SBT issue 449

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ISSUE 449

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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

WE SPEAK TO THE FOUNDER OF BEST OF BRITISH EVENTS, RYAN HEAL FLYING THE FLAG FOR THE RETURN OF LIVE EVENTS

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

with

Sam Thomas

The podcast that talks about the highs and the lows of running a business and being an entrepreneur.

We hear from Sussex based Business owners about their journeys, discussing the good, the bad and everything in between.

Kaplicky, 19/08/2021

AppleUser121212, Fri

Love the authenticity of this podcast

Inspiring and relevant business podcast

I love a business focussed podcast and this is a great one, so fascinating to hear the stories of how the owners started their businesses. A really authentic discussion as well, it’s so important that the low points of the journey are discussed as well as we all have them.

This podcast is a great listen for any business owner. Lots of wisdom from business people who have been there and got the t-shirt, with a great story to tell along the way. The passion of guests and the superb presenter, Sam Thomas, comes through every step of the way.

Listen on

County Business Clubs Content Hub

LISTEN

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WATCH

SUBSCRIBE

SBTWelcome

W E LCO M E

Welcome to the latest, packed issue of SBT

As we return to more live events and what seems like a return to some form of normality it is quite fitting and with great pleasure that this month’s cover feature, we speak with founder of Best of British Events and Best of British Members club, Ryan Heal, who is flying the flag for the return of live events. You can also watch the full podcast episode we recorded where we discuss Ryan’s business journey.

We hear from our very own Community Manager Jackie Ashwood as she ventures out onto the ‘live’ networking scene with the return of Network My Club, Gaydio Biz Mix and Ladies Lunch Clubs.

I have certainly had more of a spring in my step and can feel the positive energy and buzz in the room at events I have attended.

We are BACK!! (He says crossing his fingers).

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

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Issue 449

Cover 449

Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Production & Design Kim Butler Accounts Clare Fermor accounts@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 016 Published by The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by L&S Printing Limited Hazelwood Close Worthing BN14 8NP 01903 821005 www.ls-printing.com

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Sussex Business Times Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Sussex Business Times Magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisement contained within Sussex Business Times Magazine. All prices featured in Sussex Business Times Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2020 ©

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

05 11 17 23 27 33 39 43 49 53 57 63 69 77 83 87

Monthly News

A round up of News and good news stories from across the County

SBT Finance

Definitely Not Boring – An introduction to Seofon Business Services

SBT Legal

Employment Law: The end of Furlough by Alex Jones 365 Employment Law

SBT Property

General Market Conditions – Stephen Chipp Town & Country Property Management

SBT Cover Feature

We chat to the founder of Best of British Events, Ryan Heal

SBT Start Ups & Entrepreneurs

Unsure where your new business sits within its Market? By BIPC

SBT Good Business

Cleaning Business, Just Helpers – Tackling injustice and doing the right thing – Antoinette Daniel

SBT Sales & Marketing

Going the extra Mile for car dealers | Brand Identity

SBT Tech

How feasible is it to move your business IT system into the Cloud? By Extech Cloud | Acumen Business Law Celebrates rising Sussex based Tech Companies

SBT Charity

Rockinghorse Bonfire Quiz Night

SBT Motor News

The best and worst vehicles for the environment - By Rivervale

Chamber News

We hear from Sussex Chamber – Brighton Brighton– Worthing & Adur Chamber

SBT Networking & Events

How to be a brilliant Exhibitor – before, during and after | Jackie’s Networking Adventures

SBT Sport

Laurence Elphick Asks – A round up of sport from across the County and much more…

SBT Lifestyle

How to ‘Cook, Chew, Eat, Repeat’ Like a Boss | Wine of the Month

SBT Ask the Expert

Is your brand at Risk? by Clive Bonny | How is it nearly Q4 Already?! by Ben Bennett

SBT MONTHLY NEWS

SBT MONTHLY NEWS SPONSORED BY:

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MO NT H LY N E WS

New director to oversee future growth of The Beacon in Eastbourne

A community environment and sustainable economy are at the top of the agenda for James Roberts, the new director at The Beacon, who takes on the role with a proven track record in the retail sector.

James wants

Monthly News

to build on the

centre’s excellent

relationships with key organisations in the

town and ensure The Beacon remains at the heart of the community as it steps out of the Covid lockdowns.

“We have seen amazing stories of

fortitude, resilience and a determination to dust ourselves down and bounce back into life as swiftly as possible.

We are supporting our retailers as they

welcome back customers to The Beacon for a great experience,” said James.

James wants The Beacon to be the natural home for new community

initiatives, independent retailers with a dream and the next generation of

business entrepreneurs looking for a

creative space where they can share ideas and boost the local economy.

With the recent opening of the mall enlivenment in the centre, James

has set his sights on delivering more exciting projects for the centre,

including the rebranding of The Hut community space, and welcoming

innovative new retailers into the centre.

“We have just seen the opening of

Boom: Battle Bar on the first floor, which is a real first for Eastbourne.

“I want to look at dynamic new projects that will really add zest to The Beacon,” James explained. “I want to develop a

community environment and sustainable

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

economy that will

attract new audiences in addition to our fantastic shoppers who support us on a weekly basis.

“The Beacon is integral to the town and I

want people to have

a positive experience

from the moment they

enter the centre to the second they leave.

“Eastbourne is a vibrant town with a

great mix of events and entertainment,” he continued. “But it surprises me that there are still people outside the area who are unaware of our great offer. I will work tirelessly with our partners to shout about the opportunity and potential there is here.”

James said the number of daily visitors

to the centre was high compared to other seaside towns, but that he was keen to

welcome even more people into the town.

James started off his working life in

property back in 2010 after completing a degree in Fine Art. As a youthful

facilities manager, he looked after sites between the Midlands and the South West of England.

The travel bug bit, and James packed

his rucksack, bought a one-way ticket to Mumbai and spent a year travelling

around South-East Asia and Australia.

He took a job with shopping centre

owner Westfield and knew within days

that the mix of retail and property was his natural home.

James travelled back to England and took charge of a property portfolio in Birmingham. He turned around the

fortunes of a half empty shopping centre by developing a business and marketing

strategy. The strategies worked and when he left in 2018 the arcade was 95% let.

In October 2018 he took over the helm of The Grosvenor Shopping Centre in

Northampton on behalf of global property company JLL and was tasked with

creating stability and restructuring brand services. As part of his integration into

Northampton, James joined the board of three different business and academic groups and has been closely involved with future plans for the town centre.

In his rare free time, James spends

time with his partner Mark and their Beagle dog Barkley. Their current

project is to transform their garden

so it is fully sustainable, encouraging native species to grow.

MON T H LY N E WS

Support for Ardingly Football Club as it marks 125 years of village sport Ardingly Football Club is celebrating after Southern Sheeting signed up as a main club sponsor, ensuring the self-funded group can continue to thrive as it commemorates its 125th anniversary.

The club presented

Monthly News

the East Grinstead business with a

framed shirt, sporting its logo, as a thank

you for its support.

Southern Sheeting, a specialist supplier of building materials to trade and

domestic customers based in East

Grinstead, donated £1,000, which will

help the club to reset the goalposts and buy new kit for the first team.

Tony Hobbs, Managing Director, Southern Sheeting, said: “We are passionate about supporting grass roots football clubs

and young people whenever we can. We

regularly supply building materials to major

football clubs such as Salford FC so, this is a cause which is very close to our hearts.

Chairman, said: “We’re so pleased to

challenging to attract sponsorship, but it

“As a business we like to do what we

club sponsor as we celebrate our 125th

the pandemic. Providing this important

lending a hand at Ardingly Football Club

Hove Albion and Crystal Palace so it’s

boost for our players when they were

whole team a lot of joy.”

business Southern Sheeting to ensure that

after the recent lockdowns.”

welcome Southern Sheeting as our main

has been particularly challenging during

can to help our local community, so

year. Our club is older than Brighton &

community activity has been a real

during this historic year will bring our

wonderful to have this support from local

allowed to play football together again

Ardingly Football Club was founded in

this piece of football history continues.

This latest donation by Southern

1896 in Hapstead Hall by Mr Holman, Mr

“Our club is entirely self-funded. Without

Sheeting to Ardingly Football Club

more than 2,000 spectators would

new kits or carry out any essential

programme of support for its local

village’s recreation ground.

provide grassroots football in the village.

Richard Watson, Ardingly Football Club

“For a club of our size, it’s always

Munnion and Mr Hett. In the early 1900s,

donations we wouldn’t be able to buy

is part of the business’ ongoing

turn out to watch the club play on the

maintenance which enables us to

community in Sussex.

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

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

MO NT H LY N E WS

#StartupSeptember gives South East Entrepreneurs opportunity for success The Let’s Do Business Group is hosting a month long campaign throughout September, highlighting the range of services and support available to those looking to turn their hobby or idea into their own business, making business ownership accessible to all.

Aptly named

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#StartUpSeptember, this campaign will

provide daily advice, recommendations,

information on funding available,

and details of the variety of Start Up Programmes delivered by the Group that can give those just starting out the right tools to get their business off the ground. The Group will also

be running two face-to-face events during the month, giving people in

the local area the chance to speak to

experienced advisors and complete a

well as access to finance such as

2 session Start Up workshop.

Start-Up and Business Loans.

The Let’s do Business Group

Already successfully delivering

25 years ago as a local Enterprise

programmes, Her Biz across Kent and

provider of business support, finance

people in Hastings and Bexhill, aspiring

East of England. In the last eight years

the face to face My Biz programme.

people to fulfil their dreams to start a

Registration for these three programmes

independent advice and training as

the Let’s do Business website

originated in Hastings more than

two regular Start-Up workshop

Agency. Now they are a leading

Sussex and ‘Ready for Business’ for

and training across the South East and

business owners can also book onto

the Group have helped over 4000

business, by providing high-quality,

are open, and details can be found on www.ldbgroup.co.uk.

Rachel Pullen, a recent

attendee of the Her Biz Programme stated:

“I was lucky enough to

stumble across the Let’s Do Business Group by a recommendation from a friend. I was in the early stages of setting up my business and feeling

quite overwhelmed with all the information out

there online, in forums

and in books. I attended the Her Biz Women’s

Startup Programme, a 4

week course that delved into the fundamentals

from financial planning

to marketing strategy to business plan research.

It was brilliant - concise,

clear and very accessible.

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

MON T H LY N E WS I came out filled with confidence

either business advisor Rupert Kirby or

knowledge to kick start my journey.

Hurrey. Appointments can be booked

and with a host of resources and Would definitely recommend!”

For those looking for some in person

advice, #StartupSeptember will see the

accountant Sam Carter from Ashdown

at https://www.letsdobusinessgroup. co.uk/events/hastings-librarystarting-your-own-business

return of face-to-face events with two

The Group are also an official delivery

held at Hastings Library.

and are able to offer loans from £500 to

opportunities to seek guidance being

The first of these events is being held on Wednesday 8th September. From

partner of the Start Up Loan Company

£25,000, alongside business support to get your idea off the ground.

Launching #startupseptember Group Chief Executive Graham Marley said: ‘For over 25 years the Group has

been supporting people in getting

their businesses off the ground. We

will use #startupseptember to inspire and support people to explore at their options, in a safe environment. To

celebrate the programme I am delighted to announce that clients taking part in our #startupseptember programmes could win one of two cash prizes of

£500 that will provide additional help to

9.30am – 5pm and will give visitors the

Offering an all in one package,

and network with other aspiring

open up the opportunities available

For more information on

the South East, helping to create

www.ldbgroup.co.uk or follow

opportunity to talk to business advisors business owners to share ideas,

advice and experiences. The afternoon will be offering clinic appointments, where there will be the opportunity

to prebook 30 minute sessions with

#StartupSeptember is set to really to the future business owners of

the next generation of successful entrepreneurs, and the ‘Let’s Do

Business Group’ are right at the centre.

get their business launched.

#StartUpSeptember visit

Let’s do Business group on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Tom Woodward Joins Flude Property Consultants as a Junior Surveyor Flude Property Consultants (FPC) are delighted to announce that Tom Woodward has joined their Brighton office as a Junior Surveyor.

Tom joins FPC on

Monthly News

a year-long work

placement before he

finishes his final year of

study at Loughborough

University. Following his graduation, it is his intention to take an RICS accredited postgraduate degree with a view to becoming a Chartered Surveyor.

His role at FPC will be to assist the

Property Management department and

to support FPC’s existing management team of surveyors; Roger Woudman, Beau Prince, Kim Barnard, Vanessa Williams and Alex Minchell.

FPC director and head of Property

Management, Roger Woudman,

commented: “We are very excited to welcome Tom to the ever-

growing Property Management

department, where we will help to foster and develop his knowledge

and involvement in the commercial property world”.

Tom Woodward commented: “I am delighted to be joining Flude and the Property Management team

for my placement year, invaluably complementing my degree. I am

eager to develop my understanding of commercial property and real estate

whilst also gaining hands-on experience

Please contact Roger Woudman at

r.woudman@flude.com or call 01273 740391 for further information.

of a career in property.”

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9

THE economic fall out of the pandemic has been a bitter-sweet experience for one West Sussex businessman Andy Scowen, 38, was running his own printing and leaflet distribution service when Covid-19 swept through the UK, leaving financial devastation in its wake.

For Andy the

Monthly News

lockdown meant

putting his traditional company on hold

– but he had been

working on a candy-selling website

with his wife Katie as a hobby for six months and suddenly it’s business sky-rocketed.

His website www.postedsweets.co.uk went from 500 visits to 7,000 a day and

suddenly the orders were pouring in. His Facebook page now has over 40,000 followers - even Olly Murs posted on

Instagram that someone had sent him a Posted Sweets hamper.

Now the online business is so successful Posted Sweets is employing four staff

and is selling a remarkable three tonnes of sweets and chocolates a month.

In fact the increase in business was so steep Andy has now invested £70,000

10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

in a new automated weighing and

packaging line which he believes will help bring him even more success.

He turned to Lincolnshire-based Iris

Packaging Ltd to install and train his staff at his Chichester base three months ago and hasn’t looked back since.

The new machines can process, in just one hour, what it took one member of staff all day to complete.

“I started Posted Sweets from the spare room and it was really just a part-time

venture but then Covid came along and

it went crazy,” said Andy, who is married with a little boy.

“As my existing business faltered the

online venture grew to such an extent we were struggling to cope with the

level of orders. There were days when we simply had to close for orders to keep up with demand.

“That’s when I turned to Iris Packaging and I am delighted with the decision.

The guys gave us a competitive price,

excellent customer service and training and with their help I have taken the business to the next level.

“The machinery has made order

processing so efficient that I estimate we will have paid back the initial investment within a year.”

Grimsby-based Iris’ Director, Craig

Knight, said the company had helped dozens of fledging businesses move their venture onto the next stage.

“It’s fantastic to work with these

new and exciting artisan businesses and see them grow stronger. We are

always confident that our machinery and support can help build success and it’s satisfying to see Posted Sweets do just that.”

SBT FINANCE

DEFINITLEY NOT BORING!

AN INTRODUCTION TO SEOFON BUSINESS SERVICES

SBT FINANCE SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11

Definitely not Boring!

An introduction to Seofon Business Services

At Seofon Business Services our core business is primarily Bookkeeping.

But… Far from the stereotypical assumption that all accounts people are so very dull, it could not be further from the truth and most importantly our business services are full of (nice) surprises too!

Seofon are about to

Finance

celebrate their 10th birthday and we

provide professional support and admin

services to small, medium and startup local businesses. Our core values

of working efficiently, ethically and

providing the very best for clients and staff, are always the main focus of everything we do.

