HOMES
NOVEMBER 2013 • FREE
INTERIORS
Coastal Charm Go Vintage With furniture
BUSINESS
Road Rage
The motorist hits back
BRIGHTON’S
Eight mile beach
1, 2& 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS
MOMENTS FROM BRIGHTON STATION
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENTS £
STARTING FROM 230,000*
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT
SUPERBRIGHTON.CO.UK
Computer generated images of SuperB
Computer generated image of SuperB
A development by:
Joint selling agents:
new homes
SuperB New England Square, Brighton, BN1
*Price correct at time of going to press
November 2013
Inside HOMES
THE TEAM
INTERIORS
B USINESS
Welcome... Well, the weather is cooling down, but the property market is certainly hotting up. Positive national news coverage, slight easing of mortgage funds and general confidence are all increasing interest from buyers, so why not call the estate agents in this magazine to find out what yours is worth. If you’re looking for great value for money take a look at new homes and in particular from our coastal cousin Worthing in our special feature on page 25. Meantime presenting your For all advertising and general enquiries contact: Commercial Director: Lynne Edwards Mob: 07931 537588 lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com Designer: Sally Wynn
home in the best possible way is vital – so get some inspiration from our interiors pages, this month featuring fine vintage furniture and lighting ideas.
Lynne
Page 30-31
GO VINTAGE - with your furniture
Designer: Dominic Loosemore 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.
Cover photo: Princes Square, Hove £1,695,000 Marketed by Winkworth 01273 772175 Fabulous spacious 5 bedroom, detached house set in substantial west facing gardens within few minutes walk of both Hove centre and seafront. Array of beautiful period features including panelling and grand central staircase. Additional self contained annexe. Double garage and additional off street parking. See page 13.
Dream Home 9 - 10
Mishon Welton brings you their dream home from Downside, Hove.
The November collection 10 - 11
A selection of some of the best properties around the City this month.
Conran Column 12
Paul Zara talks this month about the eight mile beach.
Motoring 32
20mph speed limits? Extortionate parking? Our motoring editor Maarten Hoffmann has had enough! However his mood is lifted when he test drives only the third Beetle convertible since 1949.
Sport 38
Legal Matters 16
Howlett Clarke - Proceed with caution, before taking a lodger.
Sussex Sport editor, Mike Donovan asks if the Olympic legacy is really being converted into more participation and Tony Cottey fills us in on where our county cricketers will be spending their winter.
Dream Home 19
Business 42
Spencer & Leigh with a beautifully presented house in Withdean.
New Homes 23 - 25
A look at the hottest new properties on the block.
Interiors 26 - 31
Vintage charm and lighting for your home. By Tara de la Motte.
It hasn’t been easy for a business to get a loan in recent years, but this may be changing. Michael Wilkins, manager at the Allied Irish Bank tells us they are definitely open for business. Meanwhile we report on an innovative link-up between the Hotel du Vin and the Brighton Wine School.
Talk Money 27
Financial and mortgage advice from Claire Cook. 3
Helping you find your perfect Hove property Mishon Welton, 94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2EB
PARK AVENUE, HOVE A substantial detached double fronted family home, providing exceptionally spacious living accommodation. This fine property stands in lovely landscaped gardens with a westerly aspect, situated in a very pleasant residential location just off New Church Road. An early viewing is highly recommended.
£925,000
SHIRLEY DRIVE, HOVE, £925,000 A most attractive detached family home, which provides exceptionally spacious living accommodation, with potential for updating and improvement. The property stands in lovely large south westerly aspect mature gardens and enjoys stunning far reaching views towards the sea.
01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com
TREDCROFT ROAD, HOVE A substantial 5 bedroom detached family home, providing light, spacious and beautifully presented living space over 3 floors, and standing in, exceptionally large, secluded gardens. The property occupies a sought after, slightly elevated location, just off Tongdean Avenue and enjoys fine open views over the surrounding area towards the sea.
£1,100,000
wanted We have many buyers looking for property in Hove who are ready and keen to buy.
RUTLAND GARDENS, £899,950 A substantial and most attractive semi-detached period house situated just off New Church Road. Offering five bedrooms, bay fronted living/ dining room, modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room with double doors opening onto a raised decked area, and west facing garden.
If you would like an up to date valuation for your property from one of the most experienced agents in Hove, or simply a chat about how the property market is moving, then please contact us.
ABSOLUTE Dream Home
8
Area: Downside, Hove A truly, superb, detached, contemporary residence of considerable style and quality providing beautifully light, spacious and comfortable family living space for sale in pristine decorative condition. Downside is a highly regarded, quiet and tucked away location passing between Hill Drive and Hill Brow and close to local amenities at Woodland Parade. Bus services connecting with the city centre pass along Shirley Drive and Hove Park with its open spaces and recreational amenities is within a quarter of a mile. This particularly impressive, modern home occupies an elevated position with a fine open aspect across the surrounding area to the sea. The property provides lovely, light, airy and spacious living accommodation the whole of which is beautifully presented and appointed throughout with a stylish, contemporary theme. Worthy of particular mention are the quite lovely, large and attractively, landscaped gardens which enjoy a good level of privacy and extends to approximately 100ft in depth. This is a fine, modern home offering maintenance free comfort and lifestyle. An internal inspection is an absolute must.
The property is listed with Mishon Welton Asking Price: £999,950 • T: 01273 778877
“This is a fine, modern home offering maintenance free comfort and lifestyle.”
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The NOVEMBER Collection Florence Road
Trendy Location
Located in one of Brighton’s most desirable and sought after residential streets. An elegant and substantial period home built circa 1870. Steeped in history this beautiful detached double fronted family home offers grand principal rooms and original period features with stunning finishes throughout. Offering versatile living accommodation currently arranged as two receptions, five bedrooms, custom built kitchen/dining room with bi fold doors to south facing garden , utility room with shower, three luxury bathrooms, boiler room and landscaped south facing rear garden.
You cannot be more central than Clifton Central. Located within a few hundred yards of the Brighton mainline station and cosmopolitan North Laine area. This destination location typifies the Brighton lifestyle. The homes are built over 4 floors and replicates the traditional street scene but benefit from new construction and cutting edge finishes.
• Halls Fiveways • 01273 236000 • £1,200,000
• Mishon Mackay • 01273 829300 • Price guide £485,000
Tudor Gothic, Wykeham Terrace
Stanley Street, Brighton
Located in the heart of the city with private parking, this is a rare find. ,Attributed to the prominent architect Amon Henry Wilds, the stunning terrace was completed in 1830 and retains much of its original splendour and architectural features. This 3 bedroom house arranged on 4 floors is set in a row of twelve early 19th Century houses in central it would be difficult to get a more central location. With a private gate; parking on the pebbled courtyard at the front and the resplendent dove-grey exterior, it is like stepping back in time.
The attention to detail in design and finish strikes is evident as you enter this stunning home. The welcoming hallway opens to the bespoke kitchen where the tiles, under-floor heating, and Corian surfaces hint at the craft involved. The homely feel of the lounge is enhanced by the reclaimed floorboards and exposed brick chimney breast. Upstairs the stylish finish continues through the two bedrooms, with their calming white floors, and the contemporary bathroom where a free standing bath offers further luxury.
• Brand Vaughan • 01273 683111 • Price Guide £650,000 - £665,000
Home Farm House, Laughton
Kings Mews, Third Avenue
Home Farm House is situated in a particularly fine rural location with far reaching rural views to the rear across open farmland towards The South Downs in the distance. The farmhouse is believed to be around three hundred years old and has been altered and extended over the years. Many of the original features remain, including inglenook fireplace, brick boiler, exposed timbers, pine panelled doors and brick paved floors.
A superb 3 bedroom 125 sqm maisonette with a new 999 year lease in a pretty Victorian mews located in sought after Third Avenue, close to restaurants, shops, bars and the seafront. The property has been refurbished beautifully throughout and offers luxury, spacious and stylish accommodation arranged over 3 floors. Energy Rating D 56.
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• Clifford Dann • 01273 477022 • OIRO £695,000
• Q Sales & Lettings • 01273 622664 • Guide Price £290,000 Freehold
• Maslen Estate Agents • £499,000 • 01273 321000
A selection of some of the best properties in and around the City this month. Brighton, City Centre A Grade II Listed end of terrace house in the heart of Brighton city centre. Ideally positioned for Brighton Mainline Railway Station. Approximately 2,500ft² / 232m² arranged over five storeys with numerous period features, south facing courtyard garden, off-road parking and views across to St Peter’s Church. The property offers versatile accommodation consisting 6 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, separate utility room, bathroom, shower room and two separate WC’s.
Keymer
• Oakley Residential • 01273 688881 • £775,000
Luxury three double bedroom detached home in sought after, quiet cul de sac Keymer location. Beautifully presented and refurbished to an extremely high standard, the property is light and airy, providing spacious and versatile accommodation over two floors. It has a large front garden with a garage and private driveway with ample parking for around 6 cars. The secluded and pretty rear garden has a south easterly aspect and features patio and laid to lawn areas.
Avondale Road, Hove
Hangleton, Valley Drive
End of terraced Edwardian house with good size rear garden, private drive and large garage. Avondale Road is a quiet tree lined road which has easy access to the city centre, seafront and Brighton & Hove mainline railway stations. Local shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars etc can be found at nearby Seven Dials. The house has two large reception rooms and a spacious kitchen/ breakfast room. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms (1 en-suite) on the first floor. Upstairs again to the top floor there is another large bedroom. There is the added benefit of solar panels which we understand dramatically reduce energy costs. Viewing highly recommended. EPC rating D.
This well presented and elevated detached family home occupies a very large corner plot within a cul-de-sac just off Hangleton Valley Drive. Boasting an impressive frontage with off street parking and a double garage the house offers four/five bedrooms, a ground floor cloakroom/WC, a large family bathroom with both a bath and separate shower enclosure, a dual aspect lounge and a very large triple aspect kitchen/diner/living space with great views. car hard stand/ driveway that in turn leads to a double garage. Large side & rear gardens.
• Sawyer and Co • 01273 778844 • £799,950
Patcham, Brighton A stunning detached home which has been extensively refurbished, cleverly extended and remodelled to create cool contemporary living rooms and five spacious bedrooms, two en-suite shower rooms, one four piece en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom as well as a separate family bathroom. The kitchen is well equipped with high gloss grey fitted units and fully integrated appliances. Worthy of a mention is the separate utility/laundry room with fitted units. Outside there are stunning mature gardens and block paved parking.
