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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES
MAYO WYNNE BAXTER AMPS UP EXPANSION PLANS THE AWARD-WINNING FIRM HAS SEVEN HUBS ACROSS SUSSEX WITH AMBITIOUS PLANS TO GROW FURTHER
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S E RVI NG TH E SUSSE X BUS I N ES S COM MUN ITY S I NCE 197 5
All business is symbiotic in nature. You can be inspiring your peers one day, learning from them the next. In the end, people buy people. That makes sharing our stories the most compelling way to connect with one another.
What’s needed is a platform to embrace and empower our regional business ecosystem. Where varied backgrounds and perspectives provide new context. Harnessing potential, enabling growth. And at the heart of it, a dedicated term of curators unlocking insights for the good of us all.
So we’re changing the way people think of connecting. Because we believe in self-reflection, rather than self-promotion. By demystifying the art of storytelling, we deliver authentic thought leadership through events, publishing and broadcast media.
We come together to discover, share and grow. But we won’t be limited by geography, or our imagination. Instead, we’ll seek out local leaders, visionaries and experts, wherever great businesses thrive. Growing communities, in partnership with the businesses that power them. And nurturing the enterpreneurial spirit in everyone.
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JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
SBTWelcome Welcome to the latest issue of SBT!
As anyone in business knows, sharing how a product or service makes a real difference is key to raising a brand’s profile. Being able to solve a problem or streamline processes to make tasks easier and quicker can elevate a firm’s standing in its sector and enable it to grow. At the Sussex Business Times, we believe in sharing success stories - not just to highlight the talents of entrepreneurs or good practice but to inspire others to do better, go further and, yes, sometimes take risks. Harnessing the power of success is important in all economic climates but especially now when the challenges of inflation and energy price rises pose a real threat to the bottom line. Whether it is throwing a spotlight on sound legal advice, people management
solutions or groundbreaking tech, we strive to always deliver relevant, practical ideas to drive your business forward.
News, we learn how Brighton is being challenged to lead the way in the transition to Net Zero.
Still growing after more than 150 years is highly respected Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, the worthy subject of this issue’s cover feature.
With Ask The Expert, top Sport news and timely information on why financial advice is changing for the better, we think there is something for everyone in this issue.
You will find more success stories in our Monthly News roundup as well as a raft of constructive features, written by experts to help you improve your business. For example, BIPC Sussex shares important information about the hidden value of intellectual property and good business guru Rebecca Kimber explains how you can make your website ‘greener’.
Want to share something with us yourself? Contact us to tell the business community what you do - in print, online and across social media channels.
On the networking front, you will find top takeaways on five books that expert Bradley Hatchett is certain will make you a better networker. In Chamber
Finally, it’s not all work and no play. Thanks to wine expert Michael Yeoman and County Business Clubs Sussex, we can help you choose the perfect tipple to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Cheers! Sam Thomas, Managing Director
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SBT Good Business
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SBT Charity
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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES
MAYO WYNNE BAXTER AMPS UP EXPANSION PLANS THE AWARD-WINNING FIRM HAS SEVEN HUBS ACROSS SUSSEX WITH AMBITIOUS PLANS TO GROW FURTHER
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SERVI NG T H E SUSSEX B USI N ESS C OM MUN ITY SI NC E 1975
Cover 455
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 ©
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A round-up of business news from across Sussex, including a major milestone for Preston Insurance Brokers
A look at how financial advice is changing and a major award for James Mallinson, of Servo Private Wealth
365 Employment Law discusses how firms can protect customers and confidential information
Award-winning automotive agency 67 Degrees reveals why dealers love working with them
With a 150-year history, we discover how leading law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter amps up its ambitious expansion plans
BIPC Sussex explains the hidden value of intellectual property
Silicon Brighton in conversation with Lacë-Chantelle Rogers, Lead Data Specialist in Advanced Analytics at Measurelab
How ‘green’ is your website? Rebecca Kimber explains how businesses can reduce their digital carbon footprint
Mental Health Awareness Week and how the inaugural Rockinghorse Ryder Cup ended up rivalling the real thing!
Rivervale Cars Limited announces a management buyout, the UK’s most abandoned car models revealed and why now is the best time to invest in an electric car
The 5 books that will make you a better networker, Jackie’s Networking Adventures and a round-up following Sussex Business Show
The Big Debate - is Brighton perfectly positioned to be leading the transition to Net Zero? Plus, the British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference
The fascinating history of cricket in Sussex by Laurence Elphick and a round-up of sporting stories as well as features
Midnight Communications explains national media coverage is important for regional businesses and Mia Neupauerova writes about why employee management methods must change
Michael Yeoman reveals what you should be toasting the Queen’s Jubilee with
SBT MONTHLY NEWS SPECIAL
PRESTON INSURANCE BROKERS... 10 YEARS AND COUNTING!
SBT MONTHLY NEWS SPONSORED BY:
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Preston Insurance Brokers – 10 years and counting...
We caught up recently with Noel Preston, Managing Partner of Preston Insurance Brokers, to learn about the upcoming 10-year business anniversary and his thoughts and plans for the future. So the business
Monthly News
is 10 years old in
December this year, what have been the highlights?
I’m pleased to say there have been
the turn of each year – we are on track with this which is great!
You mention your Team, what has been your secret to 100% staff retention?
a number of highlights. Surviving the
I think, perhaps it is a collection of a
fantastic loyalty of a large section
have to ask them for their own individual
members of staff - that is a statistic I
has different personalities, the main
10 years is a highlight in itself; the
number of things but I suppose you’d
of our clients and not losing any
reasons. Whilst everyone in the Team
am really proud of!
underlying common denominator is their
We are now up to 10 of us and the
genuine and good people.
business annually to be in a position to
We provide an environment for the team
plan from the outset was to grow the
employ the next member of the team at
6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
attitude and the fact that they are all
to learn, to develop, to achieve personal
goals and where there is an ambition, we do what we can to harness that and help them reach their objectives.
As a business, we have always been a pretty flexible employer and find if you
employ the right type of person, treat them
like an adult and a human being then you’ll receive a work ethic that’s second to none. I’ve said it before, we don’t take
ourselves too seriously. There are no
egos. Individually and collectively, we
are not too precious but, in respect of the work, we take this really seriously
with a lot of pride in everything we do. We also like to have some fun - insurance
MON T H LY N E WS
can be quite a dry subject sometimes
so it’s always nice to lighten the mood a little and go out and enjoy ourselves
occasionally as a team. With the hybrid return to the office, we wanted the
team to have something to look forward to when coming back in, other than
of course just being able to see and
personally converse with each other.
Office pizza on the first Wednesday of
every month and cakes from one of our
clients on the last Wednesday are just a couple of things we have introduced.
So what for the future, any thoughts of hanging up your boots?
No, certainly not in the immediate
future, I enjoy it too much to think
about letting go just yet! Not unlike
most independent insurance brokers, we are regularly approached by the larger consolidator type brokers
looking to acquire businesses such as ourselves. Our preference is to
remain and grow as an independent
broker, continuing to provide the local personalised service which has been the foundation and bedrock of our growth and success to date.
Nevertheless, every business has to
plan for the future and those plans do
not just happen overnight. In September last year I was lucky enough to have a
coffee and a chat with the late, great Nik Askaroff, who was both a valued friend
and business mentor. Nik advised that any kind of succession planning takes time
over a number of years and doesn’t just
happen overnight, so we have started that
management and service delivery side of the business, Paul more so on the client relationships, development, marketing and new business elements.
I’m really looking forward to the future,
helping and supporting both them and the others in the team and witnessing them all develop and grow with the business.
process, not just in respect of personnel
Do you have any plans to celebrate
As businesses grow, the business owner
Yes, we have several things planned
but also evolvement of the business itself.
has to change their involvement, working more on the business rather than in it.
This can be a tricky time with the personal struggle of letting go, keeping in touch with all the members of the team and also ensuring any Client relationships
are unaffected. So, like a lot of things in running a successful business, it is all about the people.
With that in mind, we have recently
appointed both Aaron Thorpe and Paul Morriss as Associate Partners. Both
your 10 years in business?
through the year. Everyone works hard
enough, you need to make sure you make some time to have fun too. We will have
events as a Team, with our suppliers, our
introducers, our business contacts and of course most importantly our Clients.
As ever we will look to use the premises, products, hospitality, event space,
facilities etc of our Clients and business
contacts, just a small way of giving a bit back for their loyalty.
have their own particular skill sets
and really complement each other.
Aaron very much in the operational,
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MO NT H LY N E WS
Left to right: Tim Bartlett and Ellen Miller from Lewes District Council, Councillor James MacCleary, Councillor Zoe Nicholson and Sam Buckland, Sussex Flow Initiative Project Officer at the Sussex Wildlife Trust during a visit to Hoath Wood in Newhaven to find out how leaky dams are helping to address flooding in the area.
Council launches plans that will ‘make a difference’ across district
Lewes District Council has embarked on an ambitious and far-reaching programme of community projects that will see a host of new developments and improvements across the district over the next 12 months. The projects include a
Monthly News
renewal of play areas, new sports facilities, green initiatives
that will increase
biodiversity in the district, tackle the
impact of climate change and help the
council become carbon net zero by 2030. There will also be greater access to the
countryside, a new wetland and wildflower meadows created, more tree planting and
enhancements in local parks and gardens. Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “I am obviously delighted that the plans
we are announcing today will make
a difference in communities all over Lewes district.
“These are very tough time for many
residents and as a council we will do all we can to help, that includes investing in our play areas and green spaces, which everyone can enjoy.”
8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
This week councillors visited Hoath Wood (pictured) to see how council
officers are working with the Sussex
Flow Initiative, a partnership including Sussex Wildlife Trust, to implement
natural flood management measures such as leaky dams, to reduce the risks of flooding during prolonged periods of wet weather.
Councillor James MacCleary, Deputy
Leader of Lewes District Council, added: “It was great to see how our officers and our partners are using natural
resources in Hoath Wood to slow down the flow of water.
“Flooding has long been a problem for residents in this part of Newhaven and
it’s brilliant to see action to address that while remaining in absolute harmony with the woodland environment.
“I am also very excited to see local play
areas being upgraded across the district.
“As a dad with two young children, I
know how important these facilities are to parents.
“It is these sorts of investments in our
community’s future that make me proud of the work our Alliance has done since taking over the council in 2019.”
The council is developing a website where
residents can visit and see all the initiatives that will benefit local communities.
Councillor Chris Collier, Cabinet Member for Performance and People, said: “The
Co-operative Alliance has the health and
wellbeing of all communities in the district at the heart of everything we do.
“It is heartening and a source of great pride for me and all my colleagues to
have funded a raft of projects that will bring so many different benefits and enhancements to the district.”
MON T H LY N E WS
Lightning Fibre appoints new board members
Alternative Network Provider prepares for expansion with appointment of new, senior board members
Pictured left to right Lighting Fibre board: Ben Ferriman, Amit Thakrar, Simon Bonini, Tim Passingham
Monthly News
Lightning Fibre, founder and CEO, Ben Ferriman
London, April 25,
experience and, along with Simon Bonini,
Fibre has created around 100 high-
Limited (Lightning
expansion and development of the South
underway to increase this to 200.
2022: Lightning Fibre Fibre), the alternative fibre network
they will play a vital role in the further Coast’s fixed telecoms sector.”
quality, local jobs - with plans
Amit Thakrar started his career as a
provider for East Sussex, announces
Matt Hammond, partner, Foresight
telecommunications and infrastructure
impressed by the ambition of the
projects. His experience in developing
the progress it has already made in East
will help Lightning Fibre accelerate the
Foresight Group, and Tim Passingham,
in 2020, the business has strengthened
and the South Coast.
Consulting, are confirmed as new board
to help support its further growth through
Tim Passingham is the founder and
fellow Board members; founder and CEO
executives to the Lightning Fibre Board.”
Consulting and spent his executive
Simon Bonini, non-executive director.
Sussex’s Lightning Fibre burst on to
Level3 Communications (now Lumens)
Ben Ferriman, founder and CEO of
to 100,000 homes and businesses in
pollution reduction technology business
board level appointments come at a time
pilot project in the seaside town
director of sustainability consultancy
development of Gigabit Britain is being
transforming broadband connectivity
of The Carrier Club.
substantial infrastructure and telecoms
expand further. To date, Lightning
www.lightningfibre.co.uk
chartered accountant before moving
the appointment of two senior
Group, added: “We continue to be
executives to its Board.
Lightning Fibre management team and
large-scale infrastructure deployments
Amit Thakrar, portfolio director, at
Sussex. Since Foresight’s investment
delivery of gigabit full fibre to Sussex
chairman of Cambridge Management
considerably, and Foresight is delighted
members of Lightning Fibre. They join
the appointment of two new, senior
of Lightning Fibre, Ben Ferriman and
into investment in infrastructure
chairman of Cambridge Management career in telecommunications in BT,
the scene in 2018 to bring full fibre
and Colt. Tim is also the chairman of the
Sussex. Following an initial successful
Iknaia, co-founder and non-executive
when the contribution of alt-nets to the
of Eastbourne, Lightning Fibre is
Edenseven, and a non-executive director
widely recognised. Tim and Amit bring
in East Sussex and is looking to
Lightning Fibre, commented: “These
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9
MO NT H LY N E WS
Sussex soap manufacturer heads to Glasgow for FSB national finals Waldron-based business The English Monthly Soap Company News headed to Glasgow on May 19 for the UK Final of the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards after being named Family Business of the Year in the South East.
“We are all so very proud to achieve this regional accolade and are very excited to be attending the national finals in Glasgow. The recognition is a credit to everyone who works for us.
As well as winning the Family Business category in the South East Awards, the English Soap Company was a finalist in the Environmental/Sustainability category.
Inspired by their discovery, Bob and Juliet spent many years perfecting the art of soap making and perfumery to make the perfect soap. A soap bar smooth and silky in texture, that moisturises rather than dries the skin, and above all is infused with a luxurious designer perfume that lasts until the end of the bar.
Managing Director Oliver Butts said: “We are a true family business which was started by my parents Bob and Juliet more than 20 years ago after they discovered a number of vintage soap moulds lying disused in a machinery workshop farm in Kent. My wife Ailsa now also works for the business.
“We are also grateful to our distributors, customers and suppliers for helping us to achieve our success to date.”
As the business grew, Bob and Juliet moved their soap operation out of their kitchen and on to a local farm in the Sussex countryside. From here, the
business grew from strength to strength as demand for their soaps increased. The English Soap company still makes all of its products on the farm site in the heart of the English countryside in Waldron, East Sussex. Customers are now worldwide and the company exports to every continent apart from Antartica.
Fighting back through creativity, friendship and shared experiences Eastbourne artist Maja Jones has Monthly overcome chronic News illness and family struggles - thanks to her love of creativity and the support of the mental health charity Holding Space. The graphic designer and collage artist has decided to show her appreciation for the help she received from Holding Space by organising monthly Collage and Wine evenings for parents. Maja is the latest artist to feature in the Beacon’s Instagram series, Creatives by the Coast. “I’ve been going through a lot of health issues recently and have been recovering from a couple of operations in lockdown,” Maja explained. “Chronic illness can rob you of your creative identity and I was determined not to let this happen to me.” Maja re-ignited her love of collage, 10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
which fuses together different materials/ images to form a new piece of art. She found great support for her and her family at Eastbourne-based charity Holding Space and decided to re-pay the team through her creativity. “I firmly believe that we are all creative and I am really passionate about spreading that message,” Maja continued. “We all need creativity, especially at the moment. My collage and wine evenings are a great way of connecting with parents who have experienced a rough time during the lockdowns.” It was through attending parent meet-ups and shared experiences that Maja realised the importance of the human connection. “Many of us have become islands, dealing with a lot of issues on our own. I think it is so important to share our experiences and admit that we are sometimes not ok, we are not always fine,” she said. Maja is originally from Montenegro, but has lived in the UK all her adult life. She
has lived in London and Brighton, but Eastbourne is where she and her husband have put down their roots. “I love being by the coast. There is something for everyone here,” she explained. “The variety of beaches, the chalky cliffs and the green hills of the South Downs, it’s all so mesmerising.” And she has special praise for the Eastbourne art community. Everyone is just so passionate about the town, but we need our voices to be listened to and the support of the townspeople,” she said. To see Maja’s Instagram feature, go to www.instagram.com/p/CdG1pgZg2Id/
SBT FINANCE
HOW FINANCIAL ADVICE IS CHANGING BY ENGAGE WEALTH MANAGEMENT
JAMES MALLINSON FROM SERVO PRIVATE WEALTH WINS WEALTH MANAGER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2022 RETIREMENT PLANNING AWARDS
SBT FINANCE SPONSORED BY:
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How financial advice is changing Finance
“Before we start,
folder stacked full of various brochures
through your process
then head back to the office to scan
could you run
and costs? When
I think of financial
advice, I think of estate agents and car salesmen too. No offence.”
