Absolute Home November/December 2014

ISSUE 116. November/December 2014

WARM INTERIORS

Business News Acumen launch BMW i8

AT H O M E . . .

Our Henley kitchen looks strikingly contemporary with cutout handles, Sheldrake dining and Salt painted walls Neptune Hailsham, BN27 1DQ, 01323 849 483, info@neptunehailsham.com

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14 AM N 20 H PE R LS O n be AI M IO M H O T e E O O ec N WR ROM h D T U O P 0T EP H ch - 1 N W S un eR E a b N l eM 10

ISSUE 116. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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Contents

6 PROPERTY 12 INTERIORS 16 INTERIORS A LIGHT TOUCH 19 NOEL PRESTON

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SALES MANAGER - DAVID HALL david@absolutemagazine.co.uk

MANAGING EDITOR - SAm HArrIngton-Lowe sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR - DAnIeL wHIte dan.white@absolutemagazine.co.uk SENIOR DESIGNER - FrIDA CLementz frida.clementz@absolutemagazine.co.uk

COVER SHOT Cover photograph for Neptune by Alexander O’Neal

20 BUSINESS 22 CARDENS ACCOUTANTS 24 MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS 26 DANTE PETERS 27 AMANDA HORLINGTON 28 MOTORS WITH DANNY COBBS 30 SOCIETY PHOTOS 31 GENTING CASINO

branches, 150 associated branches and the south east, 1300 branches countrywide 22 22 locallocal branches, 150 associated branches in central London in andcentral the southLondon east, 1300 branches countrywide

Adelaide Crescent A unique opportunity to acquire one of the areas largest

converted apartments bedroom flat with 3 bathrooms, SOUTH DRIVE, FERRING, WEST4/5 SUSSEX

extending across two of these stunning grade II listed period

King & Chasemore are delighted to offer this stunning detached residence built in 2011 buildings. Enjoying views across the gardens of Adelaide situated in the highly sought-after location, directly on Ferring beach, West Sussex. This Crescent down to the sea,accommodation is well laid out and stunning six-bedroom house features kitchen/diner which has a superb range of granite lends itself to a variety of uses and is immaculately presented working surfaces, a living room with dual aspect featuring a double glazed bay window with in a neutral coloured décor throughout likely to suit the Venetian blinds and a utility area with tumbled marble tiled floor. In addition, under floor majority of tastes. With secondary glazing installed to retain heating runs throughout the ground floor along with access to the integral double garage the flats original character. and a downstairs wet room. The master bedroom is a particular highlight with a panoramic £750,000 view of the sea andGuide doors thatPrice lead out£700,000 onto the balcony.- While outside is a fantastic sized South facing gardenCall: with gates that lead206107 directly onto Ferring beach as well as a large timber 01273 cabin with gas, water and electric. The garden’s luxurious swimming pool is lined in mosaic tiles with underwater pool lighting and a pool cover.This is a magnificent house that must be viewed to be fully appreciated.

OIEO £1,250,000 CALL: 01903 641462

SALES

Rottingdean We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning residence in the historic village of Rottingdean offering fantastic views and a wealth of versatile living possibilities. The contemporary property is presented to the highest specification with a ‘Lutron’ fully programmable lighting system throughout and further home entertainment system provided to many rooms and it has accommodation spanning 4 floors with additional exterior entertaining space, lawned garden and ‘Infinity’ swimming pool. The hall floor features a beautiful entrance hall with tiled flooring throughout and glass balustrade to the ‘HOLLYWOOD MEETS OVINGDEAN IN THE HILLS’.OVER stairs. A main feature on this floor is the open living reception 5000 SQ FT OF LUXURY. CHAIN room measuring a highlyFREE. impressive 42’ x 22’. In addition this is the fantastic ‘Miele’ King & Chasemoretoare delighted to offer kitchen/breakfast for sale this stunningroom five with bedroom detached appliances, half glass roof and wall behind of bi-fold doorssecurity leadinggates, to Spanish style villa situated on elevated grounds, set back electronic entertaining space.

There isThe also a utilityoffers roomperfect and on Ovingdean Roadthe in exterior the picturesque village of Ovingdean. property lower level offers a range of useful rooms and accommodation forcloakroom. entertaining The and comprises: entrance hall, 29’ main sitting room (giving double garage, the current set up provides relaxation area, stunning downland views),16’ luxury fitted kitchen area, with granite work tops, leading onto gymnasium, games room and home office. The first floor of a 15’ breakfast room (with central granite island bar), which then extends round through into the property features the master bedroom with en-suite and the 15’ dining roomJuliette (which inbalcony turn leads back through intoofthe main room). A stunning providing views the seasitting and Rottingdean 36’ games room with open bar area is located on theand lower floor (suitable a number of windmill, 3 further bedrooms feature family 4for piece uses, big enough for a full size complete snooker table, fulltosize training gym,bath. dance studio etc or bathroom withorTV watch in the The upper even an ideal cinema room).

There an areimpressive five double bedrooms (two with luxury en-suites), a level provides space of bedroom and additional further luxury bathroom suite,bathroom. an additional luxury shower room withroad saunaparking and a separate en suite Externally as well as off leading to WC theideal double garage atetc). the Outside front, the rearfront space WC (with an additional outside for tradesman to the is aworks paved 3 levelsfor with the entertaining space, lawned sweeping drivewaywell areaat(suitable several vehicles), leading to level a garage (measuring this there leads are up to the fairly enclosed area 18’10 x 18). At thegarden rear ofarea the and property terraces surrounding thepool upper level with pump and ‘Infinity’ (giving stunning views across thehouse landscaped gardens, pool. swimming pool and across the South

Downs National Park).

