SBT issue 456

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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

YOUNGEST TAX PARTNER IN LOCAL PRACTICE SHINES A LIGHT ON CAREER IN ACCOUNTANCY PLANNING FOR RECENT TAX CHANGES ADVICE FROM CARPENTER BOX

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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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SBTWelcome

W E LCO M E

Welcome to another issue of SBT

Innovation is the lifeblood of business. Without it, there would be no growth, no new markets, no fresh audiences - and, ultimately, no cash in the coffers to keep firms afloat.

In this issue of the Sussex Business Times, you will discover how innovation is penetrating every sector of the business community across the county.

Without experts, many businesses would fail to achieve or

sustain their goals. So, if you are heading into summer bursting with cutting edge ideas, it is always worth remembering that you are in a county blessed with the right people to offer qualified advice at the right time.

For innovators, this issue offers information that will support

There is inspirational news outlining a remarkable mix of retail,

office and community spaces in an Eastbourne shopping centre,

which has real potential to be trailblazer. There are also examples

of entrepreneurs recognising and implementing new opportunities - not least David Parr and Omid Moellemi, co-founders of Prsnt.

Amid all the innovation is the prospect of a four-day week with

‘no loss of productivity’ and penalties for companies engaged in

‘greenwashing’. Thankfully, Sussex innovators can rely on robust

legal and financial advice from a raft of trusted professionals - just like Carpenter Box, which is this issue’s cover feature.

your next project - from insights on how to raise funding to financial planning.

Of course, you will also find compelling features on networking, charity, sport and much more.

But, from Brighton to Crawley and everywhere else in between, there is something happening. It is called innovation and Sussex is fully embracing it.

Sam Thomas, Managing Director

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Issue 456

SBT POWERED BY:

ISSUE 456

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SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

YOUNGEST TAX PARTNER IN LOCAL PRACTICE SHINES A LIGHT ON CAREER IN ACCOUNTANCY PLANNING FOR RECENT TAX CHANGES ADVICE FROM CARPENTER BOX

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Monthly News

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County Business Clubs’ Stories

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Finance

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Legal

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Cover Feature

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Startups and Entrepreneurs

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Good Business

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Charity

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Networking

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Motoring News

69

Chamber News

75

Sport

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Ask The Expert

84

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month

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.

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Innovative developments at The Beacon, Eastbourne, top award for Extech Cloud and more news from around the county.

An interview with David Parr and Omid Moellemi, co-founders of Prsnt.

Seofon Business Services launches a new administration services department and Carpenter Box Financial Advisers are recognised for outstanding vulnerable client care.

Mayo Wynne Baxter examines the four-day working week and 365 Employment Law writes about ‘What happens if you face an unfair dismissal claim?’

Carpenter Box - Meet trailblazer Rachel Pearce and find helpful advice on planning for recent tax changes.

Entrepreneurship Conference and expert Pam Gordon writes about franchising as a business option .

The four Cs of brand visibility.

Interviews with Gavin Willis, of Search Seven, and Roy Stannard, Head of Income Generation and Communications at Off The Fence Trust.

A round-up of networking events from across Sussex.

What Does The Rising Cost Of Fuel Mean For You? Plus, the six cheapest cars to insure in 2022.

The latest news from chambers of commerce in Sussex.

Profile of Crawley’s Paralympian Katie-George Dunlevy, Ben Stokes OBE and James Ross Jewellers’ Charity Golf Day.

The Journey To Net Zero by Ian Hopping, of Auditel.

Discover a superb offering from Poynings Grange Vineyard.

SBT MONTHLY NEWS

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5

MO NT H LY N E WS

Creative co-working revolution set to touch down in Eastbourne

The changing face of Eastbourne has attracted a revolutionary new style of creative space for local businesses with global ambitions.

FOUNDRY will be opening in The Monthly Beacon this summer, News in a joint initiative with Beacon owners Legal & General Investment Management. FOUNDRY’s mission is about empowering the local business community, giving them space to think differently. It will be the first of 10+ locations within the next three years.

With a large footprint over two floors, FOUNDRY Eastbourne will offer a range of office work spaces to suit all sizes which can be rented by the day, week or month. On the ground floor, and open to shoppers, will be ‘boutique’ concessions for independent retailers to launch an idea and a mix of ‘bookable’ lifestyle units supporting mindfulness, wellbeing and mental health.

A centrepiece of the brand new kid on the block will be a large timber amphitheatre connecting the two floors where communal and meeting zones will enjoy a great sound system, live DJs, locally roasted coffee and a drinks bar with pop-up food traders. This will offer members unique places they can gather, network, perform, chat and work.

FOUNDRY is inviting people currently working from home, co-workers to early-stage entrepreneurs to book a tour and sample the changing face of retail and commerce.

“There’s a workspace revolution coming to our town centres, and it’s called FOUNDRY,” explained cofounder Adam Walker. “The daily commute has been shunted into the sidings and people from all sectors and life-stages are grasping the chance

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

to work closer to home, not at home!

“Our beautifully designed lounge, offices and meeting spaces are inspired by Eastbourne’s local history and wider cultural impact,” he added.

“They will banish the isolation of home-working and replace it with fun and inspirational communal areas for work, selling and hosting.”

FOUNDRY Eastbourne is the pilot location and an exciting joint venture with Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM). More work and leisure spaces are planned in other L&G centres across the country.

FOUNDRY is part of the wider Future Retail Blueprint launched by Denz Ibrahim, Head of Retail and Futuring at LGIM, in 2020. Its aim is to focus on the customer experience and expectation and to reimagine their retail places to meet these requirements. This involves re-modelling and future-proofing its shopping and retail centres across the country.

LGIM Fund Manager Andrew Rice said shopping centres were undergoing seismic changes to deliver a more comprehensive offer across the community and to better reflect the needs of individual towns.

“We are genuinely excited by the arrival of FOUNDRY at The Beacon,” Andrew said. “Never before have we combined business, retail, leisure and wellness in such a contemporary wrapping and at such highly competitive prices. We anticipate a positive response from Eastbourne and we cannot wait to start showing people around, in advance of our official opening later this summer.”

Eastbourne & District Chamber of

Adam Walker at FOUNDRY Commerce chief executive Christina Ewbank praised the insightful approach of FOUNDRY and L&G. “We currently have no offer like this in the town and I am confident it will be an amazing success,” Christina said.

“I would encourage our members to contact Adam Walker for a tour to see what a great attraction this will prove to be. We are planning a members evening at FOUNDRY in mid-July to show the business community what this is all about.

Well done L&G for seeing the potential in this initiative and giving it wings to fly.”

Eastbourne Borough Council leader David Tutt said the town was “100% ready” to embrace this type of investment.

“We were absolutely delighted when L&G invested in Eastbourne in 2018 with an £85 million extension,” he said. “The arrival of FOUNDRY is another massive vote of confidence in the town and we cannot wait for it to open.”

To book a tour, or to find out more about FOUNDRY Eastbourne, email hello@ foundryuk.com or visit the website www.foundryuk.com

MON T H LY N E WS

At the launch night of GATHER

New concept GATHER launches in The Beacon for local organisations and charities GATHER is the latest concept to be launched in The Beacon, Eastbourne, as the shopping centre continues its journey to reimagine its customer retail experience.

The dedicated

Monthly News

community space is located in the unit

formerly known as

The Hut and is now

available for local community groups

and charities to gather free of charge for a variety of events and activities.

More than 60 people, representing a wide range of organisations and

charities, attended the launch event.

Eastbourne Gilbert & Sullivan Society

provided entertainment for the evening.

James Roberts, director of The Beacon, said: “GATHER is part of our strategy at The Beacon to reimagine space in the

shopping centre so that we offer a much wider experience to our customers than

just shopping. This is a dedicated space that is inclusive for all groups in the

community, where we want to encourage innovative and creative thinking.

“Our strategy to build a community

in the centre, through play, work and

events for local people, began with

be a great platform for local charities

GATHER and we will have more exciting

shoppers and promote their services

our mall enlivenment, continues with

to meet up with clients, engage with

announcements to make very soon.”

to the wider public. 3VA is delighted

Hend Moussa, community manager

advantage of this facility in The Beacon.”

be a real community hub and I’m so

Hansa Raja-Jones, founder of Holding

from a diverse range of organisations

space for charities, right at the heart of

rap skills and circus skills workshop,

there, hold workshops and promote our

CV building and interview prepping

excited about the arrival of GATHER and

workplace. We really want people to

coming months.”

as creative way as possible.”

Bookings will be taken on a first-come,

at The Beacon, said: “This space will

to be one of the first charities to take

pleased that we already have bookings

Space, said: “This will prove to be a great

for some exciting activities including a

the community. We can meet clients

a chair yoga session and a session on

services to a wider audience. I am very

for people getting back into the

I look forward to making use of it over the

see this as their space and to use it in

One of the organisations that has

booked several sessions in GATHER

first-served basis.

The idea is that the space will evolve to

for June is 3VA, the voluntary action

the needs of organisations using it.

Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes.

There will soon be a dedicated section

Emma Millar, community development

enquiries to book GATHER can be

organisation for the districts of

officer, 3VA, said: “GATHER is set to

on The Beacon’s website where

made. Visit thebeaconeastbourne.com

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

MO NT H LY N E WS

First look: Edward Street Quarter’s exteriors revealed New photos reveal the first look at Edward Street Quarter’s bricked exterior as scaffolding starts to come down across the site.

The £120 million

Monthly News

build on Edward Street in central Brighton is set

to complete this

summer, delivering 168 new homes and 125,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, as well as 20,000 sq ft of

leisure, retail and hospitality facilities.

The development offers one, two and

three-bedroom apartments - many with

outside space and all with access to an

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

impressive panoramic roof terrace and

expectations which is why we have

private garden for residents only.

incorporated elements such as our

Steve Eccles, Director at developer

apartments, three public art sculptures,

is always a highly-anticipated part of any

community together, an exemplary cycle

brickwork and it provides the first real

so much more.”

when complete.

For more information or to make an

“We were determined for Edward

leisure or retail space, please visit: www.

exclusive roof terrace for our residential

Socius, says: “Taking down scaffolding

two public squares, an app to bring the

development process – you can see the

scheme to encourage healthy living and

glimpse as to how the building will look

Street Quarter to go above and beyond

enquiry about the new homes, offices, edwardstreetquarter.com

MON T H LY N E WS

Extech Cloud crowned UK EDGE Partner of the Year at Vuzion Cloud Awards 2022

Business wins accolade in recognition of its cloud-centric IT services and commitment to a training platform offered through Vuzion EDGE The team at Extech

Monthly News

Cloud was proud

and delighted to be recognised for their achievements as a

cloud-centric company, providing cloud

IT services to customers. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to training and development through the Vuzion EDGE Training platform.

“We find Vuzion EDGE training useful to

learn about new features and apps, and how they can benefit our customers as

well as our business,” explains Andrew

Hookway, Managing Director of Extech Cloud. “Our dedication to learning and development enables us to offer the

latest Cloud IT solutions and systems to support our customers, helping to give them a competitive edge.”

Ongoing training also enables Extech

Cloud to maintain its status as a cloud solution provider and to keep its gold Microsoft partnership.

The Vuzion Cloud Awards was created

to formally recognise the achievements

and more collaborative working,” adds

make the transition as pain-free and

Andrew. “Put simply, we make hybrid

straightforward as possible for them,”

Extech Cloud was also shortlisted this

working work!”

Andrew says.

of the Year, and UK Partner of the Year

Extech Cloud works with small-medium

For support with your IT strategy, or

as possible about how people in the

products and support Extech Cloud

over five years, as the South’s leading

through its Feasibility Study.

sectors across the South, contact an

organisations transition to the cloud.

“We understand how it will impact

www.extechcloud.com, email info@

and successes of Vuzion partners.

year as a finalist for the AZURE Partner awards categories.

sized businesses, and learns as much

to learn more about the innovative

Having worked with Vuzion for just

business use and interact with data

provides to businesses in various

digital transformers, Extech Cloud helps “We enable remote, flexible, secure

them on a daily basis, and then

Extech Cloud specialist today. Visit

extech.co.uk, or call 01444 443200.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9

MO NT H LY N E WS

Mayo Wynne Baxter raises money for Sussex mental health charity Heads On with village walk A team from leading Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter raised £535 for Sussex mental health charity Heads On by walking 5km when they set off from Glynde Place.

Heads On is the

Monthly News

charitable arm of

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation

Trust and is Mayo

Wynne Baxter’s chosen company charity until 2023.

The team joined the fundraising walk, organised by Heads On, at the 16th

century manor house on Saturday, June 11, after it was postponed because of the pandemic.

Samantha Dickinson, Equality and Diversity Partner at Mayo Wynne

Baxter’s Brighton office, said: “It was

fantastic to be able to finally take part in this wonderful fundraising event after it was delayed by the pandemic.

“We’re so proud to support Heads On as

our chosen charity and back the important work they do in looking after people’s

mental health in Sussex, especially as we all know what an impact the pandemic had on everyone’s mental resilience.

10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

“Exercise is such an important part

On or other Sussex NHS charities.

or run in the South Downs in the

fantastic to add this new amount to our

definitely good for the soul. It’s even

really proud to have walked 5km with the

such a great cause too.”

joy to be able to restart in person

The team included marketing executive

the pandemic is behind us.

Eastbourne office, and her daughters,

“It has been a challenge to fundraise

Dickinson, equality and diversity

that society has opened up again and

Scarlett, as well as solicitor Kirsty

organising raffles and bake offs with

of caring for our wellbeing and a walk

Marketing executive Lorna said: “It’s

picturesque surroundings of Glynde is

fundraising for Heads On and we’re

better when you can raise money for

team and our children. It is an absolute

Lorna Gietzen, who works out of the

fundraising events like this again now

Isobel and Sophia Gietzen, Samantha

because of the restrictions but now

partner, together with her daughter,

we’re back in our offices we have been

Grimley from the Brighton office and

many more events planned for 2022.”

the Eastbourne office.

To donate to Heads On please visit

Mayo Wynne Baxter has been working

for Walk For Wards at: https://www.

already raised £2,000 for the charity and

wynne-baxter-team-walkforwards

Clare Smith, HR director, who works in

Mayo Wynne Baxter’s JustGiving Page

with Heads On since April 2021 and had

justgiving.com/fundraising/the-mayo-

helped to raise its profile locally.

For more information, please visit:

Participants had the option to run or

walk a 5km or 10km course around the rural estate and raise money for Heads

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

SBT CBC STORIES

CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE GIFT AT A TIME AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVID PARR & OMID MOELLEMI, CO FOUNDERS OF PRSNT.

CBC STORIES SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11

C B C STORI E S

Changing the World, one gift at a time An interview with David Parr & Omid Moellemi, Co-Founders of Prsnt.

Omid Moallemi and

CBC Stories

David Parr have

revolutionised gifting with a viral app and business platform.

They are co-founders of instant gifting tech startup Prsnt and have recently appeared in Forbes magazine. Their

brand was named finalist in the FSB

Awards for Best Startup. They are on a

mission to change the world, one gift at a time - through smartphones, through

harnessing emotions and through tech.

This is their story.

You have both had long careers

in design, tell us a bit about your business journeys and how you came together?

Omid: I went into the accountant route the glamorous side of the world - purely because I started young and my father

and brother have a local firm. I had been working there since I was a kid, going

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

through that progression, but I just didn’t enjoy it. It took me a while to realise

that I am actually quite good at creative thinking as opposed to VAT returns and things like that.

David: I started off as a designer

and studied at art college. I studied

photography and 3D and then went back to branding and graphics, but I always had a passion for music

in parallel with that. Weirdly, those

two worlds merged. I moved down to Brighton and the opportunity of

becoming a designer with the output

being in the music industry was the way that I went. So we curated clubs, did

bookings, had a record label. All of that

stuff needed graphics in the early stages and we started building websites for the

club brands. Everything digitalised in the

web space and the music industry at the same time, so I went through that whole digital transition. As it went through, I got more excited and interested in it.

It just grew and, eventually, I started a small agency here in Brighton, which

was boutique but serviced some fairly

big brands. Along that journey, I needed a decent accountant and I met Omid at a photocopier looking fairly dejected.

They were brilliant accountants. They

really took me under their wing. I didn’t know anything about the mechanics of

business. I got into a project and needed a product designer for a project, thought of Omid and we have now been working together for 8 or 9 years.

