SBT
SBT POWERED BY:
ISSUE 448
FREE
SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES
WE CHAT TO FOUNDER OF BRITTON & TIME, PAUL BRITTON BRAND NEW ‘GOOD BUSINESS’ SECTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOOD BUSINESS CLUB BRAND NEW SBT SPORTS SECTION INSIDE www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 1
S E RVI NG TH E SUSSE X BUS I N ES S COM MUN ITY S I NCE 197 5
Join our Community BRAND NEW FREE Today
County Business Clubs Sussex Community Platform
NOW LIVE
Content Hub
Community
Marketplace
Growth Services
Your Business | Your Community | Your Platform 2 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
www.countybusinessclubs.co.uk
SBTWelcome
W E LCO M E
Welcome to the latest, packed issue of SBT
This month we had great pleasure in catching up with the founder of Britton & Time Solicitors, Paul Britton. I also had the
privilege of having Paul as a guest on the County Business TALKS podcast, a truly great leader, solicitor, entrepreneur, and businessperson, you can see why Britton & Time has grown so rapidly in the past 18 months and will continue to do so.
We also are extremely excited this month to launch our new Sports Section, written by our new sports editor and member of the team Laurence Elphick. Plus, as you know County Business Clubs core values stems from our collaboration over competition ethos and this month, I am delighted to announce our partnership with the Good Business Club, as we launch our ‘Good
Business’ Section and hear from the brilliant Sara Osterholzer. We have more articles in our new, popular SBT Audio format to listen to on the go.
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 I hope you enjoy the issue, Sam Thomas, Managing Director
VALUE ADDED PARTNERS
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3
FRIDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2021 Friends of Arundel Castle Cricket Club Arundel Park, Arundel, West Sussex, BN8 9LH www.cricketatarundelcastle.co.uk
CHARITY CRICKET ‘PAIRS’ T20 MATCH In aid of the Table Talk Foundation Raising funds and awareness for a fantastic new Charity, Table Talk Foundation, Preston Insurance Brokers are giving you the chance to play on the hallowed turf at Arundel Castle Cricket Club. The most picturesque Cricket Club in Sussex with its magnificent ground in the heart of the West Sussex countryside has hosted first class cricket matches and a number of well known celebrity teams. Table Talk Foundation - Purpose Give grants to primary schools in Sussex to fund the Adopt a School programme, delivering high quality food education directly to the children of our community. Give grants to Hospitality Action, providing financial assistance and a range of support services to people within the hospitality industry who have found themselves in difficulty or crisis. You can secure one of the 20 places to play for just £250, with 100% of all the entry fees going to the Table Talk Foundation. Entry is open to cricketers of all standards and genders, 15 years of age upwards. All players will be required to wear appropriate safety equipment!
For more details, sponsorship opportunities and to register your interest in taking part please email
Noel Preston at noel@prestonib.co.uk and secure your place.
4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Issue 448
Cover 448
Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Production & Design Kim Butler Accounts Clare Fermor accounts@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 016 Published by The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by L&S Printing Limited Hazelwood Close Worthing BN14 8NP 01903 821005 www.ls-printing.com
All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Sussex Business Times Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Sussex Business Times Magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisement contained within Sussex Business Times Magazine. All prices featured in Sussex Business Times Magazine are correct at the time of going to press. Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2020 ©
07 13 17 21 27 33 39 45 49 53 57 61 65 71 77 83 87
Monthly News
A round up of News and good news stories from across the County
SBT Finance
How responsible investing could create a better world – By Zack Raven, McMillan Wealth Management
SBT Legal
A stitch in time – keep your advisors in the loop, Mayo Wynne Baxter
SBT Property
Hamlyn Smith – the making of a brand
SBT Cover Feature
We chat to the founder of Britton & Time, Paul Britton
SBT Start Ups & Entrepreneurs
Starting up? Do your research first! By BIPC | Bare Cacao – Feel good Naturally
SBT Good Business
How Innovation is heling to cut and fight climate change | Demystifying what it means to be a ‘Good Busines’, By Sara Osterholzer
SBT Sales & Marketing
5 Steps to the New Normal of Selling | What do rugby and sales have in common?
SBT People Management & Recruitment
‘Fire & Rehire’ practices under fire – what do Sussex employers nned to know about workers rights?
SBT Tech
5 Tips for Small Businesses and Start-ups, By Psydro
SBT Charity
Help us empower more children to save lives | Superhero IDrop raises over £16k
SBT Motor News
The Newest car Technology in 2021, Rivervale
Chamber News
We hear from Sussex Chamber – Brighton Brighton– Worthing & Adur Chamber
SBT Networking & Events
Table Talk Foundation launches | Best of British Members Club | Business Networking returns to the Amex Stadium
SBT Sport
Laurence Elphick Asks – A round up of – Football – Cricket and Rugby from across the County and much more…
SBT Lifestyle
Engage for Success with MIT Ventures | Wine of the Month
SBT Ask the Expert
Raising your professional profile, by Stephanie Prior | ‘I get to’ not ‘I’ve got to’ by James Lambert
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5
6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT MONTHLY NEWS
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7
MO NT H LY N E WS
Recognised businesses from the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Sussex and other business leaders and guests
Top 50 Fastest-Growing Businesses in Sussex receive accolades
Brighton & Gatwick based business specialist law firm, Acumen Business Law, hosted the first of their award luncheons for the Top 50 Fastest-Growing Businesses in Sussex on Friday at the private dining room of the Ginger Pig in Hove St in Hove. Acumen Business
Monthly News
Law launched the
Top 50 initiative to
identify and provide recognition to
local businesses for their outstanding
growth year on year and celebrate their successes after one of the toughest years in the business world.
Penina Shepherd, Founder & CEO
of Acumen Business Law, said: “It
was so great to see all these smiling celebrating faces around the tables. After a whirlwind year, it was a true
celebration of positivity, tenacity and
just a great informal Friday afternoon with like-minded business people. Hopefully, there will be more such
positive events to come in all other
aspects of our lives, both personally and in the world of business”.
8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Among the Top 50 participants
on the day were; Paul Cooper
of Clearstone
Business Services Ltd, Daniel
Blackham of Gbvi
Ltd, Chris Chadwick of Goodman
Lantern Limited, Ryan Zhu of
Houseen, Simon
Guests enjoying a luncheon at the Ginger Pig Private Dining Room
Fabb of Lease
Group Limited, Natalie Thomas of
Minton Young Limited, Steven Farrell
of Nio Comm Ltd, Matthew Freeman of
Numbers Studio Limited, Paul Mcmath of Prosper Home Loans Limited, Tom
Jackson of Ramjam Limited, Terry King of TNK Engineering Ltd and Daragh King of Tuff-Trek Ltd.
You can follow Acumen Business Law on social media and keep up to date with the latest news and initiatives. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
MON T H LY N E WS
Brighton Gin releases Pride 2021 Rainbow Fund limited edition bottles
Multi-award winning craft distillery Brighton Gin has announced their latest Artist’s Edition Pride limited release. Every year the distillery collaborates with an LGBTQ+ artist to not only platform their work, but to raise money for the Brighton Rainbow Fund.
They are delighted to announce that 2021’s Monthly collaboration is with News the Brighton-based multidisciplinary artist and LGBTQIA activist Fox Fisher. For this year’s release, Fox has chosen to make four separate but themed artworks, inspired by and celebrating queer lives hidden from history. Released as an initial run of 4 x 100 bottles in each design and individually signed and numbered by the artist, every one is a unique artwork in miniature.
sexuality and for me, Brighton has been the perfect place for this. There’s something special about this evolving city, and I wanted to pay homage to the queer people who lived and loved before me, during Regency times.”
Fox (he/they) says, “Brighton is a place I navigated to, as a place where I could truly be myself. Being able to explore myself through many incarnations, from being young queer working in the bars and clubs, to a drag king packing and posing, to a trans activist co-founding Trans Pride has been quite the journey. I’m proud of this city, which has been transitioning too.
Through their Community Spirit initiative, Brighton Gin has supported many hundreds of community organisations and charities across the city and beyond, and has donated thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser throughout the Covid pandemic. Kathy Caton, founder of Brighton Gin, said “with so many of the fundraising events that would usually support the Rainbow Fund having been cancelled, we’re really pleased to release this limited edition to support them. We’re long-standing
It’s important for people to have the space to explore their gender and
Every year since 2016, Brighton Gin has released a limited edition Pride bottle to not only celebrate Brighton Pride but also to support the work of The Rainbow Fund, the Brighton and Hove based grant-giving hub for local grassroots LGBT and HIV/AIDS organisations.
admirers of Fox’s work as an artist and as a campaigner and it is a dream to be working with them!” Chris Gull, chair of the Rainbow Fund, says, “thank you so much Brighton Gin for raising funds, yet again, with these beautiful limited edition Pride bottles. All the money raised will be distributed as grants to the local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects that we support. It’s a tough year for all of them, trying to continue to support hundreds of LGBTQ+ people in Brighton & Hove between them who require their vital front line services”. The Brighton Gin Pride 2021 Rainbow Fund Edition bottles can be bought directly from brightongin.com and from independent stockists Quaff and Good News. Recognising what a challenging year it will be for raising funds, 9% from each bottle will be donated to the Rainbow Fund (to match Brighton Gin’s 9th birthday this year). www.brightongin.com
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9
MO NT H LY N E WS
Eastbourne Car Auctions hit the fast lane after Covid revamp
Car-lovers have come out of Covid lockdown firing on all cylinders and taken the fast lane to trade in their cars for newer models or search for bargains at Eastbourne Car Auctions.
Business has been
Monthly News
brisk, as car owners are now able to
attend auctions in
person and feel the
excitement of bidding for the car of their dreams.
It is great news for Eastbourne Car
Auctions, who celebrated 50 years in business just as lockdown seized-up crucial parts of the UK economy.
“The Covid pandemic turned lives upside down and threatened the viability of key
elements of the motor industry,” explained
Jon Mitchell, owner and managing director
of the auction house. “Car auction centres, which relied on the general public and car
traders turning up in large numbers, stood on the brink of a catastrophe.
“We took the opportunity to explore
10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
the online possibilities and re-position ourselves as THE place for the widest
choice of cars online and the best deals available. It paid off.”
The online auctions allowed the car
professionals to continue buying and
selling, but the ending of lockdown has
seen a pent-up rush from consumers to trade-in their old cars and head to the auctions to spot a bargain.
“It’s been great to see people turning up again,” Jon said. “The online auctions
proved a big hit with our trade dealers, but our general customers love being
able to come in and see the cars before they bid for them.”
The swift actions of Jon and his team over the 14 months of isolation has
meant that Eastbourne Car Auctions is
now in a great place to meet the growing
consumer demand, while offering
traders a wide range of new services. Jon has set up nearly 1,000 new
accounts with used car dealers and
signed “disposal” deals with some of
the larger dealers. This means that the
choice of cars coming up for auction is larger than ever.
“We now take used cars from Caffyns, the Eastbourne Motoring Centre, St Leonards Motors and many other
dealers, so our customers get the top pick of the cars, Jon added.
“We feared the worst when Covid struck, but we have actually come out of it a
leaner, fitter and even more customerfocused business,” Jon said. “We’ve added a significant number of new
services to our portfolio and I am delighted with how we are currently trading.”
MON T H LY N E WS
Sackville Road: Demolition begins and local artists called
Moda is working with
Monthly News
construction company
Midgard to deliver 564 high-quality build to rent homes, turning
a rundown trading estate next to Hove
Station into a thriving inter-generational neighbourhood with extensive public
gardens. The masterplan also includes 260 care community homes.
The development is based on an intergenerational approach and
will appeal to both small and large
households of individuals - or families - as well as older members of the
community. The proposals also include communal lounges, private dining
areas, cafes, shops and 50,000 sq
ft of office and co-working space to foster emerging businesses/SMEs,
five communal roof terraces and open spaces - all designed to enhance community living.
Moda Living do not charge deposits
from would-be residents, do not levy
service charges and the monthly rental
includes an extensive range of amenities including access to the gym, internet and reduced electricity costs.
see their art featured in a prime position and showcase their talent.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing
Moda is also appealing for local artists
what local artists come up with to bring
artwork for an exterior wall at the site
history and culture.”
to express an interest in producing which overlooks Sackville Road.
James Blakey, Planning Director at
the wall to life and connect it with Hove’s
Approximately 70 per cent of the site will include new streets, squares, amenity
Moda said: ”Now that our regeneration
and open spaces.
planning consent, we’re happy to
It will create the equivalent of more than
Monday 12 July.
time equivalent construction jobs, with
“We expect demolition to take around
from the local area.
very excited to see this project get
Artists who would like to express their
much needed high quality rental
site should contact: moda@midnight.
of the Sackville Road site has received
announce that demolition will begin on
three months to complete. We’re
560 full time jobs and more than 150 full many people working on the site coming
underway and look forward to delivering
interest in a commission for the Moda
accommodation for the city, together
co.uk by Friday 30 July. A brief for the
with care home units and much more.
artworks is available on request.
“Moda is here to stay, so we want to
For more information, please visit:
support it. As a result, we are keen to
brighton-hove
be part of our local community and to
https://modaliving.com/live/location/
hear from local artists who would like to
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11
Probate fees set to rise despite continued delays, warn Kreston Reeves The Government has announced a consultation that will see probate fees increase despite continued and often significant delays caused by mistakes made by the Probate Registry, warns accountants, legal, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves. The Ministry of
Monthly News
Justice proposes to
increase probate fees
from £155 for probate professionals and
£215 for individuals to a flat rate of £273 for all applicants.
Simon Levine, a solicitor and Director of Legal Services at Kreston Reeves
comments. “The Government has said that it costs HM Courts & Tribunals Service more to process probate
applications than it receives in fees,
resulting in taxpayers subsidising the processing of probate applications.
The increased fee is expected to raise between £23million and £25million
each year from 2022. Estates worth less than £5,000 will continue to attract no fee.
HM Courts & Tribunals Service has recently introduced a new online
portal for probate applications, with
this portal now compulsory for almost all probate applications lodged by
probate professionals. However, HM
12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Courts & Tribunals Service still requires
complex estates, we have waited for
signed legal statement to be sent to
through. Before the online portal
the original will and a copy of the
up to six months for probate to come
them by post.
was introduced, probate was usually
There have been many complaints
submitting an application.
problems with the new portal. It
“The increase in fees is much less
Tribunals Service, which can take
and then scrapped before the 2019
increasingly difficult to speak to staff at
have resulted in fees of up to £6,000
by probate professionals about the
granted within two or three weeks of
requires a code from HM Courts &
than the increase proposed in 2018
up to 30 minutes to arrive, and it is
General Election. That increase would
the Probate Registry.
for a grant of probate which caused
The Government has closed many of the
that the proposed increase will cause
staff are often not as knowledgeable
maximum proposed increase is £118.”
to be. There have been many reported
The consultation closes on 23
mislaid or grants of probate containing
introduce the new fee early in 2022.
they have had to be returned which can
following link - https://www.gov.uk/
local Probate Registry offices and their about probate matters as they used
significant opposition. It is unlikely as much opposition given that the
instances of probate applications being
September 2021 and it is proposed to
mistakes in their wording, meaning that
The consultation can be found via the
result in significant delays.
government/consultations/aligning-
Simple probate applications are
cost-recovery.
but if inheritance tax is due or on
www.krestonreeves.com
currently taking around eight weeks
the-fees-for-grants-of-probate-to-
SBT FINANCE
HOW RESPONSIBLE INVESTING COULD CREATE A BETTER WORLD BY MCMILLANC ONSULTANTS
SBT FINANCE SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13
FI NAN C E
How responsible investing could create a better world
When Sir David Attenborough returned to our screens last year with A Life on Our Planet – his witness statement to the world – he stressed the way we collectively invest our pensions is “jeopardising the future that we are saving for”. 2020 was one of
Finance
the warmest years on record, and his words only
strengthen the view
that money needs to both earn a
return and be a force for good. The
investment industry is listening, and progress is gradually being made. Companies are also starting to
wake up to the idea that they may
have a better chance of long-term
success and profitability if they adopt sustainable business practices.
Responsible investing isn’t just about the environment, of course. The
COVID-19 crisis has turned our attention towards corporate behaviours – both good and bad – and helped illustrate why successful businesses are often
those that care about their people, their supply chains and their community.
A re-examination of our relationship with the planet and society is a reason why
more of us are allocating our savings to
Whether ESG funds will outperform
funds that look at ESG (environmental,
debated. Nevertheless, several studies
investment processes. A recent survey
ESG management tend to be more
38% of total UK assets integrate ESG
also better prepared for sudden crises
26% in 2019*.
sustainable governance approach.
sustainable investments and choosing
over the next 10 or 20 years is hotly
social and governance) factors in their
show that companies with good
by The Investment Association found
profitable over the long-term. They are
into the investment process, up from
than companies that do not follow a
14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Of course, many people will be just as
interested in the non-financial benefits that responsible investing can deliver.
Research from Nordea shows that our
savings can have 27 times more impact on our personal carbon footprint when
invested sustainably than other reduction activities like flying less, eating less red meat and shortening our showers.
FI NA NCE What is ESG?