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The experience and strengths of our exceptional team; with their

impressive qualifications and eclectic mix of downtime activities that range from being a motor sport marshal at Brands Hatch, through to creating

fundraising activities for community causes; ensures that every client

receives individually tailored business support for each of their personal, or company needs.

But what is bookkeeping exactly? Many still think of it as just inputting numbers

onto a spreadsheet or piece of software.

However, the remit is far reaching and can also encompass guidance on claiming or changing items to get maximum benefit for the business; year-end checks to

assist accountants with swift year-end

processing, and the regular compilation of management reports, budget monitoring and planning documents.

FI NA NCE Firstly, do you have a robust and

potential errors at source. This covers

place and how good is your cash flow

bills and invoices, through to full bank

measures ensure the essential flow of

use, to ensure VAT returns are correct.

effective credit control procedure in

everything from the basic entry of

management? Strong credit control

reconciliation and which tax codes to

incoming funds.

Then, for cash flow forecasting, do you

informed and knowledgeable input for

any additional expense, and how to

accounts systems. Working with accounts

levels drop unexpectedly? Do you have

seamlessly integration of accounting

know when you need to plan to cover

the development of bespoke in-house

securely cover outgoings should income

and management teams, we aide the

a journal that clearly defines accruals

software and HMRC requirements.

and prepayments?

and recording of sales invoices,

purchase bills, bank reconciliation and payroll. All hugely important

and often very time-consuming for

small and middle sized companies.

Unsurprisingly, many of our clients

have now discovered that their time

can be better spent by concentrating

on their work that provides an income; whilst leaving the day-to-day tasks

such as bookkeeping and admin to us.

And, then there are the extras. With the ability to manage cash flow,

prevent unexpected HMRC liabilities and ensure payments are on time – not early or late – these should be

viewed as essential! So what should a well-managed business check and monitor throughout the year?

And finally, at the end of another

If you are VAT registered, have you

trading year, the year-end

VAT basis; and have claimed for all

specific reconciliation is actioned

checked you are on the correct

accounts. Do you ensure that

allowances to minimise your VAT bills?

throughout the year; or do you have

It is also vital to ensure you are notified

as you pull everything together in

legislation changes that may be relevant.

includes the preparation of files for

or understanding’ does not mitigate the

of the payroll account, VAT returns,

the mammoth task of backtracking

of, and fully understand, any new

a rush. Our bookkeeping service

HMRC are very clear that ‘not knowing

accountants, ongoing management

need to pay any penalties levied.

filing, reconciliation, invoicing, Xero

Next are those dreaded management

admin, to ensure you always stay in

reconciliation and general accounting

reports! A pain to compile and not

control of your company finances.

Business Services can create your

So… Bookkeeping is a long way from

flow projections and provide budget

The financial control it provides not

explain the figures in a language

can limit unnecessary expenditure,

management meetings to report and

provides a business with more free

always easy to understand. Seofon Basic bookkeeping is the processing

In addition, we frequently provide

profit and loss accounts, provide cash

just adding figures to a spreadsheet!

reporting. We comprehensively

only improves cash flow efficiency, but

everyone understands and will attend

save money and most importantly

answer any questions posed. For

time to make money!

internal checking and audit processes to

If you would like to learn more about

internally generated reports, we can run verify accuracy before circulation.

Seofon’s business services, have a

And when did you last review your

just have a quick query; please give us

errors? Spotting anomalies, suggesting

info@seofon.co.uk or visit our

friendly chat over a coffee or Zoom, or

existing books? Would you spot any

a call on 01403 588639, email

corrections and managing the

website www.seofon.co.uk.

all part of our service provision.

We will be pleased to help.

backtracking and corrections for you is

For in-house bookkeepers, we provide

support, training and guidance on how to correctly ‘Do IT Yourself,’ halting

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

FI NA N C E

Sussex-based Entrepreneurs revealed in Servo Private Wealths’ Top 40 under 40

Sussex-based Wealth Management practice, Servo Private Wealth, has today revealed the Top 40 businesses headed up by people under the age of 40 in Sussex.

The independent

Finance

financial planning

firm that specialise in working with

business owners,

headed up by James Mallinson, wanted to celebrate individuals

whose businesses have shown a

huge amount of financial resilience over the past 18 months. Powered

by data from mnAI (the world’s first

AI-powered deal-flow search engine for private investment markets),

the individuals, all aged under 40, have been selected based on the

entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in steering their team and business through an incredibly challenging period, both from a business and financial perspective.

James Mallinson, Managing Director

October, where

under 40 myself and have been

companies will be

this period so I know just how difficult

their trophies.

challenges of everyday family life,

Congratulations

managing the demands of a business,

businesses and

who have been able to adapt and

who have been

heads above water. Those who have

forward to seeing

and stable platform to help steer

success of the top 40 under 40.

waters have seen their hard work

For all press enquiries, please contact

shown incredible entrepreneurial

sarah@creativepod.uk.com

of Servo Private Wealth, said: “I’m

the winning

running my own business throughout

presented with

it’s been. This, coupled with the

can be incredibly tough on those

to all of those

a team and customers. The people

entrepreneurs

react have been able to keep their

named. We look

provided their team with a strong

the continued

their business through these choppy pay off. It is those people who have spirit, tenacity and financial resilience that we want to

About Servo Private Wealth:

good work it has

with families, individuals, business

their local economy.”

companies and charities, to grow and

All of the top 40

client’s wealth, over the long term.

been sent their

of financial services clear, simple and

celebrate, and the

At Servo Private Wealth, we work

done for them and

owners and entrepreneurs as well as protect the value of their, and their

under 40 have

Our aim is to make the complex world

certification.

tailored to you.

be celebrated

For more information, visit: https://

For now, it will digitally on the

company social

media channels

before an in-person celebration in

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Sarah Lyons at

www.servoprivatewealth.com/

FI NA NCE

Director Name

Company Name

Director Name

Russell John LYNES

ACOPIA GROUP LTD

Joshua Edward OWEN

David Charles KALLMANN

AGRIE MACH LIMITED

Matthew Paul OWEN

ASHTON HEALTHCARE GROUP

Grant Alexander Dominic

LTD

ANDREWS

Michael Adam SHOOKHYE

Richard Lindsay SHOOKHYE

Rosinah Claudia SHOOKHYE

ASHTON HEALTHCARE GROUP LTD ASHTON HEALTHCARE GROUP LTD

Company Name OWEN SCAFFOLD CONTRACTORS LIMITED OWEN SCAFFOLD CONTRACTORS LIMITED P J CHAFFIN LIMITED

Thomas Richard BURKS

P J CHAFFIN LIMITED PROVIDENCE BUILDING

Darren John TANCRED

SERVICES LIMITED

Matthew TUCKER

BARRINGTON JAMES LIMITED

Nadia TRUTTERO

R M PETTETT LIMITED

Christopher KING

BARRINGTON JAMES LIMITED

Cahal Patrick MCNICHOLL

ROCMEP LIMITED

Roland David LAMBERT

SAFEGUARD EUROPE LIMITED

Tom FREYNE

SCOPE OPHTHALMICS LIMITED

Matthew Robert DWELLY Claudia REES Neil David SALMON

BRIGHTWELL DISPENSERS LIMITED CELLS 4 LIFE EVENTS INTERNATIONAL (SPORTS TRAVEL) LIMITED

SMART PARTITIONS (UK)

Hamzah KARKAR

LIMITED

James Hugh FILEMAN

FILEMAN ANTIQUES LIMITED

Richard William FRANCIS

SOUTHERN PILING LIMITED

David Gratton HEATLEY

FINE-CAST FOUNDRY LIMITED

Luke WHITTAKER

STATE OF PLAY GAMES LTD

Katherine BIDWELL

STATE OF PLAY GAMES LTD

Jonathan Paul WHITTALL

TEC PROJECTS LTD

VIKKSTAR LTD.

PGL BRICKWORK + Grant James RICKSON

SCAFFOLDING CONTRACTORS LTD. PGL BRICKWORK +

Lloyd RICKSON

SCAFFOLDING CONTRACTORS LTD.

Archie Guy HARWOOD

HARWOODS TPS LIMITED

Vikram Singh BARN

Murray JONES

J GROUP GLAZING LIMITED

Alexander Richard WHIBLEY

Todd JONES

J GROUP GLAZING LIMITED

HEATING (CONTRACTORS)

WHIBLEYS THE JEWELLERS

WHIBLEY

LTD

Olivia Jordan WHIBLEY

LIMITED Joshua BRADLEY

KUKI MONSTER ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED

James FENTON

MERIDIAN MEDICAL LIMITED

Marcus FENTON

MERIDIAN MEDICAL LIMITED

Tamara ALLIOT

NERIAL LTD

Emily Anne CROCKER

NIGHT GARDEN LIMITED

Samuel Charles CROCKER

NIGHT GARDEN LIMITED

LTD

Maximilian Alastair

JACKSON PLUMBING & Joseph Philip John JACKSON

WHIBLEYS THE JEWELLERS

Rhodri ALEXANDER

WHIBLEYS THE JEWELLERS LTD

ZOONOU LIMITED

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

RESOLVING ARGUMENTS BETWEEN DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS OR PARTNERS

BY MAYO WYNNE BAXTER

EMPLOYMENT LAW: THE END OF FURLOUGH

BY ALEX JONES, 365 EMPLOYMENT LAW

SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

Resolving arguments between Directors, Shareholders or Partners The pandemic has put a strain on many business relationships, but what are the legal options when disagreements arise? Dialogue is often the best way to resolve matters, including mediation but if that is not possible, there are legal remedies.

Legal

Removing a Director

or shareholder agreements. These

The directors as a

removal of a director. Some of these

no power to remove

voting rights granted to directors.

board generally have another director unless included in the company’s constitutional documents, such as the ‘Articles’. Even if, as a

shareholder, you hold over 50% of the

voting shares and can remove a director: • Make sure you give notice (called

‘special notice’) to the company at

least 28 clear days before any meeting.

• Check the company’s constitutional

documents, including any investment

18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

may contain several options for the agreements may have weighted

• Check how removal will affect day to

day running of the company, including access to bank accounts.

•A re there directors’ loans to be

repaid? Unless agreed otherwise these are payable on demand.

• Do you need to preserve confidential

information - clients lists or company credit cards?

• Carefully check a director’s right to

compensation under a service contract.

If a director is also a shareholder,

consider any shareholder agreement

carefully as this might govern how to deal with the return of shares.

If the shares are held 50/50, and the shareholder agreement does not

assist, then unfortunately, there will be deadlock, and court action may mean the dissolution of the company.

Unless there is severe or unlawful

activity to justify gross misconduct, it

may also be difficult to justify immediate termination of the director if they are an

employee. Check the director’s contract

LEGA L company’s ‘Articles’, and these may

contain additional rights not available

under general law. A shareholder may

have the rights to call a general meeting or to have the company’s accounts

audited at the company’s expense. If

a shareholder holds more than 25% of

shares, they can block the passing of a

‘special’ resolution for instance to allow

a change in the Articles to give a majority shareholder greater voting powers.

If shareholders are acting in a way that is ‘unfairly prejudicial’ to the

interests of other minority shareholders (for instance being excluded from management), an application can

Karim Mohamed

be made to the court who has the discretion to prevent that form of

conduct, or to request the buy-out of

shares from those being prejudiced. A shareholder can also seek to wind up

the company and appoint a liquidator

where the court is persuaded that it is ‘just and equitable’ to do so. of employment, which may contain

Partnerships

on dismissal. And:

In partnerships the relationship between

• Get legal advice if you wish to suspend

agreement. This will often cover:

notice periods or compensation rights

a director whilst you investigate any misconduct, as getting it wrong has serious consequences.

partners will be governed by a partnership

•R emoval of one partner from the partnership and the procedure.

• If there is no employment contract,

•T he consequence of the removal of a

the director is an employee and on

•T he process which must be followed if

you will need advice on whether

statutory and implied notice periods.

•E mployees with more than two years continuous employment may have

partner, including compensation.

breaches of the agreement occur.

•N otice periods

rights under the law, including remedies

The agreement should also govern

before acting to avoid a claim. Even if

partnership, either by unilateral notice or

employment, a dismissal may be an act

the % majority. A partner who cannot

for unfair dismissal. Obtain advice

the process for termination of the

the director has less than two years of

whether a vote is required and defining

of discrimination as defined by statute.

dissolve the partnership by notice or a vote, can apply to the court. There

Shareholders

are various grounds for dissolution

Generally, shareholders have certain

agreement or it is ‘just and equitable’ for

rights which are contained in the

If there is no partnership agreement,

you will have to rely on the application

of specialist partnership law... However, the following issues may arise:

• The partners are jointly and severally

liable for the debts of the partnership. If

the partners have changed over time, it is important to establish who was a partner at the time the liability was created.

• Sometimes, there can be a debate over who the partners are and whether they are employees.

• I f there is no partnership deed, statute law may require a partnership to

be dissolved – even if it is a thriving

business. If there is no partnership deed, a partner may be able to demand that their capital be paid out immediately.

Disputes can be costly so ensure that you have shareholder or partnership

agreements in place and take legal advice before deciding on a course of action.

By Karim Mohamed – Partner Mayo Wynne Baxter

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

including, breaches of the partnership the partnership to be dissolved.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

Employment Law: The end of Furlough

As we start to see an exit out of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will end.

This scheme,

Legal

through the furlough system, has meant that employers

have been able to

retain staff they would have otherwise made redundant. The issue of staff

redundancies will be in the news as

the end of furlough approaches at the end of September, as will the large

number of these be news in October.

The reasons for this are obvious.

Since March 2020, businesses who otherwise would have made staff redundant, have, in many cases,

avoided the need to do so because of

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). This is the mechanism through

which employers are able to place staff on furlough, and recover a percentage of their salary (at times up to 80%), through the scheme.

My view is that once furlough ends,

those redundancies that were put on hold, will start to happen quickly.

Employers that have held off on redundancies would be wise to

consider the next steps they might want to take, when the financial

support ends. How those redundancies

happen is important from both a reason perspective, but given the short time

period until the end of September, also a procedural one. If employers make redundancies quickly at the start of October, once the furlough subsidy

ends, they will face difficulty arguing that dismissals are not, at the very least, procedurally unfair.

If the number of affected staff is over 20, then collective rules apply. I do

not focus on those for the purpose of

this article, but on the smaller number redundancies, that affect SME’s on a

more regular basis, and that will have to

LEGA L can be because of specific work

reduction, for costs saving purposes, or for re-organisation purposes. As an example, in hospitality, a widely

affected area, a bar owner may have two bar managers, both of whom

share shifts, so both are needed. The employer may decide to make one of

those redundant to save costs, despite the work need being there, and do some of the shifts themself. That

would be a genuine redundancy, as

the requirement for a bar manager has ceased. They would of course have to

have a fair selection process to decide which employee goes, but one of those roles is redundant.

