for our paid team, who regularly complete CPD courses to ensure that we’re using tools in the best possible way.
As well as our marketing delivery team we also have four brilliant account
managers on board who ensure that
client campaigns are delivered on time, within budget and exceed our KPIs.
That’s something that has really changed over the last eight years. When I first
started Cobb Digital we were a team of
three all pitching in working on everything
Managing Director of Fox&Bear?
And I’m also not one to say that the
business is successful because I get up at 5am to write my to-do list, swim in
the sea or cook an egg white omelette. Running a business is a balancing
act, and with two young children it’s
important that I carve out time in my
day to spend with them. Whilst we all
love our jobs, it’s important to remember that we’re not surgeons! There are times when we have to rally around to help
clients, but if something can wait to give us room to breathe then it’s important for everyone to have some time out.
Normally for me I’ll be in the office by
about 8am having dropped the boys at
school. As the team start to arrive it’s
nice to have a chat, catch up with what people are up to and check in on my
emails to see what the priorities are for
the day. If we’re pitching for a new client I’ll catch up with the team to make sure
we’re happy with our proposal and pitch and otherwise I’ll grab a coffee with our Online Director to see how our clients
are. Through lockdown Lisa and I hosted a series of webinars to share advice
and insight with other business leaders in the area which was really interesting
and reminded me just how many brilliant businesses there are across Sussex.
As a team we normally head out to get
some lunch and if it’s a Friday we might
enjoy a wrap from ‘We Love Falafal’ or a pizza at ‘Fatto a Mano’.
After lunch I’ll often speak to clients or meet with members of the team that I manage directly. That’s the best bit of the job – helping the team progress,
upskill and being the person that can share feedback when they’re doing a
great job. On Fridays we like to finish at
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37
C OVE R F E AT URE
4pm and celebrate our team champion
of the week before Monday rolls around and we start again.
supporting our coastal businesses and the sustainability of our place help me give something back to our region.
Outside of Fox&Bear you wear
Finally, before we wrap this up, what
organisations. How do you find
businesses just starting out.
a number of hats for different the time?
It’s true and I often find it hard to say no when asked to support things I love. I put a lot of my business
success down to the help, advice and
guidance I’ve been shown from others, so when an opportunity for me arises to do just that, I love to get involved. Currently I’m a Board Member for
Brighton Chamber and The Living
Coast and I’m also Vice Chairman for
the Coastal West Sussex Partnership.
The Chamber helped me hugely when I first started out and so it’s a real
pleasure to meet ambitious businesses that are setting up camp in Brighton.
On top of that, there’s nowhere else in the country I’d rather be living and so
38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
are your top five marketing tips for
1. K now your audience.
All too often businesses start marketing
to everyone without really understanding who they should be speaking to. It
spreads your resource very thin, for little reward. You should be happy to list who you don’t want to be in front of, just as well as who you do. 2. L ess is more.
There are so many marketing platforms
out there now. It’s unlikely that you need to be on every one of them. Do you need to
be on TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook? Find out where your audience spend their time and concentrate on that channel first.
3. T ell your story.
Who are you? What do you do? Why are you passionate about your service and product? People buy people so make sure this shines through. 4. I nvest in ads.
It takes a long time to build an
engaged following so invest in quick
wins that save you time. Google Ads
are perfect if you know that your target audience is searching online for your product or solution. 5. A sk for help.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in
your network that can help. Especially in Brighton, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the support you’ll receive. www.foxbear.co.uk
SBT
P RO PE RTY
SALES & MARKETING
MISS BOSSY, THE LEADER
BY STEPHANIE PRIOR
ENETERING BUSINESS AWARDS AND HOW TO CREATE A WINNING ENTRY
BY CONSORTIUM MORE THAN MARKETING
67 DEGREES CELEBRATES IT’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
WE FIND OUT MORE
CREATIVE POD TAKE ON FORMER BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION PLAYER
AS THEIR LATEST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
SBT SALES & MARKETING SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39
SA L E S & MARK E T I N G
Miss Bossy, the Leader
As a business development and marketing manager, I have spent a lot of time working and networking with some of Sussex’s leading business women. Having the opportunity to listen, observe and learn from such leaders has been very empowering. One of the reasons
Sales & Marketing
I enjoy working on
women in business initiatives, is that it provides me
with a professional yet somewhat
informal opportunity to be surrounded by ‘bossy’ (leaders) women, in an unapologetic environment.
Of course not all women are ‘bossy’ nor is every leader the same.
All leaders have their own style;
drawing from different experiences
and perspectives on what qualities make them effective in leadership.
Nevertheless, traditional leadership traits can consist of ambition, assertiveness, determination,
confidence and at times, bossiness. However, women are not always
praised for such leadership qualities and may feel vulnerable to scrutiny when doing so. When we explore
leadership, women are still a minority in most sectors including corporate, non-profit, government, medicine, religion, education and so on.
There is no doubt that women have
made history in the workplace but with approximately 6.3% of UK firms being run by a female chief executive, there is still room for progress.
When it comes to competition, most of us would expect that regardless of gender, the best person should
get the job. But as women continue
40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
to strive for equal opportunities in
the workplace, there is evidence to
suggest that gender bias still exists. The term bossy tends to be a word
typically attributed to women who take charge or as the classic Little Miss
Bossy book suggests, like to order
people around. It’s a vague term that can be commonly associated with a
woman who upholds strong leadership skills. As played out in the story
tale, Little Miss Bossy’s character is problematic and as a result, many
women have been taught from a young age not to be bossy.
SAL ES & MARKE TI NG
If a woman’s attitude is reduced to a problem, it can ultimately make
her question or even disregard their
leadership potential. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Girls Scouts of
USA CEO, Anna Maria Chavez set up
a ‘Ban Bossy’ campaign to encourage more leadership in women by banning the word bossy. The campaign
criticises the use of the word bossy
to be stigmatising and discouraging
women from positions of leadership. As Sandberg would say, “That girl is not bossy. She has executive leadership skills.”
Psychologist Adam Grant suggested that one of the issues that disguises a Miss
Bossy from a leader is power and status. According to Grant, we react differently when power is executed by high status people and low status people. When a
woman shows assertiveness, her attitude may be perceived as ‘bossy’ due to her
status. Therefore at times, female leaders have to be careful to not overstep their status or position.
This issue becomes more apparent when we explore race. In Michelle Obama’s lead selling book
‘Becoming’, the former First Lady speaks about her experiences of
being associated with the ‘angry black women’ stereotype. “I was female,
black, and strong, which to certain
people, maintaining a certain mindset, translated only to ‘angry’…I was now starting to actually feel a bit angry”.
More recently, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was labelled by some sources as ‘bossy’ ‘and ‘passive
aggressive’ but with little detail to the
particulars of her actions and behaviours. According to a range of reports, Meghan even had an ‘aggressive’ legal team fighting her corner.
The language we use to describe women and their professional
performance, can not only impact
confidence but also career progression and future goals. It’s important that we consider what terms we use to
empower those we work with in order to get the best results for business. As some of the most strongest
and successful women continue to highlight, taking ownership of your bossy, assertive self can be the
greatest way to break down those
glass ceilings. It takes courage to step out of your social boundaries and take action to rise to your fullest potential.
Women should not be discouraged
from being bossy and assertive. By
changing perceptions and language, we can collaboratively make steps towards removing gender bias
structures. The ‘Miss Bossy’ traits may not really be reflective of a
villain, but rather a credit to creating more balance in status and power; supporting women to negotiate
equal pay as well as gain access to positions that will enhance better representation in key fields. By Stephanie Prior
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41
SA L E S & MARK E T I N G
Entering business awards and how to create a winning entry As we approach the awards season and off the back of the successful County Business Clubs Virtual Business awards event in April, we thought we would take this opportunity to give you some guidance about how to approach business award entries and how to create a winning submission. Why enter business
Sales & Marketing
awards?
Being nominated for or winning an
award can be such a
The award ceremonies are a great
opportunity to network and embed
your brand in your local community,
sector, or area of expertise – so even if
you do not win, you win. You also have
great boost for your profile – both as a
the contents of your award entry that
business that you are looking to highlight
your marketing.
have achieved as a business and how
Here are some more reasons why
firm and for the individuals within your
and grow. It makes you realise what you you stand against your competitors.
42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
you can re-use and repurpose for
entering business awards is a good idea:
Business Appraisal
Going through the application process can provide you with the opportunity to take a close look at all facets of your business.
Benchmarking
Through the judging process you can
benchmark yourself against other firms in the same category, size, or sector as you.
SAL ES & MARKE TI NG
Public Relations
Sponsorship packages offer good
Being shortlisted or winning an
great amounts of publicity.
awareness and credibility, and with
opportunity to celebrate your success.
Morale
sponsorship deal.
promote your business to new clients,
celebrate your successes and can serve
Best practice for entering awards
endorsement for your firm.
and can help build a sense of pride.
follow when collating your awards
Investment
• Follow the entry instructions and any
Winning or being a finalist can generate
Awards are a great opportunity to
as a great pat on the back to employees
Demonstrating that you have received
promotional coverage to help build
award will bring recognition and an
some, media coverage comes with the
It can also motivate employees,
There are a few ‘golden rules’ to submission:
and act as an and evaluation or
A good winning entry takes time and
there is a skill in writing a submission.
terms and conditions.
If you would like any help with using
read the category descriptions carefully.
company strategy we can help. We
your category.
through discussions and research we
clear, concise entries.
your firm that will match the judging
to your business objectives if you can.
the entry on your behalf. For more
material of what you have achieved.
01903 530787.
recognition can help if you are seeking
• Pick the right category and make sure you
business awards as part of your
quality candidates when recruiting.
• Ensure you answer all questions for
can research the right awards for you,
Choosing the awards
• Stick to the word limit, judges love
will find the right information about
industry sector, and make sure that
• Link evidence you are submitting back
criteria, and we can write and submit
marketing objectives.
• Provide evidence or supporting
information, email Lara or call us on
Ok still not sure you should enter.
• Judges will be reading a few entries, so
If you feel you do not have the
• Write in clear, concise English, avoid
not consider outsourcing your entry?
• Take your time creating your entry, but
stage of its development to make a
• Attach an image or logo to your
investment and may also help to attract
Research the right awards for your
the awards fits with your business and
What about sponsorship?
resources to put an entry together why Or if you feel your firm is not at the right credible application why not consider sponsoring the awards.
you need to make your entry memorable. jargon, and proofread your entry.
also do no wait for the deadline to submit. entry form, as it will be used if you are shortlisted.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43
67 Degrees celebrates its fifth anniversary
67 Degrees is an automotive marketing agency doing things differently. Its unique approach to the industry has seen them win numerous awards and commendations for their work - all in the space of just five years - and they’re only just getting started. Sales & Marketing
The company has
celebrated its fifth
anniversary by moving into bigger premises on the Brighton City
Airport site in Shoreham-by-sea. This signals a new era for 67 Degrees as
it expands into new territories within the industry, including the franchise dealership market.
Back to the beginning
67 Degrees has come a long way since its
humble beginnings; quite literally operating from a garden shed with just two team
members. Co-founders Laura Coleby and Justin Woodford used their knowledge
and know-how of the automotive industry
44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
to develop the brand; they found a niche in the market for a bespoke website
design service which would benefit car dealers up and down the country.
Their hands-on approach didn’t go
unnoticed and it wasn’t long before the duo were much in demand and needed additional support. With that came the opportunity to build the business by offering a range of digital marketing services, such as social media management, SEO and PPC.
As their portfolio grew, 67 Degrees has been fortunate to retain all the original clients they began their journey with,
whilst welcoming new customers to the
family. The team pride themselves on a fantastic relationship with their clients, as they grow and develop together. Stuart Harvey, project manager at 67
Degrees was the company’s very first
employee back in 2017. He describes how the business has gone from strength to
strength and says, “There’s an overriding sense of satisfaction just seeing how
much the company has grown over the
last five years. We’ve literally gone from a shed to a 20-plus person office in a fresh
and modern building within the grounds of Brighton City Airport.
