Absolute Homes December 2013

HOMES

DECEMBER 2013 • FREE

INTERIORS

BUSINESS

GET SET for

Christmas with Raft WINTER GOLF at West Hove

PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS lunch club

52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN Multi-award winning luxury estate agents in 275 locations worldwide DUBAI EGYPT FRANCE JERSEY MALTA MAURITIUS MOZAMBIQUE NAMIBIA PORTUGAL QATAR SPAIN SOUTH AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM WEST AFRICA

Local expertise, national presence, international audience Fine & Country is a global network of estate agency offices specialising in the sale, purchase and rental of luxury residential properties.

With offices in over 275 locations worldwide in the UK, France, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Jersey, Dubai, Qatar, Egypt, South Africa, West Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Mauritius, Fine & Country combines the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with national marketing campaigns and the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Call +44 (0)1273 739911

Scan me with your smart phone to view the listed properties online.

NOW OPEN in Brighton & Hove International network of estate agents specialised in the sale, purchase and rental of prestige properties.

For more information or for a free valuation, please contact your local Fine & Country office.

December 2013

Inside HOMES

THE TEAM

INTERIORS

B USINESS

Welcome...

Christmas is nearly upon us. Fortunately the property market seems unaffected by the cycle of the seasons these days and it seems it’s always a good time to sell. In fact during this time of year it’s sometime good to get ahead of the competition who wait until January to approach their estate agent. Take a look inside for some of the best properties in the city and beyond to get you For all advertising and general enquiries contact: Commercial Director: Lynne Edwards Mob: 07931 537588 lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com Designer: Sally Wynn Designer: Frida Clementz

in the mood. This month, we have also been on the golf course with the lovely people at King & Chasemore in Hove. Plus, take a look at Raft furniture in Brighton and on page 23 for some Christmas gift inspiration. Have a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to sharing all our exciting plans for 2014.

Lynne

Page 32-34

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS - home & table decorations

Production: Michael Brooks Editor: Ian Trevett Publisher: Alan Prior Absolute Homes is published by: The Pinnacle Group

Absolute Homes and Pinnacle would like to thank the advertisers that appear in this publication for their support, and wish them every business success.

The contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of publishing; nevertheless, we cannot endorse, and readers should not rely solely upon, the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein, without prior consultation with the service provider.

The December collection 10 - 11

Interiors 28 - 34

A selection of some of the best properties around the City this month.

Christmas decorations and perfect dining settings. By Tara de la Motte.

A round of golf 12 - 13

Talk Money 31

Lynne meets up with King & Chasemore for a round to ask some probing questions.

Are you behind the times with your finances?

Cover photo:

Property professionals 17

Beautifully inspired ideas by Raft Furniture in Brighton

Maarten Hoffmann asks if the CITREON DS5 Hybrid has both SUBSTANCE AND STYLE?

The market place 18

See page 23.

Some of our property professionals are gathering for a lunch in style.

Local news and interesting facts from the property experts.

Legal Matters 20 Howlett Clarke - Is 60 the new 40?

Motoring 36 - 37

Business 38 - 45 Dan White wonders if London Road can really be transformed into a successful retail and commercial centre.

And an exciting announcement about an influential new business magazine.

Spring into 2014 26 - 27 Benchmark Windows talks to us about creating a grand design.

3

What all the best-dressed windows are wearing this season Garish jumpers. Novelty socks. Santa hats.

Christmas may be the season that style forgot, but our beautiful hardwood shutters will leave you walking in a window wonderland.

Custom-made from the finest materials, they don’t just look divine; they also insulate against noise and weather to make every night a silent night, cosy night. What more do you need for a Shutterly Fabulous festive season?

shutterlyfabulous.com 0808 1631 425

On quality

On service

On value

Helping you find your perfect Hove property Mishon Welton, 94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2EB

01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com

BENNETT DRIVE, HOVE £775,000 A delightful and very well presented detached family home situated in popular Hove Park area. The property offers a large living area with bi-folding doors opening onto a west facing terrace, modern fitted kitchen, study, downstairs cloakroom, four bedrooms, family bathroom, en-suite bathroom, west facing garden and private drive to garage. Viewing is strongly recommended.

ELRINGTON ROAD, HOVE £950,000 A particularly attractive individual 5 bedroom detached family home, which provides lovely light living accommodation, with a modern contemporary theme. The property has a stunning, large, kitchen/ family room, with an expanse of French doors opening onto the pleasant west facing rear garden. Occupies a sought after Hove Park location and worthy of an early internal viewing.

ELMS LEA AVENUE, BRIGHTON £899,950 A beautifully presented detached Tudor style residence standing in good sized secluded, West facing gardens, and occupying an impressive elevated position at the head of this sought after residential cul-de-sac. The wide plot also offers considerable scope for enlargement (subject to consent). Residents in the close, also have access via a locked gate to the entrance to Preston Park station, which will be a commuters dream!

The Mishon Welton Christmas Tree Collection

We can’t take ALL your unwanted Christmas things...

...but we CAN take your old tree.

For a donation of just £3, we’ll collect and recycle your old Christmas tree, helping you, the environment and numerous local charities.

e V il l as

Gold ston

St Patri ck

EE T

ST R

s Sq

Rd Aym er

SACK VIL

e nt

LE RO AD

t

urne S

Cre sc

HO VE

ns Garde

Pem bro ke

Westb o

West bou

Vill as

Cl are ndon Road Living s tone Road Shirle y Stre et Golds t one Road

ROAD

CH R OA D

Pl ac e

ourne

Wes tb

WAY

L A ND

Pri n ce

Rutl a nd

C HUR

ourn e

Rd

Rd

A 2 59 K I N GS

rne Ga rdens

PORT

’s Rd

ery St reet Words wo rth Street Cowp er Stre et

Prin ces Cre sce nt

ad

Mont gom

Westb

Gardens Sackville

Road

gh am Wlasin

Carlisl e Road

Berrie

dale Av

e

WA Y

Langd ale Ga rdens Langd ale Ro ad

GS

NEW Braem ore Ro

Road Wish

KIN

Wellb ec k Av e

dor R d

Tenn

Gl en

is Rd

Ave

Coleri d ge St re et

Tamw ort h R oad

l Rd

e Road

CH R OA D

d an Rd

Mari ne

A2 59

Moden a Rd

Rd Titian

Raph ael Rd

ad

ND RO AD

Lawre nc

Arthur S t

Ruskin Rd

Kenda

Alpine Rd

L int on

Lenn ox

Marmion Road

Reynol d s Rd

Bolso ver Rd

Stoneham Road

Hoeg arth Ro

Park Ave

Ave

se Rd Wood hou

rpe Rd

Wish Park

Norm

an Ro Rom

Saxo n Roa

ad

ad

n Rd

Davis Park Amesb ury

CH U R

Payne Ave

Dall ingto Miln tho

PORTLA Colem an Av e

ond Rd

d Rd

Portla nd

Rothbu ry Rd

J e sm

s e Villa

Gleb

Portl and Vi llas

k Ave

NE W

Dere

Midd leton Ave

9 KI NGSWAY

OA D

Rd

A2 5

CH R

Britta ny Ro

CHUR

St Ke yna Av e

NE W

D ROAD Mansfi el

l las ter Vi

Leices

Worc este r Vi lla

s

PORTLAN

Tandrid ge

If you live in Hove Park and would like us to collect your tree, please email collectmytree@mishonwelton.com or call us on 01273 778877 and leave your details. Thank you.

For collection details contact Mishon Welton on 01273 778877

King s th’pe d R

St Le onard’s Road St Le onar d’s Av e Errol l Road St Le onards Gard ens

Live in Hove Park?

Where we’re collecting:

Crescen t

The Soiree Rotary Club volunteers will be collecting in the area shown below on Sunday 5 January 10am – 3pm. Please leave your tree and a minimum donation of £3 where we can see it on the day of collection.

HOVE BN3

Organised by the Brighton and Hove Soiree Rotary Club Registered charity No. 1138898

Sponsored by

All donations will be given to the Martlets, Fareshare, Chestnut Tree Childrens Hosp and other Rotary supported charities.

“We are a well established local independent estate agent with a strong ethos around customer care and excellent presentation. Our experienced and friendly team are experts in selling property in the Brighton and Hove area and would very much like to meet with you if you are planning a move.

Looking into the new year we are anticipating a continuation of the very buoyant sustainable market, so it could be a perfect time to undertake that much considered move.”

Surrenden Crescent, A truly outstanding and individual detached family home measuring 307 square meters/3304 square feet and is brought to the market in immaculate order throughout finished to exacting standards by the current owners and enjoys an elevated, yet secluded setting on one of Brighton’s most popular and sought after tree lined roads.