Omid: I left the accountancy world and went into product design. I thought

‘Let’s get a degree in that’ and then did work in London for a couple of years, trying to understand how the design

world worked and how a consultancy could make money. Then, after two or three years, started up my own

consultancy in Brighton. As David said, they came to me and said they needed someone to design a product.

CBC STO RI E S

Did you both always envisage from a

some big parties. Some were free, in a

your own businesses?

and all of that. You think you are doing it

young age that you would one day run

Omid: My dad, my granddad - they

warehouse, parties out in The Downs

because that is what we wanted to do.

That fact that it grew and that, out of

always got their bread and butter money

that, commercial opportunities came... I

business on the side. I was working on

and it was like ‘What? We can do that

I was about 10, doing whatever I can.

My mind just kept being blown. Through

argumentative, but I’d always question

obvious cool thing to do, I then realised

like that? We could do that better.’ I

that work. I had to work quite hard to

kind of thinking. For me, personally,

my relationship with Omid’s family has

own thing. I felt I had a lot to give to the

did help me out with the transition. For

design voice to be heard. I can make

that whole thing - creativity, events and

that. Since my playground days up to

to enable that to succeed, we created

Some worked, some didn’t. I think it’s

a platform but the mechanics of the

think David faced the same.

It wasn’t just luck. I met people in

David: Mine was the other way around

music. I moved from the little village I

but they have always been doing other

didn’t see the commercial opportunities

my mum and dad’s side hustle since

as well? We can start our own label?’

So, that’s ingrained in my DNA. I am not

following what seemed like another

the logic. ‘Why are we doing things

that we needed a business to underpin

couldn’t work for someone with that

understand that stuff, which is why

I have always had this urge to do my

been so strong because they really

world through design and wanted my

somebody that’s got pure passion for

money. I learned: you do this, you get

on the music side. To underpin that,

my early 20s, I had different businesses.

platforms. I could see how you create

part of the DNA of an entrepreneur and I

business was a steep learning curve.

Cambridge who shared a passion for

and, quite frankly, I couldn’t believe we

grew up in to the nearest town as soon

down to Brighton and were doing

wanted to make stuff happen, doing

were getting away with it. We moved

as I could. I met some folk and we all

our own parties. They were moving to Brighton and I followed them about a

year-and-a-half later. By then, they had

established themselves here. Brighton is just one of those places - it’s so freespirited and entrepreneurial. People

really get behind you, rather than put you down. There was also this Acid

House movement that was so full of

love and making things happen for that reason. You could motivate 800 people before mobile phones to go and do

something together because they really wanted to. I keep coming back to that.

Highly organised, really motivated and it changed a lot of things for the better.

Omid: We’ve met a lot of people who have been helping us on this journey, running agencies and companies,

and lot of them come from a similar background to David - the clubbing

scene or ran a club. They’ve all grown up now and have an adult job.

Tell us about some of the challenges

you faced and how Prsnt came about?

Omid: This is an idea that we have had for nearly 10 years. We had it on the

backburner and the timing wasn’t quite

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

C B C STORI E S

right for it, through technology and a

few other things. We were also on our other projects. With covid, it was the perfect time.

David: This is the gifting solution for

when you can’t be there face-to-face to give someone a gift. How about

this for an opportunity? Covid turns

up and instead of it being something that affects people occasionally, it’s

everyone, everywhere. We’ve got to

move on this, right now. I think it made people realise quite how big what we were suggesting could be.

Omid: The challenge around that was starting a new company right as the pandemic started and then asking

people ‘Can we have some money

to see us through?’ It was creating a

robust business plan around that. And

then convincing people. It wasn’t easy.

If you fear it, you will never try. We have

identified pain points for the consumer, the brand and businesses and have created solutions around those three cohorts.

They are disconnected, they are working from home... How do you keep those

motivational touchpoints with staff who you are seeing once every week? It’s

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

through those little touches or gestures through gifting. It works brilliantly.

David: Another thing we are solving is ‘What do you want?’ Through likes on products and also through profiling,

we can create, over time, a really, really good gift list without you having to

define it. It would be a suggestion but

works in quite a clever way. You can be told who a person is, what the special occasion is and what they like.

wrapping paper, then I’ve got to take it to the Post Office. It’s about six steps and different companies just to send

somebody a gift. And people just think, I’ll write ‘Happy birthday, mate’ or just

send them a text message. It’s just not good enough. I don’t think gifting has been looked at properly around the

consumer focus. 97 per cent of people

have smartphones, so why hasn’t gifting

moved on? I can go on Amazon but they charge £3.95 for gift wrapping, which

nobody ever pays, and the gift is going to With Prsnt you are looking to create a modern way of gifting. Tell us why.

Omid: We’ve got the consumer app to

send friends gifts and we’ve also got the business platform which is for corporate gifting. We started with the consumer

platform - the app - mainly because it came down to necessity. How many

times is it someones birthday? You find

out on Facebook - that’s how we find out when it’s people’s birthdays nowadays

arrive tomorrow at the earliest. Nobody wants to get a gift after the event. We

thought it was ridiculous. Why isn’t there an app on your phone that does all

your gifting requirements? When is their birthday? What do they want? The app

has got curated gifts for them. Whatever

you want is there. They can unwrap it on

their phone through a text message.A lot

of our bestsellers are immediates under a fiver but we wrap that up in an emotional

way with a video message. People love it.

mainly. You think, ‘Oh, go on Google.’

What does success looks like to you?

Now I’ve got to get it sent to me or I can

Omid: If you’d asked me that 10 years

You go on Google, find H&M and a gift. have it sent to them but I don’t know

their address. I’ve got to get a card and

ago, it would be Lamborghini and all that kind of stuff but, for me now, it’s seeing

CBC STO RI E S our product change the fabric of gifting and seeing our product lead that race.

David: I think company-building. I

have had some experience of building companies and it’s quite a crazy thing

to control. I think there is an opportunity here to start a company where the

output is so obvious and good that the culture you build around it is amazing.

We could build a great company that

people would really, really love to work for. I would just love to have one of

those brands that makes people think ‘That’s a good one.’

As a tech start up, you have had

£300,000 pre seed investment and are currently in the next funding round.

Tell us about the investment journey.

Omid: We’ve got previous fundraising

pitch. People will always throw all kinds

key so, to anyone reading this, that’s

going through that pitching process,

experience. Getting SIES status is

of stuff back at you. So, when you are

one of your first ports of call. Get your

keep both ears open.

numbers so there’s no ambiguity. As

How do you achieve a work life

financials bulletproof. Really know your long as you’ve got a passion and you

balance?

sticking with it. Somebody will buy

Omid: When your eyes open in the

at least six months. Don’t rely on that

and, when you close them at night,

they can pull out. Make sure you know

creatively, my brain automatically cuts.

because you don’t want to under-fund

time for the family.

know how you are going to do it, keep into that. You have got to give yourself

morning, you are thinking about ideas

one lead because at the eleventh hour

you are dreaming about them. For me,

what the money is going to be used for

My brain just does it. I do try to make

yourself and run out of money again.

David: Storytelling is something we

have been really focussing on but we’ve been been criticised at every single

David: If it wasn’t this it would be

something else. My brain moves too

fast. If I have to put in a 16-hour day, I do. If I pick my son up from nursery, I

may have to put in some time later on.

What does the future hold for Prsnt?

Omid: Our ultimate goal is to be one of the main ways that we gift as a society. That’s

the mission. From a business perspective,

we are lining up our next round of funding.

We’ve got a nice roadmap of features that you will have to wait to see.

David: What we are focussing on now is hard commercial truths, rather than

connections or how viral the app could be.

What one piece of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

David: You are enough.

Omid: Be more confident.

If you could give one gift to someone, what would it be?

Omid: I don’t think it would be a physical gift but an emotional one. I would gift someone time - like a meal for two.

Website/App download www.prsnt.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

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ONLY £149

Content Hub

Community

Marketplace

Growth Services

Your Business | Your Community | Your Platform www.countybusinessclubs.co.uk

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT FINANCE

SEOFON BUSINESS SERVICES LAUNCH NEW ADMINISTRATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT

CARPENTER BOX FINANCIAL ADVISERS AWARDED FOR ITS VULNERABLE CLIENT CARE AT PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

SBT FINANCE SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

Seofon Business Services launch new Administration Services Department Building on ten years of business success, Seofon Business Services have now further expanded its offering to include the creation of a new in-house Administration Department.

Did you know that in

Finance

a survey conducted

by the Federation of Small Businesses, it was found that

on average a small business owner

spends around 33 hours per month

on administration? That is almost four

times the amount of time that is spent on new business development - or 8

hours and 50 minutes to be exact! And, in needing to spend around 4 days per month just on business admin, 55 per

cent of those surveyed then stated that

18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

they believed this onerous task was

instrumental in holding back the growth of their companies.

We set up Seofon to be a ‘single port-ofcall’ support hub for local and regional businesses from the start. With this in mind, we have always facilitated an

extensive array of key business services, either as part of our in-house provision, or with the assistance of strong referral partnerships with trusted business

associates. Our diverse range which includes Bookkeeping, Payroll, Tax

Returns, Business Mentoring, Website Development and Human Resources,

has always included Admin Services, but not always as a direct in-house facility.

So… with our tenth anniversary

year currently in progress, we are

delighted to now have our new inhouse Administration Department

being brilliantly set-up, managed and

overseen by Mel Gillman-Davis. For us, being able to grow our admin support side of the business with Mel is an

exciting step for Seofon. And, having

FI NA NCE

and plans are afoot to bring more of

mentoring clients will also benefit

as suitable opportunities present

professional team will impart when

many business circumstances are

admin solutions.

each company’s newly emerging

Seofon assists small and medium

Our highly experienced team and

our qualified business administration

to quickly respond and provide

to comprehensively support, and

of our clients’ new and established

and numerical services we already

our service areas fully into the fold

from the advice and support this

themselves. We know that, currently,

it comes to best practice business

continuing to change and, as a result,

known and worked with Mel for several years, we have already experienced the wealth of skills and knowledge

that she will be infusing into our new administration provision.

Mel’s business ethos and hands on experience is a perfect fit for us. Having worked across an

extensive range of business sectors such as Airline, Pharmaceutical, HR, Recruitment and Chartered

Accountants, she brings with her over

20 years of practical work experience,

which just enhances her administration qualifications even more.

Seofon is an expanding business,

has an ever growing in-house team,

needs are becoming more prevalent.

owner-managed businesses, and

robust business model allows us

team has the hands on experience

exceptional business support for all

further enhance, the bookkeeping

operational requirements.

offer. Currently, the post lockdown

Our new Business Administration

up a myriad of unforeseen and

a small and growing businesses will

businesses. As a result, an increasing

Covering all aspects of business

the drain on staff time and the need

meeting notes, data collation

support to help them over the bumps.

onslaught is frequently throwing

department encompasses everything

time-consuming challenges for all

need on a regular or one-off basis.

number companies are recognising

admin, such as the collation of

for either temporary, or ongoing,

and management, recruitment

We are here to help!

the maintenance of office records

www.seofon.co.uk

administration, meeting scheduling, and the formatting and editing of

presentations, we can now assist with many of the time consuming day-today needs a business has. And, our

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

FI NAN C E

Carpenter Box Financial Advisers recognised for its vulnerable client care at prestigious awards Carpenter Box Financial Advisers, which has offices in Brighton and throughout Sussex, has been crowned ‘Best Adviser for Vulnerable Client Care’ at the Professional Adviser Awards 2022.

The award aims to

Finance

recognise advisers

who have gone above and beyond for their vulnerable clients

during the coronavirus crisis.

Head of Carpenter Box Financial

Advisers, Roy Thompson said: “We

couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

Over the last few years, we have built up a great team and a lot of work has gone into the development of new processes to assist our clients, notably those that are considered vulnerable.

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

“For those who fall into this category,

Adviser Awards seek to reward excellence

at the best of times, let along during a

the UK, recognising the best in multi-asset

to us to ensure that they felt financially

support and client engagement.

worrying time.”

To find out more about the services on

Carpenter Box Financial Advisers also

Advisers can help you make the most of

and product providers in the region as a

visit them at www.carpenterboxfa.com.

dealing with finances can be challenging

within the financial services sector across

pandemic. So, it was hugely important

investing, platform provision, adviser

secure and confident during such a

stood apart from the top advisers, firms

named finalist in the Southeast ‘Adviser Firm of the Year’ category.

Now in its 17th year, the Professional

offer and how Carpenter Box Financial

your finances, please call 01903 234094 or

SBT LEGAL

THE FOUR DAY WORKING WEEK

BY MAYO WYNNE BAXTER

EMPLOYMENT LAW: WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU FACE AN UNFAIR DISMISSAL CLAIM? BY 365 EMPLOYMENT LAW

SBT LEGAL SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

The four day working week

On June 6 this year, a six-month trial of the four-day work week began in the UK with over 70 businesses taking part from a wide range of industries - including food and drink, the banking sector, charities, education and retail.

The trial is based

Legal

on the 100:80:100

model whereby the employee receives 100% of their pay

for 80% of working time in return for maintaining 100% productivity.

So what are some of the potential benefits?

• Increased productivity

It is clear when comparing the level of

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

productivity in countries around the world against the average number of working

hours worked that working longer hours does not necessarily result in a higher level of productivity and that, in fact, the opposite may be true. Norway,

Netherlands, Denmark and Germany

are among the world’s most productive

countries and yet they have an average working week of 27 hours. Conversely, the Japanese workforce are known for working very long hours but Japan is ranked much lower for productivity.

It is also interesting to note that when

Iceland conducted the world’s largest pilot of a 35 to 36 hour work week in

2015 to 2019 (reduced from a 40 hour

working week), the pilot was deemed to be a success with employers reporting that overall productivity remained the same or even increased.

• Equality in the workplace

According to the Government Equalities Office, approximately two million British

people are currently unable to work due

LEGA L to childcare responsibilities, 89% of

whom are women. A four-day work week would help to promote a more equal

workplace as employees would be able to spend more time with their families and save on childcare costs.

• Attracting and retaining talent

Employers who are willing and able to offer their employees a four day week for 100% pay are likely to attract a

larger number of potential employees than their competitors who are still

operating on the traditional five day

a week model. As it has been widely reported that there are significant

labour shortages in many UK industries, the ability to attract and retain

employees is vital for many employers.

A real-life example of this can be found in Atom, an online bank. They have

reported that after converting to a fourday week they experienced a 500% increase in job applications.

• Reduced carbon footprint

If the average working week was

reduced by one day per week this

would lead to a significant reduction in commuters and, therefore, a dramatic decrease in CO2 emissions. It would

also ease congestion on the roads and public transport.

• A happier workforce

It is not hard to see how working fewer hours per week is likely to lead to a

healthier, happier workforce. This was

borne out when Iceland conducted its pilot of a reduced working week and found that this led to a substantial

reduction in stress and burnout among employees, who also reported an

improvement in their work-life balance.

If the six-month UK trial is a success, it is reasonable to assume that a four

day working week may become a reality for many businesses, so here are some key points employers who are thinking

of adopting a 4 day working week may

adjusted to reflect the new reduced

need to consider:

contractual hours.

1. Changes to contracts

4. Monitoring hours worked

changed their contract of employment

lead to a trend of employees working

Although it is unlikely that an employee

in work. An employer should monitor

change, a contract cannot be

working and discourage them from

to be done with their consent.

their working days. Failure to do so

2. Part-time employees

to reap the potential benefits that this

If an existing employee’s hours are

A reduction in working days could

should be amended accordingly.

longer hours on the days that they are

would object to such an advantageous

the hours that its employees are

amended unilaterally and would need

working excessively long hours on

may mean both parties are less likely

If a full time employee’s working week

working model is designed to achieve,

to four days with no reduction in pay,

susceptible to stress and burnout and

their treatment of part-time employees

which would, in turn, have a detrimental

is going to be reduced from five days

resulting in employees becoming more

employers will need to ensure that

failing to achieve a work-life balance,

is no less favourable. This could

impact on productivity.

workers’ hours on a pro rata basis

Marika Monaghan

be achieved by reducing part-time while keeping their pay the same.

Associate Solicitor

3. Overtime

mmonaghan@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

Direct Dial: 01342 310608

If the employer has an overtime policy

which is based on the number of hours worked per week this will need to be

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

Employment Law: What happens if you face an Unfair Dismissal Claim?

I have advised both

Legal

employers and

employees for over 20 years on employment

issues. When acting for

employers, that advice is often proactive,

seeking to minimise any risk that employer may face should an employee bring an Employment Tribunal claim.

