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WHERE THEY CAME FROM AND WHERE THEY ARE GOING 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
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SBTWelcome
W E LCO M E
Welcome to another brand new issue of SBT - the first this Spring.
As winter draws further into the distance, we look forward to
some warmer months ahead and a summer filled with business growth, events, awards and much more.
After the success of last month’s amazing International
Women’s Day special, it is fantastic this month to feature
another phenomenal business woman, Pam Loch, of Loch Associates. The Loch Associates Group was founded in
2007 by Pam to respond to the need for commercial and
bespoke legal and people solutions for clients. Since then, the
business has gone from strength to strength and now employs twenty-five staff who are based in Brighton, Tunbridge Wells
and London. Always innovating, Managing Director Pam has continued to evolve the business to respond to the everchanging client needs.
Loch Associates are specialists in developing commercial
solutions to help organisations manage and look after their people, ensuring a high level of employee satisfaction and consequently productivity.
We also hear from our many County Business Clubs Partners and members throughout the issue, sharing their stories and knowledge to help you and your business.
This issue is, as always, 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 for your continued support and I hope you enjoy the issue.
The Group’s slogan “People are our business” reflects
both the services offered and the culture within the Group.
Sam Thomas, Managing Director
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Issue 454
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WHERE THEY CAME FROM AND WHERE THEY ARE GOING
05
Monthly News
11
SBT Finance
17
SBT Legal
21
SBT Property
25
SBT Cover Feature
31
SBT Charity
37
SBT Tech
41
SBT Start Ups & Entrepreneurs
45
SBT Good Business
53
SBT Motor News
57
SBT Networking & Events
71
Chamber News
75
SBT Lifestyle
79
SBT Sport
86
SBT Ask the Expert
A roundup of News from across the County
Mortgage Saving Expert, Stuart Moffat
The challenge of maximising your Intellectual property (IP)
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 1
SERVI NG T H E SUSSEX B USI N ESS C OM MUN ITY SI NC E 1975
Cover 454
Joint Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 07894 762304 Joint Managing Director Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Production & Design Kim Butler kim@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Licenced to TBG by Pixel Publications Ltd Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by Gemini Print Group 1A Dolphin Way Shoreham-by-Sea West Sussex BN43 6NZ 01273 464884 www.gemini-print.co.uk
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
Personal touch comes as standard
Loch Associates – Where they came from and where they are going
The Rockinghorse Children’s Charity Emerald Ball
The Future of the Internet
How could my business benefit from desk research?
At what point do you say enough is enough and close your business?
The electrifying BMW ix3 Electric SUV, a Rivervale Review
Jackie’s Networking Adventures, Plus Business Expos and the Acumen Business Convention
Structure your planning and tighten your business model
Wine tasting with a Personal Touch
Laurence Elphick Sports round up from across the County and much more…
Story Telling, who cares? By James Dempster of Fox & Bear
SBT MONTHLY NEWS
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MO NT H LY N E WS
How businesses can improve mental wellbeing and reduce staff absence with corporate memberships
Wave Leisure Trust is offering discounted memberships to businesses to encourage business owners to help improve employees’ overall health and wellbeing. In 2019 - 2020, a
Monthly News
report estimated that 38.8 million working
days were lost due to work-related ill health
and non-fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain. Stress, depression and anxiety
accounted for the majority of days lost. The national guidance provided on GOV.UK explains that workers can
spend up to three-quarters of their
day sat down, which contributes to a
range of preventable health conditions, including the two leading causes of
workplace absence: back injuries and mental illness.
Exercise naturally reduces stress levels, promoting better mental health in the
workplace. Regular exercise releases endorphins and increases serotonin
levels in the body, meaning employees
are better equipped to navigate the trials of everyday office life, while employers can enjoy stronger attendance and morale across the board.
6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
For employers looking to increase
effective and sustainable manner and
company well-being, Wave Leisure
also extend to businesses, to not only
memberships, whether businesses are
also the perfect work life balance.
fitter and healthier, or to promote health,
“Our experienced team of fitness
company benefits or to strengthen
we believe that this attitude should
Trust offers savings on all corporate
encourage peak work performance, but
looking to help encourage a team to be fitness and wellbeing goals.
professionals are on hand to support you
Corporate membership with Wave
to help reach fitness goals and improve
and your team by offering specialist advice
includes unlimited gym, classes and
both physical and mental health.”
personal plan review every 10-12
To find out more or to arrange a visit
progress,14-days of advance booking
touch with Wave’s Membership Team by
app and more. Plus, any of the sites can
co.uk or visit www.waveleisure.co.uk.
swimming across all centres*, a free
weeks to help develop goals and track
to any of the facilities, please get in
rights via an online booking website and
emailing memberships@waveleisure.
be visited at no extra cost.
Formed in 2006, Wave Leisure Trust
In addition, businesses can build a
Limited is a charitable not-for-profit
well-being workshops or personalised
through high-quality, affordable and
bespoke packages such as workplace
trust, working to inspire active lifestyles
training sessions for their team.
accessible health and fitness facilities.
Duncan Kerr, CEO at Wave Leisure Trust,
out as a team or as individuals with
to form long-term, healthy habits in an
tailored to fit the individual.
said: “At Wave we encourage members
With Wave, businesses can work corporate memberships that are
MON T H LY N E WS
Artists find inspiration in Eastbourne’s coastline and downland
Eastbourne is seeing a welcome revival in local artists choosing to stay in the town. Monthly News
Celine Bakir, a talented young dancer, said the creative community in Eastbourne was growing and attracting new faces to the town.
Celine is the latest artist to feature in The Beacon Centre’s new project, Creatives by the Coast. Each month an artist will take pride of place in a short video highlighting their work and how their coastal location has influenced them. The video series will shed light on the thriving creative community living on the Sussex coast, particularly Eastbourne. “Eastbourne produces so much talent,
but the artists often end up leaving the town,” Celine explained. “I think things are now changing and I am delighted that so many artists are deciding to stay here and make a living here. “They see how living by the coast opens up your mind in a way that perhaps doesn’t happen in the city. I am exposed to the natural elements every day and this can really influence you creatively,” Celine added. James Roberts, Director at The Beacon, said he was delighted to be able to shine a light on the cultural side of the town. “Eastbourne has a growing reputation as something of a magnet for artists,” he said. “The work of Joe Hill at The
Towner and many others is really paying off and putting the town on the cultural map. “I am delighted that The Beacon is able to highlight a few of the up-andcoming artists in our new Instagram and Facebook series, Creatives by the Coast.”
Casey from Brighton takes to the stage at the international Women of the World (WOW) festival to encourage a shift to green finance and investments Monthly News money is doing.
Casey Goodwin encouraged attendees at the Women of the World (WOW) festival to think more carefully about what their
The Brighton financial planner, who works for Path Financial - the UK’s leading ethical investment firm - took to the stage in London’s Southbank recently to encourage investors to think more carefully about where their money is invested and the harm it may be doing. The financial planner and Head of Paraplanning took part in a session on ‘financial choice, power and freedom’, which included WOW Founder Jude Kelly, who was Artistic Director of the Southbank before she set up WOW which now has events all over the world.
The session was shining a spotlight on how women can be five times poorer when it comes to retirement than men, and the need for women to not only take control of their finances but also to ask more questions about where and how their money is invested and the harm it may be doing. Path Financial has seen a three-fold increase in enquiries since the Ukraine invasion started, as more people are starting to ask questions about where their money is invested. Casey thinks this is a trend that will only continue, commenting: “A lot of people don’t always realise the difference they can make with their money. Ethical investing resonates with many women when they hear about it and that’s why I was keen to help spread the message at the WOW Festival this weekend.
“By choosing green investments we can show that we care about future generations and are actively choosing not to cause harm by investing in things like fossil fuels.” As well as being a financial planner and paraplanner, Casey is also a talented artist and created the designs for a series of postcards that were available at the event. Her designs can be viewed at: https:// thepath.co.uk/wow
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7
MO NT H LY N E WS
Carpenter Box Financial Advisers appoints new Senior Financial Planner Sussex-based Carpenter Box Financial Advisers has appointed a new Senior Financial Planning Manager, Johnny Mullett, to its rapidly expanding team. Johnny joins the firm with a diploma Monthly in financial advice News and more than seven years’ experience working in the financial services sector with particular expertise in investment, retirement and tax planning. He will assist the Carpenter Box Financial Adviser team in providing fully comprehensive wealth management solutions to individuals, business owners and professionals on the South Coast, including Worthing, Brighton, Crawley and Chichester. In his new role Johnny will also work closely with StarBox - a division of the Carpenter Box group which specialises
in providing tax and business advice for new media entrepreneurs such as Youtubers, streamers and influencers. He says: “I’m thrilled to be part of the team. Carpenter Box Financial Advisers has a fantastic reputation in the south for its innovation and expertise. “I look forward to offering financial advice to compliment the firm’s award-winning StarBox service, ensuring that our clients are capitalising on the success of their entrepreneurship and investing for their long-term future.” Johnny’s appointment comes shortly after Carpenter Box Financial Advisers was awarded membership of the Buy with Confidence scheme – an approved trader list run by Trading Standards.
Roy Thompson, Head of Financial Services, said: “It’s really exciting to see our growth and development plans come to fruition - we’re delighted to have Johnny on board. “We work closely with our clients with an end goal of developing a strategic approach to maximise their wealth, growing their investments while minimising tax. Johnny is brilliant at doing exactly that.” Carpenter Box Financial Advisers’ team offers an integrated financial and tax advice service for individuals, business owners and professionals throughout the various stages of life. For more information, please visit: www.carpenterboxfa.com
Local financial advice firm named finalist in prestigious awards Carpenter Box Financial Advisers, Monthly which has offices News in Worthing and throughout Sussex, is celebrating being named a finalist in the categories of ‘Best Adviser for Vulnerable Client Care’ and ‘Adviser Firm of the Year for the South East’ at the Professional Adviser Awards 2022. If the firm scoops the South East award, it will join other UK regional winners in the running for the coveted ‘Adviser Firm of the Year 2022’ national award. Winners are to be announced at a glittering gala ceremony held at The Brewery in London on Tuesday 26th April 2022.
8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Head of Carpenter Box Financial Advisers, Roy Thompson, said: “We are delighted to have been named a finalist at these awards and therefore recognised as an outstanding, clientfocused business. “Our team has grown significantly over the last three or four years, and the work that has been put in to improve the business and service our clients has been phenomenal. “It’s great that our efforts have been recognised by an independent body. It provides a boost to our team, which I have no doubt will work as hard as ever to continue to enhance our offer.” Now in their 17th year, the Professional Adviser Awards offer relevant businesses
from across the UK the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills and expertise. They recognise the best in multi-asset investing, platform provision, adviser support and client engagement. Carpenter Box Financial Advisers stood apart from more than 250 advisers, firms and product providers to be named finalist for each of the awards, which seek to reward excellence within both the financial advice community and among the broader financial services sectors that help serve clients. To find out more about the services on offer and how Carpenter Box Financial Advisers can help you make the most of your finances, give them a call on 01903 234094 or visit them at www.carpenterboxfa.com.
MON T H LY N E WS
Coast to Capital celebrates as Chair takes home regional award
Julie Kapsalis, Chair of the region’s Local Enterprise Partnership, Coast to Capital, has been named Businessperson of the Year at this year’s Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.
Recognised for
Monthly News
her outstanding
contribution to the region, Julie was
commended for her
central role in unlocking investment in
the region, making connections across
skills and business and her support and mentorship to other business leaders. Upon collecting the award, Julie
shared: “It is a huge privilege to accept this award, but I do so on behalf of
the extraordinary team of people who I am privileged to work with in the
region. This award is recognition of the power of partnership working across the public, private and third sectors. I am especially grateful to my fellow
Board members and the team at Coast to Capital for their tireless efforts
to realise our vision for sustainable
economic growth. This award would
not have been possible without their
business sectors and companies by
continued support.”
gender enabling LEPs to target work
Upon taking up the position of Chair in
women in several ways, including by
programmes and funding towards
2020, Julie set out her own personal
geography, age, and sector.
decisions, aspires to be best in class,
Anthony Middleton, Acting Chief
the region and our future generations.
“Julie is one of the most entrepreneurial
work to increase diversity in business
commitment to partnership working
been cited as best practice by the Rose
Coast to Capital she has inspired team
by NatWest and HM Treasury.
is testament to her hard work and
In addition, Julie as Chair of Coast
been recognised for all she does across
vision to lead a LEP that makes bold
as well as securing a brilliant future for
Executive at Coast to Capital, added:
Through this period, Julie has led on
leaders that I have ever met and her
support and as a result the region has
knows no bounds. In her leadership of
Review of Female Entrepreneurship, led
members at all levels and this award
dedication. I am delighted that Julie has
to Capital and Catalyst South – an
our region.”
initiative that enables LEPs to use
For more information about the work
support female business leaders.
region, please visit
alliance of six LEPs – has led an
an innovate A.I. programme to help
Coast to Capital delivers across the
The technology provides analysis on
www.coast2capital.org.uk.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9
MO NT H LY N E WS
Show home at Edward Street Quarter draws in large numbers on opening weekend Brighton’s £120 million Edward Street Quarter development opened for viewings on Saturday 26 February, attracting a flurry of more than 100 interested buyers keen to book the first slots. Based on Edward
Monthly News
Street in the heart of Brighton, the
development offers
one, two and three-
bedroom apartments - many with
outside space and all with access to an impressive panoramic roof terrace.
New images reveal the first look inside the stylish two-bedroom show home, dressed by award-winning interior design practice, Honky.
Featuring a playful design, inspired by
Brighton’s lively vibe and seaside location, the apartment is sprinkled with fun pops
of colour and interesting furniture, expertly demonstrating the spacious layout.
10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
The interiors also incorporate the work of
availability for viewings over the next
Pheobe Boddy, Marcelina Amelia, Polly
have the home for you, make sure
several Brighton-based artists, including
few weeks. So, if you think we may
Arnett and Faye Bridgwater.
to get in touch with our local selling
Steve Eccles, Director at developer
reserve a space while you can.”
welcome potential buyers to get a true
Edward Street Quarter will also
Socius, said: “We’re so excited to
agents, Oakley Property and Savills, to
feel for the space available.
comprise 125,000 sq ft of Grade A
“It’s clear after the success of our
leisure, retail and hospitality facilities.
of interest in our new homes, with
developed by Socius, First Base and
office space, as well as 20,000 sq ft of
opening weekend that there is a lot
The development is being jointly
many apartments under offer, as more
Patron Capital Partners.
exceptional space, new neighbourhood
To book a show home viewing, please
people look to take advantage of the and enjoy life by the sea.
contact our residential agents, Oakley
“As a result, we have limited
www.edwardstreetquarter.com.
Property or Savills, via:
SBT FINANCE
WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SEICO GROUP WITH SEICO GROUP’S COO, MICHAEL JACOBS
MORTGAGE SAVING EXPERT, STUART MOFFAT WORKING IN THE WORLD OF FINANCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS.
SBT FINANCE SPONSORED BY:
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FI NAN C E
The Seico Team Celebrate their 30 Year Anniversary with a trip to Cheltenham Races.
We find out more about The Seico Group Sussex Business Times met up with Seico Group’s COO, Michael Jacobs, this month to find more about The Seico Group. Michael, what does
Finance
Seico do?
We are a mortgage, commercial finance
and insurance business
place and can therefore make sure that
we provide our customers the very best terms for them.
Surely the best terms means the
that has been running for over 30 years.
lowest interest rates?
We are a great combination of large
Customers have such a range of
and small enough to offer a really
that looking at their position in the whole
Actually that is rarely completely true.
enough to be able to be whole of market
individual circumstances and priorities
personal service to all of our customers.
is vitally important.
What does Whole of Market mean?
Maybe speed is of the essence,
that we do not have to be part of a
need a more specialised service or they
emerging from the pandemic?