A redundancy situation does not occur under this heading, if an

employee is made “redundant” and

someone else is hired into exactly the same role. Using the above example,

if another bar manager is immediately hired, a redundancy situation would not exist. be faced when furlough ends. Many of

An employee made redundant will

in the mind of employers.

pay. The right to qualify for that pay is

The legal position relating to

employment with the employer.

can happen in one of three situations,

The reason why it is important for

closure (i.e. the location where the

that if an employee is not redundant,

most commonly used, a reduction

fair procedure is not followed, the

particular kind.

claim, and could receive much higher

these considerations should already be

redundancy of staff sets out that it

be entitled to statutory redundancy

conditional on two years continuous

business closure, workplace

employers to get this process right, is

employee worked closes), and the

or they are unfairly selected, or a

in the need for staff to do work of a

employee will have an Unfair Dismissal

A reduction in the need for staff to do

amounts of compensation.

work of a particular kind is the most

How that interacts with the end of

at this time. The staff are redundant

employers. An employer who makes an

requirement for staff to do work of a

has ended”, will not satisfy the test,

the work still exists, but whether

Employers need to be planning for

work. This means that redundancy

with them in October.

common route to staff redundancies

furlough, will cause problems for

if the employer no longer has the

employee redundant because “furlough

particular kind. The test is not whether

and will face an unfair dismissal finding.

or not the role is needed to do the

these issues now, if they want to deal

Alex Jones

Employers should also think about

selection, and whether or not genuine redundancies exist. The issue of accrued holiday and potentially

unpaid wages will also be live in

respect of the furlough period. In

respect of holiday, using the example of an employee on furlough since

last March, they will have 18 months worth of accrued holiday to pay. In

respect of wages, an employee who objected to the terms of furlough,

and continued to do so, would also potentially have a claim for the

difference in wages for the period.

Please always take advice on any staff related issues.

By Alex Jones, Managing Director, 365 Employment Law Alex Jones

365 Employment Law Solicitors Tel: 01903 863284

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

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

Does your business need a helping hand?

During these unprecedented times, many businesses are struggling so we would like to help. We are offering free general guidance on: • Unpaid invoices & contract disputes • Commercial landlord & tenant issues • Professional Negligence • Commercial insurance claims

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

Call us on 01273 223290

or visit www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/here-to-help

Offices across Sussex

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT PROPERTY

GENERAL MARKET CONDITIONS

WITH BRIGHTON LETTINGS AGENCY

BRIGHTON KISS WALL ARTIST BRUCE WILLIAMS TO CREATE PUBLIC ART AT EDWARD STREET QUARTER

SBT PROPERTY SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

General market conditions The market has been, to put it mildly, quite incredible in the past 4-6 months.

We currently have no properties available from our stock of just under 300 we manage on behalf of our clients The tactic of virtual

Property

viewings – which were deemed

essential as per

Government Covid

guidelines – has meant that in lots

of cases we have had people taking

the property having only seen a walk though due to a fear of missing out.

As an agency we like to ensure that applicants have physically viewed

properties to avoid issues but in some

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

cases we have literally had people clamouring to take the properties.

It has genuinely got to the point

that properties are having, on some

occasions, to be physically taken off of the market within 20 minutes of them

being placed as we have already secured a applicants – long may this continue!

Rent Levels

Market forces dictate rent levels and

these have risen noticeably in recent

months due to the demand far outpacing the supply of properties. I recall, back when I began in the industry 20 years ago, that you could comfortably rent

a 1 bedroom apartment in the City for around £550pcm – you would need

around the £1000 mark for the same apartment currently.

I have mentioned before but, due to

having natural barriers of the sea to the

P RO PE RTY

South and the South Downs National

Park to the North, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas have limited space on which to build. This will,

more than likely, mean that it will be

difficult to alter this supply and demand issue. This does mean that property

in the region will remain an attractive investment opportunity.

Cost of maintenance

One thing I recently highlighted to our

clients is that material costs have risen

sharply in the UK in the past 12 months – and I am guessing around the world.

For example timber has dramatically increased in price and this is being

reflected in some of the costs obtained

from contractors for works. I am all too

Details can be found here;

aware of this personally wanting, as I

https://commonslibrary.parliament.

am, to do some works to my own home.

uk/research-briefings/cbp-8756/

Legislation

Charity

clients money, in having all properties

exciting one for me. I was elected as

electrical legislation there seems there

chose Esteem as my Charity who offer

further prospective changes being

and currently I am in training (loose

Having spent considerable time, and

Personally this coming year is an

certified electrical due to the new

the Chairman of Adur District Council. I

is not a day that goes by without

support and mentoring to young people

mooted in parliament.

description!) for the Brighton 10KM. This

There are suggestions that pets in

this goes to print but if you wanted to

in parliament and that is without the

have a golf day coming up at West Hove

The Renter’s Reform Bill, which is still

out of a perfectly good aeroplane!

a well used political ‘football’ for all

www.brightonlettings.co.uk

may have already occurred by the time

properties are the next target for those

support then please do get in touch as we

upcoming EPC rating change and

and next year I, apparently, will be jumping

very much on the table with it being parties; it was in the Conservative

Governments pre election manifesto.

This is meant to include the abolition of Section 21 notices and changes to deposits amongst other things.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

PRO PE RT Y

Brighton Kiss Wall artist Bruce Williams to create public art at Edward Street Quarter The award-winning artist behind Brighton’s iconic Kiss Wall has been chosen to create public art at the city’s newest neighbourhood Edward Street Quarter.

Property

Bruce’s piece will

Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.”

historic links with

Artists Daniel Locke and Hannah Chater

draw on the area’s the fishing industry

and it looks set to be

installed at the end of this year.

His work will appear in a central square

and will feature a fishing net with designs and stories inspired by a community consultation which is uncovering residents’ memories of the area.

The Brighton artist’s installations have appeared in locations across the UK,

from Belfast to Birmingham and now his beautiful work will feature in his home city once again.

Brighton designer, Richard Wolfstrome, who has been helping Edward Street

Quarter to find the best talent to deliver public art, said: “We’re so pleased that Bruce is part of our team of artists.

His famous Kiss Wall, installed on the

seafront in 1992, was nominated for the Working for Cities national public art

award run by the Arts Council for England and British Gas, so we can’t wait to see the attention his next piece receives.

“A consultation, led by Kemptown artists Daniel Locke and Hannah Chater, is

taking place this summer, which will feed

into his designs, making this artwork truly part of its local community. This ‘fishing net’ piece will work in perfect harmony

with Cosmo Sarson’s 10m high mural of

26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

have held creative workshops at local schools and groups, such as Carlton

Hill Primary School and Brighton Fishing Museum, as well as individual meetings with local residents to collect their memories of the area.

Memories so far have shed light on

how much the area has changed. One

resident remembers Edward Street being

lined with shops in the 1970s and another recalled the Black Dove pub in the 1960s which was then a doctors’ surgery.

Steve Eccles, Project Director at First Base, commented: “The public art

we are providing will create beautiful places to stop and spend time, as

well as connecting Brighton’s newest

neighbourhood with its heritage. We’re

so grateful to the local residents to have taken the time to be part of the creative process that will go into this piece and we’re delighted to have an artist of Bruce’s calibre on our team.

“The scale and quality of the work being delivered by our artists will put Edward Street Quarter on the tourist trail for

visitors too as we build on Brighton’s reputation for public art.”

Edward Street Quarter comprises 125,000 sq ft of flexible space for Brighton’s digital and creative sectors, as well as the wider

business community, making it the largest provision of workspace to be delivered in the city since 1993.

In total 20,000 sq ft is set aside for retailers, leisure and hospitality and 168 new homes

are available, including a mix of private and affordable units to meet local demand.

The development features three public

green spaces, heavily planted with mature trees and an edible garden full of herbs.

For more information about

Edward Street Quarter, please visit edwardstreetquarter.com.

SBT COVER FEATURE

WE TALK WITH FOUNDER OF BEST OF BRITISH EVENTS

RYAN HEAL

SBT COVER FEATURE SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

We chat with Ryan Heal This month’s cover story we speak to the founder of Best of British Events, Ryan Heal, flying the flag for the return of live events.

Ryan has played a

Cover Story

significant role within the Sussex Business Community for the past 20 years.

• Appointed Patron of Chestnut Tree

House Children’s Hospice 2009 - 2012

• Managing Director of Juice FM 2008 – 2012 & Chairman from 2016 - 2018

• Winner of “Outstanding Brightonian of the Year” at the 2011 Sussex

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Business Awards

•W inner of “Greatest contribution to

Sussex Charity” at the 2016 Sussex Business Awards

•W inner of “Greatest contribution to Sussex” at the 2018 Argus Achievement Awards

•H onoured in the inaugural 2018 “Brighton Power 100” list.

www.brightonpower100.co.uk

•H onoured in the “Celebrating

Sussex” Top 100 People in the

County 2019 & 20

• Appointed Honorary Patron of

Rockinghorse Children’s Charity in

June 2021 following nearly a decade of service as Chief Executive.

The list of awards and honours is a

tribute to his success and the amazing work he has done within the Sussex

business community. In this interview

and podcast episode we find out about his journey, mindset, all that is Best of

COVER STO RY

Ryan & Anne Heal with guest speaker Frank Bruno at the Best of British London Lunch 2019

As far as Membership is concerned, we are at full capacity until 2022. Despite

the demand for Memberships, I had to stay true to the original vision for the

BBMC which was that we will never be

more than 50 Members… Whatever the

demand next year and beyond. For me,

this provides genuine exclusivity for our British Events, what the future holds for Ryan Heal and how he is flying the flag for the return of live events.

The Best of British Members Club –

BBMC – started in January 2021 with the first event in May and has been a great success. You have capped the club at 50 members, what will this

look like next year? Can more people get involved?

Due to the restrictions, the first couple

of BBMC (Best of British Members Club) meetings were very much Members

only due to the guidelines at the time.

Thankfully, our Members can now bring guests to our meetings which is great.

members, who are all business owners/ directors, who can now experience

the best hospitality at the best venues

hearing from the best speakers in a safe

into a London meeting room. However, as far as genuinely beneficial business networking goes, there is simply NO

substitute for face to face. For me, trying

to build rapport; strike up a conversation; gauge the room; sense the vibe is only possible face-to-face and physically

impossible from a virtual screen at home.

We’re social animals and we need to get

back out there… Albeit responsibly for the time being.

space environment.

The idea for the Best of British

Post-pandemic we have seen a

larger scale Best of British Events

mixture of online events, Hybrid

Events and smaller live events, what

do you see is the future for business networking?

I’m biased because of my desire to have

face-to-face contact with my network but I’m firmly in the live event camp. That’s

not to say that remote / hybrid working

won’t continue, I am sure it will. I see huge value in a group Zoom call from multiple

locations versus getting everyone together

Members Club was born out of your that you launched in 2009, where did

the idea for Best of British Events first come from?

Going back to the 1960’s Sussex

had a great reputation for putting on

first class fundraising events with top

quality entertainment and star names.

Institutions such as The Variety Club

held huge events in the city for many

years. My Grandfather was Chairman

of an entity called “Sussex Sportsman’s

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

C OVE R STORY

Charities” for many years and I often wondered what it could be like to try

events was very poor.) So, the concept

of “Best of British” Events was born with

3. Our events would be fully inclusive

and without discrimination of any kind

a triumvirate of goals in mind.

against sexuality, race, creed…unlike

for something different. The “something

1. I t had to be “the best” when it came

that were still “men only” (in 2008!!!!)

events (and I must say in the late 90’s

2. I t had to make a difference locally by

and resurrect a similar model. I strongly felt that the Sussex market was ready

different” was the quality of speaker at and early 2000’s the overall quality of

to our guest speakers and venues. supporting local causes.

some other local events at the time

Our very first event in June 2009, saw

British Boxing Legend Sir Henry Cooper & 1966 World Cup Winner Gordon

Banks appear together on stage and

the “Best of British” fundraising lunches were up and running. In the intervening 12-13 years we’ve raised hundreds

of thousands of pounds for charities including: Chestnut Tree House;

Rockinghorse and Teenage Cancer Trust among others. Our guests have been

entertained by the Kings & Queens of British Sport as well as stars of stage & screen. This year we still have the

likes of Dame Judi Dench and Olympic Heroine Tessa Sanderson CBE coming to Sussex to entertain our guests.

During the last 18 months and the

pandemic many events went online, was this never an option for Best of British Events?

I think the phrase would be over my

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

COVE R STO RY dead body! Anyone that has ever been to one of our events knows

that to even attempt to recreate the atmosphere of a “Best of British”

event over Zoom (or similar) would

be a complete waste of time. From a professional standpoint operating in the events industry, I think it was a

scandal how some events companies charged silly money for “tickets” to

virtual events / awards shows during

the pandemic. Postpone and deliver a proper event for your guests!

As we come out of the pandemic how

are the larger events panning out? Will they be returning in the same vein as pre-pandemic?

Thankfully yes. I appreciate that C-19 is still with us, but we are learning to

live with it now. What has changed is

You have Best of British Events

that the venues have in place for

Gatwick What does the future hold

the incredibly guidance and controls our guests including automatic

temperature control checks upon

entry. It’s been a long 18 months but the appetite for corporate events is certainly returning. Our events for

the Autumn are pretty much sold out, although we do have a few tables

remaining for our Gatwick lunch. Other than that, we have 4 sold out events between now and November – all in

Brighton, Eastbourne, London and for Best of British Events large

scale events? Any new events in the pipeline?

Yes, we do. We are holding our first “Best of British” Raceday later this

month at Goodwood and in June 2022 we’ll be hosting our first ever “Best of

British” Golf Day so watch this space!

Sussex and ranging from 150 – 500

You’ve always had a number of

thousands of businesses have not

what else is Ryan Heal up to these

guests. We must remember that

been able to entertain their clients

for such a long time. A Best of British

event is the perfect vehicle to get your

business back on board when it comes client hospitality.

projects on the go simultaneously so days and how do you manage to your time between the various entities?

In addition to the Best of British Events

& the BBMC Members Club, I’ve started

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

C OVE R STORY

doing some private consultancy for

various organisations looking to increase their brand profile and ultimately drive forward profitability. Thankfully, I’ve

had some wonderful opportunities to

work with some great businesses as we enter a post-lockdown landscape and a widely predicted start of a 10-year

economic boom period. My consultancy is called BN1 Consulting so together with the events and Members Club,

I find myself wearing hats that are all intrinsically linked. I refer to it as a

“Russian Doll” business model whereby the first entity is always the largest, in

this sense that’s Best of British Events with events for up to 500 guests; then we have a microcosm of that which is the BBMC – Best of British Members Club – restricted to just 50 members

and then a further microcosm of that is BN1 Consulting where I work with an exclusive group of carefully selected

32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

handpicked clients. Breaking down the

a worthy substitute for good old

markets allows me to manage my time

and I’ll continue to give my all in

business into 3 clear and distinct vertical

fashioned hard work, especially now,

between them much more effectively

everything I put my name to.

and efficiently.

What does the future hold for Ryan Heal?

Firstly, I try not to look too far ahead.

As for the future? I cannot wait to see

the next 5 years unfold. Let the roaring

20’s finally begin and hope to see you at a Best of British event soon!

If the last 18 months has taught

For more information on any Best of British

unexpected! I’m genuinely excited

contact us.

us anything it’s too expect the

about this new chapter in my career and it’s great to see the appetite for live events surging back (safely).

We’re all very excited about our soldout event with Dame Judi Dench in November and we look forward to

launching our first ever Best of British Golf Day at Goodwood in 2022.

Ultimately, there has never been

events visit www.bestofbritish.org.uk and

SBT

COVER FE ATU RE

START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES

UNSURE WHERE YOUR NEW BUSINESS SITS WITHIN ITS MARKET?

BIPC SUSSEX HAS THE TOOLS FOR THE JOB

?

?

SBT START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

The Lay of the Land

Unsure where your new business sits within its market? BIPC Sussex has the tools for the job.

You have a viable

New Business

business idea, and

your start-up business is on a roll. You have a good overview of

costs and regulations, and where the

premises will be. But those notes and

post-its won’t impress the bank or give you competitive advantage. You need

something solid to pull this together into a cohesive plan of action – you need market research.

Why market research?

Having a greater understanding of your

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

marketplace from the very start will

enable you to create a sound business strategy to establish and grow your

brand into one that’s better than the

competition. It’s also the simplest way

for entrepreneurs to keep up with market trends and maintain a competitive edge by sizing up your business opportunity.