The large landscaped garden area is arranged in several sections Guide Price £1,000,000 and is secluded, making it ideal for entertaining and benefits from a sun terrace, perfect Call: 01273 301066 for alfresco dining, a heated swimming pool, an open summer house area (measuring 22’3 x 14’2), with changing room and a level lawned area, with ornamental fountain. RARELY AVAILABLE. VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

GUIDE PRICE: £2,275,000.

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May 2014

CALL: -01273 301066 - HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS

22 local branches, 150 associated branches in central london and the south east, 1300 branches countrywide Bigwood avenue, hove King and Chasemore are delighted to offer you this fantastic opportunity to purchase a substantial semi detached family home. The property is located near Hove Green and conveniently located close to Hove Station in a very popular residential area.

The property has eight bedrooms; five double bedrooms, three single bedrooms and two bathrooms. Approximately, there is a 50ft level rear garden with side gate access and ample parking at Hanover Crescent the front of the property for three cars. The property Weover are delighted present to into youathis beautifully presented is split three floors,togoing right up spacious bedroom regency set within loftfour conversion andfirst eachfloor floorelegant is of an equal size.apartment The a Grade II listed building and located in one of Brighton’s most ground floor comprises a light and bright west facing desirable and sought after private crescents. This stunning dining room with feature fire place, good sized living property boasts many features including: ornate coving room with open fire impressive and period features large and architrave’s, throughout, period and stylea doors kitchen/breakfast room and whichworking opens out onto theThis split level first sash windows fireplaces. garden. floor apartment comprises: a split level entrance hall, 21’ The large landing on room, the first14’floor opens out onto room (including living/dining kitchen/breakfast two large double rearfreeze surrounds), feature skybedrooms light and overlooking feature staintheglass garden, good sizeddouble family bathroom andbedroom two west four/study room threeagenerous bedrooms, 17’ family (including cast iron roll top ball & facing and bedrooms.

Ontobathroom the top floor, the sizeable claw feet bath)with separate in double loft conversion, there are two further walk bedrooms and shower cubicle.

Crescent is anwith incredibly anotherHanover two double bedrooms, plenty of popular, storage prestigious and historic private crescent with residents parking & communal space and another family bathroom. gardens, surrounded by a brick walled enclosure, situated in a

fantastic PRiCe: location with the newly renovated ‘Level Gardens’ and guide £700,000

recreational area, opposite.

Call: 01273 206107 Uniquely stunning Grade II Listed regency apartment, viewing highly recommended by owners sole agents.Share of freehold

Guide Price: £500,000 - £540,000 Call: 01273 608011

kingandchasemore.co.uk dRoveway, hove PaRk A stunning house with over 3000sq ft of space ready for a new family to enjoy.

This is a gorgeous detached residence on one of Hove’s most well know roads, ‘The Droveway’. Being located on this road there are so many benefits from the conveniently located Tesco’s, Preston Park Main line train station is also nearby and of course Hove Park only moments away.

Preston Drove, Preston Village TheWe property has up totosix bedrooms which arefive bedroom red are delighted offer this substantial allbrick doubles, three bathrooms all beautifully finished, Victorian home arranged over four floors boasting many the kitchen wraps around to a dining area where thisview over Preston period features and having an uninterrupted then Park. opensThis up delightful to the garden and back through to property comprises, entrance hall, front sitting room with square bayonwindow, formal dining room, the ground floor television room. Also the ground breakfast room with a brand new kitchen, floor there is a superb living area which would suite a door that leads down toorthe cellarthis which could be used as the an office/play room. teenager au-pair; space includes one of Off bedrooms the kitchen havesitting a utility double andyou another roomroom whichwith also door leading out onto thegarden. garden and door leading through to the shower opens up to the A particular feature of this stunning property are room with W/C. The first floor consists of a large master bedroom/sitting the gardens, being mainly laid to lawn with mature well room with square bay window which has access out onto the stocked flower and shrub boarders. There is a area balcony giving outstanding views over Preston Park and views of decking making a lovely entertaining area two with amore double bedover Brighton, also there is a further path that leads the family detached garage with scrolling rooms, goodtosize bathroom with recently fitted shower electric door and hard standing for parking. cubicle and a separate W/C. The second floor has a large bedroom facing the front with a

guide PRiCe:£1,000,000 door leading out to a balcony which gives you views over Pres-

ton Park and another Call: 01273 206107double bedroom facing the rear of the

property which also has lovely views over mature gardens and across to the Downs. The rear garden has a large terraced area with steps down to lawned garden with mature side boarders.

Guide Price £860,000 Call: 01273 505141 - HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS -

May 2014

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JUNE 2014

- HOMES|COLUMNISTS -

LOWER MARKET STREET, HOVE A RARE OPPORTUNITY to acquire a BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED and SYMPATHETICALLY RESTORED four bedroom period TOWN HOUSE with accommodation arranged over FOUR FLOORS and located in the sought after BRUNSWICK AND ADELAIDE CONSERVATION AREA; with frontage opening directly onto the WATERLOO STREET GARDEN. This IMPRESSIVE house boasts a WEALTH OF PERIOD FEATURES including FEATURE FIREPLACES, EXPOSED WOODEN FLOORBOARDS and sash windows. The property comprises an IMPRESSIVE 22’5 LIVING/DINING ROOM AREA, FULLY FITTED SCHMIDT KITCHEN with WINE VAULT, PLANTATION SHUTTERS throughout the property, APPLE AIR PLAY SOUND SYSTEM throughout the property, WET ROOM with UNDER FLOOR HEATING and SOUTH/WEST aspect ROOF TERRACE. VIEWING RECOMMENDED.

Offers in excess of £775,000 Freehold

brices sales & lettings

SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF

brices sales & lettings

SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF

NEPTUNE RISES

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The lifestyle store opens the doors to its stunning new showroom

eptune is an exciting lifestyle brand with a diverse range of products for the whole home. The collection includes fitted kitchens, bathrooms, garden furniture, upholstery and accessories; from glassware and throws to artichoke ornaments. And following the refurbishment and completion of a 3500sqft extension, the Hailsham Design Centre threw open its doors and let us in to see the stunning interiors showroom launch.