These were the words from a recent
client in May 2022. Should I have taken offence? Perhaps. But her concerns are not unfounded. There is work to do in our profession to change this
perception. The good news is there is
a slow shift to better advice and better outcomes for financial advice clients. ‘The Times They Are A-Changin.’ Technology
Not so long ago, I would drive two
hours for a client meeting and then
two hours home again. I would take a
12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and paperwork for my clients to sign,
everything and shred. Furthermore, the pension provider would send welcome paperwork to my clients and a paper
The technology space in financial advice right now is exciting, honestly.
Technology, used efficiently, can provide better advice to more people.
copy to our office…
Financial Planning vs.
Our profession has struggled with
Financial planning, rather than advice,
technology.
But it’s getting better. We’ve seen
a considerable shift in advice firms
embracing technology in recent years. Ultimately, this drives down costs and means advisers have more time to spend with their clients.
At Engage Wealth Management we
use digital fact finds, digital signatures, online identity verification, and we’re
virtually paperless. We hold over 80% of our client meetings online.
Financial Advice
focuses on your goals and what you want from life. Like a runner doesn’t
begin a training plan without a goal in
mind, a financial planner doesn’t invest your money without first discussing goals and creating a plan.
We see a shift away from advisers
providing products and focusing on minimum investment values.
Cashflow Modelling sits at the centre of financial planning. Cashflow Modelling allows advisers to create powerful
FI NA NCE people seeking independent advice. The youth of today
The average age of a financial adviser in the UK is still somewhere around 58. This poses a problem for our
profession. Most advisers will be retiring in the next ten years.
Thankfully, many young professionals have seen this as an opportunity. The average age is also beginning to shift downwards. Younger advisers can
only be good news for clients receiving advice. Coached by more experienced
advisers, the next generation will be by their clients’ side for 20-30 years. Oliver McDonald
Younger people are also seeking advice. With the benefit of younger advisers
industry standard in the future.
understanding this demographic, coupled
More qualifications are excellent news
with greater technology, more people
for our profession.
should have access to advice in the future.
Fees
2022 and beyond
debating it for hours in the office.
industry has changed and continues
We’ll keep this short to avoid advisers lifetime cashflow forecasts, helping
clients visualise their future lifestyle and
Most advisers have used a percentage
pieces of technology for advisers.
with us, we’ll charge 3%. It sounds simple,
The perception of the financial advice to evolve.
model since 2012 – you invest £100,000
We have highly qualified, highly regulated
but this style of charging has its faults.
providing holistic financial planning. This
to focusing on planning rather than
There is a shift towards fixed fees – you
clients in the UK.
For this article, I will call us ‘advisers’.
second fee for implementing any changes.
The pinstripe salesmen are out;
Qualifications
Fixed fees seem to be more transparent
here to stay.
financial adviser, I completed a
change happen industry-wide.
Oliver McDonald
took nine months, and I passed with no
Independent vs. Restricted
DipFA PETR CeMAP CeRER
Our regulators have introduced further
until the cows come home. I won’t sit
+44 (0) 7545 522150
financial adviser. I genuinely believe this
Unit 5, English Business Park, English
income. It is one of the most critical
Whatever we call ourselves, a move products is good news for our clients.
When I first studied to become a Certificate for Financial Advisers. It
pay for the advice initially, then perhaps a
and fairer, but it will take time to see this
advisers embracing technology and
ultimately means better outcomes for
professional financial planners are
Director
prior industry knowledge or experience.
Another subject that could be debated
+44 (0) 1273 076587
qualifications since then.
on the fence here – I am an independent
www.engagewm.co.uk
Nowadays, the industry standard is a
is the best style of advice.
Close, Hove BN3 7ET
take pride in their qualifications. Many
But we’ve seen a change with clients,
level, which I believe will become the
discussion often comes up. We see more
Diploma level qualification. But advisers advisers are continuing to chartered
too – when researching advice, this
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13
FI NAN C E
James Mallinson from Servo Private Wealth wins Wealth Manager of the Year at the 2022 Retirement Planning Awards James Mallinson, Director of Servo Private Wealth, based in Brighton and Haywards Heath, has been named the winner of the Wealth Manager of the Year (South East England) award at the 2022 Retirement Planning Awards, hosted by the Wealth and Finance Magazine. The Retirement
Finance
Planning Awards
aims to celebrate
the companies and
individuals that have
helped those young and old put their future into perspective.. The awarding body are fiercely passionate about recognising
outstanding achievement, game changing innovation and stellar performance and felt that James and Servo were most deserving of the accolade.
Upon winning the award, James
Mallinson, Director of Servo Private
Wealth, said: “I am delighted to have been recognised as one of the Top
Wealth Managers in the region by the
14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Wealth and Finance Magazine, and it
Awards Co-ordinator Victoria Cotton
the team and I have put in the last 12
business, we are proud to showcase
puts into perspective the hard work that
said: “When it comes to impeccable
months – so, thank you!’
James as he has excelled in the industry.
Servo Private Wealth is an Independent
2022 ahead.”
which specialises in working with
You can find out more about
The award showcases the talent and
servoprivatewealth.com
it offers its clients and is added to the
Servo Private Wealth Limited is an
Practice Award which the firm won in
Practice IFA Group Limited, which
Chartered Wealth Management practice Business Owners & their families.
expertise at Servo and the difference
We sincerely hope you enjoy the rest of
Servo Private Wealth here: www.
Most Innovative Wealth Management
appointed representative of Best
2021 at the Southern Enterprise Awards.
is authorised and regulated by the
Speaking on the success of James
Private Wealth Limited is entered on the
Mallinson at Servo Private Wealth,
Financial Conduct Authority. Servo
FCA register under reference 913631.
SBT
LEGA L
LEGAL
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CUSTOMERS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION BY 365 EMPLOYMENT LAW
SECTION 21 NOTICES AND THE QUEEN’S SPEECH 2022 BY MAYO WYNNE BAXTER
SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15
Employment Law: How to protect your customers and confidential information I am often approached
Legal
by employers in fear
of lost revenue, after a senior employee
has left, as customers
often follow those employees. The employer’s ability to protect their
customer base is often better if they have well drafted post termination
restrictions. Those restrictions must be reasonable to be enforceable. My task is often easier, if the employer comes to me with a contract that I (or even
another employment lawyer) has drafted. When I am approached by an employer
in these circumstances, they often have
16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
pre-conceived views of how the courts deal with these type of restrictions. Sometimes they have drafted the
restrictions themselves. The views are often polar opposite, with the stance
either being that covenants are never
enforceable, or that courts will always
enforce them. Neither position is correct. Contractual Covenants
The starting position in law is that restrictions are unenforceable, as
they restrict livelihood, but courts will enforce if they are reasonable and go
no further than is necessary. There are 4 main types of covenants that employers should consider, non-solicitation of
customers, non-solicitation of staff, non-competition, and confidential information protection.
Non-solicitation of Customers
This type of restriction is actually as it says, it stops an employee, for a
set period, from attempting to secure
business from the employer’s customers for a set period. If the set period is too long, it won’t be enforceable. Typically
6 to 12 months post employment are as long as would normally be reasonable, although there can be exceptions. Non-solicitation of Staff
This type of clause is similar to the
LEGA L from using the confidential information of the employer (eg customer and
price lists), from being taken and used. A comparable duty, the duty of good
faith, is implied into every contract of
employment. If an employee, either in breach of any contractual or implied duty, takes and uses confidential
information, then they can be stopped by the employer from using that
information, by way of an injunction, and the employer may also have a claim in damages for losses.
I am often asked which clauses are
enforceable, and which are not, and
there is no real definitive rules, but there are patterns:
Alex Jones
1) A restriction on non-solicitation for
employees will rarely be enforceable if longer than 12 months;
2) The same is true of other employees; 3) For both of these, a back date is crucial eg no solicitation for 12
months for any customers that they
have had personal dealings in the 12 months prior to departure;
4) Non-compete clauses in the digital world are becoming increasingly harder to enforce. If you have a geographical area, how do you customer one. If an employee leaves,
define that? Unless the customers
them/their new employer for a set period
the company has limited national or
normal length of time.
compete will only really be a deterrent;
they cannot recruit staff to work for
are all very local eg a hairdresser, or
of time. 6 to 12 months would be the
regional competition, then a non-
5) It is always easier to bring proceedings,
Non-Competition
or persuade an employees new
as for a set period of time, the employee
enforceable covenants;
These clauses are the most controversial, is prevented from competing in their
employer to settle a claim if there are
industry, within a set geographical area.
All is not lost if there are no covenants,
defined, or the employee is senior and/
unenforceable, as the implied duty
be enforceable.
employment contract. If an employee,
Confidential Information
future employment ie give themselves/
enforceable, as it stops an employee
start, that they wouldn’t have got
For that reason, unless they are very
or some of the covenants are
or in a niche industry they are unlikely to
of good faith is present in every
This type of clause is almost always
in the open marketplace, then that is actionable. This usually involves
either the taking of customer lists, or
the soliciting of customers whilst still employed. Any employer taking new employees on, should always make
clear that such theft is unacceptable.
If you are an employer, who now has a percentage of your workforce remote
or hybrid working, you should be even
more alive to the potential for the theft of confidential information, and the losses it can cause you.
Employers should also always be alert
to any issues involving departing staff,
and always take proactive advice in how to deal with these issues. Alex Jones
365 Employment Law Solicitors Tel: 01903 863284
ajones@365employmentlaw.co.uk www.365employmentlaw.co.uk
uses their position to springboard their their new employer, an unlawful head
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17
L EGAL
Section 21 notices and the Queen’s Speech 2022
It is estimated that there are some 4.4 million households privately renting in England and that one fifth of renters did not end their last tenancy by choice. Currently when the
Legal
term of an assured shorthold tenancy
comes to an end a landlord can serve
notice on their tenant to move out of the
property with a minimum of two months’ notice. If the tenant fails to leave on
expiry of the notice the landlord can
commence court proceedings seeking an order requiring the tenant to vacate the property and face eviction, should they not leave.
Organisations such as Shelter have
been pushing for greater security in the private rented sector for many years
•A lter and strengthen the grounds on
which a landlord can rely when faced
tenant organisations and landlord organisations alike, it waits to be
with repeated incidences of rent arrears.
seen how long it will take for the
accept poor conditions in a property
behaviour so that landlords are able
Paper and for the Bill to be provided.
with a Section 21 notice if an issue
when appropriate.
Paper setting out more detail on
to provide more security for tenants
to enable disputes to be settled quickly,
expected ‘shortly’.
intention to provide tenants will more
The Ombudsman will cover all private
For the time being a landlord is still
In addition, the Government aims to
aim to ensure that when a complaint is
process to recover possession of their
and have said that many renters live in fear of eviction. Renters are known to because of the fear of being served
is raised. In order to combat this and
•R educe the notice period for anti-social to regain possession of their property •C reate a Private Renters’ Ombudsman
Government to publish the White
It has been announced that the White the proposed Renters Reform Bill is
the Government has announced its
at low cost, without going to court.
secure and higher quality housing.
landlords letting properties with the
able to use the Section 21 notice
made, landlords take action.
property, however, it is highly likely that
market that is fairer and more effective
landlords understand their obligations
of their property on a no-fault basis will
As part of the Queen’s Speech 2022, the
•S et out a legally binding Decent Homes
halve the number of non-decent rented properties by 2030 and create a rental for tenants and landlords.
Government announced that it intended it to introduce a ‘Renters Reform Bill’.
The main proposals to be included in the
• I ntroduce a property portal to help
and give tenants information to hold their landlord to account.
a landlord’s right to regain possession be removed.
We are able to assist a landlord from
Standard with the intention to give
service of a Section 21 notice through
value housing.
and offer a fixed fee scheme. We can also
tenants safer, better quality and better
Bill are to:
The proposal for a Renters Reform Bill
• Stop ‘no-fault’ evictions by removing
change’ in the protection for tenants
the court procedure and to the eviction
assist where rent arrears are outstanding. For further information, please visit
was first announced in 2019 as ‘step
www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk.
section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. It
and hailed as the biggest change
By Paul Rooke, Associate Solicitor
for tenants and allow them to challenge
generation. Whilst the announcement
retaliatory eviction.
met with guarded approval from
is hoped that this will provide security
to the private rented sector for a
their landlord without the fear of a
in the Queen’s Speech has been
18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT SALES & MARKETING
FIVE REASONS WHY DEALERS LOVE WORKING WITH 67 DEGREES BY 67 DEGREES
SBT SALES & MARKETING SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19
SA L E S & MARK E T I N G
Five reasons why dealers love working with 67 Degrees
Are you a car dealer that’s fallen out of love with your website provider? Then let 67 Degrees help! Experience award-winning websites created by an award-winning automotive agency, for a match made in heaven. Based at Brighton
Sales & Marketing
City Airport in
Shoreham-by-Sea,
67 Degrees is a team of experienced,
dedicated and like-minded
professionals. Together the team develops innovative websites,
e-commerce solutions, and provides
creative marketing services exclusively within the automotive industry.
Whether you are an independent or
prestige dealership, a car supermarket,
20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
or a franchise group, then put your
seatbelts on as 67 Degrees is here to
shake things up… Think of them as the Robin to your Batman, the Chewbacca to your Han Solo, the Rodney to your
Del Boy; basically, they’re the best sidekick you’ll ever have!
Here are just five reasons why you’ll love working with the team at 67 Degrees…
1. Implementing innovative technology We all love a bit of tech, but where
do you start when it comes to finding
the right products for you and your dealership? Well, look no further
than 67 Degrees! Working exclusively within the automotive industry, they
are experts in offering the best online marketing solutions possible.
In fact, the agency has developed
its very own ecommerce products for your customers. Their buying
habits have changed, now it’s time to change yours too! Get ahead of the
competition with a two-step reserve online or full end-to-end solution
SAL ES & MARKE TI NG
just be a number.
The team takes great
pride in cultivating and managing every single one of their customer
relationships, to ensure
they get the best out of a partnership.
designed to totally transform your customers buying journey.
2. Providing outstanding customer service
Like you, 67 Degrees want success
and won’t settle for anything less. Not
only do they aim to achieve outstanding results for you and your dealership,
but also match that with outstanding customer service too - it’s the 67 Degrees way.
When it comes to putting customers first, 67 Degrees is pretty confident
they’ve smashed it. But don’t just take
their word for it; check out over 50 fivestar reviews the company has received on Google from its customers - you’ll be wondering why it’s taken you so long to get in touch!
3. Visits to your dealership
As a 67 Degrees customer, you’ll never
Unlike some other
automotive agencies,
you’ll never feel ghosted. They make every effort to put your website and
marketing first, which is why they go
5. Brownies on your birthday!
Sounds too good to be true? Think
again! If you can’t enjoy the best-ever brownies on your birthday, then when can you?! 67 Degrees believe it’s the
little things that go a long way when it comes to showing people you care.
That’s why the team always makes sure you receive a box of brownies on your birthday each year, just to remind you that they’re always there. That’s their pinky promise!
out of their way to visit you and your
Get in touch with the team
you may be based!
At 67 Degrees it’s your website, your
dealership - no matter where in the UK
4. A dedicated dealer WhatsApp group Nobody wants to deal with a faceless
company, which is why at 67 Degrees,
they do things differently. You’ll not only receive support from your very own
Account Manager, they will also set up a dedicated WhatsApp group for your
dealership too. We all love a good chat, so it’s the best way to make sure you get heard - loud and clear!