Research your competitors in the market, the purchasing habits of your customers,

how the national and international market is playing out and look ahead to future

trends, so you’re always prepared. How crowded is the marketplace? Which

brands are performing best and why?

Find out if demand for your product type is on the rise or in decline? If it

is declining, don’t be disheartened as

market research can help you find a niche or another path to market.

With this data led information, you

can then set out a business plan with

confidence, for both, your own use and when you apply for grants, funding or loans. Your business plan should not

be a static document, it should change and grow with your business. The

data in your research will have solid

N EW BUS I N E S S

statistics and numbers which will lend

weight to any funding pitch, proving that your product and business strategy is financially secure.

Where can you get all this information from?

Like any time when you need reliable, up to date and impartial information, visit the library and more specifically

the regional centre of the Business &

IP Centre (BIPC) Sussex, located in the Jubilee Library in Brighton.

BIPC Sussex has four industry and

market databases – all free to use – to

give you the insider knowledge you need on your chosen industry. Our information specialists will show you how to use

them, and you can then explore these databases by yourself: IBIS World

This is a fantastic database not only for the huge amount of up-to-date

information it has on industries in the UK and Ireland, but the incredibly

comprehensive, user-friendly manner, in which the data is presented. If the idea of data-led market research is

something which you find intimidating, begin with this gem to discover how

easy it is to find and pin down what you need for your research.

EMIS

This database is ideal for international

industry news, company information and market reports on both long-standing

and newer, emerging markets – waxing fruit, anyone? For broad reports on the chocolate retail market in Europe or

something as up and coming as the

micro fermentation market, you’ll find plenty of data on here.

Euromonitor

A global database which analyses markets and compares them in a variety of ways, so not only can you look for what you

need, you can choose how to examine

it. Prefer pure numbers? Head for the

keep up with the latest industry changes

you’re interested in, in your preferred

secure its place in the market and

retail market in specific countries? Try the

customers, their habits, and problems

based reporting? Choose the analyses

brackets and competitor actions and

stats and enter the markets and countries

and trends to keep your business stable,

currency. Need to compare the fashion

ensure its longevity. Learn about your

map screen for key visuals. Prefer text-

to think of solutions, examine price

for reports on countries, global sectors,

supply chains with ease.

and match your needs to see how the

Information from the BIPC can help

been affected by COVID.

businesses, to beyond the usual three year

Mintel

step of visiting the BIPC regularly to keep

retail markets, customer markets or mix manufacturing industry in Europe has

improve the survival rate of new

make-or-break timeframe. This simple

Where the other databases focus namely

your finger on the pulse of your industry

takes a different view, also focusing in

staff are here to help every step of the way.

spending. Examining the UK and Ireland

With over £50K worth of data at your

ten sectors (B2B construction, B2B

starting or running a business in Sussex,

Picture, Food, Foodservice, Leisure,

incredible resource?

Travel) you can discover not only how

Find out more at www.brighton-hove.

year, but also quite niche topics – just

hove.gov.uk

on markets and industries, this database equal amount on customer habits and

& market can make all the difference, and

market and customer information in

fingertips, all available for free to anyone

Technology, Financial Services Big

why would you not make use of this

Media, Retail overview, Technology,

the pizza market has fared during this

gov.uk/bipc or email bipc@brighton-

how has COVID effected the gift-buying market of grandparents this year?

You don’t know what you don’t know!

Regular market research will help your business stay on top of the market –

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

Your brand is your greatest asset

l e s i w t s e v In

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

ly

Handing over your hard-earned profits to a branding agency can be a stomach-throughthe-floor moment, we get it, and it’s usually down to all the unknowns. At ParaStudio we take a different approach.

We build your most powerful brand together.

Through a straightforward process that fills you with confidence, and clarity, on the output you’ll receive. It’s a collaborative approach that lights up your people and empowers them to drive your business forward.

Practical and powerful branding, with a transparent price up-front. That’s ParaStudio.

Ready for the next level?

Get in touch: info@parastudio.co.uk parastudio.co.uk

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

CLEANING BUSINESS, JUST HELPERS

TACKLING INJUSTICE AND DOING THE RIGHT THING

SBT GOOD BUSINESS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

GOOD B US I N E S S

Cleaning business, Just Helpers

When I started my cleaning business Just Helpers it was meant to be just a side hustle while I got on with my main job of building a grass roots anti human trafficking charity in London.

Good Business

I realised fairly

challenges: The national perception of

increased and I

work contracts that work and VAT

soon after demand started to recruit

women to help me

the real cost of cleaning, gig economy categories for low margin industries.

with the increased load that for the

A Clean Conscience?

the system is severely broken. I saw

estimated that in 2020, 60% of workers

workers in the cleaning industry, first-hand the exploitation which migrant workers – particularly

women – were experiencing in

A report from Clean For Good,

in the cleaning sector still earn less than the Living Wage.

our cities. I wanted to offer an

The report states that the Low Pay

which paid fairly, offered decent

in the UK who were entitled to the

alternative – a cleaning business working conditions and developed potential in its people.

Commission estimate 1 in 5 cleaners Minimum Wage were actually being

paid less than this by their employer.

Remember – the Minimum wage is

The report urged businesses who

are outsourcing cleaning, to ensure that their cleaning provider shares

their values. “Too many employers

don’t just outsource a service, they

unwittingly outsource their values and responsibilities too.”

The Challenges we Face

We share the vision expressed in the Clean For Good report. However, while Clean For Good focus on

providing commercial cleaning, at Just Helpers, we want to provide domestic

cleaning to ethically minded individuals in their own homes.

I’m proud of what Just Helpers

widely recognised to be a poverty wage,

But, we face some big challenges.

meaningful change in the cleaning

full time being paid the Minimum Wage

Price – Ethical Cleaning is not cheap

has achieved. But if we are to see

which means that someone working

industry, we need to address 3 main

would still be living in poverty.

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

All of our Helpers receive the Living Wage

GOOD BUS I N E S S while attending to our cleaning team was the office team salaries. They

have had a salary freeze for the last

two years as profits were challenged through growth and Covid. We have

planned a regular salary review into our annual calendar.

Taxation – 20% VAT creates a cash transaction culture

We believe that low margin industries like

ours should sit within a lower VAT bracket.

Currently, cleaning services are

subject to 20% VAT. This high tax

burden encourages illegal practices such as “cash in hand”.

At the height of the COVID-19

pandemic, some industries such as

hospitality were moved into a lower

VAT bracket to help them survive. We

would like to see the cleaning industry moved into the 5% VAT bracket,

permanently. This would lead to better regulation, better working conditions

and ultimately more money being paid by our industry in taxation.

Changes to Employment Law - Stop as a minimum. However, we also need to

keep our charges as low as we can so we remain affordable to our clients.

The challenge is how to remain

competitive in a crowded market.

Most agencies, us included, in the

UK contract self-employed cleaners.

This sits very uncomfortably with

us. While our basic hourly rate is

significantly higher (6-29%) above the real living wage, Covid highlighted the vulnerability of our colleagues

in the face of absence, lack of work

and sickness. Because of the strong

relationships we have brokered in our community, we were able to lobby

their clients to continue paying their Helpers despite receiving no clean.

67% of clients did.

In consultation with the team, we

vilifying the gig economy and make

to allow our colleagues to earn the

The “gig economy” has been the subject

work, changed the client contracts

following the recent ruling against Uber.

service all year round, whether they

workers want the flexibility that being

have increased the hourly rate by 8%

it work

equivalent of 4 weeks leave while they

of much criticism recently, particularly

so that they pay for an uninterrupted

However, the fact remains that some

cancel or not, to enable their Helper to

self-employed offers.

plan and budget effectively.

We need changes to employment

We want to highlight the real cost of

law to protect workers and protect

the amount your cleaner is paid. It’s

becomes viable.

well-being of low wages, and uncertain

Strategies to improve staff wellbeing

of money that can provide interest-free

1. Hold regular consultations with all

domestic cleaning. That’s not just about also about the cost to their health and income and plan to have a small pot

loans to our longer serving colleagues to

businesses, so that direct employment

of your team including the lowest

help them bridge financial gaps.

paid colleague. Ask them what

One area that we woefully neglected

and innovations around pay and

they need. Some of our best ideas

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

GOOD B US I N E S S Christmas drinks and our annual

Annual Event turns into a massive party with food and dancing.

4. A simple ‘thank-you’ or ‘well-done’

goes a long way – Each Friday in our team WhatsApp, we share all of the

positive comments that clients have

shared and great things that the office team has observed.

5. W hen a global pay rise can’t work,

think about smaller one-off rewards that make a difference. Last year

we introduced an extra day’s annual leave for the office staff on their

birthday. We have allowed some to

work from abroad where extra family support has helped with childcare, given away Virgin experience vouchers for hard working

colleagues to pamper themselves, and our most surprising reward,

the gift of choosing which charity projects we give to that month.

In the end though, kindness and respect

and a fair standard of pay is why most of our colleagues stay.

Sharing the Challenge

My passion is for people, tackling

injustice and doing the right thing.

We want to reveal the cleaning industry’s conditions have come from the

team. Our colleagues are invested in our business and while we get

some ‘out there’ suggestions, most

comments have something that can

be turned into a great idea whilst fully

appreciating the limitations of our time and budgets.

2. Celebrate your team – We have a

‘Helper of the Month’ award, which

goes out across all of our socials and our colleague receives a gift voucher

too. At our annual awards we aim to go bigger and better each year with winners sashes, bouquets, sizeable

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

gift vouchers amongst other things happening each year.

3. Make space to socialise – Nothing

beats informal interactions ideally in

person, from the get-go we hold our cleaning Interviews in coffee shops

so that we can ‘host’ them in a small way. We encouraged our managers

to take a cleaning colleague out for a coffee if they do an end of day spot check. Once a year we hold a bring and share party in the park where everyone can come with friends,

partners and children. We do the

same at a central London pub for

dirty secret of exploitation, low wages

and poor working conditions and offer

an ethical, quality, affordable alternative

to people who want a clean home and a clean conscience.

But these challenges are too big for me to tackle alone. I need people with the know-how to navigate these issues,

so that we can achieve change for the cleaning industry at national level.

Will you join me? Get involved – join

our End Exploitation Facebook Group

and share your energy, experience and expertise to help us make a difference and change lives.

SBT SALES & MARKETING

GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR CAR DEALERS BY 67 DEGREES

BRAND IDENTITY

BY WHITESPACE

SBT SALES & MARKETING SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

Going the extra mile for car dealers

At 67 Degrees in Shoreham, the team are all working towards the same goal; to be the leaders and innovators in their field whilst providing outstanding customer service.

Operating exclusively

Sales & Marketing

within the automotive industry, the agency is the answer to car

dealers seeking online

solutions for their businesses. They

are a fast-growing team specialising in

innovative website design and creative

digital marketing services to dealerships of all shapes and sizes across the UK. The company has developed a range of engaging products to ensure each customer’s dealership is ahead of

the curve and performing beyond the

forecourt. Not settling for second best, the team has worked extremely hard over the past five years to build an

incredible reputation within the industry.

Laura Coleby, 67 Degrees co-founder

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

and CEO, explains: “We’re here to help drive dealers’ businesses to

success. When Justin and I founded the company back in 2016, we

identified a gap in the market to

provide an alternative solution to

agencies who opt for a generic onesize-fits-all method. That’s just not what we do here at 67 Degrees.

“We work together to design and create innovative websites and products to

support dealerships in the independent and franchise markets. Our hands-on

approach has seen us win pitches from some of the ‘big boys’ of the industry

who believe in our mission and values as a company.”

Award-winning website design and digital marketing solutions

It is the company’s can-do attitude that has earned 67 Degrees over 20 awards and commendations in the last few

years. This year alone, the team is in

the running to take home a prestigious Car Dealer Power award for the fourth

year in a row; having been the previous recipient of the coveted Website

Provider for Independent Dealers Award three years running, as well as receiving the sought-after Extra Mile Award a couple of years ago.

Not only that, but 67 Degrees has

seen no less than 15 of its customers shortlisted in the Motor Trader

Independent Dealer Awards and the

Motor Trader Industry Awards 2021. With glitzy award ceremonies taking place

later in the year, the team will be keeping everything crossed for their dealers

SAL ES & MARKE TI NG

who are finalists in both the ‘Used Car

Website of the Year’ and ‘Social Media Campaign of the Year’ categories.

The awards highlight the very best new and used car dealership’s the UK has to offer, with categories reflecting the

efforts of both retailers and suppliers.

Customer service at its best

Building a brand based on unrivaled

customer care is a value that 67 Degrees holds dear and is very proud of. The

company boasts an impressive 45 five-

star reviews on Google from the dealers they work to support.

Their reviews are testament to the hard work of a dedicated team who are

hugely passionate about what they do.

The company’s most recent appraisal

comes courtesy of Classic Chrome - a

specialist classic and sports car dealer based in London. The dealership’s

Managing Director, Gary Shortt, had this to say about his experience of working with 67 Degrees:

“Well, what can I say that has not

going to work then you’re clearly in the

We needed a completely new website

Not only will you get to work with a

dealership websites and after lots of

but there are so many perks to working

already been said about this company.

wrong job! We can change all of that.

design to keep us at the forefront of car

fantastic team of talented individuals,

searching, we chose 67 Degrees for their

at 67 Degrees...

They’ve been nothing short of amazing

“From flexible working to team days

innovative ideas and personal approach. throughout the whole process!”

out, your birthday day off and a

Work with 67 Degrees

of a workplace culture that not only

dog-friendly office, you can be part

If you’re looking for a new challenge in

supports you on a professional level,

an award-winning team, the 67 Degrees

person too - we know how to work

marketing and dream of being part of

but appreciates who you are as a

could have just the role for you.

hard whilst having fun too.”

Due to exceptional growth over the

If you like the sound of working at 67

to its current marketing team and are

part of the marketing team, then Lauren

Marketing Executive, alongside a PPC

information visit 67degrees.co.uk and

last 12 months, the company is adding

Degrees and can see yourself being

actively recruiting for an experienced

would love to hear from you. For more

& SEO specialist.

send your CV along with a covering letter to info@67degrees.co.uk.

Lauren Bayross-Payne, Marketing

Manager at 67 Degrees, is encouraging applicants to get in touch. She says:

“If you’re not waking up excited about

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

Brand identity

Great design underpins everything we do at Whitespace. We believe It should communicate your message in a clear, concise manner, simplifying the most complicated content whether it’s online or offline. In this article we focus on the importance of branding and our approach to the design process.

A strong identity is essential to any business. Whether Design you are a start up looking to establish yourself, a smaller business or an established business looking for a rebrand, creating a logo identity and a strong brand are both crucial.

We work across all aspects of brand identity, from the creation of new brands to revamping existing identities.

It is easy to assume ‘logo design’ and ‘branding’ are the same thing. Although they are closely related and must work

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

together cohesively, they are very different processes’. Much more than simply a logo, your brand requires an identity that is unique and thoroughly considered.

It should be adaptable and no longer has to be a one-size-fits-all solution.

New technology and media mean it can move, scale and engage with a device like never before.

A brand is the image people have in mind when thinking about your company. It forms the foundation and overall ‘voice’ of your company and should reflect your ethos, personality and aspirations.

With this in mind we will create a ‘logo pack’ to ensure there is a suitable version that can make best use of the available space or environment.

The logo is a visual shortcut to your brand. It should be recognisable at a glance and strong enough to stand alone or out of context when necessary.

From the development of your logo to a carefully crafted brand identity system and style guides, we will work with you to establish a brief and to create a brand that will endure for years to come.