£1,350,000

8

123-125 dyke road, hove, bn3 1tj tel.01273 232 232 property@austingray.co.uk www.austingray.co.uk

Brigden Street, ÂŁ499,950 A stylish and recently extended Victorian bay fronted terraced family home, over four floors with bi-folding doors onto a south facing patio garden and Juliet balcony from the master suite with fine views across Brighton. Located in the popular Port Hall district and a short walk from the Seven Dials. Close to renowned schools and Brighton mainline station.

Chatsworth Road, ÂŁ293,000 A two double bedroom apartment finished to a high specification with large sitting room, very modern kitchen and bathroom, two double bedrooms and an additional office space.

Occupying the top floor of an attractive bay fronted Edwardian building and situated on one of the Seven Dials most sought after roads.

9

The DECEMBER Collection Merton House, Ringmer

Rottingdean Place A private estate of apartments and houses set over open downland and the South Downs national park its located within the beautiful and picturesque village of Rottingdean. The apartment itself sits on the first floor and is approached via staircase or passenger lift. The living room and master bedroom suite has views of the private landscaped gardens and the sea.

Both bedrooms benefit from fitted wardrobes with bedroom two incorporating a small home/ study area, family bathroom, and a fitted kitchen. A particular feature of the apartment are the two Southerly aspect terraces surrounding an enclosed sun room all providing superb views.

• Hamptons • 01273 230230 • £425,000 EPC D

This quite substantial, detached, double fronted house is of traditional construction with mellow red brick elevations with a tile clad roof. The accommodation is arranged over three floors and is ideally suited to a family or those requiring a selfcontained annexe or home office. This imposing house retains many of its original features and is now in need of some updating.

Denes Mews, Rottingdean

Wyke Avenue, Worthing

The first buyers are moving in at Denes Mews, the beautiful development of eight substantial townhouses in the heart of Rottingdean village. Just three miles east of Brighton, this delivers luxury seaside living, each with three bedrooms, a courtyard garden and a private integral garage.

All are set behind an elegant security gate and overlook an attractive and quiet courtyard, creating a peaceful and secluded ambiance. Ready now.

Do you wish to be near the seafront, local shops and still have tranquillity? Good, then this stunning four bedroom semi-detached family home full of character is one not to be missed.

The moment you enter you will be knocked for six with the amount of space on offer.

Picture yourself and the family in the winter having family time in the stunning lounge. Put a log on the fire and let the sound of crackling logs put all your stress and worries to one side.

• Mishon Mackay • 01273 829300 • Prices starting at £460,000

Roedean

Lewes

This is a home that is all about light and space. The sunny kitchen/breakfast room is a perfect hub for busy family life and being southfacing comes with wonderful sea views. The open, central wooden staircase captures the light flooding in from the double height conservatory giving this home a spacious and airy feel. Four of the double rooms and the downstairs home office all have fitted furniture so they are ready to just move into.

This Grade II Listed Regency home is situated in Lewes. This exquisite home retains many original features including cornices, fireplaces and ceiling roses. The front of the house has parapets, bowed entrance with 4, Greek Doric 3/4 columns, and is highlighted by the double entrance doors. Internally there are 6 bedrooms, kitchen and 3 separate reception rooms, ground floor cloakroom, bathroom and a further shower room. There is ample off road parking and a large rear garden.

10

• Fine & Country • 01273 739911 • £1,295,000

• Clifford Dann • 01273 477022 • O.I.R £795,000

• Mishon Mackay Portslade • 01273 418888 • £410,000

• Oakley Residential • £950,000 • 01273 487444

A selection of some of the best properties in and around the City this month.

Downs Valley Road, Woodingdean IF IT IS MODERN AND STYLISH YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER! This 5 bedroom chalet bungalow has been finished to a high standard throughout, with spacious accommodation and boasting some incredible views from the rear garden.

The master bedroom has an en-suite and it’s very own balcony. To the rear is a west facing decked area and steps down to lawn, capturing the last of the evening sun!

Rating D 68.

Patcham

• Maslen Estate Agents • 01273 278866 • £360,000

This hidden gem is accessed via a secluded private lane tucked away in a semi rural location surrounded by woodland. Spacious hall, cosy lounge with French doors to garden. The 21’ kitchen/ breakfast room has ample space for a dining table and conveniently a separate utility room.Versatile 13’ reception room which could be utilised as bedroom four and a round floor bathroom. three double bedrooms, all having en-suite facilities. 1 be self contained annexe with private entrance.

Lansdowne Place, Hove

Woodruff Avenue, Hove

An opportunity to purchase a stunning second and third floor maisonette situated a stone’s throw from Hove Lawns.

This elegant period property comprises split level entrance hall, 19’10 x 18’10 living room with feature fireplace and sea views, spacious kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom suite with dressing room and en-suite, luxurious family bathroom with freestanding roll top bath, two further bedrooms, gas central heating, first come first served parking.

Rarely available and featured in The Times, this magnificent 30s, white-painted house is set long a wide tree lined avenue of well-maintained houses. Manicured greenery and charming box trees, only to add a traditional touch with the black entrance door. This elegant, airy home contains numerous period features, from stained glass windows to black and white tiled floors and ornamental pillars in the hall.

• Brices • 01273 323000 • £489,950 Share of Freehold

Shirley Drive, Hove

Cleveland Road, Preston Park

Situated on Shirley Drive next to Hove Park; this elegant three bedroom home was built in 2005. Gradually improved since then, the home is wonderfully wellpresented and comprises a contemporary interior that features a fantastic dual aspect lounge. The home incorporates attractive wood flooring in the majority of rooms, and this complements the stylish hi-end feel of the entire property.

Rarely Available - Cleveland Road. A beautifully presented 4 Bedroom Victorian house overlooking Blakers Park, part of the Preston Park Conservation area with a wealth of period features, a level westerly aspect rear garden. Superb 25ft lounge/ dining room with period fireplaces. 20ft Kitchen/ breakfast room with Oak units complimented by granite worktops.

• Leaders • 01273 720714 • £2800 PCM + fees

• Spencer & Leigh • 01273 565566 • Guide Price £700,000 - £750,000

• Winkworth • 01273 772175 • £1,175,000

• Beaumonts • 01273 550881 • £595,000

11

A ROUND WITH - King & Chasemore

This month Lynne Edwards heads to the hills at West Hove golf course with fair-weather golfers Ashley Hunt, assistant regional manager, and his colleagues from King & Chasemore, Hove.

The course at West Hove has the remarkable record to have only closed on one occasion during the last 10 years due to bad weather – they even have their own snow plough! If you play golf as regularly as I do, you’ll know that this is unusual. It is traditionally the time of year that you prepare to play in some mud and happily tear up the score card. So when I asked Ashley, and regional manager Tom Middleton and Jack Taggart, Senior Sales manager to play golf recently, we needed somewhere playable but also near to their Hove base. West Hove was perfect, located as it is near the A27 at Portslade and being nicely

Ashley, Jack and Tom are all good golfers

in house training to City & Guilds standard,

but luckily I had my A game on, and it was

ongoing support and promotion opportunities.

also fortunate for me that after some initial

I noticed that Tom had a newly acquired

squabbling they all finally decided to play off

moustache.

the white tees. Ashley has played golf since he was a boy becoming a scratch golfer until a recent rugby injury, so both he and Tom often bravely went for the blind greens on some of the slight dog leg tough par 4 holes. This was not always the best strategy of course, particularly when their balls went out of sight into the rough, which was fair, but enough of a deterrent. The 298 yard par 4th is a particular challenge with an uphill drive, that also requires a precise second shot to the green, and the long par 5, 5th always feels at least100 yards longer than on the score card.

“After some initial squabbling they all finally decided to play off the white tees.”

matured now with some brilliant tight fairways, tricky approaches and delicious greens. The greens are generous and in amazing condition, considering the recent deluge.

Tom: Yes it is Movember and throughout the offices of K & C we hope to raise over £3k before Christmas just from the Kent offices alone for the testicular charity. In fact we aim to do a lot of fund raising next year for Cancer Research and also local community projects which we are announcing soon. I was curious to know what they thought made K & C different from other local estate agency firms.

Tom & Ashley: We have 6 branches just in the Brighton area and over 100 offices nationwide.

Most people don’t realise we have 14 of these offices just in London – under the brand name of John D Wood. As all the offices are linked, this gives us a unique opportunity to tap into prospective buyers from London. Indeed we share leads and pass business to other offices throughout the network all the time, and this exposure is almost unbeatable for a prospective vendor.

Tom: We also have a strong Lettings dept

Using the buggies, provided an opportunity to

having recently acquired Tingleys in Hove,

chat to them about their business. They are all

a Land & New Homes division. K & C

highly experienced sales professionals having

have recently also acquired Lambert Smith

Despite it’s location we were only disturbed

worked in this and other agencies locally for

& Hampton a well known commercial

by some noisy mooing cows, and the horn

many years. I remarked that it appeared to be

agency. With Sotheby’s also under the King

from a hunt galloping across the horizon,

a very friendly office, and I now understand

& Chasemore umbrella, it makes up an

which was a first for me on a golf course.

that indeed retaining staff is a high priority and

impressive range of property expertise within

that it is one of few agents now who provide

one company.