Whilst an employer could face various

claims in an employment tribunal from lower level wages claims, to complex discrimination claims, the most

common are Unfair Dismissal claims.

This is a claim that can be brought by

an employee, provided that they have

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

two years qualifying service with the

employer, and if successful, they could receive up to 1 year’s salary (which is capped), plus some other extras.

This article is not an analysis of

what amounts to a reasonable or fair

dismissal, but to assist employers on

the process they might face, should an

employee bring a claim. It goes without saying that taking advice at the time

of dismissal dramatically increases an employer’s chances of successfully defending such a claim.

1) The Pre-Action Stage

Your former employee might instruct

solicitors, or may themselves, write

to you asserting that that have been

unfairly dismissed, and the reason they think why. This is not a requirement

in the process but it is often done in

tandem with a “without prejudice” ie off the record letter, seeking settlement.

It is often important to engage with the possibility of settlement from a

commercial basis, as any legal costs (for either side) are not recoverable

from the other side other than in fairly extreme circumstances.

What is, however, a requirement for

Claimants (ie the employee) is to notify

ACAS under the Early Conciliation (EC)

LEGA L process. This can just be a notification without utilising the mediation service

ACAS provide, but prior to issuing the claim, the employee must have used

and completed this, and got a certificate number from ACAS, that they put on the Employment Tribunal Claim form

(ET1). ACAS can be particularly useful if the employee does not have legal

representation, as they act as informal

mediators on any settlement discussions.

2) The Claim and Defence

If an employee wants to bring a claim, they must do so within 3 months of

their dismissal. That time limit is paused or extended for the ACAS EC process (depending on the dates of that),

meaning in practice they have a matter of around 4 months to bring the claim.

They can do this online or by sending the claim to the correct local office.

Once the claim is issued, it is processed and sent to the employer, who then has 28 days to rile their response/defence (Form ET3). The ET1 Claim Form and

ET3 Defence are often accompanied by a more detailed document setting out the relevant case.

3) Preliminary Hearing/Directions Issued What the Tribunal does next varies on the office and, more importantly, the

complexities in the case. They might

issue a set of standard directions ie a

timetable, setting out what the parties have to do and by when, or they will set a Preliminary Hearing. This is a

short remote hearing, where any legal issues in the case are discussed, and a timetable to the final hearing is set.

The timetable will usually comprise set dates by which actions must be taken, for example:

i) The Claimant must send the

Respondent Employer a Schedule of

Loss ie how much the claim is worth;

ii) Disclosure – This is each party

sending the other relevant documents they wish to use at the Tribunal;

iii) A Trial Bundle – This, usually prepared by the Respondent employer, is a

joint, page numbered bundle for use at the final hearing;

iv) Witness Statements – Each side

must send a signed statement for any

witnesses they will use at the hearing.

The final hearing date will also be set at the Preliminary Hearing/Directions

stage. Unfair Dismissal claim hearings

can be as short as 1 day, but often run into multiple days eg a recent case I

had with 4 witnesses on each side was listed for 5 days.

4) The Final Hearing

This is where the Employment Tribunal hears and decides the case, and if

the Claimant is successful, how much money they will receive. On Unfair

Dismissal, an Employment Judge sits

Alex Jones

alone hearing the case. These can often be done on a remote basis.

The Judge will take into account a number of factors in deciding if the Claimant has been dismissed fairly or not:

i) Did the employer have potentially fair reason for the dismissal? Eg misconduct, capability?;

ii) Did they act reasonably in all the

circumstances? Ie in a way that a

comparable employer would have acted?;

iii) Did they follow a fair procedure in reaching their decision?;

iv) How credible were each sides’ witnesses?

If the employee is successful, they are awarded compensation. This can be reduced or increased depending on

deduct what they earn from that from their compensation claim.

Whilst an employer cannot stop an

employee issuing such a claim, they

can best place themselves to defend it. Even if they have made mistakes in dismissing, they can reduce compensation dramatically.

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

a variety of procedural and conduct based factors.

The employee is also a under a duty

to mitigate their loss and try and seek alternative employment. If they do

secure alternative work, they must

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

Does your business need a helping hand?

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

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

Call us on 01273 223290

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

Offices across Sussex

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT COVER STORY

TRAILBLAZER: YOUNGEST TAX PARTNER IN LOCAL PRACTICE SHINES A LIGHT ON CAREER IN ACCOUNTANCY

PLANNING FOR RECENT TAX CHANGES WITH CARPENTER BOX

SBT COVER STORY SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

Trailblazer: Youngest tax partner in local practice shines a light on career in accountancy Rachel Pearce, a chartered tax adviser and Partner at local accounting firm Carpenter Box, is blazing a trail in what was historically a male-dominated industry.

Aged just 33, she is

Cover Story

the youngest member of the firm’s tax team

at this senior level and a keen advocate of

the benefits of a career in accountancy.

“I absolutely love my job,” says Rachel,

who works in Carpenter Box’s Worthing office and lives in the town. “It is

enormously rewarding being able to

help businesses with their tax issues

and ensure they don’t overpay because

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

ultimately it improves their bottom line

and helps our local economy flourish.”

Rachel’s career in financial services

began at the age of 16 when she took a

temporary job as an office junior at another accountancy business in Worthing, where she assisted her colleagues in delivering various services to clients.

She enjoyed it so much she became

an accounting apprentice at the same

firm, and studied hard for 4 years with a

weekly day release for college to gain her

Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) qualifications.

Rachel’s firm rewarded her with a

tax manager position, assigning her to a multitude of partner-managed

clients and setting her to work on tax compliance and planning issues.

Soon though, Rachel decided she needed a fresh challenge and landed an interview with Carpenter Box’s head of tax, Stuart Noakes, joining the firm in 2011.

COVE R STO RY recognised her burgeoning talents.

After this, Rachel’s progress through

the firm was meteoric as she took on

more and more responsibilities. These

include managing other team members, setting and hitting key performance indicators (KPIs), marketing and

sourcing new business, as well as overarching client strategy.

She earned promotion to tax director in

2018 and was made tax partner in 2021 at just 31 – an incredible achievement.

Now 33, Rachel is still the youngest

of six tax partners at the firm, and the second youngest overall.

Rachel now has overall responsibility

for a team of tax advisers in Carpenter Box’s Worthing office and runs the

advisory department. She manages

the firm’s training programme for tax

apprentices, interviewing and selecting the best candidates, and encouraging them in their career development.

Rachel added: “I encourage all young

people to consider a career in tax and financial services generally, it is very

rewarding. There is a huge variety of

work and the opportunity to meet and “Stuart is still Head of Tax today

help lots of different people. Having an

enormous inspiration and mentor to

person is a good start. The key is to

just supporting Stuart with his clients

values, good training programme and a

and over the years he has been an

analytical mind and being a good people

me,” Rachel explained. “At first I was

find a modern firm with a strong set of

and there was a learning curve as I

supportive culture.”

experience, but I quickly branched out

Rachel also helps make major strategic

broadened my skillset and gained

to assisting other partners at the firm.”

decisions for the firm as part of a

Rachel was promoted to associate in

who represent a cross section of

develop and nurture – something she says

finance, audit and assurance, payroll

committee with its 17 other partners,

2016, taking on her own clients to grow,

services including accounting, corporate

represented a major career milestone.

and private client.

At this time Rachel was working four

“Over the last few years, we have seen

commitments, and Carpenter Box

the firm nearly doubling in size to over

days a week, to allow for childcare

enormous growth at Carpenter Box, with

encouraged her to work flexibly and

200 people and investing in major IT and

infrastructure enhancements to ensure its

client offering is second to none,” she said.

“However, it still feels like a close-knit

family team, and I feel completely aligned

to the firm’s overall vision and objectives.”

Tax advice and accounting are traditional financial services and, historically,

the sector was overwhelmingly maledominated. But this has already

changed according to Rachel, at least as far as Carpenter Box is concerned.

She says the gender balance at the firm overall, which has always prided itself

on being forward-thinking, diverse and inclusive, is roughly equal. And that

opportunities for the right candidates are there for the taking.

In April Carpenter Box promoted no less than 12 women to different positions

in the firm ranging from tax managers,

associates (fee-earning roles) and directors to credit control and support staff.

Stuart Noakes, Head of Tax at Carpenter Box, said of Rachel: “I have enjoyed

working with Rachel in the tax advisory

team at Carpenter Box since 2011. She has a wealth of experience in so many areas of tax, including an exceptional amount of knowledge around tax

planning for owner-managed businesses and investors. Rachel is a real asset to the tax team and the firm.”

Away from work, Rachel enjoys her life in the seaside town of Worthing and says it

is a fantastic place both to work and live.

Carpenter Box, which provides a

wide range of financial services, also has offices in Gatwick, Brighton and

Chichester, which serve businesses in their local areas and beyond.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

Planning for recent tax changes

Maintaining the stability of the UK through the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in enormous economic costs; and inflation is only expected to increase the Government’s debt.

The Office for Budget

Cover Story

Responsibility has indicated that the

Treasury will need to

find £45bn in interest,

before even considering paying off the debt itself. But it will be the taxpayers who will be providing this extra cash!

Extra costs this year

• Income tax: The Chancellor is not

directly increasing the rates of income

tax that we pay. However, the basic and higher rate threshold will be frozen from

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

April 2022 to April 2026. Essentially, this means that the amount we pay is rising as inflation increases wages.

• National Insurance: A 1.25% contribution has been added to both employee and employer National Insurance from April 2022, as well as a similar additional

charge on dividends. This is also known as the Health and Social Care Levy and from April 2023, this will be applied to

employees above the state pension age.

The Treasury has also announced a

number of consultations which could all mean extra costs. For example, there

will be increased scrutiny on those who

are self-employed, or recently became a

landlord who will be expected to report a

new venture even before it turns a taxable profit. There could also be an increasing

pressure for collecting tax sooner –whilst this is still just a consultation at this

stage, the government is understandably keen to raise funds quickly.

These changes mean that the onus is

on you to ensure that you are not paying

COVE R STO RY

If your current assessment is correct,

you might wish to take a more proactive

the past are still correct.

be time to:

How can we help?

•M aximise your pension contributions

individual must be taken into account

approach to reducing your tax. It could

to make full use of tax relief

too much tax – and there are two key areas to look at:

1. Are you claiming all of your

whether the structures you set up in

•M ake yourself a detailed pension forecast – to see the effect your changes will have

The personal circumstances of each

when you are deciding whether a particular plan is suitable or advantageous. We hope that these suggestions give you some ideas and we would also be happy to discuss them with you in more detail.

allowances?

•M ake full use of your ISA entitlements

Our team can also provide a full tax

inform us of what we owe, HMRC are only

• For Shareholder/Directors, consider

marginal tax traps waiting for you – and

Whilst the majority of us rely on HMRC to human and sometimes make mistakes.

For example, if your income has fluctuated over the past few months, you may have forgotten an allowance or two.

It can be well worth reviewing your tax return. If you do find errors, there is

a straightforward way to query them.

HMRC has an established and efficient

the timing of bonuses and dividends to

mitigate the planned 1.25% rate increase •L ook at Salary Sacrifice arrangements

review which will help identify the help you to avoid them!

If you are unsure as to whether you are making the most of your tax

which can be particularly effective in

allowances or how you can reduce your

Insurance Contributions

our tax team on 01903 234094 or visit

mitigating income tax and National

tax liabilities, get in touch with one of carpenterbox.com

We recommend you carry out an

appeals system.

annual review of your financial affairs,

2. Can you reduce your tax liabilities?

paying more tax than you need to and

in order to check that you are not

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

A DV I S O RY / TA X / AU DI T

Your local independent advisers Get in touch today for a free and informal consultation:

T: 01903 234094 E: info@carpenterbox.com www.carpenterbox.com 32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT

COVER FE ATU RE

START UPS & ENTREPRENEURS

STARTING A BUSINESS?

WHY NOT CONSIDER A FRANCHISE BEFORE YOU GO IT ALONE

BRIGHTON’S SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LAW HOLDS FIRST EVER ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE

SBT START UPS & ENTREPRENEURS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

STA RT UP AN D E N TR E P R E N E U R S

Starting a business? Why not consider a franchise before you go it alone Being in business for yourself - but not by yourself The great resignation

New Business

is what many people are calling this post-

covid period as people don’t want to return

to the corporate world and are looking

for alternative ways of generating income and starting businesses. Before going it alone and trying to find that unique idea or gap in the market, have you considered franchising?

Pam Gordon, Franchise Consultant with The Franchising Centre and one of the

Business & IP Centre Sussex’s Experts

in Residence, started her own business

under a franchise and this has given her the flexibility she wanted. So, we asked Pam about franchising and her journey into this business model: What is franchising?

The term ‘franchise’ is used in many ways (film franchises, rail company franchises) – but what I mean is a

‘Business Format Franchise’ – which

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

is the replication of a proven business

model. A franchisee buys a ‘business in a box’, i.e., a proven model and brand. By having the training and

support of the original business owner and their team and by following the

model, they should achieve the same

success as the founder of the business.

Franchising can offer a safer route into business – buying into a brand that

offers a structure, training and on-going support as well as a network of diverse business owners.

What types of franchises are there?

There are all kinds of franchises – from one person van-based businesses like dent

repair or lawn maintenance, management franchises in growing teams of people in

sectors such as care, through to running multiple-site food businesses – so every

sector will usually have a franchise within it.

Could it be for me – what do franchisors look for?

There are over 1,000 franchise brands in the UK, offering franchise business opportunities. They range across

different sectors – from children’s

activities to quick service restaurants, so franchisors will look for many different things – often they aren’t looking for

industry knowledge or experience, they look for transferable skills and attitude.

It’s often about someone coming in with a positive attitude, someone who wants to run and develop their own business but using someone else’s experience

and brand and is comfortable with doing

that – so not looking to reinvent the wheel.

A genuine desire to listen and learn the

franchisors model, as well as vast amounts of self-motivation to develop the business.

How to research the opportunities?

There are lots of online directories and franchise exhibitions, such as: British Franchise Association, Encouraging

Women Into Franchising, Franchise Direct, Franchise Local or Total Franchise.

START UP AN D EN T R EP RE N E U RS How did you get into franchising?

something many people are searching

having worked for HSBC Asset

the benefit of things like walking my

redundant and found myself taking

one of her plays or sports days, as I’m

Carewatch Care Service (founded in

they say: money can’t buy everything.

homecare and franchising.

Why should others consider this

The care industry was moving into a

Franchising has given me so much

structure of a franchise model, and

be great if more people considered it

use franchise models for growth. I

It can give you a structure and

- seeing such passion in growing a

on your own and give you the backup

in franchisees as they started and

be a stressful time. The benefits

I have then worked for many diverse

during Covid has been immeasurable

and support roles from businesses in

financially and emotionally – by having

My own background is in banking,

for, now, post-pandemic. I enjoy

Finance in the late nineties. I was made

daughter to school, and never missing

a job with a care franchise called

in control of my time. It’s true what

Brighton). So, learning two sectors –

Pam Gordon, Franchise Consultant with daughter Beth

But I always suggest the 5-step rule for research:

1. Investment – what money are you able to put in and what are you comfortable borrowing? This ‘level’ is your starting point, as there is no need then to research things you can’t afford.

2. Industry/Sector – you’ve got to

be interested in learning about the

sector and have the enthusiasm to

research, which will help and ‘check’ the level of interest.

3. Family/Friends Support – making

sure you have people backing your

decisions, so talking about the plan and business and getting people to

understand what you are doing next.

4. Professional Advice – talking to

banks about investment, lawyers about legal agreements, local

business support organisations,

accountants – going in with your eyes open having taken advice.

5. Decision – knowing you are going to make the decision to become self-

employed and start your own business.

business model?

more regulated sector so suited the

over the last 23 years and it would

many domiciliary care businesses still

before starting something themselves.

loved care but loved franchising more

support when trying to start something

brand and the amazing transformation

and network to talk to in what can

grew their businesses over the years.

that many franchisees have found

types of franchisors in recruitment

and helped them to get through it

logistics like Fastway Couriers to cost

people who fully understand what you

management consultancy, like ERA.

are going through.

Where did your journey take you next?

If you join a franchise, I’m sure you

way to work more flexibly around

as you go in with the right level of

The Franchising Centre and bring

an exit plan. But, more importantly, a

and develop my own franchise

you are doing it!