I think the market is going to be very volatile post pandemic and then
facing the supply chain contraction,
awful war in the Ukraine, cost of living challenge and rising interest rates.
Added to that there is more demand
than supply post pandemic, so house prices are going up as well.
My advice is find someone you can trust like us to help you negotiate this terrain.
We are directly regulated which means
perhaps they are self employed and
Do you offer finance for businesses as
network for compliance purposes and
require help on the deposit. Either way
Yes, very much so. We have a commercial
of lenders.
source the best terms available for their
therefore be restricted to a limited panel
It means that we are big enough to
attract every deal available in the market
12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
we will look at the whole situation and particular circumstances.
How do you think the market is
well as consumers?
finance department headed up by Andy
Page that offers Commercial Loans, Asset
Finance, Invoice and Cashflow Finance, Commercial Mortgages, Leasing and HP Arrangements.
FI NA NCE
Meet Seico’s Head of Commercial Finance… I’m very pleased to have joined SEICO
Group, heading up their Commercial Finance unit. With 35 customer-facing years in High Street banking, mainly spent looking after
business and commercial customers, I have
Andrew Page
served my apprenticeship in the sector and
I’m now looking forward to being on the other side of the desk. We all know that banks have spent much of the last decade closing
branches and shedding experienced staff. One serious consequence of this Seico Group’s COO Michael Jacobs welcoming Andrew Page to the team.
There are hundreds of commercial
lenders out there, which can be very
difficult if you don’t have our experience to understand which lenders are the
right ones for your business and the type of finance you are looking for.
We learned from our interview with
CEO Rob Starr, that Seico has recently celebrated 30 years in business and
the company enjoyed a VIP 1st Class steam train journey to Cheltenham
Races. Congratulations to all! Can you share any insight on the plans for the next 5 years of Seico?
5 years, blimey we plan a year ahead
at most. Seico always needs to evolve and make sure it meets the demands
of our clients no matter what happens
in the world. Over the last 30 years we have always kept the same ethos of
honesty, integrity and hard work, but we have changed how we work and
what we do so many times that I have
lost count. So our plans for the next 5 years are not in our hands, we will see what happens in the world and simply react to that. As for the next year, we
are very excited to have Andy head up
is that many customers struggle to receive the business advice they need and this is where a commercial broker can play a valuable role, stepping
into the space vacated by the banks. I’m already speaking with customers across a number of sectors regarding their expansion plans and how best
to fund them. This may be by way of commercial mortgage, funding to buy machinery, or exploring ways to improve working capital and liquidity.
Every business owner has plans and whether that means expansion or simply consolidating the existing position, there will be a requirement for capital outlay sooner or later and this is where Seico Commercial Finance can help.
At the moment, there is uncertainty (when hasn’t there been?) around interest rates and rising overheads,
yet there are actions a business can take to provide more surety of cost when it comes to their financing. With access to the entire commercial market, Seico Commercial is well placed to help businesses find the best solution for them.
Every business is different, I have yet to encounter two the same, or meet a business whose needs were not unique. This is why it is so important
to understand the whole market. Despite the current volatility, lenders do have appetite to do business - there are well over 100 of them out there, each with their own preference and niche - and of course, cost. Finding
the right one, that’s the trick. This applies not only to trading businesses
but commercial property investors - as they all have unique portfolios and are usually on the lookout for the next deal - which will require funding. I have always enjoyed talking with people about their business and
aspirations - my role with Seico allows me to continue that privilege.
If you would like to discuss your future plans, or current situation, I will be very pleased to hear from you, I will do my level best to assist.
our commercial finance department and we look forward to engaging
with many more businesses and this growing this side of Seico.
For a chat over a coffee with Seico’s Commercial Mortgage Broker, Andrew Page, please call: 01273 778888 or Email: andrew@seicogroup.com
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13
Stuart Moffat - mortgage and insurance expert
Stuart Moffat is a mortgage and insurance expert and has been working in the world of finance for over 30 years. For the past three
Finance
years, he has worked as a self-employed
mortgage, insurance and equity release
specialist and, in that time, has seen
some dramatic changes and challenges.
However, 2022 and beyond is potentially going to be one of the hardest of times for many of us.
Here, he offers some straightforward advice to help you navigate
14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
challenges, save money and be ready for any eventuality...
We have seen a prolonged period of
record low interest rates and, accordingly, a large proportion of homeowners with mortgages have chosen to keep their mortgages on the lenders’ standard
variable rates. This gave them flexibility
as well as, where the rates were low, the opportunity to take advantage of this.
Now is the time to review your mortgage if you have not done so.
If you are paying the lender’s standard variable rates then your payments will be going up regularly and are likely to
continue to do so. Many of my customers are looking at longer term fixed rates to
give them peace of mind and ensure they know what they are paying every month. I always make sure whatever decision the clients make matches their short, medium and long-term goals.
When was the last time you reviewed
FI NA NCE
Staurt Moffat
£10s across the month and you may be shocked just how much it adds up to.
Have an account for bills and transfer funds every month to cover what you need. your insurance policies? House, life,
car - even your pet! I regularly find that clients don’t.
Policies will go up and the insurance
company counts on the fact that you are too busy and will continue to
renew or leave it alone. Circumstances change and the pricing of policies
changes, so take the time to look at
what you have in place and does it still meet your needs. A word of warning on this: do not just rely on price
comparison sites as they are there just to compare the price, not the benefits or service, so speak to a specialist. Look at your direct debits - like
insurance policies, subscriptions, gym memberships. Are you paying and, in
some cases, not even using? Go through the payments that you are making and look to see do you use it and, if you
do, can it be provided at a better price without sacrificing the benefit?
Savings and investments - I know
interest rates have been shockingly low for so long but there are things
you can do to make the most of the
cash without taking huge risks. Talk to a financial advisor and tell them what
you want to achieve with your savings, investments or pension.
Utilities including broadband - it is no
secret that our energy bills are going up and up again this year with the end of
the price cap. There is no magic wand
here but there are people out there that, like me, offer broking services for your
energy and utilities. It is a minefield out
there with different deals and you could spend hours, if not days, trying to find
the best deals. Let them do it for you as anything you can save now and in the future is a benefit to your pocket, not
Do you have an account for savings,
luxuries, holidays or just emergencies? Building a fund every month is easier than trying to find several hundred or
thousand pounds at the last minute. We all want to do nice things and so try and plan for them rather than reacting when they come up.
Dealing with these difficult times is not easy, so trying to make what changes
you can may make a massive difference to you and your family.
The last thing I would say is... Speak to an expert. They are experts so let them look after you.
someone else’s.
If I can help with any advice, get in touch.
As I said, you will be paying more now
Mortgage Saving Experts Ltd
than you were 12 months ago but you can still manage this cost to mitigate the impact.
Budgeting - this is one that we can all be
T: 01273 738072
M: 07738 161519
E: stuart@mortgagesavingexperts.com W: mortgagesavingexperts.com
guilty of. What is £5 here or £10 there, it doesn’t matter! Look at your bank
statement and add up the little £5 and
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15
ADVISO RY / TA X / AUDI T
Your local independent advisers Get in touch today for a free and informal consultation:
T: 01903 234094 E: info@carpenterbox.com www.carpenterbox.com 16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
LEGA L
LEGAL
THE CHALLENGE OF MAXIMISING YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) BY MAYO WYNNE BAXTER
SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17
The challenge of maximising your intellectual property (IP) “Just 30 years ago,
Legal
– Exploiting intellectual property in a
physical asset – e.g software licences,
most company
complex world
determined by capital
These quotes illustrate well not only the
owner to the lender with a condition
in emphasis towards its monetisation.
when the debt is repaid
valuation was
assets, such as plant
and equipment. Today, intangibles
probably account for more than half of
market value for the average company listed worldwide”
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers 2007 – Exploiting intellectual property in a complex world
“IP is a core strategic asset: the focus is shifting from litigation to managing and enhancing its value”
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers 2007
18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
franchising and merchandising
• Mortgage - an assignment by the IP importance of IP today but also the shift The legal tools used to exploit IP rights:
the IP will be reassigned to the owner
In much the same way as, physical
Assign or license?
used as security so too can intangible
and for all capital payment and no further
assets can be bought, sold, leased or
An assignment generally involves a once
assets although the terminology differs:
rights whereas with a licence the rights are
•A ssignments – when IP rights are
retained, and a revenue stream generated.
bought and sold
The Legal Challenges of Licensing
else’s IP generally for a defined
on their IP without scaling up by
•L icences – a right to use some-one period, akin to a lease or rental of a
Licences allow IP owners to capitalise granting a right to use the IP, in return for
LEGA L
a licence fee, whilst retaining ownership. These contractual agreements can
reach across national and international borders to enable profits from multiple
markets. However, licensing, particularly in the emerging markets, can present a number of issues:
- non-compliance with license,
particularly under-declaration of production
- piracy
- under-developed judicial systems for enforcement of IP rights
Policing is therefore an important
consideration when deciding whether
to go for a one-off payment or royalties. If your technology is going to be sold for many years across the world, do
you have the resources and inclination to police infringements and fight for royalties if necessary?
How to protect yourself
- select your licensee with caution and undertake sufficient due diligence
- ensure your contract contains an audit clause giving you the right to appoint
a third party to examine the books and facilities of your licensee
Talking to license buyers
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) can help you set up meetings with
potential licensees. But before starting discussions you need to protect
yourself with a binding confidentiality and non-user agreement. If the
licensing arrangement is likely to involve transactions with parties outside the UK speak to a lawyer in the relevant
jurisdiction to check the agreement will be enforceable against the other party. Franchising
Franchising is a form of IP license which can be used for services as well as
products. You should seek to register as much of your IP as is possible.
UK trademarks are registered with
the UK Intellectual Property Office.
Once you have a UK or EU registered trademark the World International
Property Organization can take your trademark protection global.
The arrangement should also be
based on a comprehensive contractual agreement whereby the franchisee:
• i s authorised by the franchisor to use a business model in return for a fee
• i s licensed to use a collection of IP rights typically trademarks, trade
Edward Coxall
to work together in the context of
researching, developing or exploiting
secrets and copyright material
technology for the benefit of both parties.
going training and technical support
deal to deal from basic ‘joint venture’
• i s supported by advertising and onfrom the franchisor
Sophistication can vary greatly from
companies with transfer of assets to more complex arrangements involving licensing
Merchandising
and more particularly cross-licensing
of trademarks, designs and artworks
in different ownership.
personalities or items
Before exploring any co-development
It has the advantage for the IP of a low
product by entering into a confidentiality
generally manufactures and pays a
partner before starting any discussions.
A particular form of licensing often
(copyright) relating to fictional and real
cost of exploiting it in that a third party royalty to the IP owner
where products involve numerous patents
opportunity ensure you protect your idea/ and non-user agreement with any potential
Dividing up the market
Technology Transfer
It’s perfectly possible to negotiate
be sufficiently developed to license in its
are inevitably attracted by exclusivity.
of reasons:
markets and territories you’re offering
In some circumstances the IP may not
several licence deals at once but buyers
current form. This could be for a number
To prevent conflict be clear about the
• l ack of resources, capabilities or desire to use or develop the technology
from the outset. One big deal
further
Alternatively, licensing deals can involve
distribution capabilities to get the new
to just one company. Pharmaceutical
• l ack of sufficient marketing or
surrendering your commercial rights
technology to market efficiently
giants buy many of their new medicines
technology in a direction in which the
the development companies receive
•D esire to take the development of the
from smaller drug developers. In return
owner has no expertise.
hefty sums. Back in 2006 GSK bought
universities and charities.
drug for $2.1billion.
•L ack of commercial capabilities e.g.
the full license to Genmab’s leukemia
If this is the case you can consider
Edward Coxall, Partner
under which two or more parties agree
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
collaboration or joint venture agreements
ecoxall@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19
Selling, buying or starting a business? Call us on 0800 84 94 101 Offices across Sussex
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk 20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT PROPERTY
PERSONAL TOUCH COMES AS STANDARD WITH WHITE HOUSE BLOCK MANAGEMENT
SBT PROPERTY SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21
The personal touch with White House Block Management Securing the services of a block property management company that will proactively put the interests of lessees and landlords first is something all those who have invested in flats or commercial property wish for. Thankfully, that caring, personal touch comes as standard with White House Block Management. Its client-first approach
Property
was founded not just on years of
experience but a deep understanding that,
for many, property will be a person or
company’s biggest investment. Up to
60 per cent of the properties it manages
are lessee-occupied and building a good rapport has been key to its success.
Forward-thinking with no detail overlooked, it also offers project management and
22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
operates a residential advice agency in association with an established independent agent.
We spoke to Managing Director
Dan Skipp to find out more about Hove-based White House Block
Management and what makes the
business stand out from the crowd. Tell us about how the business started? I had worked in the property
management industry for 15 years and
last summer decided the time was
right. In particular, the need was there - in Brighton, the wider South East
locality and also in London. That need
was coupled with a desire from lessees for a service that was different to the ones already out there.
Our focus is on the personal touch. As
someone who is experienced in property management, I have seen examples of companies doing things well and examples of those getting things
P RO PE RTY
Yes. At the moment, we are finding
How do you see property management
largely due to changes in legislation and
I think the number of companies
the need is ever-increasing and that is
compliance requirements across the whole of the property management industry. wrong. I wanted to bring all those good elements together in one company. What services do you offer?
We are very busy, with a lot of enquiries,
Landlords and lessors want to feel looked after and know that they are compliant.
We offer fully inclusive block
Lessees who are directors and own a
blocks of flats as well as an extensive
exposure to liability and are looking
management services for all residential
share of a freehold now have increased
commercial property service.
towards property management agents
Our latest service that we offer in
whereas in the past they may not have.
services evolving in the future?
offering property management services will shrink. With new regulations and
the issues around compliance, some will fail. However, I see this as a real
positive because those that remain will offer better services.
We launched White House Block
Management to operate at the highest
level from our first day in business and, as a result, we are in a good place for the future.
partnership with Britton & Time
What are the biggest benefits of using
Manage’ service, which gives lessees
your clients?
their building without having to deal with
two benefits. Our clients understand
end goal. We take care of everything.
they should be doing and how to do it.
hoc basis - as and when they are required.
Our priority is to work with our clients - not
Is there an increasing need in
offer advice, and work together. It is very
www.whblockmanagement.com
management?
their property asset/s will be looked after.
info@whblockmanagement.com
Solicitors is our fully inclusive ‘Right to
a property management company for
Is there anything you would say
the opportunity to take back control of
Reassurance and stability are the top
their current property management
lots of different businesses to get to the
there is someone there who knows what
We also offer a range of services on an ad-
the Brighton area for property
to dictate to them. We assist them and
important to us that our clients know that
to someone who is unhappy with service provider?
Yes, get in touch! If you - or anyone you
know - is being frustrated by their current agent, give us a call or contact us online for an informal, confidential chat.
01273 568111
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23
24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT COVER STORY
WHERE THEY CAME FROM AND WHERE THEY ARE GOING WITH LOCH ASSOCIATES
SBT COVER STORY SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25
Loch Associates - Where they came from and where they are going Loch Associates Group was founded in 2007 by Pam Loch to respond to the need for commercial and bespoke legal and people solutions for clients. Since then, the
Cover Story
business has gone from strength to
strength and now
employs twenty-five
staff who are based in Brighton, Tunbridge Wells and London. Always innovating,
Managing Director Pam has continued
to evolve the business to respond to the ever-changing client needs.
Loch Associates Group provides
26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
a unique combination of services
available to clients under one roof. These extend to employment law,
HR consultancy, health and safety, corporate employee wellbeing
programmes and mediation services,
all from one trusted partner and more
recently, commercial too. The specific
services offered by the four companies that make up the Group often work in
unison with each other but also operate independently, allowing the Group
to tailor their services and create a
bespoke solution suited to each client and their business.