12

“Despite it’s location we were only disturbed by some noisy mooing cows, and the horn from a hunt galloping across the horizon.”

Q. So what about the Hove office Jack, it’s got

Ashley and Jack who were both very

a pretty enviable location in Church Road

impressive low handicappers were not far

Jack: Yes, and we are shortly undergoing

behind.

a major refurbishment programme, so

As the sun was still shining over the hills,

we’ll soon look even better! We think it is

we retired to the club house and enjoyed

important to invest in offices as this is still

a lovely lunch, which as always was quick

where most of our business is done.

and beautifully prepared by the friendly staff.

Tom & Jack: We are regularly looking at

The club house is huge and regularly caters

ways of improving our brand and image, and

for weddings and large functions for golfing

hopefully Absolute Homes will help with this

societies.

process. We believe the internet is a vital part

The club also holds roll up lessons, or one

of what we can offer a vendor, but magazine

to one golf pro teaching, and has a fabulous

advertising is also still important to show

driving range open to the public, so there’s

prospective clients how we are different, and

no excuse for not dashing out of the office at

that we can market property from a lot of

lunchtime in the winter to brush up on your

different platforms for maximum effect.

golf – just in case I come calling. Then you’ll be

Q. And is the property market as buoyant as

ready!

everyone says

If you’re a property professional and fancy

Ashley: Absolutely yes. We are fortunate to

a game and chat about your business, then

be working in this area which is always busy,

email lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com

but we always require good property stock,

West Hove Golf Club, Badgers way,

so are continually looking at new ways to

Hangleton, Hove BN3 8eX.

encourage people to seek our advice about

Tel 01273 419738

selling.

King & Chasemore, 20 Church

We were coming to the end of our round and

Road, Hove, Tel 01273 206107

the 18th hole at West Hove which they claim to be the longest par 5 in Sussex if not the country. It also felt like it for the 4 of us, and I in particular had used up all my good shots by then, and dropped some points here.

Although Tom lost a few balls he somehow still managed to score 35 points, which tied with me.

“Most people don’t realise we have 14 of these offices just in London.”

Tom Middleton - Handicap 24 Ashley Hunt - Handicap 2 Jack Taggart - Handicap 18 Lynne - Handicap 20

GREAT MUSIC dESERvES BANG & OLUFSEN BEOLAB 18 EXPERIENCE IN STORE NOW

Bang & Olufsen Brighton & Hove 56 Church Road Hove, BN3 2FP

Tel: 01273 205448 Email: bighton@bang-olufsen.co.uk

Call in to see us to experience the very first Lossless Wireless speakers from Bang & Olufsen

With the launch of three new speakers under its Immaculate BeoLab 17 Wireless Sound concept, Bang & Olufsen once again confirms the brand’s dedication to outstanding acoustics, uncompromising design and craftsmanship as well as technological innovation that makes life simpler for discerning users.

The new wireless line-­‐up includes BeoLab 17, a place-­‐anywhere compact speaker with outsize sound; BeoLab 18, the latest incarnation of Bang & Olufsen’s sculpturally iconic audio columns for walls or floor; and BeoLab 19, a radically redesigned subwoofer that pumps refined bass with a visceral punch – and looks too good to hide.

“These new speakers are at the vanguard of a new era of high-­‐end BeoLab 19 sound,” says Lars Fredsgaard, Speaker Category Director at Bang & Olufsen. “Until now, speakers with this level of performance had to be wired. Our latest launch uses a robust wireless standard with enough bandwidth and channels to deliver a listening experience the way the artist intended it.”

Sound that is reproduced as the artist intended it to be has long been a Bang & Olufsen hallmark. With Immaculate Wireless sound, Bang & Olufsen brings this tradition of acoustic authenticity into the wireless age for the first time ever.

For all of your home entertainment requirements -­‐ do not hesitate to contact either Mike or Martin via telephone or email or pop in store for a coffee and experience the amazing new Immaculate Wireless Sound Speaker range!

56 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FP brighton@bang-­‐olufsen.co.uk

15

“Our experience and commitment will move you...”

a

Our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year.

May joy fill your home with warmth and your heart with happiness this Christmas.

do. e gw n i th y r eve f “C rt o lien a e t ser vice at the h

”

ccording to our clients, they love us for one fundamental reason, we keep our promises. Here’s what we promise (and deliver) to each and every client:

You will have the directors full attention... ...We are fully involved in all aspects of our business and we like to know each and every client and their property.

A personable approach... ...We are an independent family run business and to us, you are a person, not another commission.

25 years extensive and unrivalled experience... ...We specialise in sales, lettings, photography, professional copy writing and business development.

Professional integrity... ...We concentrate on giving outstanding service coupled with being honest and trustworthy - we like finding solutions and we love happy conclusions.

Good quality recommendations... ...We have worked in Sussex for many years and have built excellent relationships with knowledgable, efficient & friendly solicitors and mortgage advisors. We can help you plan ahead and enjoy a seamless process.

Tel: 01273 727000 Visit: www.jasondeans.co.uk Email: home@jasondeans.co.uk Jason Dean | 1b Montefiore Road | Hove | BN3 1RD 16

LUNCH WITH THE PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS

Absolute Homes and Searches UK have teamed up to offer property professionals throughout the area the opportunity to network whilst supporting the Rockinghorse Children’s charity.

T

he Brighton Property Professional’s

throughout Sussex and has continued to do

Andrew Stenning –

Business Lunch kicks-off the New

so for over 45 years since.

Managing Director of

Year by offering professionals in the

property business the chance to network in the relaxed environment of the Dome Room at Pub Du Vin.

Another founding partner of the lunch is Searches UK, one of the leading search companies in the UK, who deliver up-to-date residential and commercial conveyancing

The event, set up by Absolute Homes,

search reports for Conveyancers and

Searches UK and the Rockinghorse Children’s

Solicitors across the country. Their business is

Charity, has been organised with the aim

founded on the idea that you can combine a

of generating and developing business

first class service with accuracy and reliability,

relationships while offering property

without having to compromise.

professionals the opportunity to share their

Searches UK I am delighted to be working with Absolute Homes and The Rockinghorse to bring property professionals from all sides of the spectrum together. We have faced real challenges in recent years, but with the recovery process now well under way, this is the time to work together to strengthen

The first meeting of 2014 will take place on

our own business models and build strong

January 30th, with further gatherings arranged

alliances with other professionals to ensure

The meeting will offer far more than stale

for April, July and October, all held at the

we capitalise on the many opportunities that

networking gatherings and will take place

impressively large and airy Dome Room at

are around. For more information visit

quarterly, with an interesting guest speaker at

the boutique Pub Du Vin.

www.searchesuk.co.uk.

best practises in an informal way.

each event that will talk on topical subjects.

There is no membership fee required

Ryan Heal - Rockinghorse

Everyone who has a business interest in

to become a regular visitor, with only a

Children’s Charity CEO.

property is welcome to come along and

compulsory £30 charge for a three-course

Everyone at Rockinghorse is

we expect support from companies such as

lunch, wine and coffee.

delighted to be nominated

architects, solicitors, financial institutions and

Lynne Edwards -

as the charity partner for the Property

Commercial Director,

Professionals Lunch. Huge thanks to Absolute

Absolute Homes

Homes and Searches UK for choosing us.

Absolute Homes believes that the property

Magazine.

I’m sure that every property professional in

sector will be particularly buoyant next year,

My whole career has

the city has, at one time or another, required

and the magazine will be at the forefront of

been in property in

the services of the children’s hospital for

new ways of marketing your business to take

some way or other,

their loved ones. I’m sure the Property

advantage of this. Networking generally and

both in estate agency,

Professionals Lunches will be a great success

IFAs and we particularly want to encourage estate agents, letting and commercial experts.

with your peers will become more and more

new homes and in the last 15 years

and give the industry the opportunity to

important.

publishing. I see this exciting new venture as

support their local children’s hospital through

an opportunity for me and my joint venture

Rockinghorse. For more information visit

colleagues to share our respective networks

www.rockinghorse.org.uk.

of property professionals. We can use this

To book your space please email groups.brighton@hotelduvin.com.

Every lunch will include a prize draw courtesy of Pub Du Vin, with all proceeds raised going directly to the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

platform to share ideas, and perhaps work together on projects from which all our

The Brighton-based Children’s Charity,

businesses can benefit. For more information

Rockinghorse, was set up in 1967 with the

visit facebook.com/Absolutehomessussex.

Or for general enquiries email lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com.

aim of improving the lives of sick children 17

The Market Place...