Consultant I advise businesses on

If you’d like to learn more about this

as supporting existing franchisors

and book a one-to-one session

I enjoy helping businesses on

Pam’s webinar in July on the topic of

supporting them at many points on

Sussex Eventbrite page.

Have franchising meet your

or email bipc@brighton-hove.gov.uk

In 2014, I was looking myself for a

won’t regret your decision, as long

my daughter and decided to join

expectations, timeframe, and even with

my experience under their brand

firm understanding of your ‘why’ – why

consultancy. So, now as a Franchise their franchise development as well

business format, contact BIPC Sussex

with their recruitment of franchisees.

with Pam Gordon. You can also join

their journey into franchising and

Franchising. Find details on the BIPC

that path.

expectations?

Visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/bipc

Starting my own business under

licence has definitely been the right step for me. I wanted to earn the

right income for me and my family

and enjoy the ability to choose my

work-life balance – which I think is

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

Brighton’s School of Business and Law - first ever Entrepreneurship Conference The University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law has held its first-ever Entrepreneurship Conference. It was in the planning for some years but Covid got in the way (as with so many other plans), Rachael Carden explains.

The Showcase Event

New Business

was an opportunity for our students

at all levels (from Foundation year

– with their focus on Responsible

Enterprise – all the way through to

our PhD students, who shared their Entrepreneurial focused study) to

share the results of their University Entrepreneurship studies with an

audience of local business people,

ex-students (alumni) (who have started their own businesses after graduation)

and other supporters. There would also

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

be time for networking, eating, drinking

and to learn from each other with prizes given at the end of the evening.

The whole project has had widespread

support from our Advisory Board whose members were instrumental in getting

this event off the ground since it was just

a back of the envelope idea last October.

One member of the Board, Rosemary French, who supported me to get the whole project up and running, said:

“Academic teaching and understanding of entrepreneurship has always been at the heart of the University of Brighton

School of Business and Law. However, this inaugural Entrepreneurship

Conference introduced students

at all levels to the practicalities of innovation, internationalism and

economic and eco sustainability

involved in a successful enterprise pitch to potential investors.

“Initial nerves gave way to the passion which was evident in the students’

presentations and the business dragons for the day were encouraged that the

Business School continues to develop such prospective entrepreneurs.’’

START UP AN D EN T R EP RE N E U RS

Covid has brought many challenges to all of us but for these particular

students (who have been locked away in flats/bedrooms/living rooms for the majority of the last two years, we felt that it was especially important that

they get back ‘out there’ in terms of

meeting new contacts and presenting to business people that they didn’t

know rather than just presenting to their tutors as this would help them to gain

confidence when looking for work in the post-Covid world.

Not only was the Conference new, it

also took place in our new home, the

flagship building of Elm House located on the Lewes Road.

As part of our planning process for the Conference, we were able to develop new partnerships both within and

outside the University community,

including groups such as our alumni/

local entrepreneurs/teaching staff, our Enterprise Ambassadors, our School

Advisory Board and our current cohort of students and old friends who have acted as ‘Dragons’ for us for years.

Paul Levy (Senior Lecturer at SBL)

who hosted the second year Creativity Event stated: “A highlight was how

Elm House came alive with curiosity

and activity. Our new building is at its

best when conversation echoes up and down the atrium. It is an open space,

so ideal for open discussion, challenge and questioning.”

This Conference builds on new

connections with local entrepreneur

Sonny Cutting, who was instrumental in setting up his Tigers’ Pen event at our school (11th January 2022). This

culminated in the winners being allowed to participate in the Sussex Business

Showon May 6 and competing against other fledgling businesses in the area.

The actual event:

Each group of students had a bespoke event which would give them the

chance to share their ideas with local

business people and our very own exstudents (alumni).

We started the evening with networking in our main Atrium but then the main event kicked off with a Keynote

Speech/interview between one of

our Enterprise Ambassadors – Sonny

Cutting and his interviewer, Steve

Bustin (Get your voice heard). This was

a ‘from the heart’ intro to the highs and lows of setting up your own business

and a general sharing of ‘things I wish I

had known about setting up a business when I was younger’. This was

particularly useful for students who,

while they might not all set up their own businesses, may well end up working for an entrepreneur. By 2020, the UK

had 5.9 million small businesses (FSB) and small businesses are businesses in the private sector with only 0–49

employees. In the UK, small businesses make up 99.3% of the total business population. If you include medium-

sized enterprises, this number reaches 99.9% (https://thecircularboard.com/ entrepreneur-statistics/).

The Keynote was followed by a selection of parallel student-focussed sessions

where guests and students were invited to participate fully by dropping in and

out of sessions, a selection of which are detailed below.

First years: Speed-dating for funding This activity was very popular. One

of the first year students (Anna - BSc

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

START UP AN D E NTR E P R E N E U R S International Business Management) said: “Being invited to the ‘Dragons

Den’ event was a great pleasure and

an opportunity to grow upon my skills and experiences. Meeting some of

the local business entrepreneurs was an eye-opening experience as their feedback helped shape our project idea for an assignment.

Personally, I have found that, everyone

was lovely and gave us feedback for our future, mentioning how to improve upon what we already have as to become,

potentially, one of them in the future.”

Entrepreneur feedback about the

foundation and first year students was also given. Entrepreneurs such as

Alex Bailey (CEO & Founder of Bailey

& French) showed his encouragement when he said: “What struck me was the quality of thought that had gone

into the pitches. I had to ask twice if I

heard correctly that these were first year

students… they all had more commercial savviness than many graduates and postgraduates I’ve come across”.

Furthermore, there appear to be

opportunities for future engagement, with Steve Agace from GR8 saying:

“I would emphasise that the first years I met were the best cohort I’ve seen

at Brighton Business School in a long time. I’m already looking forward to

meeting them again when we are hiring for our 2023-24 placements. Some real talent there.”

Second years: A creativity session where students met experts from all over the world on teams.

Students clearly enjoyed this session, with one saying: “It was such a

fascinating session. I found the guest from Virtual Doctors very inspiring.”

NETWORKING/SHARING ACTIVITIES

1. Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

was an opportunity for our students

to interview/meet our alumni such as

Ryan Hudson and Matt Denford from Ethicul, JP Omari from Streetfunk

(will hopefully make it next year) and Ella Gilchrist (Sociella). The session

was led by Clare Griffiths (BeePurple) about the experience of leaving Uni

and setting up their own businesses.

Dan Hawes (from the Graduate

Recruitment Bureau – GRB) stated that:

“Supporting entrepreneurial students on

a one-to-one basis and enabling them to

connect with alumni is a brilliant initiative and one that GRB are proud to have supported for over 15 years.”

2. A ‘Meet the Heroes’ activity gave

students and budding entrepreneurs/ existing entrepreneurs to chance to meet volunteers who sat in the ‘hot seat’ to be quizzed about the local business community.

3. T he main networking event,

unsurprisingly, was over food and

wine at the buffet dinner which took place halfway through the evening.

In addition to those already mentioned,

other supporters and attendees included o Alice Reeves from We are the Joyful o Bradley Hatchett from Network My Club

o Chris Saratti from

BoogieSearch.com

o Flo Powell from Midnight.co.uk

o Grace Lawless (and colleagues –

sorry I didn’t make a note of all their names!) from We are Pragma.co.uk

o Jayna Shah from JPS Wealth Management

o Jonathan Lea from Jonathan Lea.net o Lara Squires from Consortium

o Lucy Dawe from Lawton and Dawe Property Limited

o Malcolm Brabon (Coast to Capital) o Ron Tanner from Palmeira Global.com

o Sam Thomas from County Business Clubs

o Sara Bassett from Shoreham Port

o Sonny Cutting from Sussex Business Show

o Steve Agace from GRB

o Tony Murrell local entrepreneur o Tor Hatton from Tor’s Law.com

o Victoria Mason from Cardens4U Accountants

Overall, the event was seen a great

success. There were lessons to be learned for sure, but the energy and positivity that was generated was fantastic.

Max Eaglen (Platform Group) said:

“It was really great to see so many enthusiastic speakers talk so

passionately about their work. This sort of event has a really a positive effect

on both the students and the business owners themselves.”

And Richard Freeman (CEO of Always Possible) concurred stating: “It was a

brilliant opportunity for me to hear ideas

and pitches at all stages - from first years putting together their first presentations

to graduate businesses with the potential to disrupt their industry.

“The university created a relaxed,

collaborative energy which meant that both students and businesses were at

ease, never fearful of awkward silence or curious conversations.”

Given all the great feedback we are looking forward to even bigger and better things next year...

Author: Rachael Carden (Associate Dean for Education and Student

Experience, School of Business and Law, University of Brighton)

SBT

COVER FE ATU RE

GOOD BUSINESS

THE FOUR CS OF BRAND VISIBILITY FOR PURPOSE-DRIVEN BUSINESSES

SBT GOOD BUSINESS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

The four Cs of brand visibility for purpose-driven businesses For businesses to be successful, they need to ask “How can I help you?” not “What can I sell you?”

Good Business

88% of consumers

Let’s explore what it means to be

brands they’re

impact with your marketing, and the

net positive impact

community, contribution, collaboration

want to know the

purpose-driven, how to make more

supporting have a

four golden Cs of brand visibility:

on people and the planet, and 91%

are likely to move their custom to a

business that stands behind a cause they believe in.

and celebration.

What is purpose-led marketing?

Purpose means intention or the reason behind an action. The purpose of this

The future of business is ethical, and with

article is to get you thinking about more

and inspire more people, brands have

and connect with your audiences in

environmental change on a global scale.

your business.

marketing as a means to reach, enrol

authentic, valuable ways you can reach

the power to create systemic, social and

order to grow your impact alongside

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Really, all marketing is purpose-led.

For decades, big businesses have used clever marketing tactics to

infiltrate the collective subconscious and manipulate people into feeling bad about themselves so they buy

products. Feeling like they’re missing out on something so they buy

products. Feeling inadequate so they buy products. Wanting to belong so they buy products.

When we talk about purpose-led

marketing in the context of this article,

what we really mean is communicating

GOOD BUS I N E S S

a message that has a purpose beyond

Purpose-led brands need to be

reputation based on available online

authentic, helpful, focusing on human-

in their marketing to show they are

review before making a purchase.

selling a product or service. Being

to-human connection, and giving back more than you take.

Yes, we identify a need and look to find solutions through our communications, but we’re not deliberately creating a

need that doesn’t already exist, a need that may even have a negative impact

on people’s lives and the environment in the long-run.

What is a net-positive impact?

The key to purpose-led marketing is

authenticity. That means walking your talk. Marketing is just the tip of the

iceberg, and we must pay attention to every part of our business, especially the parts not seen by the public.

This is what we mean by net positive impact. When you look holistically at every element of your business

operations, including supply chain, employee wellbeing, diversity,

totally transparent and authentic

truly driving social and environmental change. There is no place for greenwashing in marketing.

Next, let’s explore the four Cs of brand visibility.

1. Community

Building and facilitating an engaged

community has a positive impact on your customers’ lives and your brand’s success.

People are craving connection like never before, and loneliness is a significant contributor to poor mental health, particularly in a post-COVID world.

As a purpose-driven business, your

community shares your values.They’re looking for information and support that helps them make more ethical,

sustainable choices. They also want to

be part of a tribe who think like they do.

accessibility, carbon emissions, your

Word of mouth is still the most effective

those micro impacts together, you get

vast majority of customers are looking

giving back policies and add all of

the grand sum of your impact. Is it

positive (leaves a surplus), or negative (leaves a deficit)?

way to grow your business and the for social proof from those in your

community. 93% of people assess whether a business has a good

reviews and 92% look at a product

We love to see sustainable fashion

brands using their customers in their

marketing, and user generated content remains one of the most impactful

elements of marketing campaigns.

Wherever possible, use your platforms to celebrate your community, and put your customers front and centre.

Snag Tights is a Scottish brand with a clear purpose: “We are here to make

clothes for everyone.” Making colourful

tights size 4-36, they have grown into a

dynamic, inclusive fashion business with

a vocal and loyal community. Take a peep at their social channels and you’ll see

their diversity, inclusivity, sustainability

and affordability values modelled by the people who love them most.

Communities make up the fans,

customers and followers that support

your brand to grow, and it’s your duty to give back to those groups and

provide value and support wherever

you can. Whether it’s through events

or online groups, find opportunities to

give back, stay engaged and show you value your audiences at every touch

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

GOOD B US I N E S S businesses, that means co-pitching for

work and being upfront and transparent

about your partnerships and agreements.

For B2C, you can get even more

creative. Sustainable jewellery brand

Catbird does this particularly well. They regularly invite artists to collaborate

on their collections, and deliberately

highlight the artists’ unique flair in their marketing, making collaboration a key part of their brand identity.

4. Celebration

Make room in your marketing strategy to celebrate the people and organisations you admire. point. Without a community, a business simply cannot thrive.

2. Contribution

Being a contribution is an essential

part of an impactful marketing strategy.

Contribution asks, “How can I help

you?” It really listens to the answer, and responds accordingly. This is the value you’re providing to your communities, and your opportunity to communicate your values beyond your owned

channels such as your website, blog and social media.

When you seek first to support, you create a symbiotic relationship with your audiences. This in turn helps

you to understand their needs better, which makes your products and

services stronger and more relevant.

It also provides opportunities to

diversify to meet the changing needs of your customers.

Contribution can be seen as a kinder

approach to PR. It’s creating content for publications for the purpose of being

helpful and getting ideas out there that really matter to you and that make a difference to your communities.

As part of your contribution, you might

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

approach podcasts that share similar

You might do this through a ‘spotlight on’

and experience as a guest, or pitch a

whose expertise and values align with

approach must never be sales-oriented,

post where you promote the work of

values and messages, offer your insights

interview series for movers and shakers

guest article to relevant publications. Your

your own, or through a celebratory social

instead this is about asking “How can I

someone who inspires you.

use my knowledge to be of service?”

Make sure to include your team, clients

3. Collaboration

and partners in the celebration, and

of collaboration over competition is

love on their own networks.

purpose-driven SMEs.

Putting the 4 Cs of visibility into action

Look for opportunities to collaborate

our marketing strategies are value-led and

admire. Not only does this bring more

and grow communities of loyal customers,

their audiences and create wider like-

about in front of new audiences.

Together we are mighty, and the concept extremely powerful, especially for

always tag them so they can share the

The 4 Cs of visibility are tools to ensure

with other brands and leaders you

valuable. They’re ways to nurture, support

value to your audiences, you also access

and get the messages we’re so passionate

minded communities.

With every piece of content you create, first

You could choose to collaborate on a piece

ask yourself: what is my intended impact?

your skill sets complement one another’s.

and delight, you’re on the right track. If in

partnering with different organisations. This

can I help you?” And with this, we hope

of content, course or other offer where

If the answer is to educate, inspire, enrol

You could also diversify your offering by

doubt, go back to that key question: “How

is something we regularly do at The Joyful,

we’ve helped you too!

technical and creative projects.

Sophie J Turton

Collaboration is a more authentic approach

Brand and marketing for movers,

to your clients and customers. For B2B

Website: wearethejoyful.com

especially when working on large-scale

to outsourcing, and can be a real benefit

Director, The Joyful

shakers and change-makers

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• Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £10,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Breakfast & Lunch included • Raffle & Sponsor Sweepstake

• £250 per team or £65 per person • Teams of Four • Stableford Points • 9am shotgun start

• Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £10,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Lunch included • Sweepstake, raffle and more

Register now at: toby@tpgsportsevents.com

XI

Register now at: events@searchseven.co.uk

Sponsorship opportunities available

FRIDAY

FOR

CHARITIES 6TH MAY #S7LOVESCHARITY

Sponsorship opportunities available

search marketing & conversion specialists

IN SUPPORT OF:

IN SUPPORT OF:

IN SUPPORT OF 7 CHARITIES:

CHARITY 7 GOLF DAY POWERED BY

SEARCH SEVEN: 100 PERCENT (CHARITY) EFFORT

SEARCH SEVEN PRESENTS

DIGITAL MARKETING

WORKSHOP

CHARIT 7 GOLF DA

MONDAY 7TH MAY 2018 WE SPEAK TO MANAGING DIRECTOR, GAVIN WILLIS

THURSDAY 8TH OCTOBER

MID SUSSEX GOLF CLUB, DIT

7PM KICK OFF AT AMEX STADIUM, BRIGHTON

WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY 2021

17K TARGET – 7 CHARITIES – 7TH BIRTHDAY

DYKE GOLF CLUB, BRIGHTON

£77K TARGET - 10 CHARITIES - 10TH

DONATE: SEARCHSEVEN.CO.UK/S7TEDSTROPHY2018

DONATE: JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING

£77K TARGET - 10 CHARITIES - 10TH BIRTHDAY Star Hole in

One Prizes:

7

DONATE: JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING/SHARE77K

in Europe, Golf Holiday £10,000 cash, UK Golf break and Set of clubs

PART OF

ENTRY INFORMATION

WHY ENTER? • Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £10,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Breakfast & Lunch included • Raffle & Sponsor Sweepstake

Register now at: toby@tpgsportsevents.com

FRIDAY

FOR

CHARITIES 6TH MAY

BY ROY STANNARD, HEAD OF INCOME GENERATION & COMMS, OFF THE FENCE TRUST

#S7LOVESCHARITY

Sponsorship opportunities available

One Prizes:

XI

XI

ENTRY INFORMATION

WHY ENTER?

