SBT issue 479

BRIGHTON AND HOVE MUSEUMS

BRING TOGETHER SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL LANDMARKS SHARING SUSSEX

Abigail Thomas, COO and Deputy CEO (left) and Kate Rooks, Head of Fundraising (right)

SBTWelcome

Welcome to another edition of SBT

Preserving the past is putting the future of Brighton & Hove’s cultural treasures at the heart of both community and business.

Anyone who appreciates the value of museums and historic buildings knows that the past whispers secrets to the future. By preserving stories, artefacts and even mistakes, we equip generations to acquire a richer understanding.

Imagine a world where forgotten melodies, once sung by our ancestors, never grace our ears. Or where triumphs and tragedies remain unchronicled, leaving us blind to the patterns of history.

In this issue of the magazine, we celebrate the transfer of the city’s most important cultural assets from local authority ownership to a Trust with charity status.

Preservation isn’t just about dusty museums; it’s about breathing life into the past. Through oral histories, vibrant digital archives and meticulously restored buildings, we bridge the temporal gap. This knowledge acts as a compass, guiding us through uncharted territories. By understanding past innovations, failures and cultural shifts, we can navigate the present with a clearer vision and innovate for a better tomorrow.

Preserving the past isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about fostering a future where we stand on the shoulders of giants, not stumble in the dark.

The challenge lies in choosing what to safeguard. It is one fully understood by Brighton & Hove Museums. It knows it must also strive for inclusivity, ensuring voices from marginalised communities aren’t ignored.

Ultimately, preserving the past is an act of hope. It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and the belief that our experiences hold value for generations yet to come.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we learn about the Talk 24 initiative and what participants thought of it. We have the usual Finance and Legal advice, plenty of networking news and features that reflect the ever-evolving business landscape.

As we march towards the traditional summer holidays, the focus is still very much on work as well as play.

Here’s to growth - and some time in the sunshine.

Sam Thomas, Managing Director

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

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The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Licenced to TBG by Pixel Publications Ltd Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY

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Monthly News

A new guide has been launched to help businesses successfully navigate social media, charity supporters are thanked at a special event, there’s a new B Corp on the block, and we cover the celebrations as Irwin Mitchell launches a Brighton office. 13

Value Added Partner Stories

County Business Clubs Sussex introduces you to Will Beer, Financial Planner at Servo Private Wealth. 14

Finance

Carpenter Box explains what you should include in management accounts and Preston Insurance Brokers tackle the pressing issue of cyber attacks. Meanwhile, SEICO Group asks: What’s next for your business? 20

Legal

Mayo Wynne Baxter explains how those buying or selling property can protect themselves from cyber crime and 365 Employment Law outlines changes the new Labour government will make to employment law.

Cover Story

Meet the Trust responsible for running Brighton & Hove’s most historic attractions and museums.

Motoring

Rivervale shares the secret of how to drive your dream car - with affordability in mind.

Why isn’t AI everywhere yet? Simpler with AI is here to explain.

A bowls event prompts an up-beat message from Gavin Willis on the power of business collaboration. We also meet some of the business leaders getting on their bikes to support the work of the Starr Trust.

Networking & Events

Speedee-boarding event raises more than £10,000 for good causes, Evolve sponsors the next meeting of the Big Business Breakfast Club and we get the latest news from Sussex Business Show. There’s an office building up for grabs at The 1st Central County Ground and Mike Monk gives us a round-up of Brighton & Hove Business Show.

Chamber News

Sussex Chamber Business Awards - all the winners.

Lifestyle

Culture is the new currency, a new Hospitality Hotspot and a special feature on the Talk 24 retreat.

Wine of the Month

This month’s offering from wine expert Michael Yeoman. What has he chosen for July?

Fox&Bear launches new guide on the importance of social media

Leading Brighton-based marketing agency Fox&Bear, proudly announce the release of their latest guide titled “Leveraging social media to engage your audience”. This comprehensive guide provides actionable insights and strategies for businesses to effectively harness the power of social media in their marketing efforts.

Social media is a crucial component of any successful marketing strategy. Did you know TikTok has overtaken Google as the most popular search engine among Gen Z? Consumers of all ages are increasingly using social media for information. Businesses have an unparalleled opportunity to connect their audience with their content but face a growing risk of being left behind if they’re slow to truly embrace these platforms. Fox&Bear’s new guide delves into the complex role of social media in contemporary marketing, offering a

roadmap for businesses aiming to thrive in this dynamic environment.

The guide highlights the importance of building trust and credibility through social media. In an age where consumers frequently research online to validate the credibility of providers, showcasing expertise and sharing real-life testimonials can significantly enhance a brand’s reliability. Key strategies include:

Showcasing expertise: Using social media to highlight the qualifications and knowledge of your team through articles, webinars, and research updates.

Real-life stories and testimonials: Sharing authentic stories and testimonials to humanise your brand and build emotional connections with your audience.

Educational content: Posting wellresearched, informative content regularly to educate your audience and position your brand as a trusted source of information.

Authentic branding content: Content that reads as authentic and offers a glimpse into your team and ethos further builds emotional connections, enhancing the credibility of your traditional marketing efforts, such as showcased expertise.

Additionally, in times of crisis, social media can be a vital tool for rapid response and misinformation management. The guide highlights how businesses can use these platforms to provide timely updates, counteract misinformation and also promote available services.

Another ongoing battle for businesses is what platform should be used, and when. Each social media platform offers unique opportunities and challenges. Fox & Bear’s guide provides tailored strategies for effectively using major platforms, which content performs best, and how to engage with consumers across these platforms.

The guide also emphasises the importance of measuring the success of social media efforts through analytics and audience feedback. To identify the key metrics to monitor, businesses must first define their goals. This enables them to refine their strategy based on relevant data-driven insights, ensuring their social media marketing remains effective and relevant.

Daniel Ball, Social Media and Creative Lead at Fox & Bear, highlights the significance of social media in modern marketing strategies: “ Social media is more than a tag-on to your marketing strategy; it’s a core, always-visible component. It drives engagement, builds trust, and amplifies your brand’s voice (for better or worse). Knowing your audience is crucial, but understanding platform algorithms unlocks social media’s true potential. With this knowledge, businesses can optimise their efforts to reach audiences in a meaningful way.”

To help businesses effectively leverage social media, partnering with Fox&Bear means working with a team dedicated to your online presence. We monitor reaction, mentions, and peripheral conversations to strategically plan your next move. Our services include content creation, strategy development, reputation management, and execution across all channels. We build relationships, enhance brand loyalty, and ensure you stand out from the competition.

By adopting some of these best practices and maintaining a flexible, data-driven approach, businesses can foster a more informed, engaged, and loyal community.

Whatever your business, social media matters. Download the full guide today via the Fox&Bear website.

You can also join us for our FREE webinar, “Leveraging social media to engage your audience”, on August 8th at 11 AM. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn valuable insights on how to effectively use social media to connect with your audience! Sign up now: https://foxbear.co.uk/role-of-socialmedia-in-marketing-webinar/

Or get in touch with us at hello@ foxbear.co.uk to start a conversation and see how we can help you.

Rockinghorse Children’s Charity hosts event at One Garden to thank supporters

On a sunny afternoon at One Garden in Stanmer Park, Rockinghorse welcomed a hundred guests to an event to thank them for their continued support.

Monthly News

Every year

Rockinghorse is supported by so many different people within the community - from individual donors to large businesses and from families to Trusts. Every single bit of support makes a huge difference to the charity’s work.

As a way of saying thank you for all this continued help, it invited around 100 people to an afternoon of information

about their work, networking and lunch.

Under the stretch tent on the lawns, every guest was greeted by Rockinghorse staff, given a Posh Totty designed Rockinghorse supporter badge and a welcome drink before hearing from a panel of specially invited guests who talked about their link with the charity.

Donna Holland, Rockinghorse CEO, started by welcoming everyone, saying:

“Today’s event gives us the invaluable chance to connect incredible people like you in this room to what is needed in the hospital. And we can do this because we work alongside doctors and nurses to ensure that children in Sussex get the best possible care and support when they are unwell.”

Prof. Somnath Mukhopadhyay, Chair of Paediatrics and Precision Medicine Lead at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, was the first speaker, talking

about the world’s first precision medicine clinic for children with asthma that Rockinghorse funded at the children’s hospital. He was followed by Hannah Fraser-James and Maylia Mogal, Nurse Manager and Senior Sister at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit, who talked about parent rooms within the unit that the charity funded to be refurbished and what a valuable resource these are for families at the hospital.

Dr Dan Yusef, Consultant Paediatrician at the Alex spoke movingly about the importance of the Rockinghorse-funded Youth Worker within the Emergency Department at the Alex and the difference this service makes to so many young people struggling with their mental health and physical safety.

Hannah Peckham shared her experience of the care that she and her son, Bodhi, receive at the Alex during Bodhi’s treatment for Leukaemia and the impact this has on their hospital experience, followed by Josh Braid who talked

about why he chose to fundraise for Rockinghorse by undertaking an epic expedition to the South Pole, dragging a rockinghorse all the way!

And finally, Paul Peacock, Youth Worker at Worthing and Chichester Hospitals, explained how the refurbished teenage room at Chichester Hospital, funded by Rockinghorse, helps him to work with young people in a calm, friendly space, enabling him to offer the best possible support to his clients.

In the past year, Rockinghorse has funded and delivered 76 projects and all their amazing supporters are an integral part of this achievement.

These projects include the Paediatric Oncology Psychologist who supports children and their families dealing with cancer, a youth worker in the Children’s A&E who supports children in mental health crisis, a range of toys programmes for pain distraction and condition management support,

equipment projects that bring cutting edge technology into the hospital and engaging and inspiring spaces including teenage room refurbishments, rooms for parents in the hospital and spaces in A&E to help children get the very best treatment.

Donna added: “We really couldn’t do everything that we do for babies, children and their families, without our wonderful supporters. Their help means that we can make the difference to so many people, often at the hardest points in their lives, so we are incredibly grateful to everyone who came along today and to everyone who continues to support us throughout Sussex.”

You can find out more about the projects and the work that the charity does on its website at www.rockinghorse.org.uk

Irwin Mitchell celebrates Brighton launch

Firm hosts launch party to mark official opening of Brighton office

Monthly News

Irwin Mitchell has celebrated opening in Brighton as it looks to grow further in the South of England.

The event was attended by a number of local businesses as well as ex-Brighton football manager Chris Hughton and Delroy Corinaldi from the Black Footballers Partnership.

The team at Irwin Mitchell Brighton can advise and support individuals, businesses and business owners, families and trustees across the full spectrum of their legal needs, including individual and family services such estate and tax planning, wills and probate, property law, family law, public law and personal injury, and business services such as employment, real estate, corporate, commercial, restructuring and insolvency, civil and commercial litigation.

Rose Macfarlane, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell, said: “It’s been great to officially launch our presence in Brighton by bringing together local businesses, our

friends and contacts from across our professional networks to celebrate.”

Rose leads the Brighton Private Client team providing wealth structuring, business owner succession and exit planning, wills and probate and estate and tax planning for -high-net-worth business owners, individuals and their families.

She added: “We are excited to build a strong presence in Brighton and surrounding area as a leading provider of legal services for individuals and businesses alike.”

Andrew Walker, a Partner leading the Business Services Group for Irwin Mitchell in Brighton, said: “We recognise the thriving business community already in Sussex, where we already have two offices, and the addition of a further office in Brighton allows us to continue to support local businesses and institutions with even more focus on providing legal solutions for them locally along with our ability, as a national law firm, to supplement a strength in depth not always currently available.”