The Group’s slogan “People are our
business” reflects both the services offered and the culture within the
Group. Loch Associates are specialists in developing commercial solutions to help organisations manage and look after their people, ensuring a high
level of employee satisfaction and
COVE R STO RY
grew up in Dundee, then attended the University of Dundee to study
Accountancy and Business Studies. She joined Scottish Equitable,
now Aegon, as a graduate trainee, spending three years on their
management programme and
specialising in pensions before she
went back to university to do her Law
degree at The University of Edinburgh. consequently productivity. Internally, however, there is also a robust
caring culture with communication and transparency at the heart of
everything. Employees feel heard
and respected, which is evident in
their excellent customer service and
passion for their roles. A recent client said: “I really appreciate the fact that
you were able to understand the nature of our company and tailor your advice
accordingly. I think that ability is key in defining a good lawyer. Lawyers who
cannot deviate from 100% security are of little use.”
So who is Pam Loch? Managing Director and Solicitor Pam Loch
She graduated with a distinction in
1997 whilst looking after her 2-yearold son. During her studies and
training as a solicitor, Pam tutored
students to put her knowledge into practice and share it with others.
Pam worked for regional and national law firms as a Partner and headed up the European Employment and
Pensions team of a US law firm. She had identified a gap in the market in
2007, so she set up Loch Associates
to provide the knowledge and support to clients with legal and people
solutions. Starting from nothing, Pam has grown the company into a fierce competitor with multiple business awards under her belt to prove it.
As well as being the Managing Director of Loch Associates Group, Pam has been a specialist, award-winning
employment law solicitor for over 20
years. Her passion for finding solutions to help businesses manage and look after their people is reflected in the
success of the businesses across the
group. Pam has won numerous awards herself, winning Business Person of the Year and Entrepreneur Awards.
She and the Group have gone on to
win numerous other awards and more recently, she is especially proud of
winning the Brighton and Hove Business Awards’ Professional Services Firm
of the Year, as well as continuing to
be ranked as a Leading Law Firm and
Leading Individual in Chambers UK 2022 and The Legal 500 Firm.
Unusually Pam is a dual qualified
solicitor, being admitted as a solicitor in Scotland, England and Wales. Clients like her pragmatic, commercially
focused approach and solutions. She is a prolific networker and seasoned
commentator on TV and radio, including Radio 4 and 5Live, talking about
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27
C OVE R STORY
employment law and HR issues. She
also writes extensively for trade journals and has been the author of chapters in multiple books, including;
continue growing the Loch Associates
brand, with some taking place as soon
as next month.” - Pam Loch, Managing Director at Loch Associates Group.
● Business Development for a New
Upcoming plans for growing
● Career Development for Woman
During a time when many companies
Legal Ecosystem Lawyers
● Succession Planning: Ensuring
Smooth Transitions for Lawyers and their Firms.
Most recently, she was interviewed on Radio 4 discussing the P&O situation and on Radio 5 Live discussing the
end of free Lateral Flow Tests and why employers should consider having an
infectious diseases policy put in place. “I am so proud of the company I have built and the incredible employees
that work extremely hard to make the
company what it is today. Over the next few years, we have a lot of plans to
28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
the company
suffered, Loch Associates were able to adapt and thrive throughout the
Covid-19 pandemic. This was possible because they were quick to adjust to home working and switch to virtual meetings and training immediately,
meaning working location didn’t impact the business. Loch Associates has
grown by not only innovating its services to ensure that what they provide new
services that match new demand, but to be ahead, quickly identifying trends too. For instance, it was evident there was
going to be an increased focus on wellbeing during lockdown, and so Loch Associates Group introduced online sessions early on. Many individuals
living and working alone experienced mental ill-health and Loch Wellbeing
developed special wellbeing sessions to help staff look after their mental
health. Their mental health training courses moved online and they
developed a mental health signposting service, uniquely designed to support mental health first aiders too.
Client satisfaction with services offered by Loch Employment Law has meant
that clients were wanting commercial
law support services too, so the main focal point to grow the legal services
side of the Group going forward, will be expanding into providing business law
services to clients. Business law covers a wide range of services, from helping clients to set up their new business,
with a structure that is right for them, to the practical issues involved in running a business, as well as the need to
conform to statutory requirements. It
also extends to helping businesses with
COVE R STO RY any disputes, their terms of business,
drafting Shareholder or LLP Agreements, removing directors and immigration
support – basically anything a business
needs to help them to operate effectively and protect them.
The launch of My HR Community Through networking and research,
Pam has identified that HR consultants
working independently often felt isolated and lacked the support that HR teams in larger organisations would usually have access to. This is how My HR Community was born.
My HR Community will be powered by
Loch Associates Group and is designed to provide support, advice and any services an HR Consultant require
through access to a member-based
community. When working as an HR
professional you are the gatekeeper of
policy, culture and standards and often
get drawn into wider operational matters often without the legal or other support you had easy access to before being
made available to you. That’s where My HR Community will step in to offer their
services when required and all included in the economical monthly subscription cost. Although not yet launched,
announcements are expected shortly.
Some of the things My HR Community
can support HR Consultants with in their membership will include:
affordable as possible for professionals
and the growth of your company or your
● Expert employment law advice
so they have access to the support,
them using the details below. To keep
them to provide the range of services
about My HR Community, follow Loch
setting up their own HR Consultancy,
HR Consultancy, then please contact
experience and advice needed to enable
up-to-date with any announcements
holiday cover
their clients need. As well as having
Associates on social media:
specialist support
My HR Community also opens up
0203 6675 400 | info@lochassociates.
● Employment Tribunal insurance
private Facebook group and meet up
LinkedIn: Loch Associates Group Twitter: @ LochAssociates
● Experienced HR Consultants to bounce ideas off and provide
● Occupational health and HR medical
access to Loch Associates services,
● Access to premier recruitment facilities
the opportunity to network through a
co.uk | www.lochassociates.co.uk
● Immigration support
with fellow professionals at face to face
Instagram: @ lochassoiates
● Mediations
events and share their experiences.
When creating My HR Community,
If you would like to learn more about
package for HR Consultants that’s as
to find out how they can support you
Pam’s goal was to make it a support
Loch Associates Group or contact them
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29
30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
CHA RITY
CHARITY
THE ROCKINGHORSE CHILDREN’S CHARITY EMERALD BALL £59,000 WAS RAISED TO HELP SUPPORT SUSSEX CHILDREN WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
WOMEN, BUSINESS AND GOLF... BY STEPHANIE PRIOR
THE STARR TRUST CHARITY ANNOUNCES OLYMPIANS AS GUEST HOSTS FOR WINTER EXTRAVAGANZA BALL 2022
CHOSEN CHARITY PARTNER:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31
C HA RI T Y
£59,000 raised at The Rockinghorse Children’s Charity Emerald Ball
£59,000 was raised at the Rockinghorse 55th Anniversary Emerald Ball to help support Sussex children with their mental health. The Brighton Grand
Charity
was lit up in emerald
lights to greet guests arriving at the first Rockinghorse
Children’s Charity gala dinner for two years on Saturday evening.
Three hundred guests arrived in The
Empress Suite to be greeted by a stunning projector display along the west wall and beautiful table decorations, all themed to
celebrate the charity’s emerald anniversary. This year’s ball was supported by
headline sponsor DMH Stallard and co-
32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
sponsored by FRP, Cardens Accountants, Creative Pod, The Grand Brighton and Rubix VT. Their support of the night
meant every penny raised on the night
can go to funding mental health projects across Sussex.
Hosted by television presenter Marcella
Whittingdale, a long-term supporter of the charity, an incredible £59,000 was raised during the evening, all of which will be
going to support a range of projects that
support the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of children across Sussex.
Firstly, they are funding an innovative
Youth Worker programme at the Royal
Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, the only project of its kind in Sussex,
which has shown to be an effective tool in
reducing a range of A&E admissions for self-harm, suicide attempts and other mental health related issues amongst vulnerable young people.
Paediatric Consultant at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Dr
Mohammed Rahman, spoke movingly to the guests about the dramatic rise
in the numbers and severity of children and young people presenting to the
Children’s Emergency Department with
CHA RITY
severe mental health issues. Dr Rahman said: “The lockdown
has also affected what we see in the
Children’s Emergency Department and
the types of patients requiring admission to hospital. Over the last year or so we
have had a huge increase in the number of teenagers we see with mental health related issues. And while we do our
best, we simply don’t have the time to
explore some of their underlying issues. “That is where the introduction of a
Youth Worker is really important. It is
something that has been tried and tested in other hospitals similar to ours and we
desperately need this additional resource.” Alongside this they were also raising
money for three wellbeing projects that support children and young people
struggling to manage long-term, chronic health conditions. The projects, sea
swimming, art therapy and woodland wellbeing days, all help these young
people to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies and share their
experiences with other young people in the same boat.
Speaking about these projects at the
Ball, Donna Holland, Chief Executive of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, said:
“Children and young people have been
donated a pair of signed boxing gloves
disproportionally affected by the events
to the auction.
on so many of the things they normally
In a video message to the guests, he said:
their mental health and wellbeing.
times in the past and I just wanted to show
“But thanks to our wonderful guests and
my favourite boxing gloves and donating
this evening, we will be able to make
them and hopefully raise a lot of money for
of the last couple of years, missing out
do, and this has left a lasting impact on
“I’ve worked with Rockinghorse many
some support by signing a pair of one of
sponsors who have celebrated with us
them to the charity, so they can auction
Sussex a safer place for children and
one of the most important causes.”
young people to be.”
Donna said, “This is the first Rockinghorse
Throughout the evening guests were
Ball for two years and it’s really been a
of The Brighton Institute, who sang two
to thank everyone who joined us including
delicious three-course meal, live music
to support so many children and young
courtesy of Capital DJ, Dave Goodings.
most we’ve ever raised for projects at a
Not only is this an amazing amount
generous supporters, who understand
impressive as every single one of these
for every sick child in Sussex.”
included afternoon tea at The Ritz in
To find out more about Rockinghorse
of Sussex’s best fine dining restaurants
them support these mental health and
Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk.
able to enjoy performances by students
fantastic evening. I would personally like
numbers from the musical Wicked, a
the wonderful NHS staff who work so hard
from Allison David followed by a disco
people. Our Emerald Ball has raised the
of money, but it’s made even more
prizes were donated absolutely free and
Ball – and it’s all thanks to our incredibly Rockinghorse Children’s Charity is there
London, emerald jewellery, meals at ten
Children’s Charity and how you can help
and a training ground experience at
wellbeing projects children in Sussex,
There was also support from one of the charity’s long-term supporters, local
boxing legend Chris Eubank Jnr, who
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33
Women, Business and Golf…
Can more encouragement of women in male-led sports support inclusion, diversity and more business prospects? Golf is a cross
Charity
country sport, which consists of each
player aiming to strike a golf ball with a
range of clubs into a maximum of holes throughout a golf course. The objective is to get the ball into the hole with as few strikes as possible.
The origins of this sport are difficult to
determine, however evidence suggests
that golf was initially founded in Europe, with links to the Netherlands and, later, Scotland. During the 20th century,
golf became a leading sport globally,
attracting players from across the world to compete at this prestigious sport. Today golfers play at every level from
34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
recreational and informal games to leading televised professional tournaments.
There are many attractions to playing golf. The slow pace of the game
provides a great opportunity for players to network and build relationships with other players. It is also a game that
involves a great amount of skill, which requires players to develop patience, precision and dedication.
Despite the success and international
presence of this game, women are yet to lead, gain recognition or even hold significant presence within this sport. Even today, if you attend a local golf
course, it is not uncommon to see few women playing the game.
Golf traditionally is a male dominated game, providing a great opportunity for leaders locally and nationally to connect and network.
As a beginner or even a minority, it can be quite intimidating to turn up and
compete, especially when one is so far behind. Sport is competitive… and no
one wants to turn up without the ability to contribute and compete.
When exploring why women have only a small presence on golf courses, we
found that it is not uncommon for golf
shops to not invest in women’s golfing equipment due to a lack of demand.
This led to questions on whether this
lack of demand could be challenged and whether there was appetite for women
CHA RITY
This event is ideal for business owners
and leaders at senior management level. The Women in Business Golf Day is suitable for professionals and
beginners. All necessary equipment will also be provided.
Tickets are just £46 which includes a
glass of bubbly and a canapé lunch on the day. All funds raised go directly to the Starr Trust Charity who are proud to be supporting the Girls Network
initiative to help mentor young ladies
from the least advantaged communities. Monies raised will directly help young
disadvantaged women gain skills and experience to support leadership and career development.
In 2000, at the inaugural Laureus World Sports Day, Patron Nelson Mandela
famously said that, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
This event may the first of its kind. As
sponsors, we hope it won’t be the last. We are extremely proud to lead on this in business to maximise on the benefits
continue to build a strong network.
this, we have partnered with Quantuma,
To support this initiative, on Tuesday 7th
of this prestigious sport. To support
Plus Accounting, TPG Sports, Sussex Business Times, The Starr Trust and
East Brighton Golf Course, with the aim of making this happen!
As businesses that champion diversity
and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace, we wanted to provide an
opportunity for women in business to have fun playing golf, gain some new skills and
event and champion diversity & inclusion through the power of sport.
June 2022, East Brighton Golf Course
To secure your place at this
Day in celebration of Women’s Golf Day.
tpgsportsevents.com/events/
will be hosting a Women in Business Golf
This informal networking event is suited
event, please visit: https://www. womensworldgolfday
to women at all levels of golfing. We
For more information regarding this
having learnt a new skill, but most
Stephanie Prior at: stephanie.prior@
hope that each attendee will leave
event, please don’t hesitate to contact
importantly that this be achieved in a fun
healys.com
and informal female led environment.
This event is sponsored by:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35
C HA RI T Y
Jason Burrill, Robin Cousins MBE, Dr Marc Abraham OBE & Nicholas Taylor
Brighton Pier CEO, Ann Ackford with Palm Court Manager, David and staff
Rob Starr, Starr Trust Founder Talks to VIP’s in Attendance
The Starr Trust Charity Announces Olympians Eddie the Eagle and Robin Cousins MBE as Guest Hosts for Winter Extravaganza Ball 2022
The Hove based charity, established in 2008, hosted an exclusive lunch at the iconic Brighton Palace Pier’s Palm Court Restaurant, to launch their Winter Extravaganza Ball. A number of VIP
Charity
guests including
charity Patron and Olympian Robin
Cousins MBE, TV
Vet Dr Marc Abraham OBE (aka Marc
the Vet) and Actor & Big Brother Winner
Jason Burrell attended the special event. To the timely backdrop of a snow flurry over Brighton’s coastline, the Starr
Trust officially opened bookings for
their Winter Ball, which takes place at
the Hilton Brighton Metropole on 29th
October, and will feature special guest
Olympian Ski Jumper Eddie the Eagle, alongside Olympian Figure Skating Legend Robin Cousins MBE.
Guests enjoyed the panoramic seaside views from the landmark venue where
they were treated to a traditional fish and chip lunch, kindly sponsored by Palm Court Restaurant who have recently
announced their partnership with the Starr Trust charity.
Ann Ackord, CEO of Brighton Palace Pier said: “The team at Brighton Palace Pier
were delighted to welcome the Starr Trust and their amazing Ambassadors to our
Palm Court Restaurant. We hope this is
36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
the start of a long-term relationship with such a wonderful charity.”
Patron, Robin Cousins talked passionately to guests about the Trust saying: “It’s always great to tell people about the
wonderful work the Starr Trust does and
to encourage new supporters. Having Alex
and her Mum be able to speak so honestly really shows how the Starr Trust can have
immediate impact and help with long-term goals. It was also good to be able to give
a boost to the Winter Extravaganza that I’ll be co-hosting. If you haven’t already done
Young Starr Alex with Mum Janine who spoke at the event
so, get your tickets NOW!”