• £250 per team or £65 per person • Teams of Four • Stableford Points • 9am shotgun start

• Great prizes for ne longest drives • Chance to win £10 car, an all-inclusiv golf clubs or a UK g • Lunch included • Sweepstake, raffle

Register now at: events@searchseven.co.uk

search marketing & conversion specialists

IN SUPPORT OF:

IN SUPPORT OF:

IN SUPPORT OF 7 CHARITIES:

CHARITY 7 GOLF DAY

PRESENTS

DIGITAL MARKETING MONDAY 7TH MAY 2018

MID SUSSEX GOLF CLUB, DITCHLING

DYKE GOLF CLUB, BRIGHTON £77K TARGET - 10 CHARITIES - 10TH BIRTHDAY

7

Star Hole in

ENTRY INFORMATION

WHY ENTER?

• £250 per team or £65 per person • Teams of Four • Stableford Points • 9am shotgun start

• Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £10,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Lunch included • Sweepstake, raffle and more

DONATE: JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING/SHARE77K

One Prizes:

in Europe, Golf Holiday £10,000 cash, UK Golf break and Set of clubs

SBT CHARITY SPONSORED BY: Register now at: events@searchseven.co.uk

POWERED BY

WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY 2021

17K TARGET – 7 CHARITIES – 7TH BIRTHDAY DONATE: SEARCHSEVEN.CO.UK/S7TEDSTROPHY2018

PART OF

One Prizes:

in Europe, Golf Holiday £10,000 cash, UK Golf break and Set of clubs

WORKSHOP

7PM KICK OFF AT AMEX STADIUM, BRIGHTON

£77K TARGET - 10 CHARITIES - 10TH BIRTHDAY DONATE: JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING/SHARE77K

Star Hole in

CHARITY 7 GOLF DAY

SEARCH SEVEN

THURSDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2020

PART OF

SPONSORED BY

FRIDAY CHARITIES 6TH MAY FOR

XI

Sponsorship opportunities available

XI

ENTRY INFORMATION

WHY ENTER?

• £360 per team • Teams of Four • Stableford Points • 9am shotgun start

• Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £10,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Breakfast & Lunch included • Raffle & Sponsor Sweepstake

Register now at: toby@tpgsportsevents.com

#S7LOVESCHARITY

Sponsorship opportunities available

search marketing & conversion specialists

IN SUPPORT OF:

IN SUPPORT OF:

IN SUPPORT OF 7 CHARITIES:

CHARITY 7 GOLF DAY

CHARITY 7 GOLF DAY

POWERED BY

MONDAY 7TH MAY 2018

THURSDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2020

7PM KICK OFF AT AMEX STADIUM, BRIGHTON

DYKE GOLF CLUB, BRIGHTON

Star Hole in

One Prizes:

DONATE: JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING/SHARE77K

in Europe, Golf Holiday £10,000 cash, UK Golf break and Set of clubs

PART OF

XI search marketing & conversion specialists

XI

WORKSHOP

£77K TARGET - 10 CHARITIES - 10TH BIRTHDAY

Star Hole in

One Prizes:

in Europe, Golf Holiday £10,000 cash, UK Golf break and Set of clubs

PART OF

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

SPONSORED BY

ENTRY INFORMATION

WHY ENTER?

ENTRY INFORMATION

WHY ENTER?

• £360 per team • Teams of Four • Stableford Points • 9am shotgun start

• Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £10,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Breakfast & Lunch included • Raffle & Sponsor Sweepstake

• £250 per team or £65 per person • Teams of Four • Stableford Points • 9am shotgun start

• Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £10,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Lunch included • Sweepstake, raffle and more

Register now at: toby@tpgsportsevents.com

PRESENTS

DIGITAL MARKETING

DONATE: JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING/SHARE77K

£77K TARGET - 10 CHARITIES - 10TH BIRTHDAY

7

SEARCH SEVEN

MID SUSSEX GOLF CLUB, DITCHLING

WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY 2021

17K TARGET – 7 CHARITIES – 7TH BIRTHDAY DONATE: SEARCHSEVEN.CO.UK/S7TEDSTROPHY2018

Sponsorship opportunities available

Register now at: events@searchseven.co.uk

Sponsorship opportunities available

PA

in Europe, Golf Holiday £10,000 cash, UK Golf break and Set of clubs

WORKING WITH CHARITIES WORKS FOR BUSINESS

SPONSORED BY

• £360 per team • Teams of Four • Stableford Points • 9am shotgun start

Star Hole in

FOR

FRIDAY

CHARITIES 6TH MAY #S7LOVESCHARITY

Sponsorship opport

C HA RI T Y

Search Seven: 100 percent (charity) effort With their 10th

Charity

anniversary still

fresh in the memory

and the end of 2021 being a high point,

after an incredible charity fundraising target was met, Sussex digital

marketing agency Search Seven is

raring to go yet again. This time, the

team has set themselves the challenge of bringing their fundraising total to

£100,000 by end of 2023 - part of a new #S7100 campaign.

We spoke to Managing Director Gavin

Willis to find out more about the exciting new charity campaign.

The #share77k campaign was a great success, what is different this time with the #S7100 campaign?

Yes, the #share77k campaign really was quite amazing, given we launched the

campaign just days before the pandemic was announced in March2020, and

despite having to cancel and postpone

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

events, and pivot some to online events,

What fundraising events have you got

over £26,000 in 18 months to hit our target.

We have already organised one event,

we dug deep and still managed to raise

The money raised was shared amongst

10 charities, each nominated by the team.

From our grand total, we were delighted to

hit another landmark, in that £50,000 of our fundraising since we first began went to our flagship charity, Rockinghorse.

With the new #S7100 campaign, we have continued to support the team and the charities that are close to their hearts,

and as well as the usual events where we

involve the whole Sussex community and

beyond, like our annual Golf Day and quiz nights, we have some new events lined

up too, as well as a flagship event, which we hosted in April this year.

With the team seeing rapid growth, from

lined up in 2022?

teaming up with Sam Thomas and the County Business Clubs to host the

inaugural Rockinghorse Ryder Cup,

a two-day golf event with 32 players competing against one another. The

scores couldn’t have been closer, with team yellow just pipping it at the end

(sorry Sam!), with an incredible £4,000

being donated to Rockinghorse, a charity that’s very special to the both of us.

In October, we have our annual S7

Charity Golf Day, which this year is being hosted at the Dyke, and as ever there will be fun and games throughout the

day to make it entertaining for everyone that comes along.

five at the start of 2021 to 14 come the

How can people get involved in the

introducing more team events where

We have only just launched the event,

start of September this year, we are

we can fundraise together, as well as

encourage team charity and volunteering.

Golf Day?

and they always fill up fairly quickly, so

if anyone is interested in entering, then

CHA RITY

please contact Toby at TPG Sports

Does your charity fundraising boost

to us. I have never worked within a more

www.tpgsportsevents.com/events/

It really does. Everyone in the team has

used to be pushing up numbers, now my

Seven as a vehicle to make a difference,

fulfilled I am and asking for guidance on

Events or book online here - https:// searchseven

It’s £360 for a team of four, which

includes breakfast on arrival, 18 holes of golf, prizes for nearest to the pins, longest drive & Beat the Pro, putting competition, and winning team and

individual. There are hole-in-one prizes,

including £5,000 cash, plus a meal after the round, along with a raffle. The event date is Thursday October 20th 2022.

Which charities are you supporting as part of the #S7100 campaign?

It’s important that the team chooses

charities that are close to their hearts.

We always support our flagship

charity, Rockinghorse – and have done since day one. The other charities

have all been nominated by the rest of the team.

It’s fantastic working with so many different charities, both local and national, who are doing such

amazing work across the world; from supporting animal charities, mental

health charities, children’s hospitals right here in Sussex, to national

charities that support the elderly.

Meeting with the people who set up

the charities is humbling and reminds me of why I set up our 7% charity pledge in 2011.

team morale?

driven, caring or enthusiastic team. I

said that our charity ethos, to use Search

old colleagues are commenting on how

was one of the key reasons why they

how to introduce it in their own careers.”

such a fantastic, talented, and caring

Will Davis, Senior SEO Manager, said:

together to really help make an impact.

members raise via their own fundraising

One employee said: “I joined Search

year with us, and up to £150 thereafter.”

(Apprentice) in May 2022. Completely

How else can people support the

of the unique selling points was Search

Please do keep an eye out on our

team mentality. I was encouraged to

announcements of our latest charity events.

charity; an organisation that was so

We are really excited about our next charity

so rewarding to build a relationship with

our new target as soon as possible. A

part in fundraising events, making a

and volunteers, and a special mention

joined, and we are delighted to build

team, filled with people wanting to come

Seven as a Paid Media Executive

“Search Seven match the money our team too, contributing up to £250 in their first

new to the Digital Marketing scene, one

#S7100 campaign?

Seven’s strong charity focus and overall

social media channels and website for

research and reach out to my chosen specific and meaningful to me. It feels

venture and are very determined to reach

them by raising awareness and taking

massive thank you to all our S7 supporters

difference through my work.”

to all the amazing charities that we are

Amy Moore, Paid Media Executive, said:

fantastic work!

was beginning to feel like my work was first

Website: www.searchseven.co.uk

for companies. I wanted to find a way to

Socials: Find us on Facebook, Twitter,

“Before I came to work for Search Seven, I

delighted to support - keep up your

and foremost to help push the numbers up

Email: events@searchseven.co.uk

ensure that my work was pushing forward

LinkedIn and Instagram @searchseven

a goal outside of digital marketing. It’s the reason I joined Search Seven. Not only

working with clients that have an impact

beyond profits, but also for the non-client work we are doing that is fundamental

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

Working with charities works for Business

By Roy Stannard, Head of Income Generation & Comms, Off The Fence Trust What?!

Charity

Ok, you’re a fledgling business just making

your way in the world.

You’re a medium

sized SME that has struggled to get

through Covid. You’re a large corporate whose shareholders scrutinise every digit in the management accounts.

How on earth can you justify supporting a charity?

Yet, most of your peers and competitors are..

Why might that be?

On a superficial level, you want to

support a good cause, one that might be close to your heart. Off The Fence has

a couple of supporters who have been homeless themselves.

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

But supporting a charity can also be good for business.

Raising morale as well as funds

The benefit most often fed back to

me is the boost to staff morale. One hundred people took part in our Big Sleep-out last November. Amongst

them were three companies with teams led by chief executives. Fun, fulfilling, profile raising.

It’s also a great reason to get out of bed in the morning.

..and what better way to get buy-in

than to allow staff to select the charity and then as a team engage – with

photos, testimonials, certificates and engagement - with both the charity and its clients.

Keeping your best staff for the long haul Your best people (you know, the ones

who bring you a coffee in the morning

with a smile) are the ones most likely to enjoy working with a charity. It makes

them feel good about themselves and the community they share.

If you allow them to explore their charitable instincts through volunteering with or

fundraising for a charity they believe in, it

means that they will stick around. Loyalty usually means more things get done and done faster. So that early morning coffee smile sticks around all day.

Talent retention also means that

core skills don’t need to be replaced

every five minutes – and you save on recruitment costs.

CHA RITY

Customers will say nice things about you

your profits and even better, it could be tax

Creating a conversation with your

deductible.

to fundraise or volunteer is also a

Back to our

business are they going to patronise?

Our patrons

one that averts its community face?

and Bruno

Ask them to leave reviews saying why

with Micky

Do go and check out your fellow

and slept out

Broxsome at Pysdro and the next

the 100. That

enables you to use a unique URL to

league clubs

things about you in text and video

couldn’t wear

carousel on the home page.

the homeless. By doing what he did,

https://www.psydro.com/

folk hero overnight and we got TV,

customers by encouraging them

positive win for your business. Which

Big Sleep Out.

The socially responsible one or the

Graham Potter Saltor, along

they do business with your company.

Reid, came

Brighton Chamber member Philip

with the rest of

level of business review platform. It

week premier

get your customers to go and say nice

were told they

form – allowing you to play them via a

away kits for home games in aid of Graham Potter became a football

radio and press coverage and a 4

You’ll be surprised by how many cite

minute video shot by the Club’s own

Favourite Voucher Codes that funnels

31,000 at the Brighton-Leeds game. I

charity. Your customers save money,

Seagulls could do with at present.

same very satisfying package.

One company alone, Insurance

Media darlings.. Media.

Hill, sent a team of eight to the

your charity involvement. Use My

film crew that was shown in front of

20% of their profits to your chosen

think that’s a win-win! Something the

donate and love you more all in the

brokers Sutton Winson from Burgess Sleep-out and promised to match

Charities also have a great relationship

fund the amount raised by their staff

mentioned in their press releases, blogs,

to £8,500, the total raised from one

your reputation at little or no cost.

for corporate giving in this event.

In networking environments your

business as well as good for the soul.

or charities will stand up in sharp

By the way, if you want to get involved

caring image of your company.

celebrations and challenges visit

Your bottom line will almost certainly

You’ll be in good company..

profile will accelerate profit margins.

Roy Stannard

with the media. Getting regularly

via sponsorship. As this amounted

social media and websites will add to

company alone was £17k – a record

relationship with your chosen charity relief, effortlessly shaping the friendly,

be boosted. An improved public

You can even donate a percentage of

Working with charities can be good for

in Off The Fence’s 25th Anniversary www.offthefence.org.uk/25years

Head of Income Generation

About Off The Fence Trust

roy.stannard@offthefence.org.uk 01273 933885 07803 269154 Since 1997, Off The Fence has been working in the Brighton and Hove

area with the area’s most vulnerable people, tackling social and spiritual poverty, and helping members of

the community who are facing crisis situations with little or no support.

Our priority is to provide a practical, emotional and psychological safety net for the socially excluded in

Brighton & Hove. To this end Off

The Fence operates three projects: Antifreeze, a day centre for the

homeless - part of an emergency

outreach to rough sleepers: a schools programme for 6-18 year olds; and Gateway, a newly purchased and

extended women’s centre supporting women in crisis.

Our mission can be summarised

as: Resisting poverty. Empowering people. Restoring hope.

Our website:

https://www.offthefence.org.uk Charity No. 110877

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

CHARITY 7 GOLF DAY POWERED BY

THURSDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2022 DYKE GOLF CLUB, BRIGHTON PART OF Star Hole in

One Prizes:

Europe, olf Holiday in G , sh ca 0 0 £5,0 break and UK Golf Set of clubs

SPONSORED BY

ENTRY INFORMATION • • • •

£360 per team Teams of Four Stableford Points 9am shotgun start

Register now at: toby@tpgsportsevents.com

IN SUPPORT OF:

48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

WHY ENTER? • Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win £5,000 cash, a new car, an all-inclusive holiday, a set of golf clubs or a UK golf break • Breakfast & Lunch included • Raffle & Sponsor Sweepstake Sponsorship opportunities available

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS

BEST OF BRITISH EVENTS

LOOKING FORWARD TO HOSTING UPCOMING FUNCTIONS

DESPITE THE PERFROMANCE, THIS WAS ANYTHING BUT A DRAG….

ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION 2022!!

LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR AT NETWORKING EVENTS

BY NETWORK MY CLUB

NEW PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT AND BREAKFAST SPONSOR

THE FANTASTIC BIG BUSINESS BREAKFAST CLUB ALONGSIDE JIM CUNLIFFE AND HIS TEAM.