Every member of the team working on
your account gets added to the group, so you’ll have the right expertise and
advice you need at the other end of the phone. What’s not to love about that?!
way. That idea in your head, let 67
Degrees make it a reality - they can
make your dream website come to life! Head over to 67degrees.co.uk to find out how they’re driving businesses beyond the forecourt.
As an all-in-one automotive marketing
agency, the team is ready to transform your online presence, so get ready to
connect! Why not slide into their DM’s on social media, pop them an email
to info@67degrees.co.uk, or pick up
the phone and give the team a call on
01273 007 855 to find out why they’re the perfect website partner for your car dealership.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21
22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT COVER STORY
MAYO WYNNE BAXTER AMPS UP EXPANSION PLANS WE FIND OUT MORE...
SBT COVER STORY SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23
MWB and Ampa members met up in Brighton
Mayo Wynne Baxter amps up expansion plans
Founded 150 years ago in Lewes, Mayo Wynne Baxter is a leading law firm for life and business in the South East. Steeped in history,
Cover Story
the firm was
originally founded by Wynne Edwin
Baxter; who was not
only a successful lawyer but also the
first mayor of Lewes, and the coroner who famously carried out inquests into three recognised victim cases
of Jack the Ripper in 1888. He also investigated the deaths of Joseph Merrick (known as the ‘Elephant
24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Man’), German spies, First World War bombing fatalities, accidental deaths and murder victims.
Fast forward, and more than 15
mergers and acquisitions later, the
award-winning firm has seven hubs across Sussex, including Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne, Storrington,
Lewes, Seaford and East Grinstead, as well as ambitious plans to grow further into Kent and Surrey.
Despite being one of the oldest law firms in the region, the forward thinking firm
has remained progressive, with a culture of collaboration, transparency, equality and inclusion.
Ready for its next step, the 170 peoplestrong brand has officially merged with
national legal and professional services group Ampa, a union of brands that leaders of Mayo Wynne Baxter and Ampa confirm is a ‘win-win’.
COVE R STO RY
Ampa’s CEO Sarah Walker-Smith and MWB’s Dean Orgill
a great move for us and we have the full support of our people across the
business. There is a lot of consolidation in the legal market right now, but no
one else is offering what Ampa does. This is not a takeover, there are no
redundancies as a result, nor a big ‘payday’ for equity partners; it is a merger
of the purest kind, where we know that
the sum is greater than its parts and that With no money exchanging as part of the merger, Mayo Wynne Baxter will
remain a separate LLP, keeping its brand and independence, but adding more than 900 other experts across legal
disciplines and business operations to
increase the breadth and depth of what the firm can offer to its clients .
Ampa will benefit from Mayo Wynne
Baxter’s well-established presence in
a new region and growing client base.
The merger will take Ampa to a turnover above £100 million for 2022/23 and a group of more than 1,100 people.
Dean Orgill, chief executive partner
at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “This is
working together will make us stronger and enable bigger and faster growth. “Our move to join Ampa is part of a
wider strategy shared by the businesses for growth, collaboration and combined infrastructure, as well as shared values in terms of supporting clients and the
community. When we saw what Ampa
had planned, we were excited: merging was a case of ‘want to, not need to’.” While Mayo Wynne Baxter and Ampa
share clear commercial ambitions, the
starting point for the union was culture and values.
CEO of Ampa Sarah Walker-Smith said:
“The most important thing for our group
is culture, whether that be appointing
someone to work in our post room, right through to bringing on an entire new
entity. Having shared values and a desire to do business for good is absolutely critical and this is always our starting point in any discussion.
“So often in our industry large and
aggressive businesses will acquire firms only to destroy the very heart of that
brand and the reason they have loyal clients – we want to reverse that. At
Ampa we’d rather do ‘M without the A’; we strongly believe that it is possible to have a true merger with parties of
different sizes and we’ve done just that with Mayo Wynne Baxter.
“What we’re looking for is teams,
individuals and brands that will either join an existing brand to bolster their
offering, or – like in the case of Mayo
Wynne Baxter – maintain their brand and offer something different to the group; whether that be a unique location,
service offering, route to market or
a fiercely loyal client following. Our
approach means brands can ‘have
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25
C OVE R STORY
Ampa’s CMPO-Ben Buckton and CE0 Sarah Walker-Smith
their cake and eat it’ by benefiting from the economies of scale, bigger buying power, higher profile and access to a wider client base, while maintaining
their own personality, identity and what makes them special.”
Mayo Wynne Baxter will be Ampa’s
‘regional anchor brand’ for the South East, meanwhile full service law firm
Shakespeare Martineau is the group’s
‘regional anchor brand’ for the Midlands and London.
As part of the merger, Mayo Wynne
Baxter’s personal injury and clinical negligence teams will join Ampa’s
existing national consumer-focussed law brand Lime Solicitors, with full
continuity of service for clients, adding around £1.2 million additional turnover to Lime Solicitors.
Other brands in the group include
cyber security company CSS Assure, uninsured loss recovery experts
Corclaim and planning consultancy Marrons Planning. In 2021, the
London team of clinical negligence
26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Dean Orgill and Sarah Walker-Smith
and personal injury solicitors Hudgells moved into Ampa’s consumer
champion law firm Lime Solicitors. Gearing up for growth
Currently Mayo Wynne Baxter supports clients across property, corporate and
commercial law, employment, litigation, international, private client and family
law. The firm’s long-standing reputation has been built on providing exceptional service, achieved by employing outstanding people.
In the next 12 months and beyond
Mayo Wynne Baxter is looking to grow its expertise in its long-established services such as private client,
property, specialist litigation and rural
affairs, while also increasing the team’s strength and depth in commercial advice and transactions.
With plans to grow by more than 35
people in the next two years, the firm
is also open to ‘bolt-ons’ as part of its growth strategy.
Dean said: “We are recruiting proactively
across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. We are also looking for like-minded teams or
smaller firms in our locality - and into Kent and Surrey - who share our culture and
values to join our brand and help us drive
growth and development of our business, provide better service to our clients and
importantly provide new people and teams with the resources they need to flourish.
Being part of Ampa enables us to increase the pace of this programme.”
Mostly servicing SMEs and high net
worth individuals, Mayo Wynne Baxter’s
new capabilities and access to additional professionals will enable the firm to
service larger clients across the South East and beyond. Not forgetting small
businesses, start-ups and families with a tighter budget, Mayo Wynne Baxter is also looking to expand LawEasier; its online platform that offers one-off consumer purchases and business
subscription services for bespoke letters and legal documents that don’t require extensive expert advice. Group-first mentality
Ampa takes a ‘group-first’ mentality and
COVE R STO RY
MWB marketing team assist Ampa events team
as a result, while individuals will work
for and represent their specific brands,
equity members sit at a group level and no brand is ‘more important’ than the other, regardless of size.
Sarah explained: “The benefit of a portfolio, ‘house of brands’ approach helps mitigate risk for those businesses, brands, and
people that join us; having a wider sector and service offering means we’ll be in a
better position to weather future economic
shifts and enable individual brands to focus on what they do best without limiting the broader group’s growth trajectory.
“When one brand succeeds, we all succeed.”
Mayo Wynne Baxter’s equity partners
have merged into Ampa’s membership
and Dean Orgill will now sit on the Ampa group board while also working with
the firm’s partners to steer the growth of Mayo Wynne Baxter as a regional anchor brand for the group.
Changing business for good
with all registered office hubs using
in Ampa also pledge commitments to
increasing the use of sustainably
As well as commercial success, brands
100% renewable energy as well as
service not just clients and its people, but
sourced or recycled office supplies
also the community and environment.
and furniture.
As B Corporation pending, brands
Sarah added: “Achieving B Corp status
to consider the impact of business
to us; it’s not a box-tick exercise, but
suppliers, communities and the
by enshrining our people, client and
across the group are legally required
is something that’s really important
decisions on their people, customers,
a reflection of how we do business
environment; ensuring a balance
community commitments at our core.
between purpose, people and profit.
“We believe good business can be both
Working together, the brands have
purposeful and profitable and we want
pledges including increasing female
only do we provide excellent service and
committed to 30 responsible business
our clients to be confident that we not
representation within the membership
advice, but that we do it responsibly.
per cent (currently 33%) and racial
“Our ambitions provide us with targets to
as well as supporting teams by training
about both what we want to achieve and
(those with equity in the group) by five diversity by two per cent (currently 8%),
challenge ourselves on, while being open
100% of managers in wellbeing.
how we are going to do it. We have a lot
To support the environment, the group
is it the right thing to do for our people,
looks to be carbon negative by 2030,
to do over the coming years, but not only our clients, our communities and our
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27
C OVE R STORY
planet – it is also the commercial thing to do for our business.”
Community also plays a key role, with the group dedicating 10,000 hours of volunteering by the end of 2022. Dean said: “We may be part of a national group, but our local
community remains paramount. The
relationships that we have built across the business community and with
local families that we have supported with legal advice will only become
stronger. We will also continue to play
our part in our local communities from
continuing our support with Brighton &
Hove Albion to lending our expertise to all manner of charities and community projects within our areas.”
Commitment to doing business ‘for
good’ goes even further, as the group
has also been listed in Best Companies
28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
2021 as ‘outstanding’ and in the top 20 law firms, top 100 Midlands and
top 75 large London businesses. Voted anonymously by teams across the
group, Mayo Wynne Baxter’s people
will also contribute towards the group’s ranking from 2023. A ‘win-win’
Sarah said: “We launched our ‘house
of brands’ strategy in 2020, following a full management restructure earlier
in the year and despite the pandemic remained steadfast in our strategy and direction of travel. We don’t
intend to have hundreds of brands in a huge confederation of businesses
but maybe five or six regional anchor
brands and further national specialist brands, with a joined-up strategy of how to go to market.
“Our commitment and investments in
technology and our people are starting
to pay dividends. We are back to organic growth and our financial results in 21/22
reflect that. Mayo Wynne Baxter will only add to that in our results next year and so it’s an exciting future for us all.”
Dean said: “Our clients and people
remain our top priorities and all our commercial decisions are made
with them front of mind. This merger
benefits our people because it provides greater opportunity for growth and
development and Ampa’s values ensure
a positive work culture that matches our own. Our clients benefit from access to a huge number of experts across new services and specialisms, including legal and non-legal.”
All Ampa brands are recruiting lateral hires and teams, and the group is
proactively looking for like-minded businesses to join the group.
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES
THE HIDDEN VALUE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BY BIPC SUSSEX
SBT START UPS & ENTRPRENEURES SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29
The Hidden Value of Intellectual Property How to identify intellectual property (IP), understand what type(s) your new business has – and know what to do with it. At the Business &
New Business
IP Centre (BIPC)
Sussex, we work with many start-
ups around their
intellectual property (IP). We’d be lying if we said every start-up who walked through our doors understood the
‘why’, the ‘when’, or even the ‘what’
of IP beyond having ‘something to do with information.’
30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
It’s our mission to help start-ups and
growing businesses understand what
IP is, what IP their company has, and how to finance or protect it. So, let’s get to grips with the basics here.
The Intellectual Property office (IPO) is the official UK government body responsible for IP rights including
patents, designs, trade marks and
copyright. Internationally, regulations
vary so head to the World Intellectual
Property Office (WIPO) for clarity when thinking about your IP abroad.
So what is IP? How do new businesses recognise their IP? What do they need to do once they know they have IP?
Can they register it, protect it and even monetise it?
Each type of IP has different regulations,
START UP AN D EN T R P R E N E U RE S
Van Halen, guitar legend, received US patent No. 4,656,917
titled “Musical instrument support,” issued on April 14, 1987 expiry deadlines and costs involved but
Different types of Intellectual Property:
mind, such as inventions; literary and
Copyright
fundamentally it refers to creations of the artistic works; designs; and symbols,
names and images used in commerce.
IP is a protectable, physical idea which
is an asset of your company if you ever
sold it. Plus, IP itself can be licensed or
sold, bringing in revenue and working to increase the bottom line.
By ‘physical idea’, this means
someone cannot simply call the IPO and saying they’ve thought up a
continuous motion machine – the IPO
will ask for diagrams, descriptions and details in order to register it.
The odd one out, and yet the most
common type of IP as it is free and
automatically attributed when someone creates something artistic (drawings, paintings, music, literature, films,
broadcasts and so on). Copyright is
too daily occurring to be registerable
like the other types of IP - if you were
to doodle something whilst reading this article, it would be copyrighted to you
as copyright is automatically assigned regardless of skill or artistic merit.
You may have spotted the problem
though – it’s so commonly occurring
that in this internet age, many people don’t know what the laws are, and infringe (use copyrighted works
without permission) with even realising
they’re doing it. Moreover, ignorance is not an excuse. Trade Marks
Arguably the most common type of
registered IP, trade marks (you may be more familiar with the terms brand or
logo) is the recognisable visual trading mark of your company and/or service/ product. To emphasise the power of
trade marks, you need only think of the golden arches, the big tick, the fruit
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31
Registered Designs
there can be no excuse for infringement.
company creates products,
diagrams, highly technical descriptive
of products. The shape,
in. It’s certainly worth ensuring you have
fabric of a handbag, the
check over your application!
chair, even 2D designs
To sum it all up, if you’re not sure about
avoid the chance of people
us, it has some) get in touch with BIPC
changing one detail then
permissible to register, how the registering
new, it is common for
and conduct a ‘prior art search’ with you if
Only applying if your
Expect requirements for detailed
this is all about the aesthetics
text, and a long list of classes to register
texture, colour, size and
a patent attorney (solicitor) handy to
curves, aesthetics of a
with the bite taken out of it to realise
like registered patterns. To
the IP your business holds (and believe
studying their design,
Sussex. We can help you identify what is
registering it as something
process works, how to speed it along,
registered designs to come
necessary. We can also show you tools to
with a small number of
how strong trade marks can be. And
variations on the design, so that the
a text, colour scheme, image but a
be registered and protected, making
estimate the value of your company’s IP,
and how to identify it, protect it, and what
these can include not only a piece
main design and the variations will all
to do if an infringement does occur.
jingle, company character or mascot
imitation harder.
When it comes to helping you identify IP
smoking jacket, anyone?).
Patents
we’re here with free advice and support.
Do not underestimate the power of trade
the most expensive and longest process
trade mark will be a financial asset of your
something new and original functions.
brands can be a mark of reputation, trust,
specific (which makes sense, as they
loyalty can have value.
application must be clearly defined so
(desert dwelling mammal in a red velvet
Ah, inventions! Registering a patent is
marks. If you ever sell your company, its
of them all. Patents are all about how
company, not just a pretty picture. After all,
The application forms are incredibly
and reliability for customers. That kind of
have to protect your invention). The
32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and finding out how it can work for you, Visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/bipc or email bipc@brighton-hove.gov.uk
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
TECH
A CONVERSATION WITH LACË-CHANTELLE ROGERS LEAD DATA SPECIALIST IN ADVANCED ANALYTICS AT SILICON BRIGHTON
SBT TECH SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33
TEC H
A Conversation with Lacë-Chantelle Rogers, Lead Data Specialist in Advanced Analytics Brighton Cloud is a friendly and inclusive group developed by Silicon Brighton - here to build a network and a community among Cloud professionals. Open to all passionate
Tech
technologists,
engineers, digital professionals,
entrepreneurs,
graduates - and anyone who’s interested in how cloud computing is changing the fabric of IT systems - Brighton Cloud meets up regularly to discuss topics across all aspects of Cloud usage.
The Silicon Brighton team caught up with one of the organisers, Lacë-Chantelle
Rogers (Lead Data Specialist in Advanced Analytics at local analytics consultancy Measurelab), to learn how she got into the world of Cloud, her predictions for
the future of the technology, what advice she can offer those looking to enter the industry or migrate their business to Cloud, and more.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do?
34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
I’m a data engineer and scientist
working in digital marketing and an allaround cloud obsessive. I’m currently heading up an Advanced Analytics
function and team at a consultancy in Lewes, working on anything data and Google Cloud Platform.
My work varies greatly from day to day, which I love, including training and
developing colleagues and clients, and product and business development.
This is alongside still being an active programmer in what is an everchanging environment.
