Absolute Homes August 2013

HOMES

AUGUST 2013 • FREE

Beach

Life

INTERIORS

BUSINESS

Welcome to the

Volkswagen California

Launch of

HOW TO WIN A Business Award

New Homes

Step Inside

SuperB

Conservatories

AUGUST 2013 THE TEAM

Inside HOMES

INTERIORS

B USINESS

Welcome...

Now is the time to buy... and sell. No it really is. Beautiful sunny weather, gardens looking lovely, good news stories, economy improving, low interest rates, schools out and it’s holiday time! If you are thinking of buying, check out our August homes collection to see the city’s best homes and read our special interiors section this month to see how you can improve your own.

Lynne For all enquiries contact: Commercial Director: Lynne Edwards Mob: 07931 537588 lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com

Page 22-23

The Conservatory Step Inside

Designer: Sally Wynn Designer: Dominic Loosemore Production: Michael Brooks Editor: Ian Trevett Publisher: Alan Prior Absolute Homes is published by: The Pinnacle Group

Talk Money 6

Financial advice, a lifetime mortgage.

By Claire Cook.

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: Old Fort Road, Shoreham Beach £2,350,000 Marketed by Winkworth 01273 772175 A spectacular water front residence boasting over 4000sq ft of luxurious modern living spaces situated in a sizeable beachfront location.

See page 7 Image courtesy of Fiona Walker-Arnott, www.fwaphotography.com

Market Trends 6

Mark Welton from Mishon Welton, is this month’s expert.

The August collection 8 - 9

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

Motors 26 - 29

“I don’t camp,” insisted Maarten Hoffmann.

But then he hadn’t tried out the California, the latest variant of the VW Camper Van.

Sport 30 - 35

Sussex cricket fans will never forget the 2003 Championship winning side. This month you can join them for a ten year celebration lunch at Hove.

Dream Home 12

Further west, close to the excitement of Glorious Goodwood, there is a fantastic golf course. We meet the musician Guy Fletcher, the keyboard player for Dire Straits, who takes every opportunity to enjoy a round at Goodwood.

Legal Matters 14

Business 36 - 53

The Green Scene 11

This month’s look into eco houses.

By Paul Zara.

A Hove stunner from Elliotts Estate Agents.

Howlett Clarke are here to bring you a monthly insight into the latest legal issues, with top tips and advice.

Leaders 16

Rental property perceived as a good investment.

Wood Floors 19

Winning a business award can make a big difference in how a company is perceived.

We meet the man who can help you succeed with your entry.

We discover the state of the city, the future of Shoreham Harbour and find out what would happen if Pride director, Dulcie Danger was crowned as Queen of Brighton.

We take to the floor with Tara de la Motte.

Interiors 22 - 24

Conservatories - step inside.

By Tara de la Motte.

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

DOWNSIDE, HOVE A superb detached contemporary residence, providing lovely light, airy and exceptionally spacious living space throughout. The property commands an elevated aspect with views towards the sea at the front and a good sized landscaped garden to the rear.

£1,195,000

ELRINGTON ROAD, HOVE A substantial 5 bedroom semi-detached family home, standing in lovely, sunny, west facing gardens. The house is beautifully presented and appointed throughout, with a modern contemporary theme.

£795,000

DYKE ROAD PLACE, BRIGHTON A Beautifully presented detached property, situated in a very pleasant “leafy” residential location with attractively landscaped gardens and no onward chain.

£899,950

THE UPPER DRIVE, HOVE A deceptively spacious modern town house located in a convenient location and providing lovely light living space over 3 floors and a delightful South facing garden.

£550,000

wanted We have many buyers looking for property in Hove who are ready and keen to buy.

01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com

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.

Columnists

Market Trends We bring you Mark Welton, from Mishon Welton Estate Agents view of the Market Trends.

Claire Cook

from Talk Money Set your capital free with a Lifetime Mortgage

I am delighted to report that the Brighton and Hove property market

We all know that as a population we are getting older. In the past,

has shown steady month on month improvement since January, in

people retired at age 65 and their income was provided by the State

terms of activity levels and sales.

Pension, private pension or sometimes a company pension. But with low interest and annuity rates, the value of the income from these

Indeed, during June we recorded our best ever sales month!

sources has reduced significantly in real terms. So what do we have

Interestingly, compared to the same period last year, the biggest

left? We have many retired people living in homes with substantial

increase in property transactions, is in the ÂŁ750,000 to 1,000,000

value, but struggling for income when they retire.

price range.

The dream of relaxed holidays and pub lunches have become exactly that, a dream and not a reality. Other people have reached retirement

Detached family homes in the Hove Park area and large period homes

and realized that they have not paid off their mortgage, they are left

in the New Church Road and central areas have been particularly

struggling with payments on a reduced income. Maybe they feel that

popular and in demand, from both local and London buyers.

they will have to sell their home and move to a smaller property.

These are just two examples of where a “lifetime mortgage� may suit.