Alex is now a university student
Guests heard from Alex, a young Starr
to support young people with Special
studying to become a teacher herself
previously supported by the Trust, who
Educational Needs.
to share her story. Alex said: “The Starr
The Starr Trust thanked sponsors kindly
ways. I was not a functioning human
including: Handelsbanken, Creative Pod,
in mainstream education and with their
and Brighton Palace Pier.
college placement, I learnt how to laugh,
Bookings are now open for the Winter
special equipment for my laptop to help
can be secured by emailing:
confidently spoke alongside her mother Trust has changed my life in multiple
supporting the Winter Extravaganza
being. I was deeply deeply depressed
Hilton Brighton Metropole, Gemini Print
support and funding an alternative
talk and be happy! They funded some
Extravaganza and tickets or table sales
with my dyslexia and my grades went
enquiries@starrtrust.org
all A*. Without this support, none of this
For more information please visit:
from predicted D grades to achieving would have been possible”.
www.starrtrust.org/events
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
TECH
THE FUTURE OF THE INTERNET WITH SILICON BRIGHTON
SBT TECH SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37
TEC H
The Future of the Internet
You’ve probably heard the words Web 3.0, NFT, crypto and blockchain quite a few times recently. So, what does it all mean? And why should you care? Supported by
Tech
Silicon Brighton - a community-led
initiative to aid digital growth in the South
East - Startup Grind Brighton is a
monthly meetup giving entrepreneurs in the region the education and
opportunities they need to build, grow and scale their companies.
In their newest event series, which
looks at how the future of the internet
will affect our lives, our businesses, and our governments, Pranath Fernando (Data Scientist at Southern Water)
and the work you do?
a rut and felt very dissatisfied with that
in multiple professions, including
unclear what else I really wanted to do.
Dance, Reflexology, Web Development
I took the time to look widely and
Yes, so I’ve had a bit of a varied career academic research in AI, Contemporary
role for a number of reasons. Yet, I was
and most recently, Data Science.
discovered the field of Data Science,
In my current role, I’m a Data Scientist in
come into existence, which I found
a vast range of challenges and issues
in. Despite the fact that I had changed
methods from data analysis to machine
life, I had perhaps forgotten that I
a new discipline that has only recently
the water industry, where there is quite
extremely exciting as an area to work
that need solutions, and I use different
careers quite radically earlier in my
learning. Some of the most important
could do this again.
include looking at ways to predict and
Having faith in my skills, ability,
issues to me personally that I work on reduce risk of pollution events.
commitment and passion for this new
new world of web.
How about a moment that helped
it is possible to change careers quite
The Silicon Brighton team caught up
I suppose there have been several. Most
to forge a new career path later in life.
Development, I had sort of gotten into
find very satisfying and fulfilling. I’m
introduced us to key concepts in the
with Pranath to learn more...
Can you tell us a bit about yourself
38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
define your career?
recently, in my previous career in Web
career path - and believing again that
radically at any point - was key for me It led me to my current role, which I
TECH
so happy I changed my career to something better suited to me.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to try new things; follow
building an equal future for everyone. I believe that Web 3.0 technologies have the potential to be this more
decentralised infrastructure for a more equal and more empowered society.
your interests and passions. Don’t feel
There’s a lot of debate around the
your initial training. The world is full of
What is your take on it?
restricted to one career path due to
possibilities! Especially for something you have a passion for.
What was the inspiration for your talk on the future of the internet?
I suppose Web 3.0 and crypto is a
side interest/hobby? I think it’s a really interesting area that holds a lot of
potential for radical positive changes to many aspects of society. So I shared in
my talk some of the aspects of Web 3.0 that I find most exciting and why.
What is Web 3.0, and how does it differ from its predecessors?
Probably one of the key ideas in Web
3.0 is decentralisation. If you think about it, not only has the internet been quite centralised and hierarchical in many
ways, but human civilisation for most of history has also been quite centralised and hierarchical.
It’s my personal belief that this form
of social organisation leads to many
downsides, including lack of accountability, and quite often a few decide things for the many. For me this is fundamentally flawed and can lead to many bad outcomes.
It’s the cause of many of our problems in
every area of society, from government to business to charities and more.
I think we are better off moving to
the kind of society where everyone is more equal, more empowered,
where everyone shares power and
responsibility, and we have less power held by a small unaccountable elite.
While this might sound appealing, what we have lacked until now is the kind
of infrastructure to enable us to start
benefits and concerns of Web 3.0? Inevitably any new technology has its
pros and cons. While I’m more excited by the potential good outcomes, it’s also fair to say there could be some
bad outcomes too. Perhaps because
I understand the technology behind it,
this helps give me a more informed and nuanced understanding of the various pros and cons.
I can also appreciate that while
some people can be excited by new things, others can be fearful about
new technologies. I think it’s also fair to say that sometimes people can hold opinions about things based
on emotions rather than knowledge, evidence and reasons.
My view is if you have a strong feeling about a topic, it’s worth doing a bit of
research and reading about that topic to
gain more knowledge about it, rather than
simply rely on one’s own personal ‘feelings’ or hearsay as being ‘the truth’ about a
topic. I find doing one’s own research on
a topic - while requiring some effort - can
lead to a more informed, constructive and fruitful debate with others.
I’m sad to say that I generally find
mainstream media reporting often
produced, balanced and objective
reporting on many issues relating to Web 3.0, by journalists that really understand
the technology they are reporting about. There’s another vision of the internet’s future - the Metaverse - and some confusion about how the two are
linked. What are the similarities and differences?
That’s a great question. I’d say what they both have in common is the potential
to radically transform the internet as we know it, but in very different ways.
Perhaps an example could be helpful to illustrate this… Let’s consider a
Web 2.0 thing we know about: social
media like Facebook or Twitter. One of the ways Web 3.0 could change social
media is to make it more decentralised; for example, imagine something like Facebook not owned by a company
but instead owned and controlled by
the users of that social media entity. So here it’s the users who actually make the network, who own and control it. The Metaverse is more about moving
from a 2D web browser type internet into a more immersive 3D internet, ranging
from full on Virtual Reality to Augmented
Reality, where you see the real world but have some virtual objects mixed into it
through the use of special glasses etc. So I’d say Web 3.0 and the Metaverse are really two separate developments
that could both change the internet as we know it but in very different ways.
inaccurate, biassed, and misleading,
What are some of your favourite Web
Articles seem designed to inflame rather
So there are three areas of Web 3.0
especially of science and technology. than inform on an issue, to generate
more clicks than help educate on a topic in a balanced way.
In the case of Web 3.0, I would highly recommend the Money Reimaged Podcast as a very professionally
3.0 use cases or projects?
(naturally!) that I’m particularly excited about, which are:
· Cryptocurrencies: Banking the
unbanked, empowering individuals.
· NFTs: Representing unique objects digitally and creating a new
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39
TEC H many professionals! But I was really passionate about the project and
this field, and I thought it would be a good
way to test my ability
both technically and in
terms of communicating my results to a wide audience.
It was a wonderful
learning experience
Pranath Fernando
that helped build
my confidence. My
ownership-based economy.
· Blockchain: Creating decentralised
government, companies and charities.
I’ve included more details about these areas in my presentation slides, which
you can find on siliconbrighton.com/blog. What do you think will be the next big thing in web?
I think crypto-currencies are the Web
3.0 technology most likely to become more and more important in finance
and the economy in the near term. The other two things I mentioned, NFTs and Decentralised governance, are also close behind.
Any trends or predictions you have your eye on?
It’s worth mentioning that not everyone wants a decentralised web that
empowers more people, especially
those that stand to lose their centralised power, such as big corporations and many governments.
Data and personal ownership of one’s
own data, privacy, etc., are big topics.
With Web 2.0, many governments and companies can harvest our personal
data to increase surveillance of us and
predict behaviour, using Data Science, machine learning, and AI techniques, for example. The use of personal
medical data is another area of huge
40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
potential benefit and danger. Web 3.0
talk seemed to be
technologies, such as blockchain, could
received well, and I got many positive
and own their data and decide who uses
audience that day - unknown to me
be used to enable individuals to control
comments about it afterwards. In the
it and for what purposes.
- was a well-established data leader
So it’s really hard to predict exactly
later, once I had completed my Data
respect to all these aspects. Still, you
for my first position, I applied to the
of the web will be is currently being
He remembered that talk I had done,
likely to have a huge effect on all our
offered me my current position as a
called Morgan McCarthy. Two years
how the web is going to develop with
Science studies and was looking
could say the battle for what the future
company Morgan was Head of Data at.
waged, and whatever the outcome, it’s
and I was absolutely thrilled when he
lives in many areas.
Data Scientist.
And finally, Silicon Brighton wouldn’t be
I’m incredibly grateful for the wonderful
to the community, so… what does the
Brighton. In my case, being part of the
here without people like you giving back
professional communities we have in
word community mean to you?
Data Science community was absolutely
For me, community is very much about
careers and finding a new role I really
to others, receiving back the unique
who feel passionately about their field
benefitting from this virtuous circle of
insights and knowledge I’ve gained
pivotal in helping me network, changing
putting forward one’s own unique talents
loved, and finding like-minded people
talents of other people, and everybody
and their work. I hope some of the
giving and receiving.
along the unique path I’ve taken might
I remember while I was studying to be a
own unique career path.
of Brighton Data Forum, supported by
You can find Pranath on LinkedIn and
to allow me to make a presentation
blog at livingdatalab.com.
I had just completed. It was a little
To join Silicon Brighton, Startup
in a brand new field to an audience of
communities, visit siliconbrighton.com.
Data Scientist, Oskar Holm (the organiser Silicon Brighton) was gracious enough about a student data science project intimidating to present student work
be of some inspiration to others on their
Twitter at @livingdatalab, and visit his
Grind Brighton and other local tech
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COVER FE ATU RE
START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES
HOW COULD MY BUSINESS BENEFIT FROM DESK RESEARCH? BY BIPC SUSSEX
SBT START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41
How could my business benefit from desk research? Using reliable data to make key business decisions It doesn’t matter if
New Business
you’re at the idea stage or if your
business is more
established, desk
research is a great way to ensure that you’re on the right track for business growth and development.
We know that getting stuck into the analytics and research might not
be everyone’s cup of tea, but at the
Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Sussex we get a little excited about helping
42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
customers find their perfect stat, report or consumer analysis nugget.
With our free business databases, a little training, and us to call on when things
get tricky, desk research at BIPC Sussex can become not only a surmountable task, but also (dare we say it) a little
bit enjoyable too. And all you need to access them is a library card. What is desk research?
No matter what questions you’re asking on your start-up (or scale-up) journey,
it’s important to know you don’t have to begin with a blank sheet of paper.
Desk research is all about using other
people’s findings and analysis to get to your answers quickly.
You might want to know if your idea
for vegan dog treats has – er – legs. Before you go out and ask your
prospects on the ground what they
think, it would pay to know how the
global market on dog food is doing,
the analytics and predictions around dog food purchase in local and
START UP AN D EN T R P R E N E U RE S
investors’ confidence that you know your market, product and industry. By using the BIPC Sussex’s 10
business databases, you get all of this without having to pay a penny. Where to begin?
At the BIPC, we tend to start with
COBRA, an easy-to-use encyclopaedia of information for starting, running and international markets, and who are the key players in the pet food space.
Desk research allows you to gather this information from a range of reports,
databases and statistical tools. It’s a
strategic advantage that can put you
miles ahead of your nearest competitor,
before you’ve even got out of your seat. What’s so important about data?
Having a data-led approach starts to
look really appealing when it comes to investors, finance and funding. Using desk research can help you make
sure your business plan is an evolving document. It allows you to pitch with accurate information and gives your
managing a small business. It includes over 4,000 factsheets, local area
profiles, and business profiles to help you get off the ground.
Beyond COBRA we have five industry
and market databases that give you the inside track on your industry:
IBIS World has a huge amount of
up-to-date information on industries in the UK and Ireland and allows you to
see your data and analysis in easy to digest chunks.
Statista provides easy access to
global statistical data and forecasts
on industries, brands and consumers. It’s brilliantly visual and easy to
use and has some great reports to contextualise all that data.
EMIS is ideal for international industry
news, company information and market reports on both long-standing and newer emerging markets.
Euromonitor allows you to choose how you read your data toggling between stats, reports and visuals. Helping
you to get to grips with the narratives around industry rises and falls.
Mintel is the consumer information hub, examining the UK and Ireland
market and customer information across a range of sectors including Food,
Foodservice, Leisure, Media, Retail, Technology and Travel.
When it comes to getting to grips with suppliers, partners, investors, clients,
and competitors, company databases are a great source of information, contacts, and statistics:
FAME & Kompass Easy Business are
two fantastic online databases that offer analysis of companies in detail, with
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43
SA L E S & MARK E T I N G
FAME focusing on the UK & Ireland, and Kompass Easy Business looking at a global picture.
Local Data Online finds information concentrated within a local area focusing on shopfront and retail
units, with a great interactive map
that offers detailed information and downloadable reports.
Arguably one of our most search-
worthy databases is the one that can help you put your plans into action
by giving you information on various financial support options:
44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
GRANTfinder is a huge and constantly
Specialists are on hand to show you
latest awards, grants and loans available
in touch to book a free one-to-one
established businesses. This database
today to find out more, or pop along to
updated source of information about the
around each of the databases. Get
to all sorts of pre-start-ups, start-ups and
Business Information Session with us
is easy to use and one that deserves a
our regional centre at Jubilee Library.
monthly look at, at the very least. In summary then, considering
desk research may not sound too
glamourous, we at BIPC Sussex think
that doing a little tabletop strategy can give your business the edge.
If you’re stuck for ideas of where to
start, our Business and IP Information
Find out more at www.brighton-hove. gov.uk/bipc or email bipc@brightonhove.gov.uk
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COVER FE ATU RE
GOOD BUSINESS
HOW WOULD WE DO BUSINESS IF WE WEREN’T ALL SO AFRAID? BY JESS NEIL
AT WHAT POINT DO YOU SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AND CLOSE YOUR BUSINESS? BY JEREMY JACOBS
SBT GOOD BUSINESS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45
GOOD B US I N E S S
How would we do business if we weren’t all so afraid?
What is your biggest fear in business? Cashflow, people politics, public speaking? If you could take a magic eraser to Sunday night dread or pre-presentation tummy turns, how would that impact your day-to-day experience of work? If professional failure
Good Business
and success held
the same value for
you, how would that change the shape
of your business? What might ideas
and innovation look like in that space, and perhaps most importantly, what kind of team would you build in that environment?
The great resignation of 2021
represented a tidal wave of personal and professional re-evaluation, triggered by polarising politics, global social justice movements, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inevitable, yet drastically
accelerated shift to more flexible ways
of working. The 2021 Indeed Workplace
46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Happiness Report found that second
only to pay, lack of happiness was the leading reason that those surveyed considered quitting.
The role work plays in our lives
has shifted drastically over recent
generations; we are now more driven than ever to seek work that provides us with a sense of identity, purpose, alignment and fulfilment. Despite
countless management and leadership
studies indicating that happier, healthier teams produce tangibly better results,
even by the traditional metrics of profit, productivity and presenteeism, many
businesses still don’t seem able to move beyond the fear that prioritising people over profits might lead to catastrophe.
As we stand at this inflection point, looking ahead to a future of hybrid
working, a metaverse of connectivity,
and the slightly ominous new normal, what are the simple, foundational
principles that teams of the future must embrace? How can we ensure that
greater connectivity does not come at
the cost of meaningful connection, and
that our health, happiness and fulfilment, are the drivers of our decision making, as we shape this new working world? Safety and Trust
If our long-term goal is dismantling the outdated ideals of the status quo, we
should start by taking a sledgehammer to the pillars of hierarchy, paternalistic
professionalism and fear that uphold it.
GOOD BU S I N E S S Fear has a nasty habit of permeating
down through an org chart, leading us
to approach people management from a position of mistrust and breeding
feelings of existential dread in our teams. Fear is an extraordinarily powerful
motivator for both action and inaction.
