SBT issue 466

A DECADE OF SERVING THE COMMERCIAL CATERING SECTOR

INDIGO CATERING EQUIPMENT LIMITED HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

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.

SBTWelcome

Welcome to another issue of SBT

We are in the middle of an exciting time of year for Sussex businesses, with plenty of events to attend and leads waiting to be generated.

Some of the most-anticipated are featured in this issue of the magazine.

As well as looking back at recent events, including last month’s hugely successful ACUMEN Business Convention, we look forward to what’s still to come. Brighton & Hove Business Show is taking place on Thursday, June 8, and there’s more networking to be had at the next Big Business Breakfast Club, among other events.

Of course, business isn’t just about networking. This time of year, in particular, tourism plays a huge part in the lifeblood of the local economy. Tens of thousands of people will sample what Sussex has to offer over the coming months. As well as taking in the scenery and sea air, visitors

will enjoy indulging in local food and drink.

Behind many successful food businesses is another equally successful brand - Indigo Catering Equipment Limited. It is marking 10 years of trading and we are delighted to meet its founder, Christian Barnes, in our cover feature.

As well as supplying a 360 degree service to restaurants and hotels, not to mention any premises that serve food, this is a firm that makes life easier for its customers. Supplying quality commercial kitchen equipment, it aids the flow of food preparation areas. When compliance really matters, that’s good to know.

From project management to aesthetics, Indigo is trusted to deliver first-class back and front of house products and services.

As always, our contributors will keep you

up-to-date with the latest business, legal and financial advice. This month, we learn about a career journey from Aiden Dunning, Principal at EMW Law.

During Pride Month, we look at fertility choices for those in the LGBT community.

And, if all the warmer weather has left you feeling a little frazzled, there is also a feature on the wellbeing benefits of yoga.

For the fashion conscious, we meet the founder of Hove destination store Velvet.

If you are looking to grow or develop a business in Sussex, this issue of the magazine is packed with thought-provoking information and ideas that are shared to help you reach your goals.

Sam Thomas, Managing Director

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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

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Monthly

Mishon Mackey announces an acquisition, the latest from Wired Sussex and Loch Associates Group, plus a round-up of this year’s Brighton Festival.

Valued Added Partner Spotlight

County Business Clubs Sussex throws the spotlight on Webtrends Optimize.

Finance

Nathan Keeley, of Carpenter Box, writes about the best cloud accounting apps and SEICO Groups announces news of an award win for the Starr Trust.

Legal

Aiden Dunning, of EMW Law, shares his career journey and explains why his current role is the perfect client service fit for him and Simon Keeler, of Mayo Wynne Baxter, writes about the transformative impact of the Renters (Reform) Bill. Meanwhile, Alex Jones, of 365 Employment Law, reveals the 2023 cases that will further evolve employment law.

Cover Story

Indigo Catering Equipment is celebrating a decade of success. We meet its founder, Christian Barnes.

Sales & Marketing

Bill Wallsgrove explains how brand workshops can help to health check a business.

Good Business

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

Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2020 ©

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Charity

Are you hiring diamonds in the rough or sponges? Sarah Osterholzer aims to change your perception of employing people with potential. 30

News from Baton of Hope, Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and more.

Networking & Events

A round up of networking and other business events, including a review of this year’s ACUMEN Business Convention and information about the upcoming Brighton & Hove Business Show.

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Motoring

Award win and other news from Rivervale Leasing.

Chamber News

Ana Christie, of Sussex Chamber of Commerce, writes about attitude and Brighton Chamber celebrates 11 years of the Living Wage Campaign.

Lifestyle

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The Agora Clinic celebrates inclusive fertility. We also meet Business Woman of the Year 2023, Emma Draper, founder of Hove destination store Velvet and learn about the yoga effect from Cara Murphy-Howell.

Wine of the Month

Michael Yeoman shares his top tipple for June and it’s a robust yet refined rose vintage.

Mishon Mackay acquires estate and lettings agency, Justin Lloyd

Leading Sussex-based estate and lettings agency, Mishon Mackay, has acquired a new company.

Formed in 1987, through a collaboration between Alex Mackay and the late Glenn Mishon, Mishon Mackay is embarking on the latest stage of its growth by acquiring Kemp Town based estate and lettings agency, Justin Lloyd.

Alex Mackay, co-founder and owner of Mishon Mackay, said: “I am really proud of my team who have worked really hard to bring this acquisition to completion. It is exciting for us to take over this well-managed business and I am looking forward to working with the team members we are taking on and watching Mishon Mackay continue to grow.”

Sally Hubbard, director at Justin Lloyd, said: “I am delighted that we have found new owners who not only have such an excellent long-term reputation but also a company who share the Justin Lloyd values of giving great personal service. I have no doubt that both clients and staff will be in the best possible hands with Mishon Mackay.

“I will personally be giving myself a new challenge. In my spare time I do enjoy making pottery and am going to try to make this a full-time career! Not quite Great British Pottery Throwdown standards yet, but you never know.”

Angela Farthing, managing director at Mishon Mackay, added “I am delighted and excited to welcome the Justin

Lloyd’s lettings and sales team to the Mishon Mackay group. Together, I am confident that we can continue to provide our clients with the high levels of service they have come to expect.”

The Justin Lloyd estate and lettings team will still be available in the office on St James’s Street, Kemp Town, and will

add to Mishon Mackay’s multiple offices across Brighton, Hove, and Sussex.

To find out more, visit: https://www. mishonmackay.com/

New Wired Sussex CEO to champion regional digital economy

Wired Sussex has appointed CEO Iain McKenna to lead the non-profit membership organisation as it supports media, digital and technology businesses in the region.

Iain McKenna joins Wired Sussex with extensive leadership experience, having worked in management roles for media businesses including Bauer Media, Heart FM, Original 106 FM and as Global Radio’s regional managing director for the south.

Plans for the organisation include leading an era of increased collaboration, as Wired Sussex continues to act as the voice for Brighton, Hove and Sussex’s growing media, digital and tech economy, on a regional and national level.

Iain said: “Wired Sussex has the potential to provide a real boost to the economy in our region, as we develop an exciting business ecosystem, develop talent, skills and promote innovation.

“The Sussex region is considered in the top ten areas for tech in the UK, despite its relative size. We are already punching above our weight, but there is so much more we can do as we boost our investment infrastructure and raise our profile nationally.

“This region has developed into a hub for digital, media and tech industries and here at Wired Sussex we are looking forward to forging partnerships with businesses and organisations across the county as we build on the strength of our combined reputation, proving that we are stronger together.”

Wired Sussex’s head office is based in Brighton at The FuseBox in New England Street, but the organisation supports businesses and freelancers working in the digital, media and tech sectors across Brighton, Hove, East and West Sussex.

The FuseBox is Wired Sussex’s innovation centre, which serves as a hub for digital innovators, tech visionaries and creative technologists and provides workspace, facilities, opportunities and expertise.

Founded in 2013, The FuseBox provides a home to Brighton Immersive Lab and the 5G Brighton testbed, as well as generative artists, creative technologists, fashion designers, filmmakers and developers working in virtual and augmented reality.

Wired Sussex acting chairperson, Sophie Davies-Patrick said: “Iain’s impressive leadership experience working for major media corporations and his passion for collaboration will help Wired Sussex to champion the media, digital and tech economy in Brighton, Hove and the wider Sussex area.

“We are so excited that Iain will be leading our organisation as we work together to grow our audiences, support our members and boost the regional economy.”

Wired Sussex helps its members access talent, workspaces, investment and clients. It also runs recruitment, training and internship services.

For more information visit: https://www. wiredsussex.com/

Law firm notes 100% increase in Sussex firms looking for workplace immigration

Sponsored full-time workers increase by 161% nationally post the pandemic, says Loch Associates Group as it warns that many are ‘losing out’ due to visa limitations.

Brighton-based Law firm and HR business, Loch Associates Group has seen Sussex clients needing workplace immigration support double this year, with companies being forced to look overseas due to a shortage of suitable candidates in the region.

Loch Associates Group, which helps clients in all sectors successfully apply for sponsorship licences and migrant worker visas, noted a growing number of local business owners are now conscious of the need for overseas recruitment as access to local talent has declined.

Joe Milner, partner and Solicitor Advocate of Loch Associates Group, said: “Whilst tensions rise in the UK Government around migrants and migrant workers, there is limited Government direction on how businesses can tackle the shortage in available staff here in the UK. Regardless of this, we anticipate continuing to see an increase in all sectors turning to migrant recruitment.”

There were 267,670 grants given for work visa applications in 2022 nationally — 95% higher than in 2019, prior to the pandemic.1 Of this, sponsored full-time worker visas saw an increase of 161% within the same period and made up 62% of all visa applicants last year.

Milner warned that Sussex businesses are losing out due to visa limitations, with many companies being unprepared. “A lot of employers are not aware of the preparation time required before they

can hire potential talent abroad. This has meant that overseas workers are being snapped up by businesses who already have their sponsorship licence – whilst those only just discovering the need for it are missing out. Once you have been awarded a sponsorship licence, it remains in place for four years, enabling employers to manage their recruitment process abroad as and when required,” said Milner.

Businesses, which have relied on migrant workers, are experiencing difficulties securing new and experienced staff from outside the UK due to post-Brexit restrictions and are facing strong competition from companies based in London that can offer higher salaries and benefits.

Milner commented: “The application process needs to be started well in advance, if employers want to ensure they can guarantee long-term success with their recruitment.”

Sussex businesses applying for workplace immigration will find the process to be a front-loaded exercise. It can take anywhere between six to twelve weeks for a sponsorship licence to be approved, due to current government backlogs for immigration applications. This makes it vital for business owners

to have a long-term strategy for whether migrant workers will be needed in the future and – if so – apply for their licence sooner rather than later.

Milner added: “Typically, when a business approaches us to help with their workplace immigration strategy, it is during the final round of their interview stage, when they are ready to make an offer – but this can often be a more difficult process than they might have envisioned. They will need to complete a sponsorship licence application and obtain a skilled worker visa. Another factor is helping the individuals and potentially their families enter the UK as well.”

https://lochassociates.co.uk/

Brighton Festival 2023 highlights the joy of shared experiences

Connection and collaboration was at the forefront of this year’s Brighton Festival. Guest director, DJ, broadcaster and musician Nabihah Iqbal invited artists and audiences to ‘gather round’ and celebrate the arts.

For its 56th edition, England’s largest curated multi-arts Festival brought 120 events from international, national and local artists to venues and outdoor locations in an ambitious programme that included seven world premieres, five UK premieres and eight Brighton Festival Commissions.

In Shoreham-by-Sea, the immersive world premiere of John Lyly’s play Galatea, from theatre maker Emma Frankland, historian Andy Kesson, Brighton’s Marlborough Productions and outdoor theatre specialists Wildworks, included a community chorus of local residents alongside a large cast of deaf and hearing actors.

Across the city at The Crew Club, youth theatre company ThirdSpace worked with Brighton People’s Theatre and Ceyda Tanc Dance on a modern reimagining of the Greek tragedy Bakkhai.

Brighton Festival’s community collaborations continued with Our Place, supported by higher education partner University of Sussex. The programme connected artists in residence with the communities of Hangleton and Knoll, East Brighton and Moulsecoomb, and Bevendean for creative projects including a new mural for Hangleton Community Centre.

Elsewhere, London Symphony Orchestra shared their expertise with Brighton &

East Sussex Youth Orchestra in a series of mentoring sessions ahead of the young musicians’ performance, supported by major sponsor Mayo Wynne Baxter.

Further creative partnerships saw Nabihah Iqbal perform live with award-winning arts collective Invisible Flock in the Sumatran rainforest soundscape The Sleeping Tree, which was part of this year’s music programme, supported by major sponsor Moda. The Books and Debates programme had Iqbal also discussing life and music with BBC broadcaster Anita Rani and poet Linton Kwesi Johnson.

Critically acclaimed events included Van Gogh Alive. This innovativem immersive exhibition marks the reopening of Brighton Dome’s newly refurbished Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, ahead of the spaces returning to live performances in the autumn.

This year’s programme included 123 free performances, continuing Brighton Festival’s aim to make the arts accessible to everyone.

Groundswell, a large-scale interactive installation encouraging audiences to work together to create oceanic waves of sound and light, welcomed more than 20,000 participants across the Festival. Groundswell was presented in partnership with Brighton Fringe and made possible by The Pebble Trust.