ESG refers to Environmental, Social,
and Governance factors. This is a term used synonymously with Responsible Investing and relates to the additional
factors that are assessed and analysed alongside traditional company analysis before making investment decisions. Responsible investing in practice The Principles for Responsible
Investment (PRI) is a global leader in promoting standards of responsible
investment, supported by the United Nations. The group encourages
asset owners and managers to use responsible investment to better
manage risks and seek opportunities, in the pursuit of long-term value in sustainable markets.
As a topic, responsible investing is very
varied and constantly evolving but is the
means that fund managers can assess a company’s attitude to different factors, and whether they will be positioned
• climate change is a huge factor for the energy industry
• cyber security for the payments industry • labour rights and supply chain
management for the fashion industry
to perform financially in future. As
Investors increasingly seek information
to buy, hold or sell an asset our fund
investing, with growing awareness of the
examples, when deciding whether
about sustainability and responsible
managers will consider:
broader long-term aspects of successful
• i f the company is positioning itself
and effective investing.
to address the issues of climate
The value of an investment with St.
energy efficiency.
to the performance of the funds you
change, waste management and
• I s the company addressing any
James’s Place will be directly linked
views of the community it impacts?
To receive a complimentary guide
of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’
and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms
used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
* Investment Management in the UK 2019–2020, The Investment Association
www.mcmillanconsultants.co.uk
planning or Inheritance Tax planning,
contact Zack Raven at McMillan Wealth
wide variety of views ahead of making
email zack.raven@sjpp.co.uk.
important decisions?
products and services, more details
covering wealth management, retirement
levels of executive pay, does it report transparently, and does it listen to a
the Group’s wealth management
down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
• I s the business paying excessive
the purpose of advising solely on
select and the value can therefore go
issues in its supply chain, treating its workforce fairly and considering the
Financial Conduct Authority) for
Consultants Ltd, on 07581 348894 or
McMillan Wealth Consultants Limited
The factors relevant to each business
is an Appointed Representative of
and geographical location of the fund
Place Wealth Management plc (which
will vary according to the asset type
and represents only St. James’s
manager. For instance:
is authorised and regulated by the
Zack Raven
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15
ADVISORY / TA X / AU D I T
New look, same great service
Building a Brighter Future An accountant should do a lot more than just report on how your business is doing. They should help you identify opportunities to improve your profit levels and then support you in trying to achieve those improvements. We strive to understand what our clients want to achieve and are then proactive in recommending solutions that add value. We take a collaborative approach with our clients, working with them to provide a valueadded service rather than simple compliance. The focus is always on client service, with open and honest relationships.
Contact us E: info@carpenterbox.com in
www.carpenterbox.com 16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
LEGA L
LEGAL
A STITCH IN TIME - KEEP YOUR ADVISORS IN THE LOOP BY MAYO WYNNE BAXTER
SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17
A stitch in time – keep your advisors in the loop By Simon Baillie-Hamilton, Partner
Solicitors have long been the butt of jokes about sharks and charging for every minute of their day, but we have our place along with other professional advisers! Set out below are
Legal
some examples of where early
discussion with
advisors can prevent
problems and avoid unnecessary
expense and delay with proposed projects or transactions: 1. Licences/Tenancies
Many sites are shared between owner and third parties. The owner may be
relaxed about this and say, “Don’t worry,
18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
I’ll set up a simple licence agreement
and I can give them one month’s notice
to leave”. Any written agreement can be irrelevant; if the occupant has exclusive possession of an area and pays a rent
then they will be a tenant meaning they may have rights of security under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
Advice - Before letting third parties use part of a site, talk to your
solicitor. Setting up a proper tenancy agreement to avoid the rights of
security under the 1954 Act can be simple, inexpensive, and very cost effective in the long run.
2. Business Restructures or sales
For any business restructure, consider tax implications, bank borrowing,
property issues including possible
Stamp Duty charges, and employees and their employment rights. Not an exhaustive list but all areas needing
careful professional consideration to avoid pitfalls and delays.
LEGA L 4. Informal Arrangements
How often, when reviewing a property for sale, do we find that various third parties have been allowed access and use of parts of the property
for different purposes of their own, business or otherwise, paying a
rent or for free. In a large farm sale where I was involved, the slightly eccentric seller referred to these
as “kindnesses”. It is, of course,
admirable to help others, but to do so informally can have very unintended consequences.
Advice - Before committing to any “kindnesses”, check with either
your solicitor or a surveyor what the implications might be.
5. Commercial Contracts
Beware a commercial contract
which seems too good to be true – it probably is.
Advice – Unless you are certain that
you understand all the implications do not sign contracts put in front of you
without getting them reviewed by your 3. Property Sales and Leases
You may be very confident that you
have a clean title with no potentially problematic restrictive covenants
or third-party rights affecting your
property. It is always worth checking this with your solicitor before the
property is marketed. Where leasing or selling part only of your property, consider at an early-stage issues
such as access and services for the area being sold and the area being
retained. Will the letting or sale prove Simon Baillie-Hamilton
Advice – Set up an early round table meeting with relevant professional
advisors to establish what your aims are and therefore what issues need to be
resolved, how, and by whom. Follow up with appropriate advance action.
potentially disruptive to the retained land and/or business.
Advice -Instruct your agents and
solicitors to collaborate in reviewing
solicitor. If someone is pressing you
to sign up very quickly it is probably because the contract is deliberately disadvantageous for you. Summary tips
• Take professional advice early • Encourage site meetings
• Set up meetings of all relevant advisers • If you are concerned about
incurring professional fees, talk to your professional advisors about
fee structure and charging methods,
which they should be able to tailor to suit you, your business, and
cash flow.
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
titles and the practical arrangements on the ground and arrange a site
meeting with your solicitor and agent to discuss these issues.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19
Selling, buying or starting a business? Call us on 0800 84 94 101 Offices across Sussex
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk 20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT PROPERTY
HAMLYN SMITH - THE MAKING OF A BRAND WITH HAMLYN SMITH AND WHITESPACE
EDWARD STREET QUARTER REACHES HIGHEST POINT
GUESTS TAKE IN VIEWS AT BRIGHTONS NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOOD
SBT PROPERTY SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21
Hamlyn Smith - the making of a brand
Whitespace give us an insight into the process behind developing the brand and website for new Estate Agents in town Hamlyn Smith. Property
The process
excited to delve a little deeper into their
any new brand
how they wanted to set themselves apart
build project, it’s
helping them bring their vision to life, we
When we approach
ideas for their new estate agency and
creation and web
from the rest. We soon realised that by
really important to fully understand what
were going to create something really
the client wants to gain from their new
special for them.
want to convey with their branding.
Firstly we collectively brain stormed
us establish the creative direction and
error, the guys settled on Hamlyn Smith.
bring the whole concept together.
important step to help James with the
When we were first approached by Jerry
it’s associated brand would be the first
their new business venture, we were
to reflect their ethos, personality and
website and also the tone or feel they
Having these initial conversations helps
business names and after lots of trial and
allows us to draw on past experiences to
Having the name pinned down was an
Hamlyn-Eastell and Toby Smith about
22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
creative direction as creating the logo and step in the project. The brand needed
aspirations for the future, the results of this stage dictate the style and direction of the web build. James created a mood board
with colour choices, typography and other inspiration which helps to narrow down the end branding style and logo.
A logo forms the cornerstone of the
brand, which will be designed and built around it. We optimise the identity to
resonate with the target demographics and ensure the brand, website and
photography are consistent and have a unified tone of voice.
As with any company, you need the
brand to be trusted and, in time, your
P RO PE RTY
logo well recognised. Jerry and Toby
have solid industry experience along with
has created a professional online
to top notch customer service. You
values. Quality design, considered
your property sale and you may even
experience which reflects their core
would be lucky to have them represent
functionality and attention to detail are
make some long term friends in the
paramount on a site such as this.
process. We know we have.
James follows a four step approach
“As with any company, you need the
Jo Jensen - Account Director,
Research, Design and Refine. The
logo well recognised.”
jo@whitespace.studio
a relatable and down to earth approach and we feel this really comes across in their new website.
when it comes to brand design: Review, review stage allows us to chat through the aspirations for the brand and the
research stage sets the visual direction (there are no good or bad ideas at this
stage). Next is when he transforms those ideas into sketches with 4-6 designs put
forward for review, ending with the client feedback and their chosen concept for final development.
The primary purpose of the Hamlyn
Smith site is to encourage enquiries from potential sellers and of course buyers. The new site successfully
promotes their property portfolio and
brand to be trusted and, in time, your
This project has been particularly fulfilling
Whitespace
01273 258000
as we’ve been able to work with the client
Q&A with Toby and Jerry
more rewarding knowing that we have
What made you decide to launch your
and well rounded brand which will be
very tough year for many businesses?
estate for decades to come. It has been a
gave us time to step back and really
proud to have been a part of.
want to spend our time. We’re incredibly
Toby and Jerry are not only highly
years witnessing the decline in customer
progressive, passionate and dedicated
about opening up on several occasions
at the inception of their brand. It is even
been trusted to help create an impactful
own business during what has been a
synonymous with Brighton and Hove real
Like so many others, the last 18 months
brilliant partnership and a project we are
think about what’s important and how we
knowledgable estate agents, they are
passionate about property and have spent service within agency. We had spoken
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23
PRO PE RT Y
before but now seemed like the right time to share our knowledge and experience. Your company statement is to
provide a progressive, personalised
and passionate service to customers - what sets Hamlyn Smith apart from your competitors?
For too long the traditional estate
agency model has fallen far short of buyers’ and sellers’ expectations.
Quick wins, lazy marketing, lack of local knowledge, and being passed from
pillar to post have done the industry no favours. We do not want to just keep
up to speed, we want to set the pace
on what is expected from our role. We know how moving home can cause
unnecessary stress and anxiety, so it
is our aim to minimise those feelings at
We worked with you to create your
our armoury of tech is the my Hamlyn
website. Did you achieve what you
24/7 access viewing times, feedback,
branding and build your brand new set out to with the end result?
throughout the sales progression
set out to create a brand all the
it feels to be busy, so this platform
quite overwhelming. Fortunately,
clients accurately and efficiently, when
things worked out. When you first
process are complete. We know how
different ideas and opinions can be
allows us to communicate with our
we had James and the team at
it suits them.
off and over time those ideas we’re
What are your goals for the business
weren’t the easiest clients but now we
Our goal is simple…break the mould of
Whitespace to bounce those ideas
developed and refined. I’m certain we
over the next few years?
have a brand we’re extremely proud of
the stereotype our industry is tainted by.
we’ve had since opening has been
www.hamlynsmith.co.uk
and a website to match. The feedback amazing so I can’t recommend these guys enough!
Can you tell me more about the my
to finish. It may seem obvious, but
benefit your vendors?
we believe ensuring the continuity of
contact from initial listing to successful sale greatly increases the chances of a hasslefree experience for our clients.
24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
offers and when key milestones
We couldn’t be happier with how
every turn. All instructions are handled by the founding directors from start
Smith portal which gives our clients
Hamlyn Smith feature and how it will One of the key drivers behind our
business model is to embrace the
introduction of new technology and
the best online marketing. Amongst
www.whitespace.studio
P RO PE RTY
Edward Street Quarter reaches highest point Guests take in views at Brighton’s newest neighbourhood Edward Street Quarter
Property
treated guests to
rooftop sea views as Brighton’s newest neighbourhood
celebrated reaching its highest point. A topping out ceremony was held on top of its tallest building and visitors were
given tours of the development, which will complete early next year.
Edward Street Quarter’s highest point
“We are on track to complete next year
Jay Newman, McLaren’s Managing
local community alike.”
to celebrate the topping out of Edward
and welcome occupiers, visitors and the
Kevin Cooke, Senior Partner at Patron
Capital said: “Reaching topping out is a clearly a significant milestone for what will be a fantastic addition to Brighton City Centre, and we really appreciate
the team effort that has got us to this
point and we look forward to completion being achieved during next year”.
Director, South, said: “We are delighted Street Quarter with customers First
Base and Patron Capital. Linking in
with the local community of Brighton is key for McLaren and we look
forward to playing an important part in the development of a vibrant new neighbourhood in the city. With its
outstanding design, desirable location in the city centre and mix of uses, we
anticipate this flagship development to
is just over 31m, and the six buildings
Daniel Carlisle at Investec Real
hospitality facilities and new homes.
Quarter is an excellent example of the
Edward Street Quarter comprises
we love to support at Investec and we’re
Brighton’s burgeoning digital and
will accommodate offices, retail and
Businesses also had the opportunity to
walk around their future office or leisure space as the countdown to completion next year starts.
Estate commented: “Edward Street
transformational placemaking initiatives delighted to celebrate this important
milestone with the teams at First Base and Patron Capital.”
Steve Eccles, Project Director at First
Stephen Adams, Operations Director
point of Edward Street Quarter is a real
milestone achieved is testament to the
Base, said: “Reaching the highest milestone for the development.
“We were so excited to welcome our
guests for tours of Brighton’s newest neighbourhood and show them the breath-taking views from the top.
“With Grade A office space, new homes, retailers, cafes and leisure facilities,
as well as green spaces and inspiring
public art, Edward Street Quarter is set
to become a destination in its own right.
be a great success.”
125,000 sq ft of flexible space for
creative sectors and wider corporate community, making it the largest
provision of workspace to be delivered in the city since 1993.
at McLaren Construction, said: “This
20,000 sq ft is also set aside for retailers,
hard work of the McLaren team and
available, comprising a mix of private and
our excellent working relationship with our customer First Base and Patron
leisure and hospitality. 168 new homes are affordable units to meet local demand.
Capital. Despite Covid-19 challenges,
The development includes design
over £9 million of benefits to Brighton
wellbeing as well as three public green
our social value plan has implemented in our first year of construction by
focusing on local employment and training. With works continuing on programme, we look forward to
completing what will be a fantastic addition to the city.”
features to boost mental and physical spaces, heavily planted with mature
trees and an edible garden full of herbs. For more information, please visit http:// edwardstreetquarter.com.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25
Digital, design & branding
We are a full service creative agency specialising in design, web and marketing. Founded by three passionate creatives.
whitespace.studio 4 St. Georges Place, Brighton BN1 4GA 01273 258000 / hello@whitespace.studio 26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT COVER FEATURE
WE TALK TO BRITTON & TIME SOLICITORS WITH FOUNDER PAUL BRITTON
SBT COVER FEATURE SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27
We chat with Founder of Britton & Time Solicitors, Paul Britton When people ask me why I got into law, I usually give them two answers: the lawyer’s answer, and then the real one. What’s the difference? None. Not because the answers are the same, but because it really doesn’t matter what the answer is. What matters in this
Cover Feature
profession is how
persuasive you can
be, how compelling
your story is and how
strongly you can evidence the narrative.
And 9 times out of 10, that’s also the law. I grew up in the Buckinghamshire countryside. My parents were
entrepreneurs who worked their
way up from juggling 3 jobs each on the breadline to starting their own
28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
successful engineering business and
taking an early retirement. As with most
children, I took my childhood for granted at the time, not knowing much beyond my own environment.
To say I was a feral child would
probably be an understatement. I was
the skinny, gobby beanpole who would snap back and give as good as he got, sometimes to my own detriment. But somehow, I could talk my way out of most trouble I attracted.
This got me by and, without knowing, set me up for what life had in store
for me. After finishing college, my first real job was working in telesales at
the Phones International Group, one of Peter Jones’ companies, before
going into more sophisticated sales
roles and finally moving into complex
sales and strategy positions in London at a then FTSE 100 company. The
key thread that ran through each of
these roles? Problem solving. Whether dealing with objections, dithering
COVER FE ATU RE
decision-makers or gaps in business offerings, these issues seemed to
have common-sense solutions – at least from my perspective.
It was only at the age of 25 that the thought of doing something more
challenging struck me. It was either going to be law or medicine and I
didn’t really fancy working in a hospital. I decided law would be the better
option and would open more doors in business. I was already running rings round people in discussions, so why
not do it professionally I thought? Being a fairly impulsive person, I took no
time in enrolling on a law degree. Work didn’t stop, but I did make the switch to a slightly more relaxed role as a
lifeguard to earn a few extra pounds in between lectures.
I absolutely love swimming and have
done so all my life, but as a lifeguard,
there’s rarely any opportunity to do so and it’s fairly dull. You sit on poolside
waiting for someone to start drowning (which in reality never happens), and
only get up to stretch your legs once in a
while before returning to your chair. But
you do get to chat to the swimmers and, naturally, colleagues from time to time. Speaking to the children’s swimming
teachers, I learnt they were getting paid more than me for working fewer hours, plus the added benefit that teaching children to swim looked like it was
actually quite fun. I quickly trained up and
completed the ASA teaching qualifications and started to take on swim classes for children from 4 to 15 years old.
Time flew by and, before I knew it, I had left university, finished law school and
was lucky enough to have three training contracts offered to me from past
connections in the city. I took the one offered by a boutique London-based
litigation practice led by an ex-Clifford Chance solicitor.
Perhaps it was the troublemaking in my youth, or something else, but I
just found litigation straightforward.
The rules were clear, and I could be
persuasive while following them, which no doubt stemmed from talking my
way out of trouble in my younger years. But more so, I had become intelligent in my arguments and was therefore
compelling when I spoke. I could see solutions and the evidence needed
where others couldn’t. And lastly, I could
piece everything together to build a legal
argument to the advantage of my clients, all while repeatedly winning cases.