“What Laura and Justin have achieved is amazing and the great position that 67
SAL ES & MARKE TI NG
Degrees is in right now, is testament to
their hard work. It’s a real privilege to be part of the team”
Pedal to the metal
Laura and Justin’s vision for 67 Degrees is very clear; it’s all about doing things differently and harnessing a hands-on
approach to looking after their customers. Justin, the company’s chief technical officer, reflects fondly on the past
five years, he says, “I’m really proud of everything we’ve achieved so far;
building the company up, developing
an innovative software platform which caters for dealerships of all sizes -
including franchise groups which is a
market we’re extremely excited to enter. “It’s been so rewarding to have our
achievements recognised by receiving numerous awards during the last few years. Laura and I feel really lucky to
have such a talented team on board,
who each share so much enthusiasm in their own expert fields.”
In the last twelve months, there’s been a
huge transition to digital-based services, forced by the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns. Thanks to the size of the business, 67 Degrees
has been able to react and adapt to the
which has been forced to progress
the UK and aid them accordingly.
this also presented us with a huge
Whilst dealerships up and down the
products and services to benefit our
challenges thrown at car dealers across
rapidly during the pandemic. However, opportunity to develop innovative
country were forced to close their
clients, which is unique to us as a brand.
Degrees dug deep to provide unrivalled
“Our agility has allowed us to quickly
difficult and testing time.
created an online buying platform that our
Driving digital change
strived to be different, rather than fall into
showroom doors, the team at 67
support to customers who were facing a
jump on these new trends and we’ve
dealers can be proud of. We’ve always
In a relatively short space of time, 67
a corporate mould. Above all else, we feel
change from physical forecourt sales
and want nothing more than for our
Degrees has successfully managed the
extremely passionately about the industry
to facilitate buy online options for their
customers to succeed.”
automotive industry as a whole and in turn
As for the future, there is so much
process of developing an e-commerce
of that journey. 67 Degrees is currently
dealers. It’s been a huge adaptation for the has turbo-charged the marketing agency’s
more to come and you could be part
product specifically for its customers.
recruiting outstanding individuals to
The company’s project manager, Stuart
roles within the business. Discover more
Harvey, says, “There’s definitely been a big
be part of it’s team across a number of by visiting 67degrees.co.uk.
shift in the industry where dealers are really starting to embrace a digital presence - it’s a really exciting time for us as a business and what we can offer our customers.” Laura Coleby, co-founder and CEO,
comments on this positive shift in the
trade, she says, “There’s been a huge amount of hype around online retail
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45
SA L E S & MARK E T I N G
Creative Pod take on former Brighton and Hove Albion player as their latest Business Development Specialist Ex Brighton and Hove Albion Captain, Paul Rogers, is the latest addition to award-winning marketing agency’s ever-growing team, Creative Pod. Paul’s company Cube Consulting is partnering with Creative Pod to assist the teams’ capacity with Business Development. Part of The Creative
Sales & Marketing
Group, Creative Pod
have taken on seven
new employees over
the last year during one
of the worst economic climates in history, and they are currently looking for another Marketing Executive to join the team.
Paul Rogers was previously a professional football player for over eleven years, playing across all four divisions until
retiring in 2003, Paul continued to work at Brighton and Hove Albion for many years though, first as a Sales Manager, before
being promoted to Commercial Manager
five years later in 2008 and heading up the Commercial Team through the move to
the Amex Stadium. Paul now has almost 20 years’ experience in the Sales and Marketing industry.
Back in 1992, Paul left his career as a Commodities Broker in London
and his place in Sutton United’s non-
league football club after landing a deal with Sheffield United. Developing an
established name in the professional football industry over the years, he
joined Brighton and Hove Albion in 1999 for four years, captaining the team to
consecutive league titles in 2001 and
2002 until he announced his retirement from professional football in 2003. Paul said “Assisting Creative Pod
to help support them with Business
Development is a great partnership for me and I’m sure the start of exciting
things. When Matt and I started talking about business prospects, I knew our goals were well aligned and working together could create many benefits
for both of us. I’m very grateful to have joined such a dynamic team and can’t wait to get started.”
As we near the halfway point of 2021,
it’s been a great year so far for Creative Pod, with the acquisition of many new
clients, as well as their recent award win at
the County Business Club Awards in the
‘Sales and Marketing’ category.
CEO and founder of Creative Pod, Matt Turner, explained
“I’m really pleased
to have Paul as the
newest member of the team. As a company,
46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Paul Rogers
we’re always looking for new ways to
expand and better ourselves; I always
find that introducing a new member to the team keeps us on our toes which is what sparks great ideas. This will
open up a lot of doors for the company and it’ll be great to see where this
new business relationship takes us. Welcome aboard Paul!”
If you’d like to discuss any marketing
or business development opportunities, please contact Creative Pod on matt@ creativepod.uk.com
SBT CHARITY
CHARITY OF THE YEAR WINNERS CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE
CARE FOR VETERANS
HOW WE HELP OUR NATIONS HEROS
CLINICAL MASSAGE TO CANCER PATIENTS IN SUSSEX WITH SUSSEX CANCER FUND
RUSSELL MARTIN FOUNDATION (RMF)
GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
EMBRACING THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE SUEZ RECYCLING AND RECOVERING UK
JOIN ROCKINGHORSE FOR THEIR FIRST CHARITY GOLF DAY OF 2021 FRIDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER
1 IN 7 CHILDREN IN BRIGHTON & HOVE ARE OBESE
WITH TABLE TALK FOUNDATION
CHOSEN CHARITY PARTNER:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47
C HA RI T Y
Charity of the year winners, Chestnut Tree House
Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for Sussex and South East Hampshire. Thanks to support from the local community children and families who know they don’t have long together have the chance to live life to the full and say goodbye in the way that is right for them. On a visit to Chestnut
Charity
Tree House, kids
can be astronauts for the day in the
multi-sensory room,
discover creepy crawlies on a woodland walk, or form their very own pop group in the music room. It is a place where parents can just be parents, and not
carers, and where siblings have people to talk to who understand.
As well as care provided at the House,
there is a Community Nursing Team who visit families at home, taking children
out to explore their local community or simply giving tired families and carers
the chance to take a well-earned break. Then, when the time comes, Chestnut
Tree House helps families say goodbye, in whatever way feels right for them, at
home or in the hospice itself. They offer ongoing bereavement support for the whole family.
The generosity of individuals and
businesses in the local community
makes this happen. Very little of the £4.6
Alison Taylor, Corporate Fundraising
hospice care for local children comes
“Events were cancelled, shops closed
comes from donations, fundraising, gifts
possible. And all of this at a time when
House lottery.
need care and support more than ever.
“When the pandemic hit last March, of
incredible supporters who have adapted
million needed every year to provide
Manager at Chestnut Tree House.
from central government. The majority
and fundraising as we knew it was not
in Wills, shops and the Chestnut Tree
we knew our children and families would
course we were concerned,” explains
48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
“But we have been blown away by our and continued to fundraise, ensuring
that our dedicated care team can
continue providing vital care to children and families – now and in the future. “We’re incredibly grateful to receive this ‘Charity of the Year’ award, but
ultimately, we are only able to care for
the children, young people and families who need us because of your support. So, on behalf of everyone at Chestnut
CHA RITY precious family time. Zac is so happy
to visit the House, when we drive there, he knows where he is going and you
can see he just gets so excited, he’s so happy when he is there.”
One of the family’s favourite things to
do at Chestnut Tree House is to visit for the activity days. “We’ve met amazing
animals, a bubble-pop man, been to a
medieval day, made some furry friends –
Zac loves it, the boys love it, and we just love watching them all make amazing memories together.”
When asked what life would be like
without Chestnut Tree House, Dawn said “I wouldn’t even want to think about it. It
has been life-changing in so many ways. Our lives would be very, very different without Chestnut Tree House.”
From helping families spend precious time together to supporting them
through some of their toughest times,
every pound you or your business raise or donate to Chestnut Tree House will make a big difference. Tree House – thank you! You make
children’s hospice care possible, helping families like Zac’s to make precious memories to last a lifetime.” Zac’s story
Three-year-old Zac was born with Semilobar Holoprosencephaly an
abnormality of brain development in
which his brain doesn’t properly divide into the right and left hemispheres,
resulting in severe complex needs and a life-shortening condition.
“We were given this diagnosis at our 20week scan and we were shortly referred to Chestnut Tree House, our local
children’s hospice” says Dad, Adam. “When I was about 24-weeks pregnant we visited Chestnut Tree House for
the first time,” says Mum, Dawn. “You
hear the word ‘hospice’ and you get frightened; you think of a sad and
gloomy hospital setting. But it’s not
like that, we walked in and it instantly felt like a home away from home, it
was amazing. We stayed for dinner,
had a swim with the boys, it is such an amazing place.
Your support means that children and young people with life-shortening
and life-threatening conditions across Sussex get the care and support they need. Families just like Zac’s.
To find out more, visit www.chestnut.
org.uk or email hello@chestnut.org.uk.
“When Zac was about six months
old, we had our first community visit from Chestnut Tree House. It’s our
only chance to relax and not to worry,
sometimes we go out to the cinema, or
for dinner – it’s the only time Adam and I can eat together.”
As well as community visits, the family also visit Chestnut Tree House for
respite care. “We all stay together at Chestnut Tree House, it’s like a little holiday for us where we can have
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49
C HA RI T Y
Sussex Cancer Fund providing Clinical Massage to cancer patients in Sussex The Sussex Cancer Fund is a small charity serving the whole of Sussex by providing specialist equipment, additional patient services as well as funding cancer research. While our support of cancer services is far reaching, one of our Charity projects that receives some of the most positive feedback from patients is our Clinical Massage service. The massage service is run by the charity Full Circle Fund Therapies and has been running for a couple of years, although there was a pause in service during the height of the COVID pandemic. After seeing the massive benefit to patients from the service, the Sussex Cancer Fund wanted to ensure that the service could continue and as a result stepped in and joined forces with Full Circle by providing the funds necessary to pay for the service. The service costs Sussex Cancer Fund around £20k per year and is paid for by the kind donations from our supporters. We asked Gabby Bignell our on-site massage therapist to explain exactly how clinical massage helps our Cancer Patients. “Gentle massage and nurturing touch can help to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (the opposite of the ‘flight or flight’ sympathetic response) which lowers the heart rate and slows breathing, making us feel more relaxed. This in turn can make us feel more sleepy. Some people experiencing peripheral neuropathy symptoms (numbness and pins & needles) have reported temporary relief and improved normal sensation for several hours or days after the massage. Where people are feeling isolated or being treated in a separate room, a visit from a
50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
therapist, a short massage session and chance to ‘switch off’ - or a chat at the same time - could help them feel more cared for and connected to their own bodies, following a diagnosis or intense medical treatment, and less alone.” As well as providing new state of the art equipment and big projects to improve cancer treatment, much of the work of the Sussex Cancer Fund is to try and make treatment a little more bearable, so a recent comment from one of our patients brings home to us the importance of these little touches. While receiving their massage, during a tough cycle of chemotherapy, they simply said “This is the nicest thing that has happened in weeks”. Small things really can make a difference and our massage service hasn’t stopped with the patients! We have also given staff a specialist massage chair together with an
aromatherapy oil diffuser for the new relaxation room for staff from the Cancer Treatment Unit. The room is designed as a retreat for staff to take their breaks and resident massage therapist Gabby Bignell is giving her time for free offering restorative and relaxing massages to staff during long shifts. Please help us make a difference to those going through cancer treatment by visiting our website and making a donation if you can. www.sussexcancerfund.co.uk
CHA RITY
Russell Martin Foundation (RMF) One might have thought that the impact of COVID-19 would have slowed down the work that we have been doing at RMF. This, however, could not be further from the truth! Old Barn Way –
sessions going by doing them remotely.
support to 219 families with food
RMF are in the process
our coaches and for the participants
friends of the those who participate in
for Old Barn Way, the
amazing. Also, since restrictions were
the site has fallen into a state of disrepair
participants for our academy day and
of this happen without the valuable
the local council and the local community
Southwick
This has been a major challenge for
that was donated by the families and
but the feedback we have has been
our programmes.
old home of Southwick FC. Unfortunately,
lifted, we were so pleased to have 160
We wouldn’t be able to make a lot
and will take a concerted effort by RMF,
our Easter holiday programmes reached
contribution of our main sponsors,
record numbers with close to a 50%
Skerritts Financial Consultant and
to get the site up and running again.
increase on last year.
