SBT issue 470

SBT POWERED BY:

ISSUE 470

FREE

RIVERVALE? NO, NOT THE MERCEDES DEALER!

WE LOOK BACK AT THE RICH HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE BRIGHTON BASED MOTOR ORGANISATION

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 1

SHARING SUSSEX BUSINESS STORIES SINCE 1975

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.

2 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

SBTWelcome

W E LCO M E

Welcome to another issue of SBT

One of the best things about Sussex is that its vibrant business scene

about who, when and where in our busy Networking and Events section.

is highly compatible with growth and diversification.

The menopause rightly continues to interest our readers and we are Rivervale Group is a prime example of how a brand has evolved over

grateful to Loch Associates for providing us with an expert overview of

the years. With good leadership, it has grown and changed to ensure it

how this stage of life can be managed in the workplace.

always meets its customers’ motoring needs. It is a pleasure to feature a business with its roots in Sussex on our front page. A fascinating

As ever, our Legal and Finance pages are stuffed with timely advice

read that unravels a diverse and successful business journey.

from experts in their field. This month, you can get up to speed on planning, buying property abroad, setting up an EMI scheme and

As well as being able to grow, businesses and not-for-profits in

much more.

Sussex, offering the right mix of products or services, stand a good chance of weathering economic storms. It is our pleasure to mark

World Mental Health Day took place earlier this month and we mark

some notable anniversaries in this edition.

the occasion with a special feature on mental wellbeing.

On the topic of growth, Mike Monk announces an expansion of

Need a secret sauce to get your sales moving? Flo Powell offers some

the Brighton & Hove Business Show. Two additional events are

valuable insights on PR.

planned for 2024, including one at Gatwick.

The key word for this issue of SBT is vibrancy. Whether you are just Meanwhile, we have a round-up from this year’s highly successful Sussex

starting out, have decades in business behind you, are an artist,

Business Show.

foodie or someone simply interested in ramping up the networking, we illustrate how Sussex has something for everyone.

Just as the peak holiday season draws to a close, it’s good to see celebrities flocking to Sussex to support good causes. You can learn more

Sam Thomas, Managing Director

VALUE ADDED PARTNERS

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Issue 470

SBT POWERED BY:

ISSUE 470

FREE

06

Monthly News

12

Valued Added Partner Spotlight

14

Finance

RIVERVALE? NO, NOT THE MERCEDES DEALER!

WE LOOK BACK AT THE RICH HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE BRIGHTON BASED MOTOR ORGANISATION

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 1

SHARING SUSSEX BUSINESS STORIES SINCE 1975

Cover 470

18 Joint Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 07894 762304 Joint Managing Director Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Production & Design Kim Butler kim@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Licenced to TBG by Pixel Publications Ltd Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by Gemini Print Group 1A Dolphin Way Shoreham-by-Sea West Sussex BN43 6NZ 01273 464884

Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2020 ©

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

County Business Clubs Sussex throws the spotlight on Seico Group with an interview with its founder, Rob Starr.

Carpenter Box writes about the points to consider when setting up an EMI scheme and Seico Group talks you through the pros and cons of buying a property abroad.

Legal

EMW writes about the changing face of litigation. Mayo Wynne Baxter hands over its pages to a planning specialist who throws the spotlight on a landmark planning appeal case. Meanwhile, Alex Jones, of 365 Employment Law, writes about how to keep your customers and protect confidential information.

24

Cover Story

30

Health Special

34

Charity

A look at Rivervale Group’s rich history - how it started, what it looks like today and the future.

A special feature to mark World Mental Health Day and Managing menopause in the workplace. Specialist advice from Loch Associates.

How the Starr Trust marked its 15th anniversary with an inspirational celebration.

Networking & Events

36 50

www.gemini-print.co.uk

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

All prices featured in Sussex Business Times Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

A round-up of news from across Sussex, including new appointments, celebrity support for charity, award recognition, mergers and more.

52

Introducing... The Big Fat Greek Club. Event held in memory of former top Sussex DJ Ambrose Harcourt and Dennis Taylor joins business leaders at an event in Eastbourne. We also have a round-up from Sussex Business Show and talk about PR with Flo Powell, of Midnight Communications. There’s even more networking news from the Big Business Breakfast Club and event announcements from the Brighton & Hove Business Show, The Sussex Contemporary and Sussex Cricket Foundation.

Motoring

Discover the new Toyota C-HR.

Chamber News

New Business Council launched by the British Chambers of Commerce and Brighton Chamber explains how it, with local support, is helping refugees find work or become their own boss.

56

Lifestyle

62

Wine of the Month

Helpful advice from The Agora Clinic, Little Jasmine Therapies turns 15 and a review of The Ivy Asia.

Michael Yeoman shares his top tipple for County Business Clubs’ October Wine of the Month.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Top job for The Beacon’s former operations manager Decades of experience recognised as the Eastbourne shopping centres gears up for a busy time.

The Beacon Centre in

Monthly News

Eastbourne has a new General Manager.

Mark Powell moves from Operations

Manager into the top job. He brings with him decades of experience working in shopping centres around the country.

Mark takes over the running of the centre at an exciting time, with new retailers coming into The Beacon, Airbourne

boosting visitor numbers in August and new audiences as The Turner Prize

awards ceremony comes to Eastbourne in December for the first time.

“The centre is seeing major growth, as national and independent retailers see the value of setting up in our fantastic

town,” Mark said. “Add to that a huge boost to our thriving arts community

through The Turner Prize programme,

and I predict Eastbourne will be one of the top coastal attractions this year.”

The first-floor food and leisure offer

adds burgers and pizzas to its fantastic

range of venues. Chuck & Blade burger

restaurant and Square Peg Pizzas open

later this month (October) and will hit the ground running.

And on the ground floor, travel agents and cruise specialists Fred. Olsen

have started trading, while doughnut

specialists Krispy Kreme have taken up residency in the mall near Bruford’s.

A short walk along the mall to

FOUNDRY, and SMEs fed-up with

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

working from home have flocked to take up office space here.

“Taking over the centre at such

a busy time has been amazing,”

Mark continued. “I have a superb

management team to support me, and we are really looking forward to a busy time as we gear-up for Christmas.”

The Beacon has been working closely with the arts and crafts community,

and along with DISC Dementia carers

group by offering them a secure base to operate from.

The centre has also linked up with six

primary schools in Eastbourne who are displaying their artwork of times and areas in and around Eastbourne.

“We place a huge emphasis on social value,” Mark explained. “We want

to collaborate with different sectors

and age groups to support where

possible. We have a strong relationship with Compass Arts, who have seen a

tremendous growth in new members.

“Compass Arts challenges perceptions

around trauma, mental health and health inequalities by representing artists with these lived experiences,” Mark said.

In October and November, Mark and his team will be hosting an array of

artists across the shopping centre, with

Eastbourne artist Judith Alder being the first guest. You can find out more about Judith’s work via the Beacon’s digital

series ‘’Creatives by the Coast’’ and on Instagram: @thebeaconeastbourne

“The Turner Prize coming to The Towner

in Eastbourne is such great news for the town,” Mark added. “We want to play

our part and help local artists raise their profile in the run-up to the ceremony.”

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

CBD business expands presence with new Brighton store York-based business expands to Sussex to meet growing local demand.

HempWell,

Monthly News

a respected provider of

premium CBD products, will

be opening the doors of its new Brighton store in Kensington Gardens later this month.

Founded in 2017, HempWell was one of the first CBD

companies to begin operating

in the UK. This new expansion

marks a significant milestone for HempWell as it brings its high-

quality CBD offerings closer to its dedicated customer base in the south of the country.

Lisa McWilliams, co-founder of

Hempwell, said: “We are excited to bring HempWell’s exceptional CBD products to the thriving community of Brighton. Our

new store is a testament to our commitment to meeting the

growing demand for high-quality

CBD and serving our valued customers in the south of the UK.”

Hempwell’s choice of Brighton for

its new shop is deeply rooted in the

personal connection of co-founder Phil James, who grew up in Guildford and has fond memories of Brighton.

He said: “I was always taken by the

way people in Brighton were so open to new ideas and forward thinking, which includes alternative remedies. I think

many people will be prepared to give

our products a try, and that’s the most important thing for us.”

Looking ahead, HempWell, which is

derived directly from hemp plants which

business. They aim to open several more

and does not create a ‘high effect’ or

counties, plus intend to collaborate with

is committed to delivering premium

studies related to CBD, Hemp, and the

which research suggests could help

based in York, has ambitious plans for the

can be used as a food supplement

stores in Sussex and the surrounding

any form of intoxication. HempWell

the University of Sussex on joint research

CBD oils, topicals, edibles, and more,

endocannabinoid system.

with common physical and mental

Phil adds: “There is still so much we need

insomnia, chronic pain and arthritis.

experience from cultivating the plants

The HempWell store, located at 3

CBD in Europe is quite often a valuable

daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

to learn about this amazing plant and our and being involved in the extraction of resource for UK-based research.”

CBD (cannabidiol) is a type of cannabinoid

health issues, including anxiety, stress,

Kensington Gardens, will be open

To find out more, please visit: https://hempwell.co.uk/

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Children’s charity recognised at The ThirdSector Awards Rockinghorse Children’s Charity had been shortlisted in the Medium Charity of the Year category.

Rockinghorse

Monthly News

Children’s Charity received a Highly Commended

accolade at the 2023

ThirdSector Awards.

The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations operating in the

third sector, or non-profit making

organisations, recognising their tireless efforts and transformative impact.

The award ceremony took place on Friday, September 22, at the Royal

Lancaster Hotel. It was hosted by standup comedian Maisie Adam.

During the event, Rockinghorse Chief Executive Donna Holland and the

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

charity’s Chair of Trustees, Dr Oli

support and care that they really need.

with fellow finalists and take part in some

“However, we couldn’t be happier to

influential figures within the third sector.

for such a prestigious national award.

As the official charity of the Royal

Rockinghorse name will be showcased

Brighton, Rockinghorse has supported

deserving organisations.”

in Sussex for over 55 years. This

This recognition helps reaffirm a mission

Rockinghorse’s position within the third

lives of children and families throughout

Rahman, had the opportunity to meet

networking with other professionals and

Alexandra Children’s Hospital in

babies, children and young adults

be recognised as Highly Commended If nothing else, it’s wonderful that the along with so many other well-

prestigious award underscores

to continue to positively impact the

sector, acknowledging its role within the

Sussex, ensuring they receive the care

industry and driving positive change.

and support they deserve.

Donna said: “The Rockinghorse

If you would like to donate, volunteer,

not for recognition or reward, but to

their website here:

teamwork incredible hard every year,

or fundraise for Rockinghorse, visit

make sure that the children and young

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

people in our community get the

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

Sally Gunnell becomes an Ambassador for Cancer Support UK The Olympian has undergone training to offer workplace cancer support.

Monthly News

Olympic champion

listening, empathy,

wellbeing advocate,

of language.

and health and

Sally Gunnell OBE

has announced that

she will be supporting national cancer charity Cancer Support UK.

Gunnell’s work with the charity will focus on helping it to achieve its

mission to help those impacted by cancer in the workplace.

“Since my introduction to the excellent work being carried out by Cancer

Support UK,” said Sally. “I have been

impressed by the quality of the services provided and I am now acutely aware of the huge need for people affected

and the importance

Sally said: “The Workplace

Cancer Support

Ambassador training I have received will

be invaluable, giving

me a more profound knowledge of the

physical and mental

effects of cancer. It also equips me with the confidence to talk to a wide range of audiences about the importance of

providing the right levels of support for cancer patients in the workplace.”

by cancer to receive more emotional

Achieving sporting success was a tough

announce my involvement with this

hard-working ethos and a positive mind

support. I am therefore delighted to

important charity. I am looking forward to using my knowledge, passion and

energy to ensure that Cancer Support UK’s wonderful vision is achieved.”

Cancer Support UK’s CEO, Mark

challenge and Sally attributes this to a

set. She now uses her knowledge and

experience of fitness, health, self-fulfilment and wellbeing to run corporate wellbeing programmes and supports healthy and active family initiatives in the UK.

Guymer said: “No one should have to

Sally’s passion for mental health and

grateful to Sally for agreeing to help us

with Cancer Support UK’s work to support

face cancer alone and we are immensely raise greater awareness of our services and the help that is available for those

emotional wellbeing is completely aligned people living with and beyond cancer.

impacted by cancer.”

Mark Guymer added: “Sally’s positivity

Sally has become the charity’s latest

physical and mental – will be an

Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador, having undertaken a specialist training

session, covering the different aspects

of cancer, cancer treatment, side effects and emotional/physical impact. She has

joined the growing number of Workplace Cancer Support Ambassadors,

developing key skills such as active

and deep knowledge of health – both enormous asset to our charity. Our

joint ambition is to improve the quality

of people’s lives and to ensure greater

understanding and compassion for the significant changes that cancer makes to someone’s life.

“Educating people about the benefits

of self-management techniques and

the importance of talking to someone who understands what you are going through is vital. Grief, fear, worry,

anxiety, stress are all emotions that

can be dealt with given the right tools and coping strategies. Whether you

are struggling at home post treatment or have returned to work, we want to give you a way forward.”

Cancer Support UK’s Cancer Coach programme and Workplace Cancer Support training courses focus on supporting the mental health and

emotional wellbeing of people facing a personal cancer diagnosis, as well as

those caring for a loved one with cancer.

If you know someone who has

completed their cancer treatment, but who is finding it difficult to face life

beyond cancer, please tell them about Cancer Support UK’s free Cancer

Coach peer support groups. They are available to anyone with a stage 3

and below cancer diagnosis - www.

cancersupportuk.org/cancercoach Could you become a Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador? Please visit:

www.cancersupportuk.org/training/

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9

Identity announces partnership with Turner Prize 2023

Identity, the global event agency founded in Sussex, unveils new partnership with the revered contemporary visual arts prize.

The events agency

Monthly News

behind some of the most creative and

high-profile events in

the UK struck the deal

to support the Turner Prize earlier this year.

Michael Gietzen, CEO of Identity, said: “Identity and the Turner Prize is a

perfect-match. Our fit is good and the relationship feels intuitively right.

“We are delighted to be supporting this avant-garde event. It’s an exciting time

for Identity to be at the forefront of what

is widely considered a cultural barometer - not just in the UK but internationally.

“The Turner Prize, a prominent cultural British event, shares many similarities with the high-profile (British and

10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

international) events that Identity has

winning global events agency. As

perspective, we both turn heads,

agencies in Europe, its repertoire is

have stood the test of time. The fact that

London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and

Eastbourne, where Identity has its HQ -

with a 2.5billion audience to stunts for

produced and created.From a creative

one of the fastest growing events

engage audiences; grab headlines and

phenomenal and expanding. From

the Turner Prize 2023 comes to Towner

celebrations to the King’s Coronation

is an added bonus.”