Despite my newfound profession, I
couldn’t work under someone else for
long. It just wasn’t for me. All I wanted to do was continue to be out of my
comfort zone and seek new challenges whilst creating opportunities, both for myself and others.
Living through my parents’ sacrifices to scale up a business and create
livelihoods for their employees and for our family, I wanted to do the same.
I knew I could offer an experience in
a new firm that others rarely did. One which would address the common
issues clients complain about rather than paying lip service to them. A
firm that centres around maintaining the highest quality of service, with a
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29
C OVE R F E AT URE
commercial focus. In 2017 I incorporated Britton and Time Limited, which would be the vehicle for my future law firm. I’ve always been a firm proponent of building meaningful and lasting
relationships rather than one hit wonders. One who cares about customers rather
than cashing in on their misfortunes and moving on to the next.
There was just one blocker: the
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the body that oversees law firms, requires anyone running a practice to have a
minimum of 3 years’ experience as a
solicitor – experience I didn’t have just yet. But that wasn’t going to stop me. Instead, I found a firm in Brighton for sale, Martin Ross Solicitors, led by a sole practitioner looking to retire.
To be honest, Brighton was a bit of a
wildcard. As with most people, I’d only ever visited as a tourist to grab some
mini doughnuts and lounge by the sea. Business-wise, I knew nothing about
the area. I did my homework and saw
30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
there was a thriving community of law
firms, which meant one thing: the market for legal services must be sizeable, and therefore so must the opportunity.
After purchasing the practice and jumping through the regulatory
hoops, I was approved by the SRA
for exceptional permission to lead the practice, which then traded as Britton and Time Solicitors.
Fast forward 3 years and we’ve grown to 16 members of staff, with another
4 set to join this month. Brighton is a fantastic city, but it doesn’t have the
natural pull or reputation that London has for people seeking a career in
law. Recruitment and attracting the
best talent aren’t always easy, but we have managed to attract some hard
surrounding areas, and many have
joined as apprentices, who I hope will stay with Britton and Time to develop their careers further.
When recruiting, I look for one thing
above anything else: a traditional hard-
working ethic. If you’re looking for a full hour lunch break and 9 - 5 then that’s not going to work for our clients. Our clients want access to their lawyers when they need them and often at times when we least expect it.
It still shocks me now when I sit down with some clients and ask them why
they chose Britton and Time. A sizeable number say they phoned around 5 or 6
firms locally, and we were the only ones to pick up.
hitters from good city firms which has
The only ones.
haven’t benefited from the same level
What else could these other firms
given us the edge over local firms that of training.
The vast majority of our back of house team come from Brighton and the
possibly be doing? A shopkeeper would
be silly to ignore customers at the till, so
why would we not pick up every call into our business?
COVER FE ATU RE This is why I am so particular when it comes to recruitment. I simply don’t want to employ someone who has
settled into the mindset that clients are an inconvenience, or that doing just
enough to get by is okay. It’s not okay! Taking on talent in its nascent state
is important and the sooner we get a professional starting on their journey then better it is for the firm and their career in general. Instilling shared
business ideals and showing how they benefit not only the firm but also the
employees and clients is the key to any business’ success.
COVID-19 and lockdown were pivotal for Britton and Time. Back in March 2020, there were just 4 of us and I
remember gathering everyone together in the office the day before lockdown
kicked in. I told them we would be ok,
that we were small enough, and luckily solvent enough that we could weather the storm. I had seen downturns in
the economy before, both in 2002 and 2008. We shut our doors for about a
month, until new guidance came out
that, as a law firm dealing with wills and probate, some of our staff were classed as key workers and allowed to continue operating from the office.
While many businesses were forced to work from home, we were fortunate in that we were one of the few services able to see clients under particular circumstances.
The uncertainty of lockdown also meant that many law firms were sadly letting
go of newly qualified solicitors. As the pandemic loomed outside, inside we invested heavily into recruitment and
doubled down on our online presence. It was a calculated risk, which paid off.
We were able to take on solicitors from
other firms who were fed up with home working and who saw working in the office as an opportunity to partially
return to normality, and we gained a
significant number of clients who were
simply unable to get in touch with their usual law firms.
I know staying open has been a luxury
in the past year and a half, and one for which I’m grateful. However, even in
non-COVID times, I have never been a
fan of home working. When it comes to
the law, there is no better way of learning and training than challenging each other in person. Often, there are times in the
office when we’re debating the best way
forward for a client, and someone comes up with a brilliant solution, then someone else trumps it with a better one. It’s not as dramatic as it is on TV like on Suits,
but by working together, we’re able to do
the best for our clients. More importantly, we all want to do the best by our clients. It’s more than just a job.
Zoom, Skype and Teams have come a
long way over the last year, but they are nothing new. I was speaking to clients
on Skype in 2005 and even then, it was
no substitute to face to face meetings and still isn’t.
As we’ve eased out of lockdown, what’s struck me most is how businesses have
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31
C OVE R F E AT URE
that way, and it’s a lesson I’ve held
out for modernisation and an
such a range of legal services at Britton
and younger audience.
pigeonholed into only doing divorce,
What I really want to do is apply
that doesn’t benefit anyone. I enjoy
applied time and time again and
is to ensure that the business survives
roof. Car dealerships are no longer
always be inevitable. After all, what
loan providers, body shops and, in
housing market crashes?
Supermarkets no longer just sell
But I don’t only think in terms of the
phones and data plans, and insurance.
There are so many other areas or
It’s not going to happen overnight,
or professional services, and which
of determination to achieve, but I feel
agents, financial advisors, mediators,
watch this space.
close to heart. That’s why we offer
and Time. I don’t want the firm to be
Paul Britton
adapted to the challenges it presented. Some haven’t been able to operate at
all, some were faltering and were dealt a death blow, and others have thrived
through sheer determination and good strategic planning.
My father used to tell me to make the most of the times when business is good, because it won’t always stay
32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
approach which can attract a newer
or conveyancing or only wills. In reality,
the same model that has been
variety, but my main reasoning for this
bring these sectors under one
through any hard times, which will
just car dealerships; now they’re
happens to all the conveyancers if the
some cases, merchandise outlets.
law, or indeed of Britton and Time.
groceries; they sell electronics,
‘verticals’ that touch upon the law
and it’s going to take a good amount
work in tandem with us such as estate
like we’ve started on that journey, so
and accountants.
Many of these sectors are booming,
especially in smaller towns and cities, but as with the law, they are plagued with traditional businesses crying
www.brittontime.com
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES
STARTING UP? DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST BY BUSINESS & IP CENTRE SUSSEX
BARE CACAO - FEEL GOOD NATURALLY WITH FOUNDER, AARON NEWLAND
SBT START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33
N EW B US I N E S S
Starting up? Do your research first! Make your idea a reality with industry led data, gathered by experts A common theme we
New Business
hear at the Business
& IP Centre (BIPC) is that the enthusiasm people have for
starting their own business is quickly
dwarfed by two things; during lockdown, it was the problem of developing the
business idea in isolation, with no one
to give unbiased critique and feedback. The other is the overwhelming list of new skills which seem a requisite of becoming a business owner.
34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Write a business plan? Sort out
commercial rent logistics? Health and safety legalities? Somehow develop a
website? Find customers? All the while tiptoeing around the white elephant of intellectual property - what is a
who got in touch with the BIPC in the last couple of months, have lost their
job during COVID and wish to continue their profession, utilising their existing skills, but on their own terms.
trademark anyway?
While others decided that this is the time
No need to panic! Just take a deep breath
long-lived dream of starting a business in a
and let the BIPC give you a helping hand. Lending a hand
Approximately a third of the people
to gather their courage and realise their
completely different profession or sector. Either way, our range of free
information resources will greatly
N EW BUS I N E S S
benefit any type of start-ups. Tell us your story
Our first steps with start-ups is to hear their story - which we love to do - finding out
how they came up with the business idea, why, and what stage it is at the moment.
Whether someone approaches us with a
few notes on a napkin or a full 30-minute presentation with a theme tune, we’re
here to help and support. Some people worry about bringing in a bare bones
idea, apologising that they don’t really
know where to take it next or if it’s even feasible to bring to fruition – but that
spark often leads to fantastic things, with just a little guidance.
This is a great way to start the process as the existing experience, skills and
the needs of the start-ups vary greatly – someone bringing an invention to
patent, so they can license it out needs very different advice and information
from someone dreaming of setting up
their own cat café in the Brighton Laines. The next step is to then discuss what resources the BIPC have to help
them, what tools will assist them, and
signposting to any contacts who would be able to lead them further in their chosen field.
Business & Industry databases
Our free resources for start-ups include £5 million worth of online business and
industry directories, market reports from top publishers and company data for more than 144 million UK and global companies, that will help them get it
right from the beginning and significantly increase their chance of success.
Our advice is to start with COBRA COBRA
The Complete Online Business
Reference Advisor is a practical and comprehensive resource for anyone wanting to start a business.
It contains over a thousand small
Thinking of setting up as a florist? It
specific reports. It is easy to use and to
are, street by street, plus where the
business factsheets, guides, and sector-
can tell you where the current ones
understand as there is no jargon.
vacant units are so you can decide if
It includes incredibly thorough guides
the busy high street. In addition, LDC
- Pet groomer, anyone? Ice cream
the location you’re looking into –
wealth of legal documents and start-
rates of businesses, how busy the
to focus on a quieter part of town or
on how to start a particular business
gives you amazing statistics about
van driver? Blacksmith? - as well as a
employment rates, opening & closing
up guides.
main shopping areas are.
From how to create a cash flow, a
You can access LDC at Jubilee Library
food safety regulations and how to get
hand to assist you.
information you need on COBRA to turn
These are only two of our ten invaluable
business plan, and marketing plan to
your first employee, you will find all the your idea into a business.
You can access Cobra from home with
in Brighton, where the BIPC team is on
databases that can help you at every stage of your business growth.
a Brighton & Hove Library card or at
Next time: Why should I conduct market
BIPC team is on hand to assist.
And the databases that can help.
Another one of our databases which is
gov.uk/bipc or email bipc@brighton-
Jubilee Library in Brighton, where the
perfect for start-ups is Local Data Online.
research before starting my business?
Find out more at www.brighton-hove. hove.gov.uk
Local Data Online (LDC) For anyone setting up a business which has a public site (shop, café, theatre),
LDC allows you to zoom in on the city/ town/retail park you’re considering for your business and analyse it for you.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35
Bare Cacao - Feel good naturally Developed and manufactured in Worthing West Sussex, Bare Cacao is, quite simply as the name suggests, nothing but 100% organic cacao What was once a
New Business
sacred plant drawn
upon for its ritualistic and ceremonial
attributes has since
become a bi-product of the beloved
confectionary bar. Around 80% of the world’s chocolate is predominantly
sourced from the West coast of Africa
and for many years those farming and
36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
working have been severely mistreated; with the final products on the shop
shelves made up of mostly sugar, milk powder and vegetable oils, the origins of cacao have been lingering in the background… until now.
Theobroma cacao, an amazing
plant farmed within only 20 degrees north or south of the equator (with
the majority coming from only 10
degrees either side), is once again
gaining the appreciation it deserves. The word Theobroma derives from Greek “food of the gods” and this
fermented bean was both currency
and food throughout Mesoamerica for thousands of years prior to the first
European settlers arriving. It was here
that it was first discovered and served
N EW BUS I N E S S
as a bitter drink, made with water, and selected spices and herbs.
Today, something that is used in
ceremonies across the globe, there is evidence of cacao consumed in
ceremonial bowls over five thousand years ago deep in the Amazonian
jungles. It is considered that ancient tribes believed cacao to have many
health benefits, especially for the heart
a beautifully designed black and gold
now have a growing retail presence
sources in Peru. The innovation is in the
stockists like Infinity foods in Brighton
pack, with all beans coming from ethical fact its ground and prepared in much the same way as a premium grade coffee
“In the wake of the current pandemic
in the beverage is derived from the way
before, many people are working
Honouring its origins, the core principle in which this drink would have been consumed for thousands of years.
Its founder Aaron Newland created the
part of both wedding and religious
to coffee as an after-midday drink. Or,
ceremonies across the whole region.
Sadly what followed the initial meeting between the Spanish conquistador,
Cortez and the Aztec king Moctezuma in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan,
(Now Mexico city) in 1519, was mass genocide and death of over twenty
million people with most of the culture and history erased.
Today, this is a history being honoured in the way that it deserves. Developed and manufactured in Worthing West Sussex,
Bare Cacao is, quite simply as the name suggests, nothing but 100% organic
cacao. Roasted ground and packed in
and Rushfields farm shop in Henfield.
and served in a French press (cafetiere).
and connection to mother earth. Historic artifacts depict cacao as a central
in health food and farm shops, with
brand to provide an enjoyable alternative for those looking to cut caffeine out completely for health reasons, with only a trace of caffeine in the drink
(less than in decaf coffee). Improved
sleep, naturally occurring minerals and
antioxidants, plus a reduction in anxiety are some of the many benefits. But,
above all else many of the companies’ regular customers just enjoy the drink
because of the rich, yet refreshing taste. Aaron has recently undergone a pack change and feels confident to now
approach bigger buyers in both the
UK and around the world. The majority
anxiety and stress is worse than ever
around the clock, and struggling with the challenges of constant changes
in both family and work life demands
with little time for themselves. In short,
we are working longer and harder than ever before. Many of us are reaching for caffeine-based drinks late in the
day. By simply taking a few minutes back each day to stop and breathe,
reset your central nervous system and
build a healthy ritual into your day, with a cup of Bare Cacao, the knock-on
effect on other areas of your life will be
paramount.” Aaron Newland Bare Cacao Readers can use the code freetravel at checkout to save on the P&P for first orders, to try it out for themselves. www.barecacao.co.uk
of sales are currently online via their
website www.barecacao.co.uk, but
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37
Are you a growing business in the Sussex area? If you want to differentiate your products or services, explore new revenue streams or prototype new products – the Inspire programme is for you! Get access to a fully funded unique innovation programme. Built from world-leading research – informed and shaped by SMEs. Identify partners that are the best strategic fit for you and explore new business practices.
INSPIRE APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW Find out more at briteinnovation.co.uk
SUPPORTED BY
38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
GOOD BUSINESS
HOW INNOVATION IS HELPING TO CUT CARBON AND FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
IN WEST SUSSEX
DEMYSTIFYING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A ‘GOOD BUSINESS’
BY SARA OSTERHOLZER, THE GOOD BUSINESS CLUB
SBT GOOD BUSINESS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39
How innovation is helping to cut carbon and fight climate change in West Sussex Record heatwaves
Good Business
in the US and
devastating floods
across Europe have shed new light on
the urgency of the climate crisis. In
coastal West Sussex, global warming is
predicted to bring more frequent, intense flooding, drought, episodes of extreme heat and stormier conditions, a rise in
sea levels and greater coastal erosion, impacting on habitats. We are already seeing some of these effects today.
Local authorities in the region have declared a climate emergency and pledged to reach net zero carbon
emissions by 2030. The Coastal West Sussex Partnership has prioritised sustainability – and innovative
40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
schemes are under way to help tackle climate change.
Following a successful campaign for a
byelaw to restrict trawling, with support
from Sir David Attenborough, the Sussex
Kelp Restoration Project has launched to restore almost 200 square kilometres of lost kelp forest along our coast.
Kelp – brown seaweeds which draw down carbon from the atmosphere - once formed a huge underwater
forest along the coastline from Selsey to Shoreham, but since the 1980s
the habitat has been decimated due to trawling, storm damage and the
dumping of sediment by dredging boats. The Sussex Nearshore Trawling Byelaw means the seabed is now protected
from bottom-towed trawling gear in the new exclusion zone, allowing kelp to
regenerate and ecosystems to recover. As well as enriching marine life, a
renewed kelp forest could also reduce
the impact of waves on our shorelines. The University of Brighton is leading research into carbon flows and how
much carbon the kelp could capture, as the water quality and seabed
substrate will define how dense the kelp return will be.
Henri Brocklebank, director of
conservation policy and evidence at
Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “We have less than four per cent of the original kelp forest remaining – it’s shocking
we’ve lost this incredible ecosystem.
GOOD BUS I N E S S
As part of the group, Shoreham Port
has set out ambitious plans for a green hydrogen hub to provide clean energy to the transport industry, including
lorries, buses, ships and aircraft – some of the highest carbon emitters, which are also critical for the economy. The port plans to develop an operational electrolysis hydrogen plant by 2024. Wind, solar and hydro power will be converted into renewable hydrogen
through electrolysis – a process which
is almost silent, produces no waste and emits no pollutants.
Global engineering and consultancy firm
Caroline Wood
Ricardo is also investing £2.5 million in a
port is continuously looking at ways to
hydrogen development and test facility
reduce its environmental impact across its
at its Shoreham Technical Centre.
infrastructure and property developments.
Group risk manager Andrew Swayne
He said: “As an EcoPort, we’re
the Greater Brighton pledges on the
the forefront of design for developments.
said the scheme supports several of
committed to putting sustainability at
environment (the GB10), which include
Every new site must follow a template of
commitments to promote clean fuel.
high sustainability standards.
He said: “Ricardo is part of Hydrogen
“At our Maritime House business
coming back.