The annual Children’s Parade, supported by Brighton Girls, saw more than 5,000 school children take to the streets to celebrate this year’s Parade theme ‘One world: learning and growing from each other’.

A Weekend Without Walls series brought a colourful and vibrant programme of free, pop-up outdoor performances to hundreds of people in the closing weekend.

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped make this very special Festival possibleall our supporters, sponsors and funders and especially our audiences and artists. It has been wonderful to host so many sold-out performances and see the arts, creativity and culture truly thriving in Brighton and Hove this year.”

Brighton Festival returns next year from 4-26 May 2024.

Monthly News

Value Added Partner Spotlight

Tell Us about the Webtrends Optimize story?

My partners and I acquired Webtrends Optimize in 2018 from Webtrends Inc.

We immediately made the platform available via a SaaS model, both directly to clients and via agency partnerships. We also added a completely new, intuitive UI as well as a continuous stream of new features, such as Product Recommendation and Social Proof engines, and a game-changing new data pipeline and reporting suite.

We aim to make CRO (Conversion Rate Optimisation) accessible for everyone and offer a full-stack solution, with an all-inclusive model i.e. all features are available to all users, with no tiers or ‘upgrades’ required to access anything. Our pricing Is based purely on the size of your website (sessions), scaling only as you grow, keeping things affordable and in line with budgets.

What has been your biggest business challenge to date?

The pandemic was obviously incredibly hard, but I would say the separation from Webtrends Inc. into our own standalone business in 2018.

The business had been in limbo for a year or so prior to our acquisition and then there was so much shared infrastructure to pick apart, an existing client base to keep happy, a platform which was technically excellent but needed a UI overhaul, the transfer of the team… all whilst trying to implement our vision/direction for Webtrends Optimize going forward and trying to grow!

What has been your greatest or proudest business achievement to date?

Essentially overcoming/accomplishing the challenge above - to which I lay the praise at the door of my exceptional team. Every single person who has been part of our journey over the past 5 years, has shown a dedication, flexibility, and willingness to succeed I didn’t think was possible.

I can be very ambitious (some might say demanding!) with what I want us to achieve but never once have the team turned around and said ‘that’s impossible’ - they always find a way. They make me feel very proud, and privileged, to work with them.

As a quick aside I’m also proud of our association with Sussex Cricket - especially our sponsorship of their Foundation Disability teams, which helps provide access to the coaching and resources needed to ensure success on the pitch and raise the profile of Disability Cricket across Sussex and beyond.

What type of clients do you currently work with and who are you looking to meet?

We work with clients in all industries, from huge international brands through to SMEs.

Essentially, we can help anyone who has a website achieve their digital goals.

It’s obviously easier with ecommerce sites to identify a direct correlation to ROI (increase online sales!) but experimentation/CRO is also about improving user experience too and so we also support less ‘direct’ financial goals.

For example, making your website easier to find important information leading to less calls to your callcentre, or automating product recommendations in your search results instead of a manual configuration, may mean you can reduce overheads in other areas.

Some current clients include the likes of PLT, Victoria Plum, Ted Baker, Odeon, Travel Republic, Virgin Wines, Thomas Cook, Robert Dyas, The Trussell Trust, Ryman, American Golf…

Tell us a story/fact about yourself that people might not know?

Our technology was created in 2000 and was the first AB testing and targeting solution in the market!

www.webtrends-optimize.com

This month, we are delighted to showcase Webtrends Optimize.

I believe everyone has a story to tell, through seeking true, authentic insights about the entrepreneurial journey, I provide a platform for our peers to share their stories and inspire those that listen.

Stories with Purpose

Utterly brilliant, interesting and thought provoking interviews. A great listen every time.

Brilliantly authentic business pod...

Just found this podcast series. Insightful views from interesting local business people, opening up and sharing their experiences in what seems like a very safe space cultivated by the host, Sam Thomas. Highly recommended.

Choosing the best cloud accounting apps for your business

What should you consider and where can you seek advice? Nathan Keeley, head of cloud accounting at Carpenter Box, explains.

Cloud accounting has become a popular method for managing accounting records for many businesses in recent years. As a result, a plethora of add-on applications (apps) have emerged. However, the number of cloud accounting apps available can make it difficult to select the right app for your business.

Essential Apps

There are the essential cloud accounting apps that are used by many businesses, offering daily efficiency. These include apps for:

• Streamlining the manual processing of invoices;

• Assisting with employee expense claims input and processing;

• Running staff payrolls

These apps are considered the ‘core’ of many cloud solutions and are referred to as ‘horizontals’.

The ability for businesses and employees to submit photos and PDFs of documents through apps has revolutionised data capture, making business records more comprehensive. This eliminates the need to keep paper copies of documents.

Expense management has also been improved with the help of apps like Expensify and Pleo. These expense trackers resolve the issue of employees losing receipts and not having backup to support their expense claims, leading to delays and sometimes, VAT not being reclaimable. With these apps, employees can access real or virtual cards for spending and immediately submit a picture of the receipt, removing the need to keep physical copies.

Specialised accounting apps (this is what we could call Verticals)

Outside these core apps are the

Finance

additional specialised apps. They can be sector-specific or help businesses to maximise the benefits of their cloud accounting solution.

Examples here include apps such as:

• Hammock for the management of property businesses

• Dear Systems for a client’s inventory control

• Tradify for project management needs.

These are all more advanced apps that a business may choose to add at the time they adopt a cloud solution or at a later date once they have the basics in place. These apps usually take longer to implement because planning, implementation and training in the app are required.

App stacks

The term ‘app stack’ describes a collection of apps that a specific business sector could use to maximise the benefits from their cloud solution. No two businesses are identical. Therefore, their unique requirements means that the app stack they choose will meet their specific needs. The functionality, cost and training time should all be considered. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution available.

These could include the more common apps such as those for data processing, credit control and reporting along with the more specialised apps for stock, point of sale solutions or CRM apps.

Expert advice may be needed for the implementation and training of the less common apps, as these require specialist knowledge. Therefore, it is usually necessary to ensure that more time is permitted to plan the implementation.

It is also not required to implement all the apps within the app stack on day one! They can be rolled out over

a period of time.

With ongoing app development, it may be that the solution is tweaked over time to accommodate new features and/or to address the changing business needs.

Integrations

The integration of the apps with the accounting software is crucial. Some apps are approved by the software, so they have been tested and they meet the approval status.

However, not all apps that are integrated are approved. The accounting software has an open API, which allows apps to talk to the software and developers to work on the integrations. If you look at an app that is not on the approved list, it would be advisable to test it thoroughly before you implement it.

Don’t be a victim of app overload

There has been a big increase in the apps available to businesses and ‘app overload’ could arise as a result. The key thing to remember is to take your time when designing a cloud solution. Be sure to establish what you are trying to achieve, the key features and the process of implementation. Once you have decided on the core apps, focus on these initially and look to add any additional apps slowly.

As the apps continue to evolve, so will the app stack and integrations. Keep up with the developments and consider changes to the solution in time if needed. Do not forget what your key requirements are, and make sure these are continuing to be met. Any other features will be a bonus!

There are a wide range of apps available, and the numbers are growing quickly. Our cloud specialists can help you select the most suitable apps for your business and assist with the implementation and training of the selected apps. To find out how we can help your business please get in touch with a member of our Cloud and Digital Solutions team on 01903 234094

About Nathan Keeley:

Nathan is a Partner and Head of Cloud Accounting at Carpenter Box. As the winner of Practice Pioneer of the Year at the 2020 Accounting Excellence Awards, Nathan is one of the country’s leading cloud experts and has built strong relationships with the main accounting software providers. He has been influential in advising many of the cloud communities add-ons on how they can focus on solving the key issues clients face in the day to day running of their businesses and the frustrations they incur.

www.carpenterbox.com

Nathan Keeley

High Sheriff Award presented to Starr Trust charity

Jane King has just completed a busy year of service in office, during which time she supported the work of the Starr Trust having kindly given her time to attend events and by advocating the charity within the community.

The Starr Trust team were delighted to welcome her, as The High Sheriff, to its office and surprised her with High Tea to mark the occasion.

During the visit, the award was made. In presenting the award, Jane King

said: “It is in recognition of great and valuable services to the community, and that is undoubtedly what The Starr Trust does for the people that they support, enhancing their lives in many various ways.”

Michael Jacobs, Trustee of the Starr Trust, said: “That’s just wonderful. What a fantastic gesture. Thank you, Jane, for your kind support and we hope you will keep in touch with the Trust after taking a well-deserved holiday.”

Further wording on the award presented reads: “The Award also recognises the appreciation of the residents and people

of the said High Sheriff’s County for activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community.”

The award now has pride of place and is on display in the Starr Trust office.

Sussex based charity, the Starr Trust removes roadblocks for young people by supporting individuals and groups with financial grants, sharing connections and encouraging success. Awards are granted to young people aged 10 to 25 years to help them succeed and thrive in whatever they put their minds to.

www.starrtrust.org

The High Sheriff of East Sussex, Jane King, visited the Starr Trust office in Hove last month to present an award in recognition of ‘great and valuable services to the community’.

Finance

EMW – law without limits

When I joined EMW Law two years ago it felt like a new frontier for me. I’d worked as an inhouse Lawyer in financial services for Legal & General, in publishing, working on titles like Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Esquire and many other well-known brands, and also in advertising, working on the largest advertising concession in the UK as part of the portfolio that now sits within Global Media.

More recently, I had broadened my area of responsibilty and I held Chief Operating Officer roles at two tech companies that then went

through a growth and sale cycle. The companies I worked for were PLCs, private equity owned companies and owner-managed businesses, so I had experienced many different types of people and company structures.

During the first part of my career (which spanned 26 years by the way!) I had instructed external law firms as part of a blended approach to manage legal risks within these businesses. Wherever possible, I preferred to build teams that could deal with most of the legal work in-house. I would use law firms where the situation required specific areas of expertise or where we had so much work internally the team couldn’t cope with the volume without

harming the quality of the service we provided to the organisation.

One occasion stands out for me. We were working with external lawyers in the midst of a significant dispute with the largest customer of the business. That customer generated over 50% of the revenue for the International division (and around 80% of the revenue for the UK entity). It was high profile; so high profile that the dispute was a standing agenda point for the US-listed parent company. Bet the farm type stuff! There were two external law firms representing the business (one based in the City and the other based in the US) and the monthly fees were eye-watering. In spite of the huge costs involved, the firms

Aiden Dunning, a partner at EMW’s Gatwick office, provides some insight into his background and why EMW’s approach to client service was a perfect fit for him.

added value to the business throughout the dispute and unlocked significant value when the matter was resolved. Since then, it has always been a mantra of mine that an investment in legal fees must add value to the business and I see this no differently now I am on the other side of that particular equation.

Turning back to my move to EMW, given my preference to build in-house teams, why would I make this move? It is fair to say that I could possibly have spoken to many firms that I’d work with in the past to do so but it just felt like a different profession to me. It wasn’t a career goal of mine to be a partner in a law firm. It just wasn’t something I thought was for me!

My approach was always to look for opportunities to manage risk in the most pragmatic way. This might mean negotiating certain terms into agreements but it might equally mean looking at some practical steps the business might make. I wanted to continue to work with people and businesses in the same manner; providing commercially sensible and pragmatic advice based on my experience.

But, and this is a big BUT, EMW is different and refreshing. It is a business that is open-minded and, for me, this is where discussions about equity and inclusion must start. In previous articles, the other partners in the EMW Gatwick office (Caroline Watkins and Daisy Waldren) have spoken about Women in Law and the value of relationships. It is important that we work with people (colleagues and clients) that we know, like and trust. Within this kind of environment, it is easy to work hard and strive to build a community around the firm. I love the engagement we get from our breakfast sessions, bike rides and drinks on the terrace. It demonstrates that we are doing something right and the time spent with referral partners, collaborators and existing and potential clients at these events is invaluable to me.

All too often we are busy chasing a destination. Something we predetermine as ‘success’. However, there have been several moments where I have caught myself in the moment and understood that you are more likely to feel that success as an emotion than you are if you are seeing it on a spreadsheet. Of course, if you are doing

all the other things well and adding value to your client’s business then the other metrics should look after themselves. Therefore, they should be seen more as a by-product than a goal.

Although they are by-products, the awards we won recently at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards are a real indicator of our achievements. To be recognised for the Best Flexible Working Practice was a wonderful endorsement of the firm’s attitude. To also be nominated for Employer of the Year and for The Best Place to Meet meant the world to us.