Outside of work, I spend a lot of my time studying programming as it’s something
I have a passion for and have a lot of fun with, alongside gym and hiking.
me really reflect on what I wanted to do and pushed me to take more risks and challenges. So I decided to leave my very secure role and the team I loved
to work with at Lloyds and went to an 8 person start-up in mobile gaming.
I got asked many times whether this
was the right move, especially with BI
[business intelligence] in the app industry being very much in its infancy at this
point, with startups going bust all the
time. I also had almost zero experience
in gaming or apps, but the director took a punt on me, and I’ve never looked
back. The industry went from strength to strength, and I feel incredibly honoured
to see the evolution of data analytics and science in the mobile app industry over the past 7 years.
Tell us about a moment that helped
What piece of advice would you give
In 2014 I lost my mother, which made
Take risks. Remember that even if
define your career…
your younger self?
TECH terminology, and the term cloud put
estimated spend. I can say from a GCP
yourself, and have fun. It’s ok for
people are shocked at how low the price
experienced you are - errors happen.
and storage.
resource; learn bit by bit about the
What are your other big tech
you off. Set up a small project for
(Google Cloud Platform) price, often
things to go wrong, and however
actually is compared to on-prem servers
You don’t need to know every
Lacë-Chantelle Rogers
tools you find interesting.
predictions for 2022?
Blogs like Medium are your best friends
change on everyone’s lips is Google
share and support people. One of the
with Firebase in apps, I predict that
you don’t need to remember everything.
scratched the surface of their data will
your best friends.
data-driven organisations because of
Do you have any predictions for the
organisations already working with the
Being in digital marketing, the big
in learning. The community loves to
Analytics 4. From my experience
biggest words of advice I can give is that
companies who have historically only
Google, GitHub and learning sites are
be able to accelerate towards being
future of Cloud? How is it changing the fabric of IT systems?
you are not the expert in the field, you
In time, I believe cloud tools will
experienced they are. And learning is a
and more accessible for users without
the free GA4 dataset. And for those
cloud, I predict much greater adoption of automation using Cloud tools,
meaning we programmers get to do
can support others’ growth however
continue to develop and become more
more of the fun stuff.
journey rather than an objective.
significant upskilling. I also very much
And finally, Silicon Brighton wouldn’t
Can you explain the difference
using the best elements of each platform
back to the community, so… what does
believe in the hybrid data stack, in that
be here without people like you giving
between Cloud (computing
to build an enhanced environment.
the word community mean to you?
infrastructure?
Working with data, I also see more
build from the newest user to the most
accessing data and tools alongside the
science and engineering to build a
a voice to share and develop.
and storage. This includes accessibility
usage standards.
Supporting people from diverse
ability for people to pick up a broader role
Do you have any advice for businesses
part of the community for me, both
and storage) and traditional IT For me, it’s removing the boundaries to
legislation around cloud-based data
centralisation of resources such as data
structure around data management and
from remote locations, alongside the
For me, it’s the support network we
experienced, allowing everyone to have
backgrounds is a particularly important
due to the ease of use of these tools.
looking to switch to Cloud?
Cloud-based tech has been tested
what you’re likely to do with the tools;
where we have been working with
speciality. Set clear goals in mind and
to build networks alongside supporting
located around the UK. Additionally,
always advise making sure you continue
they can enter the industry. And most
growth, in part because of the power
hardware and software applications
passionate and like-minded people who
vast array of tools available.
migrated. Even down to storing CSVs
people along for the journey.
being a woman in tech and someone
Work out what you really need and
who grew up in a children’s home.
and proven during the Covid epidemic,
each of the cloud stacks has its own
These communities are a great place
multiple clients in a team which is
gradually develop the usage of tools. I
growth for those who may not feel
it has facilitated an escalation in skill
to review what on-prem [on-premises:
of all, it’s just great to meet so many
and speed of data processing and the
that are hosted on-site] tools can be
really care about what they do and bring
Do you have any advice for people
and storage, the cloud has tools.
wanting to start a career in Cloud, or
One of the other significant
Don’t let the documentation,
platforms has calculators to work out
looking to develop their Cloud career?
considerations is cost. Each of the major
To join Silicon Brighton, Brighton Cloud and other local tech communities, visit siliconbrighton.com.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35
36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT
COVER FE ATU RE
GOOD BUSINESS
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR DIGITAL CARBON FOOTPRINT BY REBECCA KIMBER
SBT GOOD BUSINESS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37
How To Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint
When it comes to environmental issues we’re swamped with news about plastic pollution, aviation emissions and cutting back on meat and dairy. The latest Netflix series you’re watching, or the email you just cc’d to colleagues is likely not on your radar as something contributing to the climate crisis. That’s probably
Good Business
because we rarely
see what happens
behind the scenes
to make the internet
work and we’ve coined terms like
“surfing the web”, “the cloud” and “cyberspace” to manifest it.
The ephemeral sounding “cloud”
is actually an estimated 100 million
servers powering the internet. They
exist in power hungry buildings requiring constant air-conditioned temperatures and enormous amounts of energy to
run 24/7. Most of this power currently comes from fossil fuels.
One of the largest data centres in the world is in Reno, Nevada, USA. It is
38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
a 1.3 million square feet warehouse
complex filled with powerful machinery. It’s also not particularly unusual in its
size with other data centres around 1 million square feet too.
You’ll probably be surprised if I tell you that the annual carbon emissions of
our internet activity and infrastructure
surpassed that of the aviation industry
back in 2018 and it’s growing every day. It’s equivalent to driving all 31 million
cars in the UK all the way around the planet each year.
With the recent IPCC report detailing
that global emissions for 2021 actually surpassed previous years and hit new records, it’s clear that things are not happening in the right direction fast
enough and more changes to our
individual actions and those of our organisations are needed to help.
Whilst there are plenty of reasons why we need changes at government level
to push faster improvements, there are
also lots of actions we can take to have a more positive impact and move the
needle. After all, it is our behaviour that is often responsible in the end and, if
enough of us make small changes, we can move the needle.
I write this from a position where
purpose, planet and people are integral to our decision making processes and the actions that we take at Create.
You might think it’s a bit strange that I, a person who has built a company
GOOD BUS I N E S S
that provides websites and hosting
to small business owners, is drawing
attention to the issue, but we all need
to be more aware of how we can apply pressure on each of our industries to become greener.
As we all wake up to our environmental impact as individuals and businesses,
there are actually lots of opportunities on the horizon to be ahead of coming legislation, supplier reporting and
the eventual carbon taxes. It is good business, but it is also good for business too.
There is a lot of talk around net zero
and carbon neutrality at the moment
and lots of advice on how a business
should measure and approach this. My aim in this article is to give you some
simple practical steps you can take to
reduce your digital emissions within your business. The more you reduce, the less there is to measure and actually a lot of it is common sense.
Reviewing The Digital Services You Use We all use a lot of online tools these days for the work we do and these
services will all be creating emissions.
Whether it’s your accounting software, email marketing suite or social sharing
tools, investigating what they are doing to limit their environmental impact is a good place to start. The key area
here is understanding their own plans to reach net zero and reduce their
emissions as this plays into reducing those of your business.
At Create we have a spreadsheet of all
the services we pay for (including digital ones) and keep track of their progress.
There have been some opportunities to
switch to greener providers and moving forwards we include this criteria in our
purchasing decisions. There is also a big opportunity for us all to start asking our
providers what they are doing about this in their organisations so that it gets on more business agendas. Greening Your Website
While we’re on the subject of
providers, a relatively easy action is to switch to a website host running on renewable energy. Doing so will
dramatically cut the emissions your business is responsible for in this
area. Plus there’s a good selection of
hosts around using renewable energy
or REGO credits to ensure the power being used is from green sources. If you’re not sure if your host is
sustainable you can quickly check it by
using our Website Eco-Checker (https://
www.create.net/eco-checker) and if your host isn’t making commitments in this area consider moving providers.
Another big opportunity on your
website will be optimising it for speed. This is done by using images that
are the correct size and have been
optimised, by looking at third party
plug-ins (which can often be power
intensive) and by being considerate
about video use and not auto playing multimedia. Depending on how your
website has been built there could also be potential code improvements or upgrades that can speed it up.
Optimising is important because a big portion of the emissions your website emits will be being generated by your visitors using it. These emissions will
be through the data transfer across the internet to get to your visitor, and also if the visitor themselves is not using renewable energy. That means any
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39
GOOD B US I N E S S deleted items folder
As a rule of thumb the bigger the piece
inbox for emails with
been created during its production.
don’t need any more
average annual footprint and is good
a priority. As you’re
When you do need to replace, choose
unsubscribing from
better for the planet and save money
regularly. Search your
of tech the more emissions will have
large attachments you
Keeping it in use longer reduces your
and delete those as
for the accounting bottom line too.
deleting, consider
more energy efficient models to be
newsletters that aren’t
on energy bills too.
using an online email
Embedding Organisational Change
inbox stored in the
behaviours help to reduce our own
fossil fuels and is being
in encouraging this across teams and
between devices too.
a Green Champion or Champions can
Whilst we’re on the
about this area.
are times when sending
There will be many actions that can
the environment. If you
your company’s carbon footprint,
relevant too. If you’re service then all your
Whilst these changes to our
cloud could be burning
carbon footprints the biggest win is
synced back and forth
within our organisations. The creation of
subject though, there Rebecca Kimber
optimisations you can make will reduce
the power the site is using and the data transferred to visitors. This means less emissions overall.
Plus optimising is likely to give your SEO rankings a boost as loading speed is
one of Google’s ranking factors. Which can be a big win for a business.
Look At What You Create And Store
Email is another area where it’s easy for us all to take action. Estimated email emissions vary from 0.3g for a very short email, to 50g if you add a big
attachment. More if you CC in lots of
colleagues. These may be individually small but as we all send so many we can make a collective difference. If
everyone in the UK sent one less email each day we would save over 16,000 tonnes of carbon a year.
One of the easiest actions you can
take is to delete old unneeded emails, clear a few each day and empty the
40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
be an excellent way to start thinking
an email is better for
be taken when you start to dig into
tend to post letters and
generally these also have an
documents, consider
if digital could do the job instead?
Substantially less emissions would be created.
associated energy or resource saving, as well as importantly helping to fight climate change.
Rebecca Kimber
The same tactics apply to files you
www.create.net
Google Drive and Dropbox. If clients
www.create.net/eco-checker
when you’ve completed the work for
About Rebecca Kimber
really easy to start deleting emails,
online marketing with over 20 years’
When you think about what you really
Rebecca is passionate about having a
productive environment to work in and
been making changes to Create over
store in online services like Sharepoint, send logos and images, delete them
Eco checker tool
them. It might be a slow burn, but it’s
Rebecca is an expert on websites and
documents, photos, graphics and more.
experience in the digital industry.
need to keep you’ll end up with a more
positive impact on the planet and has
after all who doesn’t want to achieve
the last few years to reduce its
that elusive inbox zero?
carbon footprint.
Keep Your Tech Longer
With a focus on enabling small business
from the production of the equipment
own websites, Create’s carbon-neutral
the emissions of making and delivering
efficient technologies means that you
Macbook is around 326 kg CO2.
planet and great for business too.
There are the embodied carbon emissions
owners to design and manage their
that we buy to do our work. Apple claims
hosting and investments into energy
the iPhone 11 are 63 kg and a 13 inch
can have a website that’s better for the
SBT
CHA RITY
CHARITY
THE FIRST ROCKINGHORSE RYDER CUP RIVALS THE REAL THING! ORGANISED BY TWO LONG-TERM ROCKINGHORSE SUPPORTERS
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK ROCKINGHORSE SUPPORTS YOUNG PEOPLE DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
CHOSEN CHARITY PARTNER:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41
The first Rockinghorse Ryder Cup rivals the real thing! The very first Rockinghorse Ryder Cup, organised by two long-term Rockinghorse supporters, is a wonderful success.
Charity
You’ve all heard
and was aimed at bringing together two
the biennial golf
raise money for Rockinghorse.
of the Ryder Cup, competition between Europe and the
United States, but this year saw the
inaugural Rockinghorse Ryder Cup.
And whilst it may not have been quite
so well publicised as its namesake, the competition was no less fierce!
The event was organised by two of
our long-term supporters, Gavin Willis, founder of Search Seven, and Sam
Thomas, Managing Director of Firmballs,
42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
teams of golfers to have some fun and
So, over two days earlier this month, two teams of 16 players arrived at the East
Sussex National resort in Uckfield ready for some high stakes play.
And despite 45mph winds on the first day, both the yellow and blue teams had a great time. Gavin said: “You
couldn’t have written day one. When
the scores came in from the groups, the momentum swings between the yellow
and blue teams were crazy, but it ended 8 v 8 on points which was brilliant,
setting it up nicely for the final day. “In the captain’s match up, I got the better of Sam to get the first yellow point up on
the board for team yellow, and there were some incredible match ups in the other
groups, with one pairing shaking hands
on the 18th tee to call it a draw rather than competing the final hole.”
After the first day the teams enjoyed a lovely evening meal, accompanied
by Donna Holland and Janella Merritt
CHA RITY
from Rockinghorse who came along
to support the event and thank all the players for taking part.
During the evening players were also
able to take part in a raffle to win some great prizes including afternoon tea at
the Ivy, dinner for two at Malmaison and tickets for Brighton and Hove Albion’s final home match of the season.
There was also an auction to win a year’s pass to Lingfield Park Racecourse,
scooped up by Paige Collins, the event’s main sponsor.
Paige said: “Sometimes being involved
in a charity event becomes an inspiration and when I was asked by Sam whether Warren House Accountants (WHA) would be the sponsor of the two-
day Ryder Cup style event, I had no
hesitation in saying yes, and what a
the final winners were the yellow team,
great event it was.
headed up by Gavin.
“Organising a one-day event is a challenge
Gavin said: “The inaugural Rockinghorse
generosity of Gav and Sam’s connections
We went over our target on players and
days. We were all so pleased when they
absolutely delighted. It was a great two
some £3,500 for the event! And what a
able to team up with Sam and support
but over two days, well! But such is the
Ryder Cup event was a great success.
that 32 players signed up to play over two
on what we hoped to raise, so I am
counted the money raised and it came to
days, and always a real privilege to be
great start to Sam’s challenge of raising
Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, which
£10,000 for Rockinghorse.
is so close to us both.
“A big thank you to Sam and Gav
“We’re both feeling very proud to put on
raise such a wonderful amount for the
we’re already looking forward to doing it
and everyone that took part to help
this event and for it to go so well and
Rockinghorse Children’s Charity. We are
all again next year!”
all now looking forward to 2023.”
Perhaps you might like to organise your
And after another tense day on the
own golf day in support of Rockinghorse?
a close run between the two teams,
click here to find out more.
course, and despite it continuing to be
We have all the information you need, just
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43
C HA RI T Y
Rob Hinds
Rockinghorse Children’s Charity supports young people during Mental Health Awareness Week Rockinghorse fundraising for projects supporting the mental health of young people with chronic health conditions. Being diagnosed with
Charity
an illness like cancer
or diabetes as a child is a life-changing
experience. Not only
does it inevitably have an impact on their physical health but often the longer-
lasting impact on their mental health can be just as difficult to deal with.
In 2021, 9-year-old Venus Hinds from
Newhaven was diagnosed with an optic pathway glioma, a tumour situated
between the back of her eyes and the front of her brain, which has taken
away the vision in one eye. Treatment
involves Venus undergoing 85 weeks of chemotherapy in order to shrink, and hopefully remove, the tumour.
And understandably this treatment has
an enormous impact on Venus’s life; her
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experiences at school, her relationships with her friends and of course how she
manages her feelings around her illness. Venus’ dad Rob explains: “Since we found out about Venus’ diagnosis it
has really affected her mental health
as she’s missed quite a lot of time at
school, and she wasn’t with her friends. She also knew something was very
different in the house as we were being really cautious about how we talked about her illness around her.”
Finding a place where young people managing life-changing conditions
like this can talk about how they are feeling, meet people with similar
experiences and have some fun, can
really help. Which is why Rockinghorse
Children’s Charity is fundraising to help children like Venus.
Janella Merritt, Head of Fundraising at
Rockinghorse explains more: “Children who are poorly can often feel very
isolated from their peers. The inevitably have to spend time in hospital being treated which means they are away
from their friends and their normal life.