We take a look at some agency news stories in the area this month TV Builder Restores a Grand Old Lady TV builder, Adrian Marmont, who was Project Manager for the Home Front TV Series with Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen & Diarmuid Gavin, has recently completed a 2 year, multimillion pound restoration of Mayfair House, a stunning landmark, regency building in Grade II listed Heene Terrace on Worthing’s seafront. Mayfair House had been a popular hotel in the roaring 1920’s, but over the years and after numerous owners and changes of use, the building had been left in a serious state of neglect.

Adrian Marmont, owner of The Pure Group, a building and renovation company, took the opportunity to convert the property into high end, luxury apartments.

The end result is 11 stunning apartments, each with a master ensuite bedroom and a separate guest bedroom and bathroom. Some also benefit from balconies and private parking.

City Plan Nears Conclusion The City Plan for future homes, jobs and developments in Brighton & Hove has begun its finalisation process. The Plan is a blueprint for future developments in the city, setting out a framework for prospective jobs and homes in Brighton & Hove up to 2030. The scheme looks to develop the local economy.

As part of the plan, Toad’s Hole Valley - forty-seven hectares of land on the city’s urban fringe - has been identified for expansions. Developments include the building of 700 homes, a new secondary school, work spaces and community facilities with public open space.

The Planning Inspector heard submitted objections to the ideas during the last week of October and will now decide whether the plan is in line with the government’s housing targets.

To request a brochure for Mayfair House, or to arrange a viewing, please contact the selling agent, Michael Jones on 01903 213281 or visit www.michaeljones.co.uk

Conifer Collection Estate Agents Mishon Welton and The Soiree Rotary Club will be working together during the festive period to help recycle any old Christmas trees in the New Church Road area.

On Sunday 5th January between 10am and 3pm there will be a collection service around the Hove area.

The groups are asking for a minimum donation of £3 for the service, with all donations given to the Martlets, Fareshare, Chestnut Tree Children’s Hospice and other Rotary supported charities. For more information email collectmytree@mishonwelton.com or call 01273 778877.

BHEAA 2014 PRESIDENT JASON BRAND (BRAND VAUGHAN) INVITES YOU TO THE

Are you holding an event, have any interesting office news, or perhaps have some new staff or promotions? If so please contact Lynne on 07931 537588 and we will try and include on this page.

18

THE GRAND HOTEL, BRIGHTON FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY 2014

Luxury Christmas Gifts from Templespa, Aneesi and Technogym

DESiGN STATEMENT

10% discount on all purchases ordered and delivered for Christmas

CREATING LIFESTYLES

If you are looking to redecorate your home, build new bespoke furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, gym, or work with us in your profession as a designer, architect or other we can assist you with every aspect.

January is a great time to consider having a new hand built kitchen or bedroom!

We can offer you a key to luxury living, with exclusive products, fixtures and fittings all immaculately presented by our partners for you to view and feel in the showroom.

Design Statement offers you a one-stop design service where style, functionality and attention to detail are second to none.

Our partners include; Prestige Saunas, Alegna Baths, Technogym, Edera Bespoke Furniture, Dave Franklin Interiors, And So To Bed, C P Hart, Stone Republic, Aneesi, Pickwell Studios, Channel Glazing, Scotframe, The Limehouse Lamp Company, Sunnydale Blinds and TempleSpa.

www.design-statement.co.uk info@design-statement.co.uk Mid Sussex House, High Street, Handcross, RH17 6BW, 01444 401873

Columnists

The monthly column from our local quality solicitors

Legal Matters with Howlett Clarke Absolute have teamed up with Brighton’s oldest law firm QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke to bring you a monthly insight into the latest legal issues, with top tips and advice.

Is 60 the new 40?

physical health and the freedom to continue

Retiring baby boomers are setting out a

Many people find that staying active in a job

new model for later life, but how many have

helps to keep them young at heart – with

made proper financial plans for the future?

the bonus being that it boosts their earning

working for longer.

and savings potential in the process.

The UK is witnessing the march of a new type of retiree as the first post-war baby

The key to making the most of this

boomers pass the old default retirement age

opportunity is for people to start planning

of 65.

for their 60s and beyond well in advance.

According to Aviva’s latest Real Retirement

In this way, rather than accepting the old

Report, more than one in three (39 per

retirement stereotypes, people can have

cent) over-55s are continuing to receive

the freedom of choice about whether to

a wage and nearly half are intent on using

continue to work or not, rather than feeling

their extra earnings to travel more when

forced to carry on out of the demand to

they finish full-time work.

meet financial commitments.

Despite 80 per cent being concerned by

The chances are, however, that most

rising living costs over the short term

of us have been so busy with other

(December 2012), the UK’s over-55s

aspects of our lives – family,

are determined to enjoy the benefits of

business or career – that we may

extending their working lives.

have forgotten to attend to the financial foundations.

Nearly half (44 per cent) plan to use their extra time in retirement to travel more,

With all the taxation and

while 42 per cent are focused on spending

financial and legal changes

more time in their gardens.

that have taken place in recent years, the help of an independent

Socialising is high on the agenda for many

financial adviser and legal advice

over-55s in retirement, with 37 per cent

is essential to avoid missing out on

planning to invest extra time in their families

the lifestyle choices that now exist.

and 33 per cent keen to socialise more with friends.

It’s clear that the first baby boomers are setting out a new model for later life, and getting the most out of their improved

20

For enquiries about financial planning call Adrian Moy at Howlett Clarke Wealth Management on 01273 773340 advice@hc-wm.co.uk or at 5 The Drive, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3JE. For enquiries relating to employment, call Alex Jones at QS Howlett Clarke on 01273 327272 alexjones@howlettclarke.co.uk or at 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ. Howlett Clarke Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Pembroke Financial Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We are entered in the Financial Services Register under number: 537194.

guestlist Who? Northwood Letting Agents Where?

62 Church Rd, Hove, East Sussex Why? 1

2

3

Celebrating expansion and relocation to new office 1. Natalie May (Northwood) and John Searby (Gerard Maye legal) 2. Karen Goldfinch, Paul Cullip (Northwood) and David Willis (Lincoln Estates Ltd)

4

5

6

3. Emma Smith (Northwood), Jane Pearce (The Argus) 4. Justin Rodell (Northwood), Emma Smith (Northwood), Tom Graves (Graves Ltd) 5. Karen Goldfinch, Natalie May (Northwood), Rosie Cullip (Northwood) 6. Lynne Edwards (Absolute Homes) and Paul Cullip (Northwood) 7. Emma Smith (Northwood), Wendy Bardsley (Northwood), Paul Cullip (Northwood), Rosie Cullip (Northwood), Natalie May (Northwood)

7

8. Wendy Bardsley (Northwood), Mike Ablett, Sally Winkley, Kim Cummins

8

Photos: Stephen Lawrence

If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Sleep soundly with Guaranteed Rent

21

heene terrace | worthing | west sussex

Where traditional architecture meets contemporary interior design.

Welcome to Mayfair House.

After a two-year, multi-million pound restoration, we are proud to present Mayfair House – a superb collection of individually designed beachfront apartments in the heart of Worthing, most enjoying fantastic sea views. This is a brand new quality construction which has been finished to an exceptionally high standard and retains the original Grade II listed period facade.

DEVELOPMENT BY

Scan to view a video tour of Mayfair House

• two bedrooms with en-suites • most with direct sea views • two apartments with balconies • passenger lift • communal gardens • some with private off-road parking • Prices from £340,000 • Show apartment now open for viewings by appointment only

For more details or to arrange a viewing please contact our selling agent: Michael Jones, 8 Chapel Road, Worthing

Call us on 01903 213281 www.thepuregroup.info

22

sales@michaeljones.co.uk www.michaeljones.co.uk

The perfect welcome home this Christmas...

Create a relaxed welcoming look at home this winter with a little help from Raft Raft knows there is nothing more inviting than a cosy living room at the end of a winter day, and Raft Brighton has all the ingredients for making your home the perfect sanctuary to return to after a hard day’s work.

With the luxuriously proportioned Lincoln Corner Unit, there is plenty of room to curl up on Raft’s trademark sumptuously thick sofa cushions. Each sofa is lovingly made by hand in England. Choose from any of Raft’s fabrics and soft leathers

“Raft Brighton has all the ingredients for making your home the perfect sanctuary to return to after a hard day’s work”

Lincoln Corner Unit

for the look you want, with over 100 options and match to any scheme. Then tuck under Raft’s 100% pure wool herringbone throw for that extra touch of luxury, light some scented candles and pour a glass of wine and hide from the dreariest days inside.

Raft can also help you prepare for the influx of guests at Christmas with new chairs and a collection of beautiful

tables. Raft’s trademark FSC reclaimed teak tables make the ideal setting for festive family gatherings, with extendible options available for when you need that extra space over the holiday period.