Sam Thomas, of County Business Clubs and Sussex Business Times, said: “The Irwin Mitchell launch event was a fantastic evening, with so many of the business community in attendance and a great opportunity to network. I really enjoyed hearing from partners Andrew Walker and Rose Macfarlane who shared some really interesting data highlighting what a forward thinking, inclusive and diverse firm Irwin Mitchell are, especially in relation to closing the gender pay gap. It is great to see a firm the size of Irwin Mitchell launch here in Brighton and look forward to working with them and seeing their growth within the local business community.”

In the South, the firm already has offices in Gatwick, Chichester and Southampton as well as London and Reading. Opening in Brighton takes Irwin Mitchell’s office locations to 18 across the UK and follows successful new office openings in Cardiff and Liverpool in 2022.

The national law firm has taken office space at Mocatta House, Trafalgar Place, just a short walk from the train station.

ASquared becomes a Certified B Corporation™

Digital product agency ASquared joins over 60 Brighton-based businesses in the growing movement of companies using business as a force for good.

Monthly News

ASquared has announced its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp™), joining a growing movement of companies that are reinventing business for the benefit of all people and a shared planet. Verified by B Lab™, the not-forprofit behind the B Corp movement, the achievement demonstrates that ASquared meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability alongside a commitment to goals beyond shareholder value.

The digital product agency has a history of prioritising projects that are positive, impactful and sustainable. Recently, ASquared partnered with the charity Surfers Against Sewage to refine and develop new features for their mobile application, Safer Seas & River Service. The project, which helped to add

user centricity to ocean activism, was shortlisted as a finalist in the “App of the Year” category for the UK Dev Awards earlier this year.

B Corp Certification assesses the entirety of a business’ operations. The certification process is rigorous, with companies required to reach a minimum score of 80 points in the B Impact Assessment™ while providing evidence of responsible practices. A business must also legally embed their commitment to purpose as well as profit in their company articles. The B Corp community in the UK is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world, with over 1,700 companies spanning a range of different industries and sizes.

Anthony Stonham, Chief Executive Officer of ASquared, said: “We are extremely proud that ASquared is now a Certified B Corporation. However,

we see this as just the start of our journey. It’s incredibly important to us to seek continuous improvement and be committed to using our business as a force for good by balancing the needs of people, the planet and profit in all of our decisions.”

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome ASquared to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that ASquared is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

www.asquared.uk

Value Added Partner Stories

Tell us about your journey and how you became involved with Servo Private Wealth?

In 2021/22 I was offered a short-term contract at Sussex Cricket and my wife was pregnant with our first child. I wanted to start planning for a life after cricket and was put in touch with James Mallinson, who was looking to grow and take on a trainee Financial Planner. The stars aligned and, luckily, he offered me an exciting opportunity to join the team.

What achievement or project during your time at Servo Private Wealth are you most proud of, and why?

Passing my exams and qualifying as a Financial Planner in record time. Having played professional cricket for 15 years and lived out my dream job, I feel incredibly proud and fortunate to have found a second career where I can use all the skills I learnt in sport and use them to work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their financial goals.

What are some key strategies or initiatives you’ve implemented that have had a positive impact on the business?

Whilst everyone in our team is at least Diploma qualified or higher, which is incredibly rare in our industry, many of the team haven’t done things any differently for many years. As a newbie to the industry, I’ve been able to come with a fresh set of eyes and use things like AI and software and have developed new ways to show clients how their finances will work both before and after working with us. The client feedback on how easy it is for them to see their

current vs future position on one page has been excellent and has really enhanced our offering.

How do you think your background as a professional cricketer influenced your approach to your current role and the business?

Having been involved in sports teams all my life, I really enjoy working in that team environment. We’re a small team at Servo and for us to function well, we must work as a team to maximise everyone’s individual strengths. Personally, I think cricket gave me resilience and an inner drive to be the best I can be, so I’m always striving to improve, especially in an industry where legislation is always changing.

for me. In the business, Servo is still a young company and we are in a growth phase, so we are looking to work with as many business owners and their families across Sussex as we can to help them achieve their financial goals.

What motivates you to continue striving for excellence in your position?

Helping clients and being able to work with them to help them achieve their financial goals. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world and the last 4 years have been incredibly challenging. We are independent which means we aren’t trying to sell a product to our clients and are able to base any recommendations we make completely on trying to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

How do you measure and define success?

Personally, my children are my greatest achievement so seeing them grow up happy and healthy is a huge motivator

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar career path?

Transitioning into a second career can be incredibly daunting and it can feel like a giant step. The one key takeaway from my experience of changing careers is you can never ask enough questions and to take yourself out of your comfort zone. Financial Advice specifically, is a great career where you get to work with some incredibly interesting and successful people to help them plan for the rest of their lives, and is really rewarding.

www.servoprivatewealth.com

What to include in your management accounts

By Joshua Bowen, Head of Outsourced Finance Function

at Carpenter Box.

Finance

As a business owner, you need to have a clear understanding of the financial health of your company. This is where management accounts come in. Management accounts are a set of financial reports produced periodically that provide insights into the performance of your business. They are an essential tool for decision-making and can help you stay on top of company finances.

What is the difference between management accounts and statutory accounts?

Management accounts are a set of bespoke financial reports designed specifically for your business with

the primary focus being to evaluate performance and assist with decisionmaking within your organisation. They’re prepared promptly after the period ends to provide timely insights into your business’s financial performance, allowing you to take proactive actions to achieve your goals.

In contrast, statutory accounts are prepared annually and are intended for use by external stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and regulatory authorities. They must comply with accounting standards and provide a comprehensive overview of your company’s financial position, including detailed notes and disclosures.

In summary, management accounts

offer real-time insights for strategic decision-making, while statutory accounts serve as a formal financial statement for external stakeholders.

But what exactly should you include in your management accounts? Let’s dive into the key elements that make up effective management accounts.

Profit and Loss Statement

At the heart of your management accounts is the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement. This financial report shows your company’s revenue, costs, and expenses over a specified period. It provides a clear picture of whether your business is generating a profit or incurring losses. Analysing your P&L statement

allows you to identify trends, assess the impact of cost fluctuations, and make informed decisions to improve profitability.

The format of the P&L statement will differ by company to allow you to spot trends specific to your business / industry. Let’s take a café based on the seafront that will have a very high seasonal trade in the summer but much lower in the winter. If they were to run a P&L report that compares Q4 vs Q3 vs Q2 vs Q1 of the same year the numbers wouldn’t show you how the business has performed as the results would have lots of variances based on seasonal trends. To remove that seasonal variance, you would instead compare your quarterly performance to the same quarter in previous years i.e. Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023 vs Q3 2022. This would allow you to see how in the summer quarter the business performed compared to previous summer quarters.

Balance Sheet

A Balance Sheet is another critical component of management accounts. It provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It lists your assets, liabilities, and equity, allowing you to gauge your business’s overall financial health. A wellprepared balance sheet can help you assess solvency, track working capital, and make informed decisions regarding investments and debt management.

Similarly to the P&L statement the Balance Sheet can be tailored to highlight to management the key areas they’re focused on. For example, the business may be highly geared with a focus on paying down debts. Under that scenario we would want to provide a lot more detail around the short term and long-term creditors, but perhaps summarise the assets as the detail behind these are less relevant given the status of the business.

Cash Flow Statement

Managing cash flow is vital for the sustainability of your business. A Cash Flow Statement is a key element of management accounting, illustrating how cash is flowing in and out of your business. It highlights the sources of cash (e.g., sales, investments) and the uses of cash (e.g., operating expenses, debt repayments). By closely monitoring your cash flow, you can identify potential liquidity issues and take corrective actions to ensure your business’s financial stability.

Budget vs Actual Report

In my opinion, a budget is one of the most important documents a management team can have in place. Without a budget you are essentially going into a trading period without knowing what you consider to be good / bad performance for the business. Comparing to comparative periods is useful but just doing better / worse than the previous period doesn’t mean a good / bad performance as there are several factors that should be considered. To gauge your financial performance accurately, a Budget should be prepared and then included within your management accounts a detailed Budget vs Actual report. This report compares your actual financial results against the budgeted amounts. It allows you to identify variances and assess whether you’re on track to meet your financial goals. If there are significant deviations, you can adjust your strategies and allocate resources more effectively to align with your business objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Incorporating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into your accounts is crucial for monitoring the performance of specific areas of your business. KPIs are metrics that measure the effectiveness

of various aspects, such as sales, production, or customer satisfaction. By tracking KPIs, you can identify strengths and weaknesses within your business and make data-driven decisions to optimise operations and drive growth.

It is important to note that KPIs do not need to be financial, and in my opinion the best KPI metrics are ones that considered both financial and non-financial metrics. For example, a financial metric might be fuel costs for a logistics business and let’s say these costs have gone up by 30% on last year. In isolation that sounds very bad. If you added a non-financial metric such as delivery miles completed, and delivery miles had increased by 50% on last year then suddenly that 30% cost increase looks positive because it shows our cost per delivery mile is decreasing.

Now that we’ve covered the essential elements of management accounts, you may wonder how they differ from full accounts.

By including these elements in your management accounts, you’ll have a clear understanding of your company’s financial performance and be able to make informed decisions to drive growth.

Ready to take control of your finances?

At Carpenter Box, we specialise in providing management accounts to small and medium-sized businesses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare effective management accounts and take control of your finances.

If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with us on 01903 234094 or visit www.carpenterbox.com

Cyber-attacks: The growing threat for Sussex businesses

that isn’t going away

Half of UK businesses and a third of charities have reported a cybersecurity attack or breach in the last 12 months – and the numbers continue to rise.

The world of digital is moving faster than ever. In just 40 years, we’ve gone from Tetris being a revelation to self-driving cars becoming the latest captivation. But as much as technology might make our lives easier, it comes with a price. We catch up with Managing Partner of Preston Insurance Brokers, Noel Preston, to get serious about cyber insurance.

How many cyber-attacks occur every year in the UK?

I thought you’d ask this question, so I’ve come prepared with some figures. So far this year, UK businesses have been the target for 7.78 million cyber-attacks. That accounts for 50% of businesses, with the average cost of each attack costing £3,230. Despite those figures, only four in ten businesses have cyber insurance.

So, how has the demand for cyber insurance changed over the past 12 months?

When cybersecurity was first introduced to our vocabulary, a lot of coverage was focused on protecting corporates and global organisations. But with the pandemic remodelling our ways of working, the demand for cyber insurance continues to grow in the small business sector. Not only

is this due to a greater awareness of digital threats, but it’s also because cybercriminals often look for the point of least resistance – which is sadly small businesses.

What does cyber insurance cover?

It will depend on your policy, but in most cases it will cover a direct (or first party) financial loss to you or your business caused by a cyber-attack. This might include security and privacy breach costs, damage to digital assets, business interruption, liability costs, and post-incident support.

Sounds like there’s a lot of digital threats out there. How can a business be certain they’re covered for any eventuality?

There will be some business owners out there who’ll use a quote-andbuy engine to arrange their policy. Although this is a fast and convenient service, it doesn’t get under the bonnet of a business to assess every possible scenario. Data breaches, restoration of computer systems, extortion payments demanded by hackers – every angle needs to be considered when preparing a policy. And that’s only possible by understanding the business.

Okay, and how much does cyber insurance cost?