The Hailsham Design Centre is housed in a former railway terminus, rich in architectural detailing.

Located in the Market Town of Hailsham, East Sussex, the stunning historic building once served as a terminal for a long disappeared railway line, and has now been sympathetically restored to showcase their designs for elegant living. The new extension will double the store’s showroom space and now it also includes an outdoor courtyard which will showcase the extensive outdoor furniture range.

After looking round the amazing showroom we quizzed the friendly team of experts on hand, checking out their specialist advice on everything from flooring to fitted cabinetry. This is an amazing place to look around, for anyone with any interest in interiors (or exteriors!) or décor or furniture, it’s a real treasuretrove of delight. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for you to have an immersive experience of the whole home concept, laid out in front of you. Whether you’re choosing a bespoke kitchen or a simple lamp, the full range of inspirational fitted and free standing furniture and accessories for you to transform your home and garden are there to browse. And what a great place to shop for Christmas pressies.

The store’s official launch was 10th November and we were seriously impressed. Why not go and see for yourself?

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NovEmBEr/DEcEmBEr 2014

- InterIors|feature -

Neptune North Street Hailsham East Sussex BN27 1DQ www.neptune.com

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to have an immersive experience of the whole home concept, laid out in front of you.”

- InterIors|feature -

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Abigail Ahern/Edition lamp £85, Debenhams

Arrow Table Lamp £95, BHS

Gold Lamp £29, Home Sense

A LIGHT TOUCH As winter draws in and days get shorter, throw some light into your life…

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November/December 2014

- InterIors|feature -

Jielde Flush Wall Light - Mustard Gloss £155, Amara

Living by Christiane Lemieux Glass Pentagon medium lantern £40, House of Fraser

Glamdelier 5 Light Chandelier £119, Littlewoods

Tribe tripod floor lamp £299, Marks & Spencer

Heathfield & Co Medium Leaf Table Lamp £196.50, Occa Home

Wooden house lamp £22, Next Home

Capiz Domed Pendant £14, Sainsbury’s

Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic Lily Lamp £20, Dunnes Stores

- InterIors|feature -

November/December 2014

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You do the shade.

We’ll do the shutters.

Handcrafted from the finest materials. Custom made in our own dedicated manufacturing facility. Finished in any colour you can think of and fitted only by our skilled carpenters. With our beautiful hardwood shutters, the one thing that shines through is quality.

Call us today on 0808 163 1425 to see how we can add a touch of va va voom to your room. shutterlyfabulous.com

Noel

PRESTON

HEALTH & SAFETY – PREVENTION RATHER THAN CURE!

Health & Safety is not normally the most attractive topic on the agenda but it is often the most important as Noel Preston explains Often considered pretty boring, making sure your Health & Safety (H&S) is in order from the outset takes less time and money than trying to put it right after something has happened.

LegaL requiremeNt The basis of British health and safety law is the Health and Safety at Work etc act 1974. The act sets out the general duties that employers have towards employees and members of the public, and employees have to themselves and to each other. all businesses with five or more employees must have a written Health & Safety policy. a Health & Safety policy should not be produced and then tucked away in a file somewhere. it needs to be a living and breathing document that is shared with the whole business and is an integral part of its operations. The policy should be regularly communicated to all employees.

Businesses need to prove their processes are in order or they could be in serious trouble and subject to fines and penalties from the Health and Safety executive. The HSe’s general rule is, “if it’s not written down, it hasn’t happened”! mOraL OBLigatiON a business must now look beyond what is legally required but also behave morally when employing and should always pride itself in providing a safe and healthy working environment. This reflects good practice in any business, even those with less than five employees.

Businesses grow successfully due to efficiencies and profitability. The safer the working environment, the happier the staff, and it goes without saying that happy staff are generally more productive.

Last month we talked about Hr (Human

“The safer the working environment, the happier the staff and it goes without saying that happy staff are generally more productive.” resources) and “when is an employee not an employee”. Hr and H&S are mutually compatible and complement each other well when managed properly. traiNiNg ensuring staff read, understand and sign the H&S policy is essential but even more importantly, time is taken to make sure they fully understand why it has been produced and that it is for the benefit and protection of both themselves and the businesses.

This ultimately leads on to the development of statutory documents such as risk assessments and method statements.

Besides carrying out a risk assessment, employers also need to: • Make arrangements for implementing the health and safety measures identified as necessary by the risk assessments.

• Appoint competent people (often themselves or company colleagues) to help them to implement the arrangements.

• Set up emergency procedures.

• Provide clear information and training to employees.

• Work together with other employers sharing the same workplace.

- Business|Column -

HeLP iS at HaNd The business doesn’t have to do it all on their own. There are many qualified H&S specialists who provide tailored assistance depending on the type and size of business.

Consequently, getting this right will reduce business costs, including insurance premiums if your business is presented correctly to insurers.

WHO NeedS tO kNOW? if you are a business who invests time and effort in producing and implementing an active Health & Safety policy then shout about it! You are a more attractive business than one that doesn’t and it could help you in many ways, including: - Help attract new staff when recruiting.

- Be a positive attribute when tendering to new customers.

- assist in placing your insurance and its pricing.

- Bigger returns to your shareholders due to less incidents and distractions in the workplace.

So while it may not be everyone’s favourite subject, Health & Safety in the work place is clearly a very important issue and if you can guarantee a safe and happy workforce it should result in an efficient and profitable company!

