SBT POWERED BY:
ISSUE 449
FREE
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
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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:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5
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
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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
Monthly News
#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
or are you Trademark
infringement claims
Thousands of Registered names on
third party trademark owners. Business owners and Directors should always
on small firms are increasing. Intellectual
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many have to change brand names and
2 Trademark Rejections
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Property Office surveys show over 30%
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So how can you protect yourself?
made mistakes in trademark application
identify similar names and logos and
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1 Companies House
as little as £100, saving you time and
action and protect your brand name
trademarks and designs registered
of Strategic Management Partners in
several database filters to identify similar
Do not assume that Companies House
88 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
a qualified trademark agent can cost
money. Before you publish your brands
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If you apply to register a brand name which infringes a third party it can
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Do not assume that you own your
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If your branding was created by an
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ASK T H E E XPE RT ownership of associated
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5 Domain Names
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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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