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EXETERWORKS The movers and shakers in the
EXETERWORKS It’s the city’s business
It’s due to be a packed night at the Awards
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HOT TICKET The highly-anticipated Exeter Living Awards are less than a month away and tickets to the city’s most uberglam business celebration are selling fast.
Single tickets and partner tables can be bought on the website, and through becoming an Awards partner businesses can gain many benefits including a branded table, logos and inclusion in the Awards marketing campaign.
It’s another record-breaking year for the Awards with more finalists than before and a great variety of companies shortlisted as finalists. See the full list on pages 36-37.
“Businesses can secure their seats to the biggest Awards ceremony in Exeter – though they’ll have to be quick with huge demand again this year,” says Steph Dodd, event director at MediaClash, Exeter Living’s publisher. “There’s also opportunity to treat your clients and reward your colleagues by hosting a partner table of ten – many companies already have! We’re looking forward to seeing the best that Exeter has to offer next month.” The Awards will be held at the University of Exeter’s Great Hall on 7 March.
Finalists will also be attending a special Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception on 17 February at On The Waterfront. It’s the perfect curtain-raiser for businesses to build contacts, network and socialise before the big night. Tickets can be purchased on the website or contact Claudia Butler for more information at Claudia.Butler@ mediaclash.co.uk. www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk @ExeterLivingAwd
ELECTRIC DREAMS
+ongratulations are in order for 5arsh Exeter who have just won the /oElectric )ward at the 3ia =3 National ,ealer +onference . <he award, presented by ,avid 0ilbert, marketing director at 3ia 5otors =3 4td, recognises sales as well as a dealership¼s commitment to staff training in 3ia¼s range of eco cars.
¹?e¼re thrilled to have won this award,º says 5ike ?all, director at 5arsh Exeter,
¹I¼m so pleased that we have been recognised for our commitment to the sales and staff training within 3ia¼s exciting range of E> and hybrid vehicles. ?e know that is a huge year for 3ia with its growing E> range and we are excited to offer the newly electrified 8lug-in 0ybrid versions of the @+eed and +eed Sportswagon to the people of Exeter.º
5arsh Exeter stocks a wide range of new and used cars including the recently upgraded 3ia e-Niro.
For more: www.exeterkia.co.uk
The wheel winners
The Neil thing
Exeter-based financial experts 7ld 5ill have appointed chartered financial planner and fellow member of the personal finance society, Neil :ushton, to the ?ealth 5anagement team. 0aving held roles across the sector, Neil joins 7ld 5ill from independent financial planning firm +itimark, and has more than years¼ experience in financial services.
In his new role, Neil · who specialises in retirement and estate planning · will work within the ?ealth 5anagement team providing financial advice and guidance to high net worth clients either nearing retirement or already retired, to help them achieve their ambitions.
8aula 0odge, head of ?ealth 5anagement at 7ld 5ill says it was clear right from their first meeting that Neil¼s values were perfectly aligned with those of 7ld 5ill and that he would be an excellent addition to the team. ¹It is actually Yuite rare to find someone like Neil, who has so much experience and whose beliefs and values are synonymous with 7ld 5ill¼s, so we are thrilled he is joining us.
Neil Rushton
¹0aving worked in a regional financial planning firm, a national accountancy practice and a private bank, Neil will be able to bring valuable insight and new ideas to help us further enhance our client experience.º For more: www.om.uk
Kevin’s on the move “COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HAS BECOME QUITE A ‘BUZZWORD’ BUT IT CAN SOMETIMES BE QUITE A HARD NUT TO CRACK”
Kevin Winser has just been appointed activities and events officer at Exeter Community Centre. So, what’s he got planned?
The role that Kevin has just landed as activities and events oٻcer at Exeter Community Centre Trust is part of a two year project to enhance and grow public and community engagement via essentially heritage based events. It also aims to have a wide enough scope to entertain other activities and events appropriate to the venue and the needs of the community, locally and city wide. We caught up with 3evin to find out a bit more...
Congratulations on the new role! When did you start? I started in January and the project runs for two years aided by the ‘Heritage Lottery Fund’ (HLF). It’s still early doors but with things coming together in terms of building and establishing partnerships, volunteers and networks to work with. It’s the proverbial ‘blank canvas’ at the moment but with the initial sketching out of a masterpiece in the making we hope? Ha-ha.
What’s the best thing about your job? Having worked on a similar HLF project at St Sidwell’s Centre, I think it’s the feeling that you’re putting together hopefully engaging activities and events that can foster a new understanding of and sense of place for people where they live. As with most projects of this type, there should be some physical legacy outcomes for the future and it’s always nice to look back and think ‘We did that’. On a personal level, I’ve also worked in larger arts and media organisations, such as the RPS National Centre of Photography and the BBC and so it¼s a fairly relaxed community centre ambiance and not a wholly commercially driven enterprise or so-called, ‘fast moving’ corporate environment either – been there, done that – but it still has its pressures of course.
And the most challenging? Meeting funders targets within given resources can be a challenge. We don’t have money to burn nor the income from admission to events that perhaps other ventures could charge. Community engagement has become quite a ‘buzzword’ (or two) but it can sometimes be quite a hard nut to crack. With community based projects, you have to work with your target audience too, so that they feel they have some input and ownership. Sometimes finding that input can be diٻcult.