“We couldn’t be happier with how things worked out.

When you first set out to create a brand all the different ideas and opinions can be quite overwhelming”.

We have a down-to-earth approach and believe in close collaboration with our clients during the design process rather than working in isolation ready for a grand reveal.

We believe this approach delivers the best possible results. At the end of the day the design we present at the end of the process will be the design you have been a part of creating.

The route to finding the perfect idea isn’t always simple but through experience and good communication throughout we’ve learned how to recognise when we’re on the right path.

To achieve this result we will establish the brief and arrange a meeting to kick off the process. Nobody knows your project better than you so its best we do the listening at this stage and learn.

We will ask a series of questions to assess your needs, likes and aspirations. Once you’ve told us everything, we’ll confirm the brief and ensure we have a full understanding of your objectives before we put pen to paper. From here we will start sketching, brainstorming and mind mapping to generate ideas and set out the visual direction.

We love this part of the process and believe the creative journey reflects in the quality of the end result.

Having that Eureka moment and identifying the right concept is the most satisfying part of the process and forms the cornerstone of any project.

Once we have this identified we will define and refine things ready to take to completion.

With good design a great user experience follows, providing reassurance and confidence in the quality of the end product. No matter what we are designing for you - be it a brand, website or marketing collateral - we approach each project with the same care and attention.

If you have a project coming up and think we could help please drop us a line.

James Morrison - Creative Director james@whitespace.studio www.whitespace.studio

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

Digital, design & branding

We are a full service creative agency specialising in design, web and marketing.

Founded by three passionate creatives.

whitespace.studio 4 St. Georges Place, Brighton BN1 4GA 01273 258000 / hello@whitespace.studio 48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT

COVER FE ATU RE

TECH

HOW FEASIBLE IS IT TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS IT SYSTEM INTO THE CLOUD?

BY EXTECH CLOUD

ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW CELEBRATES RISING SUSSEX BASED TECH COMPANIES

SBT TECH SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

How feasible is it to move your business IT system into The Cloud?

Transferring your company’s IT network into the Cloud – is it possible and is it really worth it? How do you decide whether that kind of digital transformation would be beneficial for your business?

Prior to the “Cloud”,

Tech

IT Infrastructure

had remained fairly

constant for 25 years.

Today there are now

far more choices available to businesses with the Cloud changing many aspects of IT and, as a result, of business.

“Moving your IT infrastructure into

efficiency, ensure security and meet your future business needs.”

To help business owners in Sussex make the decision, based on many

years of Cloud experience and more than 100 successfully implemented

Cloud transitions, Extech Cloud has developed a Feasibility Study.

the Cloud is a significant business

What are your IT Infrastructure

Hookway, Director, Extech Cloud. “It

“Before commissioning a study like this,

commitment”, explains Andrew

requires informed decision-making

and significant planning in order to

maximise the opportunity, optimise

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Choices?

it is worth knowing what benefits moving your IT system to the Cloud could bring

to your business,” says Andrew. “To many

business owners who find themselves

short of time on a daily basis, this kind of digital transformation might seem like an impossible time investment.”

It is worth noting that Cloud transitions can provide a host of benefits, including the

flexibility to work remotely, with increased visibility, speed and accessibility for your

teams, heightened access to services, and improved cybersecurity, to name a few.

“However, it is essential for business

owners to make the right decision on

how to go ahead in order to maximise the opportunity,” Andrew explains.

TECH

Andrew Hookway

Since the advent of Cloud services there

are far more choices available for your IT

infrastructure today. Businesses first have to choose which type of cloud service to

use – Software as a Service (SaaS – when

software is licensed on a subscription and centrally hosted), or Platform as a Service (PaaS - where a third-party provider

delivers hardware and software tools to

users over the internet) or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS - when virtualised

computing resources are provided over the internet). Then which delivery path best suits their needs – Hybrid, Pure Cloud, or a blend of the two?

This may not be familiar terminology, and that’s where outsourcing to an experienced, specialist Cloud IT

organisation, like Extech Cloud, can be particularly useful, as they can explain and advise.

What is the Extech Cloud Feasibility Study?

The Extech Cloud Feasibility Study is similar to engaging an architect

to design your house. It is a funded

research project, that typically takes

2-3 days, and is used to determine how existing IT systems and services are being used in your business, and to

work with you to identify any upcoming additional requirements.

A specialist, experienced Extech Cloud

engineer will look at what IT and Software your business employs, who uses it, how

they use it, and how all

of the software needs to interact on a daily basis.

Onsite servers like this will become a thing of the past

“The process is

The Extech Cloud process is designed

your business and fully understand

helping to align IT with business needs.

want to get to know every system

provides a fit-for-purpose IT strategy

including board members, where

and cybersecurity needs of your business.

understand your business, the better

“Our experience shows that businesses

designed to help us to get to know

to deliver an industry-leading service,

your needs,” Andrew explains. “We

As a client-first focused firm, the method

and everybody in a business,

designed to work in tune with the strategic

appropriate. The better we the outcome will be.”

that engage fully with this methodology

What will come out of the Extech

transformation project,” Andrew adds.

On completion of the Feasibility Study,

through the Feasibility Study, combined

of your organisation’s current usage of IT

than 100 cloud transitions, businesses

agree with you the technical solutions to

to the Cloud will be efficient, smooth,

get the best results from their digital

Cloud Feasibility Study?

“With our detailed engagement covered

Extech Cloud will have an accurate picture

with our experience completing more

and will be better able to design, plan and

can be confident that their transition

move your business forward.

supportive, and delivered on time.”

They will then produce a proposal that

If you’re thinking about transitioning your

• A technical solution

in the cloud and you need some support,

•A plan and approach with an

begin the initial Feasibility Study and

•C loud Products and Services with their

You can talk to us on 01444 443200,

•T he One-off Project costs for delivery

our contact form for a call back.

The specialist team at Extech Cloud will

www.extechcloud.com

includes the following:

business to the cloud or you are already

•A n assessment of the vendor(s) impact

talk to an Extech Cloud specialist to

indicative timeline

transform your business for the better.

ongoing fees

email us on info@extech.co.uk or fill out

review the proposal detail with you and

explain the reasons behind the selection of cloud computing solutions proposed.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

TEC H

Penina Shepherd

Acumen Business Law celebrates rising Sussex-based Tech companies Following the success of the Top 50 Fastest-Growing Businesses in Sussex initiative earlier this year, Acumen Business Law has announced an extension to their Top 50 recognition.

This time, the leading

Tech

Brighton & Gatwick based law firm is

delving into industryspecific awards and

celebrating the successes of the leading technology companies across Sussex.

The successful technology firms on

the prestigious list will receive a letter of congratulations and certificate of

recognition from award-winning Acumen Business Law, along with a named engraved trophy.

Penina Shepherd, Acumen Business

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Law said: “In challenging times,

deal-flow search engine for the

and celebrate Sussex’s leading

technology companies across the

to the forefront in terms of business

increase in growth and turnover over the

we feel it’s important to recognise

private investment markets), targeting

technology companies that have risen

county that have seen a substantial

excellence and their success over the

last 12 months.

recognised The Top 50 Fastest-Growing

Be the first to find out which businesses

chosen to identify and congratulate

watch’ list and follow Acumen Business

past 12 months. Having previously Businesses in Sussex, we have

feature on the prestigious ‘ones to

leaders within the technology industry

Law on social media.

have all experienced”.

Facebook | Twitter |

following the turbulent 18 months we

The data will continue to be powered by mnAI (the world’s first AI-powered

Instagram | LinkedIn

SBT CHARITY

ROCKINGHORSE BONFIRE QUIZ

THURSDAY 4TH NOVEMBER, BRIGHTON PALACE PIER

WHY I BECAME A TRUSTEE AT ROCKINGHORSE - MY STORY

BY SAM THOMAS

CHOSEN CHARITY PARTNER:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

Join Rockinghorse for their charity Bonfire Quiz this November

The Brighton-based children’s charity is excited to see the return of their popular quiz night, taking place at the Palm Court restaurant on Brighton’s Palace Pier.

If you’re a fan of a

Charity

quiz and fancy a fun night out, why not

get your tickets for the Rockinghorse

Bonfire Quiz this November?

The quiz, taking place in the Palm

Court Restaurant on Brighton’s Palace Pier on 4 November, is sure to be a great evening with all the proceeds going to support sick children throughout Sussex.

Quizmasters for this year’s event are

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Gareth and Lynn Sheppard from Quiz Host UK. Gareth and Lynn have been hosting quizzes for Rockinghorse for

several years and the charity is really looking forward to welcoming them back after missing out on live quiz events for the last 18 months.

Rockinghorse, the official fundraising

arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, raises money to

provide live-saving medical equipment and additional services with the aim

of improving the lives of sick children throughout Sussex.

Currently, the charity is fundraising

for a range of new projects including

toys to distract young patients visiting the children’s emergency department in Brighton, specialist resuscitation training equipment for staff and

parents at Chichester Hospital and a range of sensory equipment for Whoopsadaisy, an organisation

supporting children with Cerebral

Palsy and other physical disabilities.

Participants can expect a great quiz

with lots of fun trivia questions along

with a fish and chip supper, welcome

CHA RITY

glass of Prosecco and raffle, all taking

Quiz this year. We’ve missed running

teams of six people, make sure you get

Brighton landmark.

welcome lots of our supporters for a

out on a great night! Just contact the

support a great cause!”

or email events@rockinghorse.org.uk

place in a great venue on the iconic

Janella Merritt, Head of Fundraising at the charity, said: “We’re really

looking forward to hosting our Bonfire

this popular event and can’t wait to

bit of friendly quiz competition to help

With tickets at £30 per person for

your tickets soon, so you don’t miss

Rockinghorse team on 01273 330044 to get your tickets.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

C HA RI T Y

Why I Became a Trustee at Rockinghorse – My Story

On 2nd May 2015 our amazing twins were born. We were thrown straight into the roller coaster of parenthood when our daughter Sienna was born with no complications, but then our son Luca struggled to survive due to a prolapsed cord. We watched, helpless, as doctors flooded the room and took over the enormous responsibility of keeping our son alive.

The focus and

Charity

determination they

showed in those early moments will never

leave our minds. Luca

was given oxygen and a relatively new “cooling mat” treatment to prevent his

tiny brain from swelling. We were given

the devastating news that he might not survive, but if he did was likely to face

severe brain damage. The nurses in the

days ahead were nothing short of angels.

The Trevor Mann Baby Unit which we

had heard of but never thought we would need became our lifeline.

Every minute was spent watching and hoping that Luca would survive. We saw the dedication and care given

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

to every single child first hand. Day by day Luca built up his strength

and overcame small milestones. We started to get some more positive feedback from doctors over the

coming weeks and by week 4 we were able to take Luca home to meet his sister Sienna.

We had two years of testing and

monitoring and then aged 2 years old

we were so happy to say that Luca had reached every milestone alongside his sister. We could call it a miracle. But

like many things in life, it wasn’t luck, but the relentless hard work of the

doctors and nurses at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit that kept our son alive.

At that stage we made a promise to

support and do as much as possible to help this amazing charity. We can never repay what this means to us.

But we hope over the past 6 years

through various events, fundraisers,

marathons, sponsorship and auctions raising over £10,000 so far, that the

funds will go to people and equipment to whom we literally owe our lives.’

Now as a Trustee I aim to continue my support and do even more to

spread awareness and support for this incredible charity.

SBT MOTORING NEWS

MUSTANG MACH-E: FORD’S FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC SUV

WITH RIVERVALE LEASING

THE BEST AND WORST VEHICLES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT WE TAKE A LOOK AT THEM

SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57

MOTO RI N G N E WS

Mustang Mach-E: Ford’s First Fully Electric SUV There is little doubt that the rise of electric cars is only continuing to gain momentum as consumers and governments alike push forward for a greener future.

Motoring News

Designed to offer a

this iconic household name badge, the

all-electric model, the first from Ford, the

solution for drivers,

gives the sense of considered vehicle,

it has paid off.

more eco-friendly

the electric vehicle market has seen a

growing list of newcomers welcomed to the ranks over the last few years.

One of the newest additions to the EV

market is the Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s first all-electric SUV. Designed for the

modern, environmentally savvy driver,

the Mustang Mach-E offers a beautiful driving experience without the CO2

emissions. A true game-changer for

58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

all-electric Mustang Mach-E from Ford offering all the practicalities a family

needs with an essence of style thrown in for good measure.

One of 2021’s most important new

releases, the Ford Mustang Mach-E uses one of the brand’s top-tier

nameplates, setting high expectations about what we can expect from this

ultra-impressive fully electric SUV. In a competitive SUV market that sets the

bar exceedingly high, breaking in with an

manufacturer took a risk, and pleasantly,

Pinned against rivals including the

Tesla Model 3, Skoda Enyaq and Kia

EV6, the styling, driving experience and performance of the Mustang Mach-E

make it a worthy component in a jostling electric SUV space. Despite shedding its V8 heritage, this looks every part

the Mustang name it carries. However, to expect the feel of a traditional V8

behind the wheel would be doing this

car a disservice. Instead, drivers should

MOTOR I NG N E WS appreciate the combination of elegant styling, performance and plenty of

practicality to appreciate this all-electric vehicle for what it truly has to offer.

“Absolutely extraordinary” - Hear what Jack The Lad has to say...

What can you expect from the Mustang Mach-E?

Built on an entirely new platform, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E comes with plenty of the styling cues we’ve come to know

and love from the Mustang brand. Light

signatures and a thrusting bonnet are all

prompts that have become synonymous with one of the world’s leading sports

car names. However, under the hood, things certainly look very different.

Performance

Like most electric vehicles on the

market today, specs that meet varying driver needs are giving consumers a choice from entry-level to premium

within a single corner of the industry,

providing a competitive advantage for

Ford. Offering both a standard battery and extended battery at 68kWh and 88kWh respectively, consumers can

opt to invest in specs supporting faster charging and longer distances on a

single charge, reaching up to 380 miles at its maximum.

When it comes to performance, 5.1 seconds offers 0-62mph thrills for

drivers who are keen to make an impact.

But to really tap into the power of the Mustang Mach-E, the GT model can

hit 0-62mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. It

comes down to a choice between price, range and performance for the new fully electric Ford SUV.

Read more: Does Your EV Charger Affect Your House Price?

Design

It’s not only battery power that gets

us excited about the first fully electric

car from Ford. The Mustang Mach-

E’s practicality earns it a boost in the family market department, offering enough space for five adults to fit

comfortably owing to the flat floor in the second row and generous headroom allowances.

Ditching a petrol-powered engine has created space for a second boot up

front, with plenty of space by way of cubbies and nooks throughout the

interior to suit the practicality needs of today’s families. While the main boot

in the rear is smaller than some of the

Mustang Mach-E’s competitors at 402

litres, there is more than enough space for the whole family.

Featuring an outwardly sloping tailgate and a long bonnet, there’s a lot of

effortless styling taking place on the

outside. A silhouette that is very much at the height of its popularity, the SUV

carries a beautifully sculpted design that says ‘modern, yet practical’.

There’s a fine balance that’s being

mastered between the sleek styling of

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Specification

• Range: 273 - 379 Miles

• 0-62 MPH: 3.9 - 7.0 Seconds • CO2: 0 g/km

• Efficiency Rating: A+ Ford Mustang Mach-E leasing prices start from £363.51 exc. VAT per month. How does it compare?

Capable of standing up against some

of the best in the market, the Mustang Mach-E is a superb delivery for Ford’s

first all-electric vehicle. Comparatively,

the price point for the entry-level model comes in similarly to Tesla’s Model 3,

but is quickly priced out by Ford’s own plug-in hybrid Kuga.