Netflix and activations for many global

The prize, named after the great painter

audiences while pushing the creative

continues to grab international attention

world stage.

the art world. The British artists on this

The winner will be announced on

Pilgrim, Ghislaine Leung and Barbara

the artists’ work will be at Towner

J M W Turner, is now in its 38th year and and stimulate discussions well beyond

brands, Identity continues to wow

boundaries of what’s possible on a

year’s shortlist are Jesse Darling, Rory

December 5, 2023. An exhibition of

Walker. This is the first time the Turner

Eastbourne from September 28, 2023 to

Prize is being held in Sussex.

April 14, 2024.

Identity Global is a multi-award-

www.identityglobal.com

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

Mayo Wynne Baxter announces Chichester merger and 12 new roles Move further expands the law firm’s local services.

Leading Sussex law

Monthly News

firm Mayo Wynne

Baxter is expanding its presence in the

South East, following

a merger with Chichester firm Pure Employment Law.

The union will see Pure Employment

Law become part of the Mayo Wynne

Baxter brand, adding a new office hub in Chichester, four team members and

around £500,000 in additional turnover to the firm’s revenue. The new location

will also create more than a dozen jobs in the local area.

Acting for both employers and

employees, Pure Employment Law was established in 2010 by employment

law specialists Nicola Brown and Peter

offering for clients in Chichester.”

combined experience, having both

Mayo Wynne Baxter has confirmed it

before setting up on their own.

professionals in the area, to support local

Stevens, who have more than 50 years’

future is recruitment and building a strong team.”

is looking to recruit at least 12 legal

Martin Williams, head of employment

clients with a range of legal services.

and Peter bring with them bags of

Baxter’s existing employment offering

The merger follows shortly after the

we’re delighted that they are joining our

the firm’s patch across Sussex, providing

Lewis Blakers in Eastbourne.

to be able to offer their existing client

Baxter’s 200 strong team of experts.

Dean Orgill, chief executive partner

team with excellent training and career

Nicola, who will be joining Mayo Wynne

thrilled to have announced two

base has grown massively in the past

succession, that have not only brought

result of the merger. Mayo Wynne Baxter

step, so began looking for a partner that

also expanded our reach, taking us to

and the wider Sussex area.

previously worked at Thomas Eggar

The merger will bolster Mayo Wynne

and the new Chichester hub will expand

local clients with access to Mayo Wynne

firm’s announced union with Lawson

at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “Nicola expertise and business acumen, so

growing employment team. We are glad base a range of legal services and their

at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “We’re

development opportunities.”

Baxter as a partner, said: “Our client

key mergers, in relatively quick

There are no planned redundancies as a

13 years and we felt ready for the next

in incredible expertise to our firm but

is proactively recruiting in Chichester

could provide us with the infrastructure

nine locations across the region.

part of a firm that has such a great

“We’ve had a landmark year for growth

its commitment to building a full service

laurels. Our focus for the immediate

to grow. We’re delighted to become

reputation in Sussex and that has shown

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

already but won’t be resting on our

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11

VAP S POTL IG HT S P ON S OR

Value Added Partner Spotlight

For this month’s Value Added Partner Spotlight, we interview Rob Starr, of Seico Group.

Tell Us about the

VAP Spotlight

Seico Group story?

I started Seico the old

of the fact that we set up and run a

charity, Starr Trust, and cover all its

fashioned way, sitting

running costs.

and a plug-in phone. This was 1991 and

What type of

and before I could afford a fax machine. I

currently work

for various insurance and mortgage

you looking to

at the end of my bed with a Yellow Pages before the internet, before mobile phones

clients do you

was 21 at the time and had been working

with and who are

brokers since I left school at 15 - without

meet?

reason, I actually thought I knew enough

We have two

about 1% of anything. But I was a decent

mortgages and

I made I managed to get an appointment.

mortgage clients

perhaps, a little charm, I built a client

property owners,

in Brighton, London and South Africa -

time buyers –

any exams to my name. For some

to work for myself when, in truth, I knew

sides to SEICO:

sales person and for every 20 or so calls

insurance. Our

Bit by bit, with hard work, honesty and,

are a mix of

bank. We are now in year 32 with offices

landlords, first

and still growing.

anyone who owns

What has been your biggest business

a property. Our

challenge to date?

or wants to own

Insurance clients

are mostly based

Rob Starr, CEO Seico Group

Cashflow! Like every small business,

in South Africa

survive and without it we die. Even the

three largest mobile

instance, accountants who recommend

their cash flow is not controlled. For 32

second largest retailer, the largest retail

businesses who need or know of people

challenge I’ve had.

operation. Every day at SEICO is an

large corporations who need specialist

cash flow is like oxygen. With it we

and include the

most profitable businesses will fail if

phone operators in the country, the

our residential mortgage services,

years, this has been the single biggest

bank in Africa and even a huge mining

who require commercial finance and

interesting one.

insurance help. Influential partners like

What has been your greatest or

proudest business achievement to date?

Getting through year one. Then surviving

What type of clients do you

currently work with and who are you looking to meet?

the financial meltdown in 2008 and

Whilst our clients run into the hundreds

Also having a large number of my team

only grows and thrives because of our

years is pretty cool. I am also very proud

partners who introduce clients to us. For

outlasting many of my contemporaries.

of thousands, in truth our business

who have each been with me for over 15

partner companies. We work closely with

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

these are the secret to our success. www.seicogroup.co.uk 01273 778888

info@seicogroup.com

Different Hats helps the world see success differently by evolving beyond the performative side of entrepreneurialism, helping people build the business they want out of the business they’ve got and achieve true happiness and fulfilment.

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www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

Considerations when setting up an EMI scheme

Enterprise Management Initiative (EMI) schemes can be a great way of recruiting, retaining and incentivising key staff. Whilst offering employee share options is particularly popular with younger entrepreneurial companies, they can also be helpful for more established businesses.

Finance

EMI scheme benefits

time when the options were granted,

EMI schemes offer

charge when the options are exercised.

tax treatment to

NIC on the uplift in market value. In

very favourable

there is also no income tax or NIC

This means there’s no income tax or

employees through granting options to

contrast, any such gain arising on

at a later date, by exercising their options.

income tax at rates ranging from 20%

time when the options are granted.

this must be accounted for under PAYE

Provided that the “exercise price” at

employees’ NIC.

is not less than their market value at the

The terms of the options can be flexible

them. They entitle them to acquire shares

non-EMI options would be subject to

No income tax or NIC is payable at the

to 45% and, in certain circumstances,

which the employee can buy the shares

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

along with the associated employer and

allowing them to be geared to future capital growth. Performance targets may be used in the scheme and the

rules enable different arrangements for each participant.

On the exercise of the shares, the company can claim a deduction against its taxable profits of the

difference between the market value

of the shares at exercise less the price paid by the employees. This provides a useful tax relief for companies that implement an EMI scheme.

F I N A N C E SP O N SO R

In addition, by being able to retain key employees and avoid the necessity of

finding replacements, the high cost of

paying recruitment fees can be avoided.

Considerations when setting up an EMI scheme

Here are five things to consider when setting up an EMI scheme: 1. Limitations The EMI is currently limited to trading companies with up to £30 million in

gross assets and 250 employees. The

company which grants the options must not be controlled by any other company

– although groups of companies can still operate EMI schemes, as long as the

granting options at a discount on market

difference between market value and

exercise, it’s certainly open to employers

there are fees for setting up the scheme,

wish to use nominal value of the shares

There is a requirement to notify HMRC

value leads to an income tax charge on

the price paid for the shares. Although

to do this and they may, for example,

ongoing running costs are modest.

in some cases.

each time options are granted. In

3. Employee incentivisation

online, with HMRC when it is set up, and

On selling their shares, the employee

addition, the scheme must be registered, a return must be submitted each July.

is liable to capital gains tax (CGT) –

5. Qualifying employees

if not already used, they can use

Qualifying employees must work for the

is currently £6,000 but will reduce

or for at least 75% of their total paid

employees may be eligible for Business

Each employee can hold unexercised

generally at 20% of the gain – and, their annual CGT exemption which

company at least 25 hours each week,

to £3,000 from 6 April 2024. The

working time (including self-employment).

Asset Disposal Relief (formerly

options worth up to £250,000.

rate of CGT to 10%. It is common for

At Carpenter Box we provide a full

price by selling the shares straight

service that includes valuation, review,

schemes which allow employees to

can also offer a meeting to help roll

such as a sale of the business. In

explain what they are signing, how the

performance milestones, to be achieved

do. For further information or advice

Entrepreneurs’ Relief) and reduce the

employees to fund the option exercise

EMI implementation and management

away. Many schemes are “exit only”

documentation, filing and exercise. We

exercise only on certain major events

out the EMI options to employees and

addition, employers can incorporate

option works and what they need to

before options can be exercised.

on EMI schemes, please get in touch

In order to provide certainty for

4. Costs and benefits

team at www.carpenterbox.com

recommended that the market value of

From a company perspective, there is

options are granted by the top company in the group. There are also certain

‘excluded activities’ that can prevent an employer from being able to offer

EMIs – these include banking, property development, legal services, farming and shipbuilding.

2. Option price and conditions

employees over their tax position, it is

the shares should be agreed with HMRC before the options are granted. While

with a member of our business tax

usually a tax deduction when employees exercise their options, based on the

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

Dreaming of buying a property abroad?

As the nights draw in after a characteristically variable and wet British summer, (the UK’s sixth wettest July on record, according to the Met Office) it’s easy to daydream about having a place in the sun to escape to. Rob Starr, CEO of Seico Mortgages, gives some top tips on making this dream a reality…

Owning your own

Finance

holiday home is

certainly one of those things that seems very cool to do,

especially if you have a young family.

Can you imagine being able to take the

family on holiday and staying in a place

that you have made to feel like home? It really does sound like a dream thing to

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

be able to do. Also, during those times when you cannot use it yourself, you could rent it out and bring in enough

money to not only maintain it but maybe even cover the costs of your own visits.

Sounds incredible, which is why so many people do it.

However, buying a property abroad does

come with some important considerations.

Without the right advice, the dream could quickly become a nightmare.

So, here are some key things that you should know before you start out on this journey.

Do your research first Where do you see yourself holidaying

F I N A N C E SP O N SO R

around some places that they have on

even daily movements in the exchange

what is available.

important to understand the impact

Also, you will need a local lawyer

currency exchange company to pre-

can explain laws, taxes, fees and

rate and therefore avoid any sudden

their books so you can get a feel for

order the currency you need to fix the

guide you to reputable professionals

changes in the market.

shouldn’t rely solely on non-local

Protect your investment

agent will be able to recommend

Owning a property abroad is really no

contacts. It is likely the local estate someone to you.

different to owning a rental property in

Always follow regulations

need insurance, regular maintenance

favourite place would be a good start.

Once you have a country in mind, try to get a lay of the land by researching the areas that really interest you. Compare prices, laws, taxes, and other factors to try to narrow your search. And try

to figure out if you want a stand-alone home, an apartment, etc.

non-citizens or processes for obtaining

certain periods and having someone

can be legally revoked, meaning that

regularly is very sensible and will

property taken away if you have not got

reputable local companies to handle

local laws. Again, a local solicitor would

wise move.

correct and proper.

Buying abroad has risks, as does

Arrange financing

rewarding and exciting if done

all the regulations, like restrictions for

as your property may be empty for

permits and visas. Improper purchases

local on tap to check on your property

you could be at risk of having your

give you great peace of mind. Hiring

the correct paperwork or followed the

things when you can’t be there is a

thoroughly research and evaluate all

your home country. There may be tax

With proper guidance and preparation,

You may also wish to pull money from

you not only have a new investment but

the purchase, although this opens up

when you need it.

should take professional advice on this

For advice and finance options to fund

implications both abroad and at home.

owning a property overseas can mean

your main home in the UK to help fund

one that also delivers sun and fun just

another set of questions. Therefore, you from an independent mortgage broker,

your holiday home, get in touch:

mortgages as it is not an area every

01273 788888

but one who specialises in foreign broker understands.

Visit a local estate agent and have a

You should make sure that you factor

They should even be able to show you

carefully. So take your time to

considerations before jumping in.

the country you are buying versus

Currency

Face would definitely be worthwhile.

everything, but it can be very

research options from local banks in

Local experts

chat about what you want. Face to

and property management. Also you

should think about security measures

If you need to get a mortgage then

to. Perhaps, a few holidays to your

your own country – for instance, you

Do not just jump in without knowing

be your safety net to make sure you are

need to really want to keep going back

of this. It is possible to work with a

to assist with your purchase. They

for inspections, insurance, etc. You

year after year? This is somewhere you

rate can have a huge cost, so it’s

mortgages@seicogroup.com www.seicogroup.com

in that currency exchange rates can

significantly impact costs. Exchange rates can fluctuate a lot, sometimes

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

LEGAL S PO NS O R

Modern warfare – what to expect and how litigation has changed There is a reluctance to call litigation ‘litigation’ nowadays with many firms, including EMW, adopting ‘dispute resolution’ as the most common name used for a team of lawyers that, on the whole, attempt to initiate litigation or defend it.

Without wanting

Legal

to sound too

melodramatic,

it is hard to over emphasise the

importance of access to justice for a

century (it feels slightly odd writing that) driven primarily by the Woolf Reforms,

the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), and a

growing emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

functioning modern democracy (or more

The Woolf Reforms

to get recourse where someone has

The Woolf Reforms, initiated by Lord

simply put, how else are you going

failed to come through on their side of

the bargain? Two burly men, a sack of

doorknobs?. There is, however, no doubt that litigation has undergone significant transformations since the late last

18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Woolf in 1999, marked a watershed moment in litigation. Their aim was

to make the litigation process more

accessible, cost-effective, and fair. The

reforms introduced several key elements:

1. Case Management: The concept of

“case management,” placing greater

responsibility on the courts to actively manage cases. This included setting timetables and encouraging early settlement discussions.

2. Pre-Action Protocols: The introduction of pre-action protocols required

parties to engage in correspondence and consider ADR before filing a claim. No more rushing to court,

issuing a claim and slapping it on

someone’s desk. This helped in early

L EGA L SP ON SO R

resolution and reduced the number of cases ending up in court.

3. Access to Justice: The Woolf Reforms

emphasised the importance of providing access to justice for all, ensuring that

litigation was not prohibitively expensive or overly complex. Not sure how successful this has been.

The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) If the Woolf Reforms can be described as the ‘destination’, the CPR was the

‘road map’, instrumental in converting the Woolf Reforms into practical legal

procedures. The CPR brought significant

This shift is driven by various factors: 1. Cost-Effectiveness: Often more costeffective than traditional litigation, as

they require less time and resources.

2. Speed: ADR can mean that lengthy court proceedings are avoided.

3. Confidentiality: ADR processes

can protect sensitive information/ relationships.

4. Flexibility: Greater control over the

process and can tailor ADR methods to suit their needs.

changes to the practice of litigation:

‘Why can’t we all just get along’?

1. Standardisation: The CPR established

Because we can’t, ok! Historically, litigation

standardised procedures, forms, and rules for civil litigation. Sounds a bit

boring but this helped streamline the process and reduce uncertainty.