• Mishon Mackay • 01273 834602 • £625,000
• Elliotts • 01273 322766 • £375,000
The Old School House
• Spencer & Leigh • 01273 565566 • OIRO £684,950
Perfect marriage ... of history and the 21st century. Stepping into the old school house, once used as the girls dining room - you could have preconceived ideas. However, make no mistake; this gorgeous 3 bed (2 double, 1 single) flat has a sleek and homely feel with plenty of space and light. The designer open plan kitchen/diner with its parquet floor and cosy lounge area boasts elegance and inspiration. Everything is contemporary and high quality from the wallpaper & fittings to the Mediterranean patio. Private parking.
• Jason Dean • 01273 727000 • Offers in excess of £425,000
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PAUL ZARA From Conran & Partners
The Eight Mile Beach
Brighton Centre. Riddle and Finns for food and Castor and Pollux
What’s the best thing about our city? Easy. The sea. It’s what made
The area from the Palace Pier to Brighton Marina is mostly about
Brighton and Hove famous. It’s one big linear park, our city’s
Marine Parade. So many events - London to Brighton bike rides,
seafront. Everyone would like a house or flat overlooking the
car rallies, the end of the Marathon. Keep going and you get to
sea! And the council is trying to make sense of it all by developing
Concorde 2, a great music venue and Yellowave for beach volleyball.
a Seafront Strategy. Its stated vision is “To develop the unique
Nearby the country’s first nudist beach is a good place to discover
character areas of the iconic Brighton & Hove Seafront to create
what you might look like when you get old and droopy. Why do
attractive, sustainable, high quality environments for residents,
those men stride up and down like that? Is it meant to shock
businesses and visitors throughout the year”. It divides the seafront
passengers on the Volks railway?
for shopping are two of my favourites.
in to six ‘character areas’, so let’s travel along it from west to east and see what we think.
The final area is Roedean to Saltdean. (Let’s bypass Black Rock and the Marina and put those on the missed opportunities list for now).
The first area is Hove Lagoon to the King Alfred Centre. Hove
So then there’s the Undercliff Walk, great for a stroll or cycle. In the
lagoon is a brilliant place, you can learn to water-ski, windsurf or sail.
winter I run along there, dodging the waves that crash over the walls.
(Even better now the cafe’s not vegan any more. Bacon sandwiches
The ‘Deans’ then roller coaster along from Roedean to Ovingdean,
all round!) Then we have miles and miles of beach huts - the classic
Rottingdean and finally Saltdean. The lido looks like it will soon be
Hove photo. As small as a garden shed and I’ve seen one for sale
restored to its former glory and will be a great end to our 8 Miles of
at £16,000. I reckon they are about 6ft x 6ft, that’s over £400 per
glorious fun. From Hove Lagoon to Saltdean, where else could you
square foot!
possibly want to live?
Along the seafront are tennis courts, pitch and putt
and bowling. Then the King Alfred Centre - a gym for normal people and a gym for scary people! Rumour has it there are unexplored bombs under the building... The next area is King Alfred to the Peace Statue. Hove lawns - a park by the sea. Ideal for those army training people, joggers, footballers or an illegal barbecue. During the height of summer it’s packed with people having fun and covered in a layer of smoke. The next two areas are from the Peace Statue to the Ellipse and from the Ellipse to the Place Pier. Cross the old Brighton/Hove border at the Peace Statue (note the bollards still dividing our conjoined towns) and you get to all the lively Brighton activity: playgrounds, restaurants, bars and shops. Enjoy the lovely ruin of the West Pier and along to the Palace Pier. I’ve never heard of the ‘Ellipse’, but it’s there (try Google Maps) on the front below the 12
Paul Zara is a director of architects Conran and Partners. Email: paul.zara@conran.com
Oak Lodge, Hove, BN3, £1,695,000 Freehold An entirely miraculous house within a stone's throw of the infamous seafront. The Location couldn’t be any better with the seafront at the bottom of the road and Church Road found around the corner; you really do have the best of both worlds. Built in c.1930, the property has many original features throughout, one of them being the most striking grand staircase. From the entrance hall you have access to all the principle rooms on the ground floor. These include the drawing room, music room, garden room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen and separate study. Detached family residence | One bedroom self contained annexe | An array of period features | Drawing room plus four further reception rooms | Kitchen breakfast room | Large master suite | Two double bedroom suites | Two further double bedrooms |Family bathroom plus downstairs cloakroom | Wonderful west facing manicured garden | South facing front garden |Double garage | Gated driveway | EPC - rating D
oakleyresidential.com
See things differently. 01273 627414 | James Epps
01273 772175 | Emma Bailey
Design Statement can assist you in every aspect in the creation of your dream home and offer a unique service like no other. 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 and TempleSpa.
Talk to our team today
01444 401873 info@design-statement.co.uk
www.design-statement.co.uk
Design Statement, Mid Sussex House, High Street, Handcross, RH17 6BW 14
guestlist What? Grand Opening of Design Statement Where?
1
Design Statement, Handcross
2
Why? The Launch of a Brand New Bespoke Showroom Who? 1. Denise Cobb Mayor of Brighton and Hove and Jemma Garrett 2. Caroline Blount and Karen Healy 3
4
3. Jit Clark, Jeff Smith, Nikki Clark and Angie Molle 4. Philip Blount, Jeff Smith, Mr and Mrs Scott Geary 5. Hannah Goudman-Peachey, Denise Cobb Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Luke Thacker 6. Florian Deliadhisi, John Rose, Esther Carton and Jeff Smith 7. Juliette Dunning, Joanne Gray
5
8. Anna Zydzik, Michal Kaluzynski
6
9. Rachael Goudman-Peachey, Ben Pester, Hannah Goudman-Peachey, Luke Thacker
7
8
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If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk
Photos: Sophie Burns Photography
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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.
Proceed with caution before taking in a lodger.
possession of the room. If there is exclusive
before exploring the consequence of the
possession of the room then the “lodger”
agreement.
Brighton and Hove is a busy, vibrant city
tenancy does not always make it so. The
where housing costs are at a premium. There are also many younger people who need to find accommodation they can afford. As a consequence, renting rooms to lodgers would appear to produce a ‘win win’ situation for both landlord and lodger. However, there are a few cautionary tales out there that would be best avoided. A lodger basically has a licence to nonexclusive occupation of a residential property, usually on a short term basis. The key words here are “non-exclusive occupation”. This means that the lodger usually resides in the property alongside the resident landlord/
may have a tenancy rather than a licence. Jackie Gillespie To further complicate matters just because
Partner and Head of Litigation at Howlett
you call something a licence or indeed a
Clarke.
entered into on a practical level.
8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ
Whilst it is useful to have a written
T: 01273 718514
important issue is what happens in reality and the arrangement that has in fact been
agreement between the parties, be very wary of downloading the document from the internet if you do not fully understand its consequences. A resident landlord/ landlady would not wish to enter into an agreement marked Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement as such an agreement would assume that the “lodger” would have exclusive possession and therefore full rights to remain in the property until a Court
landlady.
Order is obtained to remove them.
This is a very important distinction as lodgers
This can be an expensive mistake if the
do not have the full range of rights afforded to tenants with exclusive occupation under The Housing Act 1988. A tenant is protected under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and can only be removed from a property by a Court Order. A lodger however does not benefit from the rights under the Act and can be evicted on reasonable notice. Remember however, that you cannot evict anyone by force! It is very important to ascertain whether or not a lodger just has a mere licence to occupy a room within the home of the landlord/landlady or if there is exclusive 16
“lodgers” decide to take issue with the question of exclusive possession and try to claim that they enjoy exclusive possession when in reality they do not. It may also prove very tricky and expensive to evict them from the property without obtaining a Court Order as the documents may well be enough to persuade a Court to grant an Injunction telling the resident landlord/landlady to let the lodgers back in. All in all, the advice would be to proceed with caution before taking lodgers into your home or entering into a written agreement
“Our experience and commitment will move you...”
a
Our approach to customer service starts with treating our clients like people. We never forget that behind the property, is a person, a whole family in many cases, each with its own dreams, goals and life experiences.With this in mind we take time to understand you and your situation.
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
ABSOLUTE Dream Home
R
arely do spacious double fronted homes such as this appear for sale with so much appeal. The property offers four first floor bedrooms with the master having a secret en-suite shower room
with the entrance concealed within a bank of wardrobe cupboards.The ground floor has a large entrance hall, lounge with feature bay window
“Viewing of this stunning family home is highly recommended to fully appreciate all it has to offer.”
and stone fireplace, a dining room with French doors overlooking the rear garden along with a bespoke hand painted fitted kitchen and connecting family room creating the hub of the home and overlooking the landscaped rear garden. Also of interest will be the 14’ office with fitted desk and storage units or potential as bedroom five. Outside there is a large block paved driveway with parking for several cars with access to a garage. The rear garden has been landscaped with a large decked patio, level lawn & architectural plants. Viewing of this stunning family home is highly recommended to fully appreciate all it has to offer. Exclusive to Spencer & Leigh 01273 565566
Valley Drive, Withdean Price : £675,000 Web: www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
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we have
outgrown our premises
Due to our continued success Northwood Brighton moved to 62 Church Road, Hove
Northwood Brighton
01273 715 890 northwooduk.com
n
Northwood Brighton - leading provider of guaranteed rent – has outgrown their premises! Northwood
Brighton,
established
since
provides
The new Northwood Brighton office is
2008, offers the ideal blend of “home grown”
the reliability of a fixed rental income each
located at: 62 Church Road, Hove, BN3
expertise with the backing of an established
month, regardless of the state of the rental
2FP. For any information on services or to
national brand.
market. The most common day-to-day risk
view properties call 01273 715890 or visit
for a landlord is having a vacant property
www.northwooduk.com
Paul Cullip who runs the Brighton office said: “As the private rental sector grows, so too does competition to provide and manage high quality properties. At Northwood, we put our success down to understanding both the tenant’s needs and landlords. We have a fair and transparent fee structure for all our tenants and in the case of landlords our
Northwood
Guaranteed
Rent
or a tenant who stops paying. Northwood Guaranteed Rent protects against both of these scenarios, providing peace of mind for landlords who can get on with their busy lives safe in the knowledge that the rent will come in each and every month, on time, with no stress involved.
unique selling point is the Guaranteed Rent.”
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NEW HOMES...