“The plan is to create a centre of
a water source heat pump for heating
“We know the climate crisis and the
transport engineering, helping the drive
system and saving about 70 tonnes of
Allowing the kelp to regenerate is
and positioning the region and the UK
more biodiversity and bioabundance.
industrial revolution.
involved, but biting the bullet does bring
“Natural restoration of the kelp will be
“But there is still a lot of work to deliver
emissions earlier than expected.”
Sussex, which is really exciting.
centre we’ve invested £0.5 million in
excellence for hydrogen and electrified
and hot water, replacing an oil-fired
ecological crises are inextricably linked.
to become a zero-carbon economy,
carbon every year.
animating the carbon cycle – creating
at the forefront of the global green
“There are significant investments
But the good news is it’s already
economic benefits, and reduces carbon
drawing down carbon for everyone’s
on the GB10 pledges.
habitats.”
“One of the biggest challenges is
Sussex Partnership, said: “We’re really
Another major scheme to combat
is some progress on council housing but
green growth as part of a Greater
Hydrogen Sussex, an energy group
For new builds, we want to adopt energy-
benefit. We all want to see healthy
Caroline Wood, director at Coastal West
decarbonising the built environment. There
proud of our commitment to develop
climate change has been launched by
it needs to be the entire built environment.
Brighton initiative.
working to stimulate the push towards
efficient building regulations.
“We need to look at everything we do
Greater Brighton Economic Board, with
“Who will benefit most? Our grandchildren.
make this region a leader in the fight
members from across business, councils
Post-generational thinking is so important.”
against climate change.”
to put the region at the forefront of the
Director of property and infrastructure
For more information, visit https://
a zero-carbon economy. Led by the
and academia, Hydrogen Sussex aims hydrogen fuel revolution.
at Shoreham Port Tim Hague said the
through the prism of sustainability to
coastalwestsussex.org.uk.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41
GOOD B US I N E S S
Demystifying what it means to be a ‘good business’
In a world where sea
Good Business
levels have doubled in the last two decades in comparison to the last century, where it
is estimated that all our fossil fuels will
be depleted by 2060, and about half of humanity is living on less than $5.50 a day, the world needs businesses now
more than ever to look at building better models that positively impact people and the planet.
But from ESG reports to Bcorp
certifications, from flexible working
policies to eco-packaging, it can be
overwhelming to know what to do or where to start, right?
That’s why at The Good Business Club we’ve designed the Good Business
42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Framework to demystify what it means
to be a good business and to showcase real-life examples of what organisations are doing to build better businesses.
I believe one of the most powerful tools we have in this space right now is the
experiences from those businesses who have been pioneering and innovating in this space for decades. They have tested out new models and trialed
innovative approaches. The lessons
they have learned can save businesses years of resources, capital, and most
importantly, time when looking at doing business differently.
So let’s start by looking at the Good
Business Framework and then explore existing approaches local businesses in Sussex are already seeing the benefits of.
The Good Business Framework
It’s worth noting that there isn’t a
universal definition for, “impact-driven”, “purpose-led” or “good business”, so at the Club we’ve defined them
as “businesses that have a purpose beyond making a profit. Financial
sustainability is key but not at the cost of people and the planet”.
Is that an easy commitment to live up to? No way! Every decision is tough. There are extra lenses that business owners
and leaders need to look through and it isn’t as black and white as “what is the cheapest option to the business?”.
So let’s go one step deeper and look at
the six areas a business owner can focus on if they are looking to have a more
positive impact through their business.
GOOD BUS I N E S S
1. Employees
Cobalt Beach streamline business
from business transparency to employee
technology, improving customer service
you of the people who make up your
work with vegan-owned businesses as
From recruitment to fair working policies,
processes with automation and
development, how considerate are
and reducing costs, and they choose to
teams and shaping work that works for
this aligns with the founders values.
everyone, not just the business?
Plus X, an innovation hub in London
Just helpers, an award-winning
and Brighton, drives social impact by
about fair and equal opportunities for
as well as innovation programmes to
cleaning company, are passionate
offering coworking and office space
all, and one way that this comes to life
purpose-led businesses.
the Living Wage.
3. Supply Chain
D&A is an award-winning disabled-
or catering for an event? Have you
students, organisations and social justice
host or your recruitment agency? Are
practice what they preach, with 85% of
with good businesses and creating an
is by paying all their staff at minimum
Where are you sourcing your stationary
led social enterprise which supports
considered the impact of your web
projects to create inclusive cultures. They
you finding and choosing to work
their team self-identifying as disabled
ethical supply chain?
to specialists if you are interested
HISBE is an ethical supermarket
inclusive business.
are proving that supermarkets can
2. Clients and Customers
impacting people and the environment.
or neurodivergent. They are the go in becoming a more diverse and
transforming the food industry. They be sustainable without negatively
Have you considered your policies
As well as many other good business
treating customers fairly, and avoiding
only from suppliers who are either
around working with good businesses,
practices, HISBE chooses to source
working with unethical businesses?
local, ethical, or organic, and unlike
more supermarkets, they pay their suppliers a fair price.
RubyMoon, an ethical swim and gym
wear social enterprise reuses recycled fishing nets from the ocean to create
long-lasting swim and gym wear for the socially conscious swimmers. 4. Products / Services
If you’re creating a product or service, is it having a positive impact in the
world? This could be being certified
fair trade or organic, looking at circular models or supporting people in need, making it more accessible or a more
ethical alternative to other products/ services etc.
MarinaTex is a startup in the R&D
stage, creating an alternative to plastic that’s made from fish guts and other
seafood waste. It is biodegradable and completely organic so not harmful to people, animals or the environment. Second Shot Coffee is a coffee
social enterprise that trains, employs, and supports people affected by
homelessness. So when you visit
their cafes, you can expect delicious
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43
GOOD B US I N E S S target of raising £77,000 for charity.
to bring learnings from the community
6. Environment
Business’ section of this magazine.
Is your business harming
Expect real-life examples in each
carbon footprint, reducing
Good Business Framework in more
encouraging green travel,
practical lessons to help you build a
considered reducing your
edition covering all six areas of the
or recycling materials,
detail and sharing the challenges and
using green energy etc.
better business.
Create.net are a website
Let’s do good business.
squarespace or Wix),
The world of business is changing and
who take sustainability
Sara Osterholzer is leading the charge
by renewable energy and
She believes there’s a different way
with Ecologi to remove the
people and the planet while still being
seriously. They are powered
coffee and food, and also know you’re
contributing to the future of the people working there.
5. Local Communities
Are you doing anything at the moment to work collaboratively with local
organisations or give back to community
initiatives through time, money, skills etc. The Bevy is a pub that was closed down and then saved by the community,
who now all own a part of the social enterprise. Everything that The
Bevy does is in service of the local
community. Whether that’s hosting
playdates and activities for parents and children or ensuring no elderly member of the community spends Christmas alone, every activity brings the
community together to reduce isolation and increase community cohesion.
Search Seven are an award winning
marketing agency who pledge 7% of their annual profits to charities and
local community projects, and have so far raised over £50,000 in 10 years. To mark our 10th anniversary this year,
they’ve set themselves the ambitious
44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
to you through the new ‘Good
the environment? Have you
hosting platform (like
Sara Osterholzer
teamed up with Sussex Business Times
are working in partnership
to do business that positively impacts
carbon footprint they have
profitable and is demystifying what that
created over the last 19 years,
and create a carbon neutral business. BHESCo are a cooperative leading
looks like to support business owners create sustainable businesses, for themselves and the world.
the transition to clean, affordable,
Sara is a good business specialist and
Solar for Schools project to tackling fuel
co-founder of The Good Business Club.
accessible to their communities.
of leaders looking to redesign the world
At The Good Business Club we know
not banging the drum for purpose-
a given. Figuring it out on your own,
around on her motorbike or breaking
community owned energy. From their
impact-entrepreneur, most recently the
poverty, they are making green energy
She also mentors the next generation of business, for good. When she’s
running a good business is tough, that’s
led business, you can find her touring
that’s a choice. Would you rather waste
the taboo around mental health.
or collaborate with other businesses to
sara@saraosterholzer.com
resources on trying to reinvent the wheel learn from their lessons and co-create
www.saraosterholzer.com
approaches that have a lasting impact?
www.thegoodbusinessclub.com
Businesses across the UK are joining
Twitter: @SaraSophieOst /
business, and problem solve some of
Instagram: @saraosterholzer /
minded business people.
LinkedIn: Sara Osterholzer /
the movement to pledge to do better
@TheGoodBizClub
the most challenging situations with like-
@thegoodbizclub
If you’re looking to create a better
business, one that considers people
and the planet, and you want to learn
from other founders and specialists in this area, watch this space as we’ve
The Good Business Club
SBT SALES & MARKETING
5 STEPS TO THE NEW NORMAL OF SELLING
BY LEARNING COG
WHAT DO RUGY AND SALES HAVE IN COMMON?
BY BEN BENNETT, SCEOND VOICE
SBT SALES & MARKETING SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45
5 Steps to the new normal of selling Business is waking up again. For many things have been quite for 18 months and for some lockdown has created new opportunities and they have seen an increase in business. As life begins to a
Sales & Marketing
new kind of normal, securing sales for
any small, medium
and large business is
still top of the agenda.
However the ‘new normal’ has settled
for you, selling your service or product will need some fresh thinking when it
comes to traditional ways of selling. For some tolerance for being approached
‘cold’ and ‘sold to’ by unknown people from unknown companies who have no idea of their needs and issues is
not welcomed. I would say that most people want anyone selling them
anything to know who they are and what they stand for.
46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
So, what do businesses need to
consider, when thinking about their
sales strategies and the best approach to take?
Here are 5 steps to selling in the new commercial landscape.
1. Identify your ‘best’ opportunities.
This is quite a simple step to take but
growth and work consistently towards
achieve this. Coming out of lockdown, if your business has seen a dip and
needs growth, we can often go into
this with a fixed mindset. If the focus is on sales revenue, then we could
become too fixed on doing this at all
costs. Growth mindset will allow us to the best opportunities.
one that is not often thought about.
2. Re-engage and understand the
try and get traction. It is important to
prospects
Some companies cast the net wide to put your effort into the opportunities that will work for you and will prove fruitful for you.
Often, we talk about having a growth
mindset, where you are able to look at
current needs of customers and
Once you’ve understood where to focus your energies, re-engage with those
customers. Ask for feedback – how is
their business? Find out what’s changed and get to know their plans and
strategies to adapt to the new climate.
SAL ES & MARKE TI NG
invest in marketing to enable the sales
your business relevant and keep sales
process to begin.
and cash flowing.
Marketing will allow you to identify
Everything has changed, everything
pipeline. Think closely about what you
same and settling into new ways of
prospects and bring them into your
is different, but then everything is the
are doing to sell yourself before you
working for everyone.
you have a social selling strategy within
Want to know more of what you can
even meet with customers. Ensure that
Your customers have been through
exactly the same as you have and their
ways of working may now be different to what they have been in the past. Don’t
make assumptions that you will return to the same way of working.
3. Be yourself, be human
People buy from people. It is a known fact that when making a decision
between two suppliers the one with
the best relationship wins every time.
And when we say best relationship, we the ones with a human connection. Be genuine contacting customers. Have
a genuine human conversation. Don’t think about ‘selling’ straight away
before you’ve understood needs and established rapport.
4. Invest in Marketing
This is a time when trust and
relationships are important. If you
need to find new customers and build new relationships this is the time to
your marketing effort.
do as a small or medium business to
Social selling is the process of
a look at www.Pitch.Community
sales process. This often takes place
Pitch is more than a product or a
Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, but
community to support local businesses
Remember point 3 when you do this, be
so that you can really meet your full
developing relationships as part of the
improve your sales skills? Why not take
via social networks such as LinkedIn,
training programme, it’s about building a
can take place either online or offline.
and support you as a business leader,
human, be yourself.
potential and get back in business.
5. Above all, be Agile
The programme is designed for sole
and you need to be able to supply
businesses that find themselves within a
Agility and resilience require strong
exposed to the sales process before.
The current largely remote working
matter experts creating excellent value
to information and ideas from
agency, or an SEO expert. An Architect,
your employees to keep as close
you with the skills and knowledge that
Customers want something different,
traders, start-ups or leaders of small
that to ensure your own success.
sales environment but have never been
relationships externally and internally.
The Pitch Community are great subject
conditions will mean easier access
for your clients. You may be a design
anywhere. Harness the power of all
or a kitchen designer. Pitch will equip
as possible to market trends, your
exceptional salespeople have.
customers, suppliers, prospects,
competitors, and your ecosystem to
enable you to understand how to keep
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47
SA L E S & MARK E T I N G
What do Rugby and Sales have in common? Well, you don’t need 15 players in your sales team, but there are some good lessons to be learned from the way each position plays their part. It is a huge
Sales & Marketing
misconception that
hiring an experienced sales person will
end your business
development woes. One person isn’t
going to save your bacon, and even if they could, they need lots of support
as well as needing to be able to deliver from a strong foundation (A plan or strategy would be a good start!). Another misconception is that
experienced sales people are good at all parts of their job.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. I
say this from having (too many) years of experience managing sales teams, but
also looking inward and understanding my own areas of improvement.
The activities required from sales teams range from; market research, lead
generation, copywriting, graphic design, cold outreach, meeting service level
agreements, social media management, proposal and bid writing, negotiation skills, need-finding, analytics,
forecasting, pipeline management, presentation skills and of course,
consistent repetition of all of the above. And that’s not even an exhaustive list! So what has this got to do with Rugby? An experienced and high performing
team of 15 players, each with a specific role and responsibility on the pitch. To
48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
do what they are good at
in order to deliver the best possible outcome - lots of points, and a win!
Some are fast, some are
tall, some are strong, some kick well, some pass well.
Each position plays a part in a finely tuned unit.
If we know that model is proven to work in sport,
then why do we insist on
asking our best presenter
to spend time researching
Ben Bennett
prospect information?
Now go and get your best kicker onto
Why are we asking phenomenal
your conversions! ;)
connections each day?
Ben Bennett is Managing Partner of
A well structured sales team will have
Brighton-based company focused on
in the right role, so that the customer
to accelerate growth through sales
teams see the best results.
growth mentor for the NatWest
proposal writers to make 100 calls or
Second Voice (secondvoice.co.uk) a
the right experience and competence
enabling founders of B2B companies
gets the best experience and your sales
and operations. Ben is also a business
We don’t all have the luxury of being
Entrepreneur Accelerator.
able to hire three different roles
If you’re looking to grow your own
thought to the fact that if your best
or support, please reach out to Ben at
into a sales team, but do pay some
company and want impartial advice
appointment booker is spending time
sbt@secondvoice.co.uk
writing proposals, then that means less appointments are being booked.
We want great results, and to get that we need the right people in the right roles, delivering the right activities.
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT
“FIRE & REHIRE” PRACTICES UNDER FIRE
WHAT DO SUSSEX EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKERS’ RIGHTS?
ADASTRA HR BECOMES ACCREDITED DISCORVERY INSIGHTS PRACTITIONER
WITH SUSSEX BASED HR CONSULTANCY, ADASTRA
SBT PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49
PEOPL E MAN AGE M E NT & H R
“Fire and rehire” practices under fire. What do Sussex employers need to know about workers’ rights? • Workers’ rights are once again under the spotlight as Acas reports on “fire and rehire” practices. • Government will not currently legislate against the so called “bully-boy” fire and rehire tactics but is setting up a new workers’ rights watchdog. • The as yet unnamed watchdog will combine three existing regulatory bodies to crack down on workers’ rights abuses. Fire and rehire
HR
refers to a practice where employers
having been unable to get agreement
through consultation, terminate the
contracts of employees with a view to immediately offering them a new
contract on less favourable or different terms. With suggestions that the
practice has become more prevalent
during the pandemic, the government
commissioned Acas to prepare a report. The HR Dept brings local employers up to speed on this and related issues. Acas’s brief was to complete an
independent fact-finding mission on fire
and rehire, making no recommendations. They found that while it was not a new practice, it did appear anecdotally to
have become more common in recent years. Triggers include the desire to
avoid or minimise redundancies, and to change terms and conditions.
A recent high-profile example is that of
Clarks shoes who are asking more than 100 warehouse staff to accept a new
contract on reduced terms. The staff are considering strike action.
The business minister has recognised the practice in general as “bully-boy tactics” but indicated the government is not in a rush to legislate specifically against
it. They have, however, asked Acas to
prepare clear guidelines about when fire and rehire may be used.
50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
With many businesses forced
to take difficult decisions during
Serena & Sue
the pandemic, it is always best to seek professional
advice when doing something with such far-reaching
consequences for both the business and your staff.
Employers should be aware that the government is
preparing to clamp down on
enforcement in other areas of
workers’ rights, though. Of course, by
far the majority of businesses do want to treat workers respectfully and in
compliance with the law, but there are always a few who will cross the line – whether inadvertently or deliberately. Going for these, the government
plans to merge three bodies - the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse
Authority, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and HM
Revenue & Customs’ national minimum wage enforcement team - into a single
watchdog guarding employment rights. The new regulatory body’s scope will
include ensuring workers receive holiday and sick pay they are entitled to without resorting to an employment tribunal;
as well as protecting agency workers, enforcing minimum wage compliance and fighting against modern slavery.