If practicality and styling are top priorities

for an eco-conscious driver, the Mustang Mach-E is an excellent choice for those looking at the higher end of the electric

SUV market. However, with the UK ending sales of petrol and diesel-based cars by 2030, jumping ship now to enter the EV market has never made more sense.

the Mach-E while maintaining maximum

For more information about our range

friendly EV, there’s a focus on practical

touch with us to discuss with one of our

Mustang essence. Pitched as a familyfinishings that still exude a sense of

cool. It’s the sort of car you wouldn’t

mind being seen navigating solo in, but

of eco-friendly vehicle leases, get in

friendly consultants on 01273 433480, or request a callback.

equally fits the whole family and all the kit when you need it to.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59

MOTO RI N G N E WS

The Best and Worst Vehicles for the Environment

Here in the UK, we are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of our actions on the environment.

Green initiatives

Motoring News

are becoming

more popular, to incentivise the

public to make more

environmentally-conscious choices,

particularly when it comes to driving and the automotive industry.

Historically speaking, driving can be harmful to the environment. In fact,

road transport makes up for around 20% of all emissions. But driving is

one of the most practical and efficient

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

ways of travelling around the UK;

public transport isn’t always viable,

can be expensive or time consuming,

and depending on where you live, isn’t even readily available; walking sounds

great in theory, but is only possible for

certain, shorter routes; the same can be

Zones and more, car manufacturers

are responding to a slowly increasing

demand for cars that are kinder to the planet. In this article, we’ll explore the

best vehicles for the environment - and, in contrast, the worst.

said for cycling.

What are the best vehicles for the

So, are all cars bad for the

It probably won’t surprise you to see

environment? The answer is no. As

the public become more incentivised to invest in eco-friendly vehicles

through tax schemes, grants, Clean Air

environment?

that the majority of the best cars for

the environment are electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. These types of cars

are specifically designed to be more

duration of which will be an emissionfree drive.

Toyota Prius - Leasing available from £181.50 exc. VAT per month

The Toyota Prius is one of the better known plug-in hybrids out there,

and that’s because, now in its fourth generation, it continues to impress.

The Prius combines a 1.8-litre petrol

engine with electric motors, and is well

regarded for its fuel economy alongside its low emission rate. While hybrids

aren’t emission-free like purely electric vehicles, they’re certainly a step in the

right direction, and the Prius does enable its driver to travel a reasonable 25 miles on pure electricity without releasing a

single emission. Moreover, hybrids are an eco-friendly, particularly EVs, which famously produce zero emissions.

There are ongoing debates about

just how green an electric vehicle

is, with the main concern being the energy required to produce an EV

battery. However, because they don’t produce emissions on the road, the

overall lifecycle of an electric vehicle

is substantially more eco-friendly than that of a traditional petrol or diesel

engine. After all, if 20% of emissions are generated by these types of

more environmental benefits than a

excellent option for drivers interested in

typical petrol or diesel vehicle would.

greener travel who aren’t quite ready to

And as far as EVs go, you get your

to charging or range concerns.

miles, and a speedy charging rate that

Nissan Leaf - Leasing available from

This combats two of the key fears

The Nissan Leaf made waves in the

to EVs, a perception of poor general

and remains a solid EV option, with

Even as a hybrid, the Ioniq can travel

Nissan continues to upgrade the Leaf -

money’s worth: it has a range of 183

take the full leap onto an EV just yet due

can get you to 80% in just 57 minutes.

£194.29 exc. VAT per month

that most drivers hold when it comes

industry upon its first release in 2010

range and lengthy charging times.

credentials as green as its name. As

for 32 miles on pure electricity - the

which it’s fair to say has

engines, imagine what impact EVs

could have on outgoing emissions if

they were to become the norm. This is in part why so many government

initiatives are encouraging road users to select EVs for their next vehicle.

So, with the perks of electric vehicles in mind, and in no particular order, here are some of the greener cars available in 2021.

Hyundai Ioniq - Leasing available from £228.92 exc. VAT per month

The Hyundai Ioniq is available as both an EV and as a plug-in hybrid. As an

EV, it’s a true zero emissions vehicle, though the hybrid versions still offer

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61

MOTO RI N G N E WS one of its most recognisable vehicles.

Despite its popularity and for many,

practicality, the Toyota Land Cruiser is not known for its environmental

advantages, mainly due to its fairly low mile-per-gallon. On average,

the Land Cruiser can only achieve

17mpg on large stretches of road like

a motorway, and this is even poorer in

the city, which looks more like 13mpg.

Range Rover Sport - Leasing available from £496.38 exc. VAT per month

Land Rover comes out on top in a lot

of areas like practicality, performance

and credibility, but unfortunately, many of their classics aren’t so high scoring when it comes to an eco-friendly become something of a classic EV - its

You may have guessed what types of

ranking. The Range Rover Sport, while

Later versions have a range of over

and diesel engines. Despite being some

mpg of just 19, and emits a concerning

technology has continued to improve.

150 miles as a result of its improved battery life, and as far as electric

hatchbacks go it continues to stand

cars these might be: SUVs with petrol

definitely powerful, has a pretty poor

of the most popular vehicles out there,

1.22 pounds of Co2 per mile.

be the second largest cause of rising

Whether you’re sold on the benefits

studies showed demand for SUVs to emissions in previous years.

of EVs and hybrids or whether you’re

BMW i3 - Leasing available from

While the size of an SUV is typically

now, there’s no denying that we will

The BMW i3 is the electric answer to

also the very same factor that makes

on our roads. With the arrival of

environment, alongside typically

will tell whether non eco-friendly

out against competitors.

sticking firmly to petrol engines for

one of its most appealing features, it’s

be seeing more of these vehicles

these vehicles so detrimental to the

even fully electric SUVs, only time

poor aerodynamics.

cars will remain as timeless as their

for upgrades using range extenders.

Toyota Land Cruiser - Leasing available

are considering making the change

a more economically viable option than

Sitting simultaneously on both our

at our leasing deals or request a

£253.63 exc. VAT per month

BMW’s classic and distinctive style.

Environmentally friendly in more ways than one, we’ll start with range; an

impressive 140 miles, with the potential Because of its low emissions, the i3 is

some competitors, and the i3 can also qualify for some of those government

incentive grants we mentioned earlier.

Emissions, of course, aren’t the only

threat when it comes to the environment, and BMW isn’t ignoring that. Around 27

plastic bottles are recycled and utilised in

the production of each i3, to form parts of the car’s seats and doors.

What are the worst vehicles for the environment?

On the other side of the spectrum, we

have the worst cars for the environment.

62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

predecessors. In the meantime, if you

from £345.21 exc. VAT per month

to electric or plug-in cars, take a look

best and worst list is Toyota, with

callback at a time that suits you.

SBT CHAMBER NEWS

SIX MONTHS AT BRIGHTON CHAMBER

BY HANNAH JACKSON

SUSSEX CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2021

MAKE YOUR NOMINATIONS NOW!

THE BETTER BUSINESS SHOW 2021 THURSDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63

C HA M B E R N E WS

Six months at Brighton Chamber Hannah Jackson joined Brighton Chamber at the start of this year as Membership and Marketing Executive. Hannah talks with Amy Lishman, Head of Member Engagement about starting a new role during a pandemic, remote induction, and what’s it like getting to know members and the team on zoom.

Chamber News

Hannah, some

make the most of their membership,

from working at the

Chamber, and of course our members,

might know you

Chamber (or some

might have met you

plus creating lots of content about the for marketing.

already through the Chamber), but

You started at the Chamber during

and your role?

new role remotely?

could you tell us a little about yourself

lockdown, how did you find starting a

I’ve got a lot of experience in

Like lots of people this was my first time

roles, so Membership and Marketing

could have been really challenging. But,

My job at the Chamber is all about

to physically meet the team, it’s been a

customer- focused and marketing

starting a new job remotely, and that

Executive is a perfect mix for me.

despite the drawbacks of not being able

supporting members, helping them to

very positive experience.

64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The Chamber team are a very

welcoming and friendly bunch (as I’m

sure Chamber members can attest to!)

Although it wasn’t until March that I got to meet some of the team outside of

little Zoom boxes, I don’t think I’ve ever

had such a warm and welcoming start to a new job.

I missed meeting members face to face, but working online has given me the opportunity to really understand the

Chamber, what we do, and what our

members’ needs are. I’ve been able to

CHAM BE R N E WS Now that we’re

Outside of work (and the pandemic),

hybrid events

stories about your adventures?

running a

programme,

I’ve also been

able to attend

some in-person events. My first ever in-person

Chamber event

was Netwalking, a brilliant new

series where we take members to different

places around Brighton for

walking, talking

and networking.

You could say it

members from different sectors, plus

little on the soggy

side, but I was so impressed with the

Now things have opened up, it’s been

their face, ready to network.

meetings with members, and surprising

You create lots of content about

life. Apparently, I give off ‘tall person

standout content you’ve been

up despite the rain with a smile on

the team with how short I am in real

Chamber members, is there any

energy’ on Zoom!

working on?

You mentioned events – have you got

to raise their business profile, whether

over the past six months?

marketing or on social.

When I started in January, the events

I’ve been focusing on building the

been able to attend a lot more events

content like our Meet a Chamber

run in person.

towards telling our members’ stories.

Brighton Base Camp: En Route in April

these with members, and the profiles

Summit will be like in 2022. My highlight

chat to people at say, a networking

keynote - her story, determination and

new and interesting about people and

There are so many to choose from!

a campervan for a year whilst travelling round New Zealand.

Along the way, we found some of the more weird and wonderful jobs – I’ve harvested apples, wrangled sheep

(and shaved their bums!), hand-made over 10,000 bags of muesli and

worked in a palm tree nursery. I was also a milk lady for a short spell in

Australia, so I guess you could say I

have a lot of transferrable skills with varying degrees of usefulness!

Two big things I’ll be focusing on are

number of members who still turned

any highlights from Chamber events

for 18 months, which included living in

– by the end

have more time for learning.

great getting out for in-person events,

decided to sell up everything and travel

What can we expect in the next six

everyone was a

fit more into my day - meeting more

About three years ago, my partner and I

was something

of a trial by rain

Hannah Jackson

we know you like to travel – any fun

A big part of my role is helping members that’s through our website, in email

months?

improving member experience online,

particularly focused around our website, so you might notice a few changes

rolling out over the next few months.

I’m also planning to mix up some of

our email marketing to get members more engaged – we want the focus to be on telling stories about our

members, the work they’re doing, and what’s going on in our city. We also

have an exciting hybrid event towards the end of the year and some new faces joining the Chamber team.

I’ll still be out and about at networking

events, so if you see me, please come

programme was all virtual, so I’ve

Chamber’s LinkedIn profile, sharing

than I had would have had they been

member blogs to shift the focus

Stay up-to-date with the latest

It’s been really rewarding working on

Brighton Chamber by signing up to

was a fantastic virtual taste of what the

are a bit different to how you might

was hearing Sabrina Cohen-Hatton’s

event - you always learn something

drive left me feeling so inspired.

their business.

over and say hi!

news, events and updates from our mailing list.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65

C HA M B E R N E WS

Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2021 Considered one of the most prestigious business awards in Sussex, each year hundreds of high-performing

Chamber News

companies are put forward and compete for the coveted national British Chamber Business Awards.

The Sussex Chamber Business Awards receive widespread interest as they are unique in identifying the very best from across Sussex. All entrants are organisations and individuals who set the highest

standards for others to follow and aspire to.

The winners of the Sussex Chamber Business Awards will be entered into the national British Chambers Business Awards 2021

https://www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/ SussexChamberBusinessAwards2021 Closing date: midnight 24 Sept 21

66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

CHAM BE R N E WS

The Game Changer – Entrepreneur of the year An individual who has transformed an idea into a successful, sustainable business by understanding their market’s key challenges, customers, and the competitive landscape.

The Global Player – Export business of the year A business that has demonstrated significant and sustained growth internationally through harnessing the opportunity of overseas markets, proving that exporting can power business growth.

The Planet Saver – Green business of the year An organisation with sustainability at the heart of their business.

They are fully committed to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place.

The Problem Solver – Business diversification award A business that has transformed the market they operate in, their product or service to gain a strong position in their market.

The Equality Trailblazer – Diversity and inclusion award An organisation that champions diversity and promotes inclusion in

their workforce, their customers, and any community outreach work.

The Young Innovator - Young person of the year A young individual who has been key to the success of the business, innovative, thoughtful, and hardworking.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67

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 68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

HEADLINE SPONSOR

SHOW PARTNER

Branding & Design: yoohoocreative.com

100+

BIGGEST SHOW EVER!

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS

HOW TO BE A BRILLIANT EXHIBITOR - BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER

BY MIKE MONK

THE NETWORK ALBION BUSINESS CLUB RETURNS WITH NETWORK MY CLUB

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69

N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS

How to be a Brilliant Exhibitor – Before, During and After Loads of actionable tips that you can start using TODAY.

Networking & Events

You’ve made the

1. BEFORE

In advance, draw people’s attention to

actually doing it.

Social media is your friend. Log onto

people who visit you on your stand.

to connect with other exhibitors. (Our

For example, consider offering a

#BrightonExpo). Promote your stand on

business with you within two weeks of

importantly on LinkedIn, of course.

some sort, or a free hour of your time to

investment. You’re

You’re an exhibitor

at the Brighton Business Expo on

Thursday 7th October 2021 at Brighton Racecourse. Well done. You clearly take your marketing seriously.

The Brighton Business Expo will offer you a powerful way to generate good

quality leads, forge new business contacts and catch up with existing customers.

However, do you know what to do to

maximise your time and efforts before,

during and importantly, after the event?

As a trade show exhibitor of some 35 years’ standing, I’ve experienced the

good, bad and unfortunately, the ugly.

Here are my top 10 tips to help you along the way to total exhibiting success:

70 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Tell People You’re There

Twitter to tweet about the event and

discounts or special offers but only to

handle is @BrightonExpo, hashtag

discount on your services if they place

your Facebook business page and most

the Expo; perhaps a two-for-one offer of

If you have a newsletter database, it’s

help a business in some way.

well worth letting your subscribers

Let people know in advance that you

they should drop by as you may have a

two, vouchers, a bottle of champagne –

know that you’re at the show and that

will be offering a prize draw – a meal for

special offer (see below).

whatever best reflects your business.

Don’t forget to tell people your stand

Plan to Run a Competition on Your

it in your email title – it’s a good

Make sure it’s relevant to what you do.

number. You may even wish to use

Stand

attention grabber.

Think about a good prize, too - one that

Promote Special Offers – If You Have Them and They’re Appropriate

truly adds value or makes you memorable.

Consider Your Stand Well in Advance

N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS What’s your message to your target market? It’s all about branding, so the “look and feel” of your stand needs to represent you and your business at its very best. First impressions count and yes, visitors will be judging you on the quality of your stand.

See below for more advice on your stand.

What Marketing Collateral Will You Have?

Business cards are a must; brochures and flyers are a good take-away, too.

And… Have You Considered Merchandise and Promotional Gifts?

These are a great way to reinforce your brand.

Choosing the right product is important as it will have your name on it…

I have over 20,000 products on my database, so I can advise you on the most suitable one for you and your budget.

Make sure you have Public Liability Insurance in place for a minimum of £2 million as the organiser insures the Exhibition but your stand space is your responsibility.

2. DURING Stand Up, Please Sorry, your feet and your back may get a little sore but you will need to stay upright for several hours. Each stand has chairs, but don’t take the risk of looking less than professional by kicking back in your chair with your shoes off – just when your best-ever prospect walks by.

Smile Greet people. Say “hello” “how are you today”. Be nice, be friendly, be approachable. Obvious, really.