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!... Luxurious seaside living awaits in an exclusive
Each apartment has been individually designed
those looking for a weekend retreat. With
new development in Worthing.
with a Paula Rosa, state-of-the-art, integrated
Goodwood and Brighton nearby, there’s plenty
kitchen, and has both a balcony with sweeping
to keep you entertained in all seasons. ”
Award winning Estate Agent Michael Jones is delighted to announce the release of a stunning collection of luxury seafront residences. Vista
views of the Seven Sisters to the East and the Isle of Wight to the West, and a private garage.
Since it opened its doors in 1991 Michael Jones Estate Agents has rapidly become a
Mare, from Roffey Homes, boasts ten lavishly
Neil Hyde, Partner and Manager of the Michael
leading, independent estate and letting agent in
appointed apartments and three stunning
Jones Goring branch selling the apartments
Sussex. In May this year the company picked up
penthouses.
says, “Not only does Vista Mare offer the
no less than 7 awards at the National Estate &
ultimate in contemporary, luxury living in a
Letting Agency Awards in London. What is the
seafront setting, everything is also in easy
secret to the company’s success? Its ongoing
reach of your stylish oceanfront home. It’s just
commitment to excellence in its customer
a short walk to the local shops and a pleasant
service.
Vista Mare (meaning Sea View in Italian) is a coastal delight and it is idyllically located on West Worthing seafront in a quiet setting overlooking the beach and the beautiful Marine Gardens. The property offers a variety of accommodation, from elegant 2 bedroom
stroll to the heart of Worthing, with its shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Prices are from £499,950. To request a brochure or to arrange a viewing, please
apartments through to a distinctive four
Vista Mare is ideal for those looking to
contact the Michael Jones Goring office on:
bedroom duplex penthouse.
downsize and move nearer the sea, or for
01903 505111 or visit www.michaeljones.co.uk
Downs Edge Place is off Stable Lane, and just three, five bedroom executive homes are currently under construction. This much sought after location offers a selection of local shops, pubs, restaurants and bars. It also has the benefit of being near the resort of Worthing with its miles of expansive beach and a good shopping centre plus theatres, leisure and sporting facilities. The village has its own school for children 5-11 years.
“The Midhurst” Brand new five bedroom detached house in Findon.
From Findon village there is a regular bus service to Worthing, Horsham and Pulborough. Main line stations for connections to London
When investing in a substantial, brand new
cost too, so if you can decide which of three
home, being able to personalise it to suit your
superior homes you wish to buy and reserve,
particular needs is a wonderful experience and
you could be busily putting your expertise to
The A24 gives road access to the A27 and the
it could be yours!
the test with your interior design skills.
South coast and the A23 to Gatwick Airport
Subject to stage of build, award winning Hillreed
Each of the three, five bedroom houses offers
Homes, is offering buyers an opportunity
a very expansive 3,000 sq ft of living space
Prices for the five bedroom homes are as
to indulge in the pleasure of choosing the
and with the high quality of the kitchens and
follows:
ceramic wall tiles, kitchen units and flooring.
bathrooms, the layout of the homes and the
The company offers a wide range from
calibre of the workmanship by this award
Plot 1 £949,950 Plot 2 £925,000
which to choose including the paint colours,
winning company, a visit to the web site www.
Plot 3 £915,000
flooring and fireplace surround (if applicable).
hillreed.co.uk or indeed to the development is
For more information on this development go
The Choices scheme is available at no extra
a must.
to www.hillreed.co.uk
can be found at Worthing and Pulborough.
and the M25.
25
LIGHTING illuminating presence By Tara de la Motte
L
ighting has an enormous impact on
reading or establishing a mood. For example
the way we feel about a room and
a beautiful chandelier might not be good for
the way we see the objects that are
reading, but will create a warm glow in a living
within it.The way we light a room can
room while a desk lamp will provide you with
change the whole ambience, and dramatically influence the atmosphere of the room and so the lighting we choose for our homes should be welcoming, providing an easy transition between the impersonal outside, and an intimate interior. When planning the lighting scheme for your home, decide what style of fittings you will need and where they will go. Each room should have something to provide general or ambient lighting a central light, for example. Then consider individual lights over desks, beside armchairs and even lighting over pictures, to draw the eye towards them. Uplighters, and directional lighting from angle poises and extending wall lights can be useful lighting especially as reading lights. There are three main elements to consider when lighting a room – fixture, function and quality.The fixture should be attractive, unless it’s a hidden source of light.The quality should be both pleasing to the eye and serve the intended function, whether it is suitable for
26
a good light source for reading. The light level in a room affects the way we do our work, and it has a huge effect on how we feel. We use our rooms for many different functions, therefore needing varying amounts of light. Fitting dimmers are a simple way to create multi-functional lighting in a home. Whether you are choosing modern or antique light fitting, quality is what counts. Quality fitting have a number of advantages over cheaper fitting as these will not only look better but also function well for a long time.
Mister Smith Interiors
“The light level in a room affects the way we do our work, and it has a huge effect on how we feel.”
Columnists
Claire Cook
from Talk Money Time poor, financially wealthy? It is typical of most people I know, we are all short of time! This is especially true in the summer. For some of us, we have been away for our holiday and are now trying to catch up with accumulated work, for others juggling careers and children has become a bit of an art form! But don’t let lack of time affect your finances. Many people I know cite this as the reason why their finances are in a muddle. Reviewing your finances on a regular basis can make a huge positive difference over your lifetime. So, I suggest, take a small amount of time and make yourself financially wealthier. Firstly, are you on the best mortgage rate? Many people have stayed with their existing lender since the rates went down, but with some putting up their variable rates, and others not reducing them, you might find that you are overpaying. Did you know that the fixed rates on offer now are some of the lowest ever? It is a great time to secure your outgoings going forward. Many people are managing to reduce their rate and fix it, giving them lower outgoings and security for a few years to come. Next, do you have life policies which you took years ago and are no longer relevant? Did you take independent advice to secure the best deal? Did you take your policy when you were a smoker and have since given up? A check through your policies can often either save you money, or give you more cover for what you are spending. Lastly, do you have old pension policies, ISAs or other investments which haven’t been reviewed. You could be in funds which are not performing, and your charges may be higher than needed. Systems have evolved, and advisers are now able to look after your funds in a much more proactive way, ensuring you are invested at the right risk level, and in the better performing funds. All under one roof; By enlisting the help of an IFA they can check this all out for you, they can obtain information from all the companies on your behalf, saving you the time and effort. Our client systems allow us to keep details of all your plans under one roof, so all is clear and makes sense. We can then advise you going forward. If you would like a review of your finances, for independent advice please call me Claire Cook on 01273 224667. I would be happy to assist. Email: claire@talkmoney.co.uk Web: www.talkmoney.co.uk 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.
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Kitchen – Bedroom – Living
58 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JD 01273 206016 125 South Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4LR 01444 443777 28
sales@design-interiors.com
www.design-interiors.com
VINTAGE FURNITURE - unique beauty
By Tara de la Motte (Editor of Sussex Homes & Gardens) www.sussex-homes.co.uk
When it comes to sleek lines, solid construction and great style, nothing beats a piece of vintage furniture. Vintage furniture is not only beautiful, they offer a unique link to our past.
Understanding what really is ‘vintage’ is
the high street. Although if you want a piece of
important before you hunt for treasures. To
furniture made by an iconic designer then you
qualify as real vintage furniture, it should be at
have to be prepared to pay top prices but it
least 30 to 40 years old. If the furniture is more
will be wonderful quality and maybe you won’t
than 100 years old, then it is considered antique.
see it elsewhere. A lot of vintage furniture
Vintage is fast becoming highly collectable and there are many vintage stores locally where you can find pieces of furniture to suit your home, taste and lifestyle. Using vintage gives you the chance to decorate your home in a very unique style in an ecologically friendly way.
something somewhere to appeal to everyone.
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Whether you are looking for furniture that is handsome or quirky, decorative or functional – then vintage furniture will offer all these and more and the joy of vintage is there is
A house that contains vintage has a greater appeal and with this type of furniture there are no rules about making exact matches as different styles can complement one another and unite. Vintage furniture can look contemporary today as they did at the height of modernism and sit well in today’s modern interiors.
was originally manufactured with the intention of being affordable as well as looking good and there are still plenty of pieces to buy at reasonable prices. The hunt for vintage is a compulsive business. Unlike predictable high-street shopping, the pursuit for vintage requires research, persistence and of course, taste. Don’t feel intimidated by vintage and if you feel that you are not knowledgeable enough, invest in some illustrated guides to buying vintage that will help you identify the pieces you find. The internet too is an invaluable tool and a good place to start, and will direct you to websites listing
Buying vintage pieces for your home can be
vintage shops locally and auction houses where
less expensive than buying new furniture from
you will find all things vintage.
Once you have learned about the
Although mass-produced, Stag’s veneered
background of pieces you are attracted to,
wood sideboards and sofas, tables and
then invest. For under £500, you can pick up
chests were of sound quality as well as
designs by great British makers such as Ercol,
being affordable to younger buyers, who
Stag and G-Plan, which are timelessly stylish,
appreciated their innovative style. Stag’s ‘C’
but also highly collectable.
range functional bedroom suite, featuring
Ercol
handles in light oak or darker walnut,
In 1920, Florentine born designer Lucian
launched in 1953 was a great commercial
Ercolani established Ercol in High Wycomb
hit at the time, and highly influenced other
in Buckinghamshire, Ercol was well known
designers.
for its innovative techniques, as well as the top quality of its solid beech and elm
G-Plan
products, and mastered the art of steam-
Donald Gomme created a range of furniture
bending wood into graceful curves. The firm
for the whole house in 1953 called ‘G-Plan’.
was renowned for taming elm, which had a
A menu of ‘interchangeable’ pieces allowed
tendency to warp, they devised a method
customers to pick the furnishings they liked,
of Kiln-drying the timber with steam. Ercol
while the consistent style gave a co-ordinated
designs were more expensive compared to
look to their home.
other competitors, who used veneers rather than solid timber.
In another ground breaking move, common now but revolutionary then, showrooms
The firm’s most familiar pieces are the
displayed the furniture in room settings.
‘Butterfly’ and ‘Stacking’ chairs, ‘Plank’ dining
The brand quickly became a status symbol,
table, ‘Love seat’ bench and ‘Trio’, a nest of
and the G-Plan red swing ticket and gold-
small pebble–shaped tables
embossed stamp became marks of good
Stag During the 1950’s and 1960’s the Stag Cabinet company employed two designers Sylvia and John Reed to make the firm’s first modern machine-made, mass-market ranges of bedroom and dining room furniture.