While it is not formed yet, one would imagine the new agency will be far
more coordinated across the broad
workers’ rights remit as well as more streamlined. If you are unsure if your
employment practices meet minimum
standards, now would be a good time to get them reviewed.
The HR Dept is now the UK’s largest
network of HR professionals providing outsourced HR support. Our clients
vary, from tiny start-ups to established brands, across all industries.
We pride ourselves on delivering costeffective employment law advice and HR solutions that leave you free to
concentrate on growing your business. Your local HR Dept Offices:
Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove
Serena May – serena.may@hrdept.co.uk 01323 403500
Chichester, Arun, Worthing, Adur and Horsham
Sue Beeby – susan.beeby@hrdept.co.uk 01243 214404
P EOP L E MAN AGEM E NT & H R
Adastra HR becomes accredited Discovery Insights Practitioner
Sussex-based specialist Human Resources Consultancy, Adastra HR, announces it has become an accredited ‘Insights Partner’ with its service offering “Insights Discovery’.
The service, which
HR
is based on the psychology of
Carl Jung, uses psychometric
tools and a four-colour model to help employers and employees alike by
building essential soft skills. These skills include; collaboration, communication and leveraging collective strength
while also identifying their strengths and weaknesses, communication,
and individual working styles. What is
particularly unique is that this exercise
isn’t just on an individual team member level but also on how all employees fit
together at a business-wide level - and how they can collaborate better as a team! The service provides excellent
insight into where a business’s core skills are and highlights potential skills gaps
within a company to map out each team member’s strengths and weaknesses, skills, personality and preferences.
The service’s main aim is to provide
Alison Daymond, Managing Director of
opportunities to improve their team
great way of helping employees reflect
working from home, or a combination
own personal communication style - as
performance, relationships, and the
values they can bring to the team. This
in today’s climate, with the normal way
communication preferences and how
are adjusting to working in hybrid
home. If employees’ understanding of
making it more critical than ever to stay
communication preferences, strengths,
been successfully rolled out with several
collaboration, communication, and
network across the South East via some
result in a stronger higher performing
sessions have been well received, with
For more information on this service and
above) reporting that there has already
and employees, visit their website at
performance and team re-connection
discovery/ or email advice@adastrahr.
businesses with the tools and
Adastra, said: “Insights Discovery is a
dynamics (whether in the office or
upon themselves and to identify their
of both) to improve employees’
well as recognising the strengths and
overall working environment. Of course,
builds an understanding of each other’s
of working disrupted globally, people
they can work best in the office and at
teams (some even as new starters),
each other improves, by learning their
connected. The service has already
and style of work, the team’s level of
existing clients within the Adastra
productivity will increase. This will only
fun and creative training sessions. All the
team and business as a whole.”
clients (including ClearVision, pictured
how Adastra HR can help your business
been noticeably stronger employee
https://adastrahr.co.uk/insights-
across the company.
co.uk or call 0330 113 0925.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51
Race ready? If you want to compete and win gold, you’ll need an IT strategy that’s in the cloud.
With many people heading back to the office, is your business IT ‘race ready’ so you can properly compete with others in your sector? Or are you getting left behind? Transform your business with smarter and more economical ways of working through digital transformation solutions. This is all your IT in the Microsoft Cloud, apps and all, with no onsite servers in sight to maintain and update. It’s faster for remote working, cheaper, more secure and compliant, scalable, always on the latest technology and billed monthly according to what you use. Talk to us directly.
01444 443200
info@extech.co.uk
extechcloud.com
We can take any business with between 5 and 100 active users of IT, into the full Microsoft Cloud platform.
52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
TECH
5 TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND START-UPS BY PSYDRO
SBT TECH SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53
TEC H
5 Tips for Small Businesses and Start-Ups
It’s exciting to start a new business, especially if you have something that consumers will want to purchase.
Unfortunately, it’s
Tech
also true that 90% of start-ups fail,
according to Forbes. So, how can you be
part of the other 10%? Here are the 5 best tips for small businesses to stay on the success path.
The first thing to do is carry out
research and see what’s already on the market. What are the recent trends? What market sectors are on the rise
and why? Where are your customers hanging out, and where can you find them? Who are your competitors?
Are you sure no one else has already produced your product or service? If you’re joining a competitive market, what makes you stand out?
After you’ve carried out extensive
54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
research and are convinced that
If you understand your customers,
addition to the market and beneficial
the competition. Who is it for? Ask
you should take into account in order
narrow down your target audience and
what you have created will be a new
there is no need to be afraid of
to a group of consumers, here’s what
yourself that question to help you
to succeed.
deal with the nonbelievers.
1. Don’t Be Afraid of the Competition
I made this for you, not for anyone
Entering a competitive market can
else, but for you.
have created or developed something
When you understand your customer’s
competitors. You’ve seen there’s a
you’re offering will help someone solve
fill that hole. You know that whatever
those you seek to serve.
service, experience or feature, is worth
2. Go Digital
market. So, believe in your offering.
consumers shop, now relying on
will improve the life of a group of
has accelerated the development of
be daunting. But, most probably, you that will set you apart from your
worldview, you know that whatever
gap in the market, and you’re there to
a problem and make things better for
you’re selling, whether it be a product, the initial risk of entering a crowded
The pandemic has affected how
Believe that whatever you provide
online purchases. Also, Covid-19
consumers; your future customers.
e-commerce by around five years.
TECH
Nowadays, people are spending more
time online than ever, with the average
person spending around 3 hours and 15 minutes on their mobile phones every
day. Chances are, your customers will be online, and so should you. Improve Online Conversion
Create your website; include
information that will help your
customers understand why you are
different and what you have to offer. Make sure to list your products/
services or features in a clear and
aesthetically pleasing way. Also, it’s always a good idea to make your
company approachable with contact
details, social channels and live chat just in case any of your customers have questions or a problem that needs solving.
The more places you are online, the
better. Why? Because it will help you grow your SEO and online visibility.
Also, by joining different third-party
platforms, you’ll be able to showcase your products or services to a larger community of consumers.
Psydro is another viable Google listing,
offering start-ups and small businesses
a range of unique features that will help them grow and attract new customers.
Try our free Launch plan to get a taste of what we have to offer. Maybe it will be a perfect fit for you, or maybe not. But it’s worth a try!
Finally, if you haven’t done so yet,
you should create a business page on the most popular social media
platforms. The average person spends around two and a half hours on these platforms every day. So, if you’re
a new company looking to attract
new customers and promote your
brand, social media will help you out. Nowadays, you can even sell your
products/ services on these platforms, which will help boost sales.
3. Create a Professional Image
you can ask your customers specific
maintaining a professional image.
having it publicly posted online. Check
Building up your credibility is essential to
How to Find Consumer Insights?
questions about your business without out our page to learn more about it.
First up, don’t be afraid to fail, especially
4. Form Relationships and Listen to
through this, and many are still going
Customer loyalty means everything,
(e.g. reviews) from your potential
up. Customer loyalty will lead to word
services as soon as possible. This
family about you and how great your
important not to be afraid to fail, but
keep them happy, and by doing that,
in the beginning. Every business goes
Your Customers
through it. It is crucial to get feedback
especially for a small business or start-
customers about your products or
of mouth; they will tell their friends and
enables you to better your offering. It’s
product/service is. So, it’s important to
if you do, it’s vital to fail quickly and
others will come.
learnings to pivot or improve.
Reading customer reviews and
Customers, as opposed to friends and
understand what you’re doing well
unbiased opinions that will help your
replying, you’ll show that you care
cheaply and then, from that, take the
replying to them will help you
family, will give you their honest and
and what needs improving. Also, by
business grow and develop. So, if you
about those you serve.
you’ll build up your status in the
Reviews can help you to get to know what
consumers will see you’re doing a
What you sell is really just a means to an
use this feedback to your advantage, market and earn credibility because
your audience wants, knows and believes.
good job.
end; what consumers really want is to
We can help you gain this necessary
belonging, status, connection, peace of
only have we created a platform where
common human feeling.
companies. We have also developed
If a consumer purchases Matcha tea,
feedback to help you improve. Not
users can write reviews on different a Consumer Insights feature where
gain a specific emotional state such as mind, freedom, health, power or any other
it’s probably because they want to feel
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55
TEC H
healthy. Someone who wants to rise
in status will buy an exclusive Airline
membership, and a user joining a social media platform is most likely to be seeking a sense of belonging.
Every decision that we make has a reason behind it, even if we rarely
acknowledge it. When you understand
this, you can use this to your advantage. You’re not really selling a product or service, you’re selling a feeling. Likewise, we humans are lonely
creatures, and we’re always seeking to
be part of something bigger, a community that will accept us. You can create that community through brand marketing.
Everything you do in your business, from how you package your products to the
way you answer your customers, is seen as a form of brand marketing.
Remember to always promote your ethos, mission and goals to your
customers. Show them that you’re not just a business, but a community that stands for certain values, values that
56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
your followers also sympathise with.
brand’s ethos and notice you. In this
community that empowers its customers
trust and action from your potential
The brand is also on a mission to fight
for small businesses, any start-up or
and mental wellbeing to its community
a scalable online business.
organizations. These values resonate
Being part of a start-up or small
the brand build a strong emotional
never ends. There’s always something
For example, Lululemon has built a
way, you’ll manage to earn attention,
to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
customers. With these 5 expert tips
climate change and promote physical
medium business will be able to build
by partnering with local and global
with like-minded people, which helps
business can seem that the work
connection with its customers.
to do, and there always will be.
This strategy will help create customer
your work from your private life and
loyalty and a memorable image in the eyes of the ones you seek to serve. 5. Put Yourself Out There
However, do remember to separate not become a work addict!
Finally, no business will rise to fame
and fortune overnight, so be patient
In whatever market you’re entering
and, most importantly, have fun!
competitive. So, it’s crucial to put
if it will make you feel anxious and
(or have already entered), it will be
There’s no point in starting a business
yourself out there. Build up a business
emotionally drained.
persistent, consistent and frequent
www.business.psydro.com
with a clear identity and end goal. Be with whatever you’re doing. Even if
it will sound dull and monotonous to you after a while, that’s when your
customers will start absorbing your
SBT CHARITY
HELP US EMPOWER MORE CHILDREN TO SAVE LIVES WITH LITTLE LIFE SAVER
SUPERHERO IDROP RAISES OVER £16K
IN AID OF ROCKINGHORSE CHILDRENS CHARITY
CHOSEN CHARITY PARTNER:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57
C HA RI T Y
Help us empower more children to save lives, just like Henry did
Little LifeSavers is a UK-wide charity offering free basic lifesaving skills to schoolchildren in Year 5 and 6 of Primary school, and Year 7 and 8 of Secondary school.
Our charity’s vision
Charity
is to reach every
child in Years 5 to 8 throughout the UK with these simple
skills, so that they can take appropriate action should they ever need to, and
not have to stand by unable to assist because they did not know what to
do. It is our hope that a child in Year
5 would receive this training annually
through to year 8. Repeat exposure to
the skills helps embed them and increase confidence to use them if needed.
But it is an enormous task. There are
approximately 3.7 million children in 28,000 schools within our targeted range, so we
58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
need a lot of volunteers and fundraising
cardiac arrest. The man returned to work
of volunteers that were willing to teach
pleasure of interviewing the Henry and
we would achieve our vision and create a
with them here www.facebook.
support. If each school had a small pool
six weeks later. Our Chairman had the
every two or three months between them,
his parents, you can see our interview
nation of Little LifeSavers.
com/LittleLifeSaversCharity/
Currently, bystander CPR provision is
posts/2857026597891350
only 30% and survival from Cardiac
How does Volunteering work?
Early CPR from bystanders has been
approximately one hour to deliver, and
Volunteering with us equips you with the
commitment of Four sessions per year
need to make a difference.
hours a year as a minimum. You do not
One of the children we taught recently,
formal CPR qualification, we train and
Arrest in the community stands at 10%.
The sessions we teach take
shown time and again to save lives.
we ask our volunteers for a minimum
skills to assist immediately should you
to schools local to them. That is only 4
Henry, went on to save his father from a
need to be medically trained or have a support all our volunteers.
CHA RITY
is therefore not necessary. Because it is our aim to
reach as many children as
we can with our simple skill set, we need to recruit as
many volunteer instructors
as possible throughout the
UK. It is neither feasible nor necessary to formally train
thousands of adults when the model we teach is so simple. The skills taught in the session are as follows:
How Often Should I Volunteer to Teach?
• Child Hands-only CPR
you can – because it means we can
• The recovery position.
practice for you as a volunteer instructor
I’ve never taught befor and I don’t
volunteering with us. Ideally we would
still volunteer?
instructors for a half day once a month
CPR trained to volunteer, but it is
day and in term-time. The minimum
a volunteer instructor with Little
a year – or once every three months.
and agreeing to teach it exactly as
to teach. Volunteers who do not teach
CPR training provides far more than
a Zoom Training session again to refresh
• Management of choking in a child
The short answer to this is as often as
• Adult hands-only CPR
teach more children and it is good
How can you help?
We are asking for businesses who offer charity partnerships and employee
volunteer days to contact us to learn more about our charity and discuss how they can help us.
We are asking schools to introduce us to PTAs so we can work directly with
them for volunteer recruitment drives. If you would still like to help but are
not in a position to volunteer or offer corporate partnership opportunities
we welcome donations and additional fundraising activies.
– especially when you have just started
If you are able to donate, and only if
have any formal CPR training, Can I
ask for availability of all our volunteer
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-
We welcome people who are formally
and we only teach during the school
not a requirement to be able to be
commitment is providing four sessions
LifeSavers. Learning our simple model
This helps volunteers to stay confident
laid out is all that is required. Formal
for six months will be required to attend
our simple bystander skills model and
their memory for the training model.
you are able, please do so here https:// web/charity?charityId=1014575&stop_ mobi=yes
Please do leave a message so we can
thank you and Sussex Business Times for their support.
info@littlelifesavers.org 0300 3035252
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59
C HA RI T Y
Superhero iDrop raises over £16k for Rockinghorse
The iDrop at British Airways i360 in Brighton made a welcome return on Thursday in aid of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity. The event, the first
Charity
organised by the
charity this year, saw
27 brave participants
enjoying the beautiful
early evening sun to take part in the abseil from the i360, all in the name of charity.
The iDrop, operated by the i360, saw the
fundraisers securely lowered, one by one, from the open pod doors 450ft above
Brighton seafront, taking in spectacular view of the city. Each one enjoyed the sweeping 360-degree views as they
gently glided down to beach level to be cheered on by their supporters.
The event took place first thing in the
early evening of Thursday 15 July and
raised over £16,000 for Rockinghorse,
the local children’s charity, best known for being the official fundraising arm of
the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital
and a vital supporter of the neighbouring Trevor Mann Baby Unit.
Along with participants from Morgan
Sindall and 1 Crown Office Row, the BBC Radio Sussex presenter Allison Ferns
60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
also braved the drop despite having a
started. It’s a wonderful event and gives
great fear of heights.
all our fundraisers a once in a lifetime
Allison’s producer Will Flockton
Brighton seafront landmark – the views
landing safely back on the ground, Allison
especially on a beautiful summer evening.
really emotional. There may have been a
“But obviously we hold events like
my mum at the top. But then once you’re
thankful to every single person who
such an amazing view, it was actually
amazing total of over £16,000. These
what, I would do it again!
children who need treatment in hospital
nominated her for the event and after
described her experience: “It was actually
opportunity to jump from the iconic
from the top across the city are lovely,
few tears at the top. I may have wanted
this is to raise money and we are so
going down – it’s so smooth. And it’s
has taken part and helped us reach the
quite serene and tranquil. And you know
funds will help so many sick babies and
“I feel amazing. I never thought I would
or the local community.”
ever in my wildest dreams that I would
And don’t worry if you missed out on this
holds the coat at theme parks. I’m the
above the Brighton skyline, the charity
be the person to do this. I’m the one who
iDrop and still fancy flying through the air
one who couldn’t face the helter-skelter.
has another one planned in December.
raises some money for the Rockinghorse
With just a £50 registration fee and
But I did it and it was amazing and if it charity then it’s been all worthwhile.”
a minimum sponsorship of £250, it’s
Lucy Pond, Challenge Event Manager
more information or to sign up, contact
be able to organise the event: “It’s so
Rockinghorse on: 01273 330044 or take
and this iDrop is a great way to get
www.rockinghorse.org.uk/events.
chance in a lifetime opportunity. For
for Rockinghorse, was really pleased to
enquiries@rockinghorse.org.uk, call
lovely to be able to hold events again
a look at the Rockinghorse website at:
SBT MOTORING NEWS
THE NEWEST CAR TECHNOLOGY IN 2021
WE FIND OUT MORE
2021’S BEST SUMMER CONVERTABLES
WITH RIVERVALE LEASING
SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61
MOTO RI N G N E WS
The Newest Car Technology in 2021
Automotive technology continues to accelerate at a rapid pace, with drivers looking for the best next-generation specs to fit out their vehicles. From the increasing
Motoring News
demand for hybrid
and electric vehicles for a greener future to the
dazzling infotainment systems that keep the whole family entertained, car manufacturers are constantly
searching for exciting new ways to engage their customers.