I’ve just celebrated two years at EMW. And it is a real celebration for me – I love every aspect of what we do as a team here. We constantly look to build more relationships with local businesses and offer a great career path for those who chose to work with us. I’m very optimistic about what comes next for us.

https://www.emwllp.com/

Revolutionising the rental sector: implications of the Renters (Reform) Bill

The region’s property market is on the verge of a significant transformation, thanks to the government’s Renters (Reform) Bill, explains Simon Keeler, associate solicitor at Mayo Wynne Baxter.

This bill comes at a time when the rental sector is experiencing rapid digital evolution and changing lifestyle trends. The South East region boasts a diverse population and a large private rented sector, and it is poised to feel the full impact of the bill’s provisions. This article delves into the potential

Legal

implications of the bill on landlords, tenants, and the overall property market in the region.

Privately Rented Property Portal

The Bill is set to revolutionise South East England’s property market. One of the bill’s key components is the creation of the Private Rented Property Portal, which

will consolidate registered properties in a single, efficient digital platform. This move is expected to promote greater transparency and efficiency within the private rented sector.

Landlords can look forward to easy access to regulations and guidance, which will simplify the process of demonstrating regulatory compliance.

This feature will likely reduce the regulatory burden on landlords and attract more potential property investors to the private rented sector. The Portal’s role as the primary communication channel for requirements further highlights its significance in the evolving rental property landscape.

Tenants can benefit from the Portal’s increased transparency and access to relevant property-related information. They can take effective action to enforce their rights and escalate issues with their properties, potentially resulting in improved tenant satisfaction and increased demand for rental properties.

The portal is also a game-changer for local councils, who will have reliable and comprehensive data on privately rented properties. This development will enable them to focus on enforcement rather than identifying poor-quality and non-compliant properties. In turn, this can pave the way for an improved rental property market in South East England.

Tenancy reform

The current rules allow landlords to use section 21 to conduct ‘no fault’ evictions. However, this has faced criticism, with some landlords being accused of misusing it to evict tenants who complain about property conditions. At the same time, responsible landlords can face difficulties regaining possession of their properties when faced with anti-social behavior or non-payment of rent.

To address these issues, the Bill will abolish section 21 evictions and introduce a new eviction process. Under the new law, landlords will only be able to terminate a tenancy under specific circumstances defined in the law. Tenants, on the other hand, can terminate their tenancy anytime by giving a two-month notice aligned with

the end of a rent period.

If a tenant fails to vacate, the landlord must prove in court that their reason for eviction aligns with the specified legal reasons. The legislation does not specify the required evidence, offering landlords some flexibility.

Under the new system, rent increases are permitted, but tenants can challenge any increase deemed above the market rate by referring the case to the First-tier Tribunal.

The Bill will be implemented in two stages, giving stakeholders sufficient notice to adapt. All new tenancies will follow the new rules after the first implementation date, while all existing tenancies will transition on the second date, ensuring clarity and preventing a two-tier rental sector.

Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

The Bill requires all private landlords in England to join a government-approved redress scheme, administered by a singular Ombudsman. This offers an efficient and fair alternative to court proceedings for dispute resolution, tackling issues including landlord behaviour and property standards. The Ombudsman can order remedies and award compensation up to £25,000. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, including prosecution. While the appointed organisation is not yet confirmed, the service is intended to provide optimal value for both landlords and tenants.

Renting with pets

The Bill also seeks to foster a more pet-

friendly rental environment. It mandates that landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home. Additionally, to alleviate landlords’ concerns about potential damage caused by pets, the Bill allows them to require insurance covering pet damage. This proposal aims to strike a balance between the interests of landlords and tenants and could serve to broaden the appeal of rental properties to pet owners.

As with any legislative reform, the ultimate impact of the Bill will depend on its implementation and reception by landlords and tenants alike. However, the potential for enhancing transparency, broadening the tenant base, and invigorating property market activity could make the Bill a promising development for the region’s property market.

https://www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/

Simon Keeler

Employment Law: 2023 Case Update

Employment law is constantly evolving and changing, and 2023 has been no exception, as this feature by Alex Jones, managing director of 365 Employment Law, clearly explains.

In this article, I consider the most important and influential cases that have been decided by the tribunals and courts this year, and what they mean for both employers and employees. I also consider upcoming cases and their possible impact in the future.

Legal

Mercer v Alternative Future Group Ltd & Anor

One of the most anticipated cases of the year is Mercer v Alternative

Future Group Ltd & Anor1, which will determine the scope of the protection for union members taking part in industrial action. The case concerns an employee who was suspended and disciplined by her employer for taking part in a lawful strike. She claimed that this amounted to a detriment because of her trade union membership and activities, under section 146 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

The Court of Appeal held that section 146 did not apply to detriments short

of dismissal for taking part in industrial action, and that this may put the UK in breach of article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which gives people the right to join a trade union and prevents disproportionate and unjustified action taken against them for doing so. However, the court said that it could not rewrite the law to comply with this.

The Supreme Court will hear the appeal later this year, and will decide whether section 146 can be interpreted in line with article 11, or

whether the law needs to be amended by Parliament. This case will have significant implications for employers and employees involved in industrial disputes, as it will clarify the extent to which employers can take action against workers who go on strike.

SME employers also need to remember that Trade Union issues are not exclusively with larger and public sector employers. All employees have the right to be accompanied by a Trade Union representative at meetings, and it is a relatively straightforward process to obtain Trade Union recognition within a workplace.

Kocur v Angard Staffing Solutions

Another case that will be heard by the Supreme Court in December 2023 is Kocur v Angard Staffing Solutions, which will determine whether agency workers have the right to apply for internal job vacancies. The case involves agency staff who worked for Royal Mail, and who were told that they could only apply for published vacancies once permanent staff had had the chance to do so. They claimed that this breached regulation 13 of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010, which gives agency workers a right to be informed of job vacancies.

The Court of Appeal held that regulation 13 did not give agency workers a corresponding right to apply for those vacancies, and that agency staff did not have the right to apply and be considered for internal vacancies on the same terms as directly recruited employees. The only right they had was to receive information about job vacancies.

The Supreme Court will decide whether this interpretation is correct, or whether regulation 13 should be read more broadly to give agency workers equal access to internal job

opportunities. This case will affect all employers that use agency staff, as well as agency workers themselves, as it will determine their rights and prospects for career progression.

Other notable cases

There have been various other interesting and important cases decided by the courts this year, covering a range of topics such as discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, redundancy, holiday pay, and more. Some of the highlights include:

A v Barclays plc and others, where the Employment Tribunal awarded £4.5 million to a former Barclays employee who was dismissed after blowing the whistle on misconduct within the bank.

Ms L Kaur v Tunmarsh School and London Borough of Newham, where the Employment Tribunal ruled that a teacher was constructively dismissed after being subjected to bullying and harassment by her headteacher.

Mr R Soares v Civil Aviation Authority, where the Employment Tribunal held that an air traffic controller was unfairly dismissed for refusing to work overtime due to health and safety concerns.

Ms T Coombs v Superdrug Stores plc, where the Employment Tribunal found that a sales assistant was sexually harassed by her manager who sent her inappropriate messages and touched her without consent.

Employment law is a dynamic and complex area of law, and 2023 has seen some landmark cases that have shaped its development. Employers and employees should keep up to date with these cases, as they may affect their rights and obligations in the workplace.

It is also important to remember, that employers of all sizes, could end up being involved in a case on an undecided point of law, which necessitates the importance of dealing with issues early.

www.365employmentlaw.co.uk

Alex Jones

A decade of serving the commercial catering sector

Indigo Catering Equipment Limited has gone from strength to strength in its first 10 years, as we find out in this interview with its founder, Christian Barnes.

After a successful career in financial futures trading, Christian Barnes made a career switch that would eventually see him launch his own business.

Cover Story

He moved into the commercial catering equipment and design sector in 1998 and 15 years later was at the helm of a start-up.

The business now has an annual turnover of more than £3m and provides professional services for both established businesses/premises as well as new start-ups.

From turnkey solutions to front and back of house, Indigo offers a one-stop solution for all commercial kitchen needs.

As well as being the go-to kitchen design house and consultancy, Indigo delivers

innovative ideas, smooth installation and co-ordinated project management.

Its clients are as diverse as its gamechanging solutions - from schools and universities to sporting venues, not to mention traditional catering establishments such as hotels, restaurants and gourmet food pubs.

It is an exciting business that serves an exciting sector, and is led by a team that

is passionate about delivering only the very best. On time and within budget.

We asked Christian some questions to learn more about the brand and discover the secrets to its success.

How did you come to start the business?

“I started it with two credit cards and an office loaned to me by a family member. “I was fortunate in that a lot of my clients came with me, including two large local authorities.”

Where did the name of the business come from?

“There was a very short brainstorming session with my wife’s uncle in his office.

“There used to be a firm called Indigo that made exhibition stands. My uncle suggested it and I just said ‘Yes’.“

Who was your first big client?

“A local county council. I started the business shortly before the then coalition government launched universal free school meals for children in year groups 1 and 2.

“A lot of work needed to be carried out to deliver this initiative. One hundred schools needed their kitchens upgraded, within the timeframe allocated, and we have never looked back since.”

What are your goals for the future?

“Our aim is to get the annual turnover to £5m.

“To help achieve this, the younger members of the team are now taking the business forward with new ideas with design and project management, as well as looking at energy efficient equipment.

What are the services you most enjoy delivering?

“Obviously, every project is important to us and we enjoy delivering them all. However, if I had to pick out one or two, then I would say turnkey solutions and new openings.

“We are currently working on a project for a rugby club. As well as doing the backof-house kitchen, we are doing the frontof-house. This means, we are delivering an entire concept - from the colours of tiles and paint to furnishings and fittings.

“We really enjoy working with people who have new ideas. Those opening new restaurants tend to favour us because of our extensive experience. We also rarely say no to a challenge.”

About Indigo Catering Equipment Limited

In addition to all the services previously mentioned, Indigo also offers kitchen cleaning and furniture solutions as well as help to finance a commercial kitchen.

Clients include care homes and hospitals, along with retail, commercial and leisure concerns.

It doesn’t stop there. The business carries out kitchen work in Heritage, including Listed, buildings and private homes.

Examples of recent work include the complete refurbishment of a kitchen at a prestigious hotel and a turnkey project for a major restaurant

chain in Covent Garden, London.

The results were a superb, functional commercial kitchen that was fully compliant and easy to maintain and catered for the new menu and dining room experience.

In Covent Garden, Indigo worked with a restaurant chain, a contractor and an architect to ensure the delivery of a

theatre-style kitchen plus a production kitchen on another floor - for the chain’s first restaurant in Europe.

Indigo supplied all the equipment and ensured each item matched that used in the group’s Asian restaurants.

Commercial kitchens

Good commercial kitchens and associated services are essential for the safe and successful running of any food business or premises that prepares food.

As well as taking care of the aesthetics, Indigo ensures a kitchen ‘works’, making it easier to prepare food in and keep clean. A great kitchen designed to be compliant and functional saves a business money and ensures effortless hygiene.

https://www.indigoce.co.uk/

Brand workshops – the smart way to health check your business

Bill Wallsgrove, of Brandad UK, explains how to get the right solution for a business with serious ambitions.

In my last article I explained my journey from graphic designer, or commercial artist as some of us still prefer to say, to brand consultant and copywriter. At the heart of my personal development is a passion for helping businesses communicate better by using design and narrative more effectively. I believe this is only possible by creating a sharply focused and clearly articulated brief that defines your communication objectives and truly understands your intended audience(s) and how to reach them.

Bad brand design and storytelling comes from a poor brief. If you don’t have a clear target, you won’t get a creative sniper’s trained responseyou will have a shotgun / blunderbuss solution blasted all over the shop with no clear selection criteria in place. This will leave it to a subjective whim rather than the objective filter - which is no way to find the right solution for a business with serious ambitions.

Brand development is design in its truest sense - problem solving. It is a heady mix of art and science - the combination of analytical logic and imaginative ideas. Left and right brain working harmoniously together. To do this effectively you need a clear plan, smart process, and tailored methodology.

When I was creative director of my agency Planet Design (later bought by Interpublic and absorbed into

Futurebrand) clients would often ask us to help them write the brief for new product and brand development. We knew this was a great collaboration idea combining a room full of commercial and creative skills to hone the direction and development process. We created the early prototype for the brand workshops that I now still deliver for my clients.