It all depends on the size and nature of your business, as well as how much data you store. The more you store, the bigger target you become for cybercriminals which means you’re a greater risk to insurers. That said, there are several actions you can take to potentially reduce your premium. Becoming Cyber Essentials certified, implementing Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and incorporating secure backups to name but a few.

Hold up, you mentioned ‘Cyber Essentials’. What is that?

Cyber Essentials is a governmentbacked scheme to guide businesses in protecting themselves against cyber threats. There are two levels of accreditation available: ‘Cyber Essentials’ and ‘Cyber Essentials Plus’. Both offer a range of security controls, from patch management and malware protection to boundary firewalls and internet gateways. For most insurers, it’s a mandatory requirement to have Cyber Essentials certification.

Fingers crossed it never happens, but how can an insurance company help me during (or after) a cyber-attack?

The support will vary, but most

insurers will respond quickly to the immediate effects, restoring systems and data while seeking ways to minimise disruption to your business. Other types of support might include IT forensic services, legal assistance and public relations support. If your business experiences a data breach, there may be a settlement of claims to customers and other parties which is normally covered by your policy.

Okay, and how much cyber insurance do I actually need?

You need enough protection to cover the hardware and software of your IT infrastructure. The more software you have, the more data you’ll need to restore. And the more hardware you have, the more likely you’ll need to make repairs and replacements. It also comes down to assessing whether your business could survive without a website, email or access to systems. Although most businesses probably could’ve survived without digital 30 or 40 years ago, I doubt that would be the case today.

If you want to learn more about Preston Insurance Brokers and how they support businesses across Sussex, London, Reading and beyond, scan the QR code. Right, back to Tetris.

What next for your business?

Asks Andrew Page, Commercial Finance Manager at SEICO Group.

No two businesses are the same. To the onlooker, your business might look just like someone else’s. But no matter how many similarities there are, your business is different, unique. That’s because it’s yours. Whatever you trade in, or whatever service you provide, the direction your business will take depends on how you choose to take things forward - and your motivation and needs are unique and exclusive to you.

You may be looking to expand, consolidate, diversify or even make a graceful exit - each of these options presents a different challenge but all have one thing in common - which is that money, cashflow or funding of some description will be required.

For example, you may have spotted an

opportunity to sell a product in a new market or location- but how will you fund the necessary stock or purchase the raw materials, or find space to store it all?

You may have an opportunity to take on a new contract which will require additional staff and machinery, but will take time to pay for itself - where will the money come from?

Or perhaps you are fed-up with renting and wish to own your own premises, how do you go about achieving that?

Whatever you want to achieve, I can say that there will be a way of financing the project in a way that works with your business, and that suits you - not just the lender. In fact, it is in every lender’s interest to offer finance in a way that works for the client - they want to do business in this way because it is less risky for them. The trick is to find the solution.

At Seico we have been finding the solution, and the right lender, for over 30 years, for business and personal customers alike.

The best answer to your question (whatever it may be) might surprise you, so why not get in touch with me at Seico and we can explore your options.

andrew@seicogroup.com 01273 777788

Find out more:

www.seicogroup.co.uk

Property - protection against ‘cyber crime’: How to stay alert in the modern world

By Anna Dunn, Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter.

Congratulations on your new property venture. With the economy starting to show signs favourable to buyers, you have decided that you will soon be investing in a new, or your first property. This could be as an investment, a new home with room to grow or helping your children with their first step onto the property ladder. Understandably, ensuring that the money you are investing in your new property is safe is incredibly important.

Fraudsters are increasingly finding more creative ways to relieve you of your savings and are using the advances in technology, with AI leading the way. You will, no doubt, have seen reports in the news about various cyber-attacks on large organisations. Such risks have led to a Cyber Monthly Threat Update being issued by Action Fraud to help firms stay alert to the changes in approaches taken by fraudsters.

You may have already put measures in

place to protect the home and deter fraudsters, like, for example, following advice provided by the Land Registryas helpfully outlined in Simon Keeler’s article in April. However, the importance of vigilance when selling and buying property cannot be overstated.

With tight controls already in place, you may ponder “Am I really at risk?”, but there are still areas of vulnerability in property transactions which require a degree of vigilance.

Email accounts can be vulnerable to attack, particularly, if weak passwords are used and “spoofing” email addresses can mask the true identity of the sender. There are recent reports of fraudsters accessing email accounts, monitoring emails back and forth and then sending a “doctored” email with a change in account details. These appear legitimate as the fraudster has access to the context of where the transaction is in the chain.

For example, if bank account details are sent by email, your solicitor should check these with you before funds are released to ensure that they have the most up to date and correct information. In addition to this, before sending any money, they should be happy for you to contact them to confirm the details you

have are also correct and to allow for test payments to be made.

Remember bank details are not likely to change during the course of a property transaction.

WhatsApp and text messages can also be vulnerable to fraudster interference. I am sure most of us will have been told the parcel we didn’t know we had ordered couldn’t be delivered and helpfully been asked to click on a link to make an additional payment.

The importance of a personal service, where you have regular contact with your conveyancer, can help ensure a trusting relationship and that both you and they are aware of what money is being sent and received, minimising if not eliminating the risk of interception.

I have seen first-hand when acting for housing associations tracing money erroneously sent to the account of a fraudster how quickly these funds are dissipated through a large number of accounts, making tracing them very difficult. And this is with the knowledge of who the fraudsters were. It is much harder, or impossible, to trace funds stolen by an anonymous fraudster who happened to correctly guess a password.

Dealing with Property should not be the negative experience the fraudsters are aiming for. By being aware of the risks you can put yourself in the best position to protect yourself and your investment;

1. Make sure your property is registered. This will help confirm that you have a digital record of your property with the Land Registry. This is particularly important for houses which have remained within the family for a long time and may still rely on paper title deeds (unregistered land). If you are not sure if your property is unregistered this can be easily checked for you by a property solicitor.

2. Do your homework. Make sure the solicitors you instruct are on the Law Society’s website or are members of the Council of Licensed Conveyancers and, where possible, registered under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

3. Know your transaction. Keep a diary of the conveyancing process including who is dealing with your sale or purchase, your estate agents details and record the stage you are at in the process.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Always check if you are unsure of what you are being asked to do.

Finally, a recommendation. In an ever-churning property market, it is likely someone you know has used a conveyancer in the last 12 months and will be able to give you positive feedback about the firm and conveyancer they instructed. Personal service offers peace of mind and helps you to focus on the important things, like making your new house a home.

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

Anna Dunn

Employment law: What changes will a new Labour Government make?

With the UK general election days away as I write this and opinion polls predicting a Labour victory, what will a change in government mean for employment law and employment rights in the UK? At the time this article is published, there will almost certainly be a new Labour government, writes Alex Jones, Managing Director of 365 Employment Law.

Labour’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ promises to deliver “the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation”. What are the key proposals and what will be their impact if enacted.

1. Reform of employment status to create a single status of ‘worker’ for anyone not genuinely self-employed

Currently, English law recognises three types of employment status: ‘employees’, ‘workers’ and ‘self-employed’. While

employees have extensive statutory rights and protections, workers only benefit from a few (eg, right to holiday pay and a minimum wage) and selfemployed do not benefit from any statutory protections.

The Labour Party plans to consult on creating a single status of worker for all but the genuinely self-employed. They hope this will clamp down on ‘bogus’ self-employment and create a simple framework for workers and employers.

The Labour Party also intends to

“support and champion” the selfemployed, entitling them to a written contract and ensuring they are covered by workplace health and safety and blacklisting protections.

2. Day one right to claim unfair dismissal

Employees currently need two years’ continuous service before being able to bring an unfair dismissal claim (subject to limited exceptions).

The Labour Party intends to ensure that

eligible individuals can bring claims from day one of employment. This would not prevent employers from dismissing fairly or from using probationary periods with “fair and transparent rules and processes”, as a means by which to assess new employees.

Probationary periods will likely take on bigger significance although it is unclear whether Labour will legislate or create guidance on what reasonable use of probationary periods actually means.

3. Enhanced redundancy consultation requirements

Consultation is key to a fair redundancy dismissal, and employers are required to engage in collective consultation (and representatives) where there is a proposal to dismiss by redundancy 20 or more employees in one establishment within 90 days or fewer.

Labour has said it will strengthen redundancy rights and protections and ensure “the right to redundancy consultation is determined by the number of people impacted across the business rather than in one workplace”.

If implemented this will impact employers who operate across multiple sites and have been used to running small-scale redundancies without collective consultation.

4. Zero-hours contracts

Zero-hours contracts are a form of casual contract where employers do not guarantee a particular or minimum hours of work. There are restrictions to prevent those on zero-hours/minimumhours contracts from working elsewhere, and the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023, was passed last year giving workers and agency workers the right to request more predictable terms and conditions. Regulations

setting out the detail and a code of practice were expected by autumn 2024, but it is now unclear where the impending election leaves this.

The Labour Party wants to end what it deems “one-sided flexibility’ and ‘exploitative” contracts and provide security and predictability for workers. It intends to do this by banning zero-hours contracts and ensuring everyone has the right to a contract that reflects the number of hours they regularly work, based on a 12-week period. They intend to put anti-avoidance measures in place and ensure workers are compensated if working hours are cancelled or curtailed without adequate notice.

5. Enforcement of employment rights

The majority of employment rights are enforced through the Employment Tribunal, where most claims should be brought within three months (exceptions for statutory redundancy pay and equal pay, where employees have six months).

To take pressure off the overstretched ET system and allow quicker access to justice, Labour proposes to introduce a single enforcement body for workers’ rights for individuals to go for help. It is however unclear exactly what remit this body will have in terms of enforcement.

The Labour Party is also extending the time limit for bringing employment tribunal claims to six months and making it easier for workers to raise collective grievances through Acas.

position; strengthened obligations around sexual harassment, including protection from third-party harassment and enhanced protection for whistleblowers of sexual harassment.

The Labour Party has indicated its intention to move quickly with these proposals, starting the legislative process within 100 days of entering government. However, employment law reform will be subject to full consultation and the legislative process, and on a timescale subject to government and parliamentary priorities. This means that some proposals may not go ahead at all or in the form currently set out.

Employers should always take advice at the earliest opportunity.

365 Employment Law Solicitors Tel: 01903 863284

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

In addition to the above points, Labour is also proposing day one rights to parental leave and sick pay; strengthened protection for workers subject to TUPE; a new right to bereavement leave; a removal of age brackets for minimum wage; making flexible working the default

Alex Jones

Brighton & Hove’s iconic cultural attractions thrive as a Trust

Formerly council-managed Brighton & Hove Museums is flourishing as a registered charity.

Brighton and Hove Museums bring together significant cultural and historical landmarks. They are recognised as such not just in the South East but nationally, and internationally each with a rich history and diverse collection.

Cover Story

The operating name for the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust, that manages and cares for one palace,

four musuems and three gardens, is Brighton & Hove Museums.

What attractions are included?

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, located in the Royal Pavilion Gardens. It began its life in the early 19th century. Originally part of the Royal Pavilion estate, it served as stables and a riding school for the Prince Regent (later King George IV).

Hove Museum & Art Gallery, is

housed in a late 19th-century villa, known as Brooker Hall. The villa was built in 1877 and later purchased by Hove Corporation in 1926 to serve as a public museum.

The Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, was originally a modest farmhouse before it was transformed by the Prince Regent. The transformation into an extravagant palace began in 1787 and continued into the early 19th century.

Preston Manor is the former manor house of the ancient Sussex village of Preston, now part of the coastal city of Brighton and Hove. The present building dates mostly from 1738.