“The pursuit for vintage requires research, persistence and of course, taste.”
simple box-shaped units with recessed
taste. Once you have managed to acquire the best Vintage furniture and accessories you can find, it is time to put all the elements together to create a home that looks good and easy to live in.
Maarten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 50’s - retro chic
I
endlessly drone on about why a
was black with a red leather interior and
It harks back to the old days in design style
manufacturer doesn’t bring back an
for a moment, l dreaded spending a week
but also in performance and driving style.
updated version of some of the classics?
with it and receiving the endless sarcastic
And it is so easy to drive – get in switch on
People forever moan about why the cars
insults from friends who spotted me driving
and go – any fool could drive this car within
of today are not as good/cool/stylish as the
it around Brighton. No worries – it is great
a second of getting in it.
cars of yesteryear. Why not an E-Type body
fun to drive and l couldn’t give a monkey’s
plonked onto a current Jaguar XK frame or a
who saw me in it as it was cool, funky and
Bentley blower onto a Mulsanne frame? They
fast. Fast enough to make me get the spec
own the company therefore surely they own
sheet out and double check what was under
the templates to the old shapes?
the bonnet, as it was surely at least a 2 litre.
Well it looks like someone was listening. I wasn’t alive at the time of the 1950’s cool California surfer dude period, but with movies and endless great music from the period, l know what the scene was all about and the Beetle was a staple of that period due to its low price and the fact that you could customise it to the point that it was unrecognisable. And yet, this is only the third ever production Beetle convertible since 1949.
But no. It’s powered by a 1.4 litre engine which makes no sense until l spotted the old fashioned turbo boost gauge on the dash.You remember the one – the turbo boost that did nothing until you hit a certain speed and then without warning, cut in and shot you
Its road manners are also superb as it sticks to the tarmac like an insect possessed but can get a tad choppy on inferior roads, and it reminds me of the classic old Porsche 356 that James Dean topped himself in. And just for good measure they give you a digital stopwatch next to the turbo boost gauge presumably so that you can time your runs – I’m sure no one will ever use it but fun nevertheless.
through the window of Woolworths (yes, it
And that’s the key to this car – fun! When
did happen to me many moons ago in a 911
was the last time l said that about a sub
Turbo) This one is a tad more civilised and
£50,000 car? I am so tired of bland euro
has a gradual boost seepage but ye gods, how
boxes that turn up on my driveway that to
on earth do they get a 1.4 to go that quick?
actually get hold of something that makes me
I don’t know nor do l care to be frank as it
smile and goes like a bat out of hell, is such a
Volkswagen has had a go at recreating this
just does, and it is such a laugh that l dreamt
relief that l nearly bought a round!
stylish Beetle and it is the best fun you can
up places to go. It will even wheel spin away
have with your trousers on. My test car
The roof is electric but doesn’t totally
from the lights which cars with sensitive
disappear and just sits there looking like a
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traction control just don’t do anymore.
Silver Cross pram but it drops in 9 seconds and is very well insulated when up. I also quite like the little nods to the original with net pockets in the doors, a glove compartment that opens upwards and retro echoes in the big shiny hub caps. I guess it’s fair to say that previous Beetles have been targeted at women and with the plethora of daisy’s sticking out of dashboard pots, they succeeded, but these new retro models are
TECHNICAL STUFF Engine: 1.4 litre four cylinder Performance: 0-60mph – 8.6 seconds Power: 158 bhp Top Speed: 128 mph Economy: 41.5 mpg Price: £24,895.00
aimed at the boys although l doubt they will be a big hit with your average scaffolder! The three models are 50s, 60s & 70s and they make a fair fist of it but the 50’s version is the only one that really stands out. It’s not the cheapest thing in its class but at £24,895.00 it’s a lot of car for the money and it’s actually got some real character. And you will be in good company. Ever since a chap called Mr Hitler had the canny idea to make a peoples car, they have produced over 21 million of them between 1938 and 2003, when they stopped churning them out in Mexico. In all, a great fun car that goes like stink, looks cool and will never date. And now to the most important little titbit – it is the first car this year that l have tested that does not have a bloody annoying stop/start system. Job done – buy it!
This is the first car l have driven all year with no annoying stop/ start system. Job done, buy it!
“It sticks to the tarmac like a possessed insect……..” 33
THE LUNATICS ARE IN CHARGE OF THE ASYLUM
I
t’s a cliché of course, but what would
and the residents seeking anywhere else to
really happen if you allowed the lunatics
live.
to run the asylum. Interesting question unless you are one of the asylum
residents – and that is how it feels to be living in Brighton these days should you have the temerity to own a car.
Cities depend on people; people depend on transport. There are those that can cycle or use the bus and there are those that cannot. Cars are an integral part of society and it is our right to use one if we so wish
We have suffered with ludicrously high
without being hammered for £3.50 an hour
parking charges, a removal of parking bays
(£6 for 61 mins) to park and a £25 ticket if
to enable the odd cyclist to peddle in his
you are a minute over and ultimate arrest
own private lane and to make way for car
and prosecution if you refuse to pay. It is
club bays and deserted electric charging
our right, and responsibility, to drive safely
points. Well, doesn’t that all sound splendid
without being treated like children and
in some surreal fantasy world? The trouble
being told how and at what speed to do
is that this experiment in green urban
it. But their argument makes total sense if
planning is happening now in our lifetime
pedestrian accidents are on the increase.
and if we don’t get a grip on it, we will witness the death of our great City.
As a veiled warning to our glorious council, l think they should tread very carefully lest the peasants revolt and take to the streets.
I studied the government’s own statistics (DfT RRCGB) and find that in 2012 we had the lowest rate of car/pedestrian deaths since records began in 1926 at 1,754 as a total for the whole country. With 63,182,000 people in the UK, that is 0.0027% of the population. More people were hurt by sofa cushions! In the league of all countries, we are placed at 167 out of 178 and the only countries above us
The peasants of course, are you and l, who
are those with few roads, no cities and the
pay their not inconsiderable salaries and
occasional and very safe, donkey!
expenses and it is time we demand to be listened to.
dropped by 7.7% and only 42% of said
Their latest barmy experiment is to restrict
accidents occurred in cities bringing the
all traffic in Brighton to 20mph! Of course,
figures for Brighton down even lower. If we
we are told not to fret as it is only a
go further and look at non-fatal injuries,
consultation and no decision will be made
the figure for the UK is 193,969 and is still
until this is completed but who are they
the lowest figure since records began. The
kidding! We are not children to be kept in
Makes Roads Safe Commission tells me that
our place and fobbed off with platitudes –
over half of all vehicle accidents involving
the analogy that comes to mind is ‘fiddling
under 16 year olds are deemed the fault of
whilst Rome burns’. I am sure they are
the child, therefore would it not make sense
aware that they will be defeated at the next
to bring back road safety classes in schools?
council election and want to leave their mark. Well congratulations – your mark will be to leave the shops and public facilities of Brighton bankrupt and boarded up, the tourist attractions turned into pound shops
“The ridiculous parking charges have had a considerable effect on the residents using central Brighton. ” 34
Between 2011 and 2012, road fatalities
The last of these was Darth Vader in a pair of tights, commonly known as the green cross code man back in the 80’s and of course the Tufty Club, that in its heyday
had over 2 million members. Today, there is
grammes per kilometre. A Ford Focus with
heard of a parking charge being reduced or a
virtually nothing but a few flash websites. All
4 passengers gives a footprint of only 34.5 g
speed limit increased?
public service broadcasting has been cancelled
per person - and a bus takes up the equivalent
and there is no curriculum requirement to
space of over 12 cars.
teach road safety. I have four children and fully support a 20mph
City! The parking charges have already had a huge impact on the City’s tourist industry and are cited as the number one reason people avoid Brighton. Yet, over 14,000 jobs in Brighton & Hove dependant on tourism.
instructed traffic wardens to give drivers the
Take the busses off the road and this City
benefit of the doubt, parking fees have been
would run like a cheap nylon!
slashed, speed cameras have been outlawed
limit within a small radius of schools as l think most people do, but across every road in the
Why not follow the lead of Swindon, who have
and congestion causing traffic lights have been
So we are left with the only sane, logical reason for this stupid, insulting and unworkable 20mph limit – MONEY!
There go the hotels, tourist attractions, beach
removed. The council is experimenting with the idea that making the town car friendly will attract more shoppers, which in turn will revitalise the town centre and businesses hit by the recession. Guess what? Since the experiment started in 2010, town centre visitors have risen from 5
vendors and most taxi firms. The ridiculous
It’s a cash raising venture if ever l saw one. As
MILLION TO 8 MILLION and local
parking charges have had a considerable effect
if they are not stealing enough! Of the top 10
retailers are run off their feet. Is this
on the residents using central Brighton. There
UK councils that raised the most from parking
not a glaring screaming example of
go the shops, restaurants, bars and the rest of
charges, only one is outside of London.You
how to stem the slow death of city
the taxi firms. We are trying to make a living
guessed it – Brighton!
centre businesses? Swindon’s example
here and do not need a bunch of officials that we employ, stopping us from doing it. We have a RIGHT to live, work and enjoy our City the way we want to as long as we are doing no harm.
l would suggest that as we have almost the lowest road accident rate in the developed world, we are doing no harm.
Councillor Ian Davey recently shocked us all by saying “Of the £14 million the City raises
is being copied by Cheshire East Council, Worcester, Liverpool and Paisley.
annually in parking charges, £10 million of it
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles
goes on free bus travel”. This is £14 million
recently stated: “This new research
that could supply the mythical park & ride
is more evidence that drivers
scheme or god forbid, a free car park or two
are being ripped off by unfair
to encourage people to visit and spend their
and confusing municipal parking
money in the City. A whopping 75% of all
policies. Over-zealous enforcement
parking revenue across the whole of
is damaging local high streets and
Sussex is raised by Brighton & Hove
shops, as they lose business to out
Council.
of town superstores and internet
MP Norman Baker openly states “we should
retailing. It is a clear abuse of the law that fines have become a cash cow
Or might they switch their argument and cite
price people out of their cars to encourage
pollution next.You can’t have it both ways.You
more people to use high streets and keep
cannot watch car manufacturers spend billions
communities thriving”. Now, Norman might be
Easy money begets greed. Imagine the meeting:
on cleaner, safer and more fuel efficient cars
a very nice bloke but l have never heard such
“I know, let’s raise even more cash by imposing
and then pass draconian laws to stop them
bonkers claptrap. It is this very action that is
daft laws that are virtually impossible for the
polluting. I drove a hybrid Citroën last week
CLOSING the high street and sending people
suckers to adhere to, then mount cameras
which is capable of 320mpg and pumps out
to out of town superstores. It is this very
all over the place and fine the peasants every
less CO2 than a cows fart.
action that is KILLING communities. He then
time they go at 21mph – we’ll raise millions
concedes that “high parking charges could
and say we’re doing it for the kiddies. Screw
damage town centres” – you don’t say Norm!
the City, we’ll be long gone by the time it goes
This little experiment is affecting the income
bankrupt!”
of thousands of people right now – we don’t
IT IS TIME TO TAKE A STAND.