Human beings are hard wired for survival and our ability to process and respond
to perceived threats is a vital part of that
mechanism. When facing what our brain interprets as a life-threatening situation, our bodies’ automatic fear responses
kick in. This triggers a range of physical and hormonal responses: accelerated
heart rate and breathing rush oxygen to major muscles to enable fight or flight,
or a decreasing heart rate and restricted breathing forces us to freeze or flop to
is the brain’s
ability to grow,
change and adapt, in both function
and structure, in
response to new information and
evidence. We have the power to do
things differently,
and in doing so to tread down new
neural pathways, that lead us to
the extraordinary
potential that lies just beyond the
limitations of our learned fears.
minimise the risk of physical harm.
Culture and
When it comes to life and death
A healthy, happy
decisions, there is no question that our
brain is designed to support our survival. However, in the relative comfort of the modern working world, in interviews, presentations, or when facing down
professional failures, why do we so often find ourselves responding from a place of such heightened fear?
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
tells us that after safety, belonging is the next most fundamental human need. Over the span of human evolution,
establishing connection and cooperation has increased our chances of survival
exponentially, making the desire to find belonging and acceptance in social groups an instinctive human need.
With all this in mind, it becomes clear
that what is required of us as leaders,
as we build the teams of the future, is to create a sense of psychological safety and belonging in our organisations. We must inspire and empower our
people to fulfil their potential, without
leveraging their basic human desire for
safety and acceptance. Neuroplasticity
Communication organisational
culture is one that is founded on clearly
defined and deeply engrained, shared core values. Your values should be
the unambiguous boundaries that
define who you are, and who you are not. These values should be
supported by a set of behaviours, that act as practical, tangible examples of how you work. It feels important to note here that an unwavering
emphasis on living up to shared
values and behaviours should never be conflated with a requirement for homogeneity. Sharing values is not about being the same, thinking the same or even agreeing. In fact, the
greatest test of how well a team lives its values, can be how quickly and kindly it can resolve conflict.
At the heart of a values-led culture is effective communication. Assuming
that you have done the foundational
work of building a team that is
representative of the community in
which it exists, or the customers that it
hopes to serve, the next step is building a framework for communication that allows for the effective flow of ideas and information. Diversity has very
little value if the individuals in a team are not supported, empowered, or rewarded for bringing their unique
experiences to the table. If you do not have mechanisms in place to keep
unhealthy power dynamics in check, and to hear the perspectives of the
introverted, societally marginalised,
or more junior members of your team, then there will be blind spots in your organisational outlook, leading to
poorer decision making, and worse outcomes at every level.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47
GOOD B US I N E S S where and how they work, and trusting
The extent to which your team feel safe to bring all of who they are into your
organisation, will be directly proportional to your willingness to lead by example.
Perfection doesn’t exist; but consistently showing up for them, being honest,
vulnerable, empathic, authentic and
accountable for your actions, is a great place to start.
Freedom and Flexibility
In a traditional business model, c-suite executives are usually considered the most valuable members of an organisation. As such, they are
often afforded remuneration that is
representative of their value, alongside the trust, freedom and resources that they need to thrive in their roles. If
we had the courage to extend these
privileges across our teams, it follows that engagement, job satisfaction,
productivity and general wellbeing
would likely improve proportionally. Happy, healthy teams are built on
foundations of fairness, trust, respect,
and above all, kindness. In establishing core shared values and making a
commitment to leveraging trust over
fear, leaders create space to offer their teams true freedom and flexibility,
allowing them to determine, when,
48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Great leadership is about painting a
them to get that work done.
picture of what success looks like, so
The words trust and transparency are
acts like North on a compass, allowing
of organisational culture that they risk
themselves and their decision making,
to day-to-day decision making. So,
slots into the bigger picture. As a
truly diverse team, what constitutes
ideas and ambitions of your team into a
leave, will be entirely different from one
coaching, inspiring and empowering
celebrations, mental or physical health
freedom needed to dream, innovate
completely different impacts on the
Saint-Exupéry perhaps described it
is no HR policy robust enough, or
a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather
a fair determination about what does
Instead, teach them to yearn for the
compelling and clearly defined that it
thrown around so often in the context
every member of the team to orient
losing tangible meaning when it comes
and see exactly how their contribution
let’s explore a specific example: In a
leader you must seek to collate the
a major life event, worthy of taking
singular unifying set of bold objectives,
person to the next. Birthdays, religious
them with the feelings of safety and
issues, births or deaths will all have
and create. French author Antoine de
lives of each member of a team. There
best when he said “If you want to build
leader experienced enough, to make
wood, divide the work, and give orders.
or does not warrant granting someone
vast and endless sea.”
Freedom and flexibility mean saying;
Jessica Neil
the time off that they feel they need. “Take as much leave as you need,
SevensEdge
judgement and your commitment to
About the Author
placed than me to balance your own
with over 15 years’ experience
I’m here if you need any support.”
utopia, achieving extraordinary
The antidote to fear in leadership is
along the way. Through SevensEdge,
power in values-driven leadership
about what meaningful success and
supporting those members of your
teams, supporting them to translate
values, to thrive. It also means taking
strategies, empowering them to align
compassionately supporting those
reach their true potential more quickly.
that better suit their needs. Offering
hello@sevensedge.com
whenever you need it. I trust your
our values, and think you’re better
Jess Neil is a coach and consultant
needs with those of the wider team.
in pursuing her own professional success and catastrophic failure
accountability. Embracing your own
Jess inspires her clients to dream
means being truly accountable for
fulfilment would look like for their
team who share your organisational
their vision into simple, actionable
equal accountability for kindly and
their actions with their purpose and
who do not, to find opportunities
freedom and flexibility doesn’t mean
www.sevensedge.com
means rewarding those who don’t with
Instagram: @jessicaamyneil / @
allowing people to take the mick, it the trust that they deserve. Visionary Leadership
If your values are who you are, and your
behaviours are how you work, then your vision is what you are working towards.
sevensedge
LinkedIn: Jessica Neil
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49
At what point do you say enough is enough and close your business? Jeremy Jacobs, experienced entrepreneur, consultant and mentor talks about closing his business of 13 years after Covid caused a 97% drop in revenue overnight. He discusses the first thing you need to consider when closing, why failure is always an option - and why mental health and well-being should be everybody’s priority. On the 1st of
Good Business
September 2021 I
stood on Hove Lawns walking my dog, Biff,
exhausted, frustrated
and upset. That was the moment I
took the decision to close my business
after 13 years. Covid has destroyed my
business. The business I started with my
parents in their kitchen. The business we had invested all our time, energy, and
love into making it work. A business that had, to us, been incredibly successful. If you run or have ever run your
own business, you will know how
challenging it is. It can, if you allow it, take everything you have physically
50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and mentally. Running a business is a
choice. Yet it can feel, like it did for me,
that it wasn’t, and I felt I had to keep on
going despite the negative impact on my physical and mental health.
The problem with the hustle culture
We live in a culture of “hustle” and “the grind”. Social media is awash with
messages of people who are working harder, smarter and better than you.
We’re continually pushed the message that if you’re not working 70+ hours a
week, you’re not a good business owner. You will never be successful.
Yet conversations around burnout are
common, more so during the pandemic.
It’s no wonder people are questioning their life, career, needs and wants. It’s been dubbed the “great resignation”,
and people are quitting their jobs to go
and find work that makes an impact, has purpose, and allows more freedom and flexibility. This is good news. The world of business is changing for the better.
We must be honest with ourselves that this kind of life is not sustainable long-
term. We all have our breaking point and mine came on that day in September. Since then, I have learned a lot about myself and business.
Here are the most important things I learned.
GOOD BUS I N E S S
It’s your decision but consider others When you run a business by yourself,
closing is hard. You will have suppliers, customers and people that depend on you. It’s even harder when you have
people working for you. You may have a partner, family, friends and loved
ones that will be impacted by your
decision to close. There are a lot of people to consider.
My advice is to have conversations with
the people you trust as early as possible, don’t deal with it by yourself. You need
to think carefully about who you tell and when. I made sure I prioritised my team and smaller suppliers and customers first, those impacted the most by my decision. Be prepared for potential
backlash and difficult conversations, yet be considerate of the impact, take time
to listen and understand their concerns. When telling friends and family, some
will reflect their own fears back at you
in their response. Some will ask “what are you going to do?”, “how will you cope?”, “what’s the next move?”. I
didn’t know or want to think about that in the early stages, I just had to take it a day at a time. I had to be clear with
them that I was focussing on the closure for now and I would deal with that later.
The most important thing I learned is that the decision is yours and yours alone to make. You can listen to other people’s views, but you alone must take it.
Finally, your circumstances, legal and
financial obligations are unique to you.
You should seek the advice from trusted legal and financial experts before
making or executing any plans to close. Failure is always an option
There’s this quote I hear being said
often, “failure is not an option”. It was made famous in the film Apollo 13.
In the film, the flight director for the mission, Gene Kranz, says the line
(he never said those words in real
life). I can see the intention behind the saying, it was meant to motivate the
team to succeed. He was in a highly
stressful and precarious position, he
was responsible for many lives and a very expensive, public operation. In
this scenario, failure was not an option. Most people reading this article are
not running businesses with this level
of intensity. For me, this highlights the culture around success and failure. It
suggests the idea of failure as something that cannot and should not happen.
Success is glamourised, failure vilified. Those who have been around the block in business will know that failure is
inevitable and a critical part of growth
and success. You cannot have innovation and growth without failure. As business leaders, we must have the humility to look at ourselves, put aside our ego, admit mistakes, and learn from it.
Yet the business world acts like failure
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51
GOOD B US I N E S S
rarely happens. I am not going to sugar
coat it but there is a lot of BS out there.
Mostly on social media. People showing us a false or heavily edited picture of
their business and lives. They make it
look easy and fun. Truth is, it isn’t all the time and it’s not often people share the true, full spectrum of their lives.
The issue with success and failure There is nothing wrong with being
successful. There is nothing wrong with failure. The true definition of success is
to achieve an outcome or an aim, failure is the lack of success. Where we trip
ourselves up is what we make it mean about ourselves and our abilities. When we are successful, we big
ourselves up and give ourselves a pat on the back, we go onto social media
to share our wonderful news. But when we do, we feed our ego. This makes
it harder for us to accept failure. The fall is greater. This isn’t to say your
achievements and successes shouldn’t
be celebrated. Absolutely not! Celebrate, but remember that you are a fallible
human. It’s a tricky balance but it allows us to exercise humility and more willing to share our failures.
On the flip side, the problem with failure
is we make it mean something about our skills, knowledge, or abilities. We say or
52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
think “I am bad”, “I knew I couldn’t do it”,
years ago. It is possible to do business
your version is, it’ll be something negative
of ourselves and our teams. To have
at best or giving up, slipping into a
family and friends, doing things that we
“nothing ever goes my way”. Whatever
differently, to positively impact the lives
that will leave you feeling disempowered
better mental health, more time with
depressive state, or suicide at worst.
love, having a better work life balance.
subject and it’s important to acknowledge
About the author:
for some. For me it’s critical to have open
entrepreneur, business consultant and
to normalise it, to allow people to speak
marketing. He left that career to start 2
and not suffer in silence.
company with his Mum which ran
Build a business around your life, not
a mentor and consultant for a wide range
It feels uncomfortable to bring up the
that this is the real and true cost of failure
Jeremy Jacobs is an experienced
discussions around the subject of failure
mentor. He started his career in digital
up without fear of judgement or ridicule
businesses including a food manufacturing
a life around your business
If I was given the opportunity to go
successfully for 13 years. He now works as of businesses including start-ups and
solo entrepreneurs. He has an MBA with
back and do it all over again, what
Distinction from University of Sussex.
important thing would be is to build a
He is the host and founder of “How Not
around my business.
normalise conversations around failure,
The idea of success seems to be about
entrepreneur/business owner. The aim
big houses, big cars, luxury holidays and
understanding the mistake/failures and
would I do differently? The most
business around my life and not a life
to Run a Business” podcast, launched to mental health and what it takes to be an
wealth creation, big revenues, big teams,
is to help people achieve success by
status. I used to think like that, I wanted it
subsequent lessons of others.
is this what I really want?”
Personal website:
Yes, I still want to create and build a
LinkedIn:
but my version of success is very
Instagram:
all. Then I got older and thought “hold on,
www.jeremyjacobs.co.uk
business, I still want to achieve success,
www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjacobsuk
different from what I wanted only a few
www.instagram.com/jeremyjacobsuk
SBT MOTORING NEWS
THE ELECTRIFYING BMW IX3 ELECTRIC SUV A RIVERVALE REVIEW
THE REASON IT’S SO HARD TO GET DRIVING LESSONS AND TESTS IN 2022 WITH RIVERVALE LEASING
SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53
MOTO RI N G N E WS
The electrifying BMW iX3 Electric SUV - Rivervale Review
Following on from BMW’s first electric model, the i3, the iX3 marks a decisive change of direction for the manufacturer. The i3’s look was
Motoring News
certainly a great deal different from what
we might have come
to expect from BMW,
with its lightweight carbon fibre body and rear-hinged, unusual-looking back doors. The all-electric BMW i3 hatchback was introduced to the BMW range in 2013 and received a major update in 2019.
Range
The iX3 can charge up quickly. That’s
super handy - but even more convenient than this is its superb range, to begin with. Its official range comes in at a
motorway-busting 285 miles, beating rivals the E-Tron (249 miles) and the Mercedes EQC (252 miles).
Find out more about the BMW i3.
Even in ‘real world’ conditions, you’re
It hit the market with a futuristic feel
your feet before you need to be worrying
that perhaps some weren’t ready for. The iX3 instead mimics more closely
the petrol and diesel BMW X3 (as you might’ve guessed from the similarities
in the models’ names). It delivers all of
looking at 220 miles of road laid out at
about a recharge. The maximum charge rate offers a recharge from 10-80% in
around 30 minutes on a 150kW charger. That’s comparable to the E-Tron, too.
the BMW goodness alongside the eco-
Looking for the top-of-the-range? Check
It also offers up a comparatively good
longest range, some capable of taking
conscience of a fully electric drive.
value alternative to its closest rivals, the
Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes EQC and the Audi E-Tron, as well as offering up both an impressively long-range and a brilliant infotainment system.
Jack the Lad Takes the BMW iX3 Around the Sunny South Downs!
54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
out our list of electric cars with the
you two thirds of the way across the UK! You’re likely to be slightly limited in
this option, though, as there aren’t so many CCS charging points available across the nation. On a much more
accessible 50kW charger, though, you’ll still manage a 10-80% recharge in
around an hour. Meanwhile, an at-home recharge on a regular 7kW wall box
charger will take 11.5 hours to transition from 0-100% - perfect for an overnight top-up.
Performance
The iX3 doesn’t offer that thrilling
Tesla-style zip of acceleration from a standstill. However, it certainly gets
out of the blocks quickly enough, as
0-62mph takes 6.8 seconds. Remember that electric motors always have more ‘get up and go’ when your foot hits
the accelerator than their ICE (internal combustion engine - petrol or diesel)
counterparts. Nicely weighted steering and the floor-mounted engine ensure body confidence on the road, and a
stern but nicely dampened suspension ensure ride comfort.
Opt for the higher trim M Sport Pro model, and you’ll find that your drive can be
augmented by a strange and captivating
electronic soundtrack scored by renowned composer Hans Zimmer himself! The
sound responds to your driving, so hit
the ‘gas’, and you’ll find the pitch rise as
MOTOR I NG N E WS
your speed increases. A really interesting
alternative to the fuel ‘roar’ for committed petrol-heads out there.
Wondering how much it’ll cost to get a
BMW iX3 on the road? We cover the road tax on electric vehicles in our handy guide to help answer that question!
Choose between the two trim options
of M Sport or M Sport Pro, and you’ll be well served either way. The M Sport is
imbued with plenty of luxury (think leather seats - the front pair are heated - and a
panoramic sunroof). However, the rangetopping M Sport Pro adds bonuses such as the heads-up display (projecting the speed limit and any sat-nav directions etc., onto the windscreen in front of
you). It also has auto-dipping headlights, keyless entry and those aforementioned
electronic engine Zimmer sound effects. Plus, there’s an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.