The Booth Museum was opened in 1874 by naturalist and collector Edward Thomas Booth. Booth was particularly interested in birds, and it was his ambition, though not fully realised, to collect examples of every bird species found in Britain.

Why the need for charity status?

Museums and culture are not a core purpose of local authorities and, because they are not a statutory service, were expected to incur a yearon-year reduction in spending - up to around £200,000.

The move to Trust status was 12 years in the making, with the business case for change presented many times. Price Waterhouse Cooper was among those to advocate for charity status on the grounds of future sustainability.

Similar museums had already made the switch in the 1990s and, had they not done so, would now be closed.

Originally due to switch status on 1st April in 2020, the pandemic caused the original business plan to radically pivot. At the time, it was a significant setback but trust status was finally achieved on 1st October of the same year.

The Trust is not directly governmentfunded and receives 10% funding from both Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) and the Art Council England (ACE).

Around 80% of the income is selfgenerated and reliant on visitor ticket sales, venue hire, retail, grants and fundraising.

Hopes are currently high that the 2024/25 financial year will be the first at break-even.

Financial reasons for the change

The following points highlight the benefits of operating under the umbrella of a Trust:

• Can apply for funding which was not available to local authorities

• Not affected by local authority budgeting changes – provides more long-term stability.

• Can fundraise more easily directly with the public for specific projects and general fundraising.

• Opportunity to licence elements of estate such as collections, i.e. wallpaper on a commercial level which would not have been possible when linked to local authority.

• Separate trading arm that allows the Trust to increase income generation opportunities.

There are cultural benefits too. They include the ability to:

• Create a new clear, outstanding brand which is separate from city council and known worldwide.

• Freedom to innovate with exhibitions and events without reference to council restrictions.

• Establish a trustee board to bring in new expertise, overview and opinions from a wide range of industry and community experts.

• Greater cohesion as an organisation with a clear mission and values.

• Chance to be more controversial, thought-provoking and challenging.

Our Buildings and Collections

Rooted in the vibrant and progressive city of Brighton & Hove, the museums are loved by locals and admired by visitors from around the world.

The five unique venues are vital to Brighton & Hove’s visitor economy - directly contributing £29.7M (2012

Tourism South East report) - and the wellbeing of our local community.

The buildings and gardens are both a unique asset and a serious heritage responsibility.

The Royal Pavilion has grown from a seaside villa into an elaborate and fragile building with an extremely complex story to tell.

Preston Manor & Gardens, Hove Museum of Creativity, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and the Booth Museum of Natural

History all have significant investment needs to both conserve and utilise them to provide the outreach and community support that the City deserves.

The Trust cares for over one million objects, many of international importance, covering a wide range of subjects and types.

Three of the collections are designated as being of national importance: decorative arts, world art and natural history.

• Royal Pavilion & Garden , the Grade I listed Royal Pavilion is the only palace which is owned by the local community rather than the crown. The unique Grade II Regency Garden surrounding the Royal Pavilion is one of the most popular green spaces in the city.

• Brighton Museum & Art Gallery will continue to focus on exhibiting important local history and archaeology, world art, and decorative and fine art collections.

• Hove Museum of Creativity, a familyfriendly and accessible museum with eclectic displays including toys, crafts and important early cinematography.

• Preston Manor & Gardens, an historic manor house preserved in the Edwardian style with a beautiful walled garden.

• Booth Museum of Natural History, one of just six natural history museums in England with a designated collection of over 700,000 world-class specimens. Today, it is firmly focused on modern day concerns of conservation and protection of the planet.

Our Purpose

As guardians of Brighton and Hove’s heritage, Brighton & Hove Museums objectives and key activities include:

• Preserving and safe-guarding five buildings (including the world-famous Royal Pavilion), a historic garden and heritage objects.

• Presenting a diverse programme of exhibitions and displays to interpret the items in our collection to educate, inspire and often challenge our visitors.

• Ensuring our buildings, exhibitions and programmes are accessible to all. We do this through community consultation and engagement and by providing a programme of workshops, talks and outreach services to individuals, schools and the wider community.

Community Impact

Each space provides a platform where new voices can be heard, and new ideas can be shared.

The Trust actively works to remove barriers - both real and perceived - for those least engaged with culture.

It aims to reach people who otherwise have limited or no cultural experiences, and in some cases change their lives.

Brighton & Hove Museums works with a range of organisations to ensure it is talking to, listening to and bringing value to different communities: LGBTQI+ through a partnership with Queer Heritage South; those with disabilities via the Museum Mentors Group; the Black and Asian communities through the Heritage Network; young people (14-25 years) through the Museum Collective; local homeless groups through a new partnership with BHT Sussex; the outsider artists community through a partnership with Outside In.

The Trust supports and engages with learning and education at all ages and stages. It runs popular school tours themed around the school curriculum and are supporting the next generation of cultural sector workers through codesign and co-delivery of the University of Brighton’s MA programme in Curating Collections and Heritage.

It also provides a formal learning offer for schools in Brighton & Hove and

surrounding areas resulting in 80% of the city’s schools visiting each year (around 18,000 pupils). Brighton & Hove Museums is is currently developing a secondary school and colleges learning programme.

Focus on charity messaging

The Trust is working hard to ensure people know Brighton & Hove Museums is now a charity and reliant on public support to help conserve and protect buildings and collections, so they are here for future generations.

It costs £8 million to operate the city’s museums and deliver an engaging and inspiring programme of exhibitions and community learning and development activities.

The Trust needs to generate 80% of its income through commercial and

fundraising activities, including trusts and grants applications, membership and patrons’ schemes, corporate sponsorship, venue hire and retail.

The impact of your support

Your support will help preserve Brighton & Hove’s iconic buildings and collections for future generations.

It will enable Brighton & Hove Museums to curate world class exhibitions and inspiring talks and workshops driving visitors to the city and supporting the wellbeing of our local community.

That support will also deliver vital schools and community learning programmes, and offer accessible, safe spaces for people to connect as well as life-changing volunteering opportunities.

Importantly, with your help, bring the

absolute best of art and culture to Brighton & Hove.

How businesses can support Brighton & Hove Museums

Want to get involved?

• Sign up to a corporate membership package and enjoy a host of business benefits that provide premium corporate hospitality, exclusive networking opportunities, support CSR and employee wellbeing and boost brand reach to the Trust’s thriving audiences.

• Sponsor a world-class exhibition or community event, such as Christmas at the Royal Pavilion

• Fund a community development programme supporting vulnerable community groups.

• Make a donation to help preserve our historic museums and gardens.

To find out more about how you can get involved with any of the above, please visit https:// brightonmuseums.org.uk/corporatemembership/ or email kate.rooks@ rpmt.org.uk

Abigail Thomas, COO and Deputy Chief Executive , has been with the museums for 27 years, starting as Keeper of Hove Museum.

Coming from the Museum of Richmond in Surrey in 1997, she was tasked with developing a plan to gain lottery funding for Hove Museum. Success was achieved when £2 million was granted. The major cash injection saw a complete redevelopment over two years with a family friendly focus, highlighting the Museums’ Film, Craft ,

Toy and Local History collections.

Other roles include marketing, and working on the launch of the Jubilee Library.

Abigail says: “What I love about working for Brighton & Hove Museums, and why I have been here for 27 years, is no two days are the same. There are always new challenges. I enjoy working with such a loyal, knowledgeable and passionate team of which more than sixty percent have been working for the museums for over ten years.

“I have such pride in being an integral part of the arts, heritage and culture of the city.”

Kate Rooks, Head of Fundraising, joined Brighton & Hove Museums last September with a key focus on developing corporate partnerships for the charity. Speaking of her roles

before joining the museums, she said: “I worked as Head of Corporate Partnerships and Joint Head of Fundraising for national charities Royal Voluntary Service and Shelter.

“Before this, I enjoyed a career in fashion and lifestyle PR and marketing. This is my first job working for a local cause in Brighton & Hove and the role is a dream come true, combining my charity experience and passion for community development, art and culture.

“I think we offer a wide range of exciting, mutually beneficial partnership opportunities and I’m looking forward to working closely with our vibrant local business community.”

Case study – Photography Club

Brighton & Hove Museums has partnered for the past few years with national charity Photoworks on ‘Photography Club’ - an inclusive project, which allows young people aged 13-16 to develop camera skills, and build confidence through fun and supportive workshops, with a professional artist.

Young people are recruited through our network of local support services. Many of the participants face some barriers to engagement and may present with challenging behaviours or high support needs. The young people complete a Bronze Arts Award accreditation as part of this project.

This summer Rembrandt’s Self Portrait at the age of 34, went on display at Brighton Museum as part of the National Gallery’s bicentenary National Treasures tour. Displayed alongside this exquisite portrait is Hey Rembrandt! an exhibition of the work created by this group as part of this year’s Photography Club. 14 photographic self-portraits were created by local young people aged 13-16 reflecting the themes of Rembrandt’s famous self-portrait.

“This was a great opportunity for my child, who has a learning disability and has had a difficult childhood, to take part in an inclusive learning environment where he could learn a new skill as well as develop his independence and communication skills in a new setting. He was able to feel included as photography and art is a visual medium and he struggles to read and write.” Quote from the parent/carer of a Photography Club participant.

Case study – Schools visits at Brighton & Hove Museums

Stepping outside the classroom into informal settings, like our five museum sites, has been shown to be beneficial to the learning outcomes of children and young people. Structured activities offer a way to improve children’s thinking skills and performance at school, with knock-on effects of better life chances as adults.

Brighton & Hove Museums plays a vital, active role in the local community by offering high quality informal learning opportunities which will help support the city-wide aim of ensuring young people achieve their academic potential and leave school with a positive relationship with education.

As schools and parents face tough financial situations, and as the cost of coach travel increases, we know that many schools can no longer afford to bring classes out for a school trip. Through providing free visits for schools and low cost curriculum based learning sessions, we are really pleased to welcome 18,500 children a year across all our sites, and for many of them this school trip will be the only time they visit a museum.

“I’ve been bringing my classes to Preston Manor for the last 6 years because I know it will always be brilliant. Your museums offer amazing objects and experiences we can’t provide in the classroom” Primary school teacher at our recent focus group.

Drive your dream car without breaking the bank: Discover affordable car leasing

If you’re in the market for a new car, you’ve probably noticed how quickly costs can add up. Rivervale explains how dealer flexibility is key.

From the hefty down payment to the ongoing maintenance and depreciation, buying a car can be a significant financial commitment. But what if there was a more affordable way to drive the car of your dreams? At Rivervale, we offer unbeatable car finance deals that can save you money and provide greater flexibility. Here’s why leasing a car might be the perfect solution for your budget.

Motoring News

Why leasing a car is more affordable than buying

1. Lower monthly payments: When you lease a car, you’re essentially paying for the depreciation of the vehicle over the lease term, rather than the entire cost of the car. This usually results in significantly lower monthly payments compared to financing a car purchase. For those looking to maintain a healthy cash flow, leasing can be an ideal option.

2. Minimal upfront costs: Unlike buying, which often requires a substantial down payment, leasing typically involves minimal upfront costs. This means you can get behind the wheel of a new car without depleting your savings. At Rivervale Leasing, we offer flexible deposit options to suit your financial situation.

3. Avoid depreciation hassles: Cars are notorious for losing value quickly. When you buy a car, you’re also taking on the burden of its depreciation. With leasing, you don’t have to worry about the car’s resale value or the hassle of selling it when you’re ready for a new one. Simply

return the car at the end of your lease and choose your next vehicle.