The Manchester Evening News recently reported that the average bus pumps out 63.9 tonnes of carbon monoxide per year and with 89 million passenger journeys a year, this gives each bus passenger a carbon footprint of 499.4
have time to wait 10 years till they realise they are wrong. And even if they did, have you ever
for town hall coffers.”
Maarten Hoffmann
“Swindon Council lowered parking costs and speeding fines and increased city centre footfall by over 2m.”
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 - the disco
O
ne of my favourite films is ‘The man that went up a
control plus a host of knobs for sand, snow, gravel, descent and ‘oh
hill and came down a mountain’ for its pure British
bloody hell, l have fallen off a cliff’, there are very few conditions that
eccentricity and refusal to accept government edicts.
would defeat the Disco. Parking might be one of them, as it barely
Well, here we have a car that could go up a hill or a
fits into standard parking spaces but with more cameras fitted that
mountain and refuses to accept the laws of gravity and physics. The Disco, as it is affectionately known, has been with us since 1989 and is based on the chassis and drive train of the Range Rover. And therein lies the first conundrum – why buy the Disco when you could buy the Range Rover? Well it certainly has its fans. Clarkson, as you might recall, drove it to the top of Cnoc an Fhreiceadain mountain in Scotland where no car had ever been before and his vertically challenged straight man Richard Hammond, announced it to be the best 4x4 of all time. In Australia, it was voted 4WD of the Year and in 2012, Land Rover celebrated the one millionth Disco to roll off the production line in Solihull. The only engine available is the twin-turbo 3 litre diesel and the weight it has to haul around certainly presents it with plenty to do. But considering it is propelling 2.5 tonnes, it does surprisingly well, not that it’s going to challenge many other cars away from the lights but once on the go it is composed and deceptively quick through bends with only a slight hint of roll. Its air suspension copes with all normal terrain and on motorways is very hard to fault as the eight-speed auto box flies silently through the gears. It is difficult to avoid the fact that this is an expensive car to purchase and to run although they have managed to get the consumption up to 32mpg, which is pretty good for this size vehicle. Obviously, the Disco’s main claim to fame is interior space and the ability to go anywhere you point it. The interior materials are all of a very high standard and there is certainly a feeling of luxury with great leather and automatic everything. It will seat 7 adults, although with the third row of seats up, the boot space is rather limited but then every single 7 seater has the same problem and l would rather have it with the Disco than almost any other. Standard equipment is more than adequate with A/C, Bluetooth, keyless entry, automatic headlights and wipers, heated seats and all the USB and MP3 sockets you could wish for. As to the one element that is central to the cars design and one that is probably of least concern to most buyers – off-road handling, there really is little to say. It will go anywhere. With stability and traction 36
Brighton City centre, even this is a breeze. I would still buy a Range Rover but hey, what do l know?
TECHNICAL STUFF Price: £38,850.00 - £53,475.00 Power: 3.0 litre SDV6, 255 bhp Performance: 0-60 – 8.8 seconds Top Speed: 112 mph Economy: 32.1 mpg
guestlist What? The Platinum Club Where? The Grand Hotel 1
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Why? The County Leading Business Networking Reception Group Who? 1. Ben Shelford (ACS Performance) Richard Kendall-Tobias (Blue Diamond Security) Ulrich Hoffmann (H&R Winery)
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2. Daisy Fitzsimmons (Pier Vicky Wilson (Red Robin Kate Gibson (Pier Mel Sanson (Red Robin
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Recruitment) Recruitment) Recruitment) Recruitment)
3. Elias Paourou (Chantrey Vellacott) Lee Hills (MayoWynneBaxter) Noel Preston (Preston Insurance) 4. Jacqueline Potten (Callisto Assoc) Karim Mohamed (MayoWynneBaxter) Louise Clasby (Groundsure) 5. Jo Harvey (Unlimited Potential) David Waddell (Harvey John Recruitment) Rachel Hutchinson (The Grand Hotel) 5
6. Kate McCoy (Cloud Nine PR) Maura Franks (Spearpoint Franks) John Robinson (St James’s Place Wealth Management) Pieter Gobbelaar (Concordia Dental Care)
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7. Andy Percival (PSG Southern) Maribel Coles (Groundsure) 8. Ed Collinson (PSG Southern) Jacqueline Potten (Callisto Associates) 9. Ed Collinson (PSG Southern) Jacqueline Potten (Callisto Associates)
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10. Lucie Fitchett (The Platinum Club) Nigel Ilsley (Iron Mountain) Amanda Menahem (Hastings Direct) 11. Maarten Hoffmann (The Platinum Club) Becky Sharp (Harvey John Recruitment) Brian Quinton (Metro Bank) If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk
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Photos: Rosebery Images
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Monthly column from our SussexSport editor
Mike Donovan Uninspired schoolgirls, riding the waves and Jimmy Hill
I
t’s the time of year for awards to be dished out for sporting achievement. It was always going to be a tough 12 months to find anyone capable of following the highs experienced at the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Although to my mind the Wimbledon triumph of Andy Murray surpassed what even the occasional user of the Virgin Active Health and Racquet Club next to Albion’s Amex achieved, a general hint of anti-climax was almost inevitable while we searched for signs of a fruitful legacy this year. Is it sensationalist to say the tag-line from the Games of ‘inspiring a generation’ has proved illusory as far as schoolgirls in this country are concerned? Have female pupils at Brighton and Hove schools and beyond the city borders upped their interest in sport as a result of London 2012? It seems the headline-grabbing efforts of Jessica Ennis-Hill, Nicola Adams, Katherine Grainger and Co have gone to waste if we were hoping to produce more sportswomen to follow them, according to figures revealed by the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation. The WSSFF claim many more than half the number of schoolgirls in the UK last year were actually put off physical activity because of their experiences in school sport and PE. The Foundation chief executive Sue Tibball insisted “school sport is still not right in too many cases”. This does scant justice to the hard-working, well-meaning sports and PE staff within schools. But what can they do if the excuses quoted for
not wanting to participate are true: sweatiness is unattractive, fear of losing face to boys in the sports arena and finding other things are more interesting. They might be what Olympic gold and silver medallist Christine Ohuruogu describes as “flimsy” excuses, but the fact they are being made after the greatest sporting show ever seen in these islands makes you wonder what would inspire so many schoolgirls to eschew an opportunity to lead a more healthy lifestyle and heighten self-worth. Obese City here we come?! • Sailing clubs in Brighton and Hove and others along almost a 100 miles of Sussex coast line might just be motivated to push towards trying to find more elite sailors given the headline grabbing exploits of the America’s Cup. The United States produced what was described as the best comeback in sport when they rallied from 8-1 down to beat New Zealand 9-8 in San Francisco Bay. The hyperbole might have been overstated but the goings-on on America’s west coast certainly raised the sport’s profile. The county has had a few top sailors down the years, like Olympian David Campbell-James and Rob Greenhalgh. But Alex Barton-Mills is one of the few current young sailors in this area that has come to the public’s attention in recent times. It would be excellent news if the Rio hope had more company in these parts.
It is was always going to be a tough 12 months to find anyone capable of following the highs experienced at the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. 38
It is reckoned part of why sailing fails to capture the interest of more young folk are the perceived costs involved. It has the image of being posh and expensive, but Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson and the legendary Robin Knox-Johnston argue the opposite. That it was affordable and friendly. So if you are fed up with dry-land sports it might be worth trying out one on water. And you might just end up riding the biggest of sailing waves. • Sad to hear Jimmy Hill, one of the great football revolutionaries, is battling Alzheimer’s disease. I will always be grateful to him for his time and kindness when I interviewed him at his Hursterpierpoint home.
guestlist What? A Day at the Races Where? Brighton Racecourse 1
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Why? Overline, the business communications company, sponsored one of the day’s races Who? 1. Alan Mullery, Steve Darby and Geoff Dagwell 2. Melanie Green, Bradley Hatchett and Louise McCaw
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3. Matt Taylerson, Andy Crabb, Nick Wilson and Janice Standing 4. George Dobson, Katherine Leppard and Russell Markham 5. Bradley Hatchett, Will Jago, Amy Stone and Laurence Elphick 6. Edward Coxall, Suzanne Craig and Richard Beeforth 7. Gary May, Amelia Stone and Ryan Mayo 5
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8.& 9. Kerry Mayo and Jason Young present prizes for best turned out horse and the winning horse in the overline sponsored race. .
If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk
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Photos: Rosebery Images
39
Our monthly column from the Sussex County Cricket Club legend
Tony Cottey A review of the season
W
ell, that’s another cricket season behind us and we will soon be seeing Christmas decorations in the shops, I’m sure. Sussex certainly finished off the season in style, with a great victory over the 2013 Champions Durham. That victory ensured Sussex finished 3rd in the First Division of the LV=CC Championship, after finishing 5th and 4th in seasons 2011 and 2012 respectively. There was certainly a stage halfway through when Sussex looked as if we were going to have a good end to the season and we could have been claiming our 4th title in 10 years. But a top three finish is certainly another step in the right direction. I’m sure Mark Robinson and the Squad will be looking to put the t20 blip behind them in 2014 and make their way to Finals Day as we did in 2012. I thought this article might be a good time to give you all a bit of a breakdown of where the Sussex squad will be during the Winter: • Ben Brown has been playing the last couple of months with a broken finger so when that heals he will be off to play Grade cricket in Perth, Australia. • Luke Wells is also off to play Grade cricket in Australia but in Newcastle NSW. • Matt Machan is plying his trade as our honorary Scotsman in Dubai and Sri Lanka. • Mike Yardy is going back to school and studying back in the Brighton and Hove area.