I moved to Brighton after I sold my shares in my last London agency, Brand Voice, to work as a freelance brand consultant. I set out on a course of providing my experience to both clients and local agencies to help them provide clearly articulated brand communication, both visual and verbal, to deliver more effective commercial results. I do this through collaboration by creating tailored brand workshops based on sound and proven principles.

I have been doing this for the last 10 years with clients both large and small. I am currently working with the NHS, the Design Council, the University of Brighton, a listed PLC and Plus X innovation – the latter leading to several entrepreneurial start-up brand creation projects and some personal branding initiatives.

What is a Brand workshop?

A brand is the bridge between business strategy and creative communicationit is the fundamental building block in expressing your mission and purpose. My workshops are stakeholder and consultancy sessions designed to give companies an objective expert view of their business through the lens of their brand. Based on a proven workshop methodology, it’s a perceptive, participative, and productive way to uncover new ideas and energy for your business in a process I call constructive provocation. It all starts with truly understanding each other and defining your goals and what success means to you.

Sales & Marketing

My insight led workshops act as a brand MOT before refreshing a brand identity, creating, and naming a new one or launching new services or products. Whether you are repositioning your business reviewing your brand communication or redefining your purpose I can create a bespoke workshop programme for you. The key to a strong brand is an informed business. When you have your ear to the ground, are speaking to consumers, and understand sentiment, you can adapt your brand accordingly and win loyalty. I offer practical solutions and methodologies to gain insight, thereby informing your business and strengthening your brand. I bring in additional consultants and researchers where required.

The key components of my brand workshops

1/ Brand Strategy

It is all about understanding a brand, the context in which it exists and succeeds, the diagnosis of the problems, barriers, challenges, and opportunities it faces, is essential if you’re going to make a meaningful difference.

2/ Brand First

I don’t offer strategy to sell you a creative process, product, or service. I am media neutral - not attached to any agency - and have a wide network of

talented partners in all creative and digital fields that I can recommend where and when required. I offer brand strategy to help you make better decisions. I offer the original thinking, insight, and direction only an independent objective outsider can provide to help you win more effectively however you define a successful outcome.

When do you need to review or create a new brand strategy?

There are several key reasons.

1/ When there is change within your existing organisation and you want to create a new company, product, or service, not linked to any other in your portfolio of brands (or sub-brands) or you need to spit your offer to different audiences. Here you need to create a defined brand architecture and a new hierarchy of communication.

2/ There is a fundamental commercial change. You need a new business strategy with a decision to shift a current brand into a different area or you have a corporate brand that has been invisible to date and needs to become more prominent and consumer facing.

3/ Another scenario is that something is missing. You only have part of a brand strategy or only one of the key answers

to the core questions of why you exist, who you are, how you do things or what it is you do with the customer benefits clearly defined – your elevator pitch.

4/ It could simply be a state of confusion. There is just too much going on and you have content overload. You have a vision, mission, purpose statement, values, principles, belief, behaviours, a brand essence, and a brand personality but these have all been created at different times and by varied teams with no connection between them. You now lack clarity, coherence, and simplicity.

5/ Your brand is struggling – it already exists but needs a significant overhaul to make it more coherent, more effective across media and digital first in its approach and implementation.

6/ You are a start-up launching a new business and you require a brand name, with a unique visual and verbal language derived from a clearly defined brand strategy. You are currently just a blank sheet of branded paper but showing great promise for the future.

Brand workshop deliverables

The output of my brand workshop is a completed report summarising the conclusions of the session with draft creative and communication briefs which can include brand name and strapline recommendations where required. When you require further research stimulus, I can develop targeted creative content including mood boards and AI generated creative options.

My driving purpose is your brand success. You want to own the very best brand in your category and want to build businesses, outmanoeuvre competitors, and even disrupt industries. I am here to help you start the process. We can have great fun doing this together.

https://brandad.co.uk/

Good Business

This is a phrase that suggests individuals need polishing or refinement before they can truly shine. I embrace a new perspective when hiring junior talent from diverse sources, and I want to share why.

Instead of searching for the ‘diamonds in the rough’, what if we looked out for ‘sponges’ – eager learners with an appetite for acquiring knowledge?

Why the ‘diamonds in the rough’ metaphor is problematic: This ageold metaphor implies that candidates are somehow lacking or incomplete, requiring extensive polishing to fit in or shine. This undermines the unique

qualities and strengths that individuals bring to the table. Rather than trying to mould them into a predetermined shape, we should recognise their potential just the way they are.

Why the ‘sponge’ mentality works better for us: What if you welcomed sponges into your team – individuals who possess a remarkable capacity for learning and growth. By seeking out talent from wider sources and looking out for ‘sponge-like’ characteristics, we unlock a diverse pool of individuals who often possess a hunger for knowledge and a drive to prove themselves. They bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and an eagerness to absorb new information, making them invaluable assets to any organisation.

For example, at Second Voice we seek to hire people who are eager to learn so that we can work with them to become experts at outbound sales - so qualities such as coachability, communication and a growth mindset are more important to us than their ‘rough edges’. In fact, these rough edges often make them better at cutting through the noise and helping our clients grow their businesses.

Why we should expand talent pools: Relying solely on traditional talent pools, such as University Job Boards and Indeed.com, limits our ability to innovate and find the best talent. By actively seeking candidates from alternative sources, we unlock a wealth of untapped potential. Consider individuals who haven’t gone down the higher education

In the hiring world, the phrase ‘diamonds in the rough’ is often

used to describe people with great potential. Sara Osterholzer, of Second Voice Pro, challenges this outdated mindset.

Are you hiring sponges or diamonds?

route, those with experience in different sectors to yours, or candidates from underrepresented communities. These individuals can bring unique skills, experiences and perspectives that can contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive work environment.

Add support for growth and development in the mix: Finding and hiring talent isn’t the end point. Managers should be prepared to provide these ‘sponges’ with resources, continued mentorship, and opportunities for continued growth. Emphasising their inherent potential and investing in their development will not only benefit the individual but also increase the quality of work these individuals contribute and increase their job satisfaction. By providing an environment where sponges can thrive, organisations will reap the rewards of an engaged and motivated workforce.

Final thoughts: Join us and retire the term ‘diamonds in the rough’ and shift towards a more inclusive approach to hiring junior talent. By recognising the value of individuals who are natural sponges, we open the door to a broader range of skills, perspectives and experiences. Embracing these individuals and providing them with the support they need to grow and develop will not only enrich your business but also contribute to a more diverse and vibrant professional landscape. It’s time to embrace a new narrative of talent acquisition that values the hunger for knowledge and insatiable appetite for learning that sponges bring to the table.

At Second Voice Pro, we hire CV blind and have designed a recruitment process that allows for raw qualities to shine through. Want to find out more about this process and get tips and tools for

your own business? Download our free eBook - Sponges not Diamons - here.

About the Author

Sara Osterholzer, Second Voice Pro Sara Osterholzer is the co-founder and chief operating Ooficer of Second Voice Pro, which she setup with sales specialist Ben Bennett to improve the way B2B businesses build and grow their first Sales function, moving away from founder-led sales.

www.secondvoice.pro

www.linkedin.com/company/secondvoice-pro

The creation of hope

It began when two bereaved dads came together for support after each had lost a son to suicide. Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip initially made contact on social media and when they met for a coffee discovered that they shared not only profound grief but also a passion to change the nation’s approach to suicide prevention.

Despite their trauma the two men came up with the idea of carrying an “Olympic torch” type symbol around the country in an attempt to smash the stigma surrounding suicide and promote positive change.

Suicide is the biggest killer of under35s in the UK and the statistics have stagnated for more than fifteen years.

Mike, a former TV journalist and presenter, said: “Over a period of forty years I had covered a huge variety of stories and events including wars, terrorist atrocities, crime, politics etc. but I realised, belatedly, that the subject of suicide had never crossed my radar.

“I asked myself how it could be that one of society’s greatest catastrophes was hardly ever mentioned. Why was there such little parliamentary discussion? Where were the conversations? When we were talking about just about every

other social issue in the classroom, how come so few people were addressing a subject that robs us of so much hope and potential?”

Between them, Mike and Steve began to enlist the support of a talented organising committee and then an army of volunteers from around the country. The initiative came to the attention of political strategist and mental health campaigner Alastair Campbell who introduced the men to goldsmiths and silversmiths to the late Queen Elizabeth II Thomas Lyte.

Immediately the company offered to design and create an exquisite and symbolic Baton powerful enough to

How a symbol with royal connections is being used to promote suicide prevention in the workplace.

Charity

galvanise the nation in support. The ‘Baton Of Hope’ was born.

In Summer, the Baton will be carried around twelve cities in 12 days… Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester, Belfast, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Brighton and London. The tour will begin on June 25 and end on July 6.. It will be the biggest suicide prevention initiative the UK has ever seen.

One of the charities organising committee members Jenny Rayner, who lost her daughter Lucy to suicide in 2012 said: “For too long the subject of suicide has been hidden and overlooked. In the silence stigma has grown and it’s time to change that. We are determined to create a healthy conversation and bring this largely ignored subject out of the shadows.”

Last minute planning for a massive programme of events nationwide is taking place headed by Ashley Redsell who has more than forty years experience in events organising. He has been guiding a team of project leads in each city. Each one of those is supported by hoards of volunteers.

Ashley explained: “One of the most important elements of the Tour is that the Baton will be carried through each of the twelve cities by people who have lost a loved one to suicide or have survived a suicide attempt. This is a huge logistical task which is unique so there was no obvious template to work on. This is being driven by determination, urgency and the invaluable support of wonderful people who have taken it upon themselves to lead a complex programme.”

“We believe that the Tour will give hundreds of people a special moment - the chance to honour their loved ones and reflect on the hope that we can give to others who face darkness.”

The theme of the event is, of course,

Hope. Mike McCarthy said that, having spoken to hundreds of bereaved families, it was clear that the one thing that united each person who ended their life was the loss of Hope.

Acknowledging that, The Baton Of Hope is heavy with symbolism. A delicate lattice work at its centre depicts a community of people holding each other aloft. Inside is inscribed a quote from international human rights campaigner Desmond Tutu: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

The Tour is just one part of the charity’s activities. It is determined to bring about positive, practical change in the field of suicide prevention.

It has assembled a team of experts to put together a ‘Workplace Charter’ which was launched in Parliament on Wednesday, May 24, in an event sponsored by Dean Russell MP.

The charter provides guides and resources for employers to help deal with suicide prevention - from supporting a bereaved colleague to finding the right help for a member of staff who is feeling suicidal. The charity will invite all employers who are interested in signing up to the Charter to join them at a national suicide prevention conference in Sheffield on September 15.

www.batonofhopeuk.org

Sussex Business Leaders are invited to:

• Attend the Baton of Hope Business Leaders’ Breakfast on 5th July 7.45am-10am https://bit.ly/bohbrightonbreakfast

• Attend ‘An Evening of Hope’ – music and inspirational speakers at the Brighton Dome on 5th July – tickets via the Dome Box Office

• Sponsor part of the day’s events (options from £500 to £5000)

• Follow updates on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ batonofhopeuk/

FirmBalls hits a hattrick for charity at the Amex

FirmBalls, the business that connects people and companies through the power of sport, has staged its fifth annual seven-a-side tournament at the American Express Community Stadium, home to Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

This was the first event since 2019 as the 2020 tournament was postponed due to the pandemic. This year’s event, sponsored by headline sponsors Carpenter Box and cosponsors Rubix VT, saw 16 companies, comprising 160 players from across the FirmBalls network and beyond come together to battle it out for the famous FirmBalls Cup.

Through some very tight group stages, the quarter finals and semi finals were just as tight with only a goal separating some of the teams. By the time the competition reached the semi finals, we saw SO Legal get narrowly beaten by co-sponsors Rubix VT 1-0. Whilst one of the top teams in the FirmBalls Eastbourne league, Speclay Ltd beat our current Falmer League champions Volks FC 1-0 to set up a fantastic final.

Again, the game was very tight, with end to end football, but it was Speclay Ltd who took the advantage and went 1-0 up to secure the FirmBalls Cup.

FirmBalls Managing Director, Sam Thomas said. “This is one of the highlights of the FirmBalls calendar and I was overwhelmed with peoples support after finally returning after four years away.