And...

Put your phone away and on silent mode!

Take Regular Breaks The above notwithstanding, take regular

breaks to clear your head and have something to eat and drink. Make sure that you stay hydrated. Don’t eat or drink anything on your stand, it just doesn’t look too good.

Capture Data from Visitors Have a bowl or a smart box of some sort in which to place business cards; but I recommend you have a clipboard to write notes and contact information.

Categorise them A – B – C… A being the most important to follow up after the Expo, B follow up within 7 days and C add to your database. You’re human – you’ll simply forget who you spoke to or what you spoke about.

Network with Other Exhibitors Yes, yes, yes.

During quieter times, speak to your neighbours, find out what they do and follow up with as many of them as you can afterwards (see below).

These people also take their marketing seriously and they are people you really want to get to know. Over the years I have done more business with other Exhibitors after the Expo.

Does Your Stand Look Really Good?

Make sure that you arrange your space well putting your banners in a place they can be easily seen and read. Avoid a major Sales Prevention System by ensuring that they DON’T become barriers to people being able to approach and talk to you.

Show people what you do. If you’re a photographer or graphic designer, for example, do you have examples of your work to show people?

Well designed pop up banners and a customised tablecloth is a good idea, ideally in your corporate colours or in a shade that complements your branding and logo. Flowers are a nice touch if you have room and they are not a distraction or likely to get knocked over.

Don’t Leave Early As well as really spoiling the vibe and looking unprofessional, you will get in everyone’s way. It is also part of your agreement with the organisers not to break down before closing time.

3. AFTER Follow Up Like networking events, the success is always in the follow up. Everyone you speak to at a trade or business exhibition could be a future customer, business partner or someone you can collaborate with, so don’t waste a single contact.

Hot leads become warm leads then cool, then stone cold. And, it will happen quite quickly if you don’t capitalise on your successful day. Try the following: • Email or call within 24 hours to suggest meeting up for a coffee to find out more about your prospect’s business.

• Follow your leads on social media, for example Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook etc. enter all the details onto a CRM (if you have one) for marketing in the future. Alternatively put them on an Excel spreadsheet for this Expo.

• Use the visitor list for further lead generation.

• Don’t give up: you may need to make several approaches before your dream prospect meets you. Anywhere between 7 and 11 approaches I have found works or if they are close to you try and meet them for a coffee.

So, all ready to shine?

Will you be tired at the end of the day?

Yes. Will your feet ache? Without a doubt. Will these tips help you to develop your business? Yes, they will.

Will you have a really good day? Yes, you most certainly will.

Good luck!

Mike Monk

mike@advantagebm.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71

The Network Albion Business Club returns to The Amex Stadium with sold out event 19 months since the last, the Network Albion Business Club, powered

by Network My Club, returned to The Amex Stadium welcoming over 90 businesses in September!

Businesses from

Networking & Events

across Sussex

and further afield

came together for the September

networking lunch for a celebration of

networking after what felt like months

72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

of virtual, all to the backdrop of the

iconic home of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

During the event, Bradley Hatchett, Managing Director of Network My

Club, delivered a short presentation

thanking members and businesses for their support over the last 19 months.

Having to adapt their business model

considerable to survive the pandemic.

He reintroduced the partnership between Network My Club and

N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS

Brighton & Hove Albion FC, and gave exclusive details about future in-

person events, upcoming online event themes, and further expansion into new regions.

He added: “It was almost surreal

to finally get back to an in-person networking event, after so long of

doing online. You could really feel the energy in the room, with members

simply buoyant to finally get together.

Some were meeting people for the first time in real life after months online!

“It made us truly realise how much

we’ve missed delivering events like

this for our members and businesses

You don’t have to be a member to

the next event at the Amex and our

Club welcome you to try out one event

in the Sussex, and we look forward to

attend any of their events. Network My

stadium partners.”

before deciding if membership is right

Network My Club recently revamped

for your business.

their events and membership offering,

To do so and to find an upcoming

but also maintaining their successful

visit www.networkmyclub.co.uk.

returning to in-person events again online meetups on Remo.

Their in-person events take place at

iconic sporting venues like the Amex

event near you, in-person or online,

By Bradley Hatchett

Founder & Managing Director Network My Club

Stadium in Sussex, but also stadiums like The Kia Oval Cricket Ground and

Twickenham Stadium in London, as well as the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73

N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS

Jackie’s Networking Adventures The last few weeks has seen face to face networking become the norm again and I have been fortunate enough to attend two very good, but different networking events in Brighton.

On the 25th August

Networking & Events

it was the Ladies

Lunch Club hosted at Malmaison, by

Lara Squires and the

Consortium More than Marketing team.

A beautiful venue, the sun was shining and thirty-five lovely ladies informally networking over a BBQ. A great

evening with new and familiar faces.

Looking forward to the next one in Eastbourne later this month.

Wednesday 8th September saw

the return of another face-to-face networking event, Biz Mix.

74 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Hosted by Gaydio, this was the first ever for me. There was a 2 hour sit

down lunch but a very well-structured event. Networking on arrival, before we were seated for lunch and were given specific things to talk about

which ensured everyone was part of the conversation.

After lunch everyone had a turn to

speak and say who they were, which

I am looking forward to attending a

idea of people that would be beneficial

including charity golf days, business

person, I didn’t know anyone which

check out a full list of events head to the

very unusual.

www.countybusinessclubs.co.uk

was great as it meant you could get an

variety of events in the coming weeks,

to talk to. With the exception of one

expos, Lunches, Breakfasts and more. To

in the world of Brighton networking is

County Business Clubs events calendar

N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75

CONNECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

BRIGHTON’S LARGEST LOCAL BUSINESS EXHIBITION

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

76 to www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk Go b2bexpos.co.uk or call 0845 139 9301

BRIGHTON

BUSINESS EXPO2021 7 Oct | Brighton Racecourse

SBT SPORT

WHITEHAWK FOOTBALL CLUB

FLYING THE FLAG FOR NON-LEAUGE FOOTBALL

B’BLAZING PADDLES!’

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

WINNERS OF SUSSEX

A PROFILE OF STEVE OVETT OBE

THANK YOU CHRIS JORDAN AND THANK YOU PHIL SALT

SBT SPORT SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77

S PORTS

Whitehawk FC – flying the flag for non-league football Non-League Clubs have had a tough time, especially when they are heavily reliant on gate receipts and sponsorship to survive so this month, I caught up with Kevin Miller, the Vice Chair and Head of Commercial & Marketing at Whitehawk Football Club to find out what Brighton’s ‘second team ‘have been up to.

Sports

Tell me about what’s

on Brighton’s

Whitehawk FC over

Latest TV, ran a

been happening at

the last 12 months?

Throughout the

local TV Channel, successful podcast, and organised

whole of 2020 we played seven home

an incredible

the pandemic hit in March… Our

health campaign

our first home game of the new 21/22

Mental Health’ —

in mid–August, was our first competitive

league club Dulwich

matches, and four of those were before

collaborative mental

leagues were declared null & void, and

— ‘Shout Out for

season, a 1-0 victory over Sittingbourne

with fellow non-

league game since October last year.

Hamlet, which

Off the pitch however… The spirit

mental health issues

fans kept the flame alive — we hosted

the club’s respective

and our sponsors Utilita, who brought

for the fans during lockdown, took

and Brighton. Overall, the fans raised

David James, to play for both teams

for local and National Charities,

national causes… They even paid for

rebooted campaign — with the aim of re-

raised awareness for

and determination of our incredible

and over £3,000 to

online football matches, zoom quizzes

local branches, in Lambeth & Southwark

with them former England International

part in superb fundraising initiatives

over £10,000 for various local, club &

(not in goal!), and to launch their football

produced fourteen half-hour TV shows

the club’s new club shop and some of

purposing over 1 million pairs of boots to

the fans even wrote two singles and a musical!

78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

prevent them from going into landfill.

We launched a new kit with sportswear

So, when we were

company Hope & Glory, the first team

game we played

bottles, and our LGBTQ+ team Rainbow

Ground was for the

again featuring Mr .James!), in new

played Guernsey FC

David Shrigley, in a game that was one

fresh summer pitch

be officially sanctioned by the sport’s

members of the local

breaking pilot scheme with the Sussex

painting, stands, stalls

mixed-gender football in this region.

allowed to, the first

shirts are made from recycled plastic

back at the Terrapura

Rovers played the Utilita All-Stars (once

fans - Whitehawk fans

Hope & Glory kit designed by Artist

Manelanders on the

of the first ever LGBTQ+ matches to

in front of over 500

governing body, part of a ground-

community, with face-

County FA and the FA to encourage

S PO RTS more revenue from local sponsors, who value communities and want to make a

difference — I have seen, post-lockdown a change within businesses, keen to

re-establish local connections and using the club as a platform for making that

happen. It’s encouraging and I hope that we can deliver for them and generate new leads and new business.

What are Whitehawk’s plans and where

does the Club see itself in 5 years’ time?

Progression, enjoying financial stability and of course promotion - We have We start the new season with more

fans, more members, our social media

numbers at record levels, and a renewed interest in grassroots football.

How has the club has got involved with the LGBTQ community?

Dr. Sophie Cook, HonDLitt, FRSA

writer, speaker, broadcaster & diversity champion, and former Spurs, Brighton & Hove Albion & Portsmouth star Guy Butters, approached the club early in

2019 with an idea to have an LGBTQ+ game against an All-Star team of exPremier League players.

With Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community so important within the community, and

with Whitehawk’s renowned stance on inclusion and diversity — especially amongst the club’s ‘Ultras’, it felt a

great fit, and so during Pride weekend

of 2019, Rainbow Rovers were born. A

team of selected LGBTQ+ players from

around the country, pulled off a famous 5-2 victory against players including

Paul Walsh, Keith Gillespie, Lee Martin

and Lee Hendrie. ‘Football United’ was born, and the match received National coverage via Sky Sports.

The team gained increasing press & PR,

and although they couldn’t play in 2020,

their impact was high enough for National Energy brand Utilita to take an interest,

and during that year we announced their

shirt sponsorship deal with the Rovers, and the Hawks. With support from

Website innovators Huxley Digital, who created the brilliant rainbowrovers.org

as back of shirt sponsors, the team were

amalgamated into Whitehawk FC’s stable earlier this year.

This team espouses everything that the club believes in - Sophie became the

Clubs Diversity & Inclusion Officer this

year and sits on the Hawks Committee.

We’re planning to set up a tour of

schools, Colleges & Universities, with

Sophie using her skills as a speaker to highlight Inclusion & Diversity issues, and to tell her story.

Rainbow Rovers shirts have sold

around the world, and the club are

rightly proud of what’s been achieved,

and with the full backing of the sport’s

governing body, the Football Supporters Association, Kick it Out, Football V.

Homophobia, and so many more, we

a young dynamic team that will do

well this term, and if we can keep the momentum going, we should have a

good season (I’d personally love a Cup run but then wouldn’t we all!)

Off the pitch we’re strengthening ties with the local community - we’re partnering with the Freedom Leisure Centres in

Brighton to offer fans discounts and to create new community initiatives. Our Hawks In the Community partnership

with Whitehawk’s amazing Crew Club

goes from strength to strength, and we

want to encourage even more students to matches — We ran a campaign in 2019

to introduce the club to them and they’ve been turning up in droves!

Finally, we’d like to be recognised as one of the most dynamic and progressive

non-leagues football clubs in the country, with a vibrant’ loud and incredible fan

base, and a City that’s rightly proud of all its clubs, large and small.

can take the message of tolerance and inclusion around the country.

What are the biggest challenges facing the club today?

Our community initiatives, our stance

on inclusion and LGBTQ+ issues have garnered a new respect for the club

within the City, and it is being reflected in sponsorship and through the turnstiles.

However, we still need to generate even

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 79

S PORTS

‘Blazing Paddles!’ Are you up for the challenge?

This Autumn will see Brighton Table Tennis Club launch a forthcoming league for businesses to get involved, called ‘Blazing Paddles, a chance for companies to compete and attempt to be crowned the best staff table tennis team in Brighton.

Back in 2018, Brighton

Sports

Table Tennis Club

(BTTC) were up in

lights having been awarded both the

Special Recognition and the Team of the

Year Awards at the annual Active Sussex Sports Awards, so I was keen to find out

how the Club have managed over the last

few years and caught up with the Founder Director, Tim Holtam to tell me more.

BTTC began life in February 2007 with two worn-out tables in the Brighton

Youth Centre with a strong belief that

table tennis could be used as a powerful tool to engage people of all ages and help transform peoples’ lives.

Today the club has its own full-time

centre with 10 tables and runs 100 tables

across the city in parks, squares, schools, sheltered housing schemes, a centre for homeless people, sports centres

and a psychiatric hospital, together with four prisons outside the city. The club is the world’s first recognised Club of Sanctuary, for its work with refugees.

Before lockdown, more than 1,500 people

played in the club’s

weekly sessions and

Tim tells me they are

slowly building up the

numbers again. “These

sessions include people

with learning disabilities, young people from the

Brighton Travellers site, Looked After Children,

to use table tennis online game called

from the LGBT community and young

table anywhere in the world! Despite

and the oldest is 98!”

played between July 2020 - 2021 at a

The impact of Covid and lockdown

competitions were on hold!

response, they decided to support and

However, BTTC isn’t just a social Club,

community, by creating a Food Hub, and

the way…. With Down’s Syndrome

to try and keep the community together.

and Chris O’Flinn securing three bronze

over 100 daily shows before limited

Championships in 2018.

out postcards to the people who they

Additionally, Will Bayley MBE, the World

people with physical disabilities, people

All Stars TT for anyone to play on any

asylum seekers. Our youngest player is 2

the pandemic, over 10,000 games were

clearly has been a huge challenge, so in reach out to their players and the local

they’ve also produced some stars along

an online service using their volunteers

athletes, Harry Fairchild, Andrew Tonkin

From this, they successfully completed

medals for Team GB at the World

playing facilities could resume and sent knew were isolated encouraging

number 1 Paralympic player has been

across the city.

BTTC over the last three seasons and

The Club also developed a

Games in Tokyo.

grassroots organisations and

For more info about entering a team

Leaders, based upon table

supporting BTTC’s work to improve

face-to-face and not just online.

strong community at the same time, visit

safe use of the outdoor tables

national course for leaders of

80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

time when all other league and national

playing in the Senior British League for recently won Silver at the Paralympic

designed a course for Young

into the ‘Blazing Paddles’ league, and

tennis, so people could engage

health, celebrate diversity and build a

They also created a new, free

www.brightontabletennisclub.com

S PO RTS

Winners of Sussex - A profile of Steve Ovett OBE Born 9 October

Sports

1955, Steve Ovett

OBE won gold in the 800 metres at the

1980 Olympic Games

in Moscow and set 5 world records for

1500 metres and a world record at two miles. He won 45 consecutive 1500 and mile races from 1977 to 1980.

His arrival on the international stage

began a golden era of British middle distance running.

Born in Brighton and educated at

Varndean College, Ovett displayed

talent to be a footballer, but gave it up for athletics, because he didn’t want

to play a sport where he’d have to rely on teammates.

At 18 he won the European Junior title at 800m and a year later won silver at the senior level during the European

Championships in Rome. His first Olympic experience came finishing 5th in the 800m at the Montreal Olympics in 1976.

The next year saw his prominence recognised when he displayed an

astonishing turn of pace, which became known as the ‘kick’, in the last 200m of his race in the IAAF World Cup, leaving

Olympic 1500m champion John Walker in his wake.