• Rory Hamilton-Brown will be doing some rehabilitation on an injured fetlock and hoping that his injury will not need an operation. When fit after Christmas he will be heading for the sun also. • Ed Joyce will be playing his cricket for Ireland until after Christmas. • Will Beer will be in Hove for the early part of the Winter before heading off to a training camp in Western Province for a few months. • Jimmy Anyon will be staying at home this winter after marrying Anna. He will also be undertaking his Level 3 Coaching Course. • Amjad Khan is heading off for Pretoria in South Africa. • Joe Gatting is off to Adelaide to play Grade Cricket. • Michael Rippon is going back home to Cape Town before playing his cricket for Holland. • Chris Jordan is part of the England Performance Squad that goes to Australia shadowing the England team defending the Ashes. • Lewis Hatchett will be working for Newbery at the Cricket Ground. • Chris Liddle will be training in Hove. • Luke Wright will be playing in the Big Bash, Australia’s t20 Competition and then hoping to be part of England’s ODI and t20 team.
Well I’m bedding in for the Hove winter popping back to Swansea most weekends. It’s a big winter for the Commercial Team, as our major focus will be on securing a new sponsor for our LV. T20 and YB40 playing shirts. 40
• Callum Jackson will be playing Grade Cricket in Newcastle NSW with Luke Wells. • Harry Finch will be touring with the England Under 19’s. • Matt Hobden is in Cardiff University before flying out to Port Elizabeth for a Training Camp. So all in all it’s not a bad life being a Professional Cricketer. Most of them will be following the sun to warmer climes. Me, well I’m bedding in for the Hove winter popping back to Swansea most weekends. It’s a big winter for the Commercial Team, as our major focus will be on securing a new sponsor for our LV. T20 and YB50 playing shirts. I do have a “Where Cricket Meets Lunch” to tell you about. It is on Thursday November 21st at the Cricket Ground and it is “Where Cricket Meets Beaujolais Nouveau Day”. We have a top French comedian and the highlights from the 1st day’s play in the 1st Ashes Test from the Gabba. Oh yeah, and an immense amount of Beaujolais to get through. If you fancy a table or an individual place, please let me know and I’d be delighted to book you in.
Cheers Cotts
guestlist What? The Boundary Club Where? Sussex County Cricket Club 1
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Why? Networking Lunch For Business People Who? 1. Chris Gape (Cobb PR), Gary Gunn (Social Attraction Academy) and Tom Knight (Argus) 2. Sandra Kadan (AM & M), Paul Collins (Red Panda) and Tim Fenton (Howlett Clarke 3
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3. Laura Barnes (Hotel du Vin), Abi Stevenson (Buxted Park) and Kathy Taylor (Hydro Hotel) 4. Jason Edge (Mayo Wynne Baxter), Claire Walsh (Pavilion Financial) and Jonathan Dowding (Let’s Do Business) 5. Sarah Hopwood (Sarah Hopwood Business Consultant) and Sean Heal (Sporting Signs) 6. Aaron Lomasney (L & S Printing), Gill PcPhee (Brighton and Hove Jobs) and Geoff Dagnell 7. Mark Ansell (B & H Independent) and Noel Preston (Preston Insurance Brokers)
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8. Lara Squires (Consortium Business Solutions) and Sue Pocklington (Humphrey & Co) 9. Alan Trace (Extech) and Ken Benham (Sussex FA) 10. Alison Jones (Spofforths), Frank Bouette (Thomas Eggar) and Geoff Rhodes (Begbiea Traynor) 11. Lee Andrews (Mid Sussex Golf Club), Elizabeth Sullens (The Grand) and Melanie Richardson (Swindells)
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If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk
11
Photos: Rosebery Images
41
Hotel du Vin Brighton Toasts Its Millionth Guest!
H
otel du Vin, Brighton kept a bottle of champagne on ice, Wednesday 9th October, in expectation of their one millionth guest.
The winners, Alex and Rebecca Chambers,
The hotel and Bistro have been welcoming
I was delighted to be able to share a glass
guests from across the globe since 2003 and
of champagne with our lucky guests and of
has three times been named one of the best
course invite them to enjoy the evening on
places to entertain at the Brighton and Hove
me. And we will be welcoming them back to
Business Awards.
stay in a suite when the group celebrates its
General Manager, Simon Maguire, calculated
had travelled from Cambridge for their meal. “There had been a real buzz amongst the staff all week,” said Simon. “Hotel du Vin is all about raising a glass to the good things in life and
twentieth anniversary next year.
that the one millionth customer would be
“At the Hotel du Vin Group our aim is to
sitting down for their dinner and
constantly innovate to keep things fresh and
put a magnum of champagne on ice.
exciting. We’ve just introduced a great new
“It was a total surprise,” said Alex. “The last thing you expect when you sit down for dinner is for someone to pop a magnum of champagne under your nose!”
Plats du Jour menu which offers classic dishes containing local, seasonal ingredients to bring our customers great new flavours every day. “And keep an eye out for our new Brighton bar which will be open within a few weeks!”
Come celebrate our million success with the manager in November. Sunday night To Friday Lunch time, enjoy a glass of Champagne per customer having 2 courses of our A La Carte Menu. DON’T MISS OUT! 42
“The last thing you expect when you sit down for dinner is for someone to pop a magnum of champagne under your nose!”
guestlist What? The Business Lunch Club Where? Hotel Seattle 1
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Why? The Business Networking Event Organised By Cobb PR Who? 1. James Dempster, Cobb Healthcare; Mark Ansell, Brighton & Hove Independent; Andrew Kay, Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival
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2. Nick Mosley, Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival; Geoff Loader, Southern Water; Mike Charnock, Remus
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3. Tim Cobb, Cobb PR; Nick Pardo, Rendezvous Casino at the Marina 4. Dr Sam Type, Geek Ltd; Noel Preston, Preston Insurance Brokers 5. Tony Butcher, Newman Business Solutions; Steve Darby, Brighton & Hove City Cabs 6. Jeremy Burbidge, Ticketmedia; Tony Newey, Quality Solicitors Howlett Clarke 5
7. Richard Poffley, Roedean School; Sam Davies, University of Brighton
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8. Steve Tilford, NatWest Commercial Banking; Richard Brooks, Proworx Media Ltd 9. Jim Cunliffe, Face Media Group; Mike Walker, County Clean Environmental Services Ltd 10. Simon Griffiths, NatWest Commercial Banking; Richard Poffley, Roedean School; Elle Phillips, Studio 57 Clinic
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If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk
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Photos: Rosebery Images
43
Sussex Business Awards 2013 Finalists Announced Thirty five companies from across the county
Absolute Brighton is the proud sponsor of the
“This year’s final decisions were made following
have been named as finalists for the Awards
Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity. Last
some heated debate and the final list really is a
and are hoping to win one or more of the
year’s winner was Kathy Gore, Chairman of, the
fantastic example of the prosperous and highly
fifteen trophies up for grabs - including the
Friends of Sussex Hospices (formerly Friends
successful businesses we have here in Sussex.
prestigious Sussex Company of the Year and the
of East Sussex Hospices), Patron of at least
We were particularly delighted to see so much
International Business of the Year.
four Sussex hospices and trustee of the Sussex
growth in the international category.
2013 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the competition. Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards is the longest established scheme of its kind in the county and it is the one that everyone wants to win! Eight companies appear on the shortlist more
Community Foundation, as well as several other charities in Sussex. Previous winners include Ryan Heal (Juice 107.2FM) and Robbie Raggio (Hove Station Hand Car Wash). This year’s winner will be announced on the night.
than once, but only one – Checkatrade.com -
The quality of the entrants has been so high
makes the list three times. Checkatrade.com
this year that, once again, as well as an outright
managing director Kevin Byrne, won the title of
winner of each category, the accolade of
Sussex Businessperson last year. This year the
Highly Commended will be awarded to certain
company is shortlisted for Sussex Company of
outstanding entries.
the Year.
Chaired for the third time by Peter Field,
Companies which make the shortlist twice
Lord Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, who
include ARCH-angels Architects, Cheesmur
commented: “We are delighted with the
Building Contractors, Jurys Inn Brighton,
response to this year’s Awards from fantastic
Madgex, Propellernet, Sciensus, The Eventa
businesses across the breadth of Sussex.
Group and The Grand Hotel, Brighton. 44
“The judges were informed that, in 2012, Sussex Enterprise processed 6389 export documents for Sussex exporters for 111 overseas markets from Armenia to Yemen. “Congratulations to all the shortlist!” This year’s ceremony will take place on Thursday 5 December 2013 at the Brighton Dome and will be attended by over 500 of the county’s leading business people. The awards will be presented by TV personality, Rachel Riley, (Strictly Come Dancing, Countdown). If you are interested in purchasing tickets 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!
Business Awards Sussex Business Awards 2013
The Finalists The Award for Best Customer Service Sponsored by Domestic & General • Checkatrade.com • Classic Consulting • The Grand Hotel, Brighton The Award for Innovation in Business Sponsored by Sussex Innovation Centre • Cash Bases Limited • Madgex • Vent-Axia The Award for Most Promising New Business Sponsored by Morrisons Solicitors • Brighton Film School • DevAssist Ltd • Sussex Funeral Services The Award for Leisure and Tourism Sponsored by Midnight Communications • Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival • Fishers Adventure Park Farm • Swan House • The Eventa Group
“Celebrating business excellence across Sussex.” Tickets cost £90 each (plus VAT) or £850 (plus
The Boss of the Year Sponsored by The Argus • Kevin Byrne, Checkatrade.com • Nikki Gatenby, Propellernet • Terry Nitman and Steve Hayman, Cheesmur Building Contractors The Award for the Most Sustainable Business Sponsored by Sussex Enterprise • Jurys Inn Brighton • Pureprint Group Limited • The Grand Hotel, Brighton The Healthiest Workplace Award Sponsored by The Montefiore Hospital • Domestic & General • European Recruitment • Madgex
The Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity Sponsored by Absolute Brighton TBC The International Business of the Year Sponsored by HSBC • Ambiental • Rainbo Supplies & Services Ltd • Scientifica The Responsible Business Award Sponsored by Checkaprofessional.com • Basepoint • Clear Computing Ltd • Jurys Inn Brighton The Small Business of the Year Sponsored by Heart FM • ARCH-angels Architects • PSM Instrumentation Ltd • Sciensus The Social Enterprise of the Year Sponsored by Legal and General • Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival • hiSbe Food CIC • The Big Lemon • Young Start-up Talent The Sussex Businessperson of the Year Sponsored by Mazars • Andrew Hookway, extech • Andrew Stenning, Searches UK • Terry Nitman and Steve Hayman, Cheesmur Building Contractors Sussex Company of the Year Sponsored by Morgan Sindall • Checkatrade.com • Propellernet • The Eventa Group The Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Sussex Business Times • Alan Margetts, The Kitchen Store • Mark Bailey, Sciensus Ltd • Matt Turner, Creative Pod Ltd • Nicola Thomas and Richard Zinzan, ARCH-angels Architects
www.sbawards.org.uk • @SussexBizAwards
VAT) for a table of ten. This includes champagne reception, three course meal, and two bottles of wine on each table, as well as entertainment, dancing and a few surprises. For more information or to buy tickets, please contact us on T: 01273 666200 or E: sussex@midnight.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter @SussexBizAwards.