Donatello Restaurant.
exciting plans for the future of the site
Education
Finally, we would like to say a huge
We want the club house to be used by the
in Brighton & Worthing with another
Chestnut Tree House for winning the
education and health initiatives as well as
These centres are for those 11-13 year
and at the weekend. We are delighted
education challenging for a variety of
who plan to make Old Barn Way their new
before returning to their secondary school.
approaching local businesses to help us
feedback we got from an Ofsted inspector
be proud of once again.
Hove Council (BHC) to see how we were
Football
funding us for another 3 years.
Charity
of taking over the lease
Having said that we have some really
including a new clubhouse and a 3G pitch.
We currently have two education centres
congratulations to the fantastic
local community throughout the week for
planned in Chichester for September.
Charity of the Year Award.
of course football on weekday evenings
old students who are finding mainstream
www.russellmartinfoundation.co.uk
to be working with Southwick 1882 FC
reasons. They stay with us for 12 weeks
home. Over the next few weeks, we will be
We were delighted with the brilliant
make this a facility that the community can
who was commissioned by Brighton &
Although the COVID-19 restrictions have stopped us from coaching at
our normal venues, we have kept the
doing. BHC have now committed to part-
Health
Over the Christmas period, RMF gave
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51
Care for Veterans – How we help our nation’s heroes
Proud to be nominated for Charity of the Year was Worthing-based charity, Care for Veterans. The charity provides care and rehabilitation for disabled ex-Service personnel from the RAF, Army, Royal Navy and auxiliary services from across the UK. James Bacharew,
Charity
Head of Fundraising
and Marketing at Care for Veterans, said:
“We were delighted
to be nominated for the ‘Charity of the
Year’ award at the SBT Virtual Business Awards 2021. It was an honour to be
able to take part in what was a fantastic evening, surrounded by some of the
South of England’s most inspirational
businesses, many of whom have played a vital role in securing the future care of our resident veterans and their families
here in Sussex and across the UK. The evening was a great success, and we left with a real sense of pride in our community and its people.”
52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Care for Veterans provides many different types of nursing care and services to
meet the needs of its resident veterans. Current residents in its sixty-bed facility are between 35 and 98 years old. The
its resident veterans to make good
progress towards their rehabilitation
goals to give them the very best quality of life in spite of their disability.
majority have Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
How Care for Veterans has helped
such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone
Anthony Lowry, 62, was a Steward in the
or a degenerative neurological condition, disease and Parkinson’s.
As an independent provider, the charity can fill the gaps often found between healthcare and social services. It
provides residents with access to a complete range of services for
people with physical disabilities and complex needs. This tailored and
comprehensive approach enables
Anthony regain his independence
Royal Navy for 20 years. He served in
the Gulf War, receiving a medal. In 2018, a stroke left him with weakness in his
right side and aphasia, a condition that causes difficulty with communication
and language. He also has a below-theknee amputation on his right leg.
A year ago, he came to live at Care for
Veterans after becoming isolated at his
CHA RITY wheelchair has allowed me to move
around the facility independently, checkin on the vegetable garden, and getting fresh air whenever I want. Now we are coming out of lockdown, I am looking forward to taking an assessment that
will allow me to use my new wheelchair
outside the grounds. Then I can get out into the local community. Although not
necessarily down to the beach, I’ve seen enough of the sea!” Your support
It is easy to help Care for Veterans to continue providing these services for our nation’s heroes.
• Sign up for a lottery ticket! Sign
up for just £4 a month you can be
in with a chance of winning the top prize of £200.
• Sign up for an event – put a team in for our Clay Pigeon Shoot on
home in Havant, Hampshire. Although Anthony hasn’t known the facility
without some level of lockdown, he has
made incredible progress since arriving. Craig Burley, Rehabilitation Technician at Care for Veterans, who has worked
closely with Anthony, explains: “When Anthony first came in, he was quite
reluctant to take part in group activities.
He felt uncomfortable at first and wanted to keep to himself. However, when I
invited him to participate in a cooking group, it kick-started his involvement in other activities. He started physio sessions, working with one of our
Physiotherapists, Vilma, and has also
been able to work on speech difficulties caused by his aphasia and can now
communicate clearly. Since arriving, he has made a dramatic improvement.”
Anthony expressed a wish to achieve greater independence. However, he found his manual wheelchair was
very difficult to use outside on uneven
surfaces. The Care for Veterans’ team
assisted him in successfully applying for funding for a private electric wheelchair from BLESMA, a charity that enables
limbless veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Anthony commented on his experience: “After a year at Care for Veterans,
11th June or Worthing Golf Day on 23rd September. If you’re feeling
adventurous, why not abseil down Brighton’s i360.
• Become a corporate partner – a charity partnership can be of
great benefit to your company and employees.
I feel like I have a greater level of
To find out more, visit
physiotherapy to help maintain my
fundraising@careforveterans.org.uk
independence. I have been having
strength on one side and improve it on the other: it’s going pretty good. I am
also now able to make my own coffee
www.careforveterans.org.uk, email or call the fundraising team on 01903 218444.
and do my own cooking.
The group activities are more about
integration, getting out and mixing with
others. I spent twenty years in catering, so I found the cookery group helpful in
many ways. I enjoy cooking, and now I
have given up cooking for thousands; it’s more personal; it’s what I fancy cooking! “During lockdown, my new electric
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53
Table Talk Foundation- 1 in 7 children in Brighton and Hove are obese How can there be such a high level of obesity in one of the most affluent areas in the country? We believe the answer is a lack in food education. 15% of year 6 pupils
Charity
were classed as
obese in Brighton
and Hove in 201920 according to
NHS data. Obesity in childhood often
leads to wider health issues later in life costing the NHS over £6billion each year to treat.
There is a clear link between poverty and obesity with families living in the poorest areas often choosing cheap fast food
and ready meals to feed their families
due to budget and time constraints. We all know the issues that come with this type of food- high levels of salt, sugar, additives, and fat.
Public Health England have
acknowledged that rising rates of obesity
54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
in deprived areas is being offset by
but with a little bit of knowledge and
progress in more affluent areas.
effort, you can feed your family better
Table Talk Foundation is a new Sussex
here is providing the knowledge and
break this cycle by providing fun and
will try to provide.
primary schools in the county.
We just want to get children in the
Daniel Wade, co-founder of Table Talk
and hopefully the parents spot this
canvas and getting them inspired by
Many of us have fond memories
and lead to better food choices as
grandma and getting to lick the spoon
based charity which is aiming to
interactive food education classes to
quality food at a lower cost. The key
confidence, and this is something we
kitchen, having fun whilst they cook
Foundation says “children are a blank
enthusiasm and nurture this at home.
food at an early age can inspire them
as children cooking with parents or
they grow up.
as a treat but this quality time is
The movement over the past two
to bring this back!”
fast food is dangerous for health and
To find out more about Table Talk
understand time and budget constraints
foundation.com.
decades towards ready meals and
the data clearly shows this. We fully
something that is dying out and we want
Foundation, please visit www.tabletalk-
CHA RITY
Join Rockinghorse for their first charity golf day of 2021 Golf fans are being encouraged to sign up to the Rockinghorse Golf Day at Mid Sussex Golf Club this September.
Rockinghorse children’s charity is hosting its annual Charity golf day on Friday 10 September. The fundraising event will be held at the beautiful Mid Sussex Golf Club in Ditchling and will start at 7.45am. The Rockinghorse Charity Golf Day headline sponsor is FRP Advisory, along with media sponsor Sussex Business Times, and the event has proven to be a popular one for the charity previously, with over £7,000 raised at last years’ event. Best known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, the charity also raises funds for neonatal units, respite centres and paediatric services across Sussex.
Chris Stevens, Partner at FRP Advisory, is proud to support the event: “FRP are, once again, delighted to sponsor the Rockinghorse Golf Day at Mid Sussex. It is a pleasure to support such a great charity, as it raises money for such a good cause. Additionally, it will be very welcome to enjoy the company of fellow supporters in a relaxed and fun environment, as life and the ability to socialise starts to get back to normal.” Janella Merritt, Head of Fundraising at Rockinghorse, is excited to be hosting the day: “After a year where we haven’t been able to have many events, we are so excited to be able to get the ball rolling again and enjoy a round of golf in the beautiful surroundings of the Sussex countryside. We hope all those golf
enthusiasts out there will be keen to get involved and help support us.” The 24 teams competing can look forward to a great game of golf along with a range of additional competitions throughout the day for nearest the pin, nearest the line and longest drive, as well as an overall prize for the winning team. Teams of up to four people can take part for £280 per team. The ticket price includes coffee and bacon rolls on arrival and a two-course meal once the golf has finished. For more details or to book, call Rockinghorse on 01273 330044 or email amanda@rockinghorse.org.uk
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55
C HA RI T Y
Embracing the triple bottom line SUEZ recycling and recovery UK While traditionally the
Charity
measure of success for a business has
been centred around profitability, recently
a more sustainable approach has
gained ground. More organisations are
appreciating the benefits of considering the ‘triple bottom line’ approach, which fundamentally rests on the belief that companies should focus as much on social and environmental impacts as they do on financial aspects.
There are many cross-industry
organisations doing remarkable things to show how much social, environmental,
and economic value can be created by
following a triple bottom line approach. SUEZ recycling and recovery UK is
one of them. They are a leading waste and resource management company,
delivering environmentally responsible solutions for more than 30,000 local authority and business customers
across the UK. They are also pioneering innovative technologies to help shape a sustainable environment. SUEZ
has recognised the importance of
embedding this approach even further into their business and reporting on
performance based on its impact on the planet, people and profit.
To align with this approach, they have successfully run various projects and activities. For instance, SUEZ has
organised many fundraising events
over the last five years, which have so
far raised more than £300,000 for their
national charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support. To complement this, their Giving Something Back programme aims to
encourage everyone in the company to
get involved with local causes and support
56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
national charities. Last Christmas, SUEZ
projects to assist with preserving and
to nominate charities that would either
their facilities in Severnside, Suffolk,
improve the local environment in 2021.
initiative to improve local biodiversity,
50 charities over the festive period.
for local schools, as well as helping to
However, social value goes beyond
beehives installed onsite, there are now
evaluated how it could further support
SUEZ has been working hard to deliver
the pandemic made lesson planning
benefits through our services. If you
and down the country. An opportunity
the benefits of social value through your
and SUEZ launched a new suite of
SUEZ today.
asked their employees across the UK
improving biodiversity. For example,
help make Christmas better for others or
Teesside, and others have run an
Following this, they donated to more than
by providing education activity days
halt the declining bee population. With
charitable activities, and SUEZ
over 100,000 bees calling it home.
local communities. In September 2020,
meaningful social and environmental
challenging for teachers at schools up
would like to find out how you can reap
was identified to help support them
waste management contract, contact
educational resources designed to bring
STEM education to life in classrooms for primary and secondary school students. From an environmental perspective, SUEZ has developed a number of
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
TECH
BRIGHTON ACCELERATOR COLLABORATION
WE FIND OUT MORE FROM BEN, LINDSEY AND TONY...
LAWYERS BRANCHING OUT ON THEIR OWN NO LONGER HAVE TO FEEL ALONE
SAYS EXTECH CLOUD
THE TECHNOLOGY AWARD WINNERS SILICON BRIGHTON
BRIGHTON BUSINESS FUNDRAISING FOR HOMELESS YOUTHS WITH SUSSEX MANUFACTURER PAXTON
SBT TECH SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57
TEC H
Brighton Accelerator Collaboration We find out more from Ben, Lindsey and Tony... Business
Tech
Information
Ben: Ben is the founder and
Managing Partner
of Second Voice, a boutique business
consultancy in Brighton. Second Voice enables tech and service-led founders to fast-track business growth utilising decades of experience growing
sales teams and start-ups first-hand. Focusing on strategy, team structure and people development, Second
Voice clients and partners have seen accelerated growth, even during the events of 2020.
Tony: Tony is the co-founder of Psydro, the world’s first social review platform. Unlike other review platforms, Psydro
is a trusted, transparent and validated
community that helps consumers spend wisely through authentic and verified reviews, which also drives Psydro’s partners business.
58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Lindsey: Lindsey is the founder of Bright
the input from the Psydro team,
agency that specialises in helping
strategy, as well as built comprehensive
and automations. Taking your current
would allow Psydro to scale. However,
identify where responsive, data-generated
biggest needs was attracting and
Dials. Bright Dials is an independent
Ben designed the business growth
businesses get the most out of their CRM
forecasting and financial models that
data sources as a starting point they
they discovered that one of Psydro’s
processes attract the hottest leads to your
acquiring customers and then preventing
business and accelerate the sales cycle.
them from becoming dormant.