Team up with a Raft bench – perfect for getting all the family around the table, or select from Raft’s extensive range of dining chairs, and ensure every meal is a comfortable one.

Handmade cushions and herringbone wool throw

Havana armchair

For further information log onto www.raftfurniture.co.uk Raft Brighton 35-36 West Street, Brighton BN1 2RE Telephone: 01273 311 610

contemporary by

benchmark energy gaining windows

Featured Property of the Month This Benchmark customer was absolutely delighted with the way in which we were able to blend the old with the new at their period property. They didn’t settle for anything less than spectacular.

WE ARE “THE FOLDING-SLIDING DOOR SPECIALISTS IN SUSSEX” view them for yourself in our showroom

24

25

SPRING INTO 2014 ...with your very own grand design

By Jennifer Murrell www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk

W

inter is fast approaching and

you with more space but will add value to

Scientifically proven to affect our mood and

with the cold weather setting

your home. Providing space and light and

behaviour, colour is often central when it

in you may be looking forward

being usable all year round, conservatories

comes to our home improvements. Matching

to spring and home improvements. Whether

are a popular choice for home owners. With

carpets, walls and furniture and letting your

it be a new front door or a stylish new

options galore like folding sliding doors and

personality shine through are all important

conservatory many of us dream of our very

lantern roofs you can bring the outside in,

factors when it comes to decorating. Popular

own grand design. It’s not too soon to start

merging your garden with your home.

choices for windows and conservatories are

thinking about it especially if you require planning permission for your project, so act now and you can realise your dream by the time the good weather arrives.

“Faced with a difficult housing market, homeowners should be looking at what they can be doing to improve their current home – and where they can add value-rather than

Do you come home at the end of a long day

moving on”- says Jonnie Irwin, spokesperson

to a shabby old front door? Don’t put up

for ratedpeople.com.” The possibilities are

with it any longer. There are a wide range of

endless whether you’re interested in a new

doors available in many different styles and

dining space or somewhere for the kids to

colours that will make your neighbours green

play there is something for you.

with envy. Even the glass comes in an array of styles and patterns so you can really make it your own.

Contemporary glass extensions are another option and these are increasing in popularity.

These simple structures give a wealth of

As well as replacing your existing doors and

light and allow you to enjoy unspoilt views.

windows you may be considering an addition

The minimal structures also make a bold

to your property that will not only provide

statement.

26

black indicating sophistication, grey showing neutrality and white for simplicity, but with so many colours to choose from why not step outside the box and choose green for balance or go for brown for nature and warmth.

At Benchmark we supply hundreds of RAL colours to ensure you get the exact colour you desire.

No matter how small or large your project, your designs can make your house extra special. Finishing touches can make all the difference and blinds are a fantastic example.

There are so many styles available, from basic slatted blinds to innovative integral blinds placed inside the glass meaning no dusting required!

Confused by all the choice? Why not come down to the Benchmark Windows showroom where you can get some free advice. A local family run business with over 50 years combined experience Benchmark Windows are setting the standard for glazing in West Sussex. With a wide range of products available to view at their Lancing showroom including many unique items Benchmark is the smart choice for local consumers.

Come and visit us today at Unit 4 and 5, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Susssex, Bn15 8uf.

Call 01903 756699 to arrange an appointment.

Or visit our website at www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk

“Providing space and light and being usable all year round, conservatories are a popular choice for home owners. ”

“There are a wide range of doors available in many different styles and colours that will make your neighbours green with envy. ” 27

Seated in style - Dining Furniture

By Tara de la Motte Whether we use our dining rooms for formal occasions or an everyday area for mealtime gatherings, the dining room should be inviting and well laid out.

Furniture is the determining factor when it comes to establishing the look and feel of your dining room. You may prefer your furniture in rich dark woods, or something a bit less formal such as a relaxed arrangement of chairs in mismatched fabrics or styles alongside a rustic table.

Table talk When it comes to your choice of tables, wood is the traditional choice. Hard woods such as walnut and mahogany are expensive

never underestimate the capacity required to

or rectangular table, with a leaf for extending

keep tableware and linens.

remains a multi-functional choice. Many high street stores offer an excellent choice of tables to accommodate every size dining room.

Comfortable seating Comfort and practicality are the key ingredients when it comes to seating. Make sure your dining chair is shaped for comfort.

A fully upholstered chair is more comfortable but not very practical when it comes to keeping it clean especially when you have young children. However, upholstered chairs provide luxurious seating for occasions where

rosewood, walnut or mahogany, these days high street stores offer simple interpretations.

For a truly fresh twist, pick a cabinet in a painted finish and line the inside with some vintage fabric or wallpaper. If a side board or cabinet is not for you then consider a console table which will offer you surface storage, without closing in smaller areas.

style.

necessarily need to match the table but it is

are far more practical and is ideal for those

important to check the height compatibility. A

considering a painted finish for a French-

beautiful vintage table can look very personal

inspired look.

with mis-matching chairs provided it is within

required.

piece. Whilst the antique versions come in

room make sure you do it with comfort and

such as hard wearing oak or pine as these

you to squeeze in an extra dinner guest, when

glazed display cabinet, will be the perfect

elegant.

heavy or awkward to move. Chairs do not

infringement of the legs in any way, it allows

special china and glass on display - then a

and they will make the whole room feel

Ensure your chosen chairs are not too

is a table that has a pedestal as there is no

but if you would like the idea of having your

However you choose to furnish your dining

busy homes may prefer a more durable wood

on the size of your room but a good design

A sideboard will give you plenty of storage

guests may linger over a long lunch or dinner

but can look wonderfully elegant. However,

The shape of the table you choose depends

28

In today’s spaced-pressed homes, a circular

the right interior.

A place for everything If your dining room allows - having a sideboard or a cabinet will keep your dining room clutter free and elegant. When choosing furniture

“Furniture is the determining factor when it comes to establishing the look and feel of your dining room.�

Osborne & Little Penguin wallpaper £65.00 per roll

Display Curtain

Alternative flooring Dotty runner at £96.00 linear metre

SALE

EXPERT CURTAIN & BLIND MAKING . INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

Matthew Williamson wallpaper & fabric collection starting at £52.00

23 New Road, Brighton BN1 1UF 01273 605574

Kitchen – Bedroom – Living

58 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JD 01273 206016 125 South Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4LR 01444 443777 30

sales@design-interiors.com

www.design-interiors.com

TILES TILES TILES www.tilemates.co.uk

GLASS - CERAMICS - PORCELAIN NATURAL STONE - MOSAICS

Claire Cook

Columnists

from Talk Money

Are you behind the times with your finances?

After my first meeting with people they often say “what a relief ”. I don’t

SALE NOW ON

think this is because of me in particular, but many people have been meaning to see someone like me for a very long time! Many people just don’t get around to it..

The last couple of years have seen a lot of changes in the financial services industry. Advisers have had to do a raft of exams to bring them up to a higher standard, also the way they are paid has changed. Many have retired, selling on their businesses, people have found themselves passed onto another advice firm, or even worse, orphaned; (meaning you have no adviser). Some people can’t even remember how they took out their plans in the first place, never mind who arranged them. If you are one of these people, what do you do when you need to take advice?

What to do Firstly, it is always wise to find yourself an independent financial adviser. They are able to write to all of your existing providers and register themselves as

DESIGN, INSPIRATION, QUALITY

your new adviser.This allows them to build up a detailed knowledge of your

Tilemates Brighton Ltd 60 St Richards Road, Portslade, BN41 1PA

current plans, the charges you are paying and how they have performed.

01273 412000

planning only, such as investments, or pensions. Others deal with the whole

Some independent advisers specialise in certain aspects of your financial spectrum of your financial situation; known as holistic planning. This will include advice on mortgages, pensions, insurance, investments and other areas. It would be wise to find a holistic adviser as one aspect of your finances will often have a direct impact on another.

Do you need legal advice from only very highly qualified & experienced legal professionals?

Once you find an adviser you feel comfortable with they will discuss all

Do you value personal service, speaking to your solicitor face to face, having easy access to your solicitor by phone and email, receiving advice in plain English?

to taking investment risk and other areas, just so that they understand

If yes, then please do contact us for expert legal advice on a wide range of legal matters including:

aspects of your needs, including your current and future plans, your attitudes exactly what you want to achieve.Taking all this into account they will advise you on the best course of action going forward.

Previously advisers would get paid for arranging a plan, not looking after it.

• Wills, Probate & Powers of Attorney • Family Law (Divorce, Civil Partnership Dissolution, Financial Disputes, Children Matters) • Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Conveyancing • Personal Injury – all forms of accident claims • Civil Litigation/Debt Recovery

So, they may have arranged the best investment for you at the time, but

We offer a free and no obligation first interview to discuss your matter so you know where you stand from the very beginning.

your investment, rather than just putting it in place.