45
Business Julia Chanteray, President of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce takes us
Inside the Chamber Want to run your own networking
someone has a good idea for an event,
plus our amazing value bite sized learning
event?
suggests it, arranges a venue, time and
events where you get to learn all sor ts of
Here at Brighton and Hove Chamber of
date, and we put it on the website. Dave
things such as online video, gamification,
Commerce, one of the new things we’ve
Tester has organised some of our first
social media marketing. You might already
been trying out recently is our “run by
events, Chamber walks and the choir, Susan
have been to some of our more political
member events.” As our main meetings are
Beckingham has put together the Chamber
events, such as State of the City and the
getting bigger and busier, we want to be able
drinks drop in at Hove Place, and there are
Big Debates. All these will be continuing as
to do some more niche and select events.
others coming.
usual, but with some extra little gems run by
We have all sor ts of different members, with
members, for members.
all sor ts of different businesses and interests,
The Run by Members events might not be
so we want to be able to do some slightly
as fancy as our other events, but they will
Run your own event, and we’ll
different events.
be just as friendly, and full of interesting
help.
Chamber members to chat to and do
If you’d like to organise something for
About 12 years ago, someone wanted to
business with. Some of them will be one
your type of member, then talk to Sarah
organise a breakfast networking event at
offs, some will be regular small groups, and
Foster on 01273 719097 (our new Events
Carluccio’s just because it was convenient
some will probably grow into fully fledged
Manager) and we’ll see what we can do.
for his office round the corner. That idea
Chamber events. It will be interesting to see
Sarah sets up all the booking, organises the
took off rather well, and now we have a sold
what happens.
lists, and promotes the events so you’ll have
out breakfast every month, with 75 people attending.
lots of people along, so that all you have to Are you still doing all the other
take responsibility for is showing up, being
events? I do like those brunches
nice to people and running the event.
What’s all this Run by Members
Of course, we’ve still got our regular
about then?
programme of all the other events, our
Run by Members events are where
breakfasts, brunches, lunches and suppers,
“Someone wanted to organise a breakfast networking event at Carluccio’s just because it was convenient for his office round the corner. That idea took off rather well.” Julia Chanteray is the director of business consultancy The Joy of Business and the President of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce. 46
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. 6th November – Albion in the Community and Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce lunch. 12.30pm, free to attend, but book in advance with bob.beaken@albioninthecommunity.org.uk 6th November – 6 o’clock drinks with Hove Business Association. Informal drop in event, at Misty’s cocktail bar on Church Road. 12th November - Un-networking A very agreeable, low key networking event in the bar of MyHotel at 6pm. Check out the rules of engagement and register at www.un-networking.co.uk You can watch me drink my favourite MyHotel vodka martini! Free to attend, buy your own vodka martini
Ambrose Harcourt’s Business Love Bites Top 5 Andrew Thomason Managing Director of Gravetye Manor
Ain’t no mountain high enough – Diana Ross & the Supremes with The Temptations. 1969. Aged 15 I loved this album and this track was a definite favourite to play on my dad’s turntable, when he was out and sing at full pitch!
Don’t go changing – Barry White 1975 Belle Vue Manchester. The ultimate ‘lurve’ machine, a great concert
12th November – Business Curry Club - Lots of people, buckets of curry, and full on business card swapping. £17.50, book in advance at www.brightonbusinesscurryclub.co.uk 19th November – Gamification workshop. Pete Jenkins, possibly the nicest man in business in Brighton, asks “should work be fun?” and talks you through some ways to introduce the serious business of gamification at this Brighton Chamber Bite Sized Learning. Highly recommended if you want to understand the latest trend. 27th November – Spotlight Supper with Robert Schrifeen. You’ve probably never heard of Robert, but 20 odd years ago he was world famous for being the first person tried for computer hacking. He’s still pretty famous now, and this is your chance to hear him being interviewed by Miranda Birch. 6Pm, £20 for your supper and wine. Book in advance at www.businessinbrighton.org.uk 28th November – 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.
and still sounds amazing today.
Blue eyes – Elton John Always a favourite, have seen Elton live many times and when I married in 1985 this was the first dance! Yes I do have blue eyes!
I can’t make you love me – George Michael My wife and I love this guy and have seen him many times. This song is very powerful and means a lot to both of us.
Georgia – Michael Buble Bring us up to present times. Enjoyed his live performance in Liverpool and this reminds us both of our beautiful black Labrador, Georgia who we miss terribly.
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 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.
47
Business Interview
Lending a hand Allied Irish Bank (GB)’s marketing campaign says their business is business banking. Area Manager Michael Wilkins explains how Brighton-based businesses can benefit. Words: Ian Trevett.. ABSOLUTE: What is the current
successful in collecting deposits – We are
prescriptive in terms of turnover
state of business in Brighton at the
now back to a traditional position where we
or borrowing requirements. If you were
moment?
can lend our own deposits rather than going
borrowing more than £250,000 you would
Michael Wilkins: There has definitely been
in to the wholesale market for the funding.
probably be more on our market space than
more activity this year; the evidence can
We raised a surplus of funds to lend hence
under £250,000.
be seen by the growth in our lending book
the new fund that we are launching to lend
It’s not all about borrowing - sometimes it’s
month on month. We have seen tentative
to owner-managed businesses
just, if a business has a lot of moving parts to it, it has a lot of interaction with the bank
confidence and, while we still think there is scope for more lending, in a risk conscious
In terms of banking, it seems that
so it needs people like Sue and her team
environment business deals are taking a lot
you operate with the traditional
to be on the end of the phone for example
longer to get done across the board and
approach of relationship building...
to track international payments. It is not
that is a frustration for both businesses and
We pride ourselves on our strong customer
just the borrowing requirements or the
banks.
focus and part of this is our traditional
turnover, to some extent, the complexity of
relationship-based banking model. Our
the business makes our relationship-based
You have been managing a branch
business customers tell us that they want
service invaluable.
in some very difficult economic
to deal with a friendly bank and to develop
times. How did this affect the
relationships with relationship managers
Do you think the bank’s role in the
bank?
who understand their individual needs. We
city helps to get things moving?
Demand for lending dropped away along
believe we have more relationship managers
I’d like to think so. I can think of some recent
with the appetite from banks to lend. It was
per customer than other banks.
deals which have enabled companies to grow
a very challenging time for all banks and, as
I use the phrase ‘private banking for
and create jobs in the local economy. These
an Irish bank we felt the pressure which was
businesses’ and what that really means is
include funding the acquisition of a local
on the Irish economy too. Like all banks we
local branch teams, local decision making
manufacturing business that created many
have been through a period of restructuring
and local relationships. Customers’ banking
jobs. We have provided a loan to a business
and we have come out the other side. We
is managed here at the branch, although we
in the travel industry to help them re-locate
are proud that we managed to continue to
do have internet business banking.
to new premises. We have also funded domestic and overseas expansion for a local
help customers throughout a difficult period. What would you see as your target
company in the education sector. It’s a cross-
Has the worst now passed?
market?
section really of businesses that we have
We have successfully come through that
Most of our customers are fairly mature
been helping this year. I really do like to see
period of restructuring and are looking
businesses which are established and
business thrive in Brighton and to be a part
forward to supporting owner-managed
growing, meaning that as their banking
of it. I am keen to work with businesses
businesses in the UK. As part of the
requirements become more complex,
across all sectors that need our support.
restructuring each branch focused on
they need a closer relationship with their
making sure that its own balance sheet
bank manager and for them to have a
How does Allied Irish Bank (GB)
was fully funded and we have been very
good understanding of their needs. It’s not
differ from other banks?
48
We are a genuine alternative to the High
customers who understand the value of this.
It’s nice to be able to go out with that
Street banks because we are geared to
I have always encouraged my colleagues to
message.
service businesses of a certain size and
go out there and fly the flag and to actually
type. We understand the needs of owner-
tell it how it was. We are keen to work with,
Do you see a bright future for the
managed businesses and can offer them the
and lend to, local businesses who have a
business sector in Brighton?
things that really make a difference: quick
desire to grow.
In my view Brighton has been quite resilient during the recession and it remains a
decision making and attention from people that really understand their business.
But now you are lending to owner
desirable place for people to be both to live
Our business customers consistently
managed businesses...
and to work. I think because of that you will
demonstrate very high levels of customer
About a month ago we launched a new
always have an element of business success.
satisfaction and we receive positive feedback
lending product called The Owner Managed
There are pockets of very successful
that states we are straightforward, simple
Business Fund. It is aimed at owner managed
businesses and others that are struggling -
and easy to do business with us. Key factors
businesses, which is our market place and
as you will find anywhere, but I think there
are that we make quick lending decisions
it is attractive from an interest margin
are positive signs here.
and we believe we have more relationship
perspective and an arrangement fee and full
Because of the desirability of being in
managers per customer than any other
banking fee basis as well. So there is a very
Brighton, people that are here for the
bank. What’s more, the quality of our front-
attractive package available to businesses
universities tend to stay and therefore start
line people and the continuity of our staff
who are looking to grow.
up their own businesses here. Maybe that
are core strengths whereas some other
We are responding to an increasing need
is why the new media and technology
banks have a lot more turnover of staff.
across the business landscape in the UK,
industry is so strong. We are keen to lend to
I have been in this job a long time, which
specifically directing capital to growth
established and growing businesses across
means I have built up many contacts and
businesses and have specific amounts for
all sectors and to do our bit to support the
to some extent that is where business
each region to lend: in our area we have a
business sector in Brighton.
comes from: word of mouth, reputation
total of £100 million available.
www.aibgb.co.uk
and recommendation. Before joining Allied Irish Bank (GB) about ten years ago, Sue
It is quite encouraging
Windham and I were at a very large high
to go out there and
street bank, and we are still looking after
say that we want to
some of the same clients, which is a great
lend you money.
endorsement. I also get more involved in
Well, yes it is. We are inviting
things that are going on, for example the
potential clients to breakfast
local chamber of commerce, so we have a
or drink receptions and
wider interest rather than just customer
there will be accountants
networking. People like traditional banking
and finance people that will
and don’t want to deal with call centres.
know a bit about Allied Irish Bank (GB) and what our
Is it still a perception that banks
target market is. There is a
aren’t out there to help people?
genuine desire to expand
I think there may be a general perception
but to the right businesses.
but we specialise in business banking and
I’m confident that we will
have good relationships with our business
get where we need to be.