4. Lower maintenance costs: Leasing a new car means you’re less likely to encounter major repair costs. Most leases cover the vehicle’s warranty period, meaning any necessary repairs might be covered by the manufacturer. Additionally, you can opt to include routine maintenance as part of your agreement, further reducing your expenses.

5. Tax benefits for business users: If you’re using the car for business purposes, leasing can offer significant tax advantages. Many lease payments can be deducted as a business expense, potentially saving you money at tax time. It’s always best to consult with a tax professional to understand how leasing can benefit your specific situation.

Rivervale Leasing: Your partner in affordable car finance

At Rivervale, we understand that finding affordable car finance options is crucial for our customers. That’s why we offer a wide range of leasing deals tailored to fit different budgets and needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

Extensive vehicle selection: Whether you’re looking for a compact city car, a family SUV, an EV, or a luxury saloon, we have a vast selection of vehicles to choose from.

Flexible terms: Our lease agreements are designed to be flexible, with terms ranging from 24 to 60 months.

Expert guidance: Our team of leasing experts is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you find the best deal for your needs.

Customer satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and have received over 3,500 positive reviews from satisfied clients.

Getting started with Rivervale Leasing is simple and hassle-free:

• Browse our offers: Explore our latest car leasing deals. Use our search filters to find the perfect car within your budget.

• Get a quote: Request a free, noobligation quote online. Our team will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision.

• Apply online: Complete our straightforward online application form. We’ll review your application and get back to you promptly with the next steps.

• Drive away: Once approved, we’ll arrange for the delivery of your new car. It’s that easy!

Leasing a car from Rivervale is an affordable and flexible alternative to buying. With lower monthly payments, minimal upfront costs, and the freedom to drive a new car every few years, leasing is an excellent choice for many drivers. Talk to an account manager at Rivervale to see how leasing can help you drive the car of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy affordable, hassle-free car finance!

Visit rivervale.co.uk/leasing to find out more.

Why genAI is more about psychology than it is about technology

Ever wonder Why AI isn’t everywhere yet?

Sure, everyone’s talking about AI. But why aren’t more businesses using it strategically?

Because integrating genAI into your business is more than just plugging in new tech—it’s about understanding the psychological journey that comes with it.

Here’s the good news

Mastering this journey isn’t as daunting as it sounds.

Unlike other tech adoptions that feel cold and complicated, this approach keeps the human element front and centre. For the first time, we can communicate with computers without using code—just our natural language.

This makes the interaction more intuitive and human-centred.

By recognising the psychological stages of AI adoption, understanding its diverse applications, and implementing it thoughtfully, business leaders can truly transform their operations with genAI.

How to navigate the psychological stages of AI adoption

Using AI effectively means managing both tech and emotions.

Stage 1: Indifference At first, AI might seem like a neat toy but not a game-changer. This stage is all about exploring. The tip? Try AI tools in low-stakes areas to see unexpected benefits. Experiment with simple tasks like drafting emails or brainstorming ideas to get a feel for its capabilities.

Stage 2: Fear Then comes the worry— will AI take over jobs or leave us behind? Address these fears head-on. Mistake to avoid? Brushing these concerns aside. Instead, discuss how AI can complement and enhance human roles. For example, AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work.

Stage 3: Embarrassment Some might feel like using AI is cheating or not authentic. This stage challenges us to rethink authenticity. Example? Use AI to amplify your strengths, making your work both genuine and efficient. AI can help refine your ideas and improve accuracy without replacing your personal touch.

Stage 4: Confidence As you see what AI can do, confidence grows. You realise its potential to boost productivity and

creativity. The tip? Focus on integrating AI in areas where it can have the biggest impact. Use AI for data analysis to uncover insights that drive better decision-making.

Stage 5: Transformation Finally, you fully embrace AI, using it to elevate your work. This is where real change happens. Example? Use AI in strategic planning to close the gap between vision and execution. Implement AIdriven tools to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement.

By following these stages, leaders can move from hesitation to confidence and, ultimately, transformation.

Why understanding these stages is crucial

These stages help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges of AI adoption.

Reason #1: It helps address emotional barriers, making AI integration smoother. Recognising each stage lets you anticipate and mitigate challenges, fostering a supportive environment.

Reason #2: Applying AI beyond content creation bridges the gap between strategy and execution. Exploring AI in different roles shows its full potential, driving comprehensive business transformation.

Reason #3: Implementing AI effectively fosters innovation and adaptability. Asking the right questions and letting AI handle the heavy lifting enhances your ability to innovate and stay competitive in today’s market.

Integrating AI isn’t just about technology; it’s about the psychological journey.

By understanding the stages of AI adoption, applying AI across various

roles, and implementing it thoughtfully, business leaders can harness the full power of genAI. Embrace the journey, explore AI’s diverse applications, and use it to transform your business practices and achieve your best work.

Set the culture, or it will be set for you

If you don’t actively shape the AI adoption culture in your organisation, it will shape itself. Employees will be at different stages of their AI journey, each with their own concerns. Understanding these differences is key to fostering a supportive and cohesive AI culture. Ignoring this can lead to confusion, resistance, and missed opportunities.

Don’t let AI adoption feel overwhelming. Take charge, understand the journey, and lead your business through transformative AI integration, balancing the power of technology with the depth of human psychology.

Your turn: Get started with AI in a lowstakes area

Ready to dip your toes into AI? Here’s a simple way to get started:

Use this prompt in any area of your business: “I’m trying to [GOAL] and I’m struggling with [OBSTACLE]. List all the ways you can help me.”

You can ask for creative, non-obvious, or left-field ideas and even request an exhaustive list. This exercise will help you see AI’s potential in a manageable, low-stakes way, easing you into its strategic use.

For example, “I’m trying to find new places I can take my dog for walks away from crowds and I’m struggling to find anywhere. List out all the ways you can help me.”

Or “I’m bored of the evening meals we cook and I’d like to find new recipes that are quick, easy, and people love. List out all the ways you can help me.”

If you want to discover how simple it is to get started with AI in your business, reach out to us at hello@simplerwith. ai or leave a message with your email address on 01273 011 482 and we’ll send you our new “What Can AI Do for Me and My Business?” Guide.

When businesses collaborate, great things happen

Thousands raised for charity through Business vs Agency bowls competition, written by Gavin Willis, of Search Seven.

Thousands raised for charity through Business vs Agency bowls competition, writes by Gavin Willis, of Search Seven.

Agency leaders vs 18 business leaders saw a true ‘head-to-head’ at the Search Seven Bowls Battle.

Weather was hot and the competition was even hotter… but it wasn’t about who would lift the trophy

It was about bringing together our business community to build relationships in a fun setting.

It was about joining forces, to be a force for good.

And have a real positive impact, and boy did that happen.

With thanks to the generosity towards the raffle, and the amazing sponsors, £4,000 will be donated towards amazing charities.

Some of the funds will also go towards the Portslade Bowls Club, who were just brilliant hosts, Thanks, mum!

Massive thanks to the main sponsors: Webtrends Optimize - Matt Smith and Ben Charlesworth

Rubix VT - Nick Poyner and Ian Trevett

And to our rink sponsors: me&you - Matt Eamer Project Management on Demand -

Nadine Schofield Nostos Hove - Kyriakos Baxevanis Cognitive Law Limited - Lucy Tarrant Social Firefly - James Armstrong

And to our charity print partner MCR Media Solutions Ltd - Max Robinson

Special thanks to the simply brilliant Yordan Dimitrov for his tireless efforts on the day and in the build-up.

A truly fantastic day - so proud of what we stand for as a business.

A business shouldn’t just be good, but they should do good - and that day was a real sense of a community doing just that.

Oh and who won, did you say?. Get in there, the Agency Team !

Charity

SBT’s Jackie Irving caught up with the event’s main sponsors to ask them about their plans for future charity events and why it’s so important to their businesses.

Search 7

Our belief is that businesses should not just be good, but they should do good.

We love organising events like the Search Seven bowls battle, so business leaders can rub shoulders,have fun and genuinely make a positive impact on their community. By doing this, we form stronger and meaningful relationships, which go beyond just financial performance of our business, but based on what we stand for as people and what our business values truly are.

Working closely with the likes of Webtrends Optimize and Rubix VT, as well as the rink sponsors and other businesses that get involved in our

events, helps bring like-minded people and organisations together, that genuinely care and want to be part of something where they can make a difference.

The bowls battle was our 25th Charity event, seeing our fundraising total now climb to £130,000, supporting 53 charities. We are now looking forward to our Back 2 School charity event in October, our big fundraiser of the year, where we are taking over Shelter Hall in Brighton, turning it into the Search Seven Academy, and we cannot wait!

Join us on a walk down memory lane as we indulge in a fun-filled evening of nostalgia and throwbacks all in the name of raising money for a range of fantastic causes.

There’ll, of course, be drinks on ice (Capri-Sun anyone?) as you arrive, ‘lunch time’ will be covered by our wonderful caterers (7 in total) and there’ll

be the usual Search Seven fun and frolics in the form of P.E., our School Fete and much more!

Finally, the night will end with an iconic ‘school disco’, obviously.

Webtrends Optimize

At Webtrends Optimize we are really passionate about supporting (and being actively involved with) charities and local community initiatives as much as we possibly can.

We recently renewed our sponsorship of the Sussex Cricket Foundation who aim to actively change lives through cricket across the county, and we also regularly try and raise funds and awareness for the charities our team nominated for this year - namely Crohn’s & Colitis UK and Cancer Research UK (for which 13 of us are taking part in Tough Mudder in September).

In addition to this, we love collaborating with our partners and clients to support the causes that are close to their hearts too, such as the team at Search Seven. We sponsored their Charity Ball at The Grand in Brighton last year, as well as the last two editions of their Bowls Battle!

Our CEO Matt Smith is taking part in the Cornwall to Brighton bike ride, cycling over 300 miles across four days in September, for The Starr Trust, an independent, family-run charity who aim to remove roadblocks for young people to help them succeed and thrive in whatever they put their minds to.

We also try to do our bit to support good causes from a business perspective too, offering a 25% discount on our products/services to any non-profit charitable organisation.

Rubix VT

At Rubix VT we believe in giving back

to the community we serve. Our team is actively involved in charity work and we support several worthy causes, helping initiatives make a real difference and change lives for the better.

2024 is a very exciting year for us and the charities we support!

In February we sponsored and ran our first Brighton Half Marathon. Our Rubix Runners team ran the charity relay race for the first time and over £1 million funds were raised towards many important causes, including The Sussex Beacon and our chosen charity of 2024, The Starr Trust. We are sponsoring the Brighton Half Marathon in 2025 and 2026 as well.

In April we partnered with Together Co, who combat loneliness in our community. We are providing them our telecoms services for free, and four of our team members are volunteering as telephone befrienders, making weekly

phone calls to someone feeling lonely and in need of connection.

June was another month of sports for a cause. We sponsored and participated in the Speedee Boarding Charity Tournament at Hove Lagoon and in the Search Seven Bowls Battle at Portslade Bowls Club, and raised funds for several worthy initiatives.

From July to September we are supporting the Chestnut Tree House and their children’s hospice charity by sponsoring The Big Hoot, a public art trail in Chichester and Arundel showcasing 30 owl sculptures painted by various local artists, schools, and groups.

Also in September, our MD Nick Poyner will be cycling over 300 miles as part of the Cornwall to Brighton bike ride to support The Starr Trust.