For more advice please contact… noel Preston, managing Partner Preston Insurance Brokers, 11 Hollingbury Place, Brighton, East Sussex Bn1 7GE T: 0845 129 7505 m: 07887 404 473 E: noel@prestonib.co.uk W: prestonib.co.uk

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BUSINESS news LEADER OF THE PACK A Brighton casino dealer is set to battle it out to become the Genting Casinos Dealer of the Year this month.

Nicolaa Goldray won the south regional heat, officially making her one of the best dealers in the South, and in November she will travel to Manchester to compete in the national finals of Genting Casinos Dealer of the Year Competition.

Nicolaa, 24, has dealt for six years, including three at Genting Casino Brighton, and ahead of the showdown she explained the intricacies of the job: “Being a dealer takes a lot of time and practice. It’s not just about dealing the cards, you also need to be quick with mental arithmetic, interact with your customers and keep track of the bets.”

The inaugural event aims to recognise the most talented and skilled dealers across the company’s 40 plus casinos, with the overall Dealer of the Year claiming the title along with a luxury cruise for two and £500 spending money.

For more information visit www.gentingcasino.com

LANGMAN NOT OUT Ever wondered what really happened at the key moments of cricketing lore? Writer, academic and cricketer Pete Langman has strived to uncover just this and much more in his new book The County House Cricketer. In 2008 Pete was diagnosed with Early-Onset Parkinson’s aged just 40 but, after walking out to bat one Sunday, he noticed that he was about to bat where WG Grace once played.

A seed was sown and in 2013 he joined the cricket teams of twelve great country houses; taking photographs, researching and interviewing.

The result is The Country House Cricketer and, with all profits going to Parkinson’s research, Pete hopes it will raise both money and awareness as well as serving as a simply beautiful object.

For more information or to purchase a copy visit www.countryhousecricketer.co.uk

PR PROFESSIONAL SCOOPS NATIONAL AWARD A PR professional at Brighton-based PR agency Midnight Communications has scooped a top national award.

Senior account executive, Jessica Beales, was named Freshest Young PR Professional at the Fresh:PR awards staged in Manchester last month and after the achievement she said: “Becoming the Fresh Award’s Freshest Young Professional is a huge honour. I am very lucky to have found a career that I love.

“Everyone at Midnight Communications has encouraged and supported me and helped my development from day one. If you want to try something new here then you can and this has enabled me to build my skill set and lead a diverse range of projects.”

Midnight has a strong tradition of winning awards having earned more than 50 in its 20-year history and managing director at Midnight, Caraline Brown, said: “I could not be more proud to see Jessica maintain our winning tradition and collect this very well-deserved honour. Her success is testament not only to her ambition and outstanding communication skills but also to the superb training that Midnight offers.”

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- Business|news -

IN ANY EVENT If you’ve ever run an event you know how time-consuming it can become. Food, drink, music, decorations, people, venue, parking and that’s all before a drop of alcohol has been drunk.

However, you can now get part of the job handled for you completely free. Event Venues Ltd offer a free venue finding service to clients, allowing you the time to focus on organising all your other arrangements.

All you have to do is tell the agency what you’re looking for, give them a date, budget and location and then sit back. After trawling through their database of venues they will then return with a proposal, you pick the one (or ones) you like and off you go. It’s as simple as that.

Event Venues receives commission from the venue and you get the venue organised stress-free.

Not only is the service free, but as experts they may also make you a saving on the cost of the venue itself.

For more information visit www.event-venue-finder.com

BRIGHTON APP BREAKING BARRIERS In one of the country’s most culturally diverse cities, renown for its creative air, it is not surprising to hear that an app is set to be re-launched connecting people from different, diverse communities.

After securing strong investment the Brighton-based company MiFinder is set to bring back the only location-based app which is able to offer filtered searches based on specific communities like ethnicity, religion, language, disability and, most recently added, life experiences.

Despite almost no budget and no marketing, the MiFinder app was originally launched in November 2012 to a great reception with a large, international user-base. However, thanks to the backing of investors and other funding the app has now launched again as a more comprehensive package.

With further developments already under way behind the scenes it is definitely an exciting time to get involved.

For more information or to download the app visit www.mifinder.co

A GALLOPING SUCCESS Savills Rural and Residential teams from Haywards Heath have sponsored the South of England International Horse Trials for the second year running. The event which is held at the South of England Showground was a huge success and saw over 600 riders from across the globe competing over the two days.

Savills hosted lunch for over 40 clients and also provided an exclusive course walk, in glorious autumn sunshine, with one of Britain’s leading cross-country coursebuilders Philip Herbert. Philip is British Eventing’s longest serving technical adviser and is Clerk of the Course for Burghley Horse Trials, where he has been responsible for course construction since 1981.

The event once again attracted many of the top riders in the sport, including William Fox-Pitt, Sir Mark Todd and Pippa Funnell.

Commenting on the event, Chris Spofforth, head of Savills Haywards Heath said, “We were delighted to sponsor this prestigious event for a second year and the feedback from clients, professional contacts and colleagues has been extremely positive. We already have a number who have requested an invitation for next year!”

Course designer Philip Herbert describes the course layout to guests

From Savills Chris Spofforth, Rebecca How, Hannah Riches and Doug Jackson

Chris Spofforth with the CIC* Winner Helen Wilson.

Sally Firby and Chris Langridge

The Day family, Sarah, Jonathan, Isabel and Ottilie

Photos: Graham Franks - Business|news -

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THE ADVANCED ACCOUNTANTS Cardens Accountants is always ahead of the competition as Daniel White found out

T

he last decade has seen a number of developments.

While Barak Obama took his seat in the White House and Tony Blair said his final goodbyes to Number 10, Apple has outdone their technological competitors and has taken over as the force in computer developments.

However, in Brighton there is another such company that has seen its stock rise immensely during the last decade; Cardens Accountants and Business Advisers.

unlikely to be walking away any time soon.