We also offer Fixed Fees, No Win No Fee Agreements and Privately Paying Agreements.

products, if you require an independent and holistic

is this still the case? Systems for managing people’s money have evolved greatly over the past few years. Advisers can be much more proactive, reviewing your funds and managing them for you. It is more likely now that your adviser would be paid a pre-agreed fee for managing If you are behind the times with your financial review, please call me Claire Cook on 01273 224667.

I would be very happy to assist. At this point I

“Fixed Fee Divorce & Family advice available”

would like to wish Absolute magazine readers A Recommended Law Firm

Fixed Fee Will of £100+VAT (Discount of £75 from our usual rate for any reader mentioning this advert)

a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Talk Money is a trading style of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount invested. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

A Perfect Christmas

Christmas home decorations and table settings

By Tara de la Motte (Editor of Sussex Homes & Gardens) www.sussex-homes.co.uk

Christmas is a time to adorn our homes with the most beautiful decorations and welcome family and friends to share in the merriment of the season with plenty of good food on an elegantly dressed table.

A touch of sparkle - Christmas home decorations Christmas is the most decorative time of the year, filled with nostalgia, magic, candlelight and colour. Decorating your home for Christmas is one of the most pleasurable parts of Christmas - there’s something very special about carefully unwrapping those familiar baubles, garlands, ornaments and lights to bring back once again the magic of Christmas into our homes.

Giving a little careful thought to the way you ‘deck your halls’ will lead to an elegantly decorated home for you and your guests. For all of us time seems in short supply these days, so concentrate on a few key areas when decorating your home for Christmas. Top priority should be the front door - a welcoming wreath whether faux or real to welcome guests, then the hallway to set the mood of your home, the sitting room as it will be the hub of the festivities, and the dining table for entertaining.

The hallway is the first impression everyone gets on walking into your home at Christmas time, so this is where you can add a lot of cosy lighting. Nothing is as beautiful as the warm glow of candle-light so placing some mercury glass tea light holders on a table in your hallway will create a welcoming ambience, group these in front of a mirror for 32

“There is a wonderful atmosphere created in the home with the decorations and they really bring the house to life.”

a dazzling effect. Delicate, white fairy lights look wonderful up the staircase, entwined in greenery from the garden and ‘ivy’ in particular is great for Christmas decorating - for stairs, mantle-pieces and just about anywhere in the home. Holly, eucalyptus, and rosemary twigs can also be used alongside ivy for display in the Christmas home.

Artificial garlands can look equally nice and you can customise them with ribbons, baubles, artificial berries or flowers.

Christmas season only begins when the tree has taken pride of place and is fully dressed and selecting the right tree whether it is fresh or faux is an all important task. When it comes to decoration of the tree, there is an overwhelming choice of decoration in the high street. There are timeless classics such as red, green and gold or elegantly understated silver and white. These days we are looking more into the past for a bit of nostalgic, vintage charm, anything from paper chains to handmade tree decorations to embroidered stockings.

Using a vintage-inspired Christmas colour palette of old gold, bronze and antique silver creates a chic look for the festive season.

Decorations in these hues look beautiful blended with natural foliage such as pine cones and mistletoe, and works well against a backdrop of both neutral and richly styled interior schemes.

The Scandinavian style of decorating the home for Christmas is charmingly understated and homespun with colours of red and white, with traditional decorations made from natural materials such as wood.

This style of decorating is popular and cheerful for any home. The joy of Christmas is that all the decorations somehow work together, so if you have amassed an eclectic collection over the years - just put them all up and enjoy.

Always use crisp white lights on your tree for a truly magical feel and of course that star is still the essential tree topper – as it reminds us all of the true reason behind Christmas celebrations.

33

Setting the scene - Christmas table settings The Christmas meal is an eagerly awaited event and so time spent dressing your table beautifully will never be wasted. Before the special day take a good look at your china and glassware then consider all the extras that will

make lovely ‘take-home’ gifts for your guests when placed on each table setting. Christmas crackers are fun both for adults and children.

There are some beautifully embellished crackers on the high street for every taste and a Christmas table simply wouldn’t be complete without them.

bring your table to life – flowers, candles, table

Finally, a centrepiece for your table creates a

linen, crackers, napkin rings and so on.

visual and conversational focal point, whether

White table linen is a flattening backdrop to any scheme you may wish to choose. However, for such a special occasion, you may want a decorative runner along the centre of the table, perhaps in a shimmering fabric or beaded silk.

You could place a string of fairy lights down the centre of the table too.

Enlivening each place setting will make your guests feel special. Napkins can be wrapped using silk or velvet ribbon for a touch of glamour, then tuck a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to finish off.

Name cards are easy to make at home or if time is at a premium you can buy it in the high street. These will make the festive table personal and your guests feel important.

“Favours” or small gifts need not be just for weddings. A small box of homemade truffles 34

it’s an arrangement of flowers and candles or something more opulent and evocative, a dish piled high with frosted fruits (brush the fruit with lightly beaten egg white, then dredge with sugar and leave to dry.) Arrange three glass vintage cake stands on top of each other different sizes work best - then place the fruit on them for a breathtaking display.

You have now set the scene for a feast so don’t forget to sit back, enjoy and make the most of this very special season.

“The table was laid with fine crystal and silverware… there was magic in the air”

By Natasha Askaroff Christmas season is upon us and I LOVE IT! Just the smell of a satsuma gets me into the festive spirit and I am already boiling up pans of Gluhwein on a nightly basis! Here are a complete mixture of festive objects that can be added to your Christmas List or cast a splash of style to your rather dusty box of Christmas decorations. Happy Christmas!

1. Brussels Sprout Wreath £39 www.notonthehighstreet.co.uk 2. Rusty The Reindeer Bauble £16.95 www.rume.co.uk 3. Snowflake Frame £14.99 www.zarahome.com 4. Paper Tissue Snowflake Decorations £4 www.notonthehightreet.co.uk 5. Berry Apple With Gold Leaf £12 www.heals.co.uk 6. Tom Dixon Scented Candle Gift Set £75 www.heals.co.uk 7. Distortion Candlesticks £22 each www.rume.co.uk 8. Traditional Straw Decorations £7.99 www.zarahome.com 9. Partridge in a Pear Tree Luxury Crackers, pack of six £58 www.notonthehighstreet.co.uk 10. Gold Bell Decorations £7.99 www.zarahome.com

Maarten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor

CITREON DS5 Hybrid SUBSTANCE AND STYLE?

I

have always thought that French cars offer

has been back with us since 2009 and now

The information is fascinating and the

something of a conundrum. Over the

we have the DS3 DS4 and the one in my

development leap is stunning but do we

years, they have produced some visually

driveway, the DS5 Hybrid. The old cliché style

need to know everything it wants to tell us?

beautiful specimens but never quite managed

over substance is long gone with the DS5

I found myself continually checking the dash

the reputation for solid, reliable motor

combining the two.

at the array of every changing information,

cars with a decent resale value. Take the stunning Citroën SM, built in collaboration with Maserati and a forever classic or the original funky DS that started production in 1955. And who can forget the quirky 2CV? A company that started building cars in

First thing you notice is that they have lost none of their design flair, as this is a very, very good looking car. From every angle, it’s pleasing and has a symmetry and style not seen in many mass produced cars.

rather than out of the windscreen. That apart, it is a good drive and with the engine also running a generator that charges an electric motor at the back of the car, you effectively get four wheel drive. The car switches from engine to battery whenever it is optimum

1919 obviously knows a thing or two, and

Opening the door however, is a tad

to do so and under light acceleration, the

this was proven when they became the first

disconcerting. I drive hundreds of cars a

electric motor works alone and in total

company to develop self-levelling suspension;

year and therefore getting in and away is

silence with the diesel kicking in when

the first car with disc brakes; and the first

instinctive. Not anymore. It truly looks space-

required. This transition is not as smooth as

with swivelling headlights so that the driver

age and had me sitting in the driveway for 15

I’d like but crawling along in traffic is silent,

could see around corners – a trick that

minutes before l had a grasp on everything

relaxing and totally free as not a drop of

has been copied today by just about every

and drove away. In a hybrid, the dash layout

fuel is being used – and you’re charging the

manufacturer although it’s an extra bulb

is always that little more complicated with

battery. It makes you feel quite smug!

rather than a swivel.

lights glowing, screens for everything and

Citroen was also the first to produce cars that were stunning to look at with revolutionary interiors that can now justifiably be called works of art. The DS logo 36

to be frank, information overload. It’s all beautifully sculptured and a very nice place to be but as with all hybrids, you get the feeling that the designers are showing off.

The ride gives you a high seated SUV view but by cleverly lifting the console and wrapping the dash, it feels like a standard car. The 3-part split glass roof brings great light into the cabin and while we are in the

cabin - the seats! Beautiful sculpted seats with criss cross watch strap leather that just beg to be sat in - l am a sucker for gorgeous seats and bravo Citroen.