Trends we’re seeing in new car
technology for 2021 span across both interior and exterior innovation, with a
key focus on enhancing safety features
62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and improving connectivity. Whether
it’s under the hood or inside the cabin,
there’s plenty of exciting new technology to look forward to this year. Let’s review some of the best.
Hydrogen-powered cars
The concept of a hydrogen-powered car isn’t new, but these vehicles
actually hitting the roads is now a reality. Yet another alternative to
traditional petrol and diesel models,
hydrogen power is gaining popularity in the automotive industry, albeit at a slower pace than electric and hybrid
models. Some models to watch in 2021 include the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai which has been transformed
into a premium sedan, leaving behind the quirky-looking hatchback it was previously launched as.
Its more traditional look would leave many surprised to discover it’s an
alternative fuel vehicle. Honda has
also released the Clarity Fuel-Cell, a
sophisticated sedan featuring innovative heat-blocking windows and a spacious interior. We’re expecting to see more
players come to the table as hydrogen-
MOTOR I NG N E WS powered models become a closely
watched competitor in the alternative fuel vehicle industry. Hands-free driving
It wasn’t long ago that the idea of
self-driving cars seemed like a sign of a distant future. However, the
interest in self-driving and hands-free cars only continues to gain pace and manufacturers are making moves to increase technology in this space.
Nissan has announced their ProPilot
Assist 2.0 system which offers drivers the option to experience hands-off
single-lane driving and hands-on guided land changing capabilities.
While it’s currently pinned to be
launched in the US in Nissan’s electric
Ariya SUV in late 2021, there are hopes the UK market will follow not too
long after, as laws are currently being
reviewed to allow automated driving in the UK. Behaving as a super-adaptive cruise control system, the additional benefit of the system not timing out
is afforded by the hands-off element. Aimed at reducing driver fatigue on long journeys, this new technology
also aims to minimise lane-change and rear-end accidents.
Enhanced Head-up Display
Only a few years ago, head-up display was a luxury feature highly sought after but limited only to high-end
vehicles. Technology has evolved
at a phenomenal rate, now offering
head-up display to a wider market, increasing accessibility across the
industry. Now, all that’s required is a
smartphone and a compatible vehicle. A great example of head-up display technology in 2021 is the Hudway Drive. With the ability to plug into
any dashboard, users simply need to
power with a 12V outlet and connect to their phone. Displaying key information including speed, fuel level, weather
insights, notifications from your phone
including text messages and calls, and even turn-by-turn navigation.
Easily delivered within the driver’s line of
sight with minimal distraction, the display can be customised to suit your needs,
showing you everything you want while
removing anything you don’t need. With
the ability to connect cameras, including a night camera, backup and side view, blind spots are covered with ease. As
head-up displays become increasingly more accessible, it’s technology that
drivers will be incorporating into their driving experience for a better, more informed journey.
Teen Driver Technology
A fairly new addition to the car
technology space, teen driver tech is currently only available across a
the presence of oncoming cyclists and traffic. Targeting collisions caused by passengers opening car doors just as a cyclist travels past, the system is particularly effective in city settings where parked cars are a major concern for bike riders. Operating for several minutes once the engine has been turned off, the sensors detect an approaching rider or car and alert the passenger using bright lights to engage their attention. Systems vary, with the most advanced locking the door to prevent it from being opened if passengers miss the alerts of the guidance system. Air Purification Systems Jaguar has been working on cutting-
few makes and models. Designed
edge air purification systems that in
inexperienced drivers, the technology
inhibit airborne bacteria and viruses by
as they let their teens behind the wheel.
unique user experience, the Panasonic
including whether a driver is driving
voltage to create trillions of Hydroxyl
ability to disable audio if seat belts
water molecules. Pinned as next-
to increase safety for new and
laboratory tests have been found to
can help to put parents’ minds at ease
up to 97 per cent. Helping to deliver a
With notifications on information
nanoe™ X technology uses high
faster than a particular speed, the
Radicals enveloped in nano-sized
aren’t being used, set volume limits on
generation air filtration technology of
sound systems, and in some cases the ability to filter out explicit content, it’s
a dynamic solution that is helping keep young drivers safe.
Report cards are also available to
inform parents whether safety systems have been triggered. By reducing
distractions and keeping parents in
the loop, teen driver technology is set to grow in popularity, especially for
families whose younger drivers borrow the car from parents.
Exit Warning Systems
Wondering what might be on the cards
the future, it will be rolled out across several models that already offer the current nanoe™ technology. New car technology in 2021 continues to make leaps and bounds, setting a new pace for innovation to stay competitive and offer a better customer experience. With impressive safety features a top priority for manufacturers, there’s no shortage of advances to take advantage of. So get in touch today on 01273 433480 or request a callback at a time that suits you.
in terms of car safety? Designed to keep drivers and cyclists safe, the
exit warning system triggers an alert using rear-looking sensors to detect
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63
MOTO RI N G N E WS
2021’s best summer convertibles Picture this: it’s the middle of summer, Motoring you’re cruising down News the road with the roof down, the sun shining, with the breeze just strong enough to feel the wind in your hair. It sounds pretty good, right? A convertible is the perfect car for enjoying a sunny day, and our normally criticised weather actually offers the ideal balance between overwhelmingly windy and overwhelmingly hot. If this is the vehicle you want to sport this summer, we’ve rounded up the best on the market - with options to suit a variety of different price ranges and preferences. Convertibles on a budget A convertible doesn’t have to break the bank, and if you’re looking for one such vehicle on a tighter budget, there are plenty of options to choose from. We’ll start with the Fiat 500c, which you can find from around £15,200. Very similar to the classic Fiat 500, it sports the same cute, retro-chic look it’s well known for, with an economical two-cylinder TwinAir engine. If you’ll be whizzing around the city, the 500c is good for city traffic. Fiat has recently made a number of their models electric later, and the 500c is one of them, which may be pleasing for eco-conscious drivers - though it does cost a bit more. The MINI Convertible is another option. Similar to the above - and a main competitor - as a fellow hatchback with MINI’s classic retro look, it’s slightly dearer from £20,500. Again, there are both petrol and electric options to choose from. Next up, we’ve got the Smart Fortwo EQ Cabrio. Available from around £21,000, this is a highly customisable convertible, offering manual and automatic options, three trim levels, as well as multiple
64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
engines including a fully electric version. It’s also compact - this is the smallest convertible on the market, though it doesn’t lack in detailing or features, and comes with a great infotainment system.
High-end convertibles When it comes to high-end, top convertibles or sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 is an obvious classic, a worldwide bestseller now in its fourth generation. Available from £26,000, we’re looking at slightly pricier vehicles now, but the MX-5 is great value for money and really reasonable for what it is: a powerful drive, with stylish bodywork, SKYACTIV technology, and a range of impressive features. But we can’t talk about sports cars without mentioning Mercedes-Benz. And specifically, we’re looking at the SLC; available from £37,000; the SLC is a reimagination of the SLK, one of the most iconic convertibles of the nineties. With a classic folding hardtop, the SLC is complete with a sports braking system, cruise control and some of the most comprehensive safety tech you can get. But the Audi TT Roadster also deserves an honourable mention, beating out many of its competitors in terms of style, performance, and even price. Though it’s around £38,000 in terms of cost, it’s great value for money; unlike many convertibles, its open-top system is flawless in terms of design. But even without the promise of an open-roof thrill, the TT Roadster offers a variety of other excellent features, with sports suspension and parking sensors. Currently on its third generation, the TT sports a stylish look and a great drive, but it retains the original charm from 1998 which made it a classic. Performance Convertibles Porsche is well known as a high-end,
luxurious sports car brand - so it should be no surprise that the Porsche 718 Boxster stands out as one of the ultimate performance convertibles. It’s a classic, too, which has evolved impressively over the last 20 years since its first release in 1996. Now, it’s one of the best on the market: a great drive, good handling, steering (it has a sports steering wheel) and grip, with epic performance and a stylish interior. The Boxster costs around £46,000, but it’s well worth the money. If you’re looking to splash out, though, the Jaguar F-Type is absolutely a convertible that you should consider. Polished, stylish, and top-of-the-range when it comes to performance, the F-Type is a definite classic. In fact, it’s widely acclaimed as one of the best looking convertibles on sale. But it’s not all about the looks. All models come with an upgraded V8 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, and featurewise, it’s also impressive. We’re talking voice recognition, Interactive Driver Display, adjustable seats, cabin lighting and a 10-inch touch screen. Overall, to say the F-Type is a satisfying drive is an understatement, but it’ll cost you: the F-Type starts at £54,000, and can creep up to over £100,000. With so many different options available, the open-roof thrill of a convertible has never been easier to achieve. So, what’ll you be choosing this summer? Remember, if you’re looking to lease rather than purchase your next car, we’ve got a variety of leasing deals available, with plenty of convertibles that could have your name on it. That includes all of the cars listed in this article! Take a look, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with one of our experts, get in touch on 01273 433480 or request a callback at a time that suits you.
SBT CHAMBER NEWS
BRIGHTON CHAMBER IS BACK WITH IN-PERSON EVENTS! BY BRIGHTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SUSSEX CHAMBER PROUD TO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED...
AS A TRAILBLAZER AND PILOT FOR THE SKILLS ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME
THE BETTER BUSINESS SHOW 2021 THURSDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65
C HA M B E R N E WS
Brighton Chamber is back with in-person events!
Throughout June and July, we have been gradually returning our in-person events.
It’s been great to
Chamber News
be out and about
again running faceto-face events,
helping members
connect, learn and make great business connections, whilst exploring some of
the fantastic venues our city has to offer. Here are some of our highlights from the past couple of months.
Behind-the-scenes at Edward Street Quarter
Our first in-person event since March 2020 (that’s over 15 months!) was a
sneak peak of the new Edward Street Quarter development in Brighton.
The £120 million redevelopment of
66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
the former AMEX House in Brighton,
owned by First Base, will provide public spaces, housing, retail and workspace. Steve Eccles, Project Director at First
Base showed members their progress
off some of Brighton’s most dedicated
networkers, who still joined us for a fun and fresh walk along Brighton seafront to Shoreham Port.
so far, taking them to the top of the
Bite-sized Learning: How to improve
views across Brighton.
emotional intelligence
6-storey building for some fantastic
It was great to be back in-person, doing zoom waves in 3D. Netwalking
Trialling a new event format, our
Netwalking series explores different
areas of our beautiful city - combining great walks and great networking.
Although we were subject to the whims of the weather, a spot of rain didn’t put
performance through strengthening We are also back doing some of our
Bite-sized Learning events in-person.
Aideen Smith Watson, of Lifeblueprint Workplace Wellbeing, ran a workshop for us all about improving
performance through strengthening emotional intelligence.
As we navigate our way through hybrid working, or returning to the workplace, Aideen’s workshop helped attendees to understand emotions, how to
CHAM BE R N E WS
manage behaviour and relationships, respond to challenges and find
opportunities within workplace stress. Behind-the-scenes at Ridgeview Wine Estate
Bottom’s up at Ridgeview!
In celebration of English Wine Week,
our second behind-the-scenes of the
year included a tour of the Ridgeview estate and vines.
We learnt about the family story behind the vines, what goes into production and how they’ve pivoted throughout COVID – ending in a sample of the
wine menu with a stunning backdrop over Ditchling and the downs.
Pop-up Breakfast at Moshimo
again than with a Pop-up Breakfast at
build new business connections, and
A Japanese breakfast accompanied by
Head to our event calendar for the
Head of Innovation at Brighton and Hove
continuing to run a mix of in-person
Moshimo in Brighton.
networking and a talk from Patrick Warner, Buses. Patrick shared his story, from
starting the hydrogen bus initiative on local bus routes around Brighton and Hove, to being seconded to other bus companies
latest Brighton Chamber events. We’re and online events, with networking,
learning and inspiring opportunities to
help you build and grow your business.
across the country to spread the initiative.
You can stay up-to-date with the
Slo-mo Networking at Malmaison
the Chamber, by signing up to our
Networking on a sunny July morning at Malmaison in Brighton for a structured event focussed on making building
great business relationships – finishing
latest news, events and updates from mailing list.
www.brightonchamber.co.uk/event
the morning off networking on the deck, overlooking the marina.
Another first – our first in-person
As we return to face-to-face events,
what better way to kick breakfasts off
members meet in-person again to
breakfast since February 2020 – and
strengthen old ones.
it has been great to see Chamber
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67
C HA M B E R N E WS
Sussex Chamber proud to have been appointed as a Trailblazer and Pilot for the Skills Accelerator Programme The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) welcome the Chamber involvement in trailblazing local skills improvement plans.
Reacting to the
Chamber News
news that eight
Accredited Chambers of Commerce will be leading the pilots for
the new local skills improvement plans (LSIPs), Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the BCC, said:
“It is great news that Accredited
Chambers will be leading all eight of the trailblazer LSIPs as part of
the Skills Accelerator programme.
Rooted in local business communities, chambers will be keen to embrace the
views of all those committed to making skills the key to improving life chances and economic growth.
68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
“Chambers look forward to working collaboratively with business
communities, education and training providers and a wide range of other
interested parties to identify what more
can be done to improve the development of skills in their regions, for the benefit of
individuals, businesses and the economy. “A recent independent report
commissioned by the BCC established
that it’s vital that business and the skills system work together to ensure people
are training for genuine, well paid career
opportunities that exist in their local areas. “LSIPs will help transform how we
assess, agree and plan for skills provision
and, in time, tackle the pervasive skills
shortages that put a brake on business productivity and growth.
“The Prime Minister spoke earlier about levelling up which is a key part of the
BCC’s Rebuild strategy for the economy as we emerge from the pandemic.
Plugging the skills gap, both in terms of geography and within industries, is key
to providing opportunities for people and ensuring that everyone has the chance to find quality, sustainable jobs.”
The eight Accredited Chambers of
Commerce that will be leading LSIPs are Cumbria, North-East England
(Teesside), Doncaster (South Yorkshire),
CHAM BE R N E WS the skills and training they need that leads directly to a job. A consultation has been
already supported thousands
in the Skills for Jobs White Paper, which
through Skills Bootcamps, and access to almost 400
free courses through the Free
Courses for Jobs programme.
Business West (Greater West of
England), Kent Invicta and Sussex. Department for Education – Skills
reforms to post-16 education and training will ensure everyone no matter where
they live can gain the skills they need to
progress and secure a great career at any stage of their life.
The consultation will ask for
The measures announced build on the
be adapted for the future, so
further and technical education, including
views on how the fund should it continues to meet the future
Midlands (Leicestershire & Leicester),
wherever they live.”
In January the government set out vital
adults to upskill and retrain
North and West Lancashire, East
so that people can thrive and prosper –
launched on the future of the
National Skills Fund, which has
Ana Christie
learning and investing in communities
skills needs of individuals and
employers, levelling up opportunities across the country.
Eighteen areas across the country will also be the first to lead work to build
work already underway to transform
the roll out of new T Levels, working with employers to create more high-quality
apprenticeship opportunities, establishing a system of Higher Technical Education
and a network of Institutes of Technology, backed by up to £290 million.
Training Boosted Across the Country
stronger partnerships between local
Next Steps
Further measures to boost the nation’s
providers through the Skills Accelerator
Chamber will engage with business,
more people into better paid jobs have
meets the need of local communities
employer groups, colleges and other
skills, level up opportunities and get
programme, so the training on offer
been announced.
and fills skills gaps in key sectors of
The measures come after the Prime
digital, clean energy and manufacturing.
where he underlined the need to escalate
the training needed to secure great
education through the lifetime skills
uk/government/publications/skills-
the economy including construction,
Minister delivered his levelling up speech,
This will mean more people can get
the value of practical and vocational
jobs close to home. https://www.gov.
guarantee, which will boost skills and
accelerator-trailblazers-and-pilots
every stage of their lives.
Education Secretary Gavin
open up opportunities for more people at
The Government’s successful Skills
Williamson said:
Bootcamp training programmes will be
“No matter where you are from, everyone
offering an extra 16,000 fully funded
needed to get a good job – whether
expanded to every region of the country,
should have the chance to get the skills
places for adults to upskill or retrain.
that’s to launch a new career or upskill
The expansion covers a range of digital
at the heart of our ambitious reforms, to
skills, such as solar energy installation,
the pandemic, empowering people to get
and green transport, along with coding
want. Today marks the next vital step
adults have the opportunity to access
by investing in skills, investing in lifelong
in their industry. We have put skills right
and technical training including in green
make sure we can build back better from
sustainable agriculture, nuclear energy,
the skills they need to build the life they
and software development, so more
in our mission to level up opportunities
Over the coming months, Sussex local authorities, local enterprise
partnerships, colleges, universities, training providers, town chambers and business organisations, skills groups, as well as
other key stakeholders to carry out in-
depth research to understand the local
skills needs (through a mix of quantitative
and qualitative data research), identify and
understand root causes and enablers, and develop a roadmap for change.
This will be your opportunity to
help shape an employer-led and
locally owned skills improvement plan. Further details will be
announced shortly, however should you have any questions in the
meantime, please email skills@
sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69
BEE PART OF THE Worthing Leisure Centre Thurs 23rd Sept • 10am - 4pm NEW VENUE!