2. Overriding Objective: The CPR introduced the concept of the

“overriding objective,” emphasising the court’s duty to deal with cases justly and efficiently. This led to

the early identification of issues,

promoting proportionality in litigation.

3. Costs Management: The CPR incorporated rules for costs

management, ensuring that litigation costs remained proportionate to the value and complexity of the case.

Despite this, don’t worry, due to the

flawed human nature, you will still get your fair share of salacious Daily Mail stories regarding boundary disputes and 000s of legal costs.

The emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

One of the most notable developments

following the Woolf Reforms and the CPR is the increased emphasis on ADR for

resolving disputes outside the courtroom.

has an adversarial approach, parties

employing aggressive tactics to secure their desired outcomes. This approach

often resulted in lengthy and costly court battles, which were not aligned with the objectives of the Woolf Reforms. Does this mean that litigators are hanging

up their Smith and Wesson? No, but

aggressiveness in litigation has evolved: 1. Shift from Hostility to Cooperation:

The Woolf Reforms emphasised the

importance of cooperation and good faith between parties involved in

litigation. The adversarial approach is discouraged in favour of parties

working together to identify common ground, exchange information, and explore settlement options. This

reduces the hostility and aggression

commonly associated with litigation.

2. Early Settlement Discussions: Parties are encouraged to engage in early

settlement discussions through preaction protocols. This provides an

opportunity for amicable resolutions

before escalating the dispute to formal

3. Case Management and Proportionality: The CPR reinforced the idea that litigation should be conducted in

a proportionate and cost-effective manner. This reality discourages

overly aggressive litigation tactics

that could escalate costs and prolong proceedings. Courts began actively managing cases to ensure that

parties adhered to the principles of proportionality and cooperation.

4. A DR as an Alternative: The growing emphasis on ADR, especially

mediation, provided an alternative to aggressive litigation. Parties can opt

for mediation to resolve their disputes in a more collaborative and less confrontational manner.

Ultimately, some things don’t change, and litigation should be seen as a means to

an end. While the methods above have discouraged unnecessary aggression, they did not eliminate the need for

assertiveness in litigation. Parties have the right to vigorously represent their

interests, but within the bounds of the new framework that promotes cooperation,

proportionality, and cost-effectiveness, just make sure your lawyers are not

picking fights where they don’t need to.

Adrian McClinton is a Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution across all regions at EMW Law LLP. Adrian specialises

in Property Litigation and his property

litigation team’s client base is currently

land owners/landlords and high net worth

individuals whose portfolios and ownership range from the small (1- 20 properties) to the very large (70,000 + properties).

Adrian also acts for numerous FTSE 100 companies, ensuring that their property interests are protected.

https://www.emwlaw.com/

legal proceedings (i.e. before things ‘get out of hand’). Aggressive posturing and tactics are less likely to be effective.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

Planning insight Planning policy specialist Brian Mullin writes about a landmark planning appeal case.

A landmark planning

Legal

appeal case for the UK Wine Industry was dismissed

on 24th July. The

appeal was against the decision of Medway Council to grant planning

permission for a new winery complex.

The Kentish Wine Vault could have been built near Cuxton by Vineyard Farms

and produced five million bottles of wine a year in a £30m investment from an experienced wine producer.

The proposals had the gravitas of a high quality design, undertaken by

globally renowned architects, Foster + Partners.

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

In March 2022, planning officers had

recommended approval to councillors

on the Planning Committee of Medway Council but the council had received

600 objection letters and a petition of

objection, signed by 1,100 people. Five Councillors supported approval of the

scheme, but eight were swayed by the objectors and carried a refusal.

A subsequent appeal was directed to a Government Inspector.

The site is in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),

designated as Green Belt and adjacent to a Conservation Area. These

are a challenging set of combined

constraints. The Inspector’s decision is a multi-faceted consideration of

local and national planning policies set against assessment of the

environmental impacts and benefits arising from the proposals.

The Inspector concluded that the

scheme was not an inappropriate

development in the Green Belt on the

basis that wine production amounts to agricultural use. He attributed limited weight to heritage impacts.

He found that significant harm to

the AONB landscape would result.

Critically, the scheme was accepted as being a major development in

the AONB. This was a determinative

L EGA L SP ON SO R

Overall, the Inspector opined that

the “public interest” case was not sufficiently illustrated.

What are the implications?

The refused scheme was an incredibly ambitious proposal starring global

architectural quality. Major proposals don’t always mean more risk. Big

investment brings with it major benefits; but in the case of the appeal, they were not regarded by the Government’s

Inspector as having been sufficiently set out because of the high bar set

by AONB national policy. It is a major

blow for big investor confidence in the

emergent wine-making industry but will have the unintended consequence of

supporting smaller producers. Having

achieved an officer recommendation of

approval, the appellants learned that the planning system is a quasi-democratic

Brian Mullin

process, ultimately deferential to, and

Marrons is a sister company of Mayo

which is supportive of investment.

providing a wide range of legal services

of rigorous national policy tests.

An objective policy-led approach towards

that support and supply them.

to major development in the AONB.

The scale of the development proposed

Contact Brian for planning, heritage,

identified harm.

too much to meet the policy tests.

biodiversity net gain, and rural

High level figures derived from the

and testing of alternative scenarios

wine industry. Contact James O’Connell

the economic benefits of the appeal

factors. Might production on the scale

benefits and £42.6 million indirect

The old adage, “fly low, fly far” resonates.

reliant on, strong political leadership issue as it triggered the application

Wynne Baxter solicitors, a law firm

to wineries, vineyards and the businesses

Exceptional circumstances apply

business planning is recommended.

Economic benefits must outweigh

in this higher value landscape was

economic, land-use, architectural,

Insufficient detail on the business plan

diversification services relating to the UK

appellant’s growth plans showed that

outside the AONB were determinative

for other legal queries.

scheme equated to £21.3 million direct

envisaged be deliverable in increments?

www.marrons.co.uk

benefits. A contribution of around

The industry will bounce back.

Brian.Mullin@marrons.co.uk

the Medway economy were estimated.

A copy of the decision and related

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/

Unfortunately for the appellant, the

documents can be found in the link below.

services/vineyards-wineries

benefits weren’t sufficiently detailed to

https://www.medway.gov.uk/

joconnell@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

£112m by 2030, with 1,000 jobs for

Inspector decided that the estimated enable a thorough assessment.

He found that the need for the scheme

info/200133/planning/1698/cuxton_ winery_public_planning_inquiry

was not established and there was no

Brian Mullin is a planning policy

options outside of the AONB were not

national multi-disciplinary planning and

evidence provided by the appellants that

specialist and Head of Marrons, a

examined and discounted.

design consultancy.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

Employment Law: how to protect your customers and confidential information Alex Jones, Managing Director of 365 Employment Law, has some valuable advice for employers.

I am often

Legal

approached by

employers in fear of lost revenue after

a senior employee

has left, as customers often follow those employees. The employer’s

ability to protect their customer base

is often better if they have well drafted post termination restrictions. Those

restrictions must be reasonable to be

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

enforceable. My task is often easier if the employer comes to me with a contract that I have drafted (or even one that

another employment lawyer has drafted).

often polar opposite, with the stance either

being that covenants are never enforceable or that courts will always enforce them.

Neither position is correct.

When I am approached by an employer

Contractual covenants

preconceived views of how the courts deal

The starting position in law is that

in these circumstances, they often have

with these types of restrictions. Sometimes they have drafted the restrictions

themselves. These range of views are

restrictions are unenforceable, as

they restrict livelihood, but courts will enforce if they are reasonable and go

L EGA L SP ON SO R

no further than is necessary. There are four main types of covenants

that employers should consider -

non-solicitation of customers, non-

solicitation of staff, non-competition,

and confidential information protection.

Non-solicitation of customers This type of restriction is actually as it says, it stops an employee,

for a set period, from attempting to

secure business from the employer’s

customers. If the set period is too long,

it won’t be enforceable. Typically 6 to 12 months post employment are as long as would normally be reasonable, although there can be exceptions.

Non-solicitation of staff This type of clause is similar to the

customer one. If an employee leaves, they cannot recruit staff to work for

them/their new employer for a set period of time. Six to 12 months would be the normal length of time.

Non-competition These clauses are the most controversial

as, for a set period of time, the employee is prevented from competing in their

industry, within a set geographical area.

For that reason, unless they are very

defined, or the employee is senior and/

or in a niche industry they are unlikely to be enforceable.

Confidential information This type of clause is almost always

enforceable, as it stops an employee

from using the confidential information of the employer (e.g. customer and

price lists), from being taken and used.

A comparable duty, the duty of good

faith, is implied into every contract of

employment. If an employee, either in breach of any contractual or implied duty, takes and uses confidential

information, then they can

be stopped by the employer from using that information,

by way of an injunction, and

the employer may also have a claim in damages for losses.

I am often asked which

clauses are enforceable, and

which are not, and there are no real definitive rules, but there are patterns:

1. A restriction on non-

solicitation for employees

will rarely be enforceable if longer than 12 months;

2. T he same is true of other employees;

Alex Jones

3. F or both of these, a back

date is crucial eg no solicitation for 12 months for any customers that they

have had personal dealings in the 12 months prior to departure;

4. Non-compete clauses in the digital world are becoming increasingly harder to enforce. If you have a

geographical area, how do you define

that? Unless the customers are all very local eg a hairdresser, or the company has limited national or regional

competition, then a non-compete will only really be a deterrent;

5. I t is always easier to bring proceedings, or persuade an employee’s new

employer to settle a claim if there are enforceable covenants.

All is not lost if there are no covenants, or

some of the covenants are unenforceable, as the implied duty of good faith is

that is actionable. This usually involves either the taking of customer lists, or

the solicitation of customers whilst still employed. Any employer taking new

employees on, should always make clear that such theft is unacceptable.

If you are an employer, who now has a percentage of your workforce remote

or hybrid working, you should be even

more alive to the potential for the theft of confidential information, and the losses it can cause you.

Employers should also always be alert

to any issues involving departing staff,

and always take proactive advice in how to deal with these issues.

365 Employment Law Solicitors Tel: 01903 863284

ajones@365employmentlaw.co.uk www.365employmentlaw.co.uk

present in every employment contract.

If an employee uses their position to

springboard their future employment i.e. give themselves/their new employer an unlawful head start, that they wouldn’t

have got in the open marketplace, then

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

Rivervale? No, not the Mercedes dealer!

Contrary to what some believe, Rivervale is not the Mercedes dealer for Brighton and hasn’t been since 2003! As the organisation embarks on a new chapter in its journey, we look back at the rich history and origin of the Brighton based motor organisation and share what’s in store moving ahead.

Rivervale’s roots

Cover Story

start in 1955 as the original Endeavour Motor company

(EMC), a Ford car

garage on Preston Road, Brighton, formed by Tommy Sopwith. Fast

forward to the early 1970s and, by this point, EMC was one of the biggest

employers in Sussex. Over this time

period, EMC had established itself as the most successful Ford dealership

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

in the country, providing unheard of offerings at the time - such as

overnight servicing! Appleyard, who

chosen as the name due to its location in the valley of the River Thames.

are now part of the Inchcape group,

Rivervale is born

in which competition in the motor

The Mercedes market was growing

purchased EMC in 1978, a year

trade increased significantly and the

Ford site saw a significant decline in

business. With this challenge in mind,

Tommy Sopwith acquired a MercedesBenz and Lancia dealership in

Pangbourne, Reading. Rivervale was

stronger and in 1983 Tommy Sopwith brought Rivervale to Brighton,

utilising previous EMC properties

he owned, and acquired an existing Mercedes-Benz and Datsun garage

on Victoria Road, Portslade. In 1990

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

a new state of the art purpose-built

Porsche dealership, Rivervale of Hove, opened on this Victoria Road site to

support the Mercedes-Benz offering further. By 1993 Rivervale had left

Pangbourne, Reading, and settled in Brighton. Then, in 2000, MercedesBenz announced a consolidation of

all dealerships which would result in

Rivervale Mercedes closing. With this news, Vince Pemberton, who had

developed a reputation for his savvy

fleet sales, took the decision to leave Rivervale Mercedes to pursue an

as a franchise dealer. In 2009 Rivervale acquired Eagle Oak Vehicle Contracts

to run as a leasing brokerage under the Rivervale umbrella. After several years of success, it was agreed that a new

state of the art home would be built for the new Rivervale that had formed. All

ties as a franchise dealer to MercedesBenz, Porsche, Mazda, MG and Skoda were no longer in situ and, through the broker channel, Rivervale was able to provide customers with any make or model of car, van or minibus.

department, followed by Minibus, Fleet and a MAXUS electric van franchise.

Sadly, Tommy Sopwith passed away in

May 2019, leaving the all-new Rivervale settling into its new shoes and making positive headlines throughout the

motor trade. In 2022 a management buyout was announced which saw

the appointment of a new board of

directors - Neil Chapman as Chairman,

Vince Pemberton as CEO, Simon Fuller as Commercial Director and Duncan Stocks as Leasing Sales Director.

opportunity in the leasing broker world

The new Rivervale

A fresh new look

Vehicle Contracts. By 2003, Rivervale

By 2016 the build for Rivervale

In October 2023 Rivervale refreshed

with the family business Eagle Oak Mercedes ceased trading and later welcomed Mazda, Skoda and MG

brands into the business and operated

House was complete signalling a

new chapter in the Rivervale journey.

Rivervale added a Servicing and MOT

its brand to reflect the improvements and versatility it now offered across the motor trade.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

COVE R STO RY S P ON S OR

To support the new dynamics of

the organisation, Rivervale took the

decision to invest in reinvigorating its long-established brand and eliminate

any confusion around previous periods as a franchise dealer. The goal was to create a fresh and modern brand that

was inclusive and welcoming, and that accurately reflected the company’s new wide range of services.

Through extensive research, Rivervale unpacked a wide variety of target

customers from households, sole-

traders right through to large multi-

national corporations. This diversity of customer groups was a key

consideration in the development of the new brand identity.

Alongside a new logo, colour palette,

typography is a backbone of simple but

26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

crucial values. The key mission is making motoring manageable for everyone.

Group Marketing Director Bud Johnston explains: “When I joined Rivervale over eight years ago, one of the biggest

strengths in the brand was its name and solid reputation. Going into any kind of rebrand exercise you are always weary of losing those attributes that have

taken many years to establish. We’re all proud and enthusiastic about what’s ahead – the new look and identity

successful leasing broker in Worthing.

The acquisitions allow Rivervale to

offer its customers a wider range of

vehicle leasing solutions and services, as well as access to new markets and

segments. Rivervale will also be able to

leverage the expertise and resources of both companies to further strengthen

its brand and position itself as the UK’s most trusted vehicle provider across several different sectors.

is inclusive, modern, and exciting,

Used vans and commercial vehicles

Rivervale journey.”

Rivervale saw a gap in the market as

helping us enter a new chapter in the

Expansion and acquisitions In 2023 Rivervale acquired Castle

Minibus, the leading Minibus provider in the UK, followed by OSV leasing, a

Brighton and Hove had no reliable and

trusted van/commercial vehicle offering.