“The firm was founded nine years ago when I demerged what was then the Hove office of a multi-office firm of accountants in East Sussex,” Managing Partner Barry Carden explains. “At the time the whole team was just twelve strong, with six of that team still at the firm today.”

Barry quickly promoted his senior manager Victoria Mason to partner and the growth of the firm took off.

He says: “By 2011 the firm had grown

“We have grown through referral, which we take as proof that clients and contacts are happy with our way of doing business.”

During the last nine years the Cardens brand has boldly grown to become a large player in the Brighton & Hove business scene. As well as building a reputation for dealing with business, corporate and personal accounts quickly and accurately, the firm are also active supporters of Sussex Cricket Club, Hove Rugby Club, the Brighton & Hove Business Awards and The Chamber of Commerce annual summit.

Throughout their rise Barry Carden has been at the heart of the company and he is 22│

November/December 2014

by 50% to 18 people when Keith Hall joined the firm as a partner from another Brighton-based firm. This led to a significant recruitment drive just as the recession was hitting and the headcount has now reached 32, with three more team members due to join shortly. This growth has led to the firm becoming one of the largest in the city and an imminent move to larger offices is due before the end of the year.”

Barry describes how the firm delivers traditional accountancy services but while

- Business|Profile -

utilising leading edge technology as well as delivering their promise of high levels of customer service.

“I have worked in accountancy practices for 30 years this year and one thing that has not really changed is that clients expect a fast turnaround on their queries and accounts and they really do not like unexpected bills.

We try, therefore, to deliver on both these key aims and like many other firms we have grown through referral, which we take as proof that clients and contacts are happy with our way of doing business,” he reflects.

“Additionally, we try very hard to break down what are sometimes complex business or tax problems into much more simplistic terminology to help clients understand what is going on with their business and taxation affairs. It also helps to always be looking for new clients. The three partners and many of our managers attend a significant number of the networking events Brighton has to offer; again the speed of turnaround for new business proposals has also been a factor in their growth.”

With more experience than most in the accountancy industry Barry has seen the right and wrong ways to attract business and is determined not to follow in the latter’s footsteps.

“Most accountants always claim to be busy and in some cases this can lead to significant delays in following up on business leads or quotations. We are convinced this is a big turn off for potential clients; if you cannot demonstrate you are keen for their business by following up then you cannot really be surprised when you are not appointed,” he explains.

Cardens Brazilian-themed table football tournament

“As business methods change so does the way we deliver our services; in the past we may have sent clients budget updates and tax tables whereas now this is dealt with by way of email and our Cardens app. Clients have been able to download copies of their accounts and tax returns through a secure portal for several years now so all their documents are accessible from one place but we will shortly be enhancing this with a move to electronic signatures for approval of documents and further improvements to make it more user friendly.”

Barry now has time to take a step back and see how far the company has come and while he is not about to rest on his laurels he is determined to ensure Cardens doesn’t just help its clients.

“All the partners are also very much aware that we are fortunate that in business things have worked out for us and as a result we like to give back to the community. This is reflected in the events we support and also our commitment to donate the equivalent of 1% of our turnover to charities and worthy causes through a combination of donations, pro-bono work and fundraising,” he clarifies.

“On the 6th November we will be holding our third annual quiz night (replacing a previous five-a-side football tournament that ran for six years), we cover the cost so all the funds raised go to our nominated charities and in typical Cardens style it is not your typical quiz. We feature a live music

round, video interaction and a round based on family fortunes which basically means it’s highly unlikely anyone knows the correct answer. As a result the quiz is actually fun, not too intellectual and everyone seems to have a great night out!

“We also hold annual birthday parties for the team, clients and contacts and again we seek to get away from stuffy events. We have previously done wine tasting to a ‘Runaround’ quiz theme and this year held a Brazilian-themed table football tournament to tie into the World Cup.” Much like Apple, Barry is never happy for Cardens to be standing still in the business world and with the ever-changing technological landscape you can ensure you’re in safe hands with Cardens.

He says: “Overall our approach is to treat people the way we would like to be treated, grow for the long term rather than the short and try to make office life enjoyable for everyone we come into contact with. Like most businesses, technology and changing laws constantly alter the services that our clients need and the way we deliver them but we pride ourselves in keeping on top of such issues and delivering solutions with a smile.”

The Cardens app

For more information visit the Cardens website at www.cardensaccountants.com or call 01273 739592 to speak to a member of the team.

- Business|Profile -

November/DeCember 2014

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This month, Check Your Food CeO Matt Wright is…

MINDING HIS OWN BUSINESS 24│

November/December 2014

- Business|Profile -

“We are creating a revolutionary new tool that will change the way people look at the food they are eating.”

Tell us who you are and what you do... I am Matt Wright and for the last 15 years I have been running a specialist information systems agency catering for the TV distribution industry. We do high-end business-to-business web systems, exhibition systems and iPad apps for clients like Sky Vision, ALL3Media and Zodiak Rights.

However, last year I decided to start a new information business based around my hobby of nutrition so I also launched Check Your Food, which is a website that makes the science behind micronutrients accessible and useful to all.

We all know we need vitamin C but how many of us know which ingredients are highest in Vitamin C, how much we need on a daily basis according to our gender and age, and the effect cooking our food has on how much is left? And so Check Your Food Ltd was born. Myself, Ric and Surya pooled our combined expertise in creating highend information systems and have nearly finished building checkyourfood.com What gets you out of bed in the morning? The excitement that we are creating a revolutionary new tool that will change the way people look at the food they are eating. Every day I also set myself an exciting new task on researching the latest discoveries within micronutrition and health.

What might an average day look like? I generally get to work around 8 to 8.30 and check the emails I have sent myself the night before on ideas or realisations I have had whilst catching up with the third season of Breaking Bad. I then try and do some study (I am taking an Open University course on biology which looks at nutrition at a cellular level). Then I take a look at our next info gram tweet that Surya has put together on for example: ‘The top 5 reasons to eat tinned sardines’.