Buy Local
exhibitor stands Explore local opportunities
Discover what’s on your doorstep
At the show... KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Meet the buyers
Breakfast Power Hour Enjoy some networking over a hearty breakfast
From local larger companies and Adur & Worthing Council
Managing Director
Aviatrix
Future Trends and Customer attitudes
Jo Hunter Chief Food Lover
Piglets Pantry Surviving & Thriving during COVID
Lunch Box
Andrew Coggings Goodwood Estate
...network and mingle
Free business support
Helen Bailey
Getting back to business at Goodwood Estate
Karen Dobres
From business experts in various fields and industries
Elected Co-Director
Lewes Football Club
FREE ENTRY
Power of equality in the business world
#betterbiz2021
www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk SHOW ORGANISER 70 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
HEADLINE SPONSOR
SHOW PARTNER
Branding & Design: yoohoocreative.com
100+
BIGGEST SHOW EVER!
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS
TABLE TALK FOUNDATION
WE TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR LAUNCH EVENT
BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT RETURNS TO THE AMEX STADIUM WITH NETWORK MY CLUB
BEST OF BRISTISH MEMBERS CLUB
WE TAKE A LOOK AT ONE OF THEIR RECENT EVENTS
THE BEST EVENTS AGENCY AWARD GOES TO... SUSSEX BASED, IDENTITY
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71
N ETWORK I N G & E V E NTS
Table Talk Foundation launch event On 14th June
Networking & Events
2021, guests were welcomed at the Ridgeview Wine
Estate in Ditchling,
East Sussex to celebrate the launch of Table Talk Foundation, a new charity aiming to support local hospitality
education and sector professionals. Table Talk Foundation has two
support channels: the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Adopt a School
programme and Hospitality Action, for
whom it raised £26,500 on the night of the inaugural event.
The Adopt a School charity allocates grants for primary schools to teach
children about the importance of food, from provenance and sustainability to
nutrition and cooking, while Hospitality Action is there to support workers who may have fallen out of luck or need a
72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
helping hand to see them through a
kitchen for children to learn the many
difficult patch in their career.
joys and benefits of cooking.”
Table Talk is planning a series of
“It’s so important to get involved in the
one to be held at the Arundel Castle
We have an obesity crisis in this country,
can also support the foundation
year on its knees and we want to provide
fundraising events, with the next
local community for such a great cause.
Cricket Club on September 3rd. You
the hospitality industry has spent the past
through hosting your own events,
solutions to these problems at a local level.
beneficiary charity to your business, or
“Most of our support comes from local
with direct donations, by making it a through word of mouth.
businesses and it’s great to see; every
Co-founder of Table Talk Daniel Wade
with the work that we want to do, from
success. Thanks to our supporters, we
take their children on days out to school
contribution gives us a kickstart to get on
said the launch event “was a great
summer grants for hospitality workers to
raised £26,500, which is unbelievable.
uniforms for children whose parents have
“With these fundraisers our goal is to
run into difficult times.”
ensure that we can support people
In the meantime, if you would like to
programme and Hospitality Action as
their website at https://www.tabletalk-
locally through the Adopt a School
support the Table Talk Foundation, visit
well as on projects of our own. We are
foundation.com/
currently working on a bid to build a
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
Best Of British Members Club event July’s Best of British
Networking & Events
Members club event saw us return to the
amazing Malmaison
for a lunchtime event.
It was great to once again meet some new members and continue to build
some great relationships. This months guest speaker was Anne Usher MBE
and it was amazing to hear her story. Anne Usher was a physiotherapist and competitive cyclist until a back injury
left her unable to heal herself or to ride anymore. She felt an inward spiral of failure both professionally and in her sport. Volunteering for the London
Olympics in 2012 was “one of the best
tonics” and led to a chance meeting with the British Paralympic canoeing coach. Despite never having been in a boat
before due to suffering from chronic
One of the many benefits of the
for the kayaking squad. As a working
great speakers at each event. Truly
conventional mould of an elite athlete.
intimate setting. Looking forward to the
seasickness, she was challenged to aim
members club is the calibre of
mum in her late 40s, Anne didn’t fit the
inspirational and insightful talks in an
But she had a “crazy dream” of learning
first breakfast event in September.
to represent her country at the Rio
Limited to just 50 Members and
a new sport and becoming good enough Paralympic Games.
exclusively for CEO’s, Directors, Senior
Remarkably she is now two time World
of British Members Club remains sold
champion. Her journey was not at all
in 2022 Membership please email
reach her audacious goal! Not only did
the team will be in touch.
Partners and Business Owners, The Best
champion and three times European
out for 2021. To register your interest
straightforward but she did manage to
membersclub@bestofbritish.org.uk and
she qualify for the 2016 Rio Paralympics she won the 100th gold medal of the
games! “When you’re in a really dark
place, sometimes you can’t see a way out. But it’s often because you are looking in the wrong place.”
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
Popular business networking event returns to the Amex Stadium for the first time since the pandemic began
With live events set to make their long-awaited return, one being welcomed in good numbers is the re-launch of the hugely successful Network Albion Business Club at the Amex Stadium, hosted and powered by Network My Club.
75+ businesses from
Networking & Events
across Brighton,
Sussex and the South East are due to meet over a two-course
lunch on Thursday 2nd September, all
to the background of the iconic Premier League stadium.
Network My Club has been running the networking event at the Amex Stadium since 2016. Founder and Managing
Director, Bradley Hatchett, says: “After
what will have been 19 months of running online-only events, we are over the moon
to be bringing in-person networking back to Brighton and the South East”.
74 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Prior to the pandemic, Network My Club hosted face-to-face events, monthly, at
various sporting venues across London and the South East. Since March 2020, those events have taken place over the online platform, Remo.
“To say the last year has been
challenging would be an understatement. But we relaunch with a revamped
events schedule, a host of new, exciting members and a renewed passion of
bringing people together, connecting the best businesses in the region.
“We understand some may be nervous about the return of in-person events,
and our online meet-ups continue
to cater for this. But as restrictions
ease, we’re feeling the overwhelming eagerness of businesses awaiting
the long overdue opportunity to meet in-person, share updates and simply catch up with friends and business associates alike.”
“We’re promising the opportunity to grow your network once again with
collaborative, like-minded people in a
relaxed, friendly and safe environment. We can’t wait to see the Sussex
business community in-person again!” Open to both Network My Club
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
members and non-members, Sussexbased businesses covering industries from solicitors to financial services
to construction are expected to be in attendance.
With speakers for the schedule to
be announced, previous events have hosted talks from the likes of Anna
Hemmings MBE and Ted Baker CoFounder Chris Brown.
To secure your place for just
£30pp, visit the Network My Club website here.
business profile and attend other in-
person events at prestigious sporting grounds like the Kia Oval Cricket
Ground and Twickenham Stadium, by
becoming a member from just £39 per month here.
Or you can join the ever growing
Network My Club group; raise your
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75
N ETWORK I N G & E V E NTS
Best Event Agency Award goes to Identity
Identity, with its HQ in Sussex, has been named Best Large Events Agency in the UK. The agency, that
Networking & Events
delivered the G7
Summit in Cornwall and works with the likes of Unilever
and Panasonic, accepted the Award in London at the CN Agency Awards.
Identity has been on an unstoppable successful trajectory over the last
decade. In the past year alone Identity expanded its team by 45 percent, attracted several new blue-chip
clients, opened a new office in central London and is on track to achieve
industry and our clients - who trust Identity
Dock in London on July 22 and were
sales in excess of £100m. It will round
to deliver the ultimate in events every time.
one of the first, large scale industry
Glasgow this November.
“Thank you to the judges who considered
lifting of coronavirus restrictions. The
Managing Director, Michael Gietzen
proud of everything Identity has achieved
event industry professionals, representing
off 2021 with the delivery of COP26 in
events to take place following the
Identity the worthy winner. We are very
ceremony was attended be over 300
said: “This award is a much-deserved
so far, and there is lots more to come.”
50 of the UK’s biggest agencies.
and devoted team at Identity. It is also
The awards, much delayed by the
www.identitygroup.co.uk
accolade for the exceptionally talented a great endorsement of our work by the
76 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
pandemic, took place at Tobacco
SBT SPORT
LAURENCE ELPHICK ASKS...
WHAT IS IT ABOUT NOVAK DJOKOVIC THAT BRINGS HIM SO MUCH SUCCESS!?
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
SEAGULLS SUMMER ROUND UP
LAURENCE ELPHICK CONFESSES... TO BEING SID THE SHARK…ONCE!
THE RAIDERS RETURN WITH WORTHING RUGBY CLUB
WHICH IS HARDER TO WIN...
AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT OR A TEAM SPORT?
SBT SPORT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77
S PORT
Laurence Elphick asks, what is it about Novak Djokovic that brings him so much success? Originally, I had planned this piece to be around football and particularly about our forthcoming revered leader, Gareth Southgate, simply because he was raised in Crawley, and I was convinced England would win Euro 2020/1. I will just have to put that on hold for now and hopefully, he is saving himself for the World Cup next year!!
Over the coming
Sport
months, I plan to bring you the thoughts of what makes a true
winner from the array
of talented sports men and women
throughout our County, so while yours
truly goes about seeking the great and the good in the world of sport, for now I thought I would pick a giant from the tennis arena, one that most of us are hardly likely to cross paths with.
Let us begin our journey with what
happened a few hours before England
lost on penalties…again! Namely, tennis and the record equalling colossus that is Novak Djokovic winning again at
Wimbledon. Clearly having the mindset to be the best at what he does, the big hitting Serb has proved time and time again he is a legend, and his results
speak for themselves – 20 Grand Slam
titles, equalling the record currently held
78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Frequently described as a machine who seems to be able to compose himself
and up his game at will, Djokovic never seems flustered, out of breath or red faced and I swear he has the same
hairstyle that he had when he won his first title, the Australian Open back in
2008. His level of fitness is incredible
and his ability to stay at the top of his game is testament to his success.
He is currently ranked as the No. 1
player in the world and has been at
the top for a record total of 325 weeks, where he has also won 84 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) singles
titles, including a record nine Australian
Open titles and a joint record 36 Masters events which he shares with Rafael
Nadal. He is the only player to win all
the main titles on the modern ATP Tour – that is, all four Grand Slam tournaments,
all nine ATP Masters events, and the ATP
Finals. In addition, he is also the first and only player in the Open Era to achieve a double career Grand Slam.
So, what makes Djokovic a winner?
He takes risks, practices every day, is always looking for ways to improve, knows his competition and how to
be better than them, has faith in his
own abilities, never gives up, always
remains calm, positive, and focused.
Undoubtedly, he also retains a desire
for success. But above all, he always
visualises winning and being the best.
Quite simply, Novak Djokovic, believes in what Novak Djokovic wants to achieve. I have always believed sport and
business go hand in hand where many
aspects of both can be applied equally
to each other. Think like Novak and you won’t go too far wrong.
Now where did I put my tennis racquet!?
S PO RT
Seagulls summer round up I cannot wait for the football season to begin, because however hard I tried, games with no atmosphere and no fans, or a smattering of supporters dotted around, felt like a series of meaningless friendlies, resulting in a season that I really couldn’t get too excited about. However, despite the
Sport
disappointment of
football not coming home this summer, seeing stadiums
across Europe filled with happy,
emotionally charged people supporting their respective nations rekindled the flame of excitement within me.
With the Premier League season
due to get underway on 14 August
(fingers crossed), and with a trip to
Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion will be looking to dramatically improve on last season’s goals converted to chances created ratio. Good news then that
former England striker Danny Welbeck
Image courtesy of Paul Hazlewood, BHAFC Club Photographer
signed a new one-year contract with
Whilst writing with the reported sale of
scored six goals in 24 Premier League
Tony Bloom and Dan Ashworth can
Brighton fan you speak to will tell you
elusive leading striker who could then
the services of a proven goal scorer,
Andone, Zeqiri, and Percy Tau, all of
wins to elevate Albion further up the
are good enough for this level.
end of season battle to avoid relegation.
With the departures of Davy Propper, Mat
Graham Potter’s position at times looked
and Jose Izquierdo, the Seagulls are
the noise behind that seemed primarily to
Denmark forward, Martin Braithwaite
their Club’s precarious position around
forward Odsonne Edouard, who is in the
football being displayed was a marked
to be the subject of speculation during
the Seagulls. The 30-year-old forward
Ben White to Arsenal for £50 million,
appearances last season, but every
potentially set their sights on finding that
the Club desperately needs to secure
be backed up by Maupay, Connolly,
someone who can turn those draws into
whom the jury’s still out on whether they
table and away from the all too familiar
Ryan and Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Bernardo
under threat last season, though a lot of
reportedly interested in Barcelona and
be from disgruntled fans worrying about
together with Celtic’s 23-year-old French
the bottom three. However, the style of
final year of his contract and appears
improvement on seasons past and during
every transfer window!
Tottenham had Potter on their short list
Incoming signings so far include
appointed Nuno Espirito Santo.
Mwepu from Red Bull Salzburg on a
the summer it was even rumoured that to replace Jose Mourinho before they
four-year deal, having scored 11 goals in 81 league appearances where he
won four titles in four seasons with the Austrian club. In addition, presumably to replace the aforementioned Ryan,
the Seagulls have also completed the
signing of 21-year-old 6ft 8in goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Ajax.
However, surely the signing of the season could be retaining the services of the
highly sought after 24-year-old midfielder Yves Bissouma who has reportedly and regularly been of interest to Arsenal,
Chelsea, and Liverpool. Touch wood then that he remains a Seagull between now
and mid-August, otherwise I am going to look a complete buffoon!
Zambia’s 23-year-old midfielder Enock
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 79
S PORT
Laurence Elphick confesses to being Sid the Shark…once! Having supported
Sport
Sussex as a boy, my
love for the Club really blossomed when
a previous career
allowed me to meet and interview some of the great players to represent our
fine County, from former Captain, Chris
Adams and legendary spinner Mushtaq
Ahmed to players that represent England today, namely Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer and Phil Salt.
However, my adoration for the Sharks
shifted to a different level back in 2018,
Image supplied by Stephen D. Lawrence
when I was asked to be the Club’s
mascot Sid the Shark. Having previously enjoyed stints dressed up as Marvin the
Monkey and the Easter Bunny, I jumped at the chance.
Having pictures taken with supporters
young and old, being there in the middle
with both Captains for the coin toss AND being on Sky TV was a dream come
true! After getting my instructions before each game about how I was expected to perform, I donned my costume and
stepped out to mingle with the masses. Shortly into my debut, an extremely pleasant child decided it would be
hilarious to punch me in the proverbials! Cue a hurried order on Amazon for a protective ‘box’.
My favourite memories as Sid included hugging businessmen and women
who had absolutely no idea it was me and who would have normally been
accustomed to seeing me in a suit and tie! Sitting in amongst the crowd as
Sid at the front of The Jointing Tech
Sharks Stand was electrifying and one game stands out against Glamorgan
when Rashid Khan was inspired with
80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
3 wickets for 9 runs and pace bowler
Tymal Mills took a scintillating hattrick
as the opposition were skittled for just 88 runs. After vociferously celebrating
each wicket no sooner had I sat down trying to get my breath back (wearing Sid is hot work!) and I was back up again. I distinctly remember being
jumped on by some overly excited
Rashid supporters, nearly losing my costume head in the process!
An incredible experience, but I had
completely forgotten!? As Sussex had made it to finals day at Edgbaston, I was expected to take part in the
mascot race, which would be live on Sky AND in front of 25,000 cricket
fans!! Knowing I was very unfit and
dreading the thought of making a fool of myself, I reluctantly agreed to take part. I recall the day was particularly warm and the mascots representing the other counties were generally
guys in their twenties! While I was sweating buckets, waiting for the
race to begin, I distinctly remember a
chap saying he’d put some money on me to win!!?
Unfortunately, it went downhill from
there. For Sid, the race was a disaster, his foot came off after 10 yards (if
that!) and whilst trying to recover said item of clothing, he got completely disorientated, and only managed
to complete two obstacles, before
realising the race had finished and the other obstacles had been dismantled because he was taking so long!? The
humiliation of not completing the race was marginally improved by the fact that no-one knew it was me!
Later this month, Sussex have a
quarter final tie at Headingley and
victory will mean a trip to finals day where you’ll be delighted to hear I
WON’T be letting Sussex down, as the Club very sensibly traded me in for a younger model.