In 1978 he raced for the first time against another of the biggest names from the

golden era of British Athletics, Sebastian Coe. When they faced each other in the

final of the 800m, it appeared to be going to form with Ovett overtaking Coe, only

to be passed by the German, Olaf Beyer.

Ovett made up for this disappointment by taking gold in the 1500m.

In the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Ovett

was favourite for the 1500m title, being unbeaten for 3 years, but first he faced his great rival, Coe in the 800m. He

surprised many by taking Coe on the

home straight to win gold, but Coe got his revenge winning the 1500m, with Ovett having to settle for bronze.

During 1981, Ovett and Coe exchanged world records in the mile 3 times over 9 days. However, the following few years were affected by injury after he tripped

and impaled his thigh on some low railings on Church Road while training in Brighton.

He returned to action in 1983, but

his season was again hampered by

injuries, and he was only selected for the 1500m in Helsinki, finishing 4th, behind winner Steve Cram.

At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los

Angeles, Ovett began to suffer from respiratory problems, only narrowly

qualifying for the final, appearing to

collapse over the line in 4th. In the final, he was clearly below his best finishing

8th, after which he collapsed and spent

two nights in hospital. Against advice, he returned to compete in the 1500m, but

while in 4th place at the beginning of the last lap in the final, Ovett dropped out, later collapsing with chest pains, and being taken away on a stretcher.

In August 1986 he won the 5000m at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, but after failing to make the 1988

Olympic team, he finally retired in 1991.

He now lives in Australia and in 2007 a bronze statue of Ovett was erected in

Preston Park, Brighton, only to be stolen and replaced in 2012 with a copy of the original which can be seen on Madeira Drive, Brighton seafront.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81

S PORTS

Thank you, Chris Jordan and thank you, Phil Salt After the acclaimed

Sports

success of the

inaugural Hundred

competition, which

saw eventual winners

Southern Brave feature Sussex players, George Garton, Chris Jordan and

Tymal Mills… Last month also saw the

announcement that Sussex players Phil Salt and the aforementioned Jordan

are to leave the Sharks at the end of the season and join Lancashire and

Surrey respectively. I for one will miss seeing them represent the County, so

this month I decided to recognise their

undeniable achievements and wish them both good luck for the future.

Salt - or Salty - now 25, came to Sussex when he was 17. Born in Wales but

raised in Barbados, he is recognised as a top order batter with an aggressive

and powerful style that saw him play a significant part in a Sharks team that

reached the T20 Blast finals day in 2018, where he finished the season with the leading strike rate of 172.33. Having

made his first team debut in 2015, and

his T20 debut the following year, he played 170

matches with 4

hundreds and 32

half centuries to his

name in all formats.

Amongst other

teams abroad, Salt also played for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash

League, making

361 runs at a strike

Chris Jordan

rate of 164.09! His explosive style of play was a joy to

quickly. His Sussex debut saw him take 6

international recognition when he made

it wasn’t long before England took notice

this year.

featured in 8 Test matches, 34 ODIs and

watch, and this saw him finally receive

wickets for 48 runs against Yorkshire, and

his ODI debut against Pakistan in July

of his undoubted talents. To date he has 30 T20 internationals.

Jordan, or CJ returns to the Club where he made his debut in 2007 and will

Eligible for England through his

Regarded as a limited overs specialist

the Ageas Bowl against Australia, and

bowlers in the world today, Barbados

against South Africa, Jordan became the

be the captain of Surrey’s T20 side.

grandmother, he made his ODI debut at

and one of the finest fielders and death

on 1 December 2020, in the third match

born Jordan has had a sparkling career

cricket, taking his 66th dismissal.

date representing

lower-order batsman, hitting his maiden

Caribbean, Indian

Essex at Colchester in 2016.

Pakistan and the Big

According to the ECB website, he is old

across the globe to

Additionally, Jordan has proved a useful

teams across the

first-class century for Sussex against

Premier League,

Bash in Australia.

school friends with pop-star Rhianna. If

The 32-year-old

asked for an introduction… After getting

82 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

only I’d known that before, I would have

moved to Sussex in

his autograph first, of course!

released by Surrey

Both players will be sorely missed no

as a paceman who

a high with Sussex having qualified for

2013 after he was

Phil Salt

leading wicket-taker for England in T20I

and built a reputation

doubt, but fingers crossed they go out on

bowled accurately and

finals day in the T20 Blast later this month.

SBT LIFESTYLE

HOW TO “COOK, CHEW, EAT, REPEAT” LIKE A BOSS

BY DEAN RAHAMAN, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE WELLNESS AT RA REPUBLIC

COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS WINE OF THE MONTH

WITH BRIGHTON & HOVE WINE CLUB

SBT LIFESTYLE SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 83

L I FEST Y L E

How to “cook, chew, eat, repeat” like a boss

One of the most common questions I have been asked over the years, be it from a small business owner or a C-Suite Executive is: “How do I generate the time to cook and eat healthily, train at the gym and run my business?”

It’s a really important

Ask the Expert

question so I’m

always horrified to be told another coach has responded to

the client with: “You have to make the

time if it’s important to you.” Ever heard that? While I agree that priorities and

sacrifices sometimes need to made, it’s not a black and white situation where

1+1 always = 2. When I’ve had clients approach me and tell me this story

it genuinely saddens me that some

coaches don’t take the time to get to know the person in front of them. My approach is a little different.

84 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Step 1.

the approach is simple. Eat a variety of

my first question to a client. Once

add some rice, oats or potatoes and

eating, I can use over 15 years’

As simple as I think my system is, it still

week realistically. There is no point

unfortunately, I can’t give you individual

nights a week if you know realistically

is bring your attention to the following

What is healthy eating to you? Always

different coloured fruits and veggies,

we’ve agreed on a healthy way of

garnish with some meat if preferred.

experience to help clients plan their

needs personal attention to detail. So

saying you are going to cook fresh 7

specifics in this article. What I can do

that isn’t going to happen. There is so

food pyramids.

now about what is healthy, it can be

Now I don’t fully agree with either of

information is actually credible. For me

on the right a lot more. For me veggies

trainer and corporate wellness advisor

client. Some of the vegetarians and

much information available out there

hard to know where you stand and what

these. But I do agree with the image

as a health-focused coach, personal

and fruits are always a priority for any

L I FE STYLE

vegans that I’ve trained before don’t eat enough fruit and veg. I find that too often people running their own

business or self-employed are either eating on the go or while they’re sat

at a screen and far from chewing their

food properly, which leads onto a whole host of health based issues. Think

about it now. Are you actively taking a

lunch break? Are you getting away from your desk? Are you actually slowing

down and taking your business head off for an hour? If you answered no more

than once, might be time to have a look at your working schedule.

Step 2.

The next step I take with clients is to

determine what a typical daily schedule

looks like. The reason I want to determine this with clients is to see where their

time is spent. Are you working a regular shift pattern for somebody else? Are you working irregular hours in a job

for yourself? Are your hours your own because your business can operate

without you? Or are you a slave to time zones and have to track east and west

trading times? I’ve worked with them all

and let me tell you this. Once we analyse your time and where you’re spending it. Priorities tend to align themselves

towards being as healthy as possible.

I know from experience there is

nothing better than confronting the

brutal facts and breaking down each

time allocation in step 2. You can then

and finding time.

Or what you’re willing to swap in terms

Do this little exercise for yourself take

free hours from your 119 hours.

hours you’re sleeping (which should

If you know that you need

have 119 hours in the week. Break

I know for me it was one of the

at work including commuting, how

accountability, the coaching and

watching TV, exercising, walking,

spring boarded me onto new heights

you’ve been honest and analysed

service I could provide to my clients

you do. There is usually free time.

a better service than my competition

mind sacrificing TV, social media and

business now is all about helping the

or stretch and calm their nervous

themselves and help with boosting

hour of a person’s 168 hours in a week

168 hours subtract the amounts of

decide how best to use your free hours. of activities if you genuinely have no

be a minimum 49hours). You now

accountability, then hire a coach.

down how much time you spend

best investments I ever made. The

much time you spend with family,

wisdom of having a mentor really

gaming, social media scrolling. Once

with my own coaching. It boosted the

the time you spend doing the things

and the end result was that I provided

100% of the clients I work with don’t

and charged a higher premium. My

gaming time to meal prep, or exercise

people that run businesses be healthy

system down to improve their health.

their teams’ mental and physical

Step 3.

and now I get to help more people feel,

health. I love to see people progress

Make a plan and put it into action.

move and sleep better.

action! You know this otherwise you

When all is said and done managing

action for you to acquire your clients,

choose to eat and do is the difference

Nothing happens by itself, it requires wouldn’t have clients yourself. It took

time and eating are necessities, what we

it took action for you to develop the

between being healthy or not.

take action and a plan for you to

Dean Rahaman | Director of corporate

need to change habits and routines.

www.rarepublic.co.uk

one and then following up with your

07815704720

skillset you have. Guess what? It’ll generate the time and energy you

wellness at RA Republic.

By answering the questions in step

www.linkedin.com/deanrahaman

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 85

WI N E OF T H E MON TH

County Business Club Wine of the Month September 2021 Plumpton NV Brut with dosage of Spirit of the Downs £27 This month we are showcasing

This wine is a blend of Plumpton

Sussex who not only produce their

traditional method using a blend of

but also make wines for several local

which make a great sparkling wine.

of excellence offering degrees level

picked and fermented before being

world. It is one of the only institutes

term NV indicates Non Vintage

academic and vocational education,

made using the wine from different

Plumpton Estate, based in East

Estate Brut NV is made by the

own wine (around 40,000 bottles),

Riesling, Regner and Reichensteiner

vineyards. The college is a centre

The grapes at Plumpton are hand-

education for students across the

carefully blended each year. The

in the world to offer degree level

which means that the wines are

all taught in the English language.

harvest years. This allows the

The wine makers notes for the are;

despite large variations in the weather

Wine of the Month

fine yet persistent mousse. This wine

of the grapes grown. The main year

in particular are leading the way in

citrus fruit notes perfectly balanced

was one of the best years for growing

compete head to head with many

vineyard to have a consistent taste

Background to English Wine and

dry, with refreshing acidity and delicate

each year which influence the quality

The South East of England and Sussex

displays complex crisp apple and

from this vintage is from 2015 which

sparkling wine production and will

with creamy brioche roundness and a

wine in the last ten years.

leading Champagnes. Why not try some

sparkling wine at its finest.

This wine has also spent 4 years aging

for those special occasions.

disgorging which means it has a richer

Michael Yeoman,

long refreshing finish. Quality English

on lees in the bottle before riddling and brioche/toasty taste. In addition the

brightonandhovewineclub.co.uk

of the Spirit of the Downs Sussex

Michael Yeoman owns Brighton and

barrel which has given the wine more

a range of Sussex spirits using the

slight boost in alcohol which makes

He specialises in working with small

vineyard has taken a small measure Chardonnay aged in an English Oak

Hove Wine Club and also creates

focus and complexity together with a

pomace from English wine production.

this a very interesting wine.

batch wine producers in and around

This wine is great as an aperitif, but also with canapes such as smoked salmon belini and mini cheese tart or creamy

pasta dishes such spaghetti carbonara.

86 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

of our local wines for home BBQ’s and

Sussex and the South Downs.

SBT ASK THE EXPERT

IS YOUR BRAND AT RISK?

BY CLIVE BONNY, SMP CONSULTANTS

HOW IS IT NEARLY Q4 ALREADY?!

BY BEN BENNETT

SBT ASK THE EXPERT SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 87

AS K T H E E X PE RT

Is your brand at risk?

30% of small firms suffer IP infringement claims: IS YOUR BRAND AT RISK?

Ask the Expert

Are you registered

registration protects your trading name.

unregistered?

Companies House actually infringe

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several database filters to identify similar

Do not assume that Companies House

88 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

a qualified trademark agent can cost

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3 Infringement Risks

If you apply to register a brand name which infringes a third party it can

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4 Author Ownership

Do not assume that you own your

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If your branding was created by an

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your contract with any designer or

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search can prevent this before you buy

and design agent? Check their

trademark holders. You can be sued

Award by Futurebuild; 2020 Awards

as trademarks to others. A trademark

How do you select the right trademark

Partnership by Homebuilder and Most

domain names.

LinkedIn profile for their certificated

by Global 100.

6 Unfair Adwords

endorsements. Check their website for

SMP offers a free IP review at https://

certificates to prevent competitors from

and any offers of free advice time with

asset-review

online global marketing platforms (e.g.

transparency of fees and costs, hourly

SMP offers free online IP tuition at

accept a trademark certificate to prevent

expenses. Rate them and score them.

trading with adwords.

assets are IP based so take care when

7 Lifelong Protection

do not always reflect value for money.

as a trademark if it meets trademark

10 Murphy’s Law

qualifications, sector experience and

Innovative Reduced Cost Consultancy

consult-smp.com/check-invest/ip-

Trademark owners can use their

their articles, blogs, education materials

obtaining their online enquiries. Many

no obligations. Check their clarity and

Google, Bing, Amazon, Ebay, Etsy etc.)

rates, and any ongoing correspondence

https://consult-smp.com/key-services

unfair online competition and unfair

Remember that 50%-80% of business

SMP provides case studies and news

choosing an advisor. Expensive offices

category/ip-protection

Many firms register their domain name eligibility criteria. This gives them

Finally consider Murphy’s Law. If it can

https://consult-smp.com/archive/

For a free informal discussion contact clive@consult-smp.com or call 01273 308865

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 89

AS K T H E E X PE RT

How is it nearly Q4 already!?

Sales is the best profession in the world (in my opinion), and arguably one of the oldest.

It has evolved

Ask the Expert

dramatically over the years from people

selling their wares on market stalls, to the

technologically advanced processes we see before us today.

One thing that has been dominant

throughout this evolution is the speed at which time flies when working in sales.

Let me break this down for you…

Sales people typically work towards

monthly or quarterly targets, giving you (at most), 12 chances to achieve your targets in a single year.

Studies show that the perception of time speeds up for us as we get older and when we have less new experiences.

A sales role is incredibly repetitive

and with every passing month, we are

getting older, so it’s no surprise that time is flashing before our eyes as we are on a constant countdown timer.

Now we find ourselves in September 2021, with the last quarter of the

calendar year looming, and what are you going to do about it?

You could tighten your belt and braces

and hope for the best, or you could plan

how to capitalise on, what can be, a very bumpy quarter.

Considerations around timings and situations:

●O ctober will be busy, as the kids will

be long back at school, and summer

holidays a distant memory, this is your

opportunity to front-load your pipeline.

●N ovember will be a game of two

90 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

halves. Many businesses will be

planning for their own approaches to

the quiet end of year and entertaining.

●D ecember will be even more quiet due to festive holidays, so what can you do to work around the downtime?

● Do prospective customers need to use up their budgets before year-end in

me a message on the details below and I will help you plan.

Don’t let time pass you by, because

next time you look up, everyone will be wearing Santa hats and terrible Christmas jumpers!!

order to get them reinstated next year?

Ben Bennett is Managing Partner of

advance so that your customers pay

Brighton-based company focused on

●C an you sell your service or product in

Second Voice (secondvoice.co.uk) a

now and use later?

enabling founders of B2B companies

challenges head-on. Try using video

and operations. Ben is also a business

don’t disappear amongst hundreds of

Entrepreneur Accelerator.

●P eople will be meeting their own

pitches or voice messages so that you other messages.

to accelerate growth through sales growth mentor for the NatWest

If you’re looking to grow your own

Yes there are a myriad of other ways to

company and want impartial advice

do, that you have a plan in place. Drop

sbt@secondvoice.co.uk

tackle Q4, but make sure, whatever you

or support, please reach out to Ben at

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County Business Clubs Sussex Community Platform

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www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 91

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