In response, the company has adapted its Brighton dealership, offering a wide range of carefully selected used vans and pickup trucks.

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

The decision to focus on used LCV sales from the site was made after

Rivervale conducted extensive market research. The research found that

there was a high demand for used vans and pickup trucks from businesses and individuals in the Brighton and Hove area. However, the supply of

high-quality used LCVs was limited.

Through the MAXUS van franchise

electric vans are now easily accessible and available. Rivervale MAXUS are

Rivervale’s minibus division has a

The new easy way to buy a used car

quality minibuses and exceptional

There has been significant change in

proven track record of providing highcustomer service. In addition to

supplying minibuses, Rivervale also

offers maintenance and repair services, as well as regular mandatory safety

checks. Rivervale is now excited to be

offering electric minibuses, making it a sustainable choice for businesses and educational institutions.

housed at the HQ in Brighton and have

Fleet

of van sizes including the first ever

The Rivervale fleet department has

hit the market running with a range electric pick-up truck.

Minibuses for schools, colleges, charities and trusts

Through partnering with schools,

charities and organisations across the length and breadth of Britain,

gone from strength to strength securing

contracts with the likes of Redbull, Anglo Beef and Acosta. Through the creation of dedicated software for vehicle

management, Rivervale fleet is working

the automotive market post covid, one of those areas significantly impacted has been the values of used cars. With such velocity in the space, Rivervale took the decision to change its offering to customers looking for a used car.

Resident used car expert Jeff Nailard is now offering a used car finder service in which he leverages on his industry experience and access to auction houses to pinpoint the right vehicle.

Here’s how the new Rivervale service works: 1. The first step is to brief your

on further offerings to help smaller

requirements. Through Rivervale’s

legal requirements of vehicle managers.

find the best cars to match your needs.

organisations manage the day-to-day

extensive network of dealers he will

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

COVE R STO RY S P ON S OR

2. O nce a selection of potential cars are found, Rivervale will do their

homework to research the service history and background of each

detailed at Rivervale. This means that

make sure that every detail is covered

be in perfect condition.

with your new purchase.

when you pick up your new car, it will

vehicle. They’ll also inspect the

5. The big day is finally here! You can pick

condition. Only the best cars will

it delivered to your door. Rivervale will

cars to make sure they’re in top

and that you’re completely delighted

up your new car at Rivervale or have

be presented to you, so you can

be confident that you’re getting a quality vehicle.

3. Then when you’ve chosen a car,

Rivervale will take care of the rest.

They’ll inspect the car again and pay for it on your behalf. They’ll also sort out any part exchange, financing, or warranty requirements.

4. While Rivervale is taking care of the paperwork, your new car will be

meticulously prepared, serviced, and

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Note from Vince Pemberton, CEO

“

We are extremely thankful to all our partners, suppliers and customers

that have been a part of our journey so far and what an incredible journey it’s been! We have big plans to continue to strengthen the business and

diversify our offerings further, and continue making motoring manageable for

”

everyone. Once again thank you for your support and trust in Rivervale.

To discover more about Rivervale, follow them on socials or visit www.rivervale.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

H EA LTH S PECIAL S P ON S OR

World Mental Health Day - ‘Our minds, our rights’ World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right’ to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

Mental health is

Health Special

a basic human

right for all people.

Everyone, whoever and wherever they

are, has a right to the highest attainable

standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available,

accessible, acceptable, and good quality

care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community.

Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact

their physical health, their well-being,

how they connect with others, and their

livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.

Having a mental health condition should never be a reason to deprive a person

of their human rights or to exclude them from decisions about their own health.

Yet all over the world, people with mental health conditions continue to experience a wide range of human rights violations.

Many are excluded from community life and discriminated against, while many more cannot access the mental health

care they need or can only access care

the United Kingdom, mental health issues

have gained increased

attention over the past

decade, shedding light on the prevalence,

challenges and the pressing need for improved mental

health services. This article explores the

state of mental health in the UK, delving into statistics and

the broader societal implications.

The prevalence of

mental health issues Mental health issues

are pervasive in the UK, impacting people of

all ages, backgrounds

and socioeconomic statuses. According to the Mental Health Foundation,

approximately one in four people in

the UK will experience a mental health

problem each year, making it a common and widespread issue. This statistic

highlights the fact that mental health is

not limited to a select few but affects a significant portion of the population.

that violates their human rights.

The Impact of mental health on society

Mental health in the UK: a growing

The consequences of mental health

concern

Mental health is a vital aspect of overall

well-being, affecting individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. In

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

issues extend beyond individual

suffering, affecting society in various ways. For instance, mental health problems are a leading cause of

disability in the UK, with conditions

such as depression and anxiety having a profound impact on an individual’s

ability to work, maintain relationships

and participate in daily life. This often

leads to economic losses, as individuals may require time off work, reduced

productivity, or even early retirement due to their mental health struggles.

Furthermore, mental health problems can have severe consequences for

physical health. People with mental

health conditions are at a higher risk of developing chronic physical illnesses

like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, partly due to unhealthy

coping mechanisms such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Thus, addressing mental health is not

H EA LTH SP EC I A L SP ON SO R

only essential for emotional well-being

but also for overall physical health and longevity.

Mental health in young people The statistics on mental health in young people are particularly alarming. The

Mental Health Foundation reports that 10% of children and young people

aged five to 16 have a diagnosable

mental health disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common.

Moreover, the number of young people seeking help for mental health issues

has been steadily increasing over the

years, signalling a growing crisis in this demographic.

Factors contributing to the mental health crisis

Several factors contribute to the rising mental health crisis in the UK. These include:

Social Media and Technology: The

prevalence of social media and digital

technology has led to increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression,

particularly among young people who

often compare themselves to unrealistic online standards.

Economic Inequality: Income inequality and financial stress can exacerbate mental health issues, as individuals

struggling to make ends meet are more likely to experience stress and anxiety.

Stigma and Discrimination: Despite progress in reducing the stigma

around mental health, discrimination and misconceptions still persist,

preventing some individuals from seeking help or support.

Access to Services: There are disparities in access to mental health services, with some regions having limited resources

and longer waiting times for treatment.

Government initiatives and improvements

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the

providing education, awareness, and support for individuals and families

affected by mental health issues. These

organisations offer helplines, counselling

UK government has taken several steps to

services and resources for those in need.

the government launched the Improving

Mental health in the UK is a significant

program, aimed at increasing access to

substantial portion of the population.

common mental health disorders. This

issues are prevalent and have far-

improving access to services and reducing

and society as a whole. While there have

address mental health challenges. In 2010, Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

and growing concern, affecting a

psychological treatments for people with

The statistics show that mental health

initiative has shown positive results in

reaching consequences for individuals

waiting times for treatment.

been positive developments in terms

Additionally, the Mental Health Act 1983

awareness, much work remains to be

changes that aim to provide greater

timely and appropriate support.

with mental health conditions. These

Addressing mental health challenges

receive appropriate care and support

includes reducing stigma, improving

human rights.

support at the community level. By

The role of communities and support

the UK can work towards a future where

is currently under review, with proposed protection and rights for individuals

of government initiatives and increased done to ensure that individuals receive

changes seek to ensure that individuals

requires a multifaceted approach that

while respecting their autonomy and

access to services, and providing

networks

prioritising mental health and well-being, individuals can lead fulfilling lives with the support they need to navigate the

Community-based initiatives and

challenges of mental health.

crucial role in addressing mental health

This feature was written to mark

charities in the UK are dedicated to

on October 10.

support networks have also played a concerns. Various organisations and

World Mental Health Day, which was

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

Managing menopause in the workplace How to increase awareness and introduce support in the workplace - expert advice from Loch Associates.

Menopause is a

Health Special

transformative

experience that can

bring about physical and emotional

changes for those going through it; from

thinning hair and brain fog to anxiety and migraines. The transition, which lasts, on average, between four and seven years,

can have a significant impact, challenging an individual’s ability to enjoy daily life,

32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

maintain relationships and perform

optimally at work. While there is currently no legal requirement in England and

Wales for employers to have menopausespecific policies or practices in place,

increasing awareness and introducing

support is certainly best practice from a people management perspective.

A good starting point is education and awareness raising. Derived from the

Greek words for ‘month’ and ‘to stop’,

‘menopause’ simply means ‘a monthly

pause’, namely the stopping of monthly cycles or the end of menstruation. It’s preceded by peri-menopause, when periods become less frequent and

followed by post-menopause, when menstruation stops completely.

Who does it affect? While menopause obviously affects women, usually in

H EA LTH SP EC I A L SP ON SO R

midlife (generally between 45 and

55), it can also affect trans men and

by menopause because they may be

Committee to make menopause a

getting less sleep than normal.

standalone protected characteristic

they experience early and premature

Adjustments

doesn’t mean employees who are

to as a ‘natural’ occurrence, for some

Practical adjustments can help keep

much younger individuals where

menopause. While often it is referred

it can happen as a result of surgery or

under the Equality Act 2010, that mistreated by their employer in

connection with menopause can’t bring

staff comfortable and happy at work.

Employment Tribunal claims.

temperature-controls (think fans or

Depending on the circumstances, age,

and dress codes and providing access

could be brought against an employer

difficulties and reduced concentration.

unfair dismissal claim. We know claims

Common symptoms include hot

Employee assistance programs

Tribunal claims related to menopause

pain, but there are thought to be

Employee assistance programs are a

So, not only would implementing some

is concerned, providing access to

practice, it could also provide valuable

certain types of drugs. It should also be kept in mind that it doesn’t just

impact those going through it, but also their wider support network, including family, friends and colleagues.

As to impact, symptoms vary widely. flushes, mood swings and joint

as many as 40 potential symptoms which can change over time,

making them difficult to manage

and often leading to misdiagnosis

and misunderstanding. Thankfully, however, once diagnosed, there are steps an individual can take

to overcome menopause-related

symptoms, from medical treatment to lifestyle adjustments.

What steps can employers take?

Consider options for individualised

personal air con units), reviewing uniform

sex and disability discrimination claims

to technology to assist with memory

and individuals too, as well as an

are increasing. In 2021, Employment

increased by 44%, compared to 2020.

valuable resource where menopause

of the strategies set out above be best

confidential counselling and other useful

legal protection.

focusing on nutrition, exercise and

In addition, with an estimated 13

benefit to the entire workforce.

experiencing menopausal transition

Training for managers

oriented perspective, it’s vital

support services. Wellness programs stress management can also be of

million people in the UK currently (ONS), from a purely numbers-

employers consider strategies they can

Having been a taboo subject for so

introduce to make their workplaces

what menopause is, or the severity of

in 10 women saying they leave the

connect issues at work with something

not be one of those employers losing

long, many managers don’t understand

more menopause-friendly. With 1

its symptoms and certainly wouldn’t

workplace due to symptoms, it’s key to

so personal and private. Training

valuable staff.

and be sensitive to the needs of

There’s no better time than now, given

join the dots.

Month. So, why not set aside some

greater empathy amongst colleagues.

Implementing a menopause policy

you can take to raise awareness,

Flexible working arrangements

A menopause policy can spell out your

training, not just to support those

menopausal employees. It should

create a more supportive and inclusive

Raising awareness Workshops can help employees

understand menopause better. Not

only will this increase understanding amongst the workforce, it can also help normalise the topic, removing stigma and taboo and fostering

Fatigue and sleep disturbances are

common symptoms of menopause, so providing flexibility around start

and finish times, working hours and

remote working, can enable employees

managers to understand menopause employees experiencing it can help

provide practical support and tackle going through menopause, but to

be communicated to all employees

workplace that everyone can thrive in.

implemented, rather than ignored.

https://lochassociates.co.uk

alongside manager training to ensure it’s

It’s time to act now

productivity. This could also apply

While the Government recently rejected

to family members who are affected

time this month to consider steps

organisational commitment to supporting

to manage their symptoms more

effectively, without compromising

October is Menopause Awareness

calls from the Women and Equalities

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

CH A RITY S PO NS O R

Celebrating 15 years of the Starr Trust!

The Starr Trust welcomed young people, charity ambassadors, patrons, friends and family to an inspirational celebration night to mark its 15th anniversary.

On 26th September,

Charity

the charity came together at the

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole

to honour the young people it has helped over the years. The night, sponsored by

Brighton CCTV and also Seico Mortgages, included special guest Ice-skating

Olympian and Patron of the Trust Robin

Cousins MBE and Olympic legend Daley Thompson CBE, as well as a number of charity ambassadors from across the world of TV, sports and business.

Founded by Rob Starr in 2008, the Hove-

based charity has been a beacon of hope for young people in the Brighton area

facing hardship and personal challenges.

The support provided by the Starr Trust has enabled more than 5,000 children

Rob starr with Ambassadors Momma Cherri, Aneela Rose and Stephanie Prior

and young adults by awarding grants to

the Starr Trust has helped them. Ira, a

sports, education and the arts.

of the first people funded, has achieved

Rob Starr, Founder and Chairman of the

sports and performance psychology in

young people we help. It’s not always

to in turn achieve their best. Ira’s mother,

for support, sometimes it’s about the help

changing the support has been not only

where that journey takes you.” He went

the positive impact the Starr Trust has had

help them achieve their full potential in

young man from Brighton, who was one impressive academic success studying

school, because they’ve given me so many opportunities and, without the money, I wouldn’t have been able to

travel abroad or play in tournaments.”

Starr Trust, said: “We are so proud of the

the US, working with professional athletes

about the principal reason people apply

Karen, spoke to guests about how life-

to start a journey and then just seeing

for her son, who has recently married, but

on to express his heartfelt appreciation

on their whole family.

A winning formula

charity’s mission. “A birthday is such a

Ryan, who started playing table tennis two

Daley Thompson is a long-time

have done, who you have met, and the

is now ranked number two in England in

the perfect time to think about where you

up playing in a future Olympics. Speaking

to everyone who has contributed to the good time to look back and see what you

years ago with help from the Starr Trust,

journeys you have been on, and also it’s

the under-13s category. He is now eyeing

want to go next.”

on the night, he said pursuing this passion

Meet the very first Starr

support of the charity.

Several of the young Starrs took the time

He said: “The Starr Trust has helped

to share their inspirational stories of how

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

wouldn’t have been possible without the

me in many different ways, even with

Speaking about his Olympics aspiration, he added: “I think the Olympics would

obviously be quite a big leap from where I am currently, so I think – let’s take it

one step at a time and see where I go.”

supporter of the charity and has spent time encouraging Ryan in his pursuits.

He said: “I’m going to help him get

there by telling him things about sports and Ryan is going to coach me to play table tennis. The thing is, he already

knows what he’s got to do – and that’s just get his head down. He’s got to

work hard in both his school work and his training and mostly, he’s got to

C HA R I TY SP O N SO R

Chris and James of Brighton CCTV with Daley Thompson

Young Starrs with Rubix VT and Tracey and Rosie of Starr Trust

Ryan

Ira

Guests in Clarence Suite Hilton

Rob Starr, Simon Haffenden and the Starr Trust Team

come out of this being a really nice kid and a good champion.”