Aesthetics, Design & Interior
The slim differences between the iX3
and ICE engine X3 are even more subtle when you’re sitting inside the vehicle.
If it wasn’t for the blue ‘go’ button and a few more touches of blue scattered
about the interior, you’d be hard pushed
to see any differences at all between the electric and ICE models. This is no bad
thing; on the contrary, this is great news, considering that the X3 is a brilliant SUV. Utility and usability are there in spades, with a logical and efficient dash and quality materials aplenty. BMW iX3
Specification
• Range: 285 Miles
• 0-62 MPH: 6.8 Seconds • Top Speed: 112mph • CO2: 0 g/km
• Luggage Capacity: 510 Litres (Seats up), 1560 Litres (Seats down)
BMW iX3 leasing prices start from £547.49 exc. VAT per month
In terms of space, two tall passengers can comfortably be accommodated in the rear - with plenty of leg and headroom. Space is much of a
muchness with the X3 overall, with an
identical boot size that comes in bigger than the EQC’s. For both trim levels,
40/20/40 split-folding seats come as standard. If spaciousness is a deal-
breaker for you, why not find out the
most spacious family cars of 2021? Tech
The iX3 benefits from BMW’s renowned iDrive infotainment system - a user-
friendly, high tech console that many rave about. With a 12.3 inch display
set in the middle of the dash, you can
operate this via both a secondary rotary control between the front seats and
as a touchscreen on the main central
dashboard console itself. The secondary rotary control is particularly easy to
use, and the voice control is efficient
and useful for voice commands. “Real” knobs make for easy control of factors like air-con, rather than having to tap
through a nav in the console for such simple commands. Competitors
The iX3 is only available in a rear-wheel-
drive option, which sets it apart from those
primary competitors, the E-Tron, Mercedes
EQC, and Jaguar I-Pace, which all
feature four-wheel drive. You’ll still benefit from plenty of road-hugging traction and control here, though. The only time you might feel short-sold by not having the four-wheel drive functionality is if you
regularly experience heavy snow or have to regularly use a muddy track to get to
where you need to be. In fact, the model’s sturdiness and agility make it one of the
most exciting electric SUVs on the market when it comes to driveability. Speaking of
the Jaguar I-Pace, why not find out why it won 2019 world car of the year? In conclusion…
This is an agile and practical family SUV that delivers on its long-range promise,
its quality and its comfort. Thanks to the
regenerative braking system, you’ll likely be able to do most of your driving with
one pedal. This makes a real difference to the iX3’s battery life (especially in
those stop-start conditions you’ll run
into in day-to-day urban driving, rather than on empty motorways).
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric model
with plenty to tempt. Get in touch with Rivervale today on 01273 433 480 to
discuss electric car leasing, and see if
we can match you with your ideal model.
Alternatively, you can request a callback for a time that is convenient for you!
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55
MOTO RI N G N E WS
The reason it’s so hard to get driving lessons and tests in 2022
In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, many industries saw their work come to a gradual if not immediate halt. Out of a large number of companies that were left unable to continue working in their usual way, the driving industry was no stranger. Motoring News
As the pandemic
And whilst the effects of Covid
to ease in the UK,
process, the other reason driving
demand for both
behind the wheel is due to the
restrictions continue there is a surge in
haven’t helped to speed up the
students are being put off getting
lessons and tests needing to be booked
increase in costs, making it
to pick up where they were cut off. Let’s
of people. With the cost of driving
by eager potential drivers as they attempt
unaffordable for a large number
take a look at some of the statistics.
lessons showing such extreme
Driving lesson and test statistics
the location, but from instructor
lessons were suspended during
parking in residential areas becoming
and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
were only allowed to restart on:
more people are being given parking
weekends and bank holidays and calling
• 12 April in England and Wales
from parking fines here.
When the peak of COVID-19 hit, driving winter 2020 and spring 2021. Lessons
• 26 April in Scotland
variations, not just based on
to instructor. Additionally, with
To help clear the backlog, the Driver
more difficult and confusing; more and
has been offering learners tests on
fines. Find out what UK councils earn
on recently retired examiners to return. The UK government has also put
Data from the RAC shows the average
together a proposal to improve the
a test once lessons and tests resumed
If you take into account, the top-end
of the key changes will be with
Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
contributes to £1,350 on driving lessons
the introduction of digital pass
had been cancelled.
lessons by learning how to parallel park.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Data collected by the Department
Another drawback to the delays in
a wider range of locations.
of instructors has decreased by 12 per
that prospective drivers have had
These changes could benefit a wider
not just the pandemic that’s at fault.
driving insurance.
help to reduce the longer than usual
44,569 in 2013 to just 39,521 at the
When will driving test availability
from the suspension of testing during the
further over the coming years.
It’s difficult to pinpoint when things
Further data from insurance
areas facing increasingly lengthy
01273 433 480 to discuss car leasing,
decline could go on for even longer,
Northampton says the driving test
deal for you. Alternatively, you can
38,000 instructors by 2025”.
years to clear’.
convenient for you!
There was an average 17-week wait for
cost ranges from £25 to £30 per lesson.
availability of driving tests. One
in spring 2021, with the Driver and
cost and times this by 45 lessons, that
reference to the eyesight test and
stating at the time that 450,000 tests
alone. Save time and money on additional
certificates. These will allow the
for Transport also shows the number
cent over the past seven years, so it’s The numbers have decreased from
start of 2020, with services set to drop
company Marmalade suggests the stating “there could be fewer than
56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
driving lessons and tests has meant to spend more money on extending
(DVSA) to test later in the day and from
range of customers. They will also further waiting times for tests that have resulted
return to normal?
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
may return to normal again, with some
Get in touch with Rivervale today on
waits. One local driving instructor in
and see if we can find the perfect lease
backlog in Northampton ‘could take
request a callback for a time that is
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS
JACKIE’S NETWORKING ADVENTURES SPECIAL WITH COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS
NETWORK MY CLUB AND PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB TEAM UP TO LAUNCH THE POMPEY BUSINESS HUB
SUSSEX BUSINESS SHOW
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND LINE UP ANNOUNCED
BRIGHTON & HOVE BUSINESS SHOW
SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS
THE UNMISSABLE ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION
THE BUSINESS EVENT WITH A TWIST
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
Jackie’s Networking Adventures
Best of British - Cheltenham Special The first Best of
Networking & Events
British event of
2022 was the Pre
Cheltenham Lunch at Malmaison.
Sussex Business Times is the proud media partner of all Best of British
events this year and we were, obviously, not going to miss it.
Being a keen horseracing fan, I was
super excited - especially as during the
previous year the event was postponed. Hence, it was back with a bang and the
guest speaker, the legendary jockey Mick Fitzgerald, didn’t disappoint! The guests were also treated to another jockey
and Sky Sports racing presenter Hayley
Moore, who sat alongside Mick and Luke
58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Tarr (Star Sports) to run through the card for Cheltenham Races that week.
Some fantastic insights were given for
those attending from the racing festival. I can’t deny some of their tips really
did work in my favour and, as always, the food and service delivered by Malmaison was fantastic.
I loved that Director Ryan Heal also
organised a little after party following
this event at the casino where my I tried my luck which was followed by eight
winners over the Cheltenham Festival. Fundraising at this event was in aid of Take The Reins, with a speech from their CEO, Deborah Hay,Take The
Reins is a sports-based not-for-profit
organisation working primarily through and in the racing industry to support
and deliver positive outcomes for young people and communities. The event was proudly sponsored by KTDA
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
Best of British - Tony Cascarino at Hotel Du Vin St Patrick’s Day special
A special Best of British event was
held to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. The
event opened with a Guinness on arrival
followed by a full Irish themed programme. The guest speaker was Tony
Cascarino, a former professional
footballer who played as a striker for various English and French clubs as
well as internationally for the Republic of Ireland with whom he completed
UEFA Euro 1988 and two world cups in 1990 and 1994.
The event was sponsored by Rivervale, a vehicle leasing specialist based in
Portslade, delivering a sterling car, van
and minibus leasing service since 2001.
day?) and a Guinness cupcake! The rest of the day included the
The beneficiary was one I’ve worked
classic game of Heads & Tails, a silent
- The Love Local Jobs Foundation. The
Tony Cascarinio.
influence and incredible inspiration of
With more amazing Best of British
people to engage and inspire young
London, Eastbourne, Gatwick and
closely with myself and is very deserving Foundation leverages the positivity,
auction, a live auction and a Q&A with
local businesses and influential local
Events coming soon at Brighton,
people to become the best possible
Goodwood be sure to book your space
version of themselves they can be.
today too avoid missing out.
The lunch to follow was Irish potato
https://bestofbritish.org.uk/public-
(what else would it be on Paddy’s
bestofbritish.org.uk
cake and smoked salmon, Irish Stew
events/ or contact ryan.heal@
Boundary Club - Hove Cricket Ground 100 other businesspeople from across the South East.
It was great to see some familiar but also new faces.
Standing in for Sam Thomas,
I found myself at a table of all
men, which was slightly daunting I was lucky enough to attend the first
Boundary Club meeting of 2022 at Hove Cricket Ground this week alongside
to begin with as I didn’t know a
single one, but I can honestly say I
didn’t give it a second thought after five minutes. They made me feel so at ease
and included from the start. As well as enjoying a three-course meal, afternoon tea and the opportunity to
watch the game of cricket taking place in the background, guests heard from
Sussex Cricket personnel regarding the upcoming season – as well as being let into a few insider secrets.
If you’ve not experienced the Boundary
Club, I highly recommend it. A good mix of businesspeople to connect with.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
County Business Clubs - Member Meetup - Hove Another great night for County Business
on hand before and during the event
worthing-tickets-314542313527
in just over two weeks and saw a
people and to ensure connections are
For our CBC premium members,
Club members. This event sold out good mix of existing members and
guests. Bringing 40 people together
from two great communities with our
collaborative partners Freedom Works, this event was held at the Freedom Works Creative hub in Hove.
Our member meetups have been
designed to give networking a less
formal approach with myself and Sam 60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
to help make those introductions for
made during the evening. The evening consists of two hours of informal
networking over a glass of wine and some light nibbles.
Places are limited for our Worthing
meetup and we except it to sell out
early. You can book you space here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ freedom-works-collaboration-
these events are included free as
part of your membership benefits.
Membership is only £14.99 a month
so, if you would like to join or upgrade ahead of booking your space for
Thursday 28th April, please drop me an email and I will happily take you
through all the benefits of becoming a premium member.
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
Network My Club and Portsmouth Football Club team up to launch the Pompey Business Hub Network My Club are thrilled to share details of their newest club partnership as they join forces with Portsmouth Football Club and introduce the Pompey Business Hub. The Pompey
Networking & Events
Business Hub
will work to bring
together the best businesses in
Portsmouth, Hampshire and afar to bimonthly networking events at Fratton Park.
Launching in May, the announcement
sees the networking business reignite their relationship with Portsmouth
Football Club, having previously worked with them pre-pandemic.
62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
The events, which will take place on a bi-monthly basis, at the Fratton Park stadium, will kick off in style, with an
inaugral launch event on Friday 6th May. Founder and Managing Director of
Network My Club, Bradley Hatchett, said: “Portsmouth is very much engrained in
Network My Club’s history, and we know
the high calibre and number of businesses in the city, as well as the potential for a high-quality networking forum.
“Our ambition is to help the football
club, one of the key stakeholders in Portsmouth and the area, be better connected with the local business community through the Pompey
Business Hub, whilst delivering a
high-quality networking experience for
those businesses to connect and grow. “With the Pompey Business Hub
becoming part of the Network My Club group, we’re eager to integrate the
wider NMC membership outside of
Portsmouth and Hampshire to connect them with the football club and the
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
brilliant businesses in the city.” Anna Mitchell, Pompey’s Chief
Commercial Officer, said: “We’re
excited to join forces with Network
My Club again to launch the Pompey
Business Hub. Our objective as a club is to engage with the local business community, as well as bringing our
partners, sponsors, and commercial
clients together outside of match days. “By teaming up with Network My Club
for this launch, this will help us achieve
Friday 6th May, 12pm-2.30pm, and
local businesses to grow their network
the Network My Club website.
environment at Fratton Park.
The Pompey Business Hub becomes
of a bi-monthly schedule to help
and you can find out more about
to include insights from key figures in
networkmyclub.com/membership.
this and provide the opportunity for
in a professional, friendly, and informal
businesses can book onto the event at
May’s event will be just the start
part of the Network My Club group,
businesses connect, where we aim
joining Network My Club at www.
and around the Football Club.”
The inaugural Pompey Business Hub event at Fratton Park takes place on
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63
S E M I T K TAL #SBS2022
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Penina Shepherd Acumen Business Law
Bradley Hatchett Network My Club
Kristina Pereckaite South East Angels
Sam Thomas County Business Clubs
10:30am
11:00am
11:30am
12:00pm
Founder, CEO and Commercial Solicitor
Founder, and Managing Director
Founder, and Managing Director
Co-Founder, and Managing Director
BUSINESS MASTERCLASSES 1 Innovation Creation: Kuuleats Simon Rand 01:00pm
5 How to Live to 100 and Be Happy: Innavision Sandra Crathern 02:30pm
9 Networking Masterclass: Fusion Business Catalyst Chris Mansfield 04:00pm
2 How to Wow Your Customer: Business & Marketing Strategy Karen Burge 01:20pm
6 Technology Focus: Extech Cloud Andrew Hookway 02:50pm
10 Data Storytelling: Bon Insight Bonamy Waddell 04:20pm
3 Startup Success: Paper Round Jake Fox 01:40pm
7 Diversity & Inclusion: Watch This Sp_ce Mo Kanjilal 03:10pm
11 Digital Marketing: Mitchell & Stones Josh Mitchell 04:40pm
4 Inspired Leadership: EY Breakthrough Funding Derek Granger 02:00pm
8 Cyber Security: South East Cyber Resilience Centre Chris White 03:30pm
12 Customer Experience Awards: Cleankill Pest Control Paul Bates 05:00pm
8 64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Design by - LLOTT6 DESIGN - llott6.com
WORKSHOP MASTERCLASSES
The
SBS Bunch 3
2
1
SIMON RAND
JAKE
KAREN
FOX
BURGE
4
5
DEREK
6
ANDREW
SANDRA
GRANGER
HOOKWAY
CRATHERN
9
8
7
MO
KANJILAL
CHRIS
CHRIS
WHITE
10
11
BONAMY WADDELL
MANSFIELD
12
JOSH
MITCHELL
PAUL
BATES
9 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65
Design by - LLOTT6 DESIGN - llott6.com
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
Brighton and Hove Business Show
Interest in stand bookings for the inaugural Brighton and Hove Business Show has surpassed expectations, its organiser says. If you haven’t yet
Networking & Events
booked your stand, there is still time to
be part of this major networking event.
Taking place from 10am to 3pm at
the Amex Stadium on June 23, visitor registrations have now opened. With the theme Connecting
Businesses, the free-to-attend show promises to be the B2B showcase event of the summer.
Offering something for everyone - from a chance to generate new leads to networking and seminars - it is the
perfect platform for all ambitious brands. With a stand-out line up of speakers,
Slo-Mo Networking and much more, the day promises to be one to remember.
66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Organised by business exhibition
promotion before and after the event.
Business Show is the cost-effective way
“Interest in this show has been there
expert Mike Monk, Brighton and Hove
to promote products and services to an engaged audience.
Offering a choice of four stand options,
it is also an affordable platform for those wanting to throw a spotlight on what they can offer to other businesses. Stands start from just £350 and
include so much more than just one day in the limelight.
As well as getting a trestle display table with table cloth and chair/s, exhibitors
are supplied with a full exhibitor contact
since day one. It has been amazing to see so many trusted and inspirational
businesses come on board from a very early stage,” said Mike.