I often liaise with Ric, our systems designer,

on where the site build is up to and how any new data needs to be ordered. I incessantly google areas of nutrition that I need to learn about like the effects of vitamin E on brain health. I am a member of most of the world’s leading nutrition organisations so I have a bundle of emails to read on a daily basis.

Oh and occasionally I have to attend to my current business (OTV Ltd) and deal with cash flow, personnel issues, client requests etc.

What are the best bits of the job?

Seeing our ideas become concrete as the site reaches beta stage as new bits are added and actually see a dream coming true as I can now check what is in my ingredients and meals, something I have wanted to do for many years.

And the worst? Ask any small business owner and you will get the same answer – CASH FLOW! Our existing business is earning money but we have had to borrow money to set up checkyourfood.com, so Surya, our FD, keeps me up-to-date with where we are at and we have to re-jig expenditure and cross our fingers just like everyone else.

What sets you apart from the competition? I think it is our unique approach to data. With our experience we are experts at turning inaccessible data into useful information and we have considered at length everything users may want as we are also ‘punters’ first and system designers second.

If you were king for a day, what would you change? I would make a working knowledge of nutrition compulsory in education and make it the first thing medical practitioners study and apply in their daily working lives; remember that it was Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, who said – “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”.

- Business|Profile -

Checkyourfood.com will be a subscription-based site with no sponsorship or advertising and to download the free information guide or for more information visit www.checkyourfood.com Twitter handle - @checkyourfoods Facebook - /checkyourfoods

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The Law of the Jungle From the Champagne reception to the spectacular Zebra Tribal Dance, the launch of the new Gatwick Office of Acumen Business Law was a true celebration of the firm’s growth and success Approximately 270 business executives booked to come along to the glitzy launch cocktail party that was held at the grand Gatwick Mercedes Showroom. Guests were greeted with a glass of Champagne on arrival together with an Acumen Cash Card with £300.00 to use on legal fees. A nice touch, we thought.

But did we say cocktail party? Yes we did! A buzzing and busy cocktail bar with three impressive mixologists were wildly making cocktails throughout the night. The most popular ones were Acumen on the Beach and The Litigator. For those who were driving, the refreshing and delicious Fixed Fizz (a name inspired by the ground breaking fixed fee charging system of Acumen Business Law) was a winner.

While sipping cocktails and networking, the Jukebox DJ was playing the delegates’ tracks, chosen in advance, but there’s no doubt, the wow factor was the 12 spectacular Zebra Dancers who conjured the tribal warrior spirit and enchanted the crowd with their surprise entrance to the sound of loud tribal drums. Dressed as zebras, with tribal face paint and all the accessories, they danced their way in through the front door among the delegates (who were busy networking!) and created a spontaneous, almost biblical parting of the crowd. They then took to the stage, jumping and summersaulting acrobatically with the grace and beauty of their animal inspiration.

Afterwards, there were more cocktails, more networking and some fun shots at the photo booth (delegates will be pleased to note none of those photos are here). Others also recorded some heart-warming video messages in the booth, while many walked around looking at the wonderful cars on display.

Penina Shepherd (pictured top and bottom right), founder and MD of Acumen Business Law said, “A day after the event we received more than 100 messages via email and social media from business clients and contacts saying how much they enjoyed the night.” Keen to highlight the business success, she is clearly excited about the future. “The launch is just the first step in many more that we need to take to form and grow the Acumen Family in Gatwick as we have done in Brighton & Hove.

I know that we will give it our all to make it a success and with the current support we already have in the area, hopefully we can replicate the Brighton success all over again”.

Acumen Business Law www.acumenbusinesslaw.co.uk

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- Business|News -

Amanda

Horlington SHAKE AWAY THE FESTIVE FAT Amanda Horlington highlights the best gadgets and apps available to those looking to shed a few pound this Christmas

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otherboard doesn’t do hangovers; they are no longer part of my landscape.

The endless hedonistic weekends I enjoyed when I came to Brighton evaporated when children arrived, along with salsa classes, creative writing, yoga and long lunches. Busy and healthy, when I prise myself from the immense gravitational pull of the sofa for a night out the resulting fug the morning after is like an old armchair; comfortable, threadbare and a tad grubby, a million miles away from how I live my life the rest of the time.

You see in January I turned a corner. Not normally one for the overblown New Year’s Resolutions I took possession of a juicing machine. Having watched an orange chap on YouTube explain the many health benefits I decided that drinking something that looked like pond but tasted great and was good for me was indeed the way forward.

Newly invigorated, I joined a gym and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. Yes, I tried exercising at home, setting my alarm for an eye-watering 5.45am to fit in an hour of Wii Zumba before the rest of the house awoke but shimmying and shaking one’s booty in the living room while it’s still dark outside felt a little silly, isolated and required a cast iron willpower. Not so the gym, I have now joined the ranks of spandex clad mums at the school gates who gently shepherd the offspring into the classroom and make a dash for a dose of stress busting exertion. Joy! I leave the gym in a state of bionic euphoria where headspace and endorphins have created a perfect equilibrium; arriving at my desk I complete six hours work in four, sleep better and have more energy to meet the demands of my wonderful and lively sons.

So, whist technology is often blamed for a sedentary lifestyle and seemingly endless new health hazards such as Nintendo Neck, it can be a huge motivator when you choose a healthy lifestyle.

“I tried exercising at home but shimmying and shaking one’s booty in the living room while it’s still dark outside felt a little silly, isolated and required a cast iron willpower.”

A survey of my fellow gym goers revealed that MyFitnessPal is the most popular fitness app. I’ve used it for most of the year and in essence it’s a sophisticated calorie counter and exercise tracker and one of the easiest and most comprehensive apps of its kind to use.