Former British competitive figure skater Robin Cousins MBE also attended the

event and is one of the charity’s proud patrons. He said that he was drawn to the charity because of what it stands for. “Over the past 15 years, it has

grown exponentially and that love and compassion has spread beyond Rob

and the families and I’m just thrilled to

still be here and be a part of it,” he said.

Brighton CCTV Owner and sponsor

of the night, Christopher Dean, said: “We are really proud to support the

Starr Trust and delighted to sponsor

this occasion in celebration of all the

Starr Trust Patron Robin Cousins MBE

Young Starr Polly with Paul and Georgia of DevAssist and Tracey Starr

young people supported so far. We look

The Starr Trust would like to express

as they begin their 15th Year. What a

were involved in helping make the night

forward to seeing the work of the charity

huge thanks to all who attended and

great achievement!”

a success - Brighton CCTV, DoubleTree

Moving forwards with new

Print for printing our lovely brochures,

Ambassadors

The Trust welcomed three new

by Hilton Metropole Brighton, Gemini Mascol for the AV, Fabricate for the

room dressing, Rhapsody for singing

and Graham Franks Photography for the

Ambassadors: Celebrity Chef Momma

fantastic photos of the occasion.

since its inception in 2008, Stephanie

For more info on upcoming events for

Cherri, who has supported the charity Prior, an inspirational local business

2024, please visit: www.starrtrust.org

woman and presenter of Latest TV and PR Guru Aneela Rose, Managing Director of

Rose Media Group who will be managing a 12-month anniversary campaign with a series of life-changing stories, never before shared outside of the charity.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Redefining networking: The Big Fat Greek Club

In the bustling business landscape of Brighton, two visionary leaders came together with a shared dream. Beyond the confines of traditional networking, they envisioned a space where the community thrives and where genuine connections lead to collaboration.

Dive into the story of The Big Fat Greek Club and discover how this unique venture is redefining networking in Brighton.

The Big Fat Greek

Networking & Events

Club is a social club

for business leaders.

It emphasises a

relaxed and friendly

environment where participants can

enjoy Greek food, music and company.

The club does not feature pitches or

guest speakers; instead, it focuses on

social interaction. It’s brought to you by ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW and Nostos Hove Greek restaurant.

Evolution of the Club from an idea to an iconic event

The room was abuzz with energy, full of professionals networking, exchanging

business cards and discussing the latest trends. International Women’s Day saw

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Brighton’s business community coming together in celebration.

Amidst the crowd, Penina, a dynamic

business leader known for her innovative ideas, took the stage, captivating the

audience with her insights. As the applause settled, Kyriakos, the charismatic owner

of Nostos, a popular Greek restaurant in

town, approached her. He congratulated Penina on her inspiring talk, expressing genuine admiration for her vision.

“I’ve always felt that networking events

here lack a certain... warmth,” Kyriakos mused, looking thoughtful. Penina

nodded in agreement: “Yes, they’re often too formal, too structured. There’s no room for genuine connections.”

The two seemed to be on the same wavelength, and their conversation

flowed naturally. “What if we created

something different? Something like an ongoing event, where business leaders can come together in a more relaxed setting?” Kyriakos proposed.

Penina’s expression brightened. “Yes! How about a club?” she suggested.

Kyriakos raised an eyebrow playfully

as he teased, “What if we started with a curry club?” Penina’s face lit up

with inspiration. “That’s a fun thought,

Kyriakos! But imagine this: a Greek club.

Now that would be truly special!”

And what better venue than Nostos? The

top Greek restaurant in Brighton and Hove.

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

A place that embodies the Mediterranean spirit, with its lively ambiance, authentic Greek roots, and delectable dishes that

transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.

The vision

As their conversation continued, the vision

started taking shape. They spoke of a club that would bring the Mediterranean family culture to Sussex, where members would gather around tables, sharing stories,

building relationships, and having fun in true Greek style.

By the end of the evening, The Big Fat

Greek Club was no longer just an idea; it was a dream set in motion. This new

venture, a unique blend of business and

pleasure, was meant to revolutionise the

Brighton networking scene. It wasn’t just

about creating another networking event; it was about redefining the experience.

They envisioned a recurring event, a hub where professionals could escape the

monotony of traditional networking and dive into an atmosphere brimming with fun, yet impactful interactions.

September debut at Nostos

On Friday, September 22, 2023, The

Big Fat Greek Club celebrated its grand

launch at Nostos, marking the beginning

of a new era in business gatherings and

invites business leaders to embrace

than 50 guests were treated not just to

business discussions are punctuated with

but also to the heart-warming tale of the

glass of ouzo, and where every meeting

with many, reminding them that the best

social interactions, the club promises

conversations and shared dreams.

business ideas will sprout and flourish

Support from the community

entrepreneurial landscape.

social events. At the club’s opening, more

the Mediterranean way of life, where

an exceptional networking experience

laughter, where deals are sealed over a

club’s inception. The story resonated

feels like a family gathering. Beyond the

ideas often sprout from spontaneous

to be a fertile ground where innovative

“The vision could hardly come to life

during its meetings, enriching Brighton’s

without the support of our sponsors,”

Call to adventure

Penina and I would like to express our

be part of the adventure. The club will be

sponsors who have shown unwavering

you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon

Creative Pod, an award-winning design

Book your seat for the next gathering

Kyriakos says. He continues: “Both

Kyriakos and Penina are inviting you to

heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed

held on a Friday lunch once a month, so

support for The Big Fat Greek Club.

and finish off the week on a high note.

and marketing agency, and Rubix VT, a

and experience the magic firsthand.

utilities, have both been instrumental in

Bookings:

Matt Turner, James Turner, Nick Poyner,

co.uk/clubs-and-events/all-events/

initiative and their continued support.”

Nostos:

leading name in telecoms and business backing our vision. Special thanks to

https://www.acumenbusinesslaw.

and Ian Trevett for their belief in our

the-big-fat-greek-club/

A movement beyond a club

www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Today, The Big Fat Greek Club stands as

Sponsors:

and the magic that ensues when

www.creativepod.uk.com

club; it’s a movement. A movement that

www.rubixvt.com

a testament to the power of collaboration

Creative Pod

passion meets purpose. It’s not just a

Rubix VT

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Annual raceday held in memory of late Sussex DJ Ambrose Harcourt Best of British Events staged the fundraising day at Goodwood.

Local business

Networking & Events

leaders came together at Goodwood

Racecourse for a

special fundraiser in aid

of St Barnabas Hospice. The event was

hosted by Best of British Events - a multiaward winning regional events company, based in Sussex, which specialises in corporate fundraising events.

The annual raceday was dedicated to leading local radio DJ and presenter,

Ambrose Harcourt. Known to many as

‘Mr Lurve’, Ambrose hosted shows for

over five decades across the Southeast and became a household name to

many. Ambrose passed away last year

at the St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing after a long battle with illness.

The sixth race was dedicated to Ambrose, which saw jockey Richard Kingscote and his horse, ‘Believe in Stars’, win the race.

38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

During the event, a charity prize draw took

“We would also like to thank event

gifts kindly donated by local businesses.

Racing and Sussex Business Times -

which was donated to St Barnabas

host this annual event.”

services across the region.

St Barnabas Hospice is a Sussex-

Ryan Heal, CEO of Best of British Events

over 50 years to providing free care to

We had the pleasure of working together

Worthing, Adur, Arun and Henfield areas.

Juice FM. He was such an inspirational

from the community to deliver support

place which included a range of luxury

sponsors - Mayo Wynne Baxter, KTDA

Thousands of pounds were raised,

for collaborating with Best of British to

to help the charity to continue their

based charity which has dedicated

said: “Ambrose was a dear friend to me.

adults with life-limiting illnesses in the

for many years at both Southern FM &

As a local charity, it relies on donations

individual, who delivered fantastic content

for people with life-limiting conditions.

his warm, friendly and caring character.

The Best of British event hosts a range

“Today is an opportunity to give back to

and fundraisers across Sussex and

Ambrose and thousands of people across

up-and-coming events, please visit:

and touched the hearts of many through

of leading business networking events

this worthy charity, which has supported

London. For more information regarding

Sussex. On behalf of the Best of British

https://bestofbritish.org.uk/

team, we would like to thank our guests for their donations, which go directly

towards supporting this worthy cause.

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

Dennis Taylor joins business leaders in support of the Children’s Respite Trust Over 200 business leaders came together at the iconic Grand Hotel for the annual Best of British Eastbourne event.

Best of British

Networking & Events

is a Multi Award

Winning regional

events company,

based in Sussex and

specialising in corporate fundraising

lunches and dinners. Since 2009, with

the support of the business community

and celebrity guests, these events have

collectively raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a range of worthy causes.

At this latest event, guests were joined

by former Snooker World Champion and sports commentator Dennis Taylor.

During the event, Dennis shared his

story of coming from humble beginnings – growing up in a small house with his

four brothers and four sisters in Northern Ireland, before moving to England where

his uncle taught him how to play snooker.

Dennis started his career as an

amateur, winning the 1968 British

Junior Billiards Championship, before

turning professional in 1972. He is best known for winning the 1985 World

Snooker Championship final, when he won against the defending champion

Steve Davis in one of the most popular matches in snooker history.

Attendees included leaders from awardwinning Sussex based law firm, Mayo

Wynne Baxter, as well as Seico Insurance & Mortgages, Handelsbanken, Rubix VT and Sussex Business Times magazine.

Jason Edge, Marketing Director at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “We have been

supporting the Best of British events for

over a decade now

and they have set the

standard for business events. They are

great for networking with the business community and

for treating clients

to some top-class hospitality.”

This prestigious

networking event was

in aid of the Children’s Respite Trust – a local charity which helps families of children

with complex medical needs or profound

learning or physical disabilities by offering care options that allow families to take

a break from 24-hour care. Whether it is providing support at home, or funding an external activity, this charity is

dedicated to helping families to take time for themselves, so they are in a better position to care for their loved ones.

With the support and generosity of

guests and sponsors, this event raised over £10,000 on the day.

Ryan Heal, CEO of Best of British Events, said: “As a leading business eventing platform, we are passionate about

creating environments for business

leaders to network, while having the

opportunity to learn, gain insight and

inspiration from the stories of some of

and hear directly from him about his

career journey and what contributed

to him becoming one of the greatest snooker players of all time.

“We are extremely grateful to our guests who, through this event,

have helped us to raise thousands of pounds which will go directly to

supporting the fantastic work that The

Children’s Respite Trust provides to so many families across the region.”

Best of British Events hosts a range of

leading business networking events and fundraisers across Sussex and London.

For more information regarding up-andcoming events, please visit: https://

bestofbritish.org.uk/public-events/

Britain’s greatest sports legends.

“It was fantastic to meet Dennis Taylor

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Connection and Prizes at the Sussex Business Show 2023 Smiling faces welcomed you through the iconic arch.

You were handed a

Networking & Events

bright, colourful name tag to swing around your neck.

You paused to look at the map of the floor layout, before entering the main doors…

But this was not the entrance to any venue, nor for any event…

This was the brand new venue of

choice. The Brighton Dome, for the

one-of-a-kind expo that was the Sussex Business Show 2023.

The Brighton Dome Factor Last month, the Dome triumphantly

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

exhibited Van Gogh. This month, the

Brighton Dome dazzled and shone with the vibrancy of over 100 exhibitors.

Iconic and well-loved on the Brighton

of spirits, the F1 racing car was a

hit, providing entertainment for those watching on.

scene and further afield, the Dome has

The Gaming Twist

Sussex Business Show.

Attendees were avidly engaged by these

a rich history of royalty, arts and the

Upon entering the show, you could sense the energy in the room from exhibitors

and guests alike. Countless bold brand colours, prizes galore and interestpiquing slogans surrounded you.

Larger-than-life stands grabbed

attention, featuring a massage chair

for those needing some time off their feet, as well as a roaring F1 racing

car. Drawing out the most competitive

displays and more, creating a buzz that resonated throughout the venue.

In fact, more than 25% of the exhibitors incorporated a gaming element to their stands to help entice visitors. This

approach not only injected a sense

of fun but also proved to be a gamechanger for engagement.

Visitors responded positively to the interactive stands, which created a

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

dynamic and participatory atmosphere.

Focusing on what matters Yet not all the action was in the main expo hall with the exhibitors.

The secondary theme of the Sussex Business Show was a poignant nod

towards addressing a crucial subject Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Several engaging talks on this subject

captivated audiences. The innovative use of silent seminar headphones ensured an intimate and immersive experience.

From themes of failure, to marketing for impact - the business masterclasses

helped focus the audience’s priorities. The emphasis on mental health underscored

Sussex Business Show’s commitment to a

and are already in full preparation for

holistic way of business.

next year’s event.

Roaring entrepreneurs

As the curtains drew to a close on this

The Tiger’s Pen, a unique opportunity for

inspired exhibitors, engaged attendees,

their ideas for investment and guidance,

expectation of what networking and

year’s expo, it left in its wake a trail of

innovators and entrepreneurs to pitch

and a community with a higher

was a roaring success.

expos should be.

Following feedback from previous

The Sussex Business Show is back next

shows, the Tiger’s Pen was hosted

year for 2024…

Library with the BIPC. The exclusive

Please visit the website on October

atmosphere which all enjoyed.

www.sussexbizshow.com/

away from the main venue at the Jubilee venue created a dynamic and inviting

28th to see something new - https://

The Sussex Business Show 2023 was a resounding success.

The team have truly played their aces,

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

PR: The secret sauce for business success

A Q&A session with Flo Powell, Joint Managing Director, Midnight Communications

Midnight is a

Networking & Events

Brighton-based,

nationally operating B2B PR agency,

recently awarded as

Small Consultancy of the Year at the

PRCA Dare Awards in London and the South East.

It works with some fantastic clients across the country. For example in

Sussex, it works with London Gatwick on its charity and community group

funding programmes, with law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, with a BCorp modular

housing manufacturer called Boutique

Modern and with Newhaven Enterprise Zone, to name a few.

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

You recently gave a keynote at the

So, if you’re looking to deliver an

that go?

factor, a live interview is a great option

Sussex Business Show, how did

I decided I was bored of PowerPoint so

engaging presentation without the fear and Sam is a fantastic team mate to

to switch up the format, I approached

have by your side!

Q&A, hot on the heels of the launch

When someone approaches Midnight

support meant that my speech was

questions you ask them?

being dry, nerve-wracking and boring.

what do you do and, crucially, who

We met to discuss the key messages I

is the most important. Once we’ve

a list of questions - he was there as

what sector you’re in and what you’re

of preparing for the session and then

target customer is. This is fundamental

Sam Thomas to help me deliver a live of his new brand Different Hats. His

looking for PR, what are the first

enjoyable, engaging and fun instead of

Our initial questions are who are you, do you do it for? This last question

wanted to deliver and he came up with

understood what your business does,

support throughout the whole process

selling, we need to know who your

interviewed me on stage on the day.

to any marketing or PR campaign.