HAILED A HUGE SUCCESS

THE INAUGURAL BRIGHTON AND HOVE BUSINESS SHOW

HEALYS WOMEN IN BUSINESS GOLF DAY

BRIGHTON’S FIRST LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS GOLF DAY

JACKIE’S NETWORKING ADVENTURES SPECIAL WITH COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

Best of British Events

Best of British Events is looking forward to hosting upcoming functions in Eastbourne and Gatwick following a hugely successful lunch with guest speaker Mike Tindall MBE and headline sponsor Rubix VT. The former England

Networking & Events June 10.

international rugby player drew a big

crowd to The Grand

Hotel in Brighton on

Co-sponsored by FRP, TSS Facilities, Britton & Time Solicitors, Extech

Cloud, DevAssist, British Airways and

Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, the event raised much-needed cash for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

The Sussex Business Times was the media partner for the fundraiser.

Ryan Heal, founder and Managing

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Director of Best of British Events,

the audio visual team at Mascols

been donated to Rockinghorse in the

He further praised Mike Tindall for his

support at local events.

disappoint, judging by the very kind

He said: “We can’t begin to express

of days.”

sponsored, attended, partnered with

The next event is taking place on

that had Rockinghorse as the charity

features guest speaker Phil Tufnell.

this fantastic amount of money.”

with Bob Champion CBE will take

revealed afterwards that £45,000 has

and all those who volunteered to help.

past nine months - thanks to superb

support, adding: “He certainly didn’t

our thanks to everyone who has

feedback over the last couple

us or volunteered at one of the events

July 8 at The Waldorf Astoria and

beneficiary. You have helped us raise

A Goodwood Race Day and an event

As well as offering special thanks to those who attended the lunch, he

expressed his gratitude to MC Aaron

James, the team at The Grand Hotel,

place on dates in September.

To learn more, visit

bestofbritish.org.uk

N ET WOR K I N G AN D E V E NTS

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

Leave Your Ego at the Door at Networking Events

Open yourself up and others you meet to more authentic and human relationships.

I bet I can predict

Networking & Events

something you

hear very often at

business networking events.

Something I hear all too often.

And that’s what seems to have become

the automated response when someone is asked: “How is business?”

Cue a response along the lines of: “Oh, I’m super busy…couldn’t be busier… absolutely manic.”

Well, newsflash. People don’t want to hear how busy you are.

Or how many clients you have.

Or how you’re drowning in new business.

Let alone the record month, quarter or year you’ve recently recorded.

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

When someone says things like that to

are. Think, will they be able to help you

me at a networking event I immediately

with that information?

seem like I can help you. Or that you

People at networking events are there

think: Why are you here then? It doesn’t need the business!

for the same reason. Trying to seek out

I’d prefer to hear something like:

other achieve that.

the moment, but looking to meet X to

Because, believe it or not, people want

grow X part of our business.”

to know how they can help you.

Or “Things could be busier, hence why

Give them a chance. Start by leaving

“Business has slowed down for me at

new opportunities. Try and help each

I’m here looking to meet new people and

your ego at the door.

I’m looking to meet X.”

At Network My Club, we actively

Immediately, with these responses, I know

environment to ensure more human and

unearth new opportunities. In particular

encourage an ‘ego-free’ networking

how I may be able to help them.

authentic conversations.

engage when you show humility and reveal

I welcome you to try one.

And people are so much more inclined to

a problem they might be able to help with.

So, next time you catch yourself about

to tell someone how incredibly busy you

www.networkmyclub.co.uk

N ET WOR K I N G AN D E V E NTS

New partnership announcement and breakfast sponsor

County Business Clubs are delighted to announce that going forward we will be partnering with the fantastic Big Business Breakfast Club alongside Jim Cunliffe and his team.

This new partnership

Networking & Events

hopes to grow the

BBBC to be biggest

and best networking

breakfast in Brighton One change to help make this happen is we now have fantastic sponsorship opportunities with the sponsor

choosing the charity beneficiary that month. Both the sponsor and the

charity will have the opportunity to

speak at the event and the BBBC will ensure full social media coverage as well as an article in SBT.

So it gives me great pleasure to introduce our first sponsor Chris Mansfield of Fusion-The Business Catalyst

Chris started building his extensive

network of contacts and connections

in 2000 when he attended his first BNI meeting and totally grasped the ethos of “givers gain”.

20 years later, having previously

networked for his own businesses for many years, he now works on a daily

retained basis for businesses wanting to grow through lead generation, strategic partnerships or acquisition and uses

his trusted reputation to bring the right people together.

He is well known as a serial networker

and for generating good quality business leads and connections in and around Sussex and London.

He effectively short cuts the usual

process of emails and phone calls

trying to contact the right person and

being thwarted by the “gatekeepers”, by knowing the right person to speak

to or knowing someone who does, and

Wolo Foundation helps families living in

Sussex through their cancer journeys. They support them by offering practical help

and support to make their day-to-day lives easier. They work with local businesses

and communities to offer families a wealth of services to support them through their diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Statistics show that 1 in 2 people in the

UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Life is precious

Attendees can choose to donate when

they purchase tickets. The default donation is £5 per person, which can be overridden.

To book for event on 15th July at Hilton Metropole Scan here

because of the trust people have in him they are usually willing to take the call!

Chris has decided he would like WOLO to be the beneficiary of July’s breakfast.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

Live Entertainment

There were queens, but the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION was anything but a drag….

A live performance by Britain’s Got Talent finalists, Brighton Queens, FreePlay Sessions, Threesome Networking, Spingo (Sponsors Bingo), Chill Room, Arenas with Local Heroes, Internationally Renowned Speakers - it can only be the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION 2022!

It would be hard to

Networking & Events

describe this year’s

ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION in one word. Exciting? Tick.

Extravagant? Tick. HOT? Double tick.

It was another successful event with

nearly 300 business decision-makers in

the room and plenty are already signing up for next year’s event on the 24th of

May 2023 - which Acumen promises to make an even bigger day.

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

After a royal entrance accompanied by some of the finest and most

fabulous drag queen performers from the heart of Brighton, the delegates

gathered in the Empress Room to kick off the event. Every year there is an

extraordinary live performance at the

Acumen Convention, but this year the

crowd was on their feet with a standing ovation for the performance from Ruby

Murray, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist and a renowned performer in the LGBTQ+

community. The performance not only moved some to tears but generated

spectacular energy and engagement

which carried on to the upbeat number from all five of the Queens.

The stage was also graced by an

array of diverse speakers including an international businesswoman,

philanthropist, and activist, Heather Mills. As the headline speaker, Mills

took centre stage and provided insight

N ET WOR K I N G AN D E V E NTS

Ladies in red: Heather Mills (Entrepreneur) & Penina Shepherd (CEO Acumen)

on her entrepreneurial journey - the creation and supply of sustainable,

plant-based alternative food, nutrition, and cosmetics.

The marvellous array of speakers also

featured Hana Ben-Shabat, a leading Gen Z authority worldwide, who flew

all the way from Manhattan, New York;

Anthony Willoughby, a business leader and explorer who sailed half the globe,

shared his fascinating stories about his travels; Phil Carr, a hugely successful entrepreneur who started in his nan’s

bedroom and sold his business for an impressive 7-figure sum; and Karen

Dobres, the director of Lewes FC, who

described her radical journey in football

Hundreds of delegates at the Empress Suite, the Grand

which lead to less-than-predictable

results. Acumen also welcomed the

award-winning novelist and business

guru, Linzi Boyd, who shared how to

switch over to a 21st century mindset

and business model, in line with the rapid industry growth which inevitably affects

every business executive. Acumen’s very

own Penina Shepherd, CEO & Founder, shared a thought-provoking approach to

the notion of ‘Fake it ’till you make it’ and imposter syndrome.

As well as the inspiring speakers on the big stage, the day included an array of Arena Speakers, featuring three

local heroes in TEDx-style talks. These were all facilitated by Acumen’s own

speakers who shared a story of family

betrayal, turmoil and scandal with great

informative legal tips and takeaways for all delegates and their businesses

The day concluded with a prestigious Ridgeview Sparkling Wine Reception

which gathered all the delegates for a

final networking opportunity alongside a much deserved and enjoyed glass of sparkling wine and bagels from Brighton’s famous Bagelman.

The ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION once more delivered its manifesto, which is to educate, inspire, connect and

entertain. It certainly did all that, sparkled with surprises and Acumen magic!

2023 Convention Super Early Bird Tickets Launched!

Due to the largely positive reception of the 2022 event, Acumen are already very close to selling out all of their Super Early Bird tickets.

Make sure to catch the deal while it’s still here: www.acumenbusinessconvention.co.uk

Save the date: 24th May 2023, The Grand Hotel

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

The inaugural Brighton and Hove Business Show has been hailed a huge success Staged at the AMEX Stadium on June 23, the event saw stand bookings sell out well in advance of the show.

Organised by well-

Networking & Events

known Sussex

businessman Mike

Monk, it attracted a

wide cross-section of

exhibitors from the B2B sphere.

Boasting Slo-Mo networking, a world-first

from tech innovator Hexology and a stellar line-up of speakers, it garnered a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.

Mike, who is now working on plans

for next year’s event, said: “It was an incredible day, with many exhibitors expressing an interest in booking stands for 2023.

“The show had a great atmosphere

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

and was perfect for networking. We

event, many coming up with ingenious

couldn’t have had a better venue; it

competitions and giveaways to attract

really was ideal.”

visitors to their stand.

Both exhibitors and visitors benefited

Mike says it proved to be a great platform

from free parking as well as world-

for local businesses to amplify their

class facilities.

presence and showcase what they do.

The theme of the show was Connecting

A date for next year’s event will be

Businesses - something it managed to achieve effortlessly.

announced shortly.

In the meantime, anyone interested in

Brighton Chamber led the networking

exhibiting at next year’s show is urged

was Darrel Butlin, of Hexology. Other

secure a stand.

Marsh, Emma Pearce and Claire Mason.

www.brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk

session and the headline speaker

speakers included Henry Laker, Frank

Dozens of exhibitors supported the

to contact Mike as soon as possible to

mike@brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk

Brighton and Hove Business Show-16.JPG 2,100×3,150 pixels.pdf Saved to Dropbox • 26 Jun 2022 at 22:00

N ET WOR K I N G AN D E V E NTS Brighton and Hove Business Show-43.JPG 3,150×2,100 pixels.pdf Saved to Dropbox • 26 Jun 2022 at 22:02

Brighton and Hove Business Show-93.JPG 2,100×3,150 pixels.pdf Saved to Dropbox • 26 Jun 2022 at 22:03

Brighton and Hove Business Show-91.JPG 3,150×2,100 pixels.pdf Saved to Dropbox • 26 Jun 2022 at 22:03

Brighton and Hove Business Show-106.JPG 3,150×2,100 pixels.pdf Saved to Dropbox • 26 Jun 2022 at 21:54

Brighton and Hove Business Show-142.JPG 3,150×2,100 pixels.pdf Saved to Dropbox • 26 Jun 2022 at 21:56

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57

Healys Women in Business Golf Day Sponsored by Quantuma, Plus Accounting, Sussex Business Times, Starr Trust, TPG Sports Events & East Brighton Golf Club Last month, Healys

Networking & Events

LLP joined forces

with Quantuma, Plus Accounting, Sussex

Business Times, Starr

Trust, TPG Sports Events & East Brighton Golf Club to host Brighton’s first leading Women in Business Golf Day.

The event took place at East Brighton Golf Club, on Women’s World Golf Day.Traditionally golf has been a

male-dominated sport. Even when you ask Google ‘Why do less women play

golf?’, the search engine’s suggestion is that: “Since the wage gap between

men and women has not disappeared, women simply have less money to spend. In addition, the practice of

conducting “business” on the golf

58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

course is a corporate perk enjoyed largely by males who golf on the company dime.”

Even if there is some truth to Google’s

suggestion, the question in this modern day must be, how do we remove such barriers to make sports like golf more inclusive and diverse? To make this

event successful, we dedicated our focus to three things: Cost

It wasn’t as difficult as you may think.

Using resources and a collaborative approach, each sponsor provided

time, funding and resources to not

only reduce the cost of each attendee, but to additionally raise funds for this charity event. Through the generosity

and resources provided by sponsors,

tickets could be provided at a reduced rate under £50.

Encouragement & Trust

There is a saying that behind one woman is an army of women. This event relied on an army of women, many of whom

had never played golf before, to trust in this initiative and encourage others to

attend. Initially this was tricky. Even using authentic professional photos of women playing golf ahead of the event could be

considered quite intimidating to someone who has never played golf before.

Communication was key.

Through communicating our passion for this initiative, sharing our own

personal vulnerabilities surrounding

N ET WOR K I N G AN D E V E NTS

golf and leading on our marketing with local photographers, we sold our first tickets. Those who purchased tickets

and understood the vision, then kindly

shared this initiative with other women

in their networks who could benefit from the event. Through the support of our

local women in business community, we achieved a sell-out event in a field that was alien to many.

Victoria King, Plus Accounting:

‘Plus Accounting were delighted to support this event, not only was it a great local event for women in business, but it was held on International Women’s Golf Day – the day was curated perfectly by the Charity, Club and organisers and the Ladies Team at East Brighton Golf Club provided invaluable insights into the world of

Be the change you wish to see…

Many of the most successful initiatives come from a place of passion and a care for change. As sponsors and event organisers, each of us had a genuine passion to not only lead on a new worthwhile initiative, but to actively support diversity and inclusion where possible in our community. This initiative came from a conversation between sponsors about attending an existing golf event. Sussex has a strong women in business community.

Many of these women are successful, strong-minded and competitive - and, just like men, they mean business.

Collectively, the attendees and sponsors involved highlighted that with a little courage, commitment and passion for change, we can not only accomplish what we set our minds

golf, with a number of us eager to

to but can also make history through

get back on a course!’

using our leadership skills to do things that, to date, have yet to be achieved.

Marion McClymont, East Brighton Golf Club

‘This was a memorable day… I

think the event definitely achieved

its objectives for everyone involved, particularly all the attendees, the very worthwhile charities, our Ladies Section and also East Brighton Club.’

The Healys Women in Business Golf Day raised over £2K for the The Starr Trust,

which is supporting The Girls’ Network.

These funds will be directly used to

support more young girls and women from disadvantaged backgrounds gain access

to mentoring, resources and networks that enhance career opportunities.

For more information regarding Healys Women in Business events, contact

the Marketing & Business Development

Manager, Stephanie Prior at: stephanie. prior@healys.com

Photos by Lauren Mabbett Photography

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59

N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS

Jackie’s Networking Adventures

Best of British - Mike Tindall at The Grand Hotel On Friday the 10th

Networking & Events

June I was lucky

enough to attend

The Best of British at the grand hotel,

not only as a table co-host but also as a Rockinghorse volunteer. SBT were

absolutely delighted to be the media partner for this fantastic event.

In a previous work life before I started working for Sam, I used to volunteer with Rockinghorse for many of their

events and it was great to be back as a volunteer after a few years away.

The speaker for this Best of British lunch was the one and only rugby legend Mike

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Tindall. Now, if im completely honest, I

enough you try one of the upcoming

didn’t know much about Mike as a rugby

events this year.

amazing man. Mike did not disappoint;

Every event has a guest speaker who

He was funny, he was entertaining

a wonderful day with several hundred

can honestly say he was my favourite

over a sporting lunch, what’s not to like?

player or a royal... However, what an

he came across as a true gentleman.

has a great story to tell. You will have

and he was very interesting. To date, I

other local businesspeople. Networking

speaker and I am now a huge fan.

Best of British Events have donated

The whole day, from start to finish, was

a whopping £45,000 to Rockinghorse

the food was fantastic, as usual, and

months which is incredible coming out

amazing. The room looked incredible,

Children’s Charity alone, in the last 9

the team of volunteers did a great job

of a pandemic.

activity. Ryan, Stella and Ann never fail

To find out more about the Best of

been to one then I can not recommend

bestofbritish.org.uk/

helping to assist with all the fundraising to put on the best events. If you’ve not

British events visit their page https://

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

The Big Business Breakfast Club

The Big Business Breakfast Club takes

place on the third Friday of every month

at a different iconic Brighton venue each time in support of various local charities from across Sussex.