I have always encouraged my colleagues to go out there and fly the flag and to actually tell it how it was. 55
s
. t
er o
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Financial advice by
Andrew Merricks Head of Investments, Skerritts What’s Just Happened For The First Time In Over 10 Years? The answer, of course, could be any number of things, many of which are doubtless far more exciting than the one that we have come up with. Being the type of people that we are however, our answer has a distinctly “investment opportunity” feel about it. What we noticed was the tiny, yet potentially hugely significant, spike on a Bank of America
We discovered something last month that
Is This A Peculiarly British
surprised us. If you’d invested in an equally
Phenomenon?
weighted portfolio of UK Smaller Companies funds over the last 5 years (spanning back beyond the Lehman’s Crisis) you would have comfortably outperformed the FTSE All Share but with a lower overall risk. This is contrary to what one would expect because most risk models list smaller companies as being higher risk than their larger counterparts. Bashful Brits
It’s hard to say at this stage whether we’re right, let alone whether it is exclusively a UK quirk. We suspect, however, that if it’s happening here as we emerge from the doldrums, then it is more than likely to be a feature of the European markets as they follow our trend, albeit a few months behind. This could present a fantastic opportunity to take an early position in the European Smaller Companies sector, which is largely under-
graph indicating where global fund managers
Maybe the opening paragraphs underpin the
were overweighting their geographic asset
reason for this. Everyone appears to have
allocation. The spike told us that August
been spellbound by the Great Tale Of China
2013 was the first month since December
throughout the last decade, and with the
2002 that these overseas fund managers
ever-growing expansion of the middle classes
had actually gone overweight the UK stock
in the emerging markets as a result. Perhaps
market relative to all the others that are
they’ve taken their eye off the low interest
This is why we have recently rebalanced
available to them, which is another way of
rate ball and its effects on corporate profits,
our discretionary mandates to be more
saying that, not only are they recognising that
especially at the lower end of the market
focussed upon UK and European Smaller
the UK is on the road to recovery, but they
cap. If things have been quietly getting better
Companies. We’re far from complacent. We
are prepared to back us with hard cash too.
domestically, which sector is most likely to
understand that the recession in Europe is
benefit?
more deep-seated, more real for millions who
If you talk to most people who live here,
represented in the unit trust and investment trust universe. If the UK market is generally under-analysed by the fund management fraternity, then the European markets are doubly so.
live particularly in the Southern peripheral
you probably won’t get an overwhelming
According to Neptune Investment Managers,
sense of well-being regarding our economy,
only 19% of FTSE 100 companies’ sales are
but maybe we’re missing something that
to the domestic UK market. When we drop
others who are more removed from our
to the FTSE 250, this percentage rises to
day-to-day involvement are spotting. Perhaps
38%. So how high does this percentage of
You can contact us on 01273 204999
the Olympic legacy has taken longer to
sales to the home market rise if we consider
or visit us at www.skerritts.co.uk.
be realised. Maybe we’re just getting tired
only smaller companies? We have not got
of being told that there’s been the worst
the figure but we’re certain that it would be
recession globally since the Great Depression.
comfortably over 50%. So if we bashful Brits
We were speaking this week to someone
have been surreptitiously spending our cash
who is a cash buyer in the London property
without letting on that the recession wasn’t
market and they had to get in a line of 22
quite as bad as we’d thought, the smaller UK
(yes, 22!) prospective cash and first time
companies that lie behind the provision of this
buyer viewers. Something appears to be afoot
silent recovery have been modestly making
and we’d hate to miss it.
hay while the sun literally shone these past few months.
countries, but from problems come opportunity and we feel that it is our job to peruse them.
Sisterly Success
The Venus Awards - the winners.
F
ollowing thousands of votes, hundreds
you were hit with an array of emotions. The
for the ‘Business Mother of the Year’ award
of nominations and applications with a
thrilled, excited, enthusiastic and glamorous
sponsored by Heart Brighton, but only one
frenzy of excitement and enthusiasm
gowned business women all gathered in the
of them has the privilege to say she is the
the winners of the Brighton NatWest
hall waiting to hear the winners declared
winner of the category. Sarah Watkins founder
Venus Awards were announced on Friday the
and collect their awards. Each winner was
of Parent Skool, has been recognised as the
27th of September 2013 at the Brighton Hilton
announced and produced with their certificates
woman who has done her best to successfully
Metropole, hosted by the founder of the Venus
and awards after they enjoyed a sumptuous
manage her business with family life. Sarah and
Awards herself, Tara Howard.
three course meal, with some phenomenal
her partner share the experience of having
entertainment from Natt Birch of Golden
a baby in Brighton with clients and they are
Groove Entertainment. The evening was a huge
glad to offer help and share the breadth of
success and everyone has very much enjoyed
knowledge they have accumulated on giving you
themselves.
the information to make your own decision
Tara has with the help of other local business women, created the Venus Awards to recognise local business women across the UK. Established in many regions such as Dorset,
about family life.
Southampton and now Devon and Brighton,
Below we have the 11 proud winners of the
Tara is committed to taking the Venus Awards
Venus Awards and their categories:
Employee of the Year
Business Mother of the Year
Jan Godwin – RSA Group
their town.
Sarah Watkins – Parent Skool
The Venus Awards are delighted to recognise
The moment you walked into the room
Almost 60 business women were nominated
to more regions across the country, following requests from women to bring the awards to
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Jan Godwin as the winner in the category of
Business Awards body care company whose whole range
for two years as Commercial Manager she
carries the fair-trade mark. The company has
thoroughly enjoys managing the Racing and
been entirely dedicated to fair-trade since the
Event Teams and being responsible for all the
business’ inception in May 2005 and works with
commercial lines. Samantha’s work ethic and her
more fair-trade producer groups than anyone
enthusiasm to do the best she can at all times,
else in the industry. Monica, founder of the
is why she deserved to win, her determination
Visionary Soap Company has the drive that has
to be successful and motivate her team is an
pushed the company to where it is today.
inspiration and that is worthy of a high achiever.
Home Based Business of the Year
Networker of the Year
Kirstie Betts – Pied A Terre
Jane Hames – Glide Training Ltd
Adventures
“The moment you walked into the room you were hit with an array of emotions.”
Jane has been involved in the training industry
Kirstie started her inspiring outdoors
since 1998 she has progressed so much as a
company 2 years ago with her husband and it
trainer, training consultant and now business
is now a respected local business and rapidly
owner, she makes networking feel effortless.
growing. Pied A Terre Adventures is inspiring,
Jane was proud to have been a shortlisted
innovative and attracting glowing testimonials
nominee in the Business Woman category of
from everyone who has the good fortune to
The Woman of The Year Awards 2012, and is
experience one of their stimulating activities or
now the proud winner of the NatWest Venus
courses.
Awards ‘Networker of the Year’. Jane is a very
New Business of the Year Denise Buchan – Classic Consulting UK Ltd Classic Consulting is a brand new, Award Winning, specialist recruitment agency making
skilled and respectable trainer and is very pleased to have been recognized for what she does and enjoys. Lifetime Achievement Paula O’Shea – Journalist Works
waves from the heart of Brighton. Denise is a
Paula is an award-winning journalist who seven
true entrepreneur; she’s committed to what
years ago started Brighton’s Journalist Works
‘Employee of the Year’ sponsored by The Argus.
she does and harnesses the power of positive
and has now trained hundreds of young people
Jan Godwin is PA Marketing Director at RSA
thinking to tackle obstacles and challenges
to follow in her footsteps in the offices of the
Group, one of the world’s leading multinational
so they don’t defeat her, while being a strong,
local newspaper, the Argus. When Paula first
insurance groups. Jan’s commitment and hard-
warm and guiding source of leadership to her
started out she only has a small team of four,
work has won her the award and title over 40
team.
but as her business has progressed and become
other nominees.
Small Business of the Year
Employer of the Year
Rachel Boyle – ABC Magazine
about a job in the industry has walked away
Alison Thompson – The Dental Barn
As a business ABC is great because it offers a
with an internship or job interviews, she tries
The Venus Awards Brighton is glad to announce
unique package: a tri-annual publication, which
her best to succeed and that’s exactly what she
the winner of the ‘Employer of the Year’
is part directory, part information source and
has done.
category. The amount of nominees that this
part light entertainment. Readers therefore read
Inspirational Woman of the Year
category has had is huge: over 90 candidates.
the magazine cover to cover, and then keep
However, only one of them has the honour to
their copy long-term for reference, which gives
be the winner for being a fabulous and friendly
advertisers excellent value for money. Rachel
The People Who Share; a social enterprise
employer. Alison Thompson who has been
has done very well to get her ‘small business’ so
that’s catalysing a sustainable Sharing Economy,
working locally in private practice for the last
well marketed and recognised and is the very
inspiring and equipping people to share
15 years and is loved by her employees and
proud winner of the Small Business of the Year
resources and connect in their communities.
clients and wouldn’t have her any other way.
award 2013.
Benita has created Global Sharing Day which
Entrepreneur of the Year
High Achiever of the Year
Monica Norley – Visionary Soap
Samantha Bailey – Brighton Race
launching a technology company that enables
Company
Course
people to share easily.
Visionary Soap is the UK’s leading fair-trade
Samantha has worked for Brighton Racecourse
successful she now has a fantastic and bigger team. Almost every student that comes to Paula
Benita Matofska – Compare and Share
now reaches over 60 million people in 147 countries. She has made this her life’s work,
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