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

“I couldn’t recommend Sam highly enough. His support meant that my recent keynote speech was enjoyable, engaging and fun instead of being dry, nervewracking and boring. I was asked to deliver the opening keynote speech at the Sussex Business Show and I decided that a live Q&A would be a more engaging format, rather than another PowerPoint presentation, so I enlisted the help and support of Sam, who I’ve known a long time and who has interviewed me before on his podcast. He went above and beyond for me. We met to discuss the key messages I wanted to deliver and he came up with a list of questions - he was there as support throughout the whole process of preparing for the session and then interviewed me on stage on the day. Sam also prepared a clip of the podcast to start the session with as well. So, if you’re looking to deliver an engaging presentation without the fear factor, a live interview is a great option and Sam is a fantastic team mate to have by your side!”

If you’re a start-up and haven’t started

selling, the question is who do you think is your target audience and why? Have you conducted market research? Have

you looked at your competitors and who their target customers are?

We’ve been through this process as

Midnight. Several times over, in fact.

It’s important to remember that your

target audience might change as your business grows and develops, so it

might not be a once-in-a-lifetime task but an annual review.

Once you’ve got clarity on who you are targeting, everything flows from there.

What are your top tips for smaller

Grab their attention with a great subject line and then make it as easy for them as possible to copy, paste, publish.

What common mistakes do people make with their PR campaigns?

Avoid expecting press coverage for commercial messages as editorial

messaging is key in PR. The news

cycle is now so fast that anything that

happens in the world is already on social media before a newspaper can report on it, so what journalists want more

than anything is expert opinion. As one of our senior team members recently commented: “only opinion is left” …

so make sure your spokespeople are prepped and media trained.

businesses trying to get press

Tell us about your favourite

First of all, if you’re looking to send out a

Newsjacking campaigns top our list

coverage?

press release, make sure what you’ve got to say is actually newsworthy - launching a new website or app is not news.

You’re far more likely to get coverage

if your story is accompanied by a great

image, so invest in quality photography.

Make it journalist-friendly by sending the press release in the email body,

attaching a proper-sized image (make sure it’s around 1mg – not a tiny

thumbnail), and providing succinct and informative pitches and accessible contact information.

campaigns

Have you seen a shift over the past 3 years - especially since the pandemic of how people communicate their message?

Since the pandemic, two main trends have emerged. People’s attention spans have massively reduced, and customers place trust as the most important factor in their buying decisions. So how do you very quickly create trust with your target customer? Get the leaders of your business out in front, engaged with your PR and marketing campaign so your customers can see the humans behind the brand.

Make sure that any claims can be evidenced – customers can see right through diversity lip-service and green washing. You need to be authentic about your messages.

they are lovely people. Through

What three things do you want people to remember when it comes to PR? Make sure you have clarity on your target audience, get your spokespeople media trained and invest in professional photography. PR is a great way to raise your brand awareness and communicate your key messages.

There are some wonderful agencies that can help. Midnight is one of them.

coverage for them across various

www.midnight.co.uk

because they’re fast paced and fun and can result in some seriously heavyweight press coverage.

One of our national clients is BCIS

(Building Cost Information Service) which is a joy to work with for

numerous reasons, not least because newsjacking, we’ve secured national platforms including The Times, Sky, and BBC Newsnight on trending

topics including HS2 and the RAAC concrete crisis.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Big Business Breakfast ClubSupporting Siobhan’s Trust Sponsored by Adventureholic Join us on Friday 20th

Networking & Events

October at Leonardo

Royal, Brighton, from 8am. The BBBC

team will be on hand

to facilitate any introductions and as

always, the legend himself Alex Ryan

from Marketing 101 with his marketing hints and tips. The room will remain

open after breakfast and hearing from

our guest speaker so that we give you

plenty of time to meet other likeminded businesspeople in the room.

Our Sponsor- Adventureholic Local entrepreneur, international

adventurer and long-time supporter of the

BBBC (and its forebears), Neil Laughton, is sponsoring October’s breakfast meeting.

Earlier this month he organised and

supported Paula Reid on her 400-mile charity cycle ride across Ukraine with

Mark Cropley and his Wildbox Adventure

Vehicle. Starting in Odesa on the shores of the Black Sea, their route went North via

Uman and Kyiv to Chernobyl on Ukraine’s

northern border with Belarus. Neil escorted Paula on his iconic penny farthing bicycle and wearing a top hat when not driving

the support vehicle or making the tea. Neil is delighted to have published his book

‘Adventureholic - Extraordinary journeys

on seven continents by land, sea and air’ on 12th October. Endorsed by

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Bear Grylls and Sir Richard Branson, it is available in

hardback, electronically and on audible - in time for Christmas!

Guest Speaker- Paula Reid

A rare mix of Adventurer, Psychologist, Business Leader. From Skiing to the South Pole to Yacht Racing round-

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

the-world, Paula

Reid has learned to

develop the mindset

to thrive and perform in the toughest of conditions.

She draws on her

extreme adventuring

experience, business

acumen and Masters

in Positive Psychology to help individuals and organisations survive and thrive in challenging

conditions, to manage fear and risk, and to

‘go Knowingly into the Unknown’™.

Join us to hear about Paula’s 120 adventures

In business she has spent 30 years

working with leaders and organisations

including Barclays, GSK, PaloAlto, and the M.O.D. In 2018 she founded Adventure Psychology, a performance and well-

being business bringing programmes teaching the mindset of adventuring,

building flexibility, overcoming adversity, managing change, risk taking, resilience and enduring performance.

Paula is a fellow of the Royal

Geographical Society and has presented the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at St James Palace.

Sponsors Nominated Charity – Siobhan’s Trust

The mission of Siobhan’s Trust – Ukraine is to provide food and practical support to the huge number of internally

displaced Ukrainians, traumatised by the Russian invasion of their homeland.

Since they set up a static feeding station on the Polish/Ukrainian border in early March – they have now evolved our

‘modus operandi’ to provide a mobile

service with food trucks venturing out across the whole country, from our bases in Lviv and Zaporizhzhia.

They can feed up to 4,000 refugees per day from their six mobile kitchens.

We look forward to seeing you all on Friday 20th October, 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 then, please get in touch with the team at team@

bigbusinessbreakfastclub.co.uk

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

Brighton and Hove Business Show to go on tour in 2024 Mike Monk reveals two new shows and a new website.

With a brand new

Networking & Events

website, new

partnerships and

additional shows,

Brighton and Hove

Business Show has really got something to shout about.

Gearing up to stage its third annual

“The floor plan is on the same page at

to ‘up’ their networking and referrals in

the exhibitors’ list on the website, so it’s

the Gatwick area.”

already booked and to whom.

Tunbridge Wells Business Show

“The work on the website is now complete.

This event is being run, in partnership

exhibitors get faster promotion.”

founder and Managing Director of

easy to see at a glance what stands are

It offers a fully automated service, meaning

with Mike, by Nick Bryant, who is Brilliant Businesses.

event at the AMEX Stadium in June next

Gatwick Business Show

on networking calendars.

Mike is staging the show in partnership

Estate on November 7 next year, and

with Gatwick Diamond Business.

stand bookings are already coming in.

It is taking place at the Felbridge Hotel

For further information about any

event will run from 10am to 3pm and

brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk/ or

year, the show is now firmly established

And, to add that ‘something extra’, it’s going on tour next year!

During the summer months, organiser Mike Monk has been busy beefing up

the show’s online presence and firming up details for additional events in Gatwick and Tunbridge Wells.

He said: “Bookings are already coming in for Brighton and Hove Business

Show. I would urge anyone thinking of

booking a stand for June 13 in 2024 to do so sooner rather than later.

The show will be staged at Salomon’s

and Spa on October 17 in 2024. The

or all of the events, visit https://

stand bookings are now open.

contact Mike on 07885 490266.

Full information about the event and the

venue can be found on the Brighton and Hove Business Show website.

“I’m delighted to be partnering with Gatwick Diamond Business for this

event,” said Mike. “It will be the perfect

launchpad for those businesses wishing

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Where Cricket Meets…Michael Vaughan tickets go on sale The Sussex Cricket Foundation is delighted to announce that tickets to next year’s annual fundraising event, ‘Where Cricket Meets…Michael Vaughan’, are on sale now.

Taking place on

Networking & Events

March 28 at the

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, the 2024 event will

feature former England and Ashes

winning captain Michael Vaughan as the guest speaker.

Vaughan will share stories from his glittering playing career, including

anecdotes from one of the greatest Test series in the history of the game, the 2005 Ashes series in England.

Speaking about the event, he said:

“I’m really excited to be supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation with their

fundraising, helping to support all the amazing work they carry out across

the county, to increase participation and continue to make the game accessible to all.

helps raise significant funds to enable

for the last few years, myself, the team,

“I look forward to meeting everyone and

Sussex. I look forward to seeing as many

the event and there have been some

us to continue growing the game across

and our guests have always loved

people there as possible at what should

fantastic speakers, which looks like it is

be another hugely successful event.”

set to continue again this year!”

to support the Foundation’s projects and

This year’s headline sponsor will be

Guests will enjoy a three-course meal,

lives through the power of cricket, create

Cricket’s corporate and community

as well as having the opportunity to take

having a fantastic afternoon in Sussex!”

The annual event aims to raise vital funds

MICHA VAUGH MICHA VAUGH MICHA MICHA VAUGH MICHA

initiatives to help actively change the

Webtrends Optimize, one of Sussex

opportunities to play the game and

partners.

part in games and a silent auction.

to as many people as possible.

Matt Smith from Webtrends Optimize

Tables of ten are priced at £1,000 or

Gary Wallis-Tayler, the Community Director

our support of Sussex Cricket Foundation

£125pp, with all funds going directly to

“I am delighted that Michael has agreed

changing lives through cricket across

continue to make cricket as accessible

listen to stories from Michael Vaughan,

commented: “We’re excited to continue

individual tickets can be purchased at

for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, said:

and the excellent work they do in actively

the Sussex Cricket Foundation.

to be our guest speaker at our headline

the community by sponsoring this year’s

If you’d like to book a table, please

Foundation event.

‘When Cricket Meets...’ fundraiser.

visit https://www.eticketing.co.uk/

“This is an important event for us. It

“Having attended ‘When Cricket Meets...’

Index/477?pbCode=20

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

sussexcricket/EDP/Hospitality/

WHERE CRICKET MEETS...

SPONSORED BY

AEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL AN MICHAEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN AEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL THURSDAY 28TH MARCH 12PM AN MICHAEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN DOUBLETREE BRIGHTON METROPOLE AEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL TO MAKE A BOOKING PLEASE VISIT SUSSEXCRICKET.CO.UK AN MICHAEL VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN EL VAUGHAN VAUGHAN MICHAEL VAUGHAN £125 PP, £1000 FOR A TABLE OF 10

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL FOUNDATION@SUSSEXCRICKET.CO.UK

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

Sussex businesses supporting Sussex artists

October saw the return of The Sussex Contemporary at Brighton i360 for its second year.

Each year the

Networking & Events

exhibition celebrates the very best work from artists that

were either born in

Sussex, educated here or currently live in the county.

This year’s theme was ‘Metamorphosis’

and over 1,100 artworks were submitted for consideration by the judging panel who had the difficult task of selecting

the 140 artworks for the exhibition. In

addition, they also had to choose which

48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

artworks received the coveted prizes.

The first of these was The Creative Pod Prize worth over £2,000 which went

to Thomas Treherne for his oil painting ‘Rising Sun’. He studied at The Royal

Drawing School and The Ruskin School of Art at Oxford University.

The judges felt that ‘Rising Sun’ was a beautiful observation that showed a deep understanding of a natural

environment and the cycles within it that had been delicately committed to paper.

The second award was The Preston

Insurance Brokers Prize worth over £1,000.

It went to Ben Wade for his charcoal

drawing titled ‘The Casual Crowd’. This is the first time Ben had worked with

charcoal and from a distance it could easily be mistaken for a photograph.

The judges commented that Ben’s work showed an unbelievable skill with the

material, and a deep understanding of tone and perspective.

The final prize awarded was The Sussex

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

Contemporary Photography Prize which went to Jonathan Lamb for his moving black and white photo entitled ‘Mum

with Dad with Dementia’. The picture

sparked many discussions amongst the thousands of visitors to the exhibition.

Jonathan generously donated his prize money to Dementia UK.

At the time of writing there is still

one prize to be announced which

is the People’s Choice Prize kindly

sponsored by Whitespace. Visitors

to the exhibition were encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork.

“Sussex has been a haven for creative talent for hundreds of years and

we wanted to showcase the very best local talent in a standard of

exhibition that is usually reserved for world famous artworks,” said

Joanna Myles, Creative Director at

Sussex Contemporary. “This comes

at a tremendous cost, and we are so thankful for our generous corporate

sponsors from the Sussex business community.”

Sponsors included; Brighton i360, Mayo Wynne Baxter, Platinum

Media Group, Creative Pod, Preston Insurance Brokers, Sussex Print Management, Whitespace and Generation Distillers.

A percentage of the proceeds from artwork sold at the exhibition also went to support Sussex charity Table Talk Foundation.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

MOTO RI NG N E WS S P ON S OR

Introducing the all-new Toyota C-HR The new Toyota C-HR: a game-changer for Toyota in the UK The original Toyota

Motoring News

C-HR was a

breakthrough for Toyota and the

European C-SUV

segment. It challenged the conventional SUV look with a bold, angular design

that resembled modern sports coupes.

The all-new, next-generation Toyota

C-HR raises the bar with its cutting-

edge design, advanced technologies and a range of electrified hybrid and

plug-in hybrid powertrains with more power, better driveability, and longer

electric driving range. It also reaffirms

model goes further with an interior that

new model was designed in Europe

look and feel. All control elements

and it is being produced exclusively in

while a horizontal instrument panel

high-voltage battery units.

give passengers the sense of the cabin

A car that stands out, not fit in

sense of comfort.

design follows the styling shown by the

A customised in-car experience

Its unique exterior has the impact of ‘a

that goes beyond customer expectations

Toyota’s commitment to Europe: the

has an even more premium and refined

with European customers in mind,

are concentrated in the driver’s zone,

Europe, including the assembly of its

arrangement and a ‘wing’ design theme

The new Toyota C-HR’s stunning

wrapping around them, enhancing the

prologue model unveiled in late 2022.

Toyota has a tailored in-car experience

concept car on the road’.

and acknowledges the importance of a

Toyota’s design and aero teams worked

can use their phone app, a touchscreen

aerodynamically efficient as well as visually

functions. The goal has been to create a

of airflow over and around the vehicle in

that anticipates the user’s needs.

front bumper and format of the rear roof

A welcoming scenario automatically

seamless look with tighter shut lines and

their vehicle, with exterior lights getting

cameras, radar, and headlight washers

C-HR light signature on the back door.

connected ecosystem where customers

closely together to ensure the exterior was

or voice commands to access a variety of

striking. This has ensured optimisation

simple, smart and personalised experience

detail including the precise profiling of the spoiler. Efforts were focused on creating a

happens as the driver gets close to

the perfect integration of features such as

brighter – including the new Toyota

with a “hidden tech” approach.