Hosted by Jim Cunliffe, of Nettl.com,

Steve Darby, of City Utilities, and Janella

Merritt, of Rockinghorse, you can except to network with in excess of 60 like-

minded businesspeople from across Brighton and wider Sussex, with an

informative guest speaker each month

alongside Alex Ryan, of Marketing 101,

with his marketing tips.

could not be more delighted to

Engler (CROP ® Method) in a Q&A with

will be joining forces with BBBC to

coach, husband, father and world-class

networking breakfast. The team is

artistic and educational projects across

sponsor next month - Chris Mansfield,

being a featured speaker at TEDxJaffa.

The Hilton Metropole.

and meaningful resource for participants in

If you are interested in learning more

Last month, we were joined by Yaron

announce that, going forward, we

Sam Thomas. Yaron is an educator,

bring you an even bigger and better

musician. For over 25 years he has led

also pleased to welcome the very first

Europe, USA, Asia and Australia, including

of Fusion - The Business Catalyst, at

This blend of experience provides a deep his evolving suite of programmes.

about becoming a sponsor of the BBBC,

The County Business Clubs’ team

team@bigbusinessbreakfastclub.co.uk

then please get in touch with the team at

Speedee-boarding - Hove lagoon colleagues and the public together for an afternoon of entertainment and

raising money for charity.

Each team chose their

own charity, seeing over 20 different charities

benefiting from this event.

Twenty-eight teams of

four (most having never

Well, this was certainly networking and fundraising with a difference.

On Thursday, June 16, Hove Lagoon

set foot on a paddle board

before) competed in heats to qualify for one of two finals.

alongside Neil Laughton hosted the

My team consisted of Sam Thomas, an

boarding relay race tournament.

Carr and Alex Ryan - complete beginners!

world’s greatest SUP (stand up paddle)

OK SUP boarder, alongside myself, Keith

Bringing families, friends, work

We did OK. We didn’t win but we didn’t

come last either so, all in all, a great effort.

My favourite part of the event was the demolition derby, each person out for themselves. Paige Collins, Keith Carr,

apologies for the attack! Mark Newman, I am not sorry for taking you down -

especially being the pro boarder you are!!!

A big shout out to Neil and his team of

volunteers. The day was seamlessly run

and was one of the most entertaining and fun afternoons I’ve had in a long time.

The day ended with a BBQ, drinks and

music on one of the hottest days so far this year. Perfect.

Big congratulations to the winners of the event, Sussex Cancer Fund, and their fantastic foursome of boarders.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61

N ETWORK I N G & E V E N TS

Boundary Club - Hove The boundary club is Sussex Cricket’s

own unique networking and membership club where business meets cricket, hosted on the boundary’s edge.

Thursday 26th May was a slightly

different Boundary Club as we were

fortunate enough to stay after the event for the T20 against Glamorgan, which

was a great game of cricket (although we didn’t win).

The day started with welcome drinks and an opportunity to network with

new and familiar faces. Followed by a fantastic three-course lunch. The

food never disappoints at Boundary

62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

and, if I’m honest, probably one of

favourites when it comes to the food.

The presentation is superb and the food choice is so different each month.

This month’s speaker was James

Elliot, a mental and resilience coach.

James had an incredible story to tell,

starting with his 14 years in the British Army, pursuing a career in mental

resilience delivery. He has worked with elite performance athletes, including gold medallists, special forces and rugby players.

Also an accredited psychotherapist,

he works with veterans to help them

find their way in what can often

be an increasingly confusing and

overwhelming, changing environment.

If that wasn’t enough, James also

holds two Guinness World Records for feats of endurance.

Another very inspiring and fascinating

speaker to come from Boundary Club.

I can’t comment much on the

actual cricket as I’m no expert but the highlight for me was definitely

Jermaine Weeden attempting a catch

as the ball came across the boundary, however James also had a full glass of red wine (well he did before the attempted catch).

SBT MOTORING NEWS

THE UK FUEL PHENOMENON WHAT DOES THE RISING COST OF FUEL MEAN FOR YOU?

OUR LIST OF THE 6 CHEAPEST CARS TO INSURE IN 2022

BY RIVERVALE LEASING

SBT MOTORING NEWS SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63

MOTO RI N G N E WS

The UK fuel phenomenon - What does the rising cost of fuel mean for you?

On Monday, the UK average cost of petrol reached record levels, hitting 169.61 pence a litre on Monday according to RAC data.

And while diesel

Motoring News pence per litre.

prices have dropped slightly, they remain inflated at an eyewatering 181.87

This isn’t just a UK phenomenon. The price of gasoline has also surged to

a new high in the US, and fuel prices in Europe are also well above the seasonal average.

With wages not rising anywhere near

as fast, UK households are feeling the

squeeze when it comes to owning and running a vehicle.

So what does that mean for the 12 million drivers across the UK? We’ll explain

exactly why fuel costs are rising in the

UK, what this means for your vehicle and wallet - and how you can mitigate skyhigh fuel costs to save some cash.

64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Why is the cost of fuel increasing?

• Rebounding demand after Covid lockdowns

2020 was the year of empty car parks, airports and staying at home. 2021

was the year where we got to grips

with pandemic life, and demand for

fuel increased as we began a series of

vaccine rollouts alongside unprecedented levels of online deliveries.

• Low supply

While the oil market was already

slowing before the pandemic hit, the recent snowballing of geopolitical

events has had a significant impact on crude oil and gas supplies.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in

February has threatened supplies from

Russia, and low output from renewable energy sources in 2021 has meant fuel prices have soared.

Why are petrol prices going up again?

So why is petrol so expensive? The

price of petroleum gas usually follows

the trend of crude oil prices, which also remain remarkably high.

The build-up in demand after the

pandemic has a lot to answer for, as people rush to get back to normal.

To make up for lost time, so to speak,

British people are spending more money on day trips, holidays at home and

abroad, shopping and more. Demand is high, but supply is still low.

Curtailed energy supplies and rising

fuel costs have also coincided with the

spring and summer months, where British people are driving more frequently.

Combine that with a growing labour market post-pandemic, and people are willing to pay any fuel price to drive to work.

MOTOR I NG N E WS

How high will UK fuel prices go?

Unfortunately, for vehicle owners, there seems to be no sign of slowing when it comes to fuel prices.

The price of both petrol and diesel could be hiked up even further by a complete

ban on Russian energy imports by the EU. Experts predict that it will take a

recession to bring inflated rates back down - and they will continue to rise until that takes place.

We can expect fuel prices to remain elevated for weeks - if not months.

But as with many aspects of the

economy, uncertain times lead to unstable prices.

How will the rising cost of fuel affect me?

• Higher cost of living

Diesel can be seen as the lifeblood of the economy; without it, the supply chain practically grinds to a halt.

We’ll see the rippling effects of rising diesel costs on the price of fuel, food and other consumer goods.

Essentially, everything that needs to be

delivered, whether by train, lorry or plane, can be expected to increase in price.

How can I save on rising fuel costs?

• Drive less

tyres are fully inflated and keeping

drive, the less you’ll need to buy fuel. But

economy efficiency of your car would

done - particularly if you have to drive to

used. Here is our list of the best and

The simple answer is that the less you

the weight light to use less fuel. The

for most people, that’s easier said than

also play a factor in the amount of fuel

work or drop the kids off at school. But,

worst vehicles for the environment.

option. However, there are problems with

• Opt for an electric vehicle

there are other options. Cycling is a great cycle lanes that need to be addressed.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of

• Use public transport or consider

there’s never been a better time to

carsharing

If you have the opportunity to use public

switching to an e-vehicle or a hybrid, go green.

transport, this might be something you

While electricity costs can fluctuate,

facilities post-pandemic means it’s safer

have the option to charge from home,

want to consider. Improved hygiene

if you’re in a pure electric vehicle and

than it has been in a long time.

then varying gas and oil prices won’t

Otherwise, consider carsharing with

There has been no better time to

affect your vehicle running costs.

family, friends and colleagues. If you’re

switch to electric than now!

certainly be more comfortable to share.

• Think about where to fill up

the distance between supply and

could also be cheaper in a town just a

the owner of an SUV or minibus, it’ll

Reducing the rush for fuel also shortens

Prices vary from region to region, and

demand, which should force petrol and

few miles away.

diesel prices down in the short term.

• Adjust your driving habits

Did you know that keeping your foot off

While fuel prices are set to remain

inflated, consider filling up at your

local supermarket or keeping an eye

the brake while driving can save you

on local four courts.

braking, and consider driving slower or

Interested in a Car Lease? Give us a call

fuel? Be mindful when accelerating and turning off the engine in a queue.

on 01273433480 to discuss car leasing.

It’s also worth keeping up to date on

for a time that is convenient for you!

Alternatively, you can request a callback

servicing your car, making sure your

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65

Our list of the 6 cheapest cars to insure in 2022 When it comes to motor running costs, insurance can often be the biggest expenditure. If you’d prefer to keep costs down, we’ve compiled a list of cars in low insurance groups.

All cars are placed

Motoring News

in a group between one and 50, with one being the

cheapest and 50 the

most expensive. The insurance group depends on factors such as the car’s security, performance, repair times, safety and value.

Whether you’re looking for low-cost

insurance for a first-time driver, or simply

looking to spend less money each month; check out our shortlist of cars with the

lowest insurance - we’ve included a nice variety of shapes and sizes.

66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Are newer cars cheaper to insure?

in mind that it may cost your insurance

A common query when it comes to

provider more to replace a new car.

result in higher premiums.

In short, the price of car insurance is

It may seem obvious that older cars are

model itself - so it’s important to get

valuable, but this isn’t always the case.

reduce the cost of your car is to lease

parts for older cars, but equally it may

leasing in the UK now?

or replace a new one.

So, what are the best cars for low car

insuring a car is whether newer cars

very specific and depends on the car

cheaper to insure because they’re less

a quote for each one. Another way to

It can be difficult to get replacement

rather than buy. But how popular is car

cost your insurance provider more to fix

While cars with smaller engines tend to

come with cheap cover, it’s not always the case if the car is new. It’s worth keeping

insurance?

Volkswagen Polo (excluding GTi)

Hailed as the new Golf, the VW Polo is

MOTOR I NG N E WS

where it’s at. It’s reliable, stylish and cheap to insure. The newest model comes with an updated infotainment system, it has

a modern feel - and compared to other

small cars, the comfortable interior comes with plenty of legroom.

Citroen C1

If you were to think of a cheap car to

insure, we’re sure that the Citroen C1

comes to mind. This pocket-sized city car is the perfect choice for youngsters, with

its small interior, wheels and low insurance.

What it lacks in substance and

acceleration, it makes up for in

manoeuvrability around town - not to mention that it can park in the

smallest of spaces. There’s even just

enough space for four adults and bags in the boot.

Volkswagen Up!

Unlike other small city cars, the Up

doesn’t feel like it’s dwarfed by lorries on the motorway, and is substantial enough to take corners with ease.

With a broad, boxy body, there’s plenty of room for four adults and bags in the boot - and the interior is as impressive as you’d hope from a VW.

The quiet, 60PS engine doesn’t guzzle

fuel, and it comes with great features such as air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio.

Nissan Micra

A reasonable alternative to the Volkswagen Polo, the Nissan Micra performs like a small car but in a larger body.

The newer version is more aesthetically pleasing than the classic Nissan Micra, and it has a neat interior with a full infotainment screen.

The suspension makes it relatively

smooth over bumps, but performance is what you’d expect from a low insurance group vehicle.

Ford Fiesta

Looking for a car that doesn’t sacrifice an enjoyable driving experience for

cheap cover? Then the Ford Fiesta is the car for you.

It has everything you might need: a large

infotainment screen, air conditioning and smart interiors. With excellent steering

and balanced pedals, it’s certainly fun to drive - and takes corners with ease.

SEAT Ibiza

The SEAT Ibiza is another great

contender for a Polo-style car, in fact, the

Volkswagen Polo shares parts with SEAT. It has a pretty decent interior for a small car, with five doors, a good amount of legroom for four adults and a 355-litre

boot. All models come with alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel, which

is quite a nice touch given that it’s a

1.0-litre engine. Overall, the Ibiza is nice to drive - but we recommend opting for

the turbocharged trim if you’re planning longer journeys.

Now that you’ve seen the best cars for

low car insurance, you probably have a

better idea of what you can get for your money. Making the switch to Electric is also a great option, here is why now is the best time to get an electric car.

If a dinky city car is the right fit for you, then you’re sure to find some great

deals on cheap cover. Otherwise, rest assured that there are more spacious or smoother models available in low

insurance groups. Not that you are you up on insurance, next it is time to learn

about the changes made to the highway code in 2022?

If you like the look of any of these

cars, give us a call on 01273433480 to discuss car leasing. Alternatively, you

can request a callback for a time that is convenient for you!

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67

68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT CHAMBER NEWS

BRIGHTON & HOVE LIVING WAGE CAMPAIGN REACHES 800 EMPLOYERS SIGNED UP! OVER 4,000 SALARIES RAISED ACROSS BRIGHTON & HOVE

SUSSEX CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO 15TH JULY 2022

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 69

Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign reaches 800 employers signed up!

Over 4,000 salaries raised across Brighton & Hove There was cause

Chamber News over 800 signups.

for celebration

recently, as Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign reached

Started in 2012, the campaign is led

by Brighton Chamber and is the only business-led campaign in the UK. At

805 signups, there have been over 4,000 salaries elevated across our city as a

result of the campaign - and it’s seen

steady growth with employers signing

70 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

up even throughout the pandemic.

On 19 May, Living Wage employers

from across the city came together to celebrate the milestone, network and share their stories.

Sarah Springford, CEO of Brighton

Chamber, spoke about the history of

the Living Wage Campaign: “Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign has been

running for 10 years, and we’ve come a

really long way since then. But, with over 16,000 businesses in Brighton & Hove, there’s still a long way to go.”

Brighton & Hove City Council have

supported the campaign since it was set up, and Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty,

Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council,

spoke about the impact of the campaign throughout our city, emphasizing that despite the impacts of Covid-19 and

economic changes: “Everyone should

earn enough to cover the cost of living” in Brighton & Hove.”

The Living Wage is set independently and updated annually according to

the basic cost of living in the UK, and

CHAM BE R N E WS

the amount a person needs to live to

a reasonable standard. The aim of the

campaign is to support and encourage

local businesses to voluntary commit to paying their employees the real Living Wage, instead of the government’s national minimum.

In a recent survey to Living Wage

employers, 4 out of 5 respondents said they would take into account

whether a supplier pays the living wage when searching for and choosing new suppliers to do business with.

Nearly half the respondents also felt that signing up to the Living Wage

Campaign was positive for both

and sign up (for free) on the Brighton &

some compelling stories around

livingwagebrighton.co.uk.

– particularly for employers working in

Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign

employee recruitment and PR, sharing retention, staff morale and productivity

Hove Living Wage Campaign website:

the hospitality industry.

is a collaboration between Brighton

The new rate is announced every

and UNISON Brighton & Hove Branch.

and businesses are given until 1 April

www.brightonchamber.co.uk

November during Living Wage Week,

Chamber, Brighton & Hove City Council,

to implement the new rate, which is currently £9.90 per hour.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the campaign, think you might

already be a Living Wage employer, or know someone who is – find out more

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 71

72 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT SPORT

CYCLING SUCCESS IN TANDEM PROFILE OF CRAWLEY’S PARALYMPIAN KATIE-GEORGE DUNLEVY

BEN STOKES OBE WHAT MAKES ENGLAND’S NEW TEST CAPTAIN A WINNER?

JAMES ROSS JEWELLERS CHARITY GOLF DAY THE RETURN OF THE JAMES ROSS JEWELLERS CHARITY GOLF DAY AT WEST HOVE GOLF CLUB

SBT SPORT SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 73

Cycling success in tandem Profile of Crawley’s Paralympian Katie-George Dunlevy Katie-George Dunlevy

Sport

is a Paralympic athlete who has competed

in events such as the

mixed 4+ LTA Rowing

and tandem cycling, the latter where she has experienced huge success

representing Ireland at both the World Championships and the Olympics.

Born in Crawley on 26 November 1981, Katie-George is one of six

sisters brought up in Gossops Green

who went to school at both Copthorne Convent and Holy Cross in Ifield, but remembers she struggled with ball

74 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

sports during her formative years.

Unbeknown to her, she had a problem

with her peripheral vision which meant

while other kids were charging around, Katie would be missing the ball and running into the other kids instead.