Overview
Due to working with Lindsey
we were in the office... This is where it
was quick to recommend Bright Dials.
When Tony first joined the NatWest
helping businesses spend less time
Lindsey or Ben. However, when Tony
and marketing activity, and run a fully
Take your mind back to a time when
previously on the Accelerator, Ben
all started for Ben, Lindsey and Tony.
Lindsey’s business specialises in
Accelerator, he had barely spoken to
on manual tasks, focus their sales
was looking for support to bring his
integrated operation.
Ben’s LinkedIn profile and was delighted
Lindsey and Ben helped Tony to build
alumni of the Brighton Accelerator.
communications programme from
After connecting, Tony brought on
and building a new CRM system
product to market, he stumbled across to discover that he was a mentor and
Ben as an external consultant. With
a completely bespoke automated the ground up. Initially, designing
with sophisticated workflows that
TECH
Tony Ward
encouraged leads to engage and sign
up, as well as upsell from the different
packages that Psydro has to offer. After
Lindsey Pickles
processes in my business to deliver bigger projects in the future.”
6-8 months of working together, Psydro
“What tips on collaboration would
towards becoming a fully self-serving
Accelerator?”
has undergone a massive transition
SAAS platform. We recently caught up with all three entrepreneurs to find out how they have progressed since. Q & A’s
“What were your biggest wins from collaborating together?”
Tony: “Within 10 months I have built a product that I can sell as well as
forming a talented team focused on growing the business.”
Ben: “My favourite part was seeing
how quickly Tony and the team adapted to using the new growth strategy and financial tools. It’s fantastic to see
founders collaborate and drive the
change with us. The Psydro project has been hard work, but a huge learning
curve, and ultimately a success story and a lot of fun for all involved.”
Lindsey: “I have hired a great project
you give to entrepreneurs on the Tony: “Constantly ask questions, always be keen to learn and
understand from other people so that you can give your best.”
Ben: “Make it clear from the start who is doing what. Know what you are
this and make Second Voice a go-to
partner in the start-up growth space.” Lindsey: “The project has provided me
with an opportunity to hire more people, giving me more time to focus on
growing my business and achieve my
goal of Bright Dials being the best CRM and automation agency in the UK.”
an eye out for her new e-book “The
are using the right tools and maintain regular communication to manage expectations.”
Lindsey: “Use the right form of
communication at the right time. We
always use the tools our clients prefer
but I’m a big believer in picking up the
phone when you need to. In this project we were fortunate that both Tony and I work in a similar way by making quick decisions over the phone.”
Psydro to become a direct household
curve which has allowed me to embed
enjoyed doing. I aim to continue doing
business growth. Also, make sure you
is going to be implemented to help
also effectively able to replace myself specialist too. It’s been a great learning
tech founders is something I’ve always
Asks
“What’s next?”
on the project with a fantastic CRM
Ben: “Being able to support service or
going to deliver each week and what
manager who has been instrumental
in getting projects over the line. I was
Ben Bennett
Tony: “My ultimate moon shot is for shopping destination as well as the successful delivery of my second
Lindsey would love for you to keep Ultimate Guide to CRM”.
Ben is offering a deep dive
assessment of your business
completely free of charge. Take
advantage of your free business
growth consultation by visiting here for Service Companies and here for Tech Companies.
Tony is offering personal demos for
any business owner who is interested in supercharging business growth
with your customers voice. Psydro can save you time whilst growing
your revenue. https://psydro. zohobookings.eu/#/customer/demowith-tony
business, Wild Hire.”
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59
Lawyers branching out on their own no longer have to feel alone, says Extech Cloud
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many ambitious entrepreneurs within the legal system have chosen to branch out and go solo. With the help of Sussexbased Microsoft Partner, Extech Cloud, lawyers don’t have to feel alone. “As much as the
Tech
legal industry is
ahead in some areas, when it comes to
IT, it’s often still in
the dark ages due to consultants and
previous IT companies pulling the wool over the industry’s eyes and opting for what’s easier, instead of what would
be best,” explains Andrew Hookway,
Managing Director of Burgess Hill firm Extech Cloud.
Before creating Extech Cloud, Andrew
initially ran a large corporate firm for 10
years before deciding to go his own way.
60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
“The pandemic has changed so much
about people’s day-to-day routines. More so than ever, we’re tending to find that
people are wanting change and the legal industry is no exception,” adds Andrew. Extech Cloud has spoken with people
who’ve decided that enough is enough
and that it’s time to retire, along with many who’ve decided they want a change in
career. More so than ever, they’ve heard from people who have taken the brave
decision to set up their own businesses. In 2020 alone, over 13,000 new
businesses were registered. The
pandemic pushed people to do what
they’d maybe been holding back from
doing in previous years. What’s more, it showed that businesses can be setup
from the comfort of your own home and
that with the right systems in place, a lot can be achieved!
Lawyers who are leaving firms and
branching out to begin a solo venture may think that going solo means
that they are ‘solo’ when it comes to
having IT support, however that’s not
the case. Extech Cloud is on-hand to
provide those in the legal industry with everything they need, including help
TECH
improving their overall performance,
businesses, like Hunters Law, to work
result,” says Andrew.
date, the team has completed hundreds
and making their staff happier as a
Whether it is through moving all
work to the cloud or finding new
and innovative solutions to working
remotely, Extech Cloud can provide
working through cloud transformation. To put it simply, if you carry on doing what you’ve done in previous years, you’re not going to get anything
different. Systems won’t magically
improve themselves overnight! However, once you do put plans into place for
an Extech Cloud IT transformation, you
will see results and be able to see a real return on your investment.
Don’t be scared - a talk with Extech
Cloud doesn’t have to be anything big.
You won’t have to make any solid plans, we prefer to have an informal chat
about your business, your systems and see where we could help you to make significant improvements.
“To date, we have completed hundreds
of cloud transformation projects, saving our customers thousands of pounds,
of cloud transformation projects, saving customers thousands of pounds,
improving their overall performance, and making their staff happier as a result.
customers with all necessary services
Extech Cloud’s purpose is to engineer
and running in no time.
organisations, and people, achieve
under one roof, to help get them up
with taking steps towards a new way of
effectively at anytime, anywhere. To
Concerns such as setting up with
the right equipment, cabling options, or a more significant threat such as
cybersecurity are inevitable when running
a flexible community and empower more and nothing makes the team prouder than seeing what can be
achieved and the difference it can
make to business owners long-term.
your own business, however, the team at
If you’ve recently gone solo or are
legal sector to adopt new technologies
you’re concerned about being alone
Extech Cloud are experts in helping the and keep ahead of competition.
Although the team at Extech Cloud works with start-ups and small
planning on doing so shortly and
when it comes to your IT, fear not…
we would be delighted to help you get your business off to a flying start!
businesses, they have also completed
For more information about digital
legal firms such as Hunters Law LLP,
com, call the Team on +44 (0) 1444
digital transformations for much larger who initially contacted Extech Cloud looking for a solution to upgrade its
transformation, visit www.extechcloud. 443200 or email info@extech.co.uk.
servers and overall infrastructure. When
they were informed this was not possible by another IT company, they sought to find other service providers.
The team of experts at Extech Cloud has spent years working on, and refining, the journey to the cloud, making it
a simple and smooth transition for
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61
The Technology Award winners, Silicon Brighton
We are delighted to have won the Country Business Clubs ‘Technology’ award. It was fantastic to hear Silicon Brighton amongst some other great companies at this year’s virtual awards show. Our team work
Tech
endlessly to support
the growth of tech in Brighton and are so
grateful to have been
recognised with this award. We’d like to thank everyone who nominated us,
it’s been humbling to see the incredible support from our local community!
For anyone that doesn’t know about
Silicon Brighton – we’re a communityled initiative to support local digital
growth. We work hand-in-hand with
the local tech community, to provide
individuals with free opportunities for networking, training, up-skilling and
development and helping people to take their careers and businesses forward.
utilise technology and adapt to a now-
We’re really excited for the future! In just
predominately digital world.
a few months’ time we’ll hopefully be
adapt how we support tech growth
We’ve been in admiration of the
helping to support even more groups
groups we support now offering free,
our meet-up group organisers, event
an exciting increase in activity in our city
topics from product development, to
taken to Zoom for webinars, networking
keep up to date with tech and business
to coding and cybersecurity. We’ve
start some new groups! In the last year
your inbox with our newsletter. Sign up
several initiatives including ‘Silicon
community for anyone interested in Go,
our community came together for a
Google, Marketing Talk - a community
£2,300 for our local NHS Trust and ‘Our
by Bird & Blend’s Head of Brand
match local businesses that have been
Sellers Club – a new community for
with volunteer tech advisors offering
Ben Bennett, Founder and Managing
Over the last year, we’ve had to fully
getting back to in-person events and be
in Brighton, with all of the meetup
resilience and adaptability shown by
across Brighton. There’s already been
high-quality events on a vast range of
attendees and speakers as they have
as it has started to re-open – you can
data science, to marketing and sales,
and training – we’ve even been able to
news, advice and local events straight to
supported our local community with
we’ve started Brighton Gophers – a
at www.siliconbrighton.com
Brighton Online for the NHS’ - where
the programming language designed by
ten hour event stream, raising over
for up-and-coming marketers, hosted
Brighton’ - a new initiative, where we
Catherine Loftus and South Coast
impacted by the effects of COVID-19,
salespeople at all levels, hosted by
free and impartial guidance on how to
Director of Second Voice.
62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Brighton business fundraising for homeless youths
Employees of Sussex manufacturer Paxton are creating awareness and raising money for the homeless charity; Clock Tower Sanctuary, by participating in a 53,709 mile around-the-world virtual exercise challenge. Since the beginning
Tech
of March, 107
Paxton employees
have been walking, cycling, or running
in their local area. Their combined distance travelled will take them
virtually to each of the 33 countries Paxton have offices, or distribution channels, totalling 53,709 miles.
Paxton’s aim is to raise money for
homeless young people in Sussex and create awareness about the
important role local businesses can
play in helping regional charities. All sponsorship money raised by the
employees participating in the UK and Paxton’s international markets will be
donated to the Clock Tower Sanctuary
As well as providing support for local
all people to get outside, exercise and
homeless people since 1998.
fundraising initiatives like Paxton, can
You can help to support Paxton’s
The challenge started at Paxton’s
who are still working from home.
www.paxton-access.com/paxton-
Currently they are on their way virtually to
inclusivity, and promote good health
travelled 21% of globe, with a total of
challenging time.
Clock Tower Sanctuary are currently
Kate Hotson, Paxton’s Project &
Since the beginning of April,
Communications Officer for Clock Tower
important for us to support our
or cycle the 87 miles distance from
statutory funding, so we rely on support
Sanctuary is a very deserving charity
your support and donate by following
“There is a positive to this, as it allows
people in Sussex.
com/theclocktowersanctuary
people and be reactive to what they
“The challenge is a great way for
continually looking for innovative ways
other, especially at this time when
meet the demand across Sussex”.
together in their offices. We encourage
charities, companies undertaking
raise money for an amazing cause”.
be of real benefit to their employees
fundraising initiative on their website:
headquarters based in Brighton.
They can help to boost productivity,
around-the-world-challenge
Pretoria in South Africa, having already
and well-being in what is still a
Alongside Paxton’s fundraising efforts,
who have been helping 16-25-year-old
10,607 miles logged, raising £886.
fundraising for their own challenge.
Molly Prentice, Fundraising &
Events Manager explained: “It is
participants have 30 days to walk, run
Sanctuary explains: “We receive no
local community, and Clock Tower
London to Brighton. You can show
from local businesses like Paxton.
due to their work with young homeless
this link: https://www.justgiving.
us the freedom to listen to our young
need. However, it does mean that we are
people to feel connected to each
to fundraise and make enough money to
many companies cannot work
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63
TEC H
County Business Talks
Last month saw the
Tech
inaugural County Business TALKS
event take place in
partnership with New
World Tech and powered by Network My Club. The premise of the new event is to humanize the webinar experience and I
believe that we achieved just that, as the FREE to attend event included:
•N etworking & Discussions pre and post presentation
• An Interactive, Insightful
p resentation from New World Tech CEO Glenn Ballard
64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
• Live Q&A
• Plus a chance to meet the Host and
ask questions post presentation (in our Meet the Host area)
The format allowed attendees to network
after and on each table discuss the topics discussed during the presentation.