It drives very nicely with zero lag and instant torque from the electric motor and even when the engine kicks in, it is certainly less obtrusive than the Toyota hybrids and at 8.3 seconds to 60 mph, it’s no slouch either. I would choose the entry level with the 17 inch wheels as the 19 inch offer a less serene ride but it drives very nicely on the motorway with all the gizmos required and the only oddity is a small glass screen that rises up eerily out of the dash to act as a head up display screen. Now, l am a great fan of HUD, the most superb of which l found on the BMW M6 last year but at £107.000 it should be good, l hear you say.

But with Citroen cleverly fitting this, why not fit it with a longer screen, and run all the relevant info to it – it is so much safer to change focus to the bottom of the windscreen than it is to view dials. A nice touch is the aeroplane style switches in the roof and the ergonomic design of the gear stick - and did l mention the heated, electric, memory, soft leather seats?

“First thing you notice is that they have lost none of their design flair, as this is a very, very good looking car.

From every angle, it’s pleasing and has a symmetry and style not seen in many mass produced cars.”

Rear legroom is sufficient but the boot is smaller than l would like due to batteries and motor but the back seats fold flat, so loading is pretty good. But it does have the smallest rear window wiper that l have ever seen and a spoiler that cuts right across the rear windscreen.

The DS5 is a great looking, smooth and well equipped car and with the low emissions, temptingly low mpg and reduced company car tax, you would be extremely foolish not to consider this car and as much as l admire German cars, this does possess a certain panache and avantgarde styling that Bavaria often does not.

TECHNICAL STUFF Engine: 2.0 litre diesel hybrid. 36 BHP electric Performance: 0-60mph 8.3 seconds.

Top speed: 131 mph Economy: 74.3 mpg Price: from £28,100

“l am a sucker for gorgeous seats and bravo Citroen.”

VOLKSWAGON TIGUAN - Review

E

verybody is into the small SUV market it would appear and there

first gear. The panoramic roof is great and buyers of all cars obviously

seems no end to the styles and models that are churned out. VW

like them as they are appearing in an increasing number of models.

are well known for producing good solid cars and have three

VW’s excellent Blue Motion technology means great fuel economy

cars in the top ten of all-time best selling cars – the Golf, Beetle and

and it does feel like quite a light car when you chuck it around. Most

Passat. According to their head of motorsport, they might even enter

noticeable to me is the body design as unlike many cars, l have a

Formula 1 in 2018.

feeling that this design will not age and will always look bright and

In production since 2008, the Tiguan is a compact and very well put together cross over and is based on the Golf but with the addition of a high ride height and 4 wheel drive. A firm suspension prevents too

contemporary. There are many models on the road, which will remain nameless, that look dated within the first 12 months. This is not one of them.

much roll in cornering but the trade-off is a hard ride, but it really

Any way you look at it, this is a very solid, very well built and very

didn’t bother me as it offers plenty of grip. It comes in 2 or 4 wheel

pretty SUV and although it might not set your creative juices on fire, It

drive and although the 2 wheel is probably better to drive, l would

does exactly what is says on the can – and more.

plump for 4WD as you might not need it often but when you do, you would feel a twit for choosing 2WD. The interior design is typical VW – functional, logical and tough but lacking a little sparkle – stitching on the seats and more soft touch plastics would be nice. There is plenty of room for 5 and the seats do a sliding party trick that offer plenty of versatility but rear visibility is compromised by fat pillars and a skinny rear screen and therefore l would heartily recommend the parking sensors, which are standard from the SE model up. But even the basic model offers air-con, alloys, electric windows and digital radio but if you are thinking of going off-road, more than the occasional trip over a grass verge or Asda in the drizzle, then the Escape model is for you with a re-worked front end and extra under-body protection.

There is plenty of grunt from the engine and it is lively and well geared although, as is my usual complaint, l would like a tad longer 38

TECHNICAL STUFF Engine: 2.0 litre 140PS TDI Acceleration: 0-60 – 10.2 seconds Top speed: 116 mph Economy: 48.7 mpg Price: £28,790

“l have a feeling that this design will not age and will always look bright and contemporary.”

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! Sussex is one of the business powerhouse regions of the country and in honour of that, we are proud and excited to announce our brand new business magazine. This stylish, contemporary and highly informative publication will arrive on the desk of every key business in Sussex and will be addictive reading. Absolute Business will lead and form opinion and tell you everything you need to know about business in Sussex, and will include: • HARD HITTING COLUMNISTS • MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS • COMPANY PROFILES • LATEST REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS • SUSSEX TOWN PROFILES • CAMPAIGNS & FEATURES • FASCINATING INTERVIEWS • SPORT & BUSINESS MOTORING • BUSINESS TRAVEL • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • LEGAL ADVICE • FUNDING GUIDE and so much more…..

For the launch issue, we have an exclusive interview with Chairman of the Year 2013 and Dragons Den entrepreneur James Caan, who talks exclusively to Absolute Business.

If you would like the opportunity to put your company, service or product in front of every business in Sussex get in touch, as we have some cracking advertising and sponsorship deals available to celebrate our launch.

FINALLY, THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE THAT SUSSEX HAS BEEN WAITING FOR For more information contact ian.trevett@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Business Julia Chanteray, President of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce takes us

Inside the Chamber Why we still need to meet people face to face

It must have been a lonely time in the olden

like their photo? Can I trust them? What do

So if you want some more business friends,

days. No one to chat to, no one to send you

I have in common with them? Are they like

clients, suppliers and suppor ters, some real

photos of funny things happening in their

me? Do I like them?

business relationships, you need to move

office, no instant updates on twitter so you

away from the computer and get out more.

know what’s happening in the city. There’s

Real business networking only

You really do want to come along to some

lots of online content to keep you company

works face to face

of the great events at the Brighton and Hove

in 2013, in fact so much so that people are

Chamber of Commerce (you knew I was

complaining about email and social media

You can only answer these questions if you’ve

leading up to this, didn’t you) and meet some

overload, and people are talking about the

really met someone in the flesh. We’re only a

of the lovely folk there. You might meet the

vir tues of quiet time, switch off days, and only

step away from living in caves with our little

people who will introduce you to your next

checking their email at cer tain times of the

cave families, and we don’t really trust people

big client, review your website and point out

day.

unless we can smell them and size them up.

that embarassing typo you missed, or give

I love social media. I love email. I love feeling

Why you need to come along to

connected to the rest of world and knowing

some events

you a tip on where to find your new office

what’s going on. I’m incorrigibly nosy, so

space.

It would be lovely to see some of you at

getting up to the minute info on what’s going

In order to get the benefits of business

one of the Chamber breakfasts, brunches,

on with people is great fuel for me.

networking, you need some real relationships.

lunches or suppers. Or at the cinema event in

And these can only be formed by meeting

December, or on one of the great Bite Sized

But there is another downside to social

someone and seeing what they’re really like.

Learning training sessions. And you’ll be able

media besides the way it can rob you of

Social media, email, even phone conversations

to see if I’m real.

your productivity. If you only meet people

are great for helping to maintain relationships,

electronically, you don’t really know who

only after we’ve met someone.

they are. Are they real? Do they really look

“We’re only a step away from living in caves with our little cave families, and we don’t really trust people unless we can smell them and size them up.”

Julia Chanteray is the director of business consultancy The Joy of Business and the President of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce.

40

networking

L OV E BI TES

Dates for the diary Julia Chanteray recommends... the best business networking events in town

There’s plenty of networking to be done in Brighton and Hove. Here are some of the highlights in the next month – do come and say hello at some of these great events.

3rd December – Go to the pictures at 9.30 in the morning and call it business networking! Free screening of Gravity, courtesy of Cineworld and Brighton Chamber. 200+ business people went to Skyfall shared popcorn last year, so this is the fun business event of the year. Brighton Chamber members only, book in advance (or join to get your free ticket) at businessinbrighton.org.uk

3rd December, 6pm. Un-networking – very informal networking over drinks at My Hotel.

4th December, 6pm. Hove Business Association drinks at Misty’s Cocktail bar, Church Road. In Hove, of course 11th December, 9.30am – Decision making for messy business problems.

Want to learn how to make better decisions?

Got some complex stuff on your plate? Futures consultant for business, Nick Price, is running this Bite Size Learning session, in a rare appearance in Brighton. £25, only a limited number of tickets available, so book early at businessinbrighton.org.uk

12th December, 4.30pm – Speed Networking at Brighton Racecourse. £25, book in advance with the nice people at sussexbusinessbureau.co.uk 13th December, 7.45am - Brighton Chamber Inspirational Breakfast. Nick Lomax, the architect behind Jubilee Library and the new Open Market, will be speaking about doing business in Brighton.