Upon visiting the opticians, there was

concern that Katie had an eye condition and, after visiting Moorfields Eye

Hospital in London, it was confirmed

she had a degenerative eye condition

called Retinitis Pigmentosa. Essentially,

this means she has tunnel vision and no peripheral vision at all. Additionally, this means a longer time for her eyesight to

readjust when she goes from bright light into a dark room and vice versa. It’s a

slow process of degeneration which will eventually lead to blindness and hence why she is officially blind.

After getting used to accepting her

condition following her arrival into the Royal London Society for the Blind

School in Sevenoaks, Katie became involved in a variety of sports and

activities competing in the National

School’s competitions at swimming and athletics and even winning a

bronze medal in the 400m when she was seventeen at the Blind Sports

S PO RT

https://www.donegallive.ie/resizer/-1/-1/

true/1629984346353.jpg--.jpg?1629984348000 Associations European Athletics Championships.

The following year, she was contacted by the Great Britain para-rowing team

and became one of the first athletes to represent them, where she succeeded in winning Gold in 2004 and 2005.

However, multiple rib injuries kept

her out of the boat for a number of

years which only served to affect her confidence and motivation. Then, in

2010, after realising she was eligible

to play for Ireland, because her father is from County Donegal, she ended up training for the Olympics but

unfortunately missed out on selection.

However, things took a turn for the

better when the Irish para-cycling coach gave her a trial in August 2011, and she never looked back. She took to tandem

cycling very quickly however the London Olympics proved to early for a medal,

but Dunlevy reflects that it was really an event to gain exposure and experience.

In 2014, Katie teamed up with Eve

https://img2.thejournal.ie/article/5535995/ river?version=5536071&width=1340

McCrystal and, in their first road race,

the pair instantly hit it off and won their first World Championship Silver medal.

The following year the pair won Bronze in the 3k pursuit at the UCI Para-

Cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands.

At Rio in 2016, Dunlevy won a gold medal at the time trial B event and silver in the road race at the 2016

Summer Paralympics with pilot Eve McCrystal. However, the time trial

remains her proudest moment and she recalls: “I was so happy and

elated but I was in so much pain as

well having given everything…we fell to the floor completely exhausted

and, when I realised we’d won Gold, I just screamed”

Katie became double World Champion at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in September 2017 and the following year she retained both titles becoming double World

Champion again with McCrystal. In

the same year, she won Bronze in the

3k pursuit at the UCI Para-Cycling

Track World Championships. In 2019 she won Gold in the time trial at

the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships to become world

champion for the third time and won Silver in the road race.

In January 2020 Dunlevy and

McCrystal won Silver at the UCI ParaCycling track World Championships in both the time trial and road race,

and then last year the pair won a silver medal at the delayed 2020 Summer

Paralympics in Tokyo in the individual pursuit event.

A few days later, they retained their

title from Rio in the time trial, winning Gold whilst also winning Gold in

the road race to become the most

successful Irish female Paralympian.

In 2021, Katie was named the Active

Sussex Sports Personality of the Year having been selected for ‘displaying

and outstanding level of achievement competing at the highest level’.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 75

S PORT

Ben Stokes OBE

What makes England’s new test captain a winner?

https://images.theconversation.com

Whilst England’s new

Sport

Test cricket captain hit the ground running by winning his first two

matches against New

Zealand, Ben Stokes certainly appears to be a born winner and the correct

choice to lead his nation forward after replacing Joe Root as skipper.

Leading by example is clearly the key to

being respected by your own team mates – respect brings support and players

who want to help can only serve to bring success. Add into the mix a high level of controlled aggression and bravery to an

76 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

already complete all-rounder, Stokes has undoubted ability to win matches either with the bat or the ball.

Not only is Stokes captain of the

England Test team, but he also plays

for the England One Day International

(ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I)

teams. In domestic cricket, he represents Durham and has played in multiple

Twenty20 leagues, including the Indian

Premier League, playing for Rising Pune Supergiant and the Rajasthan Royals.

As a left-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm fast bowler, he holds the

world record for most runs in an innings

at number six, scoring 258 against South Africa during England’s 2015-16 tour.

In the same Test, both he and Jonny

Bairstow set the world record for highest sixth-wicket stand in Tests, at 399.

He made his ODI and T20I debuts in

2011, and his Test debut in 2013, and

was part of the England team that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup. He was

named the Wisden Leading Cricketer in

the World in 2019 and 2020 and won the ICC Award for Best Men’s Cricketer.

Stokes made his one-day debut for

Durham in 2009 and his first class debut

S PO RT

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/imageserver/image a year later before being part of the 2013 Championship winning team.

But what about the character of Ben

Stokes then? Success always comes from realising the taste of defeat and

making mistakes, ensuring the lessons learned enable yourself to become a better person as a consequence.

Stokes’s list of previous infractions includes being dismissed from the

England Lions tour of Australia in 2013

because of some disciplinary action. He

was also suspended from the Ashes tour 2017 because of an incident outside a Bristol Nightclub.

However, the four consecutive sixes that West Indian Carlos Brathwaite

smashed off his bowling in the last over of the T20 World Cup in 2016 would have ordinarily demolished a lesser man’s mental strength.

Not Ben Stokes. How he’s bounced

back to become a leader on the pitch has been truly remarkable.

The way he has transformed those

negatives into positives is incredibly inspiring because he has become integral for England and a shining

example for the whole cricketing world.

On 13 February 2017, Stokes was

Getty Images

appointed vice-captain of England’s

test team and in the same year, Stokes

was bought by Rising Pune Supergiants to play in the Indian Premier League.

He made his maiden Twenty20 century

against Gujarat Lions, hitting 103 not out from 63 balls, including seven fours and six sixes. He was named as the Most Valuable Player for that season.

Then came his heroics of 2019,

performances which will last long in

the memory for those lucky enough to

witness them. First came the World Cup. In the opening match of the tournament against South Africa, he scored 89 runs

from 79 balls, claimed two wickets, and

took two catches to be declared “Man of the Match” in a comprehensive 104-run win for England. His catch to dismiss

Andile Phehlukwayo has been described as “one of the greatest catches of all

time” stretching backwards and catching the ball one-handed just in from the

boundary…a moment which has been

regularly replayed on Sky this summer.

After producing multiple standout performances with the bat later

throughout the group stages, Stokes

played a hugely important innings in the final against New Zealand, where he

scored 84 not out, including 2 sixes in the final over to tie the game. He then batted in the super over with Jos Buttler, which

again was a tie, but England won the

match on the boundary countback rule

and he was named man of the match for the second time in the tournament.

During the Ashes in the same year,

England were seemingly heading for

defeat in the third Test at Headingly after they were bowled out for 67 in their first

innings. Stokes managed to overturn an

overnight Australian lead, hitting 11 fours and 8 sixes to win with an unbeaten 135 not out with his innings described as

“one of the greatest innings of all time”.

Stokes’s incredible twelve months

culminated in being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year and he was

appointed Officer of the Order of the

British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to cricket.

England have produced true legends of

the game with the names of Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff springing to mind.

Ben Stokes OBE can without doubt be thought of in the same way. With the character to bounce back in the way

he has, he is unquestionably a winner.

The question will be: can he continue

to produce at the highest level with the added responsibility and pressure of

captaincy? The signs for the future are good and long may this continue.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 77

S PORT

James Ross Jewellers charity golf day

After a two-year absence, Friday 27 May saw the return of the very popular James Ross Jewellers Charity Golf Day at West Hove Golf Club.

Nick Ford Photography

Nick Ford Photography

Nick Ford Photography

Nick Ford Photography

A massive thank

Sport

you from James to

everyone who took

part. The event was deemed a huge

success and, thanks to everyone’s

perfect opportunity then for photographer

Preston Insurance Brokers for continuing

and take some great snaps of the day.

sponsors that should also be recognised

With the expected array of additional

LK Carpentry, Silver Star Cleaning,

Nick Ford to whizz around on his buggy

his sponsorship of this event, while hole include HR Smart, GC Fire & Security,

challenges over the day, the winners were:

Brighton Penny Farthing Tours and TICA

an incredible £11,000 for the three

Nearest the pin: Tim Bloxham

Lancing supplied the golf towels for all

Project, Turning Tides Homeless Charity

Men’s longest drive: Mark Judges

generosity, managed to raise just over nominated charities: Adur Special Needs and St Barnabas House. An amazing

effort by everyone involved and a figure that smashed the previous record.

The day itself provided perfect weather conditions with bright blue sky and

sunshine, and the players couldn’t have asked for a better course to play on. A

78 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Ladies longest drive: Ruth Priestly

Hove. Additionally Wear Your Logo in the participants.

Team runners up: ‘Downlanders’

Also, special thanks go to Ryan Fenwick

Jeff Medhurst

their support and, of course, to West

Leigh Karadzas, Paul Zmack, Dave

stage this event for the 11th year.

featuring Alan, Roy and Jack Pook and

Golf Academy and Absolute Golf for

Team winners: ‘Fore Brothers’ featuring

Hove Golf Club for allowing James to

Sayers and Paul Nash.

If you want to be involved in 2023,

A special mention for Noel Preston from

jamesrossjewellers.co.uk

you can contact James at info@

SBT ASK THE EXPERT

THE JOURNEY TO NET ZERO – DON’T SET OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT

BY IAN HOPPING, AUDITEL

COUNTY BUSINESS CLUBS WINE OF THE MONTH WITH BRIGHTON & HOVE WINE CLUB

SBT ASK THE EXPERT SPONSORED BY:

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 79

AS K T H E E X PE RT

The Journey to Net Zero – Don’t set off on the wrong foot How to calculate your Carbon Footprint the right way and avoid being accused of greenwashing

June 23rd 1988

marked the date

on which climate change became an international

issue when Dr. James Hansen, then

director of NASA’s Institute for Space

Studies, told the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: “Global

80 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

warming has reached a level such that we can ascribe with a high degree of confidence a cause-and-effect

relationship between the greenhouse effect and observed warming.”

To minimise the effects of climate

change, we all need to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels

and our greenhouse gas emissions, a large proportion of which come from commercial and industrial activities.

Therefore, businesses must bear the responsibility for minimising

emissions. For certain categories of UK

organisations, carbon reporting, net zero planning and eventual net zero status are now mandated by law.

ASK T H E E XPE RT to do the right thing themselves,

standard has been set, it does leave

knowledge and resources to calculate

criticism and debate. A benchmark has

believing they have the internal

spurious claims and practices open to

their emissions with the help of online

been established.

The market for these products is

Auditel worked closely with British

If the calculation method is inaccurate

part of 2021 to raise awareness of

offsets at great expense, or even too

became one of the first members

objective and leading to potential claims

programme to be able to offer support

tools and bespoke software packages. unregulated and their accuracy varies.

Standards Institute during the early

a business might buy too many carbon

the benefits of using PAS2060 and

few offsets, defeating the original

of their Associate Consultants

of greenwashing. In trying to do the

to the standard.

themselves open to a PR disaster.

PAS 2060 presents four key stages

There are also professional services

reduction, offsetting and documentation.

on sustainable business practices.

can seek verification with an

Last year the government announced

time and in the absence of any

PAS 2060 applies to organisations of

than £5M will no longer accept bids from

their own, effectively marking their own

demonstrate the carbon neutrality of

carbon reduction plan. It is rumoured

by certification bodies that this activity

identified subject, such as specific

2022 all NHS procurements will include

can again leave clients vulnerable to

projects, or events.

value weighting and from 2024 the NHS

companies that they are ‘carbon neutral’

The benefits with PAS2060 are clarity,

carbon reduction plan. As the carbon

with scepticism. Companies such

no threat to claims of greenwashing.

the Carbon Footprint of their customers,

recently been accused of un-verifiable

legislation becomes more widespread,

right thing, organisations can leave

to carbon neutrality — measurement,

organisations promoting their beliefs

At the end of the process, businesses

Many have been around for some

independent third party like BSI or NQA.

that public sector tenders worth more

recognised standards, have created

all sizes and sectors. You can use it to

companies who don’t include a credible

homework. It has been acknowledged

your entire business or to any uniquely

that this figure will reduce. From April

encourages a ‘wild west’ culture, which

activities, products, services, buildings,

a minimum 10% net zero and social

claims of greenwashing. Claims by

will require all suppliers to publish a

are not always valid and may be met

consistency and transparency, leaving

emissions of one business contribute to

as Ryanair, Quorn and Shell have all

As knowledge about carbon-related

it’s easy to see how need to fulfil these

sustainability claims.

B2C and B2B customers (not to

the supply chain.

Building on over 20 years of energy

will increasingly scrutinise ‘green’

Since 1988 the environmental movement

Auditel realised that a standard for

is not only a PR disaster waiting to

to save our planet, however until recently

needed. Following extensive research,

became a criminal offence.

market. There are many providers of

internationally recognised standard for

Ian Hopping

requirements will spread rapidly through

mention shareholders and investors)

saving and supply chain experience,

credentials. Moreover, ‘greenwashing’

has developed at pace through a passion

demonstrating Carbon Neutrality was

happen – as of September 2021 it

this passion was in a totally unregulated

we adopted BSI PAS2060, the only

carbon footprint reports (CFRs), often

carbon neutrality.

Carbon Solutions & Procurement

testimonials from satisfied customers.

PAS 2060 was developed by BSI (and

T 01825 791128

report looks much like any other and

Neutral and Forestry Commission) to

W auditel.co.uk

However, all CFRs are not created equally.

needed to meet to demonstrate carbon

There are many organisations trying

was the game changer. Now an official

with a convincing sales pitch and

To the uninitiated, one carbon footprint

other organisations such as BP Target

it is tempting just to buy the cheapest.

specify the requirements an organisation

Specialist

M 07976 244456

neutrality. It could be argued that this

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 81

WI N E OF T H E MON TH

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month July 2022

For July’s wine of the month, we have chosen a relatively new established vineyard at the foot of the South Downs, next to Devils Dyke, owned by Esme and Rupert.

After spotting Esme selling at a local

farmers’ market, where she was offering

visitors a taster of her wines, I was taken by the quality of their small batch wines.

I asked Esme and Rupert how they first started out as wine growers and they commented with the following;

“We jumped on the roller coaster of

vine growing back in 2010 when we

established our small 6 acre vineyard on our working family farm. Traditionally,

the farm had specialised in our Pedigree

Sussex beef herd, sheep flock and livery yard but the idea of creating a vineyard had circulated for many years. Being

lucky enough to have the perfect site on a green sand, south facing slope at the foot of the Downs, we finally took the

plunge, and 8,500 vines went into the

soil in April 2011. Having selected the

main sparkling varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, we also opted for Bacchus to compliment our range with a still white.

“Dealing with the seasonal variables that mother nature throws at you, or what

at times feels like biblical plagues, can

be stressful but also incredibly exciting.

Our vineyard is small and so we and

our customers have to celebrate and

embrace what each year and vintage

brings us. All our energies are focussed on producing the most exceptional

quality fruit. We really want those fruit

flavours to shine in our wines so follow a minimal intervention winemaking

approach.” - Esme Crowther, Poynings Grange Vineyard

So, for this month’s CBC Wine of the

82 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Month, we have chosen their

Rose de Noirs 2015, of which

they are very proud. This wine is

a perfect summer treat. 2015 was a great vintage and has resulted

in a wonderful wine, which has an

attractive light pink and golden hue with well integrated, fine bubbles.

For me, on the nose, I get a hit of

rhubarb and custard with a biscuity crumble to follow from the years of

aging in the bottle. On the palate, we have balanced acidity with summer

fruits and a hint of peach followed by grapefruit. Bravo, encore please! The price of their Rose de Noir is £29 a bottle.

In the winemakers own words;

“Beautifully delicate in colour and

brimming with characteristic Pinot red fruit flavours – cherries and

strawberries but also plum and wild bramble. This wine has a savoury

peppery nature which is clean and

refreshing. Long ageing on its lees

and in bottle enhances the complexity with biscuity flavours emerging. A

delicious summer celebration wine.”

Other notable wines from this vineyard are the crisp 2015 Blanc de Blancs

and their fresh, floral and elderflower

driven 2018 Bacchus, most definitely worth a try.

A future plan is to bring customers

to their estate so they can share the

magnificent spot thevineyard occupies and of course a glass or two! Keep an eye out for this vineyard in the future,

one to definitely savour in the sun this

summer.

Michael Yeoman,

English Wine and International Wine Specialist

Michael Yeoman produces his

own range of sustainable spirits with Spirit of the Downs (www.

spiritofthedowns.co.uk) and works

with small batch local vineyards with his Brighton and Hove Wine Club (www. brightonandhovewineclub.co.uk)

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 83

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