If you were unable to attend the event but
Glenn gave some valuable insights
would like to view the full presentation
best practices and the importance of
Content Hub - CLICK HERE
your business.
The Next County Business TALKS
There were some great key takeaways.
association with Mayo Wynne Baxter
into the world of tech discussing some using technology to help streamline
then visit the County Business Clubs
event is on Wednesday 19th May in
Mainly how companies should be using
to register for FREE – CLICK HERE
journey and experience, and how that
To find out more information about
technology to focus on the customer
should be at the core of your business.
NewWorldTech visit newworldtech.io
SBT MOTORING NEWS
HOW MUCH DOES IT ACTUALLY COST TO LEASE A CAR IN 2021
WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE COST
MAXUS E DELIVER 9
A RIVERVALE LEASING REVIEW
SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65
How much does it actually cost to lease a car in 2021?
For many drivers in the UK, leasing a car is a much more practical and financially viable option than buying. In fact, car leasing
Motoring News
costs can even prove to be substantially
lower. But for those new to the world of
leasing, it can be confusing to navigate
the different options available and to find an appropriate (and affordable) package. In this article, we’ll look at how much it really costs to lease a car in 2021. What is car leasing?
In case you really are new to the world of leasing, we’ll start with the very
usually over a span of two to five years. You could compare it to the process of renting a property.
Leasing is not like some other popular
car finance options. You never own the
car you lease, and you’ll return it to the leasing company at the end of your agreement.
However, there are multiple advantages to this:
• You have more flexibility over the make, model and specifications of the car
basics. Car leasing - otherwise known
• The leasing agreement is tailored to
driving a brand new vehicle for a fixed
• You don’t have to commit to
as Personal Contract Hire - is a way of monthly payment. Leasing contracts are
66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
• You’ll still experience the best few
years of the car’s life cycle before it depreciates in value
Actually, when you lease a vehicle, you’re paying for the cost of
depreciation throughout your contract rather than the cost of the car itself.
This is one of the reasons why leasing
a car is sometimes cheaper than other
forms of car finance, as well as meaning that vehicles with lower depreciation rates are usually cheaper.
your requirements
So, how much does it cost to lease
purchasing a new car
How long is a piece of string? The
a car?
MOTO RI NG
answer varies. This will depend on a
variety of factors. It can even depend
on the company which you choose to lease from.
This is because while the cost of leasing a car often depends on the contract length, mileage, make, model and
specifications, sometimes there are
additional fees to take into account. For example, many car leasing providers will attach additional fees, labelled
as ‘documentation’, ‘processing’ or ‘administration’ fees.
At Rivervale, we don’t believe in doing
this, and we’re proud to guarantee our
customers that no additional fees will be charged during your lease agreement. However, if you’re considering leasing
a vehicle for the first time, it’s important to be wary of this while you browse between various companies.
The car’s specifications, amount
of features, spaciousness and just
generally the type of vehicle you’re after will all influence leasing costs.
What’s included when you lease a car? The contracts involved in car leasing are
specific to the customer’s requirements
In fact, we have over 35 manufacturers,
for that car.
over 500 models and over 7,000 car
When you first lease a car, you’ll pay
Don’t get us wrong; we can offer amazing
how much of this you want to pay
companies, and in turn, those packages
pay, the lower the following monthly
leasing a brand new model is still often
leasing deals available across our website.
initial rental costs. You can choose
new models from the most reputable car
upfront, and the higher the amount you
can be on the higher end of the scale. But
rental cost will be.
far more inexpensive than buying such
You’ll also need to work out how
many drivers the chance to drive a car
a model outright. This can actually allow
many miles you are likely to travel
they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.
can choose to include a maintenance
However, if your budget is smaller, we
of maintenance, wear and tear, and
deals are from just £150 per month.
and will be paid monthly as a part of
Car leasing deals
over the course of the contract. You package, which will cover the cost
replacements throughout your lease,
can cater for it. Our cheapest leasing
your rental payments.
We love to make it possible for our
Additional costs can be incurred if you
leasing their dream car. So we’re pleased
if the car is damaged beyond reasonable
offers on a first-come, first-served basis.
need to cover the cost.
When they’re gone, they’re gone.
Affordable car leasing in the UK
433480 or info@rivervale.co.uk if you
exceed the amount of agreed mileage or wear and tear. In this case, you would
At Rivervale, we are also big believers in
customers to have the experience of
to offer a range of car leasing special
Feel free to get in touch on 01273 have any questions.
offering a wide selection of cars to lease and various leasing packages. So, we
ensure that in terms of cost, there is a suitable budget for all customers.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67
M OTO RI N G
Maxus E Deliver 9 - Fully Electric Van Rivervale Review Is this the real life, is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide no escape from reality. Open your eyes look up to the skies and see... We all know that these are the opening Motoring lyrics to arguably one News of the best songs ever ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen, but what does this have to do with Electric vans you may well ask. Well, Ian Greene (Head of Fleet Management at Brighton & Hove City Council) is finally seeing his dreams become reality. Ian is responsible for the 411 vehicles that are operated by the council and he is spearheading the council’s quest to become carbon neutral by 2030. To the untrained eye it sounds simple, just buy electric vehicles, but believe me, it is not that easy. Take vans for example. Ian would have needed to consider what job the vehicle will do, whether it is a standard van or a specialised conversion, what distance it will cover and how and where it will need to be re-charged. Add that to the fact that a lot of the models are just not available yet. So where do Rivervale fit into Ian’s “road to zero” plan? I’m pleased you asked. So, Rivervale has been known over the years for being the Mercedes-Benz dealer in Brighton and a damn good one at that, but they have not had the three-pointed star above the door since 2003. These days they are predominately a multi-franchise leasing operation, a used car dealership, a Bosch Car Service Centre and now a Maxus Commercial vehicle franchise. Why Maxus? Well Maxus is owned by SAIC Motor, the largest vehicle manufacturer in China and they have launched a full range of exciting Electric vans into the UK.
68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
“Exciting” and “vans” does not normally go together however, when you realise that we are at the start of the EV Revolution which will see the conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) being phased out and the new EV’s packed with the latest technology start to appear on our streets. The eDeliver9 Review Watch the video to see Rivervale Chief Operating Officer Vince Pemberton take the eDeliver9 for a test drive where he covers off range, payload, comfort and much more. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=jCRSIDfP400&t=2s Brighton and Hove City Council Ian Greene and Brighton and Hove City Council are well on their way and have a plan on how they are going to get their fleet to become carbon neutral. The first of many Maxus Electric Vans have been ordered and now delivered in the shape of a Long Wheelbase Maxus eDeliver9. This van has a range of up to 219 miles and can carry up to 1160kgs depending on which model you choose. This first vehicle has had a full jet wash conversion before being deployed to tackle graffiti removal in the city. Ian recently got behind the wheel of the brand new eDeliver9 and here is what he thought. “I had the great pleasure driving the eDeliver9 for the first time yesterday. The drive was flawless and felt very
calming. In my time I have driven almost every type of van on the market. The quality of drive with the eDeliver9 was more than ever expected, I would go on to say it was one of the best drives in a van. I have sampled some of the electric vans currently on the market, the eDeliver9 is the best!” Check out Vince’s video review to see what he thinks of eDeliver9. All types of businesses will need to consider replacing some of their vans with electric and they will know that there is a lot to get your head around. Initially they cost more but you do need to look a bit deeper. There is a government grant of up to £6,000 available to help offset some of the initial cost, then you need to look at the cost savings in relation to the cost of electric versus diesel or petrol plus there is no charge for entering ‘Clean Air Zones’ (CAZ) or the “Ultra Low Emission Zone” (ULEZ). These clean air zones are only going to be more commonplace as the Government continues to work towards the Net Zero target by 2030. If you would like to know more about the road to zero and how we can help whether its vans or finance plans to acquire vans please just contact us on 01273 433480
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS
WE CHAT TO BINTEMS CRAZY GOLF
OFFERING PORTABLE CRAZY GOLF ENTERTAINMENT ACROSS SUSSEX
8 TACTICS TO BECOMING A BETTER ONLINE NETWORKER WITH NETWORK MY CLUB
BACK TOGETHER BY THE SEASIDE WITH YBRIGHTON
THE SUSSEX VIRTUAL BUSINESS EXPO IN COLLABORATION WITH NETWORK MY CLUB
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69
We chat to Bintems Crazy Golf
Bintems Crazy Golf is a family business offering unique, handmade, portable crazy golf entertainment, across Sussex and surrounding areas. We began in
Networking & Events
August 2020, with a mission of building
a selection of crazy golf holes for a
charity fundraising event.
It was a father and son project. The father being the craftsman, the son being the “ideas” guy.
When the suggestion of building a
homemade crazy golf course was first
presented to the father, it’s safe to say that he did take a bit of convincing!
Feelings of “it’s a bit too ambitious” and “where are we going to store it all” were shared. The son’s response, “don’t
70 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
worry, it’ll be fine!” and “we’ll deal with
that later!” and this was the start of the
working partnership between the detailoriented father and the happy go lucky son. A match made in heaven if ever there was one!
We started off fairly basic, our first hole called Peaky Blinder was a relatively straight forward build and this was
enough to get the old man on the hook. Over time, we became more and
more adventurous with the obstacles we were building. Multi-joint piping
systems for Down the Drain, a windmill with rotating sails called Windy Miller and an old tyre turned loop the loop called Silverstone.
By the time we did the fundraiser in
September 2020, we had already made eight different holes.
The fundraiser was a massive success and it was clear that our course could
be a great addition to all types of events and a big hit with all age groups.
Once we realised the potential of
our crazy golf project, we needed
to decide on a name. Sticking with our family roots, we chose to call ourselves, Bintems.
Bintem, was a saying coined by my
Great Grandad. A WWI army veteran from Overton, Hampshire.
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
Grandad Jack
“They be good, bintem!”, he could be heard saying in his broad, rural
accent whenever he was in admiration of something.
The name stuck, as did our appetite to continue scaling our course and over
the two lockdowns which followed, we kept ourselves busy by inventing and
experimenting with our ideas, waiting patiently for the restrictions to ease,
so we could start sharing our creations with the world!
Our portable crazy golf course offers plenty of thrills, with a mix of crazy golf classics such as Windy Miller
and Helter Skelter, along with some of our own unique inventions like
Bullseye, Snookered, Ring my Bell and In the Rough.
We offer flexible booking options ranging from a full 9-hole course
to a bespoke selection of specific
holes. It’s completely customisable dependant on the needs of our
customer. Alongside this, the course
itself has great versatility. It can be setup in many different settings.
Outdoors or indoors, at the local park or
weddings, birthdays, company events,
back garden get togethers, community
events and anything else you can think of!
your own back garden, a wedding venue
We have plenty of golf clubs and golf
high street. It’s the perfect activity for all
necessary, especially while social
people together, any time of the year.
can be set up to give plenty of space for
or a car park, in your office or on the
balls, so sharing of equipment is not
levels of ability and a great way to bring
restrictions are in place and the course
Nowadays, we have thirteen different
social distancing.
holes and we are on a mission to reach
For charities who are looking for
of my little sister, Alex, who is managing
favourable consideration and would
eighteen. We also have enlisted the help
fundraising activity, we offer very
our social media pages and marketing.
love to collaborate on such events
Some of the new inventions we are
across the Sussex area.
working on currently include a crazy
We hope to see you on the course soon!
cool wedding themed hole as well.
Team Bintems
keep up with the latest additions - @
hello@bintemscrazygolf.co.uk
golf version of Bagatelle and a very
You can follow us on social media to
www.bintemscrazygolf.co.uk
bintemscrazygolf.
We are now actively taking bookings, so please get in touch with us to find
out more. Our course can be the ideal entertainment for events such as
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71
We often get asked “what’s the etiquette for your online networking events?” There isn’t a one-
Networking & Events
size-fits all answer.
Ultimately it’s down to you to make a
good first impression
for your business.
However, having run over 100 online events we like to think we know a
thing or two about how to present yourself virtually and get the most from your time online.
Here are some useful pointers to
help you get more from your online networking, feel more comfortable attending networking events,
and make sure you leave a good impression!