18th December – The Platinum Club.

Held at The Grand, this is a peer to peer networking forum for CEOs, MDs and senior directors. If you are interested in attending contact Maarten Hoffman at maarten@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk or call 07966 244046.

Julia Chanteray helps businesses to make more money and have more fun through her business consultancy The Joy of Business. She does a lot of networking in Brighton. There’s a full list of Brighton and Hove networking groups with some tips on the ones which will suit you (or not) at Julia’s website www.thejoyofbusiness.co.uk

Ambrose Harcourt’s Business Love Bites Top 5 Caraline Brown Managing Director Midnight Communication

Please please please let me get what I want – The Smiths The best love song ever written (ish) and its over in less than two minutes.

You and Me Song - The Wannadies This was from a major passion I once had.

Didn’t last of course! “You and me always and forever?” Nah

There is a Light and it never goes out – The Smiths “To die by your side oh the pleasure and privilege is mine,” what sweeter sentiment could there be?

Hot Love – T Rex Someone once sang this to me “She’s faster than most a she lives on the coast uh huh ha”.

Sure do!

And if all of the above is a bit too much then wash down with a bit of Johnny Rotten’s PIL and “This is not a love song”

Ambrose Harcourt hosts the Sunday Soul Breakfast Show on Brighton’s Juice 107.2 from 6am till 9am, the Love Bites Top 3 is at 08.30 am.

41

THE LONG ROAD AHEAD

London Road has become Brighton’s neglected high street but Joe Nichols has the job of turning its fortunes around. Words by Daniel White

I

met Joe Nichols on a dreary Monday

Last July Joe Nichols was appointed as the

“London Road has got a reputation in Brighton,

afternoon at the Brighton Emporium, a

Town Team Coordinator for the London Road

one that a lot of people would probably

charming shabby chic café, with one topic on

Portas Pilot project and he has been charged

consider a negative one,” he explained. “The

with the job of regenerating the city’s flailing

reputation is something that was probably

high street.

true 10-15 years ago but isn’t quite a true

the cards – London Road.

The gateway to our city has often been seen

representation of it now. It still has its issues, it

as a run-down area, lacking the spark and excitement that is so prevalent in the heart of Brighton. Cheap booze, boarded up shops and anti-social behaviour are just some of the thoughts that spring to mind when discussing one of the city’s most important high streets.

As an introduction and farewell to the centre of Brighton, it is invaluable to the growth and popularity of the city and currently holds a reputation of a high street in crisis.

However, things are beginning to change.

In 2011 retail expert Mary Portas was asked

“There is no one fix for every town because every town has its own personality.”

by the Coalition Government to lead a review

still has its problems but it’s nowhere near as bad as people think it is. So for us it’s about changing perceptions, it’s about changing people’s attitudes towards the place.”

Joe, who lives just off London Road, has been working hard to make some noticeable changes since being hired last July and has already seen an adjustment in the atmosphere around the area.

“We’ve worked with trading standards, the police and the local action team to remove all high-strength alcohol from the streets,” he enthused with a motivated passion. “We can’t

into the state of the country’s high streets

force them, but we’ve just asked them ‘can you

and, following a bidding process, London Road

After exchanging pleasantries and a brief

stop selling lager or cider over this percentage?’

was one of 27 successful applications across

discussion with Joe on that dreary Monday

and they’ve all done it and that has a massive

the country to receive over £83,000 each in

afternoon about the cooky and varied seating

effect on the area and it is another way to

funding.

that Brighton’s Emporium has to offer we delve

engage the businesses; they probably didn’t

straight into the project’s mission.

really realise the effects it was having on

42

the area but those little things make such a difference.”

If the project is to be a success then it requires everyone in the area and beyond to get involved and help out. The Town Team is currently in the process of being formed and has been set up by the Portas Pilot project to allow anyone to get involved in voting on and discussing the solution to existing problems.

Despite being a native, Joe has been surprised by the community spirit and the willingness of shop owners to get involved in the project.

“Feedback has been good, obviously we’ve still got challenges, there are 235 businesses here, it’s hard to build a relationship instantly with all of those businesses so you have to go step-by-step-by-step but so far it has been a really positive thing and I think the sense of community down here is something I probably wasn’t expecting as much as it is, businesses helping each other out, it’s nice.”

One of the pivotal cogs in the wheel of the Portas Pilot project is to heavily crack down on the anti-social behaviour that has been seen on London Road in the past and a new system has been put in place to ensure not only that violence is cut out but that there is an approachable face at all times on the street.

“We decided to pilot having town centre security guards we called our Town Centre Liaison Officers and their job was to try and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, that is their first role but secondly, it is as an ambassador of London Road,” Joe happily explained.

should be.”

However, high streets all over the country are still suffering from the competition out-of-town retail parks, large shopping malls and internet

together and saying ‘we want a long-term strategy, this is where we want to be in five years time,’ at the moment we’re just in the process of constituting the town team, so it’s very early, but when I leave, if that is a fully

“We did a four-week trial and everyone

shopping offers, while the global recession and

seemed to like it so we did another four week

subsequent austerity measures are also placing

trial, then we put a survey out there and 90

pressure on consumer spending. So how do

And with that we were done. I was off to

per-cent of the businesses were in favour of it.

we go about resuscitating London Road’s

another meeting while he had plans to visit a

So we extended the shifts to more hours of

pulse?

printing shops. I shook hands with Joe and set

the week and it seems to have been a really positive thing for the traders to have someone to rely on and someone to call on because it’s just a friendly face. They work incredibly hard to support businesses and to try and make it as nice and friendly a place as possible to live, work and shop, which is what all high streets

He said: “There is no one fix for every town because every town has it’s own personality,

functioning system, then that will be job done.”

off, back down a high street that didn’t seem so dreary any more.

every town has its own strengths and

To get involved with the Portas Pilot project

weaknesses, you just can’t compare, you’ve got

or to read more on the developments of

to look at it on a case-by-case basis.

London Road, please visit the London Road

“It’s about businesses and stake-holder coming

Portas Pilot website at: www.visitlondonroad.co.uk

43

The countdown begins

R

achel Riley, star of TV’s Countdown, is

“There are so many business success stories

She is also a regular guest on the hit comedy

to host this year’s presentation of the

from across Sussex. I can’t wait to hear more

panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats on Channel 4

Sussex Business Awards.

about the shor tlist and award the winners

and featured in number of BBC primetime

on the night!”

shows including I Love My Country, Britain’s

The county’s leading business people will

Brightest and Top Gear.

gather to see the Awards presented at the Brighton Dome on Thursday 5 December.

Companies from across the county are hoping to win one or more of the fifteen trophies up for grabs - including the prestigious Sussex Company of the Year and International Business of the Year.

2013 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the competition. Celebrating business

“I am delighted to have been asked to host this year’s Sussex Business Awards.”

excellence across Sussex, the Awards are the county and it is the one that everyone wants

Rachel is the numbers exper t on Channel 4’s

to win!

long-running quiz show Countdown, new co-

evening, Rachel said: “I am delighted to have been asked to host this year’s Sussex Business Awards.

44

to the Awards ceremony, then make sure you book them soon. This is the twenty fifth anniversary and it’s going to be a big year!

Tickets cost £90 each (plus VAT) or £850 (plus VAT) for a table of ten. This includes champagne reception, three course meal, and two bottles of wine on each table, as well as enter tainment, dancing and a few surprises.

longest established scheme of its kind in the

Commenting on her role as MC for the

If you are interested in purchasing tickets

presenter of the Gadget Show on Channel 5 and most recently a contender in the 11th series of the popular BBC dance show Strictly Come Dancing.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 01273 666200 or email sussex@midnight.co.uk. Follow on Twitter @SussexBizAwards.

“Who says banks aren’t lending?

Ours has £250m for owner managed businesses.”

We’re not surprised to hear that our bank has set up a loan fund for businesses like ours. They funded the launch of our specialist care centre six years ago and they recently lent us almost £2m to expand, creating 50 new jobs. Like us, they care for the individual.

Dr. Angela Nall, General Manager, Pathfinders Complex and Specialist Care

0845 045 0900*

Visit our website or call 8am-8pm Monday to Friday to contact your local branch Michael Wilkins, Senior Branch Manager, Brighton branch, 20/22 Marlborough Place, Sussex BN1 1UB

Our business is business banking

aibgb.co.uk

*Telephone lines open from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays in England and Wales. Calls may be recorded and monitored for security and training purposes. BT landline calls to 0845 numbers will cost no more than 5 pence per minute. Charges from other service providers may vary and calls from mobiles usually cost more. Allied Irish Bank (GB) and Allied Irish Bank (GB) Savings Direct are trade marks used under licence by AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.), incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 4 Queens Square, Belfast BT1 3DJ. Registered Number NI 18800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

AIB1 BA