The driver’s preferred settings for (where

The original Toyota C-HR set a new

display, head-up display and multimedia

standard in sensory quality; the new

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

available) seat position, digital instrument screen are automatically applied.

The Toyota C-HR features a new, 12.3-

inch fully digital combimeter (depending on trim grade). The graphics are crisp

and the information is clearly organised and easy to read. The display can be

adjusted to prioritise different content according to driver preference or the

type of journey being made, for example making the active ADAS function

information prominent when entering

a motorway. Three pre-set layouts can be personalised using switches on the

steering wheel. Quality and ease of use are enhanced by the consistent use of colours and fonts for the combimeter and the multimedia display screen.

The Toyota C-HR will have a digital key system, where the user only needs to

have their phone with them to access and start the vehicle.

The all-new Toyota C-HR will have

the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia

package, including (according to model

grade) an eight or 12.3-inch touchscreen, onboard voice agent and wireless smartphone connection via Apple

CarPlay or Android Auto. The system will provide EV range information and local

MOTO R I N G N EWS SP ON SO R

charging locations in its POI function.

Owners will also be able to use the MyT smartphone app for remote control of

vehicle functions, including operating an air conditioning system to heat or cool the car before making a journey. The

high level of innovation in the all-new

Toyota C-HR includes a unique-in-class automatic parking function. An app will also be available to allow fully remote parking, with the driver outside the

vehicle, allowing for even more precise manoeuvring into limited spaces.

Enhanced protection and convenience The all-new Toyota C-HR comes with

the latest Toyota Safety Sense package of active safety and driver assistance

features, which offer more protection and

support for the driver in various situations.

The system can also be updated over-theair, without the need to visit a retailer.

Some of the new features include

Acceleration Suppression, which reduces sudden acceleration when there is a

risk of hitting a vehicle in front. Another new feature is Proactive Driving Assist

(PDA), which helps the driver slow down smoothly when approaching a slower vehicle or a curve. It also provides

Steering Assist, which adjusts the steering force to help the driver make a smooth

and stable turn when a curve is detected.

Additionally, owners can opt for an

advanced safety package for their car, which includes features such as Lane

Change Assist with Front Cross Traffic Alert, a Driver Monitor Camera (which

improves the performance of the EDSS), an Automatic High-Beam System

with camera control to adjust the light distribution; and (where allowed by

local regulations) hands-free driving to

automatically follow the vehicle in front in congested traffic.

Multiple electrified options

The all-new Toyota C-HR will offer

four electrified powertrains, a line-up

that shows Toyota’s well-established

energy efficiency, recognising the best

neutrality. Toyota believes that different

following a route via the car’s navigation

customers access to affordable and

a new geofencing function, the Toyota

pace of CO2 reduction from now on and

EV operation when the car enters a low

zero-emission mobility.

usage across the entire trip (when using

The range includes 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid

charge is available).

plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) model. The

Finally, the AWD-i option is available on

option of intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i).

traction and stability when pulling

The new models use the latest, fifth-

surfaces, supported by an additional

delivers a class-leading balance of

generator on the car’s rear axle. This

meeting the needs and priorities of

vehicle speeds and road conditions.

market. This has been achieved with a

Enhanced, fun-to-drive performance

system components to reduce size and

dynamic performance has been examined

power control unit (PCU) and a more

the model’s established reputation

multi-technology approach to carbon

opportunities for energy recharging when

options need to be available to give

system. Thanks to the introduction of

practical vehicles that will speed up the

C-HR PHEV will automatically switch to

help ensure a successful transition to

emission zone (LEZ), optimising battery

electric (HEV) versions and a 2.0-litre

2.0-litre HEV variant will also have the

a navigation system and sufficient battery

the 2.0-litre HEV version gives added

away, cornering, or driving on slippery

generation Toyota technology which

compact, high-torque electric motor

increased power and low emissions,

system can operate over a wide range of

customers at the core of the C-segment comprehensive redesign of key hybrid

Every aspect of the Toyota C-HR’s

weight, including a new transaxle and

to deliver improvements, building on

powerful high-voltage battery.

for quick, agile handling. The new

The 1.8-litre Hybrid powertrain, also

intuitive acceleration performance

on eco performance but has significantly

relationship between the use of the throttle

hybrid electric Toyota C-HR. The 2.0-litre

driver confidence and the fun-to-drive

its higher output contributing to a

have also been redesigned and tuned to

powertrains have been tuned to achieve

used in the new Corolla family, focuses

and controllability, with a more direct

more power than the current 1.8-litre

and the vehicle’s response, increasing

Hybrid is an even stronger option,

factor. Suspension, brakes and steering

rewarding hybrid driving experience with

achieve an ideal balance between vehicle

uncompromised efficiency.

poise, ride comfort and responsiveness.

The 2.0-litre Plug-in Hybrid – a best-

During development, the Toyota C-HR

provides effortless all-electric EV driving

of Toyota master drivers, both on track at

electric performance for longer trips. The

all kinds of roads, and in different weather

true EV capability with a very competitive

the best possible dynamic balance.

“one pedal”-like driving experience – with

https://www.rivervale.co.uk/

in-class system – has a dual DNA: it

underwent extensive testing by a team

for daily use and highly efficient hybrid

the company’s European test centre, on

system can make driving easier, with

conditions across the continent, to ensure

range, and with Regeneration Boost – a

three operating levels- for easier progress in city traffic. It will also automatically adjust the drive mode to optimise

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

CH A M BE R N E WS S P ON S OR

British Chambers of Commerce launches a new Business Council Business needs a fresh relationship with Government working together in real partnership to fix our economic challenges, seize opportunities and build an economy that works for all: one that is fit for the future.

The Chamber

Chamber News

network is listening

to businesses about issues such as

sustainable growth,

productivity, people and work, and innovation.

That is why, the British Chambers has

launched a national campaign, “Where

Business Belongs” to invite businesses to join the network as we build on the

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

partnership with government to seek out opportunities for a better, more sustainable Britain.

As part of this campaign, a new

Business Council has been launched, to convene and discuss the major trends and challenges facing business and industry to guide our policy work.

This is targeted at large companies and institutions who want representation

rooted in their local communities and

the ability to shape the national debate.

Members will also have access

to a unique blend of benefits and

services at a national level as well as membership of their relevant UK or international Chamber.

The new body, comprising some of the most prominent British businesses,

has been brought together to work in partnership with politicians to drive

C HA M BER N EWS SP O N SO R

the future of the economy at this crucial time.

The Business Council will focus on five key challenges and will develop policy proposals that will help transform the future of the UK economy.

• Digital Revolution (ensuring British business is ready for the pace of exponential change to come)

• People and Work (developing a

comprehensive plan to reform the labour market and tackle skills shortages)

• Green Innovation (delivering on net

zero and realising the huge economic opportunities of green growth)

• Global Britain (supporting exporters and ensuring the UK remains one of

the best places in the world to invest) • Local Economy of the Future

(creating policy change to enable

business to drive growth across the UK’s towns and cities)

Its initial recommendations will feed into a Business Manifesto in the new year

that will aim to influence political party

manifestos ahead of the General Election.

The Council will then work to develop follow-up papers to help the next

Government set a business-backed

agenda from day one and establish a long-term strategy for growth.

Business Council members will focus on at least one of the challenges.

The challenge themes will all be

chaired by five experienced business leaders, working with commissions of businesses, experts, Chamber representatives and academics.

The British Chambers of Commerce has held its inaugural meeting of its

new Business Council alongside Cabinet

Minister, the Rt Hon Michael Gove and

Shadow Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves.

Following the initial

meeting, the Business Council will start to

produce their first policy recommendations in early 2024.

British Chamber’s

President and Business

Council Chair, Baroness Martha Lane Fox,

said: “Now more than

ever, businesses must

Ana Christie

come together to

tackle the challenges

The Rt Hon Michael Gove said:

of economic disruption and with a

Prime Minister’s missions to grow the

national Business Council will help

up plays a crucial part in that which

and clear by policymakers. Together in

with leading businesses at the British

the answers to the key issues facing the

challenges and opportunities across

Michael Gove and Rachel Reeves join

British Chamber of Commerce for their

facing the UK economy. In the face

“The Government is focused on the

general election looming, our new,

economy and halve inflation. Levelling

the voice of business to be heard loud

is why I’m so pleased to be meeting

partnership with politicians, it will find

Chamber’s Business Council to discuss

UK economy, so it was great to have

the country and am very grateful to the

us for our inaugural meeting.

excellent work on the Business Council.

“The expertise and experience that

and improving digital connectivity are

allows for a powerful and engaging

across the UK, and will in, turn,

Boosting skills up and down the country

our council members bring to the table

key tenets of spreading opportunity

debate about the problems but also

contribute to economic growth.”

realistic and understand the financial

Any business in Sussex wishing

both today and the next five years will

Chamber or the British Chamber

these that we can work collectively to

should contact Ana Christie, CEO,

the frontline of the economy and give

sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

helps to identify the solutions. Firms are limitations that the Governments of

to find out more about Sussex

be facing. But it’s through initiatives like

network as well as Business Council

make a real difference for businesses on

Sussex Chamber. Email: info@

them the tools they need to succeed.

This was an excellent first meeting to act as a springboard in developing practical and pragmatic policies across the five challenge areas.”

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

CH A M BE R N E WS S P ON S OR

Supporting refugees into work and business

Brighton Chamber has launched a new project which, using the expertise in Brighton and Hove’s business network, aims to support refugees in our city to find work or start their own business, writes Hannah Jackson.

Brighton Chamber is

Chamber News

working with Brighton

and Hove City Council and local charities to support people with

refugee backgrounds into work, and

providing help with starting a business.

The aim of this new project, funded

by Brighton and Hove City Council, is to offer practical support, and

find ways for the Brighton business community to come together and

help those with refugee backgrounds.

Using the expertise in the Chamber’s

business network, the project will help people with skills and experience,

but facing additional barriers, to gain

the confidence to find work or start a

business – and feel that they’re a part of the economy of Brighton & Hove.

Sarah Springford, CEO at Brighton

Employer Jobs Fair, to help employers

the Inclusive Employer Jobs Fair

diverse and inclusive teams.

opportunities, or would like to join

find the talent they need to build more

Chamber, said: “This project brings

The Inclusive Employer Jobs Fair, taking

the city, and we have already seen some

Tuesday 14 November (10am – 12pm)

from the collaborations between us all.”

jobs and training opportunities currently

This exciting and impactful project

interested in meeting people with

together over 20 partner organisations in

place at The Clarendon Centre on

excellent solutions and support coming

will showcase employers who have

available or coming up, and who are

includes opportunities for Chamber

English as an additional language.

for those wanting to start a business,

Job seekers will come along to meet

advice or share their business journey

talk about their skills and experience, and

members to offer a mentoring session use their skills and expertise to provide

some of Brighton’s brilliant employers,

with a group at an event.

match them to a new career opportunity.

As part of the project, the Chamber will

If you’d like to get involved in the

also be running their fourth Inclusive

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

project by having a free stand at

to share your jobs and training

a group of business experts who the Chamber can call on to talk

with refugees about your area of

expertise – get in touch with Susi: chamber@brightonchmber.co.uk Brighton Chamber is a dynamic,

inclusive and welcoming membership organisation for businesses of all

sizes. Head over to brightonchamber. co.uk to find out about the project, for business support, events and more.

Could you be a this Christmas?

Help Rockinghorse Children’s Charity bring Christmas to thousands of children in hospital this year.

Spending time in hospital over Christmas isn’t fun for anyone, but it’s even worse for children - not knowing if Father Christmas will visit or being able to enjoy Christmas at home, not to mention being scared and worried about their treatment.

We want to light up the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital with a spectacular starry sky projection to show the children that we are thinking of them this Christmas.

To help us do this, could you sponsor a star to be included in this magical display?

If you can sponsor a Rockinghorse Star this Christmas, it will help fund life-changing support. However you can help, every single donation makes a difference to the support we are able to offer.

To find out more about how to sponsor a star, please get in touch: amanda@rockinghorse.org.uk 01273 330044

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

LI FE STY L E S PO NS OR

From awareness to action: creating an inclusive fertility policy in the workplace A year ago I stepped into a Podcast Studio in Brighton to be interviewed by an old patient of mine, Sam Thomas. I was victim 23 in his 24-hour podcast challenge, very nervous as I had not done anything like this before, but excited as we hadn’t met in over eight years, writes Carole Gilling-Smith, of The Agora Clinic.

Sam and his wife, Kelly,

Lifestyle

are proud parents

of twins conceived

at the Agora! Within

minutes of the podcast

starting, we were engrossed in a deeply emotional conversation which became pivotal, for both of us, as we reflected on his journey, and I reflected on my

passion for dispelling the myths and taboos still associated with infertility and improving fertility education in

schools and the workplace. That is how

I have found my way into this magazine, covering, topic by topic, those areas in

reproductive health I know so many feel uncomfortable discussing.

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Fertility Awareness Week (30th October to 2nd November) is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals and couples struggling with fertility issues and so, in this article, I have elected to delve deep into a workplace issue and give you my top tips on how to create a fair and inclusive fertility policy.

The elephant in the room Let’s start with this. Employers know that many of their younger employees will at some point want to start a family. This stems from an innate human desire for companionship, leaving a legacy and most importantly a deep emotional fulfilment derived from nurturing and watching a new life grow, especially with one’s partner.

If conception is not, or cannot, happen ‘naturally’, or there is pregnancy loss, immense stress evolves and for many there are additional feelings of despair, guilt and shame. Broaching the topic of needing fertility investigations or treatment to conceive is not a conversation most want to have with their friends, family or work colleagues let alone with their boss or HR department. It is an ‘uncomfortable’ topic prompting fear of discrimination which could affect job prospects or promotion.

The harsh reality is that people find it incredibly challenging to deal first with the diagnosis of infertility and then the treatment they need to resolve it; it can be incredibly hard to juggle fertility treatment

L I F ESTY L E SP ON SO R

appointments, daily injections and the inevitable emotional rollercoaster of the fertility journey while staying on top of your professional game and keep the whole thing hidden from your boss and work colleagues. That is why fertility journeys are so often shrouded in secrecy, with injections being done during coffee breaks in the staff toilets, appointments being attended by only one partner and sick days being taken at short notice.

Over 60% of businesses fall short when it comes to understanding and accommodating these unique needs as they have no fertility policy in place.

Workflow is disrupted and talent is lost due to stress, decreased productivity, and burnout amongst affected employees.

With unemployment at an all-time low, and recruitment and retention an ongoing challenge, there has never been a better time for organisations to step up their game and make a positive change.

The 5 domains within an inclusive fertility policy 1. Education and awareness A recent survey found that 43% of those going through fertility treatment faced negative comments or attitudes by their colleagues at work. Best workplace environments find the time and space to educate their managers and employees about fertility issues through seminars and workshops, inviting professional speakers in to provide insights into the emotional and physical aspects of infertility and encouraging those with lived experience to share their stories.