And even back at school they can feel
different because of what they are going
through. All of this can make living with a condition even harder for them.
“Our aim is to offer spaces where these children aren’t defined by their illness,
where they can meet other young people who are going through similar things and help them feel like their lives aren’t just defined by their illness.”
With their current ’55 for 55’ campaign, celebrating the charity’s 55th
Anniversary year, the charity is raising
CHA RITY
Venus Hinds
money for projects including art therapy sessions, sea swimming courses and
woodland wellbeing days which aim to address this issue.
In a site surrounded by nature, the
woodland wellbeing days offer children
the chance to play games, light fires and create art using the natural materials
around them. They are run by Charlotte Savins, psychotherapist at the Royal
Alexandra Children’s Hospital, and are offered to children at the hospital with long-term medical conditions.
The aim is that they help to build selfesteem, promote emotional resilience and give children a fun day out that helps build their confidence.
Charlotte said: “Children and young people with long term conditions
are more vulnerable to experiencing
mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem,
alongside feeling isolated. They are
having to manage above and beyond
what their peer group have to deal with, so these days are really important.” Rob heard about the Woodland
Wellbeing days from Young People vs
and things are much more stable. She
benefit from a day outside, away from
new activities that keep her busy when
Cancer, and he felt that Venus might
has been able to take up some other
the everyday issues that she and her
she must miss school including learning
family are dealing with.
Spanish and playing the flute.
But the experience led to a change
Rob added: “As parents, Michelle and
coming to a couple of sessions Venus’s
own stresses but it’s helpful that we
seemed to have more awareness and
effects that Venus experiences from her
and would refer to her diagnosis and
has things like the woodland wellbeing
that Rob wasn’t expecting: “After
I are still finding ways to manage our
language about her illness changed. She
know how to manage most of the side
understanding of what her situation was
treatment now. And it’s great that she
treatment in a less traumatized way.
days to help her and hope more people
“This really helped us all feel more
along to more of these woodland
will donate so she will be able to go
comfortable talking about what was
wellbeing days in the future.”
going through challenges, parents like
As Venus herself said: “The days are
that a diagnosis like this can have.
one who has an illness because you can
“And you never know exactly how your
and it’s really nice because you get to
going on because even though Venus is us are also going through the challenges
really nice if you feel like you’re the only meet other children who have them too
child is until they can accept their illness
make new friends.”
it, which is exactly what these sessions
If you would like to support Rockinghorse
absolutely amazing if we had found these
to their website at www.rockinghorse.
and start opening up and talking about helped her do. It would have been
to help more children like Venus, just go
sessions earlier on in her treatment.”
org.uk to find out more about the ’55 for 55’ campaign and donate.
Venus is now 63 weeks into her treatment
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45
46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT MOTORING NEWS
THE UK’S MOST COMMONLY ABANDONED CARS REVEALED BY RIVERVALE LEASING
RIVERVALE CARS LIMITED IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE... THE COMPLETION OF A MANAGEMENT BUYOUT AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHY THE BEST TIME TO GET AN ELECTRIC CAR IS RIGHT NOW AND WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST ON OFFER
SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47
MOTO RI N G N E WS
The UK’s Most Commonly Abandoned Cars Revealed Using FOI requests to 50 UK councils, Rivervale has investigated 21,106 vehicles reported abandoned during 2021 to find out the most common and where this is happening most frequently.
There are a number of
Motoring News
reasons a car might
be abandoned, from
it having been stolen and dumped to it
reaching a state where the owner can’t afford to shell out for repairs or towing
costs. According to the UK Government website - a car can, at their discretion, be considered abandoned if it meets any of the following criteria:
• There is no registered owner in the DVLA database and is untaxed
• It has been left stationary for a significant period
•T here are clear signs of damage i.e., missing components, flat tyres or broken windows
• It has been burned out
• There is no number plate
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The Ford Transit had the highest total
abandoned in 2021 followed closely by
The trusty Ford Transit topped the list of
The UK’s most commonly abandoned
abandoned vehicle reports in 2021
the Peugeot 206.
most commonly abandoned vehicles in
car brands
610 instances across the 50 council
Ford may be the UK’s fourth best-selling
that’s the equivalent of 12 of them being
by quite a wide margin when it comes to
2021 in terms of individual reports. With jurisdictions we sent FOI requests to,
car brand as of 2021 but it tops the charts
abandoned every week.
the amount reported abandoned by the
The Suzuki Vitara is the most
commonly abandoned car per licensed vehicles on the road
The Ford Transit may have the higher
councils in our study with 2,216 in total. The rest of the top three is rounded out by British mainstay Vauxhall in second
place with 1,508 reports and the current
UK best-selling brand Volkswagen in third
total number of abandonment reports,
with 1,149 abandoned across the year.
against the number of licensed models
Bradford had the most reported
most likely vehicle to be reported
our study
however, when looked at proportionately in the UK, the Suzuki Vitara was the
abandoned cars of the 50 councils in
MOTOR I NG N E WS sentence and an unlimited fine. How to report an abandoned car? If you live in England or Wales and
suspect a car has been abandoned, the
best place to go is the UK Government’s abandoned cars reporting page.
From here you’ll be directed to enter
your postcode and be given relevant
council website details where you can inform the proper authorities and they can investigate.
Looking for more automotive news, in-
depth features like our Global Supercar Study or great car leasing deals? Rivervale has you covered. Methodology
Using FOI requests to 50 UK councils,
Rivervale has investigated over 21,000 vehicles reported abandoned during 2021 to find out the most common and where this is happening most
frequently. To compare abandoned vehicles with the total amount of
vehicles on the road, the most recent Of the 50 councils we contacted and
7. Newham: 1,106
the information requested - Bradford
9. Portsmouth: 1,034
those that responded to provide us with in West Yorkshire reported the most
abandoned cars within their jurisdiction.
8. Southampton: 1,074 10. Sunderland: 876
They passed along a list totalling 3,561
What happens if you abandon a car
perspective, that’s the equivalent of 10
Abandoning a vehicle is a crime (Section 2
vehicles across 2021. To put this in cars abandoned per day.
Significantly lower than the top spot,
second and third place Milton Keynes
(1,869) and Barnet (1,846) were closer in
reported figures - with over 1,800 vehicles
reported abandoned in the space of a year - that’s around 150 per month. 1. Bradford: 3,561
2. Milton Keynes: 1,869 3. Barnet: 1,846
4. Sheffield: 1,746 5. Croydon: 1,548
6. Leicester: 1,434
in the UK?
of the Refuse Disposal Amenity Act 1978) and could land you with a £2,500 fine as well as three months of prison time.
If you abandon a vehicle, you’ll also be
liable for storage costs or disposal and can even be disqualified from driving. To top it off, once a vehicle has
come to the end of its useful life,
it can be classified as ‘hazardous waste’, so abandoning it could
mean you’re breaching Section 33
of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which has a maximum 5-year
DfT & DVLA figures were used at the time of research.
The councils we contacted include
Aberdeen, Allerdale, Ashfield, Barnet, Belfast, Blackburn, Bolton, Bradford, Brent, Brighton & Hove, Bristol,
Bromley, Cambridge, Cardiff, Croydon, Derby, Dundee, Ealing, Enfield, Exeter, Hull, Islington, Lambeth, Lancashire, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Luton,
Manchester, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Newcastle upon Tyne,
Newham, Norwich, Nottingham,
Peterborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke on
Trent, Sunderland, Swansea, Swindon, Wandsworth, Warrington, Wigan, Wolverhampton and York.
Looking for a new vehicle? Get in touch
on 01273 433480, or request a callback at a time that suits you.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49
MOTO RI N G N E WS
Why the Best Time to Get an Electric Car is Right Now
For years, car experts have been predicting the rise and dominance of electric vehicles, and it seems the time has finally arrived. There has never been a better time to switch from an internal combustion engine to a battery-powered car than right now! Electric cars have been
Motoring News
improving year on year, increasing their range while also coming
down in price. Now
EVs are among the best cars on the road
that money can buy, and many come with some advantages that petrol and diesel cars simply cannot compete with.
There are some significant reasons to make the change soon, too. The UK
Government has mandated a ban on
the sale of all petrol and diesel cars from 2030 onwards, and even hybrids will
face a ban from 2035. This means that sooner or later, we are all going to be driving electric vehicles.
What are the benefits of electric cars? The biggest benefit to driving an electric vehicle is environmental. These cars are powered by electricity stored in battery
packs in the vehicle, meaning they don’t burn fossil fuels to get around. Drilling for oil, refining it, and
transporting petrol and diesel fuel
worldwide has a substantial adverse
effect on the environment. It causes all kinds of damage to the planet, most
notably oil spills in the ocean. Electric vehicles don’t need any of this. This
massively reduces the negative impacts driving has on the environment, and not
just the environment around your home.
The benefit many electric vehicle drivers notice first, however, is the difference
they can make to your wallet. Charging an electric vehicle at home or work is incredibly cheap when compared to
50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
filling up your tank at the pump, often costing just a few pence per mile to
drive. This is drastically cheaper than the price of petrol and diesel fuel,
which rises every year with no signs of
becoming cheaper. This is also a reason why it’s so hard to get driving lessons and tests in 2022.
Is now a good time to get an electric car?
There has never been a better time to buy or lease an electric car than right now.
There is a huge choice of electric options on the market, each with a unique take on what an electric car can offer.
There are government grants and tax
incentives available to cut the cost of
purchasing an electric vehicle and zero road tax on EVs. This means you can reduce many expenses by choosing
to drive an electric car, helping it pay for itself over time. These financial
incentives, combined with lower running costs and cheaper maintenance, make EVs attractive.
The average range of EVs is increasing
too, and more and more electric vehicle charging stations are opening. This has
made EVs more practical than before, as you can make longer journeys without worrying about running out of power.
Now is a great time to invest in an EV for your driving future! If range is a deal-
breaker, then read up on the list of the electric cars with the longest range. What are the best electric cars of 2022?
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the world’s
most popular electric cars. Drivers love
its high-tech features, minimalist styling, and superfast charging capabilities. You can add an 80% charge in less
than 45 minutes! The Tesla brand has dominated the EV market, and the
Model 3 combines all their experience and technology into a single package that offers a lot of value for money. Specification
• Range: 360 Miles
• 0-62 MPH: 3.1 Seconds • CO2: 0 g/km
• Luggage Capacity: 542 Litres
Tesla Model 3 leasing prices start from £435.08 exc. VAT per month Nissan Leaf
If you are looking for your first EV, then you should take a long look
at the Nissan Leaf. This was one of the first mass-production electric-
powered cars, and the latest models are developed and improved from
those early days into one of the most functional and practical EVs on the road. With a Nissan Leaf, you get
all the advantages of an EV with the
peace of mind that comes with buying a car from a major manufacturer. Specification
• Range: 168 Miles
• 0-62 MPH: 7.9 Seconds • Top Speed: 90mph • CO2: 0 g/km
• Luggage Capacity: 435 Litres (Seats up), 1176 Litres (Seats down)
Nissan Leaf leasing prices start from £196.13 exc. VAT per month
MOTOR I NG N E WS
Audi E-Tron
became an instant hit with drivers. The
• Luggage Capacity: 510 Litres (Seats
too, and the Audi E-Tron has everything
source when camping or travelling,
BMW iX3 leasing prices start from
SUV but with an all-electric drivetrain.
to power anything from a kettle or a
family as well as plush leather seating
Specification
suspension system. When driving an
• 0-62 MPH: 3.5 - 7.3 Seconds
piloting an EV, until you put your foot
• Luggage Capacity: 490 Litres
twin electric motors.
£355.42 exc. VAT per month
• Range: 219 Miles
BMW iX3
• CO2: 0 g/km
to think you are looking at a car from the
There are executive-level EVs available
Kia EV6 can even be used as a power
you would expect from a premium
using the energy stored in its batteries
This car has plenty of room for all the
microwave to a television or a computer.
Should I buy an electric car?
backed up by a super comfortable air
• Range: 316 Miles
and the only vehicles available to buy
Audi E-Tron, it is easy to forget you are
• CO2: 0 g/km
down and feel the performance of its
Kia EV6 leasing prices start from
Specification
• 0-62 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
When you look at a BMW iX3, it is easy
• Luggage Capacity: 660 Litres (Seats
future. Both inside and outside the car,
Audi E-Tron leasing prices start from
from the other EVs around and the other
up) 1725 Litres (Seats down)
£524.88 exc. VAT per month
its design and stylings help set it apart
vehicles in the BMW range. The vehicle
up), 1560 Litres (Seats down)
£566.97 exc. VAT per month
It won’t be long until you have no choice will be all-electric. Sooner or later
everyone is going to have to make the
change and switch to battery-powered electric cars, so why not now?
EV’s offer more than just a new way of
powering your personal transport. Most EVs are packed with the latest tech like intelligent driving assistance and self-
parking, as well as over-the-air updates
that can unlock new features and help to keep your car future-proof.
has a powerful electric motor at the rear
With all the financial incentives available,
The EV6’s styling and its huge number
give you over 285 miles of range on a
technological advances that electric
made this car one of the most in-
for any long journeys and perfect for the
been building up their brand over the
more, check out our BMW iX3 Review.
car manufacturer known for making
• Range: 285 Miles
Their latest car is the culmination of all
• Top Speed: 112mph
Kia EV6
wheels and a great size battery that can
of standard features have quickly
full charge. This is more than enough
demand electric cars around. Kia has
family runabout. If you want to know
last decade and has now become a
Specification
high-quality EVs at affordable prices.
• 0-62 MPH: 6.8 Seconds
that hard work and investment, and it
• CO2: 0 g/km
reduced running costs, and the
vehicles can offer drivers, it is easy to
see why so many people are making the switch to an EV. There has never been a
better time to buy or lease an electric car, than now! Give Rivervale a call on 01273
433480 to discuss 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 51
MOTO RI N G N E WS
Rivervale Cars Limited is pleased to announce the completion of a management buyout and the appointment of a new Board of Directors
Since the group
Motoring News
Chairman, Tommy
Sopwith passed away in May 2019, the
business has been
operating under the stewardship of the
Trustees of Endeavour Holdings Limited, who once owned and controlled the
Endeavour Motor Company which is
where it all began. The board of Trustees felt that the ownership and direction
of the motor business sat better with
the core Management team within the Rivervale business.
Rivervale have seen the business grow
substantially and adding Fleet and Fleet Management, Minibus Leasing and
taking on a Maxus van franchise have all contributed to that growth.
In addition, car and van leasing through their leasing division has never been so
52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
popular and the increased demand on
used cars via their used car operation has also been impressive. They have also had to expand their Aftersales operation to cope with the increased requirement.
Neil Chapman former CEO of Rivervale Cars moves to Chairman, Vince
Pemberton former COO moves to CEO. The board also welcomes Simon Fuller former Leasing Director who will now be Commercial Director and Duncan
Stocks, former Leasing Sales Director, will become Group Sales Director.
Speaking on behalf of the Management Team, Neil Chapman says: “This is a
once in a lifetime opportunity for us to
take Rivervale forward to the next level and beyond.
“We have seen strong consistent growth and navigated the challenges thrown at
everyone over the last 3 years and we are well placed to now look at opportunities to further our growth. We are excited to see what prospects develop.”
Vince Pemberton added: “This has been on the agenda for some time, and I
would like to thank Endeavour Holdings and, in particular, Mrs Gina Sopwith for helping to make this happen.
“We all know that the hard work starts here but we are incredibly proud of the team we have managed to assemble, and I know they are all committed to the cause.
“Our industry has changed enormously over recent years and we have all had to move with it, but I am extremely
excited about the plans that we can now push on with to make Rivervale an even stronger well recognised brand in the sectors that we operate”
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS
JACKIE’S NETWORKING ADVENTURES SPECIAL WITH COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS
5 BOOKS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER NETWORKER BY NETWORK MY CLUB
SUSSEX BUSINESS SHOW 5TH MAY 2022
SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
Jackie’s Networking Adventures
County Business Club’s member meet up - Worthing- April April’s members’ meet
Networking & Events
up was our third to be hosted with our partners Freedom
Works. The creative
and digital hub in Worthing has extended the town’s offering of co-working and
flexible office space to 20,000 square foot in the heart of the community located on the ground floor of the iconic art deco building Stoke Abbot Court - just a 5
minute walk from the central station an 5 minutes from the town centre.