1) Turn up on time and be present It’s number 1 for a reason. Turning up on time is important in all walks of life, but especially online. You wouldn’t turn up to a meeting late, would you?
72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
We open our online events five
minutes early, so that’s always a good time to aim for.
But we get it. Life can get in the way
sometimes. If you’re going to be late it’s not the end of the world.
However, once in the event, do try and give the conversations you’re having
with people your full attention. Closing
will only burn bridges. I’ve seen it all
before! Asking effective questions will help you identify opportunities.
Share your experiences of what’s
been discussed or a useful nugget of
information that could help people. Ask people if there’s anyone in particular
they could connect you up with, and help people where you can.
email and other apps will not only
3) Share time fairly
you stay in tune with the event
When networking online, and in-
speed up your computer but it’ll help without distractions.
2) Don’t be salesy. Selling isn’t networking
I sound like a broken record with this one, but it’s SO important.
PLEASE do not attend one of our
networking events to just sell, sell, sell
to people. That’s not what we’re about. Trust me, you won’t sell anything and
person, try and make sure each person on your table has a fair share of time to talk. Bear in mind some people
may not be as out-going as others
so do encourage all attendees to get involved with the conversation. 4) Ask for introductions There’s always at least three members of the Network My Club team in our online meetups. Use us!
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
Our members all come with the same mindset: collaboration. If there’s
with me on LinkedIn and I look forward
schedule a one to one at the end of
to catching up with you again soon’.
the event using the designated areas
Everyone is attending the event for the
‘hogging’ each other’s time.
be offended if you politely ask to leave
8) Don’t spam the chat-box with long-
a table!
winded sales messages!
If someone introduces you to another
7) Arrange one to one’s in the event
It’s like attending an in-person event
contacts to your business, don’t forget
One of the coolest features we’ve
everyone about what you and your
someone you’d like an introduction to
on the event, simply message one of the team and they’ll facilitate it. 5) Say thank you!
person in their network, or refers their to say thank you!
Even better, show your appreciation
by returning the favour if you can. Your gratitude will be appreciated and help won’t go unnoticed.
6) Don’t be afraid to move tables You can dip out of conversations politely by saying something like ‘it was great to meet you, I’m going to jump on to
another table now, feel free to connect
same reason: to network. No one will
included at our online networking events. As the floor plan within Remo is fully
at our events. This way you won’t be
with a megaphone and shouting over business does. You (hopefully) wouldn’t do that in real life, so don’t do it online.
customisable, we’ve added two one to
Use the chat box during an event to
private conversations.
conversation. Don’t forget during
Why? Well, we want you to get the most
questions via the Q&A area too.
one areas in the event itself to allow for
out of your time networking.
share ideas and engage in the wider our online meetups, you can submit
Put these tips into action at one of our
If you meet someone of interest
upcoming online meetups across the
having a longer conversation, try to
by visiting www.networkmyclub.co.uk.
and feel like you could benefit from
South East & London. Find out more
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73
Back together beside the seaside Stay at home, self-care, work from home…With so much enforced change our attention and priorities have shifted to our immediate surroundings, homes and loved ones. As a result, have we
Networking & Events
become insular, and
reluctant to re-group and re-energize
together as a team?
The challenge for many businesses
now is the gradual transition back to
the office to re-unite teams, motivate
employees and re-align on strategy and goals for the coming months.
Now is the time for organisations to
set the tone for the future and focus on human connection by creating
safe and engaging experiences that
excite, inspire and demonstrate care
74 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and support. A time to forge a sense of
togetherness and community that many have craved.
Get back to the beach with YBrighton With Brighton venues and hotels
starting to re-open, it’s the ideal time to start thinking about how to bring your team back together.
Your people matter to us at
YBrighton, so let us help you shape the best experience for them and
your company culture. It could be a
wellbeing retreat on the South Downs,
a drive-in cinema treat, a rooftop lunch
and blue sky thinking session, or an
adrenaline filled activity on the water to reawaken the senses.
Our experienced team know Brighton & Hove and the surrounding areas of Sussex inside out. We’re well
connected with all the hotels and suppliers required to make your
experience a memorable one. We will
focus on your objectives and dig deep to understand the culture and soul
of your business. Most importantly,
we tailor each and every experience to match with what your business & people want and need.
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS Beach by Otherplace, are
major highlights for the city.
The Warren will run this year during Brighton Fringe from 27th May until 11th July, in
line with COVID guidelines. YBrighton is excited to be working in collaboration
with The Warren to offer
our clients the chance to
book one of their fantastic corporate packages,
including a 5% discount.
There is an amazing line-
up of comedy, cabaret and family entertainment and
we’re here to enhance your
experience even further, so if this is of interest just drop us a line.
‘As Experience & Events
Director at YBrighton, I’ve missed the energy and excitement of bringing
people together for live
experiences and events.
That personal interaction
and bringing people together to collaborate and build
community is something I
cannot wait to get back to’.
Louisa Vaughan, YBrighton So, take the steps now to
re-unite your remote team. What are you waiting for? We’ll carefully consider outside
spaces and activities that will ease
your team into coming back together and that will reinforce your company ethos. Connecting your team with the outdoors and nature will allow
them to feel happier and healthier. It
has a powerful impact on well-being,
reducing stress & anxiety. We practice weekly yoga ourselves at Sea Lanes on the Beach during summer, and
we’re delighted that Brighton & Hove City Council have recently granted Sea Lanes planning to begin the
transformation of a National open Water Swimming Centre, due to open in 2022.
Contact YBrighton at:
will feature a food court, street food
Email: louisa@ybrighton.co.uk
As well as an outdoor pool, the venue
Website: www.ybrighton.co.uk
kiosks and outdoor seating area. This
Tel: 07825773160
unique development will be a great
option for our clients and such spaces
are essential for our general well-being and mental health.
An exciting calendar of events is on the horizon for 2021. Gigs, festivals and events such as The Electric Arcade, The Warren and The Warren on the
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
The Sussex Virtual Business Expo
The Sussex Virtual Business Expo was held on Wednesday 28th April on the Remo platform in collaboration with Network my Club and was really well received. The Sussex Virtual
Networking & Events
Business Expo was
held on Wednesday 28th April on the
Remo platform in
collaboration with Network my Club and was really well received. On the day we
had a total of fifteen Exhibitors and four
Sponsors with forty visitors coming along
to enjoy the day. The morning session was really busy and Matt Turner gave a great talk on “How to market yourself out of a
Pandemic” that included some excellent tips. The four Sponsors all gave a two
minute presentation each and they were Extech Cloud – FSB – Sussex Chamber of Commerce – Creative Pod as well as
Fortis DPC Ltd
Partnering with Sam at County
a partner in my event. In the afternoon
City Utilities/Steve Darby
worthwhile and I look forward to us
give a talk on “The first seven seconds on
Sussex Copywriter
good numbers of visitors came along.
If you had said to me fourteen months
For those you didn’t make here is a list
Business Expo I would have not taken it
Sam Thomas from County Business Clubs
BCR Associates
we had Tony Silver the LinkedIn expert
Vazon Technology
LinkedIn” that was well received and again
Business Clubs has been very
continuing this excellent relationship for some time to come, and Bradley
at NMC really knows what he is doing running an event on the
ago why don’t you put on a Virtual
Remo platform.
of the Sponsors & Exhibitors:
seriously so it goes to show how I have
This brings me onto my Brighton
Sponsors
be able to do this now.
7th at Brighton Racecourse back after
FSB
The feed back has been very positive
out more about the Business Expo I
Creative Pod
had “five great conversations to continue
mike@advantagebm.co.uk or phone
Exhibitors
already booked Zoom meetings in to
Sussex Chamber of Commerce Extech Cloud
changed and pivoted in my business to
two years because of COVID. To find
including some Exhibitors saying they
run both online and offline email me at
after the event” and some saying “I have
me on 07885 490266.
Alpha Health & Safety
follow up on” which has convinced me
Fresh Display
Expo as well as a “Live” event. In
Katie Flamman
of the ticket sales) to the Rockinghorse
Jonathan Lea Network
I can run a successful Virtual Business
HR Dept Eastbourne
addition I am donating £160.00 (40%
Develdas Luxury Chocolates
Children’s Charity in Brighton.
76 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Business Expo on Thursday October
SBT CHAMBER NEWS
THE INDEPENDENT WORKPLACE TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BY SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE BIG DEBATE
COULD THIS BE THE BEST TIME TO START OR BUILD A BUSINESS IN BRIGHTON
THE BETTER BUSINESS SHOW 2021 THURSDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77
C HAM B E R N E WS
The Report of the independent Workplace Training and Development Commission May 2021 By Ana Christie, CEO - Sussex Chamber of Commerce The independent
Chamber News
Workplace Training and Development Commission was convened by the
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in
the Autumn 2019, at a time when three in
four employers were reporting recruitment difficulties and levels of business
investment in training had been falling
year-on-year since 2014. The Commission was asked to focus on the needs of adults over the age of 25 in the workplace and to consider ‘How can we achieve a world-
class system for retraining and upskilling
our workforce to take advantage of rapid
changes in technology, working practices, and industrial and consumer trends?
Solutions focused, the Commission
sought ways to improve workplace skills planning, overcome barriers to business
investment in training, maximise training and development opportunities and share best practice.
A Call for Evidence gathered the
experience of UK businesses from a wide range of sizes and sectors.
Commissioners, drawn from business 78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and skills backgrounds, then made
recommendations for both employers
and policy makers. These aim to help firms be proactive in meeting their
training needs and also create a more flexible skills system that responds to their requirements more effectively.
The report highlights how the impact
of the pandemic has made investing in
adult skills more important than ever. It calls for the skills system to be more
nimble and agile in how it responds to the
and using the tax system to stimulate more business investment in skills.
· Maintain a stable, coherent and
high-quality skills system that meets
employer needs at all skills levels and
that values vocational training on a par with academic routes.
· Deliver prestigious technical
qualifications together with bite-sized, flexible units of accredited learning
to help adults train and reskill more quickly for the evolving workplace.
evolving needs of individuals, employers
Put business at the heart of skills
becomes rapidly more digital, automated
· Ensure the skills system meets
and local economies as the workplace and low carbon focused.
The Commission makes practical and
pragmatic recommendations for policy makers and businesses that can be
summarised under two main themes: Help businesses to build high-
performance learning cultures
· Ensure businesses have the support
and confidence to plan and implement organisation-wide workplace training and development needs, linked to
innovation and increased productivity,
planning
the needs of businesses and local
economies and that people are trained for sustainable jobs. Local skills plans must be underpinned by robust and
effective engagement with businesses of all sizes and aligned with local economic strategies.
· Enable businesses to engage effectively with further education colleges, other providers, and local stakeholders to ensure the skills system responds
quickly to growth opportunities, new technologies and industry trends.
· Allow more place-based control,
CHAM BE R N E WS Digital skills and innovation
into higher-earning roles in sustainable
Help SMEs to access general digital
careers at a national level.
as more bespoke training, to support
Business investment in skills
of processes and automation.
management skills to identify and
The skills system
needs of all adults in the workplace,
skills training for their teams, as well
SMEs must develop the people
change management and the digitisation
Ana Christie
flexibility and coordination of skills funding and strategy, to maximise the return on investment in skills
and better target resources to local economic priorities.
Commissioners identified the following priorities:
articulate the training and development
Provide more focus on meeting the
ensuring that everyone is included and
less emphasis on the achievement of full
business support to benchmark best
bite-size units of accredited learning.
- and the workforce skills to maximise
Focus on employers and place
proactively with organisations involved
needs of all adults in work. This requires
supported to upskill. Firms should seek
qualifications and more access to flexible,
practice and investment in innovation
its potential. Employers should engage
Skills and broader economic strategies
in skills planning and provision at the
growth aspirations, be underpinned by
and delivery meets the current and future
must be aligned with business needs and
local level to ensure training curricula
extensive business engagement, research
skills needs of the business.
and autonomy over skills policy, funding
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT
and data, and enabled by greater flexibility
High-performance learning cultures
and decision making at the local level.
All SMEs should have access to
impartial advice and support to adopt
For further information please contact info@sussexchamberofcommerce.