Join us for a fun-filled evening of nostalgia and throwbacks

10th October 2024 | 18:30 ‘til late | Shelter Hall, Brighton

Drinks reception, exams, lunchtime, P.E, fete, disco & much more

Dress code: non-school uniform, classy/casual

£55 per person or £300 for a table of 6

Business leaders get on their bikes for the Starr Trust!

The Starr Trust has been organising group Bike Ride events since 2016 and this year’s event will see business leaders of all cycling abilities take on the Cornwall to Brighton Challenge!

Rosie Molloy, Fundraising Manager for the Starr Trust, said: “The events are always an excellent opportunity to get fit, make new friends and connections as well as raising invaluable funds for the charity.

“We look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces to join us for

a fun trip away with plenty of food, refreshments and laughter! We always love seeing new friendships being formed during our trips as people bond and encourage their peers to complete the challenge.

“Our routes are always strategically planned and allow lots of scenic pit stops for everyone to pause, gather and share their progress and funny stories!”

Taking place between September 5 to 8, the trip is suitable for both experienced and new cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness, who want to experience this exciting four-day cycling adventure. Electric bikes are permitted for those who want a little extra boost and cyclists are put into groups matched to their cycling abilities, with supportive team leaders to encourage them along the way.

Charity

The Starr Trust would like to thank their sponsors without whom these events would not be possible: The Dental Implant Centre, Rubix VT, Webtrends Optimize and Gardiner and Scardifield.

To register visit: www.starrtrust.org/events

Find out more:

The Starr Trust is delighted to welcome aboard Matt Smith, CEO of Webtrends Optimize, both as event co-sponsor and a cyclist this year.

Matt said: “This bike ride is going to be a really exciting challenge for me. It’s certainly more demanding than anything I’ve ever done before, but the training has been really good, and I’ve enjoyed pushing myself! And if there was ever a charity to do it for, The Starr Trust is definitely it.

“The work they do with young people is incredible and I’m so pleased to be part of the fundraising for such a good cause. If anyone is thinking about taking part in the bike ride, I would highly recommend it, if I can do it then anyone can!”

Nick Poyner, Director of Rubix VT, is all set to take on the challenge this year, as well as co-sponsoring.

Nick said: “At Rubix VT we are proud supporters of The Starr Trust, our chosen charity of 2024. They empower young people in need and open doors to brighter futures, and their impact within our community is truly inspirational.

“We are deeply committed to changing lives for the better, in more ways than one: fundraising initiatives that promote physical activity and wellbeing are a great way to give back to the community while fostering healthy habits. That is why we are so thrilled to be sponsoring and taking part in the Cornwall to Brighton Bike Ride! September’s trip will for sure be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!”

Speedee-boarding raises over £10,000 for multiple charities

‘Well,

this was certainly networking and fundraising with a difference!’ writes Jackie Ashwood.

Networking & Events

Hove lagoon, alongside Neil Laughton, hosted the world’s greatest SUP (stand up paddle) boarding relay race tournament.

Bringing families, friends, work colleagues and the public together for an afternoon of entertainment raising money for charity, each team chose their own charity. This saw more than 20 different charities benefiting from the event.

Twenty-eight teams of four (most having never set foot on a paddle board before) competed in heats to qualify for one of two finals.

My team comprised Sam Thomas, ‘an OK’ SUP boarder, alongside myself, Ella Cranstone, Mark Newman, and Ian Trevett. We came second.

A favourite part of the event was the demolition derby, each person out for themselves. I even made the final

A big shout out to Neil and his team of volunteers - the day was seamlessly run and was one of the most entertaining and fun afternoons I’ve had in a long time.

A big thank you to the sponsors, because these events would not happen without their generosity. They were:

Oakley Property

Your Sussex Property Expert

We specialise in Sussex property –across residential and commercial, land and new homes.

This means we know the Sussex coast and countryside, with all its diverse charms and characteristics.

As members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, we combine national expertise with genuine local knowledge.

We’re proud to have built a thriving business through repeat custom and recommendations.

Rubix VT

“Our mantra is Telecoms Simplified.”

Telecoms do not need to be complicated. When someone phones your business, Rubix VT is there to ensure their call is handled in the most professional manner.

Its mission is to create a phone solution that adds value to your business, and that means improving efficiencies, enhancing caller experiences and

optimising your outbound calls.

Your phones can, and should, be fully integrated into the wider business strategy.

Rubix VT talks in plain English (no jargon guaranteed) and concentrates on finding the RIGHT telephony for you.”

And the results

Trophy Final (Champions)

1st CCI Gatwick

2nd SBT Sailors

3rd Ops Superstars

Plate final

1st Evolve

2nd Stop Paddle Time

3rd WOLO

Demolition Derby Final

1st Andy Russell

2nd Ross Speight-Burns

3rd Chris Williams

Big Business Breakfast Club’s July meeting sponsored by Evolve

The event is taking place at 8am on Friday, July 19 at the AMEX Stadium with prenetworking in the Donatello Lounge bar.

Networking & Events

Guest speaker at the Big Breakfast Club’s July meeting is Matt Garman. He will feature in a head-tohead with Sam Thomas. This will be followed by Alex Ryan from Marketing 101, who will offer marketing hints and tips. Organisers have planned the event to ensure everyone has plenty of time to meet other like-minded business people in the room.

The sponsor - Evolve

Evolve is a technology consultancy that specialises in Pipedrive implementation, consultancy and training. It helps SMEs and scale-up businesses to automate, integrate and optimise everything they do in Pipedrive.

The brand’s co-founder, Bruce, is based in sunny Worthing. He leads a fully distributed consultant network across the globe, which enables Evolve to support clients in the UK, EU and USA.

Evolve hosts the Evolve Pipedrive Podcast, where it talks about all things Pipedrive, sales, apps and the Pipedrive marketplace. This gives an insight to the growing list of apps that natively connect with Pipedrive.

Guest speaker - Matt Garman, The Corporate Adventurer

Leadership and Growth Speaker, Mentor and Sales Coach to Growth Focussed businesses - Ironman, Channel Swimmer, Atlantic Rower. Sharing the parallels between successful companies and team based endurance events.

Sponsor’s nominated charity – Wolo

Wolo Foundation helps families living in Sussex through their cancer journeys. It supports them by offering practical help and support to make their day-to-day lives easier. The foundation works with local businesses and communities to offer families a wealth of services to

support them through their diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Statistics show that one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Life is precious - we need to make the most of it - we only live once - Wolo!

We look forward to seeing you all on Friday, July 19. 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

It’s an away day, an ideation workshop and a networking event all rolled into one. We have superb speakers, wonderful workshops, brilliant breakouts, next-level networking and so much more.

Each year, we pick a theme to get you thinking and this year, it’s 24/7. As the great enabler of our times, our 24/7 culture gives us experiences and opportunities we’d never otherwise have had. Join us as we reflect on what it means to have ‘more hours in the day’ and consider the cost at which it comes.

Happening in the heart of Brighton at the magnificent Corn Exchange, no matter where you are on your career path, the Summit offers a great chance to learn, engage and reflect. FIND OUT MORE AND GET YOUR TICKET AT BRIGHTONSUMMIT.COM

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Final state-of-the-art office suite available to lease within The 1st Central County Ground

Two other office suites have already been snapped up.

Networking & Events

A unique opportunity to lease the final remaining office suite on the site of the home of Sussex Cricket in Hove is available immediately. This established location is poised for further regeneration, promising an even more enriched environment for business operations.

Two of the brand new three-storey office suites have already been handed over, with the final space available to be leased at once.

Location

Positioned in the heart of Hove, the new office accommodation is situated

at the main entrance to The 1st Central County Ground.

Sussex County Cricket Club, formed in 1839, has played at the ground since 1872 and will continue to play host to the oldest county in English cricket. Alongside the summer fixtures, the club is a lively and well visited venue hosting several highprofile events throughout the year.

Hove has excellent transport links, regular, direct train services to London Victoria (80 mins) and Gatwick (30 mins), as well as up to six trains per hour running to Worthing (16 mins), Portsmouth (60 mins) and Eastbourne (56 mins). The A27 and A23 are easily accessible by car and public transport links within the city are frequent and reliable.

Features

• Excellent 3-storey new office / medical building (B1/D1 use)

• One of three floors available

• Located on a busy thoroughfare at the main entrance to the Sussex County Cricket Ground

• 3,443 sq ft (319m2)

• A total of 13 allocated on-site parking spaces (the Club reserves the right to reduce the parking spaces to 4 on match and event days)

• Contemporary, brand-new accommodation with a wide-aspect glass facade.

• Built to highly efficient, sustainable standards.

• A number of pay-and-display parking spaces available for customers within the vicinity of the site

• Part of the successful Phase One development comprises of 37 residential apartments (all sold).

• Ground Floor public house/restaurant (pre-let) and a purpose-built 9,902 sq ft (920 m2) office building.

• Area to be further enhanced as part of a proposed master plan with purposebuilt five-star conference facility and improved cricket facilities.

Full specifications available here: https://www.gravesjenkins.com/

property/tate-offices-sussex-countycricket-club-hove-bn3-3an

Joint agents Graves Jenkins and SHW have already completed two transactions on the site, with Act iii and Damira Dental taking up two of the three suites, located at the prestigious newly constructed Tate offices.

Phil Graves from Graves Jenkins commented: “It has been a success story for the scheme from the start with 37 residential units virtually sold off plan, the public house leased to Indigo on a prelet and now the offices. The innovative design by ECE Architects and the quality of the build by Roffey Homes has made the scheme a great success and a delight to advise on throughout the project.“

Pete Fitzboydon, Chief Executive at

Sussex Cricket, added: “We have been delighted with the success of this scheme, with massive demand for the residential, public house and most recently, office spaces.

“This forms part of a wider modernisation of our historic Hove ground, to create a vibrant place to live, work and play all year around.

“We look forward to welcoming our final tenant over the coming months, to bring to a close a hugely successful phase of the development.”

If you are seeking high specification modern offices in Hove, please call Graves Jenkins on 01273 701070 or view the information on the website www.gravesjenkins.com

Gatwick beckons after best Brighton & Hove Business Show ever

Mike Monk is hosting the Gatwick Business Show in October.

Networking & Events

Hot on the heels of the most successful Brighton & Hove Business Show since its inception, visitor registrations have opened for the inaugural Gatwick Business Show.

Mike Monk, the events’ organiser, welcomed hundreds of people through the doors of the Amex Stadium in Brighton last month. He described the day as ‘fantastic’, saying the vibe in the exhibition lounges and conference rooms was ‘buzzing’.

Sponsored by PBS Group, Data Mail Solutions and County Business Clubs Sussex, the event saw the use of a new QR code entry system to speed up preregistered visitor admissions.

Guest speakers included Gerry Lawrence, a director at Freeman Clarke, Emma Pearce, founder of Pearce Marketing, and Gareth Dimelow, founder of Inside Stories.

Brighton Chamber of Commerce led the

ever-popular Slo-mo Networking session in the afternoon.

Titan Workwear kindly sponsored this year’s Best Stand competition, which was won by Bella June Flowers and Marram Trading with Clearline Recruitment receiving the runner-up trophy.

The show followed a Networking Breakfast, staged in HB’s restaurant at the stadium. Guest speaker was Camille Pierson, founder of The Float Spa.

Mike said: “The 2024 Brighton & Hove Business Show was by far the biggest and best show I have ever staged.