“The whole day was played in such great spirits allowing many players to live their dream of playing on a premier league pitch. It was also

wonderful to add the penalty shoot out element as a new addition to the day that allowed some of the young kids to come and score at the Amex like many of their heroes.

“To top this we also were able to support three great charities, The Carpenter Box Foundation, Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and The Starr Trust and help raise much needed funds.”

As well as the 160 players, many of the companies’ teams and colleagues came to watch and support along with their children to make the event a truly family filled spectacle.

Sam added: “I would like to thank our headline sponsors Carpenter Box, our co-sponsors Rubix VT, the team at BHAFC, especially Jack Joyce and Ben Stephenson, our Photographer

Stephen Lawrence, Snap it Now, our videographer, Ryan Alfonso from Alfonso Visuals, the FirmBalls Team, Mike Jeffries, Chris Weller, Tony Carmody, Ian Lane, Wayne Pocock as well as assistance from Toby Graves at TPG Sports Events. And finally all the teams and companies for participating and making it a day to remember.”

The event is due to return in 2024 and anyone interested in securing an early bird space can do so by contacting sam@firmballs.com or visiting www.firmballs.com

Headline sponsor:

Co sponsor:

Charity

First Rockinghorse Rave with Judge Jules declared a big success

The inaugural charity dance music event saw hundreds of ravers enjoying DJ sets from Krafty Kuts, Brandon Block and Judge Jules.

The magical Caravanserai big top was the venue for the event, the first of its kind organised by Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, on Sunday 14 May. Taking pace as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival, the rave gave the charity’s supporters as well as fans of dance music the chance to dance the evening away with some great DJ sets.

First on the decks was Danny Lawson, who kicked off the fun with some great crowd pleasers and really got everyone on their feet. Danny was quickly followed by the DJ duo Mango Django,

who came out from behind their booth to entertain the crowd.

After their fantastically interactive set, which encouraged everyone to join in with their moves, Brent said: “Rockinghorse is such a great charity, and we were really pleased to have been able to help out at this event.

“We really enjoyed ourselves too, the crowd were really up for it and the venue was amazing.”

Following Mago Django was Brandon Block, who started DJing in his local pub in Harrow in 1985 and went on to

have an incredibly successful career appearing on BBC Radio 1s Essential Mix, Kiss FM and on the legendary terrace at Space in Ibiza.

Despite saying before his set “How am I going to follow those two?”, he managed to really get the room going. His set was also live streamed on Instagram for around 15 minutes which gave those who weren’t able to get to the event a chance to join in the fun.

Next to entertain the crowd was Ben Bennett, who is also the co-founder and CEO of Second Voice Pro, the event’s supporting sponsor. Ben really enjoyed

Charity

himself, having been on his feet dancing since the rave started at 4.30pm. He played for over an hour, after which he just carried on dancing!

Ben said: “My son was looked after at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and then when I met Donna, we realised we had a similar background in dance music, and we then created the idea of the rave.

“My philosophy is paying it forward and if we can all do something we love doing it benefits those who need it most –everyone wins.”

After Ben, it was the turn of the legendary DJ Judge Jools. For almost three decades Judge Julels has led the way in the world

of dance music. Widely recognised as influencing an entire generation with residencies on both Kiss FM and BBC Radio 1, he also has the longest standing DJ residency in Ibiza history.

And it was easy to see why he had developed such a successful career. During his set, he played some great tunes and interacted with the audience to really get them as involved as possible.

Jules said: “I’m really pleased to support Rockinghorse, not only is it a charity I really believe in but the rave itself was a true rave, R.A.V.E with a Rockinghorse on top.”

The event was finished off with the brilliant local DJ Krafty Kuts who kept

the crowd going until the event came to a close at 11pm.

Natalie Cronin, Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Rockinghorse, said:“All in all, it really was an amazing event, in an amazing venue, raising money for an amazing cause.

“Thanks to each and every one of the brilliant DJs and all the people who came along to dance and donate. See you next year!”

https://www.rockinghorse.org.uk/

Kevin Keegan captivates audience at Best of British Events’ lunch

The generosity of local business people sees tens of thousands of pounds raised for local charity, Chailey Heritage Foundation.

Networking & Events

On Friday, June 2, 500 local business people attended Brighton’s annual Best of British lunch at The Grand Hotel.

The event, from beginning to end, was absolutely incredible and the team at Best of British, as always, really did deliver. This year, the legend himself Kevin Keegan was the guest speaker - and what a speaker, but also a real gentleman.

A former English footballer, playing professionally from 1968 to 1984, Kevin is often regarded as one of the best players of all time. During his career, he played for Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburger SV, Southampton, Newcastle, and Blacktown City as well as England.

Kevin was a great, engaging speaker

with good humour and kept the attention of every single person in the room from start to finish, whether they were football fans or not.

Tens of thousands of pounds were raised for this year’s beneficiary, Chailey Heritage Foundation. The foundation provides education and care services and is one of the UK’s leading centres for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities.

Most of the young people accessing its services have severe cerebral palsy, and many have visual and/or other sensory impairments. All are wheelchair users and very few have verbal communication.

The charity’s expertise is in maximising independence and choice, developing effective communication and providing powered mobility opportunities. A very worthy cause.

A big thank you to the sponsors for helping to make these events happenRubix VT, Brighton i360, Extech Cloud, Creative Pod, Foster & Co, Devassist, TSS Facilities and Handelsbanken Managing director and founder of Best of British Events, Ryan Heal said: “What a great day! With such generosity on display from the regional business community, and with donations still coming in, we will be donating tens of thousands of pounds to Chailey Heritage in the coming days. A huge thanks to all our guests for their support.”

The next event will be ‘Best of British London’ with guest speaker Gareth Chilcott at The Waldorf Hotel.

To find out more about Best of British Events or to purchase tickets, visit their page https://bestofbritish.org.uk/

Unleashing innovation and flair: dazzling dancers and Fever Tree stir up the ACUMEN Business Convention

The ACUMEN Business Convention 2023 set the stage ablaze with its electrifying Live Poi light shows, captivating FreePlay sessions, including the exceptional Threesome Networking room, leaving participants spellbound and inspired.

This groundbreaking event, held at the Grand hotel Brighton, exceeded all expectations, attracting entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and visionaries from around Sussex and beyond.

Networking & Events

It would be hard to describe this year’s ACUMEN Business Convention in one word. Exciting? Tick. Extravagant! Tick. HOT? Double tick. Another successful event with nearly 300 business decision-makers in the room and plenty already signing up for next year’s event on May 23 - which Acumen promises to make an even bigger day.

Perhaps the biggest tick of the 2023 Convention was vulnerability. Our speakers showed a lot of courage when they shared personal aspects of their lives and journeys and how it affected their business journeys. From the concept of grit, giving up and bereavement, to difficult childhood stories and coming out the other end stronger for it.

Every year there is an extraordinary live performance at the Acumen Convention, this year the attendees were entranced by a breathtaking Poi light show. With their precision and artistry, the performers skillfully twirled and danced, creating intricate patterns of light that seemed to defy

gravity. The Poi light show performed by Blue Fish Entertainment was an unforgettable spectacle, adding a touch of enchantment and leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness its magic.

The stage was also graced by an array of diverse speakers including Charles Rolls , the visionary founder of Fever Tree. With his relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for creating the perfect mixer, Charles has revolutionised the beverage industry and shaped the way we enjoy cocktails. Chalres shared his insights and expertise, inspiring attendees with his entrepreneurial journey and leaving a lasting impact.

Sit down lunch and networking with just under 300 business decision makers

Rachel Watkyn , the founder of Tiny Box and the most successful female entrepreneur on Dragons Den to date captivated the audience with her inspiring story; Susan Payton shared her expertise on how to craft a compelling brand through the power of storytelling; Perry Power shared his own journey shining a light on the complex emotions, challenges, and triumphs that come with surviving and healing from abuse. Acumen’s very own, Penina Shepherd, CEO &

Founder, shared a thought-provoking approach to mindset with her talk: ‘What is your grit?’

As well as the inspiring speakers on the big stage, the day included an array of Arena Speakers, featuring four local heroes in TEDx-style talks. These were all facilitated by Acumen’s own speakers who shared a story of betrayal, turmoil and scandal with great informative legal tips and takeaways for all delegates and their businesses.

The day concluded with a prestigious Ridgeview Reception which gathered all the delegates for a final networking opportunity alongside a much deserved and enjoyed a 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!

2024 convention super Early Bird tickets launched

Due to the largely positive reception of the 2023 event, Acumen is 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: 23rd May 2024, the Grand Brighton

Poi Light show performed by Blue Fish Entertainment

Left to right - Charles Rolls Co-founder Fever Tree - Penina Shepherd Founder and CEO ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW and ACUMEN PEOPLE SOLICITORS

Zebras welcoming the guests to the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION 2023

Come and network at Brighton and Hove Business Show

Networking & Events

On June 8, the Amex Stadium will host one of the biggest business events of its kind in Sussex.

It’s free to attend - and you are invited.

A year in the planning and with unprecedented support, this year’s Brighton and Hove Business Show promises to be a b2b showcase with a difference.

As well as boasting a plethora of stands representing a wide range of sectorsfrom cyber security to courier services and everything in between - the 2023 show will offer plenty of opportunities to connect with business leaders. Visitors will get the chance to meet

key influencers and entrepreneurs with exciting new ideas.

There will be free parking and the show will be open from 10am to 3pm.

Organised by well-known Sussex businessman Mike Monk, the event has been carefully developed to ensure it delivers what local businesses need. That includes money-saving products and services, as well as the opportunity to build new business relationships and learn from leaders in their field.

Mike said: “I am looking forward to welcoming hundreds of visitors to the show. It’s entirely free to attend and is a great opportunity for anyone in business, as well as professionals.

“It’s easy to be part of the day - just turn up. You can be assured of a warm welcome.”

Before the two exhibition lounges open their doors, the show will hold its first ever Network Breakfast.

Taking place at HB’s Restaurant, also at the Amex, the 8am networking event will feature guest speaker Camille Pearson. She will talk about ‘How prioritising wellbeing is good for business’.

The headline speaker during the day will be Carlene Jackson. The full seminar timetable is outlined below.

Seminar timetable

The Brighton and Hove Business

With over 85 exhibitors, speakers with valuable information to share and Slo Mo Networking, it’s a day not to be missed.

Show seminar timetable will get under way at 10.40am with a session led by Brandon Harris on the topic of ‘Simplicity is best in business’.

Brandon is a professional EOS Implementer® at EOS Worldwide. He helps entrepreneurial leaders achieve company-wide alignment on their vision and gain real traction against that vision. He also helps them create healthy teams and culture.

At 11.15am keynote speaker Carlene Jackson will talk about ‘How to make company culture your biggest asset for growth’.

She is the CEO of Brighton-based tech company Cloud9 Insight. It is a Microsoft Gold Partner and has provided over a thousand businesses with cloudbased CRM software systems.

Founded in 2010, the business puts workplace culture front and centre of business growth. Shortlisted in the ‘Woman of the Year’ category in the Women In IT national awards 2021, Carlene set up Cloud9 University, a training business to support development of talent in the tech sector.

At 12.10pm, marketing expert Emma Pearce, of Pearce Marketing, will offer invaluable insights on lead generation.

If you are a sales director, business owner, sales rep or business development manager, this seminar will help you boost the number of prospects you have to work with.

Emma will be sharing invaluable LinkedIn tips.

She is a highly respected marketing consultant and has been running her marketing agency for over 13 years.

At 12.45pm, Lawrence Howard, founder and CEO of Thriiver, will talk about ‘How diversity can support your businesses growth’.

He will tackle common challenges businesses are facing today, and how, by embracing diversity, employers can overcome these to deliver growth.

Lawrence was diagnosed as dyslexic during his school life. He founded Thriiver in 1997 as a result of the lack of practical support he experienced in the workplace.

At 2.10pm, Ben Kench, the UK’s top sales and business coach specialist, will talk about ‘From the heart – a better way of business’.

Ben is a best-selling author and wrote ‘Selling For Dummies’. This seminar promises to be entertaining and enlightening, sharing ideas and insights

that take a slightly different approach but deliver significantly better results.

* Brighton Chamber will host a Slo-Mo networking session at 1.20pm.

Be part of something good

In its second year, Brighton and Hove Business Show strives to bring people together - to connect, collaborate and share ideas.