Download the free app and set up an account with the usual statistics: height, weight, age, sex, and activity level; MyFitnessPal estimates how many calories you burn on a typical day. Logging what you eat is easy; just choose from a huge database of food and drink, finely tuning quantities as you go.

MyFitnessPal works in tandem with other fitness apps and wearable devices such as Fitbit One and, god forbid, it syncs with the Withings bathroom scales. If you want indepth, it will give you the nutritional value of your meals, a wealth of recipe and exercise ideas and all the stats you could need on your stellar progress.

OK, so far so good, but things are about to change. The Apple Watch, launching in 2015, is set to turn the fitness app on its head.

Quite simply it’s a thing of beauty, a wearable computer that seamlessly allows access to - Business|it -

information and your contacts via a myriad of colourful interfaces and apps. Also an impressive fitness tracker and sports watch, its mantra is simple ‘Sit less, move more and get some exercise’.

Inbuilt pulse detectors, gyroscope and accelerometers collect data to provide a picture of your daily activity. It’ll then suggest realistic goals and rewards your fitness milestones. Designed to scale up to even meet the needs of a serious athlete, the Activity app measures and encourages three aspects of movement; standing more, the recommended 30 minutes of light exercise or brisk walking per day and the serious work out. That’s when the Workout app kicks in enabling you to set goals of distance, time or calories to be burned and whilst providing an at-a-glance visual of your progress during the workout.

At around £215 is it an essential piece of fitness kit that you can’t do without? No. Do I still want one? You betcha.

Amanda Horlington is the founder of web design and internet marketing company Fusion Marketing. Contact Amanda at amanda@fusion-marketing.co.uk Twitter: @jiggertyjig

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FROM ALTERNATIVE TO ACCUSTOMED Danny Cobbs finds himself getting used to life driving ‘alternative’ cars as he tests out the new BMW i8

I seem to be writing more and more about ‘alternative’ engine technology.

Last month I reviewed the plug-in hybrid VW Golf GTE and this month I’m going to share my thoughts with you on something which uses a similar drivetrain. So when does the ‘alternative’ become the norm? I guess diesel cars were once considered left-of-field; a bit agricultural and too foreign. Now, however, we don’t give them a second thought. In actual fact, last year in the UK, 49.8% of all the new cars registered were diesel powered – that’s practically a 50:50 ratio.

In 2013, there were over 32,000 hybrids sold in the UK, which showed a 20.5 per cent rise on the previous years’ figures, and that number is only set to grow. There is over 1500 public electric charging points nationwide, and by 2018 Transport for London has contractually promised at least 6000 sites within the capital. So are we still talking about something which is an alternative?

And, when mainstream car maker’s like BMW start producing things like the new i8, it’s difficult to argue that plug-in hybrids are little more than a passing fad and only exist so they can keep the policymakers at bay.

Admittedly, the i8 does appear as if it has been transported back from the future. Yet, it’s the ethos behind the i8 which adds even further credence, and a huge dollop of reassurance, to the hybrid debate while also challenging the way the world views sports coupes. These types of cars are here to stay, so let’s embrace them, and no more of this alternative nonsense.

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The i8s lightweight bodywork is a master class in automotive design and is achingly stunning from any angle. Open the doors and they fall forward and upwards, like butterfly wings, to reveal an interior which is as revolutionary as the exterior. Many elements from BMW’s current range have been carried over, yet the addition of twin screens, naked industrial spec carbon fibre and a multisurfaced dashboard makes the driverfocused cockpit seem like a colonisation of George Lucas imagination.

Underneath the i8’s skin sits a complex and innovative drivetrain. It’s driven by two motors; an electric one up front and a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-litre unit in the back. Combined they offer 363bhp of power and drive all four wheels. It has a top speed of 155mph, with a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds – that’s Audi R8 V8 and Porsche 911 4S territory.

Not only is it fast, it’s green too. BMW claim 134.5mpg with just 49g/km of CO2 emissions. The batteries give the electric motor a top speed of 75mph and a range of 22 miles. Thereafter, it automatically engages its hybrid mode; switching between the two power sources, harnessing kinetic energy and recharging the batteries as it does so.

The i8 is more than just a whimsical design concept; it’s available right now.

It costs just under £100,000, with first orders due for delivery in January 2015.

- Motoring|review -

“The i8 adds even further credence, and a huge dollop of reassurance, to the hybrid debate while also challenging the way the world views sports coupes.”

Quick facts Top Speed: 155mph 0-62mph: 4.4 seconds Average fuel consumption: 134.5mpg CO2 emissions: 49g/km Price: £99,115 - Motoring|Review -

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Dante

Peters

New Year resolutioNs

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any of us start the New Year with all sorts of different New Year resolutions – often these are around health, wealth and general well-being. For most of us the changes we make will be short term. The main reason for this is that we go back to doing what we have always done, and as a consequence we get what we have always got.

My own New Year resolutions have often been temporary because they are not linked to what is most important to me in my life, but linked to something that I feel I ‘ought’ to do. And ‘ought to do’ always feels like a chore.

Getting a clear understanding on what’s most important in your life by asking yourself a few questions and linking the answers to any resolution you might make can make a world of difference. There are many approaches that will provide clarity on what is most important to an individual. As a financial planner I like the EVOKE approach offered by the Kinder Institute.

The EVOKE process is a 5 stage process consisting of: E – Exploration V – Vision O – Obstacles K – Knowledge E – Execution The Exploration and Vision Stages provide clarity on what is most important to you, and the three questions shown below are part of the process. Take some time and ask yourself each of these questions in turn:

QuESTION 1 Imagine you are financially secure, that you have enough money to take care of your needs, now and in the future. The question is… how would you live your life? Would

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Better life planning means better money planning, says Dante Peters you change anything? Let yourself go. Don’t hold back on your dreams. Describe a life that is complete, that is richly yours.