Enabling employees
new innovative processes, conduct a
workplace training needs analysis, identify
Boost adult education funding to
co.uk or visit the Sussex
individuals, particularly lower- skilled Events
sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Chamber website: https://www.
facilitate lifelong learning and enable
GROW
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C HAM B E R N E WS
The Big Debate: Could this be the best time to start or build a business in Brighton? Some of the world’s most successful businesses were set up during times of economic crisis. Despite Sussex seeing
Chamber News
record figures for new registered businesses and self-employment
in the past 12 months,
for many 2021 doesn’t feel like a good time to start or build a business.
At the next (virtual) Big Debate on 25 May, Brighton Chamber is bringing together a panel of experts to discuss whether this
could be the best time to start or build a
business in Brighton. They’ll ask whether
there are ever optimal conditions – or if the best time is always now.
Ahead of the discussion, the panel shared their business journey and insights.
80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Kurt Henderson – Rassa Who are you and what do you do?
and are in the process of building out our schools with a team of five.
I’m Kurt Henderson, a multi-award-
Are there any opportunities for
by day. I’ve spent the last number of
out of pivoting a business?
industries ranging from music to travel
come out of pivoting a business. We’ve
I’ve branded, raised funding, grown a
platform, landing a Y-Combinator
of the most known start-ups I’ve co-
operation, then pivoting to ‘cooking
app focused on creating immersive city
for enthusiastic cooks centred around
Currently I’m co-founder of a food
appropriation and discrimination within
cooking schools. We’ve raised funding
grown the team, secured office spaces
winning serial entrepreneur and designer
development or growth that can come
years building start-ups in various
There are plenty of opportunities that
and food. Through these businesses,
done this at Rassa - from a recipe
team, mentored and managed. One
interview within four months of
founded is called NAVA, a city discovery
schools’ with more in-depth content
experiences in the UK and Germany.
culture - removing the concept of food
start-up called Rassa, which is cultured
the industry. Now we’ve raised funding,
CHAM BE R N E WS
Kurt Henderson
Jessica Rameau
and built out the first cooking school
are not, understand why. This is why
Jessica Rameau – Wellstreet
Viktorija Vasiliauskaite – Roadways
Who are you and what do you do?
Who are you and what do you do?
Manager at Wellstreet, a Nordic
master’s degrees in Engineering and
with the next two on the horizon.
I’m Jess, I’m a partner and Fund
early-stage VC, based in Stockholm.
I began my career as an International Relations Development master’s
graduate, and after spending three
years in operational roles I joined the investment arm of a family office, taking over the management of a
portfolio of 35 early-stage start-ups in cleantech and social impact space.
At Wellstreet, I manage our Ventures Fund I, which currently includes 25
start-up companies which we work with very closely.
What is the top bit of advice you give to start-ups to help them succeed?
our company moto is #foreverforward
Viktorija Vasiliauskaite
that opportunities to overcome legacy
issues around the time, cost, safety and quality of project delivery are few. The
construction industry is one of the last to
be disrupted. But disruption is on its way.
I’m originally from Lithuania and have
We have just moved our R&D operation
International Business Management.
have a new facility to develop our
I’m an expert in business transformation
having worked internationally at executive level in multi-disciplines in the typically
into Plus X in Brighton - it means we portfolio of innovative eco-friendly construction materials.
male-dominated agriculture, insurance,
Sign up for your free ticket to the
Five years ago, my partner James and
Thanks to event sponsors Hartley
and we purchased a long-established
registered auditors and tax advisors in
technology, and healthcare sectors.
I were looking for a fresh challenge
road construction company – Hailsham
Roadways (now Roadways). We bought
a business steeped in traditional methods
and culture which meant there was ample
(virtual) Big Debate on 25 May here.
Fowler – chartered accountants,
Brighton and Wimbledon, providing a personalized accountancy service to business owners and individuals.
potential to transform it into the modern, ethically based organisation it is today.
For me, the key factor of success is
What are the biggest opportunities
Stay up to date with the latest
test and iterate on their ideas and plans
the moment?
up to our mailing list.
speed of execution. I coach founders to fast, and to take action.
We set ambitious and clearly defined goals and founders monitor their
team’s progress regularly, sometimes
weekly. That way they can keep track
of how they are progressing and if they
for your business in your industry at While other industries have become
Brighton Chamber events by signing
vastly more efficient, construction has lagged behind. Now forward-thinking
firms like us are looking at the ways in
which technology can help. The sector hasn’t changed substantially since the
1970s. Low levels of investment mean
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81
C HAM B E R N E WS
The Better Business Show 2021 Thursday 23rd September | 10:00am – 4:00pm Chamber News
Worthing and Adur
Well-being. If you would like to exhibit at
opportunity to meet and mingle with the
got the business
in one of these Zones please email info@
more information on booking a stand
has most definitely buzz and the Better Business Show is
THE place to find that out for yourself.
the Better Business Show and be housed worthingandadurchamber.co.uk and we can get this booked in for you.
exhibitors alongside the attendees. For visit www.worthingandadurchamber. co.uk/Stand-Packages-BB21
With a strong focus on ‘Buy Local’ this
Book your stand now!
Did you set your business up within
businesses in the local area. From the
selling! Book your stand before the 28th
If so we have a special deal for you to
event is also a celebration of successful Pre-Show Breakfast at 8.30am to the
closing bell at 4pm, the day is going to
be jam packed with speakers, exhibitors and networking opportunities.
We are very excited to announce that the Show is growing and moving to a new venue!
The Show will be held in the Main Hall
The stands are already on sale and are May and get the early bird discount.
There are several stand packages on
offer from a 2m x 2m stand up to a 4m x 3m stand. This year all stands will be in
the main hall at Worthing Leisure Centre. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business, raise your profile and
be part of the vibrant and brilliant local business community.
the last 18 months?
exhibit at the show. We have just 10
stands 1.5 x 1.5 metre for only £80 +
VAT. We want to support new businesses and help you get going. You don’t have to be a member and should you wish
to join our changing chamber you will
also be able to take advantage of some excellent discounts. This is a chance to really kick start your business at one of
the biggest and most popular business
at Worthing Leisure Centre. This will give
Last year there were over 600 people
surprises planned along the way! Also, we
that there is always the most amazing
For more information on the
expertise at the show so don’t miss this
worthingandadurchamber.co.uk/BB2021
more space for stands with a few extra
are having a number of exhibitor zones such as Innovation, Eco & Green and
82 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
attending on the day, it is no surprise
buzz in the room. There is a wealth of
shows in the area.
Better Business Show visit www.
BEE PART OF THE BIZ BUZZ Worthing Leisure Centre Thurs 23rd Sept • 10am - 4pm
NEW VENUE!
At the show...
BIGGER SHOW FOR 2021
140+
exhibitor stands Explore local opportunities
Enjoy some networking over a hearty breakfast
Free business support From business experts in various fields and industries
Meet the buyers
From local larger companies and Adur & Worthing Council
FREE ENTRY
Packed programme with Keynote Speakers
Lunch Box
New for 2021 Eco Zone Well-being Zone
...network and mingle
#betterbiz2021
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SBT LIFESTYLE
HOSPITALITY AWARD WINNER THE CLEVELAND ARMS
NOSTOS RESTAURANT, HOVE
DELICIOUS GREEK FOOD IN BRIGHTON & HOVE
IT’S ALL FOOD & DRINK
THE NEW ROTUNDA AND SHELTER HALL FOOD MARKET ON BRIGHTON SEAFRONT
COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS WINE OF THE MONTH
WITH BRIGHTON & HOVE WINE CLUB
SBT LIFESTYLE SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 85
LI FEST Y L E
Hospitality Award Winner, The Cleveland Arms It has certainly been
Lifestyle
a year to remember!
We are so proud of our team and delighted to have won Best
Hospitality 2021! A huge thank you to our
customers for voting for us. Awards night, wow what a night! It has been amazing to
be able to open our beer garden again and we had the pleasure of sharing our award
win with our team and our customers who were braving the chilly April night.
The Cleveland Arms has a beautiful spot in Brighton over- looking Blakers Park.
86 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Famous for our Sunday roasts, we are
meeting every Monday for a beer at
current winners of Knorr’s UK Best Meat
The Cleveland, for over 30 years.
10% in 2020. We are an independent
We are open every day. Please either
home cooked food with produce from
caught cod and chips, Vegan wine, or
Roast and we hit the TripAdvisor Top
traditional pub that serves really good
pop by for a local real ale, freshly
local suppliers. You will also see a large
our monthly quiz night.
Brewery Sussex Best, Ditchling Gin, Silly
Clevelandarmsbrighton.co.uk
range of local drinks including Harvey’s Moo Cider and Ridgeview.
Community is important to us and its
lovely to welcome back the local tennis teams’ post-match drink and our
Monday Night Clubs who have been
Nostos, Hove We were voted
Lifestyle
within the top 10 for
International Cuisine, Best Team and Best for the Family at the
2020 Bravo Awards, also voted as the
top takeaway of the year across Sussex by the Argus readers. We were also
voted as the Best Eat Out to Help Out
restaurant during Aug last year. Finally, we were shortlisted at the prestigious
County Business Clubs Awards in the hospitality category.
OUR STORY STARTS HERE
The story of Nostos started 20 years ago in the Greek city of Thessaloniki, one of the culinary capitals of Greece, with a diverse and multicultural food scene.
That was the meeting point of Alex, our experienced head chef, and Kyriakos.
Both being passionate about authentic,
delicious food, it was not long before the idea of opening a restaurant together developed.After both friends moved
to the UK, Brighton and Hove’s unique
atmosphere provided the right backdrop against which the idea of Nostos
was materialised. We firmly believe
that a restaurant offering real Greek
gastronomy was missing from the city
through using carefully selected
Greek culinary experience. There is a lot
family recipes and taking inspiration
look forward to continuing our pursue
and roots. This is combined with our
future has in store for Nostos.
in both the restaurant’s design and
OUR VISION
non-animal tested paints, recycled
and thus aim to provide an authentic
ingredients, following traditional
of love for good food in our story and we
from our personal culinary journeys
of exquisite food and seeing what the
commitment to sustainability, visible decoration (use of reclaimed tiles,
To serve authentic, wholesome food,
aluminium external sign and wool-
heritage while taking inspiration from
and its dishes (made with responsibly
that includes iconic dishes as well as
meat sourced from Sussex farms
To prepare everything on site daily,
standard) to name a few examples.
taste and commitment to the best
wide variety of healthy, vegan and
as it should be. Honouring our culinary
alternative felt-look upholstery fabric)
local ingredients to create a varied menu
sourced local fish and premium quality
lesser known gems of Greek cuisine.
where welfare is of an extremely high
guaranteeing freshness, mouth-watering
Finally, our discerning menu with a
quality ingredients.
vegetarian options that does not
To keep our concept fresh and
authenticity, makes us stand out in
compromise on quality, taste and
contemporary and continue to get
Brighton and Hove’s restaurant scene.
culinary heritage and the high quality
www.nostos-hove.co.uk
inspiration from both the rich Greek locally available ingredients.
OUR GUIDING STATEMENTS
Our aim to provide our customers with the best culinary experience
of authentic Greek food lies at the
core of our values. We achieve this
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 87
LI FEST Y L E
Caught by Crab Shack
Sugardough’s Co-owners Julie & Kane
It’s all Food & Drink!
With the hospitality industry due to reopen its doors we caught up again with Noel Preston, Managing Partner of Preston Insurance Brokers in Brighton, about the new Rotunda and Shelter Hall Food Market on Brighton seafront and some of the businesses you will find there. Other than his love for
Lifestyle
food & drink, we asked
Noel what his particular interest was in the new development. “In the
lead up to the opening of the new Rotunda and Shelter Hall Food Market building we were introduced and recommended to a
number of the occupants to arrange their business insurance. The introductions
came from some of our existing Clients in the same industry. Our business exists and has largely grown due
to such recommendations and it is
always heartening when we receive such opportunities.”
As a consequence Noel wanted to provide space for some of their new Clients to help promote their own businesses.
88 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Caught by CrabShack is the new
week, 8am - 10pm, Tart by Sugardough
CrabShack Restaurant and Beach Bar
quality handmade food that is local &
without the fluff but with all the flavour,
beach. You can get your croissant and
part of the Shelter Hall Food Market,
into the evening.
sibling of the hugely successful
is all about fun modern British flavours,
in Worthing. Serving amazing seafood,
seasonal. Plus, the best coffee on the
so when approached by Sessions to be
dessert fix from early morning to late
their menu and ethos fitted in perfectly.