A veteran of business exhibitions, Mike says this event is the biggest he has ever organised. In fact, so many people have wanted to exhibit at the show, the exhibitor list has been updated multiple times - often several times a day.

The show’s ambassador is respected serial networker Chris Mansfield. Official sponsors are: Data Mail Solutions Limited, County Business Clubs Sussex, Cleankill Pest Control, More Radio, SRC Corporate Finance and 28thStreetMedia.

Want to know more?

For information about the show, visit https:// brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk/

For information about the networking breakfast, see https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/brighton-hove-networkbreakfast-tickets-463522005797

The networking event sandwich

Founder of Network My Club, Bradley Hatchett dives into how attending a networking event is just like a sandwich.

The sandwich.

A staple in the diet of so many…

From school days spent tentatively waiting to find out which filling you’ve got in your lunchbox…

To your on-the-go supermarket meal deal…

To the ones at networking events… Today, I’m going to link two classics. Sandwiches. And networking.

And a way for you to think about networking being more than just the event.

Let me introduce you to the networking event sandwich concept.

Let’s dive in.

Too often networking is viewed as just attending an event.

Understandable.

Like a sandwich, you only truly pay attention to what’s in it.

Less what’s holding it all together.

But a sandwich doesn’t work unless you have the bread on the outside.

And this is the same with networking.

Without doing the work before and after the event, you’re leaving so much on the table.

First, we have the base.

Just like a sandwich needs a good foundation, your preparation before an event is essential.

You don’t want to turn up to an event unprepared and not knowing what’s to come and who is there. Right?

Do your research. Remind yourself of your intentions and reasons for attending (or networking generally). And get ready to make some new connections and build on existing ones.

Networking & Events

Simple tasks to create a good foundation for attending an event:

Research the guest list

Who can you connect with? Who can you reconnect with? Who can you connect together?

Connect with other attendees on LinkedIn

Personalise a message, say hi and introduce yourself before stepping into the room. You have a face to look out for at the event now too!

Plan your day

Before and/or after the event to maximise your networking. Can you meet someone in the area? A client, prospect, or connection? Turn it from a networking event, into a day spent networking.

Foundation-builders such as these take no time at all.

But means you’re arriving well prepared with conversations already started that you can continue during the event.

Talking of which…

Now, it’s time for the sandwich filling.

The main attraction.

The event itself.

This is where you get to mingle, network, and learn from others.

And just like how you can mix it up with your sandwich filling, you can do so with your networking, by choosing different events and groups to be a part of.

That’s healthy.

Having the same filling every time would

be a little boring.

Unless you’re a true creature of habit.

Like Trevor, who I used to work with in one of my first office jobs. Who had a peanut butter

sandwich on white bread. At 12pm. Every. Single. Day.

We all have our go to sandwich fillings depending on what we fancy, right? (BLT, tuna and sweetcorn, or chicken salad for me).

And from there, you mix it up because you’ve found the ones that you really like.

The same should apply to your networking.

It’s good to mix up a select number of events and groups you are part of. I spoke about this in edition #3 of The Networker.

It’s what comes before and after attending that’s just as important.

Finally, we have the other slice of bread holding it all together.

After the event, it’s time to do your follow-ups.

Just like how the bread keeps the sandwich from falling apart, your followups are essential for solidifying the connections you made at the event.

Don’t leave it too long. Send that email or LinkedIn message. Or do what you said you would do.

If you’ve got a follow up call or meeting to organise, great.

But it’s courteous to follow up even if it’s only to thank someone for their time and to say you look forward to seeing them again.

Your conversations will soon be a fading memory.

Before long, you, and everyone you spoke to, gets back to their busy lives.

Following up puts you ahead of so many others who ignore this crucial final piece of the sandwich.

The wrap up

Attending an event is great.

But it loses so much of its value and potential if you’re not doing the right work before or after it.

Being truthful to yourself, and reflecting on your networking, can you say you’ve made a complete sandwich when attending events recently?

Or are you left with just the filling?

Next time you book onto an event, hopefully you’ll now view it as your filling.

And you’ll plan time before and after accordingly to complete the networking event sandwich.

Leaving the bread out of your sandwiches may be good for your waistline.

But it’s not for your networking.

Like content like this? You might like The Networker – a weekly email to help you network smarter.

Subscribe here: http://www. networkmyclub.co.uk/the-networker

https://www.networkmyclub.co.uk/

CBC in collaboration with Freedom Works and Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Timetable of future joint events announced for Astral Towers at Gatwick.

In March, County Business Clubs

and build relationships, no hard selling and no pitching.

Networking & Events

Sussex, in collaboration with Freedom Works and Sussex Chamber of Commerce, held the first Gatwick meet up in Astral Towers of 2023.

Three great communities came together and welcomed their members to the fantastic Astral Towers, one of the newest Freedom Works space in a portfolio of nine great work hubs across the South.

With County Business Clubs Sussex (CBC) sharing the same values and ethos as both Freedom Works and the Chamber, it will make for the perfect partnership for the year ahead.

The CBC member meet ups offer a relaxed environment to simply connect

These monthly meet ups are designed to help people extend and grow their network so we will be hosting a member meeting up on the last Wednesday morning of every month, rotating between Astral Towers, Hastings and Worthing.

Ahead of these events, all attendees will receive a list and Jackie and Sam are always on hand to introduce you to anyone that you would like to meet over a Coffee and some light breakfast. Places are limited at each event. You can book your space here for all upcoming events: https://www.eventbrite.com/ organizations/events

For our CBC premium members,

these events are included free as part of your membership benefits. Membership is only £29.99 a month, so if you would like to join or upgrade ahead of booking your space on 26th April, please get in touch with Jackie at info@countybuusiessclubs.co.uk

Upcoming member meet ups:

• Wednesday 28th June, Astral Towers, Gatwick

• Wednesday 27th September, The Palace, Hastings

• Wednesday 25th October, The creative Hub, Worthing

• November date TBC The CBC annual Xmas party

Care for Veterans chosen charity for next networking event

June’s Big Business Breakfast Club is being sponsored by Anton Sullivan, of Lanton Maintenance.

After yet another packed event, join us on Friday, June 16 at The old Ship Hotel, from 8am. The special guest speaker for June is Steve Sallis, alongside Alex Ryan from Marketing 101 with his marketing hints and tips. We always give attendees plenty of time to meet other like-minded business people in the room.

Networking & Events

Working in the gaps between healthcare and social services, Care for Veterans offers a range of appropriate solutions for people with physical disabilities and complex needs, many of whom have served this country.

As ever, our guest sponsor, this month Lanton Maintenance owner Anton Sullivan, gets to choose the month’s charity. For June that will be Care for Veterans. Please show your support and make a generous donation when you purchase your ticket, which they’ll get directly.

Guest speakerSteve Sallis

Lanton maintenance is a multi purpose maintenance company that works within the residential and commercial sectors. We can also offer a top quality decorating service delivered by our sister company AMS decorating. As a family run business with a team of 11, we understand that its imperative, along with great tradesmen, to have a positive experience throughout your journey with us from start to finish. We have a back office support team available to answer any question’s you may have and to ensure your experience with us is as smooth as possible.

Sponsor’s nominated charity – Care for Veterans

Steve is an author & Executive Mindset Coach, Leadership Mentor/ Trainer, Keynote Speaker & Elite Development Mentor in the Professional Football, Education and Business Industry

We look forward to seeing you all on June 16. Tickets will sell out, so book in advance.

Book here now: https://www. bigbusinessbreakfastclub.co.uk/

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a sponsor of the BBBC, get in touch with the team at team@ bigbusinessbreakfastclub.co.uk

I would like to shout out to Mark Newman who taught me how to ride a penny farthing for national cycle to work day. I honestly cant express just

how much fun it is and I would highly recommend booking one of his tours. He’s a great teacher and i was up and riding in 40 minutes. I am still absolutely buzzing from the whole experience. Whether you book for yourself or for a gift, just do it.

https://lnkd.in/evxE2mpJ

https://lnkd.in/eh-pvtJX

https://lnkd.in/e4f_HP3V

Our Sponsor- Anton Sullivan – Lanton maintenance

Commodore Duncan Lustig-Prean to speak at June’s Boundary Club

The sun was out in full force for May’s Boundary club, Sussex v Yorkshire day one.

Networking

& Events

A wonderful day of cricket was on show at The 1st Central County Ground. The sun was shining, and a good crowd saw international superstars such as Steve Smith and Ollie Robinson in action.

Established in 2011, The Boundary Club is Sussex Cricket’s premium business networking and membership club, where business meets cricket, hosted right on the boundary’s edge of the 1st Central County Ground in Hove.

The club aims to bring like-minded Sussex and South-east based businesses together nine times a year,

with most events hosted against a backdrop of first-class cricket.

Each event includes:

• Glass of Ridgeview or soft drink on arrival

• Networking drinks reception

• Three-course seated lunch

• Keynote speaker

• After lunch networking

• Afternoon tea

At each meeting, the club attracts around.100 members and guests to a room made up of key decision makers from SMEs to large enterprises in a variety of sectors.

The guest speaker for June is

Commodore Duncan Lustig-Prean “one of the most influential naval officers in the last 50 years”. Duncan is an advocate for military LGBTQ+ rights having successfully changed acts of parliament and legislation on three separate occasions. Duncan is now the Director and Trustee for Brighton Fringe.

June’s Boundary Club event will be taking place on Tuesday 13th June during day three of our LV= Insurance County Championship fixture v Worcestershire.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Boundary Club, please email: theboundaryclub@sussexcricket.co.uk

Picture credits: Stephen Lawrence

Record attendance at this year’s inclusive DIScoverABILITY Day

Hundreds of children turn out for a day of sport at Hove County Cricket Ground.

Networking & Events

Sussex Cricket held its mass disability inclusion event –DIScoverABILITY Day - last month.

The 1st Central County Ground was full, despite wet conditions, with this year’s attendance surpassing that of the previous 12 events by a considerable number. More than 600 participants from 32 different organisations, including schools, colleges, day centres and community organisations, enjoyed an action-packed, fun-filled day at Hove.

A carousel of activity stations was created and run by an enthusiastic team of 15 Sussex Cricket coaches and 60 business and community volunteers. The majority of volunteers came from a variety of Sussex businesses, including 1st Central, Webtrends Optimize, Telefonica, Galloways Accounting, Active Sussex and Yes Promo Products.

The event was also supported by 85 sports leaders from Brighton Girls’ School, Durrington High School, Lancing College Prep School, Copthorne Prep School, Dorothy Stringer School and Blatchington Mill School. The sports leaders escorted visiting groups around

the different zones providing cricketbased activities like Table Cricket, the Cricket Factory and Sid the Shark’s Big Hit Challenge. Attendees also got to try out other adapted sports including Football (Albion in the Community), Golf (Jolf) and Wheelchair Basketball.

Sid the Shark made an appearance providing numerous photo opportunities and the Sussex Cricket Foundation Champion, Jamie Atkins, brought Tymal Mills, Ollie Robinson and Tom Haines to join in the fun.

Despite the cloudy and wet conditions, the ground was full of smiling faces for the entire day generating some great feedback from visitors and volunteers.

Emma Catt, a teacher from Saxon Mount School (St Leonards), said: “Thank you for organising another great day of games at DIScoverABILITY Day. Feedback from the staff when we got back was that all the pupils from Saxon Mount had a great time and learned new skills through lots of fun activities. They also enjoyed interacting with the coaches and other young people and every pupil from our school group took part in the events as they were so inclusive.”

An employee volunteer from Telefonica said: “It’s the best day of the year for me. I’ve done it for the last three years. Absolutely love spending time with the children. It’s a real privilege to be with them.”

Sussex Community Cricket Director, Gary Wallis-Tayler said: “DIScoverABILITY Day continues to go from strength to strength. To see so many people turn up in questionable weather conditions shows the popularity of the event. Huge thanks to the coaches and volunteers running the activity stations, who did not have a single lull from start to finish. Thanks also to school sports leaders who once again did a wonderful job hosting our visitors.”

The highlights reel from this year’s event can be seen here - https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eQXEgWfBOdY

The next Disability Cricket event at The 1st Central County Ground is the Sussex County Squad’s D40 Quest league fixture against Middlesex on Sunday, June 18. Register here for free tickets.

www.eticketing.co.uk/sussexcricket/ EDP/Event

Rivervale Leasing wins Best Mid-Size Broker award at Broker News Awards 2023

The prestigious award recognises Rivervale’s excellence in customer satisfaction, business success and the service it delivers.