Stage 3 Ask yourself “If I did that one thing that makes it right what might the outcome be?”

QuESTION 2 This time you visit your doctor who tells you that you have only 5 – 10 years left to live.

The good part is that you won’t ever feel sick.

The bad news is that you will have no notice of the moment of your death. What will you do in the time you have remaining to live?

Will you change your life and how will you do it?

Stage 4 Write a list of action points.

QuESTION 3 This time your doctor shocks you with the news that you have only one day left to live.

Notice what feelings arise as you confront your very real mortality. Ask yourself: What did I miss?

Who did I not get to be?

What did I not get to do?

Once you have answered these questions you should start to have a good idea of what is most important to you. At this stage you might start to find you are struggling to see how you can achieve your goals – this is the Obstacles part of EVOKE. If you are finding overcoming obstacles difficult you might like to try this approach.

Stage 1 Ask yourself what have been the three best things about the day or week so far.

Stage 2 Regarding the obstacle you are facing ask yourself these questions: What is currently going right?

What could be ideally right?

What is missing?

What one thing could I do now to make it right?

- Business|FINANCE -

Maybe include a date by when each action point will be completed, and whom you might need to speak to and gain advice from in order to complete each point. Hopefully all of the above will allow you to identify what is most important to you and also provide you with a plan of action. This should allow you to complete parts K and E of EVOKE Knowledge and Execution.

You may ask be asking why a financial planning firm would be writing about life planning – people are about so much more than money. However, money is the thread that runs through all our lives and uncertainty around money is one of the major reasons why people deny themselves their dreams.

As a firm we offer a financial coaching service that follows the EVOKE process but we also use lifetime financial forecasting software to model your financial future. The combination of these two approaches will provide you with a plan and a track to run on. With a plan you are more likely to make your goals and dreams a reality. Could you do with a plan?

Dante Peters B.Sc. RLIP is a director of Magus Financial Management Limited and is a registered Financial Life Planner through the Kinder Institute. www.magusfm.co.uk EVOKE approach offered by the Kinder Institute - www.lifeplanningforyou.com

A complete refurbishment has made Genting Casino the premier gaming attraction in the city as Will Cotton explains

For LAdieS And GentS www.gentingcasino.co.uk teLL uS A LittLe bit About GentinG CASino… our casino has a long-standing tradition in the city having been located on Preston Street for over 30 years. All of the popular casino games are available from roulette, blackjack and three card poker to electronic roulette and slots with jackpots of up to £10,000.

For those new to gaming, the casino offers engaging learn to play sessions where customers can have fun whilst being shown how to play blackjack, roulette, poker or slots.

These sessions can be booked in advance for parties and can be tailored to individual requirements.

WhAt MAKeS it SPeCiAL? The team that work here, who i believe epitomise the very essence of customer service. We are in competition with not just the other casinos in the area, but with every other business that is out there. As such we have to ensure that we are prepared to go the extra five miles when others are satisfied with just going the extra one and that’s exactly what we do.

Why hAve you reFurbiShed the CASino? We have long since believed that we offered the very best gaming experience from a service point of view and we needed an environment to match, as the appearance and layout of the casino had changed little since its early days.

WhAt hAS ChAnGed SinCe the CASino’S reFurbiShMent? everything! We have a new entrance and reception area, the addition of a stylish bar, a revised layout on the main gaming floor, complete redecoration of the venue, new wash rooms, air-conditioning, audio visual equipment and enhanced lighting. Anyone who visited us in our old form will no longer recognise the place.

WhAt iS the theMe oF GentinG CASino’S interior deSiGn? A sophisticated and contemporary look that creates a smart boutique-style casino designed to appeal to all customers. hoW AMbitiouS Were you With the reFurbiShMent? Fairly bold – we didn’t re-invent the wheel, but the refurbishment involved a great deal of structural change as well as cosmetic, with the end result that it feels like we’ve actually relocated rather than refurbished. hoW WiLL the reFurbiShMent AFFeCt the CASino AS A WhoLe? Quite simply, we believe that it has transformed the casino into the area’s premier gaming destination. hoW WiLL the neW StyLe oF the CASino Fit in With the CuLture oF briGhton? i have lived in and around brighton for the majority of my life and due to the eclectic mix of styles that this city embraces (like no other) i have no doubts about its ability to fit in. do you thinK the ChAnGe in StyLe WiLL MeAn A ChAnGe in CuStoMerS? not at all, i just think it will expand our customer base further. initial signs are that we have delighted and retained our existing customers, acquired plenty of new ones as well as winning back the few that we had lost.

WhAt doeS the Future hoLd For GentinG CASino? only time will tell, but as long as we continue delivering memorable gaming experiences, i am confident that we will go from strength to strength.

Photographs by Richard Southall – Emphasis Photography - Business|Profile -

“Anyone who visited us in our old form will no longer recognise the place.”

About GentinG uK Genting uK plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Malaysia, trades in the uK as Genting Casinos. it boasts 41 casinos across england and Scotland.

The casinos outside London operate under two brands: Genting Casinos and Genting Clubs. in London the group owns the oldest private members gaming club in the world, Crockfords, along with the Colony Club, Maxims, Palm beach and Genting Casino Cromwell Mint and Genting Casino Chinatown London in close proximity.

About GentinG MALAySiA Genting Malaysia is part of Genting berhad which was founded in 1980 and is one of Malaysia’s leading multinational corporations.

The company has a market capitalization of c.£25 billion, with operations in the leisure & hospitality, power generation, oil palm plantation, property development, biotechnology and oil & gas sectors. The Genting Group has 45 years of gaming experience running some of the most popular land-based casinos and resorts in Malaysia, Singapore, uSA, the bahamas, the Philippines and in the uK.

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