We have also recorded an increase in the number of overseas buyers

This type of mortgage allows people (generally over the age of 55)

actively seeking quality property.

to release equity from their property, either by way of income or a lump sum. This can be used to enhance your lifestyle in retirement, or

Inevitably, as the market improves, speculation centres on the

perhaps to repay the mortgage which is taking up your income every

likelihood of an increase in property values. I would caution against

month. These mortgages are usually taken out on an open-ended basis,

too much optimism in this sentiment as, generally speaking prices still

meaning that there is no set term. The loan is repaid from your estate

have to be sensible and realistic to attract buyers and those properties

when you die, or if you are taken into long term care.

that enter the market at inflated prices tend to sit around, until they

Some lenders are now offering mortgages where you can actually

are reduced! However, I am confident that we are on course for a

pay the interest, meaning the amount you owe will remain the same;

much awaited, recovery in the housing market which will be good

the interest is not accrued, but paid each month. This can be of

news for us all.

help to those who can afford their mortgage, but just want to keep it longer into retirement. Because this is such a growing market,

Mark Welton Mishon Welton 94 Church road Hove 01273 778877 www.mishonwelton.com

there are more and more providers offering products. This is good as competition keeps the lenders on their toes and they will keep improving their deals to attract business. Taking a lifetime mortgage is a major commitment, and it has never been more essential that you take independent advice. There are many pitfalls to look out for, and an experienced and qualified adviser will be able to guide you as to the best course of action.

If you would like advice on releasing equity from your home, or any other mortgage or financial matter, please call me Claire Cook and my team on 01273 224667.

We offer a free initial consultation.

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.

This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

UNIQUE LOCATION, EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN, THE ULTIMATE SEASIDE RESIDENCE

See things differently.

OLD FORT ROAD, SHOREHAM, BN43 £2,350,000

Bedrooms:

Outstanding master suite incorporating roll top bath, rain shower, fully fitted dressing area and terracing with magnificent views. Three further bedrooms with en suites

Bathroom:

Four en-suites and separate cloakroom

Receptions: Extras:

Stylish open plan reception areas on first floor with bi folding doors leading to generous sized terrace for outside dining, Pentagonal ‘William Ball’ duel sink kitchen with high quality appliances, cool and contemporary entrance hall cloakroom, utility room, fully fitted “summer kitchen”, conservatory area, landscaped gardens, fully tiled swimming pool, Lutron system & surround sound, direct sea views

A spectacular water front residence boasting over 4000sq ft of luxurious modern living spaces situated in a sizeable beachfront location.

This architectually designed contemporary house occupies an imposing location on Shoreham Beach enjoying breathtaking views to sea. The design of this magnificent beachfront house features stunning expanses of floor to ceiling glazing to encompass the views. The house has been arranged over three floors to create luxurious living both internally and externally.

The AUGUST Collection 25 Longhill Road, Ovingdean

Reynolds Road, Hove

A unique opportunity to purchase this 6 bedroom Art Deco property which is currently arranged as two flats. This home has been in the same family since being built in the early 1930’s and retains many original Art Deco features. Overall there are four balcony/sun terraces and offers the most fantastic views across the Downs to the sea from the first floor balcony.

Energy Rating: D62

An opportunity to acquire this rarely available stunning and unique detached house situated in this superb level location being close to local shops, bars and restaurants with bus routes nearby. The accommodation in this lovely family home comprises of; living room, stunning kitchen/ dining room, four bedrooms, family bathroom & 2 ensuites.

There is off road parking along with a garage. One of the properties main features is its fantastic size and well maintained rear garden. Early internal inspection is essential to fully appreciate.

• Maslen Estate Agents • GP £850,000 - £950,000 • 01273 278866

St Catherine’s Terrace, Hove

Clifton Central – in the heart of the city.

Albany Towers is ideally placed opposite Hove lawns and the seafront perfect if prime location is important to you. It’s a short walk to Church Road where you’ll find the ever increasing and changing mixture of boutique shops, bars, restaurants and cafe’s.

This modern ground floor apartment has two double bedrooms, with a separate 19’ lounge, 14’ kitchen and a bathroom. The communal hallway is well maintained being neat, clean and tidy.

Just one contemporary style home remaining on this exciting new development of 3 bedroom homes located just a stones through from Brighton m station. Cutting edge design incorporates the best of modern architecture maximising natural light to create a light and airy living environment. The open- plan living area is cleverly designed to offer a recessed kitchen and spacious living space. Two of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms plus there is a family bathroom, all finished to an exceptional high standard.

There is outdoor space on each level with a courtyard garden on the ground level.

• Jason Dean • £215,000 • 01273 727000

St. Aubyn’s Mansions, Hove

Somerhill Avenue, Hove

Set quietly in one of Hove Seafronts most prestigious streets with glorious sea views, this glamorous apartment is on the second floor of an exclusive Victorian Mansion Block. Once the home of opera singer Dame Clara Butt and music hall artist Vesta Tilley.

Second floor apartment with lift, 3 double bedrooms, 1 with en suite and dressing room. Two spacious reception rooms.

With great views and Private allocated parking space.