This helps colleagues learn how to support, what to (and not to) say, reduces the stigma surrounding fertility struggles and helps foster a more empathetic workplace culture. This can be facilitated and reinforced through fertility awareness days such as during National Fertility Awareness Week. Over the last three years, I have been invited to speak to many organisations about fertility matters and the feedback has always been overwhelmingly positive.

2. Flexible working arrangements Flexibility is key when supporting employees facing fertility challenges as treatment often involves multiple appointments over weeks and months (a typical IVF cycle could be 6 to 8 appointments and several cycles might be needed to achieve a pregnancy).

The best approach is to adopt flexible working arrangements, such as adjusted schedules or remote work options, to allow individuals to attend their medical appointments and manage their treatments without compromising their professional responsibilities. An alternative approach is to ensure paid leave for all appointments. Both options demonstrate how as a business you are committed to supporting your employees’ personal well-being. This will not be a financial burden as the business will benefit from predictable absence, reduced sickness and long-term employee loyalty.

3. Emotional and mental health support Infertility or pregnancy loss can have a profound impact on an individual’s emotional well-being. The charity Fertility Network UK found that over 90% of those going through fertility treatment experienced depression. This is why businesses should consider providing access to specialist fertility counselling services or employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer professional support for mental health issues related to fertility struggles. These resources can help employees navigate the emotional challenges and develop coping strategies, promoting overall well-being.

The workplace should also consider creating safe spaces where fertility and other matters can be discussed in confidence, employees can go to administer their fertility injections or ‘take 5’ if the emotional burden is taking its toll.

4. Confidentiality and privacy Maintaining confidentiality is paramount when dealing with sensitive issues such as infertility, miscarriage, or adoption. HR departments and managers should ensure that their employees’ personal information

remains private and confidential,

respecting their right to disclose or

withhold information about their fertility

journey. This creates an environment of psychological safety, where individuals

feel comfortable opening up about their

journey, whatever that may look like, and

seeking support without fear of judgement or discrimination.

5. Financial support

Whilst some going through fertility

treatment have access to NHS funding, many have to self-fund their treatment which can be financially draining,

especially as infertility is not often

covered by standard health insurance

plans. However, change is in the air and

employers can make a significant impact by offering benefits that include a fixed price fertility package which will cover

fertility treatments, adoption, or surrogacy as needed. A number of leading health insurance providers are now working

with organisations to offer such policies, as well as supportive apps, making the journey more manageable. Whilst this is a cost, this sort of support inspires

employees and is likely to be a win-win.

Make your fertility policy accessible and inclusive

Any policy or guidance needs to be

visible and accessible to all staff and

written in language that is appropriate and sensitive to the differing needs,

gender identities and sexual orientation of the workforce. A well set out fertility

policy should discuss all the pathways to parenthood, including donor egg

and sperm treatments, surrogacy and

adoption as well as pregnancy loss and

signpost staff to additional resources for support and information.

Make a difference this Fertility

Awareness Week and if you are

unsure how to do this, reach out to our professional team at the Agora Clinic

www.agoraclinic.co.uk. Many of my team will gladly come in and provide some free education.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57

LI FE STY L E S PO NS OR

Little Jasmine turns 15: a pillar of well-being in Brighton & Hove Brighton & Hove, with its coastal charm and vibrant culture, has been home to a transformative and inspiring journey that spans 15 years: Little Jasmine Therapies and Spa has been the city’s sanctuary, but its story is more than just about spa treatments.

In a small yet

Lifestyle

cosy apartment in Brighton back in 2008, two souls

from distant lands

nurtured a dream.

Kyriakos, hailing from the vibrant lands of Northern Greece, and May, carrying the rich traditions of Thailand, found themselves in the UK, bound by a

shared vision for a brighter future. Their aspiration was not merely personal; it was a grand ambition to create

something transcendent, a fusion of their values and cultures, offering moments of serenity and connection.

From the warmth of their modest living room, they embarked on a journey of providing exceptional massage treatments. Each session was a

58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

harmonious fusion of Greek zest and

Thai tradition, ensuring every client felt deeply valued and rejuvenated. The

business was a ray of light, growing

steadily, day by day, client by client.

But life, with its unpredictable twists,

presented Kyriakos with a challenge. He

lost his job, leaving him with a three-month gap where he had to reassess his path.

For many, this would have been a moment of despair. However, for

Kyriakos and May, it was an unexpected opportunity. These three months

became the trigger for them to go all in,

not just for their dreams but to safeguard the future of their family.

Then, as fate would have it, Amex offered Kyriakos another position. He accepted and continued to work there until 2014.

Yet, the seed had been planted during those three pivotal months.

With unwavering determination, Kyriakos eventually decided to dedicate himself full-time to the business. The modest

venture from their apartment began to

evolve and, as the years passed, Little

Jasmine expanded, a shining example of their dedication, resilience, and vision.

Little Jasmine today

Today, Little Jasmine shines as a

distinguished oasis of holistic wellbeing in Brighton & Hove. Spread across three strategically located

premises in the city, it has proudly

served over 100,000 clients, offering them a haven of relaxation and

rejuvenation. Its 12 luxurious rooms

are meticulously designed to ensure a serene experience for every visitor.

L I F ESTY L E SP ON SO R

The spa treatments, crafted with

precision, are rendered by some of the country’s most skilled therapists.

With its unwavering dedication to

quality and service, Little Jasmine has

earned numerous accolades, solidifying its reputation as an award-winning establishment in spa therapies.

The Little Jasmine ethos: more than skin deep

From its inception, Little Jasmine was built on pillars of excellence. Every treatment was a blend of precision, expertise

and genuine care. This wasn’t just an

opportunity; it was a calling. A calling to transform lives, one session at a time,

ensuring that every patron left not just

satisfied but rejuvenated in body and spirit.

Driven by a purpose

At its core, Little Jasmine is more than

just a Day Spa. It’s a mission. “A mission to enhance the well-being of 1 million

individuals in our community”, as Kyriakos and May say. Every treatment, every

session, is a step towards this ambitious goal. But why such a lofty mission?

Because Little Jasmine believes in the

power of well-being to transform lives. And in today’s fast-paced world, a moment of relaxation can make all the difference.

Values that echo in every corner

Little Jasmine’s ethos is deeply rooted

in its values. Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a commitment. From eco-friendly

practices to partnerships with charities like Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer

Research UK, the Spa’s footprint goes beyond business. It’s a tapestry of

empowerment, community engagement and a celebration of diversity.

Kyriakos and May, along with their son Marko, embody a hands-on approach to charity. Their dedication isn’t just

financial; it’s personal. In April 2023, the family travelled to Thailand, where they directly fed 10 schools and nourished over 2000 children with healthy food.

This hands-on experience, serving with their own hands, underscored their

belief in the tangible impact of direct

involvement. “Being present and active

in charitable work isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a way of life for us” says May.

Their commitment to charity is further

evident in Little Jasmine’s steadfast support for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

This esteemed organisation has been

a pillar of support for sick and disabled

children across Sussex for over 55 years.

Gazing into tomorrow

The ever-evolving Day Spa world

demands constant innovation. With plans to expand and a vision to introduce more

groundbreaking services, Little Jasmine is

poised for a future as luminous as its past.

Bespoke innovations: tailoring experiences

Pamper Parties: Celebrations are about joy, bonding, and creating

memories. Little Jasmine’s Pamper Parties elevate this experience.

Tailored treatments, luxurious settings, and the spa’s signature care turn any

occasion into a memorable spa retreat.

Corporate Well-being: In the corporate

maze of deadlines, meetings, and stress, Little Jasmine emerges as a sanctuary.

With bespoke Corporate Well-being

packages, businesses can now ensure

their employees feel valued, rejuvenated, and primed for productivity.

4D Chair Massage: Imagine a massage that adapts, understands and caters

to every contour of your body. Using advanced technology, it ensures a

holistic approach to relaxation, setting new standards in massage therapy.

In closing, Little Jasmine represents

not merely a Day Spa but a legacy. A legacy of passion, commitment and an unwavering promise to deliver

unparalleled experiences. As Kyriakos Baxevanis often says: “Little Jasmine represents a voyage. A journey that invites everyone to be a part of, to

experience, and to cherish. A journey

of building, evolving and empowering our community.”

Learn more about Little Jasmine and book a treatment:

www.little-jasmine.com

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59

LI FE STY L E S PO NS OR

Review of The Ivy Asia

An invite to the Ivy Asia is not one that goes unnoticed. We had heard the hype but not visited before, so we were very keen to try it. Having been to the Ivy, just next door, we had high expectations of this restaurant, and I can promise you it did not disappoint.

You cannot fail to

Lifestyle

mention the visual extravaganza that greets you upon

entry to this stunning

venue. One look at the website would give you a titillating glimpse of the décor, but I cannot overstate just

how overwhelmingly audacious it is.

Packed with deep reds, pink hues

and bright blue/turquoise furniture,

not to mention the underfloor lighting and spectacular lanterns, I challenge anyone not to walk through the door to this restaurant and not feel like

you’ve made it in life. It inspires not just a comment but an entire uplift

in mood and I would go so far as to

say it helps the entire experience feel

more indulgent and classy. Take plenty of selfies and videos – this is a Tik Tokker’s dream background.

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

We were seated quickly in a very cosy corner space which gave us a nosy

view of the whole restaurant. We were

surprised to see, on a rainy Wednesday night, a very dapper DJ playing Ibiza inspired chill out mood tunes which

somehow perfectly matched the tone.

A well dressed, trendy crowd suited the music and atmosphere well.

Our server, Maria, introduced herself

to us. Impeccably dressed, all the staff

were smiley and friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the menu and

wine list. Maria recommended the Ivy

Experience Menu. Lucky enough not to have any allergies, we were treated to

an absolute feast for the eyes and the

mouth. To match with our food, we chose a bottle of the Roseblood, D’estoublon

rose wine which perfectly complemented all of the dishes on the menu.

The dishes come out in a bunch at a time, served with a dramatic dry ice

smoke and some glamourous bowls and plates. First up, we had flamed

edamame with spicy dip, literally the

most tasty and moreish sauce I have ever tried. I genuinely asked if they sold it by the bottle -I would have

bought it then and there. Added to this were some other mixed sushi starters including beef tataki with tosazu,

yellowtail, cucumber and takuan maki

roll, seared salmon nigiri and the divine truffle miso and wasabi salsa. These

were all, without exception, an assault

on the senses, and mixed with the wine, a mouthwatering delight which made us so ready for the next course.

We next tasted the prawn tempura with chill and lime. Quite a common dish, of

course, but somehow the Ivy Asia version

L I F ESTY L E SP ON SO R

had the edge, perhaps slightly more lime, or perhaps that alongside the pork and

kimchi dumplings made it a match made

in heaven. It was the perfect amount, not too much to ruin the final course.

We next had what we both thought

was the absolute favourite part of the menu. I fell in love with the salt and

pepper beef. Cooked to perfection, the sauce was mouth-wateringly good, the only disappointing part was that I had nothing to use to mop up every last

trace of it in the dish. My partner also fell for the miso black cod, so it is fair to say we were both full and extremely happy with the meal.

As a final hurrah, we still surprisingly

managed to wolf down the ‘red dragon’ ice cream with cinnamon donuts, again

flawless in its presentation and texture – a sublime way to end the meal.

I cannot leave a review for the Ivy

with a group or partner you are trying

Shared with its sister restaurant next

wondrous treat experience, or even just

simply amazing. You could spend 20

gift, I struggle to see how any party

without mentioning the restrooms.

to impress, to take your family on a

door, the restrooms at Ivy Asia are

to celebrate dining alone for a self-care

minutes there just filling your phone

could leave here disappointed.

booths which is another spectacular

The service was impeccable, our waitress

with dramatic selfies in the individual visual stimulation.

Maria and all of the friendly serving staff

What I think the Ivy Asia excels at, in

and recommending their favourites.

making your visit an experience rather

chatty Sophie, who seemed to personally

the décor makes you feel revitalised

Dare I say, this was the best meal and

bringing the food describing the dishes

comparison to other restaurants, is

A special mention to the friendly and

than a simple meal. From the very start

delight in our enjoyment of the dishes.

and excited. This continues with a

experience I have ever had in Brighton?

everything from the presentation of

I have already re-booked and this

food and the mouth-watering dishes,

recommended Brighton venue.

satisfied and immediately wanting to

https://theivyasia.com/restaurants/ the-ivy-asia-brighton/

journey through Asia, and it feels that the plates, the dry ice, the fragrant

you cannot help but leave completely return. Whether you are looking to visit

is, for now, my absolute top go-to

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61

W I N E O F TH E MO NT H S P ON S OR

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month October 2023 Lidio Carraro Da’Divas Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage 2016 Moving into Autumn means a movement towards red wines.

As we come into autumn, I naturally gravitate towards more red wines.

Although I typically enjoy French and

Italian red wines, I do like to try wines

from areas classed as the ‘New World’, including those from New Zealand, South Africa and South America.

Because of the amount of sunshine in these regions, the wine can typically

be fuller flavoured, richer bodied and

additives, no filtration or even wood ageing giving very vibrant

and fruity wines. The

wine I have chosen is

the Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon blend, which provides a richer wine to its

French equivalent of wines from St Emilion.

with higher alcohol levels. Most wines

Michael’s tasting

Argentina (Malbec) and Chile (Cabernet

pairing

from South America tend to come from Sauvignon and Merlot).

First review of a Brazilian Wine for Sussex Business Times

This month’s winemaker comes from

the south part of Brazil in Encruzilhada do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, which is not far from the Atlantic Coast and

its border with Uruguay (which is also making some very nice wines). This

is a warm growing area, which rarely

drops below zero degrees Celsius, and is similar in temperature to the east coast of Australia.

Lidio Carraro’s Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Lidio Carraro is a boutique producer, making around 400,000 bottles per

year and is well respected in Brazil.

It exports wine to 28 countries. As the name suggests, Lidio Carraro

has Italian heritage and is focused on producing natural wines. It takes a

purist approach of winemaking with no

62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

notes and food

This wine is

bursting with

character. It is

very much fruit-

forward with lots of strawberries

and blackcurrant

coming through. It has medium

body and more delicate flavours

of chocolate and coffee with slight

savoury notes coming through in the background.

Food pairing with the South American Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon blends Because of the richness of South American wines, they work very

well with roasted meats. Cabernet

Sauvignon, in particular, works well with churrasco-roasted cuts; like

Picanha which is top sirloin and a

speciality from Brazil. These wines

also work very well with barbeques and smoked foods which need a strong wine.

Where to buy This wine is widely available from

specialist South American vintners using winesearcher https://www.

wine-searcher.com/ or at our stand at the popular Steyning, Shoreham and Arundel local farmers’ markets each month from £12 a bottle.

Written for County Business Club

by Michael Yeoman, English Wine Specialist and producer of Spirit

of the Downs, award winning local artisan Brandies and Grape spirit.

A Very Grand Christmas...

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