“The vibe in the rooms was fantastic and the numbers were amazing. People dipped in and out during the day and, at one point, we had over 400 people in the exhibitor lounges. The whole day was buzzing.”

In addition to offering unlimited networking opportunities, there were plenty of chances for show-goers to win prizes. A huge number of stands ran

giveaways, with everything from bottles of plonk to tool kits being given away.

Throughout the day, Mike and the team were supported by Claire Catliff, of Love Luxury Events.

Next year’s show is being staged on June 5. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ yteedmay to learn more about stand bookings, which are predicted to sell out fast.

Mike’s attention now moves to Gatwick Business Show, which is being staged in partnership with Gatwick Diamond Business.

Taking place at the Felbridge Hotel and Spa on October 17, it will be free to visit. Online registration for visitor passes is now open at https://tinyurl. com/3rmm5ubt

Stand bookings are also open. For further information, visit: https://tinyurl. com/mwpxr24z

Images: Howie McConnell

Event review: Business Leaders Wine Club road trip

The Business Leaders Wine Club took their unique networking concept on the road again last month and it was an event to remember, according to impressed attendees.

Networking & Events

Blessed with glorious sunshine, the day of networking started with a welcome glass of Olivier Cuvée Origine Champagne at WRAP, a chic coworking space conveniently located next to Brighton Station. This set a perfect tone for what was to come.

It was then all aboard a vintage Routemaster Bus, a charming touch that

transported everyone to Wiston Estate in the stunning Sussex Downs. The scenic journey was an excellent opportunity for some speed-networking and podcast interviews, perfectly setting the stage for the day ahead.

Upon arrival at Wiston, we were warmly greeted by Tom Flint and Tori Seles with a glass of their delightful Rosé NV. Tom and Tori took us on an engaging tour of the vineyards, sharing their insights

into the winemaking process and the estate’s history, adding a rich layer to the experience.

The highlight, of course, was the wine tasting at Chalk restaurant. First up was the creamy Blanc de Blancs NV, noted for its biscuity character, green apple and flinty minerality. This was followed by the Estate Cuvée 2016, with apricot and brioche notes and then the delicious Estate Rosé 2018, bursting with summer

Complementing the wine tasting was a fabulous spread of local cheeses and charcuterie. We took our plates to the courtyard, the perfect place to enjoy the selection in the golden glow of the setting sun.

The evening continued with more wine and summery beats curated by Alex Ryan, Business Leaders Wine Club co-founder and accomplished DJ. His music added a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere as the night unfolded.

As we made our way back to Brighton on the bus, there was a shared sense of satisfaction and new connections made. The Business Leaders Wine Club isn’t your typical networking

group. Its mission is to make discovering new wines an exciting shared experience that enhances your presence in the thriving Sussex business community.

If you’d like to join future events, please reach out at events@ businessleaderswine.club or find us on LinkedIn.

Cheers to more memorable events!

The UK’s most contested and prestigious Business Awards Programme for Chamber Members.

Chamber News

The Sussex Chamber Business Awards evening was a fantastic celebration of the achievements of our business community. An amazing opportunity to grow your brand, stand out from the crowd, to be seen as a highperforming business or individual, attract new talent, differentiate yourself from competitors and celebrate the hard work and achievements of your employees.

These Business Awards are one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a campaign to showcase the winning businesses on an international stage.

Recognising and rewarding excellence in British business, these awards are the ONLY awards programme that enable members to win locally, regionally and nationally.

Business communities work hard to

grow and prosper. They have had to adapt to changing circumstances and focus on embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.

The awards evening was the perfect opportunity to celebrate business achievements, and to encourage and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

We were welcomed by our host, Brendan Cole from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Brendan started dancing at the age of six. At 18 he moved to London, to further his studies and to embark on a dancing career. To support himself and his burgeoning dance ambitions, Brendan worked as a warehouseman,

an insurance broker, and a builder! Eventually, in 1999, his dreams came true, and he turned professional. He has been honoured as the Asian Pacific Latin American Champion and also New Zealand Latin American Champion. With his former dance partner Camilla, Brendan also reached the semi-finals of what are considered to be the world’s top four dance competitions. Brendan was an exceptional host and brought energy to the awards evening.

A huge congratulations to all the nominees across all eight categories –those who strive to power ahead towards new horizons while keeping true to the local values of each community. These businesses are at the forefront of their fields with incredible stories to share.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to our Headline Sponsors, Acumen Law and EBISS UK Ltd.

I would also like to extend our thanks to our Welcome Drinks Sponsor, Gatwick Airport and Photo Wall Sponsor, Sussex Sign Company

The event would not have been possible without category sponsors and judges who took time out of their very busy schedules to evaluate the entries and meet the nominees. Thank you to all our Category Sponsors

For the first time at our awards, we were honoured to have a Charity Partner. Wolo Foundation is a small local charity helping families in Sussex affected by cancer. Demand for their service is huge, and they have grown exponentially over the last 4 years and now support over 150 families. They collaborate with local businesses, charities and communities to engage with local people, and have become an integral part of the Sussex community – they were last year’s winners of our community champion award. At our awards evening, we were able to raise an amazing £6,800 which is massively needed to support this local charity.

To the right are the winners from our 8 categories. Congratulations to you all on your amazing achievements.

All the best of luck to the winners from the Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2024 who will now be put forward to the British Chambers Regional Awards, before the final stage, the National Chamber Awards 2024.

Save the date:

27 June 2025

01444 259259

Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2025

Double Tree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel

Culture is the new currency when it comes to recruitment

Interviews and application processes are the shop window of your business and culture. When was the last time you stepped outside the shop front to take a look? Brendan Okoronkwo, Director at Boxless, gives advice and thoughts on how Business can improve and make sure they’re not falling out of touch.

The UK Recruitment sector reached £141.2 billion in 2022, often the first glimpse at company culture, values and purpose for employees. However it has the potential to be a multibillion pound liability if organisations do not have values and culture to offer.

Recruitment when run well is a seamless, time saving, proactive success story that delivers talent and skills to teams to elevate them to the

next level. For the candidate, a new position meeting their motivations and career goals is often wonderful branding as they no doubt share their early experiences far and wide.

Having worked with international tech businesses like BMW, Intel and Robert Bosch on Recruitment and Talent hiring strategies for over a decade, I can assure you this change is affecting every business.

Motivations are changing. The lure of a pay rise and a shiny new title are no longer the sole motivators of a candidate.

We’ve seen a glimpse of this shift, with work from home dominating workplace discussions following lockdown restrictions. Employees still capable of completing their duties away from the designated office converting commute time and office attendance into school runs, lunchtime gym sessions or side hobbies.

The change is going to become more

prevalent, 4 day work weeks, maternity/ paternity policies, DE&I initiatives, health benefits and paid charity days off are just some of the factors candidates are now honing in on with their job search decisions. Gone are the days of job title, salary and a ‘big’ name company being the de facto winner in talent attraction.

By 2026 75% of the global workforce will be made up of Millennials and Gen ZWhat they want is very different to what has been on offer. A shift is happening.

Change is challenging

Change is uncomfortable, and we are in the midst of change with an incredibly fluid job market and increased 4.2% unemployment rate recently announced. The average tenure of an employee has dropped from over 5 years to just over 2 years. A saturation of degree educated professionals taking up non-degree required lines of work. Political factors, cost of living, redundancies and the sheer number of push and pull effects means that what once succeeded with scaling and hiring may not be the best plan of action for the next iteration of the workplace.

These are all hinting at culture, the new north star of the employee.

Culture is fundamentally important to get right, and there is a significant volume of data out there on the topic of ‘company culture’, and most of it has the same message; make sure your organisation has a strong teamwork ethic, create a positive working environment, offer your employees plenty of benefits etc.

But what a lot of organisations fail to acknowledge is that positive company culture is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Culture should absolutely fit everyone, include everyone and enable everyone to contribute.

3 things businesses can do for their culture to improve staff retention and new staff attention

- Define your culture

What do you truly value in your business? How does that push the business forward and why would an individual want to be a part of this?

One flaw at this step is taking top management’s view only. Culture is in every inch of an organisation, bring forward ideas from all areas and capture as much sentiment as you can. You’ll be surprised how off the pulse management can be with the true heart beat of a company.

- Delve into your culture

Any company can greenwash or rainbow wash their logo in accordance to awareness days/months, these are superficial acts if no work is being put in behind the scenes.

You’ve defined your culture, what proof do you have in your workforce of this? It’s an unfortunate truth that most companies do not have a myriad of age, gender, race and class of workforce. Promoting a meritocracy yet not having the internal evidence will immediately undo any positive verbalising of such a statement. Do the work and build your company from the inside out, then let the inside out for new future members to see.

- Demonstrate your culture

Delivering your culture concisely, effectively and accurately in your branding, job opportunities and day to day engagements will be the key to success.

Internally owned communication channels are easy to manage, Marketing teams, HR, Senior management all have a part to play.

Ensuring that £141 billion worth of service stays on your side is a much trickier course to navigate, but can be done.

Firstly, they see your organisation as it is, show them what you want candidates to see, feel, hear.

Check them. Which provider are you trusting to be an extension of your organisation? What information are they sharing with the talent market on your behalf? How will they answer the more difficult questions that are bound to come up now you are more open and honest with your culture? You cannot make a first impression twice. Deliver your culture the best you can the first time.

Working on culture is a journey more companies need to take and some will soon have to take. A journey with a more effective, unified and inviting destination for all that enables businesses to continue to hire and retain the best talent possible.

This journey is one of the main challenges in today’s business climate. Through audit’s, assessments and research, businesses can find the tools to implement the right culture and continue to adapt to the changing landscape of employment.

To find out more visit www.boxless. uk or contact us for a free consultation info@boxless.uk

What would it take to completely reimagine how you talk about your work?

By Toby Moore, facilitator of TALK24.

Photo credit: Kevan Smith

Lifestyle

Every day, almost all of us will be asked questions like “what do you do for a living?” or “what does your business do again?” And so, in lieu of a more interesting question, what might make for a far more exciting answer? For many, this journey might take you to some kind of “We do ABC for XYZ”.

What if you could dig deeper? To let go of the familiar and find new language and stories, which genuinely make how you talk about your work totally unmistakable and unforgettable to others?

Well, that is exactly what we did in June. Together with six founders, we

disappeared into the countryside to connect with nature, rest, eat… and TALK. I was able to lean on my decade of curating TEDxBrighton, to facilitate three days of thinking, questioning, storytelling and seeking out clarity.

We stayed in the Sussex home of famed food writer Gilly Smith, whose house, studio, meadows and woodland, made for an unbeatable environment for renewed thinking.

With birds and bees all around, wildflowers bursting through everywhere you look, and a lone peacock calling out somewhere in the distance. Nature now has become an important canvas for much of my work.

Through TEDx this year we asked ‘What Would Nature Do’ to help repoint our attention at how the natural world serves us. And through our agency, Possible, we now purely focus on telling powerful stories about humanities’ most abundant Earth and Space Missions.

It was magic watching what a few careful questions, the peace and harmony of nature and a rainbow of good foods could do for our six founders, and the stories they chose to tell about their work.

Links: HelloPossible.co ASussexHouse.org

Purposeful storytelling: Bridging family, business and community

TALK24 helped me tell a very personal story about how my work and family life are deeply intertwined, writes Frances Fogel.

As a mother of two young children and also an entrepreneur with two ‘business babies’, effectively communicating how it all hangs together - and keeps me going - is crucial for both my clients and myself.