Sugardough has created stunning
Fresh and (mainly) local fish, produce &
croissants just for Tart including lemon
on premises. Founded and operated
In addition, you can get the new Puff
Sarah Tinker Taylor, an amazing duo, say
pissaladière - these delicious tarts are
By CrabShack to come..’.
topped with modern British flavours,
suppliers, everything is prepped daily
meringue and strawberries and cream.
by sisters in law, Lynda Racz-Taylor &
Tarts - based on the traditional French
watch this space for more ‘somethings
baked on handmade puff pastry and
Tart by Sugardough sells delicious
pastries and stunning mini cakes and
tarts at Shelter Hall. Open seven days a
perfect for the beach.
Sugardough’s co-owners Julie and
Kane opened the Bakery in Hove in
L I FE STYLE
Photo: Justin De Souza
Tom at Lost Boys Chicken
2009 and their Restaurant in Brighton’s Lanes in 2015.
Pan by Lost Boys Chicken founder
Tom Samandi left the ‘day job’ to invest his time and energy into his number
one passion – making incredible food.
He created Lost Boys Chicken, a brand
named in recognition of time spent in his youth, eating and having fun.
Lost Boys Chicken are a Brighton based restaurant specialising in perfectly fried chicken wings, buns, sides and above
all eleven homemade sauces which they smother on absolutely everything. They are open seven days a week at Shelter Hall on Brighton seafront.
Riddle and Finns are opening their new site on Brighton beach in ‘The
Rotunda’, which is part of the Shelter Hall restoration project, sitting in-between the two piers and over looking the beach.
With the original in the south lanes being at the forefront of the Brighton dining scene since 2006, Riddle and Finns
added their beach location in 2014, and
Riddle & Finns at ‘The Rotunda’
both restaurants have been extremely
people but they do work long hours
dining paired with quality seafood and
take its toll.”
popular with the concept of relaxed an extensive champagne list.
in high pressure scenarios which can
The Foundation and associated
The redevelopment of this historic part
Business Club will be putting on events
and Finns with a unique opportunity to
as part of the support and to provide
elevated position. ‘The Rotunda’ will
opportunity to join the Business Club
views of the city, seafront and Sussex.
or Supplier Membership please visit
In summary Noel continues “Having
membership/ for further details.
for many local independent hospitality
Please continue to support your
Sussex based charity called Table
establishments to ensure we have them
of Brighton seafront provided Riddle
through the year at local establishments
relocate its Beach site onto this new
awareness. To enquire about the
give their guests a near 200 degree
and the benefits of a free Restaurant
provided the commercial insurance
https://www.tabletalk-bc.com/
venues, I am also a Trustee in a new
local, independent businesses and
Talk Foundation. One of the main aims
around in our City for many years to come.
of the hospitality sector that have
Noel Preston, Managing Partner of
be related to redundancy, addiction
www.prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk
of the charity is to support members fallen upon hard times. This could
Preston Insurance Brokers
issues or mental health problems. As a charity, we want to make sure we
are there to support members of our local hospitality sector if they need
us. People in hospitality are some of
the hardest working and most creative
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 89
WI N E OF T H E MON TH
County Business Club Wine of the Month For this months wine of the month I have a chosen a sparkling rose wine from a small vineyard ran by Anthony and Zena near Blackboys called Tickerage which make a small range of excellent sparkling wines and a cider. Blackboys is a small village in East Sussex.
“There is an interesting explanation as to
the provenance of the Blackboys, the most likely explanation is the meaning ‘black wood’, so called due to the soot being
deposited in the woods from the charcoal burners that were prevalent in the area. Tickerage Vineyard only produce on
average 10,000 bottles of wine each
year and so are typical of a small batch producer. The old adage says ‘small
and perfectly formed’ - the vineyard’s
size and location means the family that own the vineyard can personally carry out all the work. For them, this was
crucial in order to be totally in control
of the development of the vines. With
Blackboys Vineyard being a 24/7 family
90 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
run operation, it allows the owners
note from its bottle aging. The wine has
impacts directly on the high quality and
and the right balance of sugar. As this is
to have the attention to detail which
balanced acidity with a long fruit finish
personal finished product.”
Extra brut is has less sugar than many
The wine I have chosen from their
or with smoked salmon or cold meats.
which is relatively well aged for an
Only 2000 bottles produced so get this
selection is the Blush vintage 2013
champagnes. An excellent rose on its own
English wine. This is a wonderful light
whilst you can, a great bottle of wine!
champagne grapes Chardonnay, Pinot
For more information or to make
rose English sparkling wine using Noir and Pinot Meunier.
On the nose we have strawberries and a hint of cranberry. On the palate this has luxuriously soft and fine bubbles. The
taste has lots of strawberries and a hint of cranberry with a nice toasty/yeasty
a purchase, please visit www.
brightonandhovewineclub.co.uk
SBT ASK THE EXPERT
WE HEAR FROM DAD LA SOUL
BATTLING THE SOCIAL ISOLATION OR LONELINESS IN DADS
TURN UP. DO YOUR BEST. BE CONSISTENT. BY BEN BENNETT, SECOND VOICE
SBT ASK THE EXPERT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 91
We hear from Dad La Soul Interview
Dan, tell us, what is
event that runs monthly on a Thursday
DLS is a revolutionary,
the country to laugh, talk openly, access
that uses arts, tech,
experts free of charge, watch stand-up
Dad La Soul?
night. It brings together Dads from all over
grassroots movement
professional wellness and mental health
and music to battle the social isolation or
comedians and take part in challenges.
for-purpose social enterprise six years ago.
We also produce an online magazine,
We run a network of dad/child only
audio documentary series. All of these
everything from stand-up comedy and
our stories in the way we want.
disco, beach cleaning raves that sit nicely
Can you tell us about your journey and
loneliness in Dads that I set up as a profit
playdates across Sussex, producing
rap workshops in old folks homes to silent
a new merchandise range and an
are made for Dads, by Dads that tell
alongside Lego, soft-play and crafting.
inspiration behind starting Dad La Soul?
The idea is that Dads need something
the last twenty odd years in digital/PR. I
honestly and let off steam with their
in 2015 ended up as a senior analyst for
From a career perspective, I’d spent
of their own to make friends, talk
started in the music industry, and back
kids in a safe space.
an international media agency.
During the lockdown, we launched the
On paper, it was great, big-name
“Dad La Soul Sessions”, a Dads-only
92 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
clients, decent salary and funky offices
– but it was utterly soul-destroying. I’d sold out everything I believed in for a step on the greasy corporate
ladder because that is what men were supposed to do.
At the time, I was also struggling with my father passing away. I did the
typical male thing and buried my head in work rather than deal with it, to the point where not coping with the loss, the stress of commuting, doing a job that I hated made me really ill, both physically and mentally.
I realised that I was leaving to go
to work before my son got up and
got home to see him go to bed if I
was lucky. Even then, I wasn’t fully
present; my phone and emails were
my priority because that was my role,
the provider, as I saw it. Being ill gave me a massive wake-up call.
ASK T H E E XPE RT Something needed to change. I
ended up quitting that job to start a revolution.
As a middle-aged man, it is pretty
embarrassing to say, ‘Hey, I’m a “Billy-
no-mates”, and I would like some proper friends to chat about more than which
team won the league. There are so many men like me: isolated, stressed out, and suffering from Imposter Syndrome –
feeling like they were failing as a dad. There are 96 men under the age of 45 being lost to suicide in this country
every week. Why? Because men don’t talk, and we desperately need to change that.
The past twelve months have been a
challenging period for so many. What has lockdown taught you, what have you struggled with, and how has it changed things for you?
It’s important to understand that, in
One minute we’ll have Dads from all
these crazy times, ‘that will have to
of taking on more practical, direct
Dads I know would have loved for
careers as school pickups, have taken
completing their Latin homework in
can only be a good thing.
month’s quarterly sales reports.
There is still a considerable stigma
Instead, we were dealing with complex
and can be perceived as weakness.
children’s. So, as long as they have not
and encourage more men to reach
s**t together without having a global-
Fatherhood doesn’t come with a
to dress like a princess?. Then the doors
experience, how difficult and lonely
to a wealth of support, advice or just
do’ is a normal feeling to have. Most
roles, joining mums who sacrifice their
over the UK debating why “The Stone
little Jimmy to sit beside us studiously
precedence over everything else. This
laughing at the ensuing banter.
record time while we box off next
around men that show vulnerability
Roses” are the greatest band ever and
Then, in a heartbeat, someone will
open up about their gambling issues
and the unprocessed grief of stillbirth.
Next someone will ask how to support a
emotional needs, both our own and our
How can Dad La Soul combat this
gone feral, I think managing to hold your
out and say ‘I am not ok’?
sized meltdown can be seen as a result.
rulebook, and, as I know from personal
get flung open and they have access
It’s universally accepted that it is
‘Dadulthood’ can be.
someone to listen to them vent safely.
childcare. Still, in recent years, I
At Dad La Soul, all the activities and
the playground and at our playdates
to say in a pub, “Hey, middle-aged
parental leave was more available.
your problems”, I’d be showered in
I think post-COVID, this is going to
mate, I’m fine” - But I know different.
Dad La Soul, please check out www.
shown many Dads “the other side”
socially isolated.
drop me an email dan@dadlasoul.com
Mums that do the majority of the
teenage daughter with her periods and eating disorders, or is it ok that their
five-year, West-Ham mad lad only wants
That is an incredibly powerful thing.
have seen more and more Dads in
content sparks conversation. If I were
Through my work with the Dad La
and heard so many wishing that joint
men, come over here and talk about
of all these conversations and more.
strange looks and a chorus of “Not me
If you want to find out more about
73 % of members admitted to feeling
dadlasoul.com @dadlasoul on socials or
continue. The forced lockdown has
Soulies, I have been privileged to be part
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 93
AS K TH E E X PE RT
Turn up. Do your best. Be consistent. In last month’s publication, I wrote about how chasing the money is the wrong tactic when looking to grow your revenues. And I want to continue that theme but on a more practical level. Ask the Expert
Sales targets are a curious thing for me.
closed deals, EVERY DAY?
to forecast and manage cash flow, but are
What would that mean to you or your business?
sales person?
Well the short version is, you wouldn’t technically need to
They are essential for the business in order they the right way to manage or measure a
The jury is out on that one (for me), but this is not about causing debate, this is more about exploring patterns of behaviour.
If I hire sales people, I want them to be consistent. I want them
worry about these artificial deadline dates, as you will always be delivering the best you can.
That means your revenues, might start to look a bit more like this:
to turn up and try their best, every single day.
The reason consistency is so important in sales is that it
mitigates against peaks and troughs in revenue generation.
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Working in the media space, there were regular occurrences
So given the choice of Person A) a whirlwind salesperson
the end of the month in order to hit the target, and earn the
consistently achieves every month, perhaps not to the highest
of having a last minute flurry of activity to drive revenue before
who hits big targets sporadically, or Person B) someone who
subsequent commission.
levels, I would have person B on my team every time.
This meant that the billing cycle looked something like this,
Consistency will always win when looking for customer and
due to the last minute scramble to the finish line:
revenue growth.
Make sure you are setting the right KPIs, for the right activity, to generate the right outcomes for your business, and Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
From a sales person perspective, it’s great. Target done, most
incentivise the right behaviours for your business. Turn up. Do your best. Be consistent.
of it in the last few weeks, and a big pat on the back. But I
Ben Bennett is Managing Partner of Second Voice
stressful, and takes a lot of energy!
enabling founders of B2B companies to accelerate growth
From a company perspective, it’s also more difficult to predict
mentor for the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator.
can tell you, having been one of those sales people, that its
outcomes of over (or under) performance.
Let’s assume you or your team stop being the types of sales people to have a sprint finish every month.
What if you showed up every day. Hit your activity KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) every day. Consistently
booked meetings, booked demos, sent proposals and
94 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
(secondvoice.co.uk) a Brighton-based company focused on through sales and operations. Ben is also a business growth
If you’re looking to grow your own company and want
impartial advice or support, please reach out to Ben at sbt@ secondvoice.co.uk
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 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 95
CONNECT THROUGH SPORT
FIRMBALLS - CONNECTING BUSINESSES THROUGH SPORT FOR OVER 10 YEARS
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WWW.FIRMBALLS.COM