This space is designed with a light
industrial look of 20 offices of various
sizes, a hot desking area, meeting rooms
continue to rotate on this cycle,
bike storage on sites plenty of town
to see the different venues, joining
shower facilities.
different locations. At each of the meet
The Worthing meet up was the 3rd
local to the location as well as
and a cafe breakout area. There is also
giving our members the opportunity
centre car parking as well as access to
like-minded businesspeople from the ups we have welcomed businesses
event of its kind for CBC members in
Freedom Works’ members.
have now hosted events at Astral Towers,
There are several benefits for our
three of these co-working spaces have
across the Freedom Works portfolio.
their look and feel.
me directly, jackie.ashwood@
collaboration with Freedom Works. We Hove and most recently Worthing. All
County Business Club members
so much to offer yet are also different in
For more information, please email countybusinessclubs.co.uk
Our monthly member meet ups will
Dates for the diary: June 23rd in Hove, July 28th in Worthing, September 29th in Gatwick
54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
Sussex Cancer Fund - Afternoon tea Hosted at Malmaison in Brighton Marina.
Fund for Treatment and
Research. Now named the Sussex Cancer Fund, the
goals of the fund are to work hand in hand with the NHS
to give every cancer patient
in Sussex the best available treatment and facilities.
Their most recent support
I was delighted to attend the Sussex
for cancer patients’ success
Cancer Fund afternoon tea at Malmasion
included over £1 million worth of
networking partner in crime, Millie Stone.
Sussex Cancer Centre including:
The Sussex Cancer Fund was created
• A comfortable patients’ lounge
in Brighton Marina alongside my
refurbishment to patient areas at the
in 1981 by Consultant Oncologists Dr
• A more accessible entrance and
Originally called the Sussex Cancer
•U p to date Impression Suite and the
to include the funding and development
•T he North extension released offices to
became known as the Sussex Cancer
• The patient and carers’ car park
Deutsch, Dr Hodson and Dr Murrell.
Treatment Fund, the charity progressed of research programmes and later
reception
latest immobilisation system provide vital clinical space
• Refurbished quiet room
• Refurbished chemotherapy waiting room • Recipe books for chemotherapy patients
• Accessible garden – providing a relaxing, outdoor space to aid the support to cancer patients and their families
Having recently lost a close relative to a blood cancer after a 25-year battle, this event was very close to my heart. The
event was organised by Joanna Godden from Sussex Cancer Fund, and we were very fortunate to have guest speaker by
Doctor Timothy Chevassut, Professor of haematology and director of academic training from Brighton Sussex Medical School who gave us an insight into some of the work and research the
department is currently working on. The research they carry out is
phenomenal and crucial to help provide
life-saving treatments for cancer patients.
The Boundary Club Hove for informal networking, a 3-course lunch and a
guest speaker against a backdrop of first class cricket.
The lunch at boundary never fails to impress,
the food is always of an exceptional standard. What’s not to like about networking with the backdrop of a game of cricket? The
This month we were treated to a warm
unique networking and membership
most amazing slow cooked pork which
hosted right alongside the boundaries
chocolate and mango sorbet.
anniversary year and aims to bring
The guest speaker was Tom Sergy, an
Boundary Club is Sussex Cricket’s own
salmon and prawn tart, followed by the
club, where business meets cricket,
was delicious. The desert was a white
edge. The club is now in its 10th
together like-minded businesspeople
56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
expert in English wines and a drinks
brand consultant. Tom, who is incredibly passionate about his English sparkling
wines, took us on an incredible journey on how the climate and soil had lent
itself to creating a perfect glass of wine we were then able to enjoy networking.
As always, it was great to see so many
knew but also familiar faces. Boundary is a great place to maintain existing
client relationships but also develop
many new ones too. Unfortunately, on this occasion, I was unable to stay till the end [usually there are a couple of
us that are last to leave, but I shall not name names] as I had to get myself
across to Worthing for our own event, the County Business Club monthly member meet up.
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
Brighton Summit 2022 The annual Brighton Summit brings together 300 businesses and
entrepreneurs from across our city’s
diverse business community. Hosted by Brighton Chamber, it’s a day for
strengthening existing relationships and forging new ones. Brighton
Summit celebrates the spirit of our
open-minded, quirky city, which makes it such a dynamic region to live, work and do business in.
There were several inspiring speakers, expert-led workshops and energising discussions, with plenty of time for networking built in at every turn. I
was fortunate enough to hear from Keynote Speaker Rachel Watkyn,
founder of the Tiny Box Company.
Rachel Watkyn, who spent part of her childhood in care. An early job took
her to Sierra Leone and she was there during the military coup. The poverty
she witnessed inspired her vision for a Fairtrade business.
It was initially a jewellery company but her struggle to find green packaging
sparked the idea for Tiny Box Company, supplying businesses with attractive, ethical packaging.
Despite the problems that life continued to throw at her – including cancer, fire, flooding, an IT hack and of course the pandemic – Tiny Box has flourished. It’s now the UK’s largest online gift packaging e-commerce company
with 90 employees, 700 products and 120,000 customers.
Rachel initially found her investment
from appearing on Dragons Den – she is the programme’s most successful female entrepreneur yet.
I also, alongside Sam Thomas, attended a workshop ‘Bubble and Speak - learn how to speak confidently in public.
Stefan Holmström is a professional
opera singer and expert voice coach working with singers and speakers
worldwide from his studio in Brighton. He has performed at Glyndebourne,
voice use. Estill teachers are known for their expert knowledge of the
physiology and function of the voice,
as well as for their fun and innovative approach to vocal development.
This was a highly engaging session of
giggles, bubble blowing and making lots of silly noises while exploring what your voice can do.
Actors and singers learn how to identify and change their voice habits easily… but anyone can (and probably should) do it. With conscious muscle training,
you can overcome nerves and learn to
get your voice to sound exactly as you want it to in any situation.
The key take aways from this session were:
• An understanding of the anatomy and physiology of your voice
the English National Opera and Opera
• Tools to express yourself as you
as a member of Phantom of the Opera
• Breathing, posture and tension release
Holland Park, as well as in the West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
As a certified Estill Master Trainer,
Stefan uses Estill Voice Training (EVT)
as a baseline for safe and sustainable
choose, not as dictated by old habits
• How to speak freely with a clear and varied tone
• How to cope with nerves
• How to keep your voice in good working order
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
5 Books That Will Make You a Better Networker
Whether you’re brand new to building business relationships, or you’re an experienced networker, here are five books that have shaped how Network My Club’s Founder and Managing Director, Bradley Hatchett, approaches networking and traits he’s noticed from the most successful networkers.
Human beings are
Networking & Events
complex. Building strong business
relationships doesn’t
always come easily to
everyone. Many factors are at play when networking. First impressions, how you
communicate, how you listen, what you
say, how you say it, your approach… after all, networking is a skill, not a one-sizefits-all activity.
1. Never Eat Alone – Keith Ferrazzi
This book should be a bible for anyone looking to make their networking more efficient - those already in the industry and those just starting out. It has so
many actionable tips about developing
new relationships and nurturing existing
ones. Ferrazzi’s lifestyle in maintaining his relationships is thorough, extreme and
58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
pretty relentless, but the results speak
for themselves. Taking just a few of his
tangible methods will positively affect your ‘Relationship Action Plan’ as he calls it. Key Takeaway: ‘Build it before you
need it’. The idea is that you should be
networking before you need something, rather than when you do. You should
always be building your network, being
able to tap into different corners of your
network when you can help someone or when you are seeking something.
2. Chimp Paradox – Steve Peters This book taught me more about
communicating and understanding different personality types than
any other I’ve read. It changed the way I observe, interact and share
with people. When networking, I’d
encourage becoming a chameleon and
adapting to your surroundings and who you are speaking to. You meet a lot of different types of people when you’re
networking, and Peters’ Chimp Paradox helps you prepare for that.
For me, being able to manage different conversations successfully has all
stemmed from the Chimp Paradox. It
helped me understand why you react emotionally to certain things and
how to manage and recognise that in yourself and others.
Key Takeaway: ‘Gremlins’ are what Steve Peters explains as beliefs or ideas about
specific people or ideas that we hold, and can really affect your relationships. Our
opinions on someone’s size of business, the industry they work in, and their job
N ET WOR K I N G & E V E NTS
title can give you a closed-off mindset if they don’t suit your agenda. You never
know who knows who when networking,
and any exchange can lead to something (if you ask the right questions). I’ve learned never to judge or assume something about anyone.
For example, I met a lady who worked part-time in a network marketing
company with a poor reputation on the networking circuit. However, we got
chatting and ended up discussing her
attend events regularly. Then when
you are at an event, build good habits that make your time worthwhile.
Key Takeaway: “Every action you take
your business solve? That’s interesting, John; I’ve found that too.
5. Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss As chief hostage negotiator for the FBI,
is a vote for the type of person you wish
Chris Voss knows how to ask the right
or business you want to become. Want
and death. Thankfully, networking isn’t
informed and a key person of influence
questions will make your networking
to become”. Think of the type of person
questions. For him, it’s a matter of life
to become more connected, better
quite like that. However, asking the right
in your industry? Attending a networking
experience more positive and fruitful.
activity to achieve that and is a ‘vote’
Being prepared going into an event with
event is a habit you can build into your towards that goal.
practical questions up your sleeve is a
She was previously on the board of a
4. How to Make Friends and Influence
process. It’ll help your experience
position to balance work with bringing up
This was one of the first personal
questioning. Rather than; “Have you
Network My Club – and I’m so glad it was.
“What do you hope to achieve from
It’s had a massive impact on me - how I
with genuine curiosity, asking the right
previous career.
FTSE 100 company and was in her current her two young children. She introduced
me to three or four great people from her
previous career, whom I’ve since added to my network or worked with.
And I’ve never forgotten it. Never write anyone off. Let go of your Gremlins. 3. Atomic Habits – James Clear
Networking should be a habit; it’s all
about consistency and being in it for the long term. We talk about that a lot with our community and onboarding new
members. If you want short-term gains and do not attend events often, you’ll
simply join the hundreds of others in the ‘networking doesn’t work’ club.
This book teaches the importance of
implementing good habits by blocking out parts of your diary to ensure you
People – Dale Carnegie
development books I read as I started
hugely valuable part of the networking and those on the receiving end of the
been to this event before?’ How about; being at this event today?” It starts
interact with people, develop and nurture
questions to elicit the most thought-
relationships, and live day-to-day.
provoking and productive responses.
There’s a reason this is one of the best-
Key Takeaway: Voss’ skill of ‘tactical
time. Written in 1936, the principles are
Understanding the other person’s viewpoint
selling and most influential books of all
empathy’. It’s about listening.
as true today as back then.
and making them feel heard. Arguably, it’s
Key Takeaway: Highlighting the most
demonstrate when networking.
important thing that belongs to anyone
one of the most powerful skills you can
– their name. It’s simple to remember
Looking to up your networking game?
to do this with anyone I meet. One tip to
membership options or book a call with
times in conversation when you’ve first met
by visiting www.networkmyclub.co.uk
someone’s name but so powerful. I try
We can show you how - explore our
remember someone’s name; say it three
one of our friendly team at NMC today
them. You could start with; Hi John, nice
to meet you. So, John, what problem does
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59
N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS
Sussex Business Show - 5th May
The Sussex Business Show arrived with a bang on May 5th at the South of England Event Centre, Ardingly.
Renowned for more
Networking & Events
than just B2B trade-
shows, Sonny Cutting, the event director, has for a number
of years hosted trade-shows with a
twist. He brings together game-themed
events to break the ice and pioneering conferences offering innovative B2B services delivering an experience of
energy with networking opportunities. The South of England location was his biggest event to date with a refreshed
style and feel, to cement its profile in the B2B event scene. The show had high
expectations to live up to with over 400
business guests to please, and it did not fail to deliver!
With a showcase of the local region’s
powerhouse speakers, the Sussex event was teeming with expertise, experience and energy. It also brought together twelve masterclass leaders who all
delivered business talks on the day.
Talks included topics such as wellbeing, cyber security, diversity and inclusion,
data storytelling, digital marketing and start-up success to name a few.
For the first time ever, the Sussex Business
60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Show utilised a full shell system to enable
for the businesses that demonstrated
elevating the exhibition’s professionalism.
Gatwick Diamond Business came in
look to the show, the day was host to the
place was Knockhatch Adventure Park
exhibitors to have their very own spaces,
exemplary customer service experience.
And along with the new professional
as the event’s Honorary mention. Third
innovative spin-off, The Tiger’s Pen.
and second place was print specialists,
The Tiger’s Pen gives 8 aspiring start-ups
winner for the show was Yeoman’s
and advice. The ‘Best Pitch’ award in The
Customer Service is still at the very core
Nettl Face Media Group. But the outright
the opportunity to pitch for investment
Toyota in Brighton, who proved that
Tiger’s Pen, sponsored by Gold Pebble
of business today.
called Changing Minds Training. Olivia-
The show’s focus of games, experiences
Minds Training, didn’t win investment on
unmatched, however at this particular
professionalism won her the Best Pitch
special for this new format and created
Brighton, courtesy of Simon Rand, and
casino theme. Prizes were given out
this year, went to an aspiring start-up Louise Hamilton, owner of Changing
and recognition at every event is
the day. However, Olivia’s passion and
show, Sonny wanted to do something
prize - a day out at English’s restaurant in
The Grand Draw to go along with the
Kuuleats Local.
throughout the day, and we also had
Another delightfully surprising element
Darth Vader and his stormtroopers
guests from a galaxy far, far away with
of the tradeshow was the long-awaited
making a surprise entrance on the day.
returned to the show.
A spectacular day of business had by all.
All 85 exhibitors with a phone number
The Sussex Business Show moves to
with a mystery shopping campaign.
Exchange.
fourth business was given an honorary
Please look at the show website for more
customer experience awards which
on their website were called pre-event Three winners were chosen and a
mention. Big congratulations are in order
Brighton in 2023 - The Dome, Corn
details - www.sussexbizshow.com
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
kare n dobr es
hana ben shab at
phil c arr www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
61
“Connecting Businesses”
Thursday 23rd June 2022 from 10am to 3pm Venue: American Express Community Stadium, West Stand, Mayo Wynne Baxter and Gap Solutions Lounges, Village Way, Brighton BN1 9BL 62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT CHAMBER NEWS
NET ZERO: BIG IDEAS AT THE BIG DEBATE BY MARK O’HALLORAN, ILAW
BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GLOBAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022 THURSDAY 30 JUNE - QEII CENTRE, LONDON
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63
Net Zero: Big ideas at the Big Debate by Mark O’Halloran, iLaw
If there’s a city in the UK which should be leading the way on transitioning to Net Zero, it must surely be Brighton. Afterall, how much do
Chamber News
we pride ourselves on our green credentials, with our Green Partyled Council and the
only Green Party MP in the country? What’s certain though is that this is
not a partisan, party political issue. It
involves all of us, challenging ourselves in how we run our businesses and how we live our lives. And so it was at this year’s Big Debate.
As the Chair, Richard Freeman of always possible made clear the
debate wasn’t about trying to build a consensus, but dissecting and
exploring ideas in a safe space where
every voice would be heard. Richard’s
hope was that each of us who attended would be inspired to do something specific as a result of the debate.
64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
We heard from a panel representing the spectrum of stakeholders. First up was Kirsten Firth, Sustainability
Projects Officer at Brighton & Hove City Council. Kirsten leads on the Council’s Carbon Neutral 2030 plan, which she
admits is very much a work in progress. The Council itself is responsible for
only a small percentage of the city’s
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions so it
needs to work closely with businesses and individuals across the city.
Peter Newell, Professor at University of
Sussex, represented academia. He runs the Rapid Transition Alliance whose aim is to spread “evidence-based hope” by sharing examples of impactful change around the world. Peter explained the
need for massive reductions in carbon-
demand, not just switching to improved products like electric vehicles - global
subsidies for fossil fuels continue to run at US$11,000,000 per minute! Proof enough of Peter’s assertion that the
voices of the oil, coal and automotive industries continue to drown out the
voices of SMEs and local communities. The next panellists, from two very
different businesses, gave us some hope for how things could change.