The Broker News Awards 2023 are one of the most prestigious awards for the vehicle leasing industry, celebrating the achievements and successes of brokers, funders and suppliers.

The awards ceremony took place on April 28 at The Orrery Restaurant in London’s Marylebone and the Rivervale team was thrilled with the positive feedback and praise from the judges.

A spokesperson said: “It’s a great reminder that we’re on the right track in the modern business world.”

Here’s what they had to say:

• ‘A great business, very customer focussed and a very good website.’

• ‘The breadth of services offered puts them ahead.’

• ‘Professional, industry experts and a very complete business model has been demonstrated here with a clear customer centric approach towards vehicle leasing.’

• ‘Great to see the customer feedback, strong scores and credible ESG agenda. We need more Rivervales!’

The Rivervale spokesperson added: “We would like to thank all our customers, partners and staff for their continued support and trust in us.

We are proud to be the UK’s leading vehicle leasing company for personal and business customers.

“We are committed to providing the best possible service to our customers, from helping them find their ideal vehicle, to delivering it to their door. We have over 2000 verified customer reviews, with a 5-star rating and an excellent feedback score.

“We are honoured to receive this award and we look forward to continuing our journey as the UK’s leading vehicle leasing company. Thank you for choosing Rivervale Leasing!”

https://www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/

Photo Credit: Hugh Fox

Photo Credit: Jim Stephenson

Renault Megane E-Tech - an affordable and stylish electric family hatchback

Looking for the ideal electric family hatchback? The Renault Megane E-Tech could be the one for you.

The Megane is a staple model in the hatchback market that has rivalled the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon for years. But, now it has gone fully electric! The big question is, does the E-Tech version hold its own in this upcoming and highly competitive electric hatchback market?

Introducing the Renault Megane E-Tech

Coming in 4 unique specifications:

• Equilibre

• Techno

• Launch Edition

• Iconic

Increasing in price and spec respectively), this EV has it all. All specs are front-wheel drive as standard, allowing for more space in the cabin because there is no drive shaft going under the rear cockpit. Although it won’t be breaking any speed records, comfort is where this vehicle shines. With the flat floor, removing the centre console and, of course, 440L boot

space; there is a comfortable amount of space for the whole family!

Renault states an electric range of 280 miles, comparable to other EVs such as the BMW iX1, Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia e-Niro. This is more than enough range for both city drivers and those who commute long distances for work. The Megane E-Tech can rapid charge at 130kW from 10%-80% in a respectable 30 minutes. However, it also has the capability to charge at 22kW on standard AC charging. This means that with a public charger on the pavement or in a

car park, a full charge is achievable in just 2 hours! No more range anxiety!

Performance

Renault’s E-Tech EV60 (200bhp) 160kw optimum charge motor is standard across the Megane E-Tech range, this can produce a modest top speed of 99mph and acceleration of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. It is notably pokey picking up from 0 to 40mph, especially when needing to take off quickly to merge lanes with oncoming traffic. Additionally, it is a smooth drive at 70mph too; coupled with Renault’s efforts to reduce noise in the cabin and you have a great family driving experience.

Assistance features Renault hasn’t skimped on the safety, parking and driver assistance features in the Megane E-Tech.

Driver assistance systems include hill start assist, adaptive cruise control, adaptive vision LED lights, automatic high beam and a smart rearview mirror (available on the launch edition and Iconic).

Safety systems include blind spot warning, active and rear emergency braking, lane keep assist, distance warning and road sign recognition.

Parking assistance systems include a rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, an electric foldable mirror with memory function and a 360’ surround view camera (available on the launch edition and iconic)

Interior tech / comfort features

As we previously mentioned, this vehicle is for families and so needs to be comfortable. The flat floor in the back and the addition of a third fullsize headrest means that the middle passenger is as comfortable as the other passengers. Other nice comfort features include an adjustable heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control.

The Renault Megane E-Tech houses a 9” infotainment screen which is angled slightly towards the driver for ease of access while driving. This screen is housed next to the 12.3” digital display cluster which while telling the driver their speed, driver mode and range; it can also host a sat nav view so that the driver can more easily navigate.

This car’s operating system has integrations for both Android Auto and Apple Car Play, helping you stay connected. Additionally, there is access to Google Assistance. By saying ‘Hey,

Google’ you can command it to do a wide range of functions such as the weather or directions to a location. To complement this technology is a high-quality Arkamys audio system as standard, the Techno spec and above have 6 speakers in the cabin (the Equilibre has 4).

Finally, there is a wireless phone charger included in the centre console and 2 USB charging ports in the front and rear as standard.

Design

Renault retained the body shape of the Megane for the E-Tech, but with a range of updates to the design to create a stylish and modern-looking EV. The large black wheel arches may now resemble that of an SUV, this vehicle is a family hatchback with a slightly lowered roof to improve aerodynamics. Making the vehicle slightly shorter is to help save power and improve the range.

There are plenty of flashy colour options, some of which are exclusive to each specification. For example, the Techno model comes with 15 colour opinions, including the vibrant ‘Flame Red’, whereas the launch edition only has 3. The Equilibre spec comes with 18” alloy wheels and all other specs have 20” as standard.

Conclusion

With its smooth and refined driving experience, advanced technology features, and eco-friendly nature, the Megane E-Tech is a great choice for drivers who want a more sustainable and efficient vehicle that still fits the needs of their families.

Think the Renault Megane E-Tech is the ideal electric family hatchback for you? Then take a look at our leasing offers for this vehicle, or if you have any questions, get in touch at 01273 433480 or visit https://www. rivervaleleasing.co.uk/

Where business belongs

In these fiercely urgent days, attitude really does matter. In every town and city, businesses are working hard. Showing the very best of themselves, demonstrating the guts to go for it, the courage to care, and the vision for growth. It’s nothing short of the right stuff for tough times.

Chamber News

These companies are the backbone of our nation and realising their potential

is what our future relies on. It’s what drives us at Sussex Chamber as well as through the UK national British Chamber network. The incredible stories of everyday business. A powerful collective ready for opportunities, but realistic about the scale of the task and difficult decisions ahead.

As a partner to business, we bring the combined strength of companies rooted in communities and we stand their corner on the national stage,

giving them a place to belong, be inspired and grow.

Our network of Chambers offers practical benefits that can help your businesses set up, scale up and grow. From setting up an HR function, improving your technology or expanding overseas, we can help your business, whatever stage you’re at in your growth journey.

We give companies a voice on a national platform, empowering them to shape the

Attitude is the small thing that makes a big difference. It gives us the power to break free from the things that hold us back. And when we use it, great things can happen, writes

Ana Christie, CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

country for the better. We understand the attitude needed to have real impact and use our knowledge, connections and influence to help businesses thrive.

Our British Chamber leadership team has a proven track record of delivering results and is comprised of experts in policy and business.

Our team are leaders in business, in terms of scale, operational effectiveness, use of partnerships, and our commitment to our members. We are renowned for the quality of our advocacy, innovation and leadership.

Our strong performance is testament to our success and the stability of our organisation. Our focus on member representation and operational excellence has led to policy influence on everything

from advocating on trade agreements to securing better local infrastructure.

Our dynamic and experienced team is dedicated to achieving success for our members’ businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce Network is a socially responsible organisation that prioritises giving back to the community. We are committed to supporting local initiatives, promoting social mobility, and investing in our communities. Our goal is to create sustainable and thriving businesses that benefit everyone. We believe that business can be successful while also having a positive impact on the world around us.

We create opportunities that deliver for people and places, bringing together businesses to drive change. We make connections that enable companies to support each other and grow together.

We have a unique ability to combine deep local knowledge with a remarkable reach. In challenging times, Chambers are focused on making the UK’s towns and cities the best places to start and grow a business.

Our future is the story of the towns and cities in which we live. It’s the story of success, often against the odds. Of the strength of local connections, pulling us through, and of the business heroes who push us forward.

We are giving that story a voice. Bringing companies together. Uniting businesses with attitude. And we invite you to join us. To be in great company. To embrace your opportunities to thrive. To be where business belongs.

Belong

The Sussex Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be part of the national UK Accredited Chamber network which creates an environment where

businesses can make powerful connections. We represent every business from the local to the global. Join us and be part of a thriving and inclusive organisation that brings together the businesses that make a difference.

Inspire

We are a business membership organisation that covers the whole of Sussex. We are committed to driving new partnerships and supercharging existing relationships. We are always on your side and by your side. We’re working hard to make a difference, creating jobs, driving innovation, and building strong communities.

Grow

We give businesses a place to belong, a space to inspire and a network that empowers them to grow. Sussex Chamber is a part of national network of local businesses and entrepreneurs who are passionate about connecting, collaborating, and growing their businesses.

A place to belong, be inspired and grow with Sussex Chamber

Innovation is at the heart of what we do. We are always exploring new ways to enhance our offering and drive growth. We are committed to continuously improving and evolving, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve and offer our members the best possible representation, advocacy and support.

We have a unique national network with local knowledge and a global reach in over 75 markets across the world. That’s why we invite you to join us and become a member of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and wider British Chambers of Commerce.

sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

01444 259259

info@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

11 years of the Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign

There’ll soon be 900 employers signed up to the Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign which is a credit to our city.

The local campaign has been led by Brighton Chamber for the past 12 years, supported by Brighton & Hove City Council and Unison Brighton.

As far as we know, it’s the only business-led Living Wage Campaign in the UK and, to date, it’s resulted in over 4,500 salaries elevated across Brighton and Hove.

We asked Sarah Springford, the CEO at Brighton Chamber, about the campaign’s journey, the mark it’s made on the city and what’s next.

Could you tell us about your role of CEO at Brighton Chamber?

I have headed up the team at Brighton Chamber since 2008. This was at another difficult time for the economy with a global financial crisis, but despite the economic climate, and maybe because of, the Chamber grew. Local businesses came together to support each other, and the Chamber provided a place to help that happen.

We have a huge programme of events designed to make it easy for people to make great connections. It includes Netwalking in and around Brighton, Big Debates on stimulating topics and our brilliant big annual conference, Brighton Summit (which is on 20 October this year).

As well as the Living Wage Campaign we deliver initiatives that support our members and the wider business community. Recently these have included several jobs fairs, our Net Zero Champions group and work with local secondary schools and colleges.

How did the Brighton & Hove Living

An interview with Sarah Springford, CEO of Brighton Chamber. By Charlotte Kidd, Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign Co-ordinator.

Chamber News

Wage Campaign come about?

In 2012, the then Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bill Randall, brought together key organisations in the city to form a Living Wage Commission. It met for a period of six months and at the end of that time, agreed that the city would benefit from having a local Living Wage Campaign.

The Chamber held a Big Debate, and the idea was unanimously supported. Brighton Chamber was asked to spearhead the campaign and the first employer, Brighton & Hove Buses, signed up.

Leading the campaign enables the Chamber to make a valuable contribution to the city’s business ecosystem and sends out a clear signal about the importance of paying the Real Living Wage.

Brighton Chamber has been running the campaign for 11 years now – what have you learnt?

You don’t have to make a big song and dance to get stuff done. Sometimes working collaboratively; getting support from others to spread the word; and working creatively with what you have can achieve great results. The best thing has been to see the community of responsible employers growing to become a force for good in the city. I am proud that Brighton Chamber, and the business community, has played a part in making that happen.

We also want to give a shout out to the Living Wage Foundation who run the national campaign and who share their ideas with us.

How does Brighton Chamber and the Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign work together?

The Brighton Chamber team includes

our Living Wage Campaign Coordinator. The Chamber team are constantly engaging with businesses and other organisations through events and the support we offer. This means there are lots of opportunities to talk about the Living Wage and encourage employers to join the campaign.

What do you think the challenges are for the campaign, as we all navigate the cost-of-living crisis?

Paying the Real Living Wage is still a challenge for some businesses, especially those with smaller profits and high wage costs. But getting a minimum of the Real Living Wage is essential for anyone wanting to work in and around Brighton because of the cost of property and rents here. Employers are aware of this and those that want to keep their good staff are looking at what package of benefits

they can offer them, and this includes a fair rate of pay.

What do you say to those who would like to join the campaign, but aren’t able to just yet?

Talk to others in your sector who are paying the Living Wage and find out how they are doing it. We can put you in touch. Don’t give up trying.