“Numbers are limited but there is still room for some more. I would urge
anybody thinking of taking a stand to get in touch as soon as they can.
“Brighton and Hove Business Show is
on course to be a truly spectacular day. It really will be the place to do business on June 23.”
list and a delegate contact list. They
So, who has signed up to exhibit so far?
listing in the show guide.
More exhibitors are being added on an
also benefit from a website listing and a
In addition, they get social media
almost daily basis. At the time of going to press, the line-up was as follows:
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
Stand 1 - Blue Billboard Ltd
Stand 41 - Inspire You
Stand 2 - The Recruitment Lab
Stand 43 - County Business Clubs Sussex
Stand 3 - Xpress Group Creative Print
Stand 45 - Focus Group
Stand 5 - Cleankill Pest Control
Stand 46 - Preston Insurance Brokers
Stand 7 - Signtek
Stand 47 - Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Stand 9 - Fortis Data Protection & Compliance
Stand 48 - Cymphony
Stand 12 - Alkira Services Ltd and Turquoise
Stand 50 - Mortgage Medics
Stand 13 - BIPC Brighton and Hove
Stand 54 - Pearce Marketing
Stand 15 - The Old Ship Hotel
Stand 56 - The Business Jet Engine
Stand 16 - Rubix VT
Stand 57 - Data Mail Solutions Ltd
Stand 18 - Digibubble
Stand 59 - Clearpath Media
Stand 19 - EY Breakthrough Incentives
Stand 60 – GBS Insurance Services
Stand 20 - Alpha Training Safety Solutions Ltd
Stand 61 - Mid Sussex Gold Club Ltd
Stand 22 - Chestnut Tree House
Stand 62 - Two Thirds Different
Stand 23 - Merceric Ltd (Executive Coaching)
Stand 63 - BizMix - Gaydio Brighton
Stand 24 - Hexology
Stand 65 - The Joyful
Stand 26 - Brighton and Hove Living Wage Campaign
Stand 67 - Best of British Events Ltd
Stand 27 - The Float Spa
Stand 69 - Locate East Sussex
Stand 28 - Martlets Hospice Ltd
Stand 71 - More Radio
Stand 29 - Discover Brighton Stand 30 - Sussex Copywriting Services
To book your stand or register for free delegate tickets, visit:
Stand 32 - Space With Us - The University of Sussex
brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk
Stand 33 - Loch Associates Group
Email: mike@brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk
Stand 35 & 36 - Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa
Twitter: @MonkFranchising
Stand 38 - UK Growth Coach
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmonk1
Stand 39 - Westerham Financial Services
Tel: 07885 490266
Stand 40 - Connected Brighton
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
The Unmissable Acumen Business Convention - the business event with a twist ‘This is one of the very few events that truly attracts hundreds of top decision makers and business executives in one room for the whole day’ Listed in the FT’s Top
Networking & Events
50 Ground-breaking
& Innovative Lawyers in the UK and
Europe, a UK Rising
Star vote by The Observer, and many
local business accolades, the Acumen herd is dynamic, innovative, and
disruptive, being one of the only, if not the only, law firms who put together
a prestige, professional but fun, and friendly Business Convention for its local business community.
This is the widely popular ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION which
originated from a team meeting back in 2010 and initially brought around
90 business delegates to the Dome,
Brighton, an opportunity that intended
68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
to bring the local business community together and open new networking opportunities in Sussex. What
followed next could not be imagined even by the organisers themselves! Despite its humble beginnings, the convention as we know it today is alive and kicking, now on its 12th run and gathering circa 300 local
business delegates, all of whom take
advantage of an extraordinary line-up of talks, 3 Speaker Arenas to choose from, a scrumptious sit- down lunch,
dazzling live entertainment and ample networking opportunities, all spiced
up with Acumen magic and surprises. It is considered to be one of the
biggest business events outside of the capital and, as described by a regular
attendee, Matt Turner, the owner of an award-winning design and marketing agency, Creative Pod, this is one of
the ‘very few events that truly attracts hundreds of top decision-makers and business executives in one room for the whole day’.
As the convention grew, it moved to
the prestigious Grand, in the heart of
Brighton and overlooking the seafront. The 2022 event is scheduled for the
sunny 8th of June, beginning promptly at 10:30am and is set to be the
biggest one yet with an international businesswoman, philanthropist,
and activist Heather Mills as the
headline speaker. She will take centre stage and provide insight on her
entrepreneurial journey, the creation
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
and supply of healthier, sustainable,
growing fitness software products all
fail there are meaningful business
and cosmetics. This is coupled with
The audience will then hear from Karen
worth millions of pounds in total!’
plant-based alternative food, nutrition, Heather’s tireless charity campaigning that embodies her vehement passion
to support those negatively impacted
by war and other forms of oppression
while keeping his head on his neck!
Dobres, the director of Lewes FC, who will open your eyes to how radical journeys lead to radical results.
or physical debilitation in ‘overcoming
Also on the main stage will be the
these goals through the creation
guru Linzi Boyd, who will share how to
adversity’. Heather has manifested of market-leading plant-based
businesses and numerous charities across the globe.
award-winning novelist and business
switch over to a 21st Century Mindset and Business Model, in line with the
rapid industry growth which inevitably
connections being made on the day
Following the Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, the Acumen
Business Convention 2022 is promising a little ‘royal’ surprise too. Not for the
faint-of-heart, the convention this year is a little ‘unconventional’ and mould-
breaking, exactly as you would expect from the award-winning firm.
affects every business executive.
So, without giving away all the aces
beyond this year! Acumen’s popular
Alongside the main stage, the three
to advocate and invite every reader to
is something for every business person
heroes; Yaron Engler, Jeremy Jacobs
But Acumen is going above and
TedX-style speaker guests ensure there in the room, all of whom will receive short but punchy inspirational and
educational talks across all stages. Hana Ben-Shabat, a leading Gen Z authority worldwide, will be flying
from Manhattan, New York. Anthony
Arena Stages will be featuring three local and Brandon Harris, to ensure the
spotlight is also given to the great knowhow and stories of our local community. Be sure to check everyone out in
preparation for your day here: www.
acumenbusinessconvention.co.uk/.
Willoughby, a business leader and
Finishing the day just after 5pm with a
will share his fascinating story and
and appetisers, the day will provide a
explorer who sailed half the globe,
wisdom. Phil Carr, a hugely successful entrepreneur who started in his nan’s
bedroom and sold his business for an
impressive 7-figure sum, will share how
he grew, managed and sold his fastest-
thirst-quenching Ridgeview Reception
Acumen ahas up its sleeve, SBT is proud this massive event.
Over half of the tickets are sold out and, with more going day by day, make sure to secure your spot at this once-in-a-
year opportunity. Visit www.
acumenbusinessconvention.
co.uk/ and book tickets while still on offer.
more relaxed end with more room for
networking. The organisers see this as a crucial point of the day, with Penina
Shepherd, the CEO of Acumen Business Law, confirming that ‘every year, without
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69
w a s h e c e k s v i v n s in g | r lu sine s | li |d nt r u g e e B in m k k a n i e r sp erta two nt ne | e s v e z i pr
ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION 2022 Heat
her mills
linzi boyd
BOOK NOW OOK N O BOOK W OOK N NOW OW ACUMENBUSINESSCONVENTION.CO.UK OO K anth ony will ough by
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hana ben shab at
kare n dobr es
phil carr
SBT CHAMBER NEWS
CELEBRATING THE PLATINUM JUBILEE – AFTERNOON TEA 10TH JUNE 2PM TO 5PM
STRUCTURE YOUR PLANNING AND TIGHTEN YOUR BUSINESS MODEL BY BRIGHTON CHAMBER
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71
C HA M B E R N E WS
Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee, Afternoon Tea - 10th June 2pm to 5pm Sussex Chamber are inviting all members to join in and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with an afternoon tea at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst Place.
Her Majesty The
Chamber News
Queen, is the Patron to the
British Chambers of Commerce.
The Accredited Chamber network throughout the UK will be holding their own celebrations across the
country. This is a great opportunity for communities and people throughout
Sussex to come together and celebrate this historic milestone.
To create a lasting reminder of this special event, we will be planting an oak tree. A
72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
unique tree planting initiative created to mark The Platinum Jubilee in 2022. By planting sustainably, we are creating a
legacy in honour of The Platinum Jubilee, which will benefit future generations.
A wonderful opportunity for our members to network and enjoy an afternoon
tea which includes finger sandwiches,
scones, clotted cream, jam, homemade cake as well as tea and coffee.
Royal Botanic Gardens in Wakehurst
is changing over the coming years and growing their ability to deliver positive
impact on the communities around
them. An update will be provided at our unique networking celebration.
This event is exclusive to Sussex
Chamber Members, which includes all
County Business Club Members. Please call the office on 01444 259259. Rate: £28.00 + vat
CHAM BE R N E WS
Structure your planning and tighten your business model Introducing a new programme of free business support: The Confident Business series
Brighton Chamber
Chamber News
has teamed up
with the Business
& IP Centre (BIPC)
Brighton & Hove and
always possible, to deliver a brand-
new business support programme, The Confident Business.
An opportunity to step away and think strategically about your business,
structure your planning and tighten your business model, it is practical support for any business in Brighton & Hove
looking to review and reboot confidently into this year and beyond.
It’s for established businesses, sole
traders, micro businesses and start-ups, with tailored support for businesses that
face additional barriers including women and BAME founders and entrepreneurs. What support is included?
The programme includes three strands of practical support, designed to help you adapt your business model. Virtual workshops
Small group workshops will cover four key topics: Pitch, Price, Customers
and Tech. Each covering a quadrant
of the Business Model Canvas, you’ll
come away with refreshed ideas, new
impact of Covid 19. I’m delighted that the
your business. Each workshop is
Brighton Chamber and always possible is
which ones you book.
series to support SMEs in future-proofing
One-to-one sessions with
and beyond. The BIPC offers a wide
confidence and deeper thinking about
BIPC Brighton & Hove, in partnership with
standalone, so you can pick and choose
helping to deliver the Confident Business
business experts
Workshop attendees can also join a
limited number of virtual one-to-one
advice sessions with business experts. Peer-to-Peer networking
their businesses through the pandemic
number of databases and expertise that
can help a diverse range of businesses to start-up and grow.”
The Confident Business series is led by
the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Brighton &
Connect with other local businesses
Hove and delivered by Brighton Chamber
You’ll share plans, have a chance to give
Brighton Chamber events team for any
connect with other businesses, and form
series: events@brightonchamber.co.uk
at facilitated peer networking events.
and always possible. Get in touch with the
and receive feedback, get to meet and
questions about the Confident Business
your own peer network.
Find upcoming sessions and more
Sarah Springford, CEO at Brighton
information on the Chamber website:
to deliver this package of practical support
the-confident-business-series
& Hove, following a time when many have
And to stay up to date with the latest
others who have started a business.”
from Brighton Chamber, sign up to
Chamber, said: “We are excited to be able to businesses on behalf of BIPC Brighton not felt able to develop and grow, and for
https://www.brightonchamber.co.uk/
news, events and business support their mailing list.
Councillor Steph Powell, joint chair of
Brighton & Hove City Council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture
Committee, said: “This has been a very
challenging year for businesses due to the
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73
THE
CHAMBER FOUR SERVICES CHAMBER HR • CHAMBER LEGAL • CHAMBER HEALTH & SAFETY • CHAMBER TAX
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£100,000 per claim
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FREE ONE2ONE REVIEW FOR MORE INFORMATION OR BOOK YOUR ONE 2 ONE REVIEW PLEASE EMAIL ONE2ONE@QUESTCOVER.COM
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SBT LIFESTYLE
WINE TASTING WITH A TRUE PERSONAL TOUCH FROM ELWOOD WINES
COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS WINE OF THE MONTH WITH BRIGHTON & HOVE WINE CLUB
SBT LIFESTYLE SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75
L I FEST Y L E
Wine Tasting with a True Personal Touch from Elwood Wines
‘On Tuesday March 29, we had an amazing wine tasting evening with Karl Elwood, of Elwood Wines.
After an initial
Lifestyle
discovery call, Karl got to know our
likes and dislikes and prepared a
personalised tasting for us. On the day
of the tasting, my package arrived at my house with a selection of 5 wines for us
to try - along with instructions and Karl’s recommendation for some cheese to compliment the wine.
During the zoom call that evening, Karl took us on a journey - exploring the
wines’ smell and taste. He allowed us to give feedback on each and learn about the grape variety and region the wines originated from.
With over 20 years’ experience, Karl’s
knowledge is second to none and made the evening both fun and enjoyable -
76 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and all in the comfort of our own home.
3. Rioja Crianza 2017 Bodegas Luis
finish, was fantastic, it felt extremely
£78 per case of 6 (equates to £13
The whole experience, from start to
personalised and special, and I cannot recommend this enough.
I am already looking forward to our
next tasting to see what gems Karl has chosen for us as we continue my wine
education and he helps to improve my
Canas, Spain per bottle)
4. Produttori di Manduria Lirica 2017, Puglia, Italy
£75 per case of 6 (equates to £12.50 per bottle)
knowledge of wine.
5. Chȃteau Lacombe Noaillac 2016,
Our Wine Selection
£120 per case of 6 (equates to £20
1. Pouilly Fumé Les Chailloux 2020, Domaine Chatelaine
£125 per case of 6 (equates to £20.83 per bottle)
2. Montsable Pinot Noir 2020, IGP
£59.70 per case of 6 (equates to £9.95 per bottle)
Cru Bourgeois Médoc per bottle)
To find out more or book your discovery call contact
karl@elwoodwines.co.uk Elwood Wine Selections
www.elwoodwines.co.uk
THE ELWOOD SPRING AND SUMMER SELECTION WINE TASTING S HELTE R H A LL, K I N G S RO A D A RC H E S, B RI G H T ON
C o m e and j oi n u s i n th e S kylark Co c ktail Bar to t a s t e a sel ect i on o f w in e s as w e ll as s o m e lo w and no al coh o l re c o m m e n datio n s
APRIL 27
TH
6 .30 -8PM
TO PURCH A SE T I C K E T S SC A N H E RE
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77
WI N E OF T H E MON TH
County Business Club Wine of the Month April 2022
Tickerage Vineyard Classic Cuvee 2014 Vintage
As we come into the start of summer,
For them, this was crucial in order to be
well with light and fresh dishes, such as
that are light and fresh to match
the vines. With Blackboys Vineyard being
this is a small batch and will be gone
I am always looking for bubbles
the season in the hope that we can
open a bottle of bubbly outdoors in the season’s sun. This wine is from
a small vineyard ran by Anthony and
Zena, near the village of Blackboys in
totally in control of the development of
sushi or oysters. Get it while you can as
a 24/7 family run operation, it allows the
next year.
which impacts directly on the high quality
Michael Yeoman,
owners to have the attention to detail and personal finished product.
English Wine and International Wine Specialist
East Sussex, annd is called Tickerage.
The reason I have chosen this wine
of excellent sparkling wines and
with toastiness from bottle ageing.
own range of sustainable spirits
the final stage of bottling which is rare
spiritofthedowns.co.uk) and works
10,000 bottles of wine each year and
Champagne add a small amount of
Brighton and Hove Wine Club (www.
The old adage says ‘small and perfectly
of a balance between acidity and fruit.
means the family that owns the vineyard
which is due to the significant amount
The vineyard produces a small range
from 2014 is because it is light but fruity
Michael Yeoman produces his
There has been zero sugar added in
with Spirit of the Downs (www.
The vineyard produces on average
as most English Sparkling Wines and
with small batch local vineyards with his
so are typical of a small batch producer.
sugar or sweetness, to provide more
brightonandhovewineclub.co.uk)
formed’ - the vineyard’s size and location
It purely has sweetness from the fruit,
can personally carry out all the work.
of sunshine in that year. It works very
ciders.