Camille Pierson, Founder of The Float Spa, told us about her company’s
journey towards sustainability, which
began in 2007. Driven by her customers and the Japanese-inspired philosophy of Kaizen (continuous improvement), Camille and her team identified and
rooted out single-use plastics across
the operation, even where that meant
initially losing revenue, such as no longer selling water in disposable bottles. The upside however has been a more loyal
CHAM BE R N E WS
customer-base who now happily bring their own bottles for refills.
Shoreham Port was represented by its Chief Executive, Tom Willis. With two
cement plants on-site and heavy HGV traffic to and from the Port, you might
think Tom would ask for time to adapt.
Far from it. Tom explained how the Port
was run by a Trust, rather than a private company, and sees itself as embedded
within the local community - with people living within its boundaries.
Tom is leading a project to create a
hydrogen plant for the Port which will in future power all their heaviest vehicles, with all lighter vehicles switching to electric. Tom told us about a wider
initiative to encourage more goods
transport around the UK by ship rather than door-to-door HGV, as a single
cargo vessel could replace up to 300 trucks for most of the journey.
We learnt the significance of the Port’s two cement plants when Victoria
Vasiliauskaite from event sponsor
Roadways, told us that cement making alone accounts for 8% of global GHG
emissions. On a more positive note, she
only by truly collaborating with each
to road building, taking a leaf out of
economy for everyone’s benefit.
volcanic ash component to reduce CO2
In a final call to action, Sarah Springford,
told us about Roadways’ new approach the Ancient Romans’ book and using a
other can businesses build a circular
emissions by 40%-70%.
Brighton Chamber CEO, announced that
The floor debate was lively and challenging
of the Chamber’s Net Zero Champions.
sample of ideas that caught my attention:
For my part, I’ve been proud to be a Net
• Fund people to place solar panels on
So I told myself I really had to put my
• Design all products and activities to be
one significant change in response to
• Accept expansion of Rampion wind farm
discussing it at home, we agreed it was
(as we had hoped for!) Here is just a
everyone would be invited to become one
Zero Champion for some months now.
South-facing roofs
effort where my mouth was and make
low-carbon, rather than retrofit solutions
participating in the Big Debate. After
• Reuse Centres, not just Recycle Centres
time to sell the car and not replace it.
• Every person and business should have a carbon allowance
• Support the Edible Cities Network
• Be happier with fewer things. Eat less meat. Buy local and organic.
Mark O’Halloran is Consultant at iLaw. The Big Debate: Net Zero was run by Brighton Chamber. To find out more about net zero in Brighton, head to brightonchamber. co.uk/net-zero-in-brighton
There were many more. Closing
thoughts were delivered by Steve Creed, Co-Founder at Circular Brighton & Hove, who described how at least 45% of the reductions we need in GHG emissions will have to come from how we make things, and use land. Steve said that
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65
C HA M B E R N E WS
British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference 2022 Thursday 30 June - QEII Centre, London We are extremely
Chamber News
pleased to announce, that one of our very
own Sussex Chamber members, Bola
Lafe, CEO of Opus Innovations, will
be speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Annual Global
Conference. This is a great opportunity to support a local Sussex business
leader at this very prestigious national
conference. Our CEO, Ana Christie, from the Sussex Chamber, will also be talking at the conference.
opportunity for business leaders from
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, UK
together and look to a more sustainable
speaking at the BCC Global Annual
the UK and around the world to come
Chancellor of the Exchequer will be
and responsible future.
Conference 2022, along with a host of
Through thought-provoking
discussions, talks and peer-to-peer
Away from the sessions there also will
explore and debate how we can
greet existing contacts and meet new
challenges ahead, with a particular
their dynamic network of Chambers and
sessions, delegates will be able to
be networking time for delegates to
individually and collectively rise to the
ones; and BCC will also be showcasing
focus on:
strategic partners.
People
The flagship Global Annual Conference
Developing talent now and for
calendar, with the 2022 Conference
Planet
is one of the main events in the business taking place on Thursday 30 June at the QEII Centre, London.
After a turbulent few years, the BCC
Global Annual Conference will be an
66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
other exciting speakers.
the future
Boosting a green global economy Progress Seizing new opportunities
Bookings can be made by contacting us
on 01444 259259 or visiting the website: sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
It would be fantastic to see you at the Conference.
CHAM BE R N E WS
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67
68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
SBT SPORT
THE HISTORY OF CRICKET IN SUSSEX IT APPEARS TO BE THAT CRICKET BEGAN LIFE IN SUSSEX AND KENT
EQUESTRIAN’S PRIDE OF SUSSEX PROFILE OF KRISTINA (TINA) COOK
‘BLACK PREMONITION’ WINS INAUGURAL ‘ROOKER PRIZE’ SOUTHAMPTON-BASED LEWES FC OWNER DUNCAN BROWN WINS
TAKE IN THE T20 IN STYLE AT HOVE THIS SUMMER THE FOUR-DAY FIXTURE BEGINS ON FRIDAY 20TH MAY
SBT SPORT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69
The history of Cricket in Sussex
It appears to be that cricket began life in Sussex and Kent with ecclesiastical records dating back to 1611 indicating the first time the sport was documented was in Sussex as well as being the first reference to cricket being played by adults. The records blame cricket for the non-attendance at church on Easter Sunday by two parishioners of Sidlesham in West Sussex. The first reference to
Sport
women’s cricket also comes from Sussex
and dates from 1677. Formed in March
1839, Sussex County Cricket Club is
believed to be the oldest professional sports club in the world, therefore
making it certainly the oldest of the
eighteen first class County cricket clubs. Founded in 1971, the Sussex Cricket
League is the top level of competition for recreational club cricket in Sussex
and since 1999 the Premier Division of
the Sussex Premier League has been a
70 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
designated ECB Premier League. With
nine titles, local team Preston Nomads are the league’s most successful club. Since November 2018 the Sussex
Cricket League is the largest adult
cricket league in the world, with 335
participating teams in 34 divisions. In
2018 the Sussex Cricket League saw the integration of the East Sussex Cricket League, Mid Sussex Cricket League,
West Sussex Invitation Cricket League
and the Sussex Premier Cricket League. Sussex County Cricket Club played its initial first-class match against
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at
Lord’s Cricket Ground on 10 & 11
June 1839. They won the unofficial
Championship seven times and shared
it once between 1826 and the formation of the County Championship in 1890. It would then take them 113 years to
win the Championship as they finished
runners-up for three years in succession between 1932 and 1934.
After World War Two Sussex again
finished second in 1953 and fourth
in 1955. The 1960s gave rise to Ted
Dexter who led the team to victory in the first knock-out competition ever
held by the counties in 1963. They won
S PO RT Other notable clubs across the county are Firle Cricket Club which was founded in
1758 and is quite probably among the ten oldest clubs in the world. On 15th July
1725, the Duke of Richmond challenged Sir William Hall Gage to a match on the
same pitch at Firle Place where the club still plays today.
Henfield Cricket Club also lays claim to possibly one of the oldest cricket
clubs in the world having been formed in 1771, while Chalvington and Ripe Cricket Club (CRCC) was once one
of the main club sides in the country and the grounds at the Yew Tree Inn
have been their home since 1762. In Adams to create a culture of success in the dressing-room. Other notable
contributions in this period came from the batsmen Richard Montgomerie
and Murray Goodwin, and Matt Prior together with bowler James Kirtley,
who’s success with the ball helped the team to victory in the 2006 C&G final. Sussex also has some of the oldest
cricket clubs in the world. Dating from it again in 1964, and the 1970s saw the arrival of exciting players to the team
featuring the likes of John Snow, Tony Greig, and Imran Khan.
It would not be until 2003 that they
1704, Arundel is recorded as the oldest cricket club in Sussex.
The aforementioned Preston Nomads Cricket Club was a founder member
of the Sussex Cricket League in 1971,
finally ended their quest for the
having been founded in 1927. Based
Adams successfully united a team
XI plays in the Premier League of the
obvious space in the trophy cabinet,
Championship in the League’s inaugural
had finished in last place. Sussex then
and are the current Premier League
by winning it again in 2006, doing the
The Sussex Cup final in 2004, the 1sts
C&G Trophy. One of the keys to this
the following year. In the late 2000s and
Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed,
Premier League six times in eight
102 in 2006, where undoubtedly his
are current champions after winning the
Championship title, as skipper Chris
in Fulking, West Sussex, the club’s 1st
with only a few stars to add to the
Sussex Cricket League, winning the
which came just three years after they repeated their Championship success double by additionally winning the success was the astute signing of
after he took 103 wickets in 2003 and
dedication and professionalism helped
year, and again in 1982 and 1988
Champions. Having been Runners Up in then went on to win the competition
early 2010s the 1st XI won the Sussex
seasons between 2006 and 2013. They Sussex Premier league in 2021.
centuries gone by, the Sussex County team played here against legendry players such as W. G. Grace.
In 1851, Sussex cricketer, William Henty, bowled the first ever ball in a first-class cricket match in Australia. In 1864,
former Sussex cricketer John Wisden published the ‘Wisden Cricketers’
Almanack’, a cricket reference book that is considered the world’s most famous sports reference book today.
In 1876, Sussex MP and the third Earl of Sheffield, Henry Holroyd laid out
a cricket pitch at Sheffield Park near Haywards Heath and this was used on 12 May 1884 for the first cricket
match in England between England and Australia.
In the late 20th century and early 21st century the County Ground in Hove
was used for other cricket matches in addition to matches involving Sussex teams. A One Day International
match of the 1999 Cricket World
Cup between India and South Africa
was staged at Hove, which has been
followed by various matches involving
England women’s cricket team as well as consecutive finals of the Women’s Cricket Super League tournaments.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71
S PORT
Extra strong mint - profile of Alan Minter Born on 17 August 1951, Alan Minter was a British professional boxer who sadly passed away in September 2020 from cancer at the relatively tender age of sixty-nine.
Photo credit: W8 Media
Having competed
Sport
professionally from 1972 to 1981, he
held the undisputed middleweight title
in 1980, having previously held the
British middleweight title from 1975 to
1976, and the European middleweight title twice between 1977 and 1979. At
twenty years old, he became the 1971
Amateur Boxing Association of England Middleweight Champion, after which
he was selected to represent the UK at
the Munich Olympics in 1972, winning a bronze medal in the light-middleweight classification, losing in the semi-final
to eventual gold medal winner, Dieter Kottysch of West Germany.
72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Minter was born in Penge, Kent, before his family moved to Crawley and at
eleven years old, he began his boxing
journey and joined Crawley Boxing Club. Following his bronze medal triumph in
Munich, he made his professional debut against Maurice Thomas in October
that year winning by a knockout in the 6th round.
Nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ Minter’s
career saw him win thirty-nine of his
forty-nine bouts with twenty- three of those victories by way of knockout.
After his debut victory, he went on to record ten more wins, with his first five victories by knockout. He first
tasted defeat in June 1973 against Don McMillan when the fight was stopped
by the referee in the eighth round after Minter sustained severe cuts.
Following his loss to McMillan, he got back on the winning trail, recording
back-to-back victories against Octavio Romero and Ernie Burns. However, his successful run ended after he lost to
Jan Magdriarz in successive matches in
October and December after both fights were stopped due to cuts sustained in
the eighth and sixth rounds respectively. The following year began with victory over Tony Byrne in the eighth round,
after which he lost successive matches
S PO RT
Photo credit: thetimes.co.uk
Photo credit: Getty Images
against Ricky Ortiz in round two. He also
took on Jan Magdriarz for a third time but this fight ended in a draw. He finished the year with a win against Shako Mamba. Minter won the British Middleweight
Championship in 1975 where he was
declared the winner over fifteen rounds against Kevin Finnegan. The year
after, Minter achieved six victories,
eventually taking his winning streak to ten consecutive wins, where he
successfully defended his British title against Billy Knight and in a rematch with Kevin Finnegan. Finishing that
year unbeaten meant he was able to be included in the top ten Middleweight challengers of the year.
His success continued into 1977, with
victory over Germano Valsecchi but his undefeated status finally ended in April
that year when he lost to Ronnie Harris after the fight was stopped in round
eight. After bouncing back with a win
against Emile Griffith, September saw
him lose his European Middlewight title against Gratien Tonna.
In 1978, he won all the three fights lined up for the year. His fight against Angelo Jacopucci which resulted in his favour after a 12th round knockout helped
him regain his European Middleweight Championship. In the rematch against
Gratien Tonna, he successfully retained his championship title.
The highpoint in his career came in
1980 when he was given a chance at World Middleweight Championship against Vito Antuofermo. Much to
his delight, he won the fight over a
fifteen-round contest in Las Vegas thus holding on to the World Middleweight Championship title for the first time.
In the aftermath of his victory against
Antuofermo and his subsequent World Middleweight Championship title, a
rematch was held which he won yet
again by a TKO in eight rounds. He lost the next match to ‘Marvellous’ Marvin
Hagler at Wembley Arena on September 27, due to cuts sustained in round three in a bruising encounter. However, the
build up to this fight was overshadowed by a war of words, with Minter being accused of racism and the contest
ended in chaotic scenes as bottles and
cans of beer flew into the ring hurled by
drunken fans unhappy with the result. A
sad end, but perhaps not a surprise one considering what had preceded it.
Hagler had reigned supreme during
the bout and the result never looked in
doubt. In an interview with Iain Probert of Boxing News five months before
his passing, Minter had said,” What I
didn’t realise he could do was go from southport (leading with the right hand) back to orthodox (leading with left
hand), he was switching all the time. I
didn’t know which punch to throw, I was bemused by it all.” Ironically this proved Hagler’s undoing when he eventually
fought in the ring against the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard.
In 1981, he faced three fights of which
he won once against Ernie Singletary in
round 10. With this victory, he successfully retained his Britain and European
Middleweight Championship. However, he lost the next two fights against Mustafa
Hamsho and Tony Sibson and following
these defeats, he retired from boxing. After losing to Tony Sibson, he retired aged
just 29 after being transferred to hospital
in Brighton following the fight to discover
he had an infection in his nose which was leading to his brain.
Following his funeral in 2020, when
crowds lined the streets as the funeral cortege passed by, some residents in Crawley had called for a permanent statue to honour his achievements.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73
S PORT
‘Black Premonition’ Wins Inaugural ‘Rooker Prize’ Southampton-based Lewes FC owner Duncan Brown has won the club’s inaugural writing competition with a 250-word novel opener called ‘Black Premonition’.
Lewes FC – a
Sport
football club owned by some 2,300
worldwide community shareholders and
rising – recently announced a writing
competition for its owners, challenging them to compose a 250-word opening
to a novel of any specified literary genre. The idea was cooked up at the
club’s Xmas do, and a pen-nib award especially made by local carver and
engraver Neil Turner. Turner, enamoured by the humorous reference to the more famous ‘Booker Prize’, fashioned the
trophy out of oak and yew, giving the
74 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
pen both ink and the football club’s badge in brass.
Famously nicknamed ‘The Rooks’ -
after both the town’s castle and the
birds which nest around home ground
‘The Dripping Pan’ - Lewes FC is 100%
socially owned, and holds regular virtual ‘town halls’ for its community of owners as well as connecting to them via a Mobile App.
Head Judge, elected Lewes director
Karen Dobres, who came up with the name inspired by The Booker Prize,
explained: “Our club often makes the link between football and the wider
world through culture, and The Rooker Prize is another manifestation of the way football reflects and impacts
society, and has the power to bring communities of interest together.”
Fellow judge and Lewes FC owner,
author Mark Crick, remarked: “It was thrilling to see how many nascent novelists are lurking amongst the
ownership of Lewes Football Club”, adding, “Judging the short pieces
critically has taught me a lot about my own writing style.”
Lewes FC owner and Guardian
journalist Suzy Wrack, who also joined
S PO RT
Duncan Brown
the panel, said: ‘It was an honour to
judge the 17 entries for the inaugural Rooker Prize, and we had a lot of
fun doing so. Not one entry did we
consider bad or unworthy of a prize every writer had potential.”