S PO RT
The Raiders return
At the time of writing, the Rugby landscape is currently being dominated by the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa, under the leadership of former Wales and New Zealand Coach Warren Gatland. The Lions tours are one of the most prestigious events in world rugby and only happen every four years. The team combines internationals from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and heads to the southern hemisphere for a three Test series. The last Lions tour
Sport
in New Zealand, when Gatland was also Head Coach, ended in a 1-1 draw,
with the third Test ending in a nailbiting 15-15 draw after England’s Owen Farrell converted a 77th minute penalty to draw the Lions level. However, enough about the Lions, this is a Sussex magazine and I thought it would be more pertinent to profile the best men’s side in the County. Worthing Raiders, who are celebrating their centenary, having been formed on the 10 September 1920, ply their trade in National Division Two South, and who in the 2012-13 season, after gaining promotion, became the first club from Sussex to play in the third tier of English rugby. So, how did it all start? Back to the summer of 1920, a group of men who had a shared passion for rugby met at York House in Worthing and concluded that the town was in need of a Rugby Football Club. Initially they had no equipment and no ground, but after managing to play at various local grounds over the coming years, including a farmer’s field, the Club moved to Castle Road where they played for 30 years. As their development in Junior and mini rugby expanded, so did their need for larger premises and eventually the Raiders
settled at their current location at
allowing full contact rugby, clubs have
Roundstone Lane in Angmering in
been able to reinstate scrums and
1977, with the ground being officially
mauls. Exciting times ahead then and
opened two years later.
with the 2021/22 season due to be underway in September, the Raiders
Originally the team played in green and
plan to celebrate with a 1920s themed
white stripes but because this was the
day at their first home league game on
colour also used by Guildford, this was
11 September with the British Army
changed in 1927 to what you see today,
Red Devils Parachute Display Team
royal blue with chocolate and gold
delivering the match ball prior to kick off.
hoops. These colours were chosen as an amalgamation of the colours of the schools
I can’t wait! See you there.
where many of the team had played, namely Cranleigh, Mill Hill and Dulwich. Like all teams across the UK, rugby has been severely affected by the worldwide pandemic but with last month finally
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81
S PORT
Which is harder to win...an individual sport or a team sport? I have been lucky enough to be able to participate in many sports, both team and individual, cricket was my best (I was a bowler), however over the course of time, people will honestly tell you I was bang average at most of them!
But which is harder
Sport
to be the best at… being part of the
England T20 Blast
cricket team, or Lewis
Hamilton in Formula One?
Clearly this depends on the sport in
question, and unquestionably, they all
require an incredible skill set to achieve success. BUT…which one requires the most dedication to be the best.
Assuming one already has the ability in their respective field, and not like
me with two left feet, let’s look at the variables involved.
Team sport success depends on an entire team all working towards the
same end, producing maximum effort, but how often does one witness one
or two players having an off day when their shoulders drop, with the effect
spreading like wildfire, and seemingly diminishing the motivation of the rest
82 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
of the team? In essence, whatever
your talent level in said team sport, you must rely on your teammates as much as your own abilities. Without pulling
together, the teams’ performance will undoubtedly falter.
On the positive side, success,
fuelled by confidence, is shared and
conversely, the opposite can happen. But, just as team sports can diminish the impact of the best players, they can also hide the influence of the worst players.
Individual competition requires a
different mindset to bring success,
because in an individual sport, that person is also their competition as
well as the person they are trying to beat. Every opportunity becomes
a chance to beat their own target, and this requires a high degree of
discipline, focus and drive to succeed. As in the world of business, targets are there to be broken aren’t they!?
With individual sport, there is no hiding behind teammates. For an individual,
winning or losing is entirely up to that person, and every competition is a
chance to beat that persons’ last result.
Success and failure is down to them and essentially, success in individual sports requires a high level of discipline to continue to improve.
It also requires, in my opinion a high degree of selfishness; for me, the
rewards and the satisfaction in winning for oneself surely outweigh those
feelings that are shared. For both, I
believe the same motivation is required in the workplace, but I take my hat off
to those of you who are self-employed. You need to be motivated to get up
and do your job otherwise you do not
make money. Simple as that. If you are part of a team its much easier to hide behind other people’s successes and
still be paid, especially if you are not in
the mood. But remember… you can only hide for so long!
SBT LIFESTYLE
ENGAGE FOR SUCESS
WITH MIT VENTURES
COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS WINE OF THE MONTH
WITH BRIGHTON & HOVE WINE CLUB
SBT LIFESTYLE SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 83
Engage for success with MIT Ventures
Employee engagement is a critical driver of business success and improves workplace performance in many ways. Low employee
Lifestyle
engagement
negatively affects key
business performance indicators such as
productivity, profitability, absenteeism, and turnover. However, organisations that excel at employee engagement benefit from an improved work
environment and culture that encourages employees to be more dedicated to their companies’ goals and values.
According to David Callaghan, CEO at MIT Ventures, “True employee
engagement should be part of an
organisation’s DNA, where staff have a real connection with the business that they work for. Employee engagement
84 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
shouldn’t be the second to last item
agenda on the board report. It should be
something that you do every single day.” If you want to achieve your business goals and stay ahead of your
competitors, you need to create an
employee engagement strategy that promotes a people-first workplace culture and produces positive
business results. At MIT Ventures, we are committed to the power of
employee engagement. Our market-
leading employee engagement model is a practical solution that provides
outstanding employee benefits schemes to both temporary and permanent
employees. We have united all of our benefits and services into one easy-
to-access portal for the employee
and employer. This innovative portal
is specifically tailored to employees’
needs, enabling them to access a variety of lifestyle benefits, along with services that address employee wellbeing, from financial to mental and physical.
David Callaghan, CEO at MIT Ventures, believes that “MIT’s unique business
model instantly provides the employer with a suite of beautifully delivered features to transform the entire
employee experience. Our portal
provides access to pensions and
payroll documents in the same place
as a 24-hour confidential helpline and qualified doctor, while also offering
valuable discounts for shopping and
L I FE STYLE on time, employee satisfaction
increases. Our consultants take the
pressure off the business owners by keeping on top of payroll legislation while reducing the time and costs
associated with payroll processing. Pension schemes can also impact
staff loyalty, morale and productivity.
At present, 16% of Generation X’s and 12% of Millennials admit they won’t
be able to fund their preferred lifestyle in retirement. However, we strive
for a better retirement for all with
our tailor-made workplace pension solution that significantly reduces
the administrative burden of pension duties while ensuring compliance.
To ensure we offer value to our clients,
we continuously review and update our
services. Recently, we launched an addon Recognition service for rewarding and incentivising performance with
Amazon vouchers, and we introduced a
supplementary Online Learning platform, where staff can access +45 courses for leisure purchases. Staff can make use
of a great selection of tools that have a tangible effect on their lives.”
We take a holistic approach to
maintaining employee wellbeing
and positive workplace cultures as we believe that the health of the
workforce is the health of a business. During the pandemic, employees
have experienced higher levels of stress. Indeed, since the onset of
the COVID-19, calls to our free EAP helpline have soared, underlining
that it’s more important than ever to support employees’ mental health.
Martin Adams, Client Director at MIT, adds that “Being able to empower employers to give life-enhancing
benefits to their staff is by far the best part of my job. The facts speak for
themselves. Our employee benefits
improve motivation and reduce staff
turnover because you have provided value to their daily life.”
Our high-quality services that boost
productivity, engagement and growth also include targeted business
solutions for back-office operations, which are essentially the backbone
of a company. We provide a trusted and talented team to handle and enhance payroll processing and
pensions administration. Through our partnership with Holly Blue
Employment Law, our clients gain
access to legal specialists, allowing them to concentrate on strategic business objectives.
professional development.
Our range of employee benefits is a
genuine game-changer for providing employees with a better quality of
life. By offering a complete package of Lifestyle Benefits, Business
Protection, Workplace Pensions,
and Payroll Consultancy, we engage employees and resolve business
challenges. Want to see MIT in action? Schedule a demo and learn how MIT can motivate your people, inspire
workplace innovation, and transform your business.
T: 0800 211 8709
E: ee@mitventures.co.uk
At the core of employee engagement are relationships built on trust and a positive work environment. Payroll directly impacts the employee
experience every payday. When
payments are accurate and delivered
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 85
WI N E OF T H E MON TH
County Business Club Wine of the Month August 2021 Fitz Sparkling White Wine £19
Fitz wine is made locally in Worthing
using the same method as made Italian Prosecco, providing a fresher style
of English sparkling wine with a more
affordable price tag of around £20. The wine makers also enhance the flavour of the wine by aging longer giving it a
longer finish more becoming of a brut style wine. Ideal as an aperitif for any party or celebration.
On the nose the wine has delicate floral notes with Elderflower and
Honeysuckle. The palate is well balanced and has flavours of Green apple,
86 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Stone fruit, Citrus alongside the Floral
notes experienced on the nose. A fine
persistent mousse akin to Crémant sets it aside from other Charmat production and
it has a unique depth and complexity. The wine is crisp and refreshing and has good length and a clean finish.
The South East of England and Sussex in particular are leading the way in sparkling wine production and will compete head to head with many
leading Champagnes. Why not try some of our local wines for home BBQ’s and for those special occasions .
Michael Yeoman,
brightonandhovewineclub.co.uk Michael Yeoman owns Brighton and Hove Wine Club and also creates a
range of Sussex spirits using the pomace from English wine production. He
specialises in working with small batch wine producers in and around Sussex and the South Downs.
SBT ASK THE EXPERT
RAISING YOUR PROFESSIONAL PROFILE BY STEPHANIE PRIOR
“I GET TO” NOT “I’VE GOT TO” BY JAMES LAMBERT
SBT ASK THE EXPERT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 87
AS K T H E E X PE RT
Raising your Professional Profile If you’re a new business or a professional looking to gain more business or expand your networks, you may be thinking about how to raise your professional profile.
As the world
Ask the Expert
becomes more susceptible to
technology, there is
more need than ever
for professionals to consider how to raise profiles on platforms.
The thought of putting yourself out there can be a little daunting. You may be
questioning the potential cost and return on investment, time required outside
of your working schedule, knowing the right people or having confidence to share your opinion or expertise.
This article will explore some of these
questions alongside some reassurance and some useful tips to consider when your goal is to stand out in
your specialism. Here are 6 things
to consider when trying to raise your professional profile:
88 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
1. Content
local and national publishers such
expertise and communicate to your
news websites, radio stations, TV
is through content. If you are working
fantastic platforms in Sussex for
your content on your website, LinkedIn,
to. Some of these include Latest TV,
use at least one image in your article,
Absolute Magazine, The Argus, Brighton
One of the best ways to share your
as magazine editors, news reporters,
audience (especially during a pandemic)
management, etc. There are some
to a small budget, start with sharing
businesses and individuals to reach out
Facebook, and Twitter. If possible,
BBC Sussex, Sussex Business Times,
which you could additionally feature on
& Hove News, Gaydio, and many more.
your profile. If you don’t have a website,
You will not always get a response
LinkedIn articles and sharing content with
with content. At times, you content may
Adobe Spark have great features to free
you have to keep trying. It is a numbers
Instagram, with a link to the content on you can start by sharing content via
immediately as they are usually inundated
publishers. Platforms such as Canva and
not in keeping with their agenda, but
and cost effective image tools for your
game… what do you have to lose!
content and social media profiles. 2. PR Contacts
Whenever possible, be agile with your
content – write or create content that is
Create a PR list of contacts to send
topical, current and trending. This can be
content to publishers. This could include
and increase engagement. To support
your content to and sending regular
a great way to connect with new people
ASK T H E E XPE RT
this, use keywords and hashtags to get involved in leading conversations.
Citing factual statistics from relevant websites as well as the expertise
of specialists, or collaborating on
podcasts and other forms of content,
can be a great way to connect with key
audiences. Exploring ways in which you can support individuals and businesses (however big or small) through content can support building and maintaining
good professional relationships. When liking, sharing or promoting content of
others, they are more likely to return the favour and remember you! 3. Communications
This is a skill that so many take
for granted in terms of customer service as well as business development.
Sometimes the simplest of things,
such as responding to a comment, call, email, or a follow back can be a strong way to build on engagement, support,
feedback and business too. Whenever it
is possible, take the time to engage with others – not only will you come across
more human, but many ignore this, and
thus how you communicate, could help
you stand out against your competition. 4. Social Media Profiles
Keep your social media profiles up to
date and post whenever possible. Try
not to be a grey square - Make sure you have a good quality image of yourself set on your profile pages. Consider
using an image that best reflects how
you want your audience to see you. On
LinkedIn, make sure your key content is set as ‘features’ on your profile, so they are visible and accessible to those who view and explore your profile page. 5. Networking
Sussex holds a range of fantastic
networks for all types of businesses
and individuals. Some of these include, Brighton Business Breakfast Club, The
Network My Club, County Business Clubs
Community, Consortium Ladies Lunch Club, Property Professionals Lunch,
Bridging Change, Platinum Business
Group, The Boundary Club, Brighton
WOC, BNI and many more. There is never
enough time to attend all events, so check out their websites and select those that
suit your schedule. The more you attend, the more you become familiar with key connections and vis-versa.
If the event provides an attendee list
ahead of the event, research the list and identify those who you would be keen to engage with. Never make this too
obvious at an event! Be friendly and get to know as many people as possible as the world is a small place – you never
know who knows who and how someone could be of service for you in the future.
Speaking at networking events is a great way of introducing yourself to everyone
in the room. A lot of events will plan their speaker schedule a year in advance but not all. It is worth making contact and
presenting your expertise as it could be a
fit for an existing agenda or will help event organisers consider you for future events. 6. Charity Work
Engaging and supporting local charities is another way to meet other like-
minded professionals while actively
supporting a worthy cause. Many local charities can provide you PR, photos,
connections and memories to be made from supporting them. There are many fantastic organisations that could
provide you with some great events, activities and initiatives to consider.
Some Sussex based charities include The Starr Trust, RISE, The Rocking
Horse Children’s Charity, MIND, The Dame Vera Lynne Trust, The Open
Minds Project, The Martletts, Chailey Heritage Foundation, Chestnut Tree
House and many more. Many charities
have struggled to raise funds during the pandemic, so there is no better time to engage and give back if you can.
All of the above are cost effective ways to raise your professional profile. It provides a great opportunity to reflect on yourself too – your achievements and expertise,
while striving for new goals. Profile raising can take time, so don’t give up at the
initial hurdles. Be persistent, tenacious
and flexible as much as possible. Raising
your profile supports career opportunities as well as business development and
marketing, so it is never a waste to invest time in you.
Stephanie Prior Business Development & Marketing Manager Healys LLP
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 89
AS K T H E E X PE RT
“I get to” not “I’ve got to” I hope all of you reading or listening to this are already feeling motivated and positive about your lives but perhaps you’re not. Either way, I’d like
Ask the Expert
to share something with you today
that illustrates how beneficial the kind
of life “tools” I share with my coaching clients can be for everyone.
It involves simply making one small
change in the way you think about your daily activities. In fact, it’s just a matter of substituting one word with another.
Something this simple may sound as if it could make no significant difference
to your life. We are so used to thinking
that improvements come about through struggle. However, I encourage you to
just try this one small change in your life
and then experience the difference in your mental attitude and state of wellbeing.
This is a shift in your inner state of mind that can begin as soon as you wake up
each morning. Just try it: Instead of “I’ve got to go to the gym today” try “I get to
go to the gym today;” or “I get to go back
to work now” as
opposed to “I’ve
got to go back to work now.” Just
think of something you are currently
feeling pressurised by and switch it around.
What we tell
ourselves about what we do
each day deeply impacts our
state of mind
and our mood.
This simple shift, replacing one
little word with
another, can make the most intense change in your perspective. It is the
most life-altering realisation you can
have as it can be applied to absolutely everything that you do. It transformed
my own life and I propose it can do the same for you.
Start replacing “I’ve got to” with “I
get to.” Then just feel the change. It’s all about the incredible realisation,
sometimes so deeply buried that we actually forget it, that in reality, we
are making choices. So often we can
forget this incredible fact and in doing so, we can end up feeling oppressed
by our own lives rather than active and purposeful creators of them.
Real wealth, meaningful wealth, is not James Lambert
90 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
truth is that you do get to make choices every minute of every day.
In my own life I discovered that how we think about things governs our entire
outlook on life and consequently, how
we feel. So by making a change in our
thinking we change our whole relationship to our lives and everything in them.
That’s why I combine my work as a
Personal Trainer with Life Coaching and high performance mentoring,
as well as offering both disciplines separately. When Mind and Body
come together and work together
harmoniously in an integrated way we
can then realise the untapped potential within ourselves and often far surpass our previous expectations.
about adding to your bank balance -
Take care and live with purpose!
being able to choose and the amazing
James Lambert
although we all like to do that - it’s about
ASK T H E E XPE RT
CONNECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
BRIGHTON’S LARGEST LOCAL BUSINESS EXHIBITION
BRIGHTON
BUSINESS EXPO2021 7 Oct | Brighton Racecourse
DON'T MISS THIS AMAZING FREE BUSINESS EVENT
Brighton's largest local business show is fast approaching, so get your FREE tickets or book a stand from as little as £300+VAT
Network with over 300 businesses Meet with a variety of exhibitors Free seminars and networking
THURSDAY 07 OCTOBER 10am – 2pm, Free Admission
BRIGHTON RACECOURSE Freshfield Road, East Sussex mike@advantagebm.co.uk Call Mike on 07885 490266
REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS
Go to b2bexpos.co.uk or call 0845 139 9301
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 91
digital marketing with meaning
7 powered by:
FRIDAY 17 TH SEPTEMBER 2021 EAST BRIGHTON GOLF CLUB £77K TARGET - 10 CHARITIES - 10TH BIRTHDAY DONATE: JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING/SHARE77K
SPONSORED BY:
southern sheeting ENTRY INFORMATION £360 per team Teams of Four Stableford Points 9am shotgun start
Register now at: toby@tpgsportsevents.com IN SUPPORT OF:
92 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
PART OF
WHY ENTER? Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives Chance to win £5,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of gold clubs or a UK golf break Breakfast & Lunch included Raffle & Sponsor Sweepstakes
Sponsorship opportunities available