A unique top (4th) floor three bedroom, three bathroom penthouse apartment with an impressive wrap-around terrace providing amazing rooftop and distant downs and sea views.

Located in a modern purpose built building, completed in 2008 by well known developers Barratt Homes, Somerhill Avenue is a highly sought after central Hove location close to St Ann’s Well Gardens and within walking distance to both Brighton and Hove mainline railway stations. This sensational property’s further benefits include lift access directly into the apartment, secure underground parking and use of the residents gym.

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• Brand Vaughan • 01273 683111 • £900,000 - £950,000

• Goldin Lemcke • 01273 777123 • £799,950 Freehold

• Mishon Mackay • Price Guide £500,000 • 01273 829300

• Justin Lloyd • 01273 315613 • £895,000

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

The Cliff, Roedean, Brighton

This semi-detached family house is the pinnacle of seaside living. It has four bedrooms with stunning distant sea and countryside views, family bathroom and two en-suite shower rooms, three reception rooms, modern kitchen and a utility room, a garage and attractive gardens. Nestled in the popular Roedean area, Kemp Town Village and the City centre is just a hop away.

The schools nearby are of excellent standard. Brighton Marina complete with a cinema and bowling complex is close by.

Benfield Way, Portslade

• Callaways Estate Agents • 01273 735237 • £650,000

A delightful seven bedroom detached home situated in the enviable position of the Benfield area of Portslade, which would ideal for the commuters that wish to be nearby Portslade mainline station. For the ever growing family this is one that can be viewed as the forever home.

A driveway and a garage is also on offer, so two more ticks off that wish list! The garden is particular feature; enjoy family occasions in style whilst being able to watch the children play.

Wolstonbury Road, Hove

Holland Road, Hove

A simply beautiful 3 bed house that has a wonderfully calm feel about it. Designed and decorated perfectly inside - ready to move in to and with no onward chain. It has 3 double bedrooms with an en-suite shower in the master room and an additional loft room, study or gym room, whatever you fancy up there really! The large kitchen has a breakfast area that opens out on to a good sized decked patio. The spacious lounge can be used for a dining table/play area - very versatile. Locally is St Ann’s Well park and Seven Dials, both hugely popular.

A fabulous opportunity to purchase this two storey ground and first floor duplex apartment close to Hove seafront. The property offers bright spacious accommodation with 23’8 x 16’2 vaulted living space with kitchen/ dining and lounge areas, two bedrooms, bathroom and en shower, terrace garden, own entrance.

• Jason Dean • 01273 727000 • £549,950

• Brices • 01273 323000 • £325,000 Leasehold

4 Sussex Mews, Brighton

Home Farm House, Laughton

Situated in an attractive mews, tucked away behind Sussex Square in Kemp Town, beautifully finished and with stylish specification is this refurbished mews house, offering parking and private south/west facing roof terrace perfect for entertaining. In fact the whole house has been thoughtfully designed with entertaining in mind; the ground floor is open and inviting with a luxury kitchen full of good quality appliances including a large range style cooker. This beautiful house is ready for the new owner to just start enjoying with no work needed at all.

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.

• Mishon Mackay • 01273 670067 • £675,000

• Mishon Mackay • 01273 418888 • £699,950 Freehold

• Clifford Dann • 01273 477022 • OIRO£695,000

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“Our experience and commitment will move you”

Garden at Windsor Close, Hove, BN3 £319,950

Jason Dean Indranie: 14 years extensive experience.

Unrivalled market knowledge spanning East and West Sussex.

Sarah Indranie: 10 years property and business development experience and qualified in professional copywriting.

When only the very best will do

Professional integrity, national & local market knowledge, extensive experience.

High end level of service for all our clients, as standard. Tailor-made packages with no hidden or extra costs. Call us now if you would like to see your home featured in Absolute - we want to give it the high profile it deserves.

If you would like the directors full attention on your move... ...then that’s what you shall have If you are looking for good quality proceed-able buyers... ...then that’s what we will find for you If you think it’s important for us to be considering your financial situation in the fee we charge... ...then that’s what we shall do If you would feel more comfortable knowing that your agent has unrivalled experience... ...then look no further than Jason Dean

Tel: 01273 727000 Visit: www.jasondeans.co.uk Email: home@jasondeans.co.uk Jason Dean, 1b, Montefiore Road, Hove, BN3 1RD 10

PAUL ZARA From Conran & Partners

The Green Scene...

Greening your house used to be seen as fairly radical, now it’s becoming more and more mainstream as our energy bills continue to soar. The weekends of the 15-16 and 22-23 June saw another Brighton & Hove Eco Open House event. Did you go? There’s nothing like nosing around other people’s homes...

Isn’t that why we go to the Artists’ Open Houses? You can even go around designer and TV personality Oliver Heath’s house in Hove! (Pictured above) The Eco Houses are new or recently built homes as well as retrofitted properties. They are cheaper to run and need less energy to keep them warm than ‘normal’ houses. I built my house in Hove about nine years ago. The main thing I did, apart from high quality double glazing and a good condensing boiler, was using loads more insulation than the Building Regulations required. This resulted in much