The judges announced the winner on
the evening of 27th April because, as they explained: “We discovered that
this is in fact ‘International Crow and
Raven Appreciation Day’, and therefore a very appropriate day to name the Rooker Prize winner’.”
Winner Brown said: “Given that it was Crow and Raven Appreciation Day, I
am properly chough-ed to have won the inaugural Rooker Prize! I chose
the historical novel genre because the Dripping Pan name reminds me of the pottery dripping pans used from the
13th to 16th centuries to catch the fat that dripped from meats roasting on
spits in front of hearths and open fires. “As for the trophy, I think it would look great behind the bar at the Rook Inn,
where it might inspire more people to
enter the Rooker but it also is a splendid symbol of what the club is all about.”
Shortlisted entries were, Biram Desai’s ‘Untitled science fiction’, and ‘Court of Crows’, Charlie Stubbs’ historical
thriller. These entries can be read on Lewes FC’s website here.
donate to a charity of his choice. He
has chosen to donate to Kangaroos – a charity which provides activities and
‘Black Premonition’ was favoured by
sports opportunities to children with
imagery, and the fact that they were left
for something sports-related and found
the judges for its descriptive power and
learning disabilities – saying: “I looked
eager to know what would happen next.
Kangaroos, based in my hometown of
“Brown’s piece seemed to answer all
a school in Cuckfield, which is where my
at (i) the quality of writing, (ii) whether it
are buried. Also, my twin sister lives in
and (iii) asking ourselves how much we
You can find out more on their website:
Haywards Heath. They also originated at
our criteria perfectly. We were looking
brother was born and my parents ashes
made us feel more alive in some way,
Australia, so their name is a nod to her.
wanted to read the rest of the novel.
www.kangaroos.org.uk.”
Congratulations to Duncan, and thank
you to all the Lewes owners who entered the first ever Rooker Prize!”
Brown wins the trophy and £250 to
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75
S PORT
Photo credit: Sky News Australia
Take in the T20 in style at Hove this summer
This Summer The 1st Central County Ground in Hove will be hosting seven T20 Vitality Blast matches, as well as the Royal London One Day Cup and the world Test champions, New Zealand. The Sussex Sharks
Sport
have plenty to be
excited about when it comes to this
year’s Vitality Blast
campaign. With a squad that boast’s
a number of world-class stars, there is
plenty of optimism that the Sharks can go all the way this year.
England international fast-bowler Jofra Archer is set to return for the opening
game against Glamorgan on May 26th and will line up alongside the world’s number one ranked T20 bowler, Rashid Khan. Led by legendary all-rounder Ravi
Bopara, Sussex Sharks will face seven games at The 1st Central County
Ground in Hove this Summer, as they
aim to lift the T20 Vitality Blast trophy for the second time in the club’s history. Whether you’re looking to entertain clients, or enjoy a special night of
76 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
cricket with friends, experience all the
August is when the Sussex Sharks kick-
Hospitality packages:
campaign. The traditional white ball game
Curry & Cricket £70 + VAT per person:
cricket with a relaxed atmosphere.
action with one of their two Premium
includes a two-course curry buffet before the match begins, as well as a dedicated
off their Royal London One Day Cup
is an opportunity to enjoy fast-paced
Finally, in September Sussex wrap up
seat in the Spen Cama Pavilion
their LV= Insurance County Championship
All Inclusive £130 + VAT per person:
Worcestershire and Glamorgan, and
season with two fixtures at Hove against
includes a three-course dinner served
Hove also has the pleasure of hosting a
bar and seats right on the boundary’s
Women and India Women on Sunday
before the match begins, an all-inclusive
one-day international between England
edge in the Cow Corner hospitality area
18th September.
As well as a bumper season of T20
Premium Hospitality packages are still
Test champions, New Zealand as they
London One Day Cup and County
against England in June.
fast. If you fancy entertaining clients,
The four-day fixture begins on Friday
cricket with family or friends reach
Championship squad the opportunity to
sussexcricket.co.uk
cricket, Hove will play host to the world
available for the New Zealand, Royal
take on Sussex to prepare for a series
Championship fixtures, and are selling
20th May and gives the young County
ply their trade against the world’s best.
or want a special day out at the
out and contact corporatesales@
SBT ASK THE EXPERT
WHY NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE IS IMPORTANT FOR BUSINESSES BY MIDNIGHT COMMUNICATIONS
WHY THE WAY WE MANAGE OUR EMPLOYEES MUST CHANGE FIND OUT HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TURN YOUR BUSINESS INTO A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
SBT ASK THE EXPERT SPONSORED BY:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77
Why national media coverage is important for regional businesses
By Flo Powell and Alex Hankinson, Joint Managing Directors, Midnight Communications Ask the Expert
What’s the value
radius of their bricks and mortar outlets
coverage for local
simply don’t apply. If a business
of national media businesses?
A lot of our clients
start out by thinking that their target
and offices, but today those constraints owner wants to reach more people
geographically and digitally, it makes
sense to broaden the reach of coverage
consider trade media and sector media as part of the mix.
A clever media relations campaigns
should always be multi-layered. People
are not one dimensional, neither should
audience is based in a specific
and bring in the nationals too.
reaching out to local media. While we
As a rule, publications with national reach
So how to you get regional
in local media and its potential to build
traffic and a higher domain authority. At
We use several tactics, all of which
growth, national media has a very
of getting our clients into both.
region so they should focus solely on
appreciate the huge value of coverage
will have a higher search volume, higher
reputations and accelerate business
Midnight, we have a strong track record
important role to play too.
Historically, businesses would serve
clients and consumers within a certain
78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
As an agency that specialises in
supporting businesses targeting other businesses, it’s important too, to
your PR campaign be.
businesses that coveted coverage? work to boost businesses’ profiles
and position them as experts in their particular sectors.
Responding to events in the media as they break – or newsjacking – has the
ASK T H E E XPE RT national print, digital or broadcast media gives it real credibility.
National media only publish insights from experts who have valuable
things to share with their readers. So those placements offer validation to
prospects and clients, which is great for employees, clientele, local audiences, national audiences – and business.
How do I make my story relevant to the national media?
Know your audience and do your
homework. We work hard to understand who editors’ readers are, and which
stories are likely to land and those that won’t. That PR instinct, honed over
decades, coupled with strong media power to reach wide audiences, build reputations and establish business
credibility, so it forms a core part of many of our PR strategies. But the
viewpoint pitched into national media
has to be relevant to a wide audience. Recently we jumped on the controversial P&O Ferries story, where 800 workers
were sacked with no notice via Zoom, for two of our Southeast-based legal clients, Mayo Wynne Baxter and
Trethowans. The resulting coverage in iNews, the Mirror and The Guardian positioned them both as experts in
national employment law – a key aim of their PR strategies.
Placing thought leadership articles in
national media is another tactic we use to position our clients as progressive critical thinkers, which can have substantial impact on growth.
According to a 2021 report by LinkedIn and Edelman, which surveyed 3,600
53% decided to increase the amount of business they did with the organisation, and 54% were persuaded to buy a
new product or service that they hadn’t previously considered buying.
We also issue press releases to
national media when appropriate. They enable business leaders to drive their own narrative and influence opinion, establishing a positive brand story. A current example of this is for our
client the Youth Sport Trust which is
powering a school wellbeing movement called Well Schools in partnership with BUPA Foundation. Part of our b2b PR
strategy has been to raise awareness of the movement amongst school leaders. So far, this month, our research-based press release has been featured in the
Tes (Times Education Supplement) and Daily Telegraph, as well as achieving thought leadership placements in education trade media.
global industry leaders, 42% of
Why not just self-promote businesses
to bid for a project based on a piece
We do that as well, but third-party
decisionmakers invited an organisation of thought leadership that they’d read;
48% awarded a project to the business responsible for the thought leadership;
on social media, such as LinkedIn? endorsement is more powerful and
achieves stronger success metrics.
Sharing a story that has appeared in
contacts, means that we know exactly
what journalists are looking for. And we
know what annoys them too – stories that they have already covered, comments
and articles that have no relevance to their readers, and anything overtly promotional. We continually touch base with
journalists and editors, pre-empting their needs, and carry out regular
media audits, which means we can
provide timely, relevant and compelling comments, opinion pieces and news exactly when they’re needed.
What should businesses do when they do land coverage in the nationals?
Use it! Getting national media coverage
isn’t easy, so it lends visibility and kudos. Share across social media and reach
out to people who react and comment. Reconnect with prospects and clients,
sending them links via email. Showcase
media mentions on the company website, using links to drive traffic.
This is a golden opportunity to get
noticed and position a business front of
mind with key target audiences, so make
coverage work as hard as possible – and then start planning the next hit… www.midnight.co.uk www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 79
AS K T H E E X PE RT
The way we manage our employees must change Is it the responsibility
Ask the Expert
of managers to adapt their communication
style to suit individual employees?
Of course, it is! Is it the responsibility of employees to adapt to their managers’ communication styles? That depends... But if you’re expecting your employees to adapt to your managers’ way of
working, you need to provide them
with the knowledge and tools to do it.
Effective communication skills are rarely taught at school or college, and, unless your profession requires it, you cannot expect your employees to understand how to deal with different personality traits and communication styles.
80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
As John C. Maxwell relates in his
But listening is only the first step.
Few Connect: What the Most Effective
Developing self-awareness
insightful book Everyone Communicates, People Do Differently, communication is often confused with talking at people. Shouting louder and louder to get a
point across instead of trying to relate to people by listening to them and
finding a common language that helps build connection.
Finding it frustrating to deal with evident disconnect when we don’t feel heard by our audience.
Responding emotionally to awkward
situations, because we haven’t learnt to manage our emotions effectively. To be a great communicator and
connect with others, you have to make a conscious effort to want to know others.
This requires both personal commitment and exceptional listening skills.
To be able to communicate and connect with others on a deeper level, you
need to know yourself. You need to
understand your triggers and how to
overcome the urge to react prematurely. You need to understand how your
communication style differs from others. How your words, body language and
micro-expressions trigger (potentially negative) reactions in others.
You also need to be able to reflect
constructively on any mistakes you
might have made during discussions and arguments, and identify ways to
avoid making those errors in the future. Self-awareness is often the most
difficult step to take. But invariably the most important one. Because
by understanding your personality,
ASK T H E E XPE RT
motivations, and strengths and
weaknesses you will be able to minimise (if not completely avoid) uncomfortable situations with people around you. Dealing with our feelings
A forbidden word in work environments, discussion of ‘feelings’ can mean
treading on thin ice. But the truth is, we are all driven by feelings.
First, come our thoughts, whether
generated from recent conversations with people or based on deeply held beliefs
we carry with us from childhood. Those thoughts create feelings. Even events
that happened a long time ago can bring
real emotions out, apparently unrelated to what is happening to us now.
If you reflect on recent ups or downs, you will be able to see how those
feelings affected your mood, actions and behaviour. If you’re in a good
mood, everything seems great and little things don’t bother you. If, on the other hand, you feel tired, overworked or
overwhelmed, even a small issue can feel like a big challenge.
The problem most of us have is that we
don’t really know how we feel. (Yet another
subject absent from the school curriculum!) And if we don’t know how we feel, it’s
harder to identify what we need to do or change to be able to feel better again. Understanding our needs
By this point, you might be wondering
how this relates to managing people in the workplace. Fair question!
Well, we are all human beings with needs and just because we’re not
amongst friends and family doesn’t
mean we become machines. If someone isn’t feeling good about their job and their needs aren’t met, this will affect their performance in the workplace.
When we talk about needs and feelings,
many people think this is to do with love
what their strengths are and which tasks
what you do and you feel connected to
with someone you don’t even know?
likely to deliver your best. Isn’t that true?
Without trust, you will struggle to achieve
and connection. In a way it is. If you love the people you work with, you’re most
So why do we ignore such an important
to delegate? How can you build trust
your goals. Without trust, relationships fail.
aspect of humanity in the workplace?
The way we manage must change to
The military is often used as a great
With well-being and mental health
bluntly, they have to work together to stay
that leadership skills will have to adapt.
act collectively because every decision
As harsh as this sounds, we can no
example of leadership and teamwork. Put alive. They have to trust each other and
reflect current realities in the workplace. coming to the forefront, it is inevitable
has the potential to affect other decisions.
longer treat people like machines (not
I also like to use the example of a
first place!). We need to build strong
are different personalities but also
other like never before. Or we will run
that we ever should have done in the
symphony orchestra. Not only there
relationships and connect with each
very different instruments in a typical
out of people to employ.
adding depth and colour to the overall
Because being employed comes with
contribution while complementing what
or precarious contracts, low pay,
the conductor for guidance and direction.
solo and set up your own company
In both cases, each member has to
businesses don’t require huge capital
also understand the outcome and the
consultants who can help those new
orchestra. They all play an important part, sound. They all have to master their own
great uncertainty these days (flexible
other musicians are doing and looking to
risk of redundancy etc). And to go is easier than ever before. Many
learn their own piece or place but
to start with and the market is full of
consequences of not working together
to self-employment.
everything about their role, but they
So, you might want to ask yourself the
as a team. They might not always like know how important or beautiful the end result will be.
Trust is the cornerstone of a successful workplace
question: can you afford to lose talent? If you’re struggling with low morale,
rising conflict and poor productivity, please do get in touch at mia@
So where does adapting to your
neupauer.org for a free consultation to
the above example, a conductor
business into a positive environment
instrument and its strengths, and
find fulfilment and thrive.
them all working together. Working
Mia Neupauerova
to create a masterpiece.
Neupauer Training
As a manager/leader, if you don’t know
mia@neupauer.org
them in the right way? How do you know
Eastbourne, East Sussex
employees come into place? To use
find out how can we help you turn your
has to learn about each and every
where your employees feel appreciated,
maybe try different approaches to get within a defined musical environment
your employees, how can you motivate
Trainer & Coach
+447588751506
www.neupauer.org
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81
WI N E OF T H E MON TH
County Business Club Wine of the Month May/June 2022
As we come into summer and to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee I have chosen an
English sparkling wine from the Wiston Estate, which is based on the beautiful South Downs, 10 minutes North of Worthing. This wine has been produced by Dermot Sugrue who, in my view, is the UK’s most talented wine maker who makes wines for many other English wine brands. The wine of choice is Wiston NV sparkling wine which is the entry level offering of the Wiston wines and the most popular of their range.
I would say that this is the benchmark
for English sparkling wine and is made in the same way as Champagne using the
same three grapes with a typical split of 35% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier. This wine was named
as Best Sparkling in the Independent English Wine Awards 2019 and, in
my view, is a benchmark for English
sparkling wine and would beat most
Champagnes. The wine has consistent
fine bubbles, with a pleasant fruity nose which is backed up with a perfectly
balanced initial green apple and citrus backbone followed by a bakery notes from the bottle aging.
Tasting notes from the winemaker are as follows;
Our Brut NV combines a purity of
green apple and ripe lemon flavours
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with a rich and complex maturity. This
Stellenbosch in South Africa. This
sparkling wine with fine bubbles, lots
specialists across Sussex, Brighton
multi-vintage wine is a highly-scented
wine is available from multiple wine
of toasty, biscuity autolysis from long
and Hove Wine Club or direct from the
lees-aging and a long finish.
vineyard.
FOOD PAIRING - Tapas, charcuterie,
Michael Yeoman,
cheese, antipasti
This wine is the perfect aperitif or
English Wine and International Wine Specialist
accompaniment to canapes. I can
Michael Yeoman produces his
Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations. Why
with Spirit of the Downs (www.
Wine Tour or Chalk Restaurant off the
with small batch local vineyards with his
platform to present these excellent
brightonandhovewineclub.co.uk)
think of no better wine to cheer on the
own range of sustainable spirits
not try a bottle or visit the excellent
spiritofthedowns.co.uk) and works
A24 which provides an appropriate
Brighton and Hove Wine Club (www.
wines and locally sourced foods?
The owner, Pippa, originally comes
from South Africa and so the facilities have a grandeur which reminds me of the 300-year-old vineyards from
A N E W ADVENTU RE B EG I NS
SOUTH DOWN S
6 -7 AUGUST 2022
WE ST SUS S E X
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 83
84 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