Tell us about the ‘Big Project’ and what it will involve? It’s the umbrella title of the ambitious project the centre has received funding for, that will bring the currently derelict top floor of the centre, back into community use. 5y side of the project is to extend and broaden the community’s involvement and engagement at the centre, in ways that also celebrate the local area’s unique heritage.
What can we look forward to this year in terms of events and activities? <he first public event I¼m working on, and which we want to be an on-going thing, is to have is a pop-up mini People’s Museum, which we hope will be a display of images, objects and ephemera that people can contribute that perhaps tells a personal story that also reflects some aspect of the heritage and life in St David’s and surrounds, past and present. We’re also putting together a couple of seasons of interesting talks and lectures, open days, workshops, guided and audio tours, permanent displays and school projects. )ll things which we need to do to fulfil funder¼s criteria but I’m also very open to other suggestions from outside users too as we go along, especially for wider arts and performance events.
What can people do to get involved? ?e will definitely be looking for volunteers and helpers, so call or email me at the centre on activityoٻcer( eccentre.org and do make yourself known if you have anything else or ideas to contribute. Also, ‘like’ the Exeter community centre¼s .acebook page and keep an eye out for things happening.
BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY
20 FEBRUARY EXETER PROPERTY CIRCLE FEBRUARY EVENT WITH KARIME HASSAN The Exeter Property Circle is a business event designed specifically for property professionals in Exeter and the surrounding areas. Anyone working within property is welcome. Expect an informal event which provides a great opportunity to catch up with old contacts and build new business relationships. 5pm-7pm, £8, Pink Moon, 44 Queen Street, Exeter; Facebook: m.me/exeterpropertycircle
25 FEBRUARY 7IM SUMMIT 2020 Experience a fresh new format as six speakers take to the stage for a fast-paced look at what we should all be considering to ensure we adapt to the changing financial services environment. 8.30am-1.30pn, Sandy Park, Sandy Park Way, Exeter; www.eventbrite.co.uk
26 FEBRUARY THE RENTING MINEFIELD This event will have exhibitions from specialist companies covering all aspects of property, as well as from support organisations from the Exeter Private Rental Forum who can help smooth the tenancy pathway. 6-8.30pm, The Great Hall, University of Exeter; www.exeter.gov.uk
27 FEBRUARY KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MOVING IN 2020 Should you be in or out of company car schemes? The seminar will offer an update on business and tax issues for 2020 themed around company car and company car tax advice. 6.30-7.30pm, Mercedes Benz Exeter, Matford Park Road, Exeter; www.wollens.co.uk
Paul has just been appointed head of Savills for Exeter. Here he talks favourite buildings, local pubs, and tackling the garden Paul Cressy ONE TO WATCH
Congratulations on your new role as head of Savills for Exeter. What do you hope to bring to the role? 7ur Exeter oٻce is home to a fantastic team of experts operating across the breadth of the real estate sector – covering residential and commercial property. As well as helping people buy and sell homes, we offer a diverse range of agency, management and consultancy services in rural management, development, valuation and hotels and leisure. My role involves bringing our experts together while ensuring our clients understand and benefit from the value of our offer.
How did you get into the sector and what was your background? I was brought up in a farming family near Bampton and went on to study real estate management. At that time I wanted to be a livestock auctioneer and could see myself at the rostrum in Exeter market but then found my way managing properties in the west country, specialising in rural assets.
Did you always want to work in property from then on? Aes, once I had Yualified as a chartered surveyor I didn’t look back – and haven’t since!
What’s a bit special about property in Exeter? What does the city offer that other cities perhaps don’t? The variety – in terms of the place and the people. It’s also a fantastic hub for the South West.
What kind of properties are in demand at the moment – what are people looking for? Brexit uncertainty caused a drag in the residential market over recent years, however our residential sales team in Exeter recorded its best year yet for sales. Ultimately, the right property at the right price will always sell. We are privileged to market some of the best in the area and as we move into a more optimistic postelection market, predict a good year ahead.
What are your some of your favourite pockets in and around Exeter? The Cathedral and its surrounds – despite the sad face of the Clarence – will always be special, but the improvement that has been made to the centre, such as Princessshay and the quay remind me of what a diverse city Exeter is.
What buildings in Exeter should we sit up and pay attention to? The city wall is both beautiful and impressive and how the city has developed around it is quite remarkable. Our building surveying team have been surveying the wall as part of a project for Exeter City Council, ensuring its continued protection as an important part of our local heritage.
What do you love about your job? The variety. I specialise in rural property and can be dealing with farms and the challenges of
farming one minute and a spectacular Mansion house the next.
And what are the challenges? The sector is challenged by legislative and policy changes. ?e benefit from a leading team of in-house researchers and analysts who help us to ensure our advice is underpinned by the most up-to-date market intelligence.
Any career highlights? Coming back to work in Devon (where I consider home) having worked away for 15 years or so.
Out of work, what makes you tick? Believe it or not, my passion in life also revolves around property! My wife and I bought a house about two years ago with a good sized garden. It has been a real project and has tested my green fingers, but slowly but surely I am bringing the garden back to life!
What are you most proud of? Being given the opportunity to work with and head up a great team of about 45 people who are truly outstanding in their field of work has been a great honour and opportunity. But also being able to work with a great mix of clients.
What are you favourite things to do in Exeter? The Hourglass pub near Exeter Quay takes some beating. Its nineteenth century building is home to a great atmosphere and impressive selection of ales. Outside of the city, I enjoy a sail across the river from Topsham to The Turf.
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