Lifestyle

Three years ago, I launched Better Bolder Braver, a diverse online community for Life and Executive coaches (“peoplehelpers”) who want to build successful, value-aligned coaching businesses through effective, ethical marketing.

I am so proud to have founded a topranking digital community, to be a repeat podcast guest, and an educational speaker for a number of international coaching accreditation and training bodies, and the world’s only B-Corp certified Executive Coach training provider.

Meanwhile…

My youngest son’s severe allergies have restricted our family’s travel over the past

five years and opened our eyes, leading to creative local holiday solutions, a reduced carbon footprint and a much deeper understanding of the UK farming industry and its need for diversification. And so my second business was born this year…

As Frances Fogel - Story Strategist, I’m a “story-godmother” for purposeful businesses in London and the South East. I help craft and communicate unique stories effectively, allowing SME businesses to increase profits, engage employees, involve loyal customers, and do more good: for community and planet… punching with and above the big boys and girls.

County Business Clubs’ approach aligns perfectly with my mission to help you make authentic connections and enjoy meaningful storytelling. I love the CBC philosophy of “self-reflection rather than self-promotion” as my goal is to help business folk hold up a compassionate mirror and communicate storiesboth shiny and not so shiny - clearly, honestly, confidently and mindfully.

I hope to inspire others in the CBC community to seek growth opportunities by sharing their unique stories with confidence, creativity and intention.

So - If you are a founder, leader, or custodian of a purposeful business, I do encourage you to take full advantage of CBC’s supportive ecosystem for sharing and connecting with likeminded professionals.

Also, I invite you to listen to my own podcasts, and to connect with me on LinkedIn. Please reach out about how we might use your story to create a sustainable business and way forward for you - and for others around you.

Here’s to doing this together!

Frances Fogel - Story Strategist www.francesfogel.co.uk

Better Bolder Braver betterbolderbraver.com

Frances on Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/francesfogel

Connecting inner and outer ecosystems

By Cara Wheatley-McGrain, Founder of The Mindful Gut.

The stories we tell ourselves matter.

Lifestyle

And the stories we share about our work have the power to connect and inspire us to thrive - even when times are tough.

In the Talk 24 I witnessed a group of extraordinary founders sharing their stories. There was a common thread, our businesses reflected our resilience, our lived experience and our values.

Isn’t this what businesses do best?

We see a problem, and we know in our bones we can help make it better.

I resonate with the County Business Club’s message to ‘tell rather than sell’. Sharing the story of our business grounds everything we do in authenticity, and our values ripple out shaping the wider business ecosystem and community.

On the Talk retreat, supported by

Toby Moore and the brilliant team of founders, I rediscovered my own story in an unexpected way - sharing how my business grew out of my experience of being on fire!

Twenty years ago I landed in A&E with a fire of inflammation so out of control - I was on the cusp of surgery to remove a chunk of my gut! One night on a dark hospital ward, afraid, inflamed, alone, I started a new story. I made a pact to learn to listen to my body, and to do everything I could to put out that fire!

I founded The Mindful Gut on a mission to inspire 1 million people to transform their gut health, and to put out the fire of inflammation.

As an author and speaker, I share the hidden story of our inner ecosystem! The story of our gut microbiome and its central role in both our physical and mental wellbeing.

As a coach, I’ve learnt to listen for the

stories that keep us stuck and the stories that can catalyse change. And the deepest joy is that I get to share the simple steps to re-writing your gut health story!

I love working with individuals and teams offering fun fermenting demos, team lunch and learns, or co-curating the perfect away day!

This work is about revitalising our inner and outer ecosystems, because a healthy, resilient team makes a healthy, resilient business.

I’d love to connect on LinkedIn or sign up for my monthly newsletter where I share inspiration on creating a happy healthy gut for life!

The Mindful Gut www.themindfulgut.co.uk

Linked In www.linkedin.com/in/cara-wheatleymcgrain-61927a75

Communication is

special. It helps us feel connected and understood

By Kevan Smith, Founder of Epiphany Content.

I founded Epiphany Content six years ago because I love those moments of connection and revelation. Whether it’s finding the right words for clients or expressing their message through video, finding and sharing these epiphanies is my purpose.

Lifestyle

Describing my own work has always been challenging. There’s something about being passionately close to what you do that makes it difficult to sum up. That’s why working with professionals is the most effective way to uncover the transformative aspects of your business. And having worked with both a branding strategist and a business strategist previously, I knew that working on finding the words for my business would be key in helping me speak about it more effectively.

Talk 24 came at the perfect time in my journey. I had recently launched Brighton United, a city-wide initiative to increase Global Majority representation in coworking spaces and networking groups, with a vision of helping to build professional relationships and collaborations across our city. While Epiphany is all about communicating those moments of connection, Brighton United is about the “Human Alchemy” of bringing together diverse groups for innovative collaborations. But how could I describe this project in a way that would instantly resonate with the community?

My experience at Talk 24, facilitated by Toby Moore and Fox, was always

going to be key. I knew their work, and I had infinite trust in their process. But what I didn’t expect was how the support and investment of my fellow attendees would make such a difference in my journey. The experience provided a space for us to explore our individual projects that mattered so much to us individually and ultimately collectively. Our brilliant facilitators helped guide us, and fellow attendees helped track and reflect our progress. And even though each of our projects was incredibly unique, we shared a common thread of valuesled, community-driven initiatives. This

made it natural for us to support each other in finding the words to express our individual passionate journeys.

For me, the key was resonance –expressing to my community the importance of finding their precise pitch and creating beautiful harmonies with those who resonate in tune with our human symphony.

There’s a special joy in connecting your passion with words that express why it matters so much. I’m grateful for my Talk 24 experience, which helped me reach that epiphany.

How do YOU define success?

How do we gain clarity in our message and mission? Sam Thomas, Founder of Different Hats Limited and Co-Founder of County Business Clubs Sussex, shares his experience of TALK24.

Lifestyle

The famous advice to work on your business, not just in it, holds more truth than I realised - until I attended Talk 24.

The brilliant Toby Moore and his team curated an incredible three-day retreat, providing business owners the space to ask insightful questions and delve deeper into their narratives to effectively share their messages.

For me, the retreat was transformative. I revisited a chapter in my past, unlocking emotions and realisations I hadn’t faced before. Through my story, I uncovered my mission: to help the world see success differently and reduce the suicide rate among men in the UK.

As I reflected, a quote from a beloved story resonated deeply: “What do you think success is?” asked the boy. “To love,” said the Mole.

In our society, success is often measured by financial status, especially in the business world. This was certainly how I defined success at the start of my entrepreneurial journey. Driven by the pursuit of wealth, I promised myself I would be a millionaire by 40. Yet, in 2018, just before my 40th birthday, I was farther from that goal than ever. Despite running my own business, I hadn’t reached the financial milestones I believed defined success. I didn’t own a house, and I felt I hadn’t achieved what society expected. This led to a severe battle with mental health, feeling like a failure and letting my family down. It wasn’t until a recent

retreat that I realised the depth of my despair, which had once made me feel like I didn’t want to be here anymore.

The turning point came one morning after a sleepless, tearful night. As I sat in my car, unable to stop crying, I returned home. My twins greeted me with, “I love you, daddy,” and my wife hugged me, sensing my distress.

In that moment, I realised I was surrounded by love. Reflecting on my life, I saw the love from my family, friends, and the business community I serve. If success were measured by

the relationships I’ve built and the love surrounding me, I would be one of the most successful people in the world. This epiphany changed my narrative on success. Now, I aim to help others see success differently, challenging societal norms and embracing the idea that true success is to love and be loved. That is why we are here.

Thank you to Toby and the other attendees for their warmness, support and love allowing me a safe space to share this extremely vulnerable chapter of my life. I will forever be grateful to you all.

Terrace relaunch: The place to hang out this summer

Hospitality Hotspot: Hotel du Vin garden revamp - and just in time for summer. Lifestyle

Nestled in the heart of the city centre and only a stone’s throw from the beach, Hotel du Vin last month re-opened it summer terrace. Upon arrival, the visual transformation is immediately evident.

New lighting fixtures provide a magical

ambiance after dusk. On the upper terrace, the use of natural materials and thoughtful landscaping creates a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces making the Terrace a true urban retreat.

Another prominent feature of the new terrace are the very ‘Brighton’ deckchairs.

For an afternoon or evening of summer drinks and fantastic food, this newly revamped terrace is the place to hang out, away from the hustle and bustle of the seafront.

It’s a hidden gem.

www.hotelduvin.com

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month July 2024

Enrique Medoza Chardonnay 2023 from Costa Blanca near Alicante

As we move into summer, most of us are looking forward to taking time out for a holiday. I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting local vineyards or distilleries on your break. It is a great opportunity to sample local cuisine and wines that you would not usually have back in your home county or back in the UK.

For the last two weeks, I have been in the region of Costa Blanca visiting friends in and around Alicante. As a region, although coastal, it is usually sunny with a limited amount of rain each year. The Mediterranean sea helps with coastal sea breezes circulating through the mountain corridors providing greater freshness and relief to the vines from the usual high temperatures.

As with many coastal areas of Spain, they have great local seafood and paella as well as several local vineyards, which have a variety of local and international grape types. As we had hired a car, we decided to visit Enrique Medoza Estate which is just outside of the well-known resort of Benidorm, easily accessible with a local taxi.

At this vineyard, they produce a wide selection of wines, more reds than white that develop well in the intense sunshine. Monastrell is a favourite for the region with bold dark fruits, medium body with smokey notes. There are more familiar international varieties such as Pinot Noir and Merlot as well as more unusual blends or varieties such as Petit Verdot.

In their own words, Enrique Mendoza initially opted for foreign varieties, but his attachment to the territory has led to a focus on the native Monastrell variety.

At Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, our challenge is to make wines in such a way that you can recognize our sun, our light, our Mediterranean character and our humanity. With the right attitude, experience and team, this journey is turning out to be more attractive than it seemed.

After trying several of the Estates wine I have chosen to review a white wine which was of excellent quality and perfectly served in an ice bucket to enjoy in the sunshine. The unoaked Chardonnay from 2023 is lovely and at 9 euros a bottle, great value.

Michael’s tasting notes;

On the nose we have melon, honeysuckle and slight tropical notes including pineapple.

On the palate we have refreshing wine with delicate fruit. We have lots of citrus, lemon with some green apple and balanced minerality with nice mouth feel, acidity and body to the wine.

My ideal pairing would be with deep fried calamari or chopitos (baby cuttlefish) with a squeeze of lemon

The winemaker’s notes; Very pale yellow wine with nice lemony hints.

Spring appears on the nose. Freshness predominates with hints of green apples, citrus, tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple and light floral aromas.

In the mouth, acidity predominates, which gives it its characteristic freshness and it has a medium volume that gives it smoothness.

A wine that transmits the joy and spring of the Mediterranean.

In summary

Wherever you end up this summer, I would recommend visiting any local producers for a tasting, it’s great fun and gives you an appreciation of the region it is located. Happy holidays!

Enrique Mendoza Estate offers a great representation of it’s region with lots of different wines to suit all tastes. You can book 2 hour wine tours for 25 euros a person at https://bodegasmendoza. com/la-bodega/

Michael Yeoman, Founder of Brighton and Hove Wine Club

Michael Yeoman specialises in working with small batch wine producers in and around Sussex and the South Downs. He founded Brighton and Hove Wine Club and also creates a range of small batch Sussex brandies, grape spirits and vodka through Spirit of the Downs Distillery based at Bookers Vineyard, Bolney.