If you’d like to become a Living Wage employer, or think you might already be one, head over to the Brighton & Hove Living Wage website to find out more and sign up. There’s no cost to sign up and only takes a few minutes.

www.livingwagebrighton.co.uk

Sarah Springford

Discovering your road to parenthood: celebrating inclusive fertility

Recognising that every human being is unique, and that every parenting journey is different, is at the root of everything we do at the Agora Fertility Clinic. Here we celebrate inclusivity and diversity every day of the year, not just during Pride month, and advocate equal access to fertility care for all, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation and relationship status.

Lifestyle

Sadly, many barriers still exist for those from the LGBTQIA+ community, but the good news is that Sussex is well served. Recent revisions to the Sussex Integrated Care Board’s Fertility Policy has produced some significant improvements around the funding of

donor sperm treatments for those in same sex female relationships or those planning solo parenthood through donor sperm. Same sex male couples are not so well served as surrogacy is not for the time being funded.

Our role as fertility providers is to first make sure you understand all of your options from the outset, including the pros and cons of each, so you make an informed choice. The next step is to take you down your chosen pathway with scientific expertise, professionalism and human compassion. We also have a duty, as does your GP, to also ensure that you are aware of your NHS funding eligibility. Leaving funding issues to one side, this article explores the treatment options available to those from the

LGBTQIA+ community who are planning to start a family.

Donor sperm options

Insemination of donor sperm into the uterus (DI) is a good first line approach for those in same sex female relationships as well as those planning solo motherhood. Our approach is to minimise the disruption to your working life so that you can complete a cycle of treatment with a minimum of two or three clinic visits for monitoring and treatment. Prior to starting treatment, we advise a basic fertility assessment of egg reserve to ensure the treatment is appropriate and has a good chance of success.

For those in a same sex relationship, it is wise to consider this assessment

Expert insights from Carole Gilling-Smith, of The Agora Clinic, Brighton.

for both partners as sometimes the younger partner may have the lower egg reserve making it more sensible for her to consider treatment first. We work with several different donor sperm banks and can help you navigate the complexities of choosing a suitable sperm donor and ordering samples for your treatment. You can expect a success rate of around 15% chance of pregnancy per cycle of DI, although success rates drop progressively with age in women who are older than 36.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) of donor sperm is the best option for those couples who want to share motherhood. One partner provides the eggs and is the biological parent. She undergoes stimulation of her ovaries with fertility drugs and egg retrieval and donor sperm is used to fertilise her eggs. A single embryo is transferred into her partner’s uterus and any remaining embryos can be frozen. Her partner carries the pregnancy and gives birth. IVF is also a good option for those who want to create embryos whilst age, and hopefully good fertility, is on their side and for those in whom DI has not been successful or when a fertility issue necessitates IVF such as blocked tubes.

Egg donation and surrogacy

This is the chosen pathway for same sex male couples, single men or those from the trans community who have no ovaries or uterus. In gestational surrogacy, eggs from a known or anonymous donor are fertilised with the sperm from one of the intended parents and the resulting fertilised egg or embryo is then implanted into their surrogate carrier. In straight surrogacy, the surrogate provides the egg. At birth the surrogate is the legal parent of the child. If she is not married, the person providing the sperm can be the second legal parent. The surrogate remains the legal parent until the intended parents have obtained a Parental Order, a process which cannot start until the child is at least 6 weeks old. Surrogacy

law is changing and a recent draft bill on surrogacy, if approved by parliament, would allow intended parents to be the child’s legal parents from birth.

Surrogacy is complex and can be a long and costly process. It can take a while to find an egg donor, as well as a surrogate, and legislation around the screening of both sperm and egg providers must be completed within a precise time frame before the start of treatment. At the Agora we have a dedicated surrogacy team with medical, nursing, laboratory and administrative expertise who can guide you through the process from start to finish and ensure you receive the necessary counselling and legal advice as and when you need it.

Fertility preservation

For those diagnosed with gender dysphoria who plan to start cross hormone treatment, egg freezing or sperm freezing is normally offered before the hormone treatment starts. Eligibility for NHS funded trans fertility preservation no longer rests on the age-old prerequisite of having been seen at an NHS Gender Identity Clinic, where current waiting times

to be initially assessed runs into years. In Sussex, a GP qualified in assessing those with gender dysphoria can now make the referral directly to the Agora. Some prefer to self-fund their treatment or may need to do so if they are not eligible.

Where can you find out more?

This brief overview of modern parenting options is just a taster of what can be achieved but the journey to get there can be difficult to navigate on your own. In celebration of Pride month, the Agora Clinic will be holding a free educational event at their Brighton Clinic on Saturday June 10th to help all those who need a bit of help conceiving, whatever their gender and sexual orientation, understand their treatment options. There will be talks by fertility experts, past patients and LGBTQIA+ advocates and plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions.

For more information please visit our website agoraclinic.co.uk or give us a call on 01273 229410

Huge growth for much-loved Hove destination store

In this feature, Emma reviews her year and tells us more about Velvet…

So, what a year! I won Businesswoman of the Year 2023 Sussex and Surrey at the Dynamic Business Awards for Velvet and Velvet Property last month.

I am so very proud of my large, independent store in Hove, 2,500 square feet full of beautiful fashion, lifestyle goods and accessories.

I started Velvet 23 years ago. Quite a few shops later and many ups and downs, it’s been a wonderful career. Through two recessions, three children, divorce, bereavement, illness, Covid, lockdowns – Velvet has always been my saviour and my passion, my lifeblood. I do feel very grateful to have Velvet and the wonderful women who work with me. Also, the last two years have seen record profits for us.

I head up and manage a team of 16 incredible women in this very busy,

thriving store. The passion, energy and love poured into the business by myself and the team has created an institution and a powerhouse of retail excellence. It is much loved by thousands of regular customers, including those who travel from all over the UK to visit.

From the profits made by this business, I have also built a buy-to-let business, Velvet Property Ltd. My portfolio specialises in one and two bed high-end flats, which I have re-developed and let out in Brighton and Hove, and offers a

Meet Business Woman of the Year 2023, Emma Draper, who heads up a team of 16 at Velvet, a multi-million pound turnover business. Lifestyle

very high standard of customer service to my tenants.

The store’s USP is that new stock arrives every day, making it always fresh and new for customers. The store is very friendly, beautiful, stylish, affordable and appeals to a wide range of women. Clothing prices are from £15-£45. It’s been my passion for the last 23 years to understand what real women want, how they shop and how to make them feel good about themselves.

The team have enormously high standards for customer service and the look of the store, as well as social media and digital marketing which is a vital business tool for creating footfall in store on a daily basis (see our Instagram @VelvetHove).

The windows displays have to look incredible. They are planned and

designed months ahead by us, not just to be very creative but also to drive customers in. A ‘call to buy’ something that will inspire the customers on how to style the clothes and accessories.

Velvet’s culture

We have an amazing, strong, hardworking, passionate, and very loyal team. The talented management team of five women is responsible for buying, socials, marketing, merchandising, customer excellence, the stock department, recruitment, team management and, of course, the culture.

My primary goal was always to make Velvet an incredible place to shop and to work.

My management team have been with me a long time (all over 7 years), because I care deeply and support them

emotionally, financially and empower them to grow and learn new skills.

They all have a deep sense of ownership and autonomy. They know they can develop their ideas and creative skills within a safe caring environment and we have a right old laugh!

As I said in my speech at the awards, suddenly becoming a single parent of three boys taught me a lot of lessons in resilience, strength and a huge determination to make my businesses a success! Velvet is part of me, it literally runs through my veins. It gives me enormous joy and the team is my family.

www.velvetstore.co.uk

insta: velvethove

66-68 Church Road

Hove

BN3 2FP

LinkedIn Emma Draper

The yoga effect

Yoga can help us to slow down, bring our attention inwards, align our minds, bodies and breath which can help regulate our nervous system to shift it to rest and digest. Yoga can be performed in a chair so it is accessible to people who find this more comfortable than mat-based yoga. There are many benefits to yoga so let’s explore a few:

Lifestyle

It can help you feel more focused so you can be more present in the moment, so you are not ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. This approach can reduce anxiety.

Yoga may improve your posture, flexibility, balance, and strength. Reduced flexibility is a natural process of getting older and yoga may help you slow down this process, with gentle stretches and balances. It may improve your mood as

it can help you release endorphins which are the feel-good hormones.

Yoga can help improve your sleep, by using techniques such as yoga nidra which is a guided meditation/deep body scan that may help you fall asleep.

I find the below yoga postures to benefit my mental health:

Warrior II - This can be an empowering

In a fast-paced world, it is important for everyone to find strategies that can help them reduce stress, anxiety and protect their mental health, writes Cara Murphy-Howell, founder of The Meditation and Yoga Effect.

Child’s Pose

posture that grounds the feet into the earth and brings stability to the core which may induce a sense of confidence.*

Bridge - When I feel stressed this posture helps stretch the legs and the back which can result in an increased blood circulation which may help manage stress and promote sleep.*

High lunge - If you spend most of your day in front of a computer, doing a high lunge will help release tension, help digestion issues, increase flexibility etc.*

Child’s pose - this restorative posture can help bring your focus inwards and restore energy.*

Integrating a few yoga postures and some relaxing breathwork into your day can help you feel more present in the moment which can help reduce anxiety. Please get in touch if you are interested in learning more about developing a bespoke well-being programme including sound baths, mindfulness or yoga in the workplace. I share lots of tips on LinkedIn (Cara Murphy-Howell).

Telephone: 07841108460 Website: themeditationeffectwithcara.com

Sources of inspiration: Harvard Health Publishing, YogaCourse.com, Yoga Journal and Healthline.com

* If you have any health conditions or injuries, please speak to a medical professional and listen to your body as everyone responds differently to yoga.

Bridge

High Lunge Warrior II

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month June 2023

Robust yet refined ‘doubly special’ rose vintage.

For June, Michael Yeoman’s choice for Wine of the Month is the ‘excellent’ Digby Rose Vintage 2018.

Digby’s wines are made using grapes from vineyards across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset. Earlier this year, their NV (Non Vintage) Brut was chosen as one of the English sparkling wines to be served onboard British Airways flights. Digby Fine Wines is based in the lovely market town Arundel with the imposing Arundel Castle, their tasting rooms fit perfectly in this setting. Its high ceilings and traditional stately décor complement the knowledgeable Callum assisting in explaining the wines and background to Digby.

Winemaker’s tasting notes

Robust yet refined, this new edition of our Vintage Rosé is fresh and fruitforward – a satisfying weight of flavour is held beautifully in balance. 2018 was an astounding year for English sparkling wine and it also gave us the first harvest from Digby’s Hilden Vineyard, in Kent, whose red fruit dominates the blend. Since Digby only declares a rosé vintage every four to five years, this one is doubly special.

Michael’s tasting notes

Having tasted Digby for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I was met with lots of fruit, strawberries followed by a lovely balanced hit of lemon citrus which reminded me of lemon sherbet. The citrus helps balance the initial red fruit hit and then follows with cranberry on the palate. The wine has balanced acidity leaving you wanting another glass of bubbles.

This wine has Pinot Noir (58%), Pinot Meunier (22%) and Chardonnay (20%) which provides the fruit. The wine has also benefited with four years on the lees which means the yeast from the initial fermentation has over time provided additional bakery notes to the wine. A small

portion of the wine is aged in oak casks, which helps provide complexity that is not available from wines fermented in steel tanks. With a higher fermentation temperature (this wine has undergone Malolactic fermentation) there is added creaminess to this wine. This wine will give many Rose Champagnes a run for their money, well worth trying.

Where to buy

This wine is widely available from Digby’s main shop at 55-57 High Street, Arundel, or can be purchased from their website

www.digby-fine-english.com

Written for County Business Club

by Michael Yeoman , English Wine Specialist and producer of Spirit of the Downs,

artisan award winning Sussex Brandies

and Grape spirits.

the baton of hope is coming

Brighton|wednesday 5th July

Everyone is invited to be a part of the UK's biggest ever suicide prevention initiative, starting conversations and prompting actions

the baton starts its journey

music & talks music & talkS

Music & talks family playdate* please book ahead - all other events just walk in - everyone welcome linktr.ee/batonofhopebrighton or batonofhopeuk.org for national tour updates

#suicideprevention

Route:

Route:

hosted by Brighton Table Tennis Club & Fitzherbert Community Hub

hosted by Cascade Creative Recovery hosted by Dad La Soul