78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT SPORT
NON-LEAGUE DAY AT WHITEHAWK FC AN AFTERNOON OF FOOTBALL AND FRIVOLITY ON NON-LEAGUE DAY
EQUESTRIAN’S PRIDE OF SUSSEX PROFILE OF KRISTINA (TINA) COOK
SUSSEX CRICKET’S DANNI WYATT RECOGNISING ONE OF THE FINEST FEMALE CRICKETERS TO REPRESENT OUR COUNTY
RUGBY - EDDIE JONES – SHOULD HE STAY OR SHOULD HE GO!? MEDIA CRITICISM HAS INCREASED OVER RECENT WEEKS
SBT SPORT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 79
S BT SPORT
Non-league day at Whitehawk FC To the uninitiated and ill-informed, a day out at Whitehawk FC might suggest a rather nervous and potentially jittery experience, but having agreed to join my good friend Guy Lloyd following his confident advice that watching the Hawks was relaxed and generally fun, we decided to meet up for an afternoon of football and frivolity on Non-League Day. This was the first
Sport
Non-League Day for two years having been first set up
in 2010 as a social
media experiment. It has since grown to become an annual part of the
football calendar, coinciding with an international break and provides an
opportunity for clubs to promote the importance of affordable volunteerled community football while giving fans across the country the chance
to show support for their local non-
league side. Most non-league clubs are almost exclusively run by volunteers,
and where the level of skill on offer at non-league grounds is undoubtedly
not at the same as the Premier League, there are other parts of the experience
where the smaller non-league clubs will
always prove to have a winning formula. The vast majority of games still kick
off at 3pm, ticket prices are realistic,
you can often stand and partake of an alcoholic beverage anywhere in the
ground and will be guaranteed a warm
welcome by people who run their clubs for a love of the game.
Whitehawk FC are no different and
currently ply their trade in the Isthmian League South East Division at The
TerraPura Ground located at the far end of East Brighton Park. Non-League Day saw the visit of Sevenoaks Town, with the visitors beginning the game four
points behind their hosts and both teams languishing in the wrong half of the table.
The reverse fixture back in December saw the Hawks triumph 3-0, so hopes were
80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
high for a potential double and a chance to move away from the relegation zone. Not being sure of what to expect, I
arrived at the ground around an hour
before kick off to be greeted by smiling, friendly staff who were only to willing
to share a joke or two about whether I
could go in and out as I pleased. (That’s a yes by the way!) It was a mere five
pounds to get in, so I was more than
happy to drop some money in the
bucket to support Prostate Cancer,
the charity supporting non-league day, before availing myself of the facilities
and going about getting my bearings. Fortunately, it was a day bathed in
glorious sunshine, so I wandered around three sides of the ground, meeting Kevin Miller, the Vice Chair at Whitehawk FC, and Isaac Gleave, the PR man in the
SBT S PO RT
process. On purchasing a Hawks scarf for ten pounds (I collect them!), I went
off to mingle with the locals over a few
libations and my overriding feeling was unquestionably NOT one of nervously
looking over my shoulder, but quite the opposite – relaxed, friendly and what a
refreshing change from the regimented
‘you can’t do this, and you can’t go there’ attitude that you receive at many of the higher-level clubs. I have a few friends
who choose to enjoy their football with other clubs in Sussex in this way and now I could begin to see why.
With kick off fast approaching and
despite a sloping pitch and a northerly wind that suggested this was not
going to be an afternoon conducive
to a flowing passing game, I made my
way to one end of the ground to join in with the ‘Ultras’. Now I’d heard great things about these Whitehawk fans,
and they certainly didn’t disappoint;
namely that they noisily support their club for ninety plus minutes with
drums and whistles, whilst proudly singing about no to racism no to
homophobia and no to sexism – they locate themselves at which ever end the team are attacking and there’s
no absolutely no offensive chanting – again quite the opposite of what you
can hear at the so-called bigger clubs.
The first half saw the ball spending
prolonged periods in the sky, and
arguably Whitehawk were marginally the better side in the first half which
ended goalless, despite neither ‘keeper being really tested.
As described earlier, the second half saw the ‘Ultras’ change move to the
Sea end and, if anything, the volume of support went up a notch. Myself and
Guy were joined by LGBT and mental
health campaigner Dr Sophie Cook, the club’s Equality and Diversity Officer,
who was the first transgender woman to work in football’s Premier League
and who is a regular supporter at the
TerraPura Ground. Whitehawk are truly
a club for all, amplified by the Rainbow flag fluttering proudly underneath the
TV gantry, and I can honestly say it was a pleasure to be part of Whitehawk’s biggest crowd of the season of 613.
(The average attendance this season was just over 321.)
Despite the game looking increasingly like it was going to end in a
Brighton & Hove Albion no nonsense
defender (and at one time my favourite Seagulls player!).
Bamba stepped up to take the penalty
and Whitehawk sensed a brief moment of elation when the Whitehawk
goalkeeper, Stroomberg-Clarke dived to his right, saving the initial shot, before
Bamba tucked away the rebound to give Sevenoaks the lead.
The expected siege of the visitors’ goal didn’t materialise until the final five
minutes when a late effort from Hawks player Javaun Splatt went wide, and
no-one was on hand to convert a late
cross which flashed across the visitors’ six-yard box in the dying moments.
A thoroughly enjoyable day out and, despite the disappointment of a
0-1 defeat, unquestionably one that characterised everything about an
what an inclusive club should be. I for one will be returning soon and would thoroughly recommend it.
disappointing stalemate, the deadlock was broken just over ten minutes into the second half when Oaks striker
Yahaya Bamba was brought down by Hawks defender Adam El-Abd,
the former Egypt international and
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81
S BT SPORT
Equestrian’s pride of Sussex - profile of Kristina (Tina) Cook This month highlights
Sport
another of Sussex’s sporting successes in British three-day eventing rider, Tina
Cook. Born in Rustington, Cook is the
daughter of four times British jump racing Champion jockey Josh Gifford, trainer of
1981 Grand National winner, Aldaniti, and Althea Roger-Smith who won the Queen Elizabeth Cup, came second in the
Hickstead Derby and represented Team GB in the Nations Cup.
Both parents were racehorse trainers
when she was born and, along with her
brother, their formative years were spent
in the saddle as members of the Crawley and Horsham Pony Club. It was here
https://jeanniesequestrianworld.co.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2014/02/Tina-Cook-static1.jpg
where Tina experienced competition
levels for the first time, which resulted
in her selection for the Junior European
‘Billy The Red’, winning team gold. At
she competed on a horse called ‘Song
the same pair competed as individuals
Championships in Rome in 1993, where
the World Equestrian Games in 2018,
and Dance Man’. Having become a
finishing ninth.
a scholarship based at Gatcombe
Her medal tally includes individual and
of twenty, she won an individual silver
Beijing on ‘Miners Frolic’ where her
team gold on ‘General Jock’ at the
withdrawals of Zara Phillips and Lucy
The following year she won team gold
London Olympics on the same horse
bronze on ‘General Jock’ in 1997 and
team golds in 1994 and a world team
European Championships.
Games on her homebred horse ‘De
Having been a frequent member of British
first championship.
than twenty years, Tina has competed
Unfortunately, she was only named as
Equestrian Games and seven European
in Rio, at the time expressing her
in the process. She was selected for the
“I’ve been the leading British rider at the
full-time eventer at sixteen and winning with Captain Mark Phillips at the age
team bronze at the 2008 Olympics in
medal and then followed this up with
participation was secured after the
World Equestrian Games in The Hague.
Wiegersma, and team silver at the
on ‘Midnight Blue’ in 1995, individual
in 2012. Tina has also won two world
team gold in 1999 on ‘Gangster II’ at the
silver in 2014 at the World Equestrian
squads at Championships for more
Novo News’, who was competing in his
at two Olympic Games, five World
a reserve at the 2016 Olympic Games
Championships, picking up ten medals
disappointment, telling BBC Sussex
European Championships in 2017 with
last two Olympics, and I’ve been very
82 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
consistent with my horses this year, so I felt I ticked the box…!”
Tina’s greatest individual accolade to date came when she won
individual gold at the 2009 European Championships in Fontainebleau on
‘Miners Frolic’, where she also led the British team to the gold medal.
Closer to home, further awards came in the shape of deservedly winning
the Sussex Sports Personality of The
Year at the 2012 Active Sussex Sports Awards, held at the Hilton Brighton
Metropole, following her silver medal success at the London Olympics. Yours truly had the privilege of
meeting her at the Awards and having the opportunity to hold her silver
medal was one I couldn’t pass up.
She was so humble and it was a real
pleasure to meet her, I just wish I had a photo of that moment!
SBT S PO RT
Sussex Cricket’s Danni Wyatt
With England women having reached the World Cup Final (albeit they lost to the Aussies!), I thought it would be remiss of Sussex Business Times Sport not to recognise one of the finest female cricketers to represent our county, Danielle (Danni) Nicole Wyatt. Born in Stoke-on-
Sport
Trent, and with her 31st birthday this
month, Wyatt scored 129 runs off 125
balls after opening the batting in the
semi-final victory over South Africa in
this year’s World Cup. After losing their first three round robin matches, Wyatt
also scored 76 not out from 68 balls as England secured a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan.
Representing Sussex, Southern
Vipers, Southern Brave and England, and with nine half centuries and
three centuries to her name, Wyatt
is recognised as an attacking stroke player, who can also turn her hand to bowling off spin. She made her
England debut at eighteen against
India, in Mumbai on 1 March 2010,
scoring the winning runs as part of 28
not out from 26 balls, guiding England to a two-wicket victory. That same
year she was awarded an MCC Young Cricketers contract enabling her to
receive cricketing development via training at the MCC.
Wyatt first represented Staffordshire in
2005, aged just fourteen before moving to Nottinghamshire eight years later.
She signed for Sussex at the start of the 2016 season and the following summer, she was part of the England squad
that won the World Cup before being
named as one of the players in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of 2017.
Following her promotion to open the
batting for England’s T20 International
team in late 2017, she blitzed a century off 57 balls as England chased down a
target of 179 in Canberra, Australia, before hammering 124 off 64 balls to overhaul
a target of 199 against India in Mumbai during the Women’s T20I Tri Nations
Series. This was her second Women’s
T20 International century in her career,
with her knock helping England to register the highest ever successful chase by
any team in a Women’s T20 International
match. Her innings is the highest individual
score set by an opener in a WT20I match
and she also recorded the second fastest century by a player in a WT20I innings, reaching her century off just 52 balls. After playing for the Melbourne
Renegades during the 2018–19 season in the Women’s Big Bash League, she
was awarded a full central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for 2019.
In December that year, Wyatt scored
her first century in a Women’s One Day International match against Pakistan.
During 2021, she featured regularly as
part of the Southern Brave team which
reached the final of the inaugural season
of The Hundred competition and included another Sussex player, Georgia Adams. According to Wikipedia, Wyatt’s
nickname is “Waggy” as apparently
in 2015, she had explained to sports
journalist Clare Balding the reason was because “The girls say I’m a wannabe
WAG because I’ve dated two footballers!”
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 83
S BT SPORT
Rugby - Eddie Jones – Should he stay or should he go!?
Since the end of the Six Nations last month, speculation in the media has been rife as to the future of England head coach Eddie Jones ahead of next year’s World Cup in France. Media criticism has increased over recent weeks with doubts over Jones’s tactics and ability with a team who have dropped to fifth in the world rankings.
https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/ news/12321/12288793/eddie-jones-england-headcoach-giving-new-zealand-star-beauden-barrett-goldadvice-during-japanese-consultancy
Having been in
Sport
charge since 2015, Jones clearly has
the expertise at the highest level - he
previously coached Australia between
2001 and 2005, being runner-up to Sir
Clive Woodward’s England in 2003 and
was an assistant coach for South Africa when the Springboks won in 2007.
From 2012 to 2015 he coached Japan, leading them in the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they produced a famous
upset win over South Africa at the Amex Stadium here in Brighton. When Jones
was appointed as England head coach,
they won the Six Nations Championship in consecutive seasons, in the process
becoming only the second international rugby team to go the entire calendar
year unbeaten. In 2019 his England team finished second to South Africa.
However, after Jones’ side won just two Six Nations games for the second year in a row, there were calls from some
84 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
quarters for a change and opinion on
whether he should be replaced appears to be gaining momentum, with some
former players expressing their desire for a change at the top.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has
said it “continues to fully support” Jones and that “he is building a new England team against a clear strategy”, adding
that the governing body is “encouraged by solid progress”.
During the recent Six Nations, Jones said that he sees England’s losses
as learning experiences for younger
players in the squad like fly-half Marcus Smith, full-back Freddie Steward and
scrum-half Harry Randall. After the final game defeat to eventual Grand Slam
Champions, France, Jones said “…we’re moving in the right direction…when you rebuild a team, it takes time.”
Former England scrum half, Matt Dawson’s view is that England have been the same
for 10 years - only pulling a performance
out of the bag when they are up against it. Another former England player, Danny
Care, believes change must come from
head coach Eddie Jones if fortunes are to improve. “Something isn’t quite working, and it hasn’t for a couple of years.”
So, are England simply swapping one
player for another to shield deficiencies in tactics, or are players being picked out of position? Perhaps it’s just a
question of recent injuries to key players like Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May and Owen Farrell?
What we do know is that England’s
upcoming fixture list of three Tests in Australia this summer, four Autumn
International matches including a visit from New Zealand, and next year’s Six Nations followed by some World Cup warm-up
matches means England have got time
to get it right. It remains to be seen if the RFU’s faith in Jones will pay off.
Hosted by:
Sam Thomas & laurence elphick
This podcast converses with the great and the good from the world of sport and business about …. Well sport in Sussex, from FootGolf to fencing, from wakeboarding to weightlifting and everything in between. Discussing with guests what makes them tick and why business and sport go hand in hand Sponsored by
Listen on
County Business Clubs Content Hub
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AS K T H E E X PE RT
Storytelling, who cares? As both a parent and a marketer, stories are part of every day life. Although I’d also argue that they’re part of everyone’s every day. But why should we care?
There are so many
Ask the Expert
layers to this question but I want to focus
on why stories work
and how you can use
them in your business communication.
One of the best things about the time we live in is that people are far more open
to emotion. Less “stiff upper lip and get
on with it”, more “how do you feel about that?” Which is a healthy place to be.
Whether you’re a B2B company or a B2C one, you’re still communicating with a person and so drawing on
this emotion is more likely to illicit a change in behaviour, an enquiry or indeed a direct sale.
Stories make us feel these emotions.
From a neurological perspective emotions heighten the ability to memorise, forcing
Think about neolithic times; a group of people have come back from a
successful hunt and avoided being eaten by prey. They sit round a
campfire and discuss why they were
successful. Everyone listens because
no one wants to be the one that’s gets eaten. Stories made us what we are. So, what can I do today?
Aristotle was a pretty smart person and a
lot of his thoughts still hold true today. For an argument to be compelling we need a
triangle of output. Pathos – the emotional hook that has been discussed above.
Does your message have personality?
Does it have an emotive angle? Logos – is there a compelling stat that you can back
up a claim with. Both of these can be used in every aspect of your marketing but let’s explore how we can use this practically.
After
With a Trustpilot score of 4.8 take one of our beds for a test run and give yourself the sleep that you deserve.
There’s emotion, there’s a compelling stat and a much higher chance of an open.
The final thing you need to think about is Ethos. Are you being authentic?
Don’t shoehorn Net Neutral into your communications if it’s not something your brand intrinsically stands for.
What do you stand for? What are you an expert in? Who are you talking
to? Think about this, emotion and a compelling stat and you’ll get more people to care. And buy. James Dempster
Managing Director
a signal to the brain that whatever we’re
Consider the copy below:
01273 208913
brand can make us feel something we’re
Before
www.foxbear.co.uk
feeling should be remembered. So, if a
far more likely to recall that brand later on. From a historical point of view we’re hard wired to react to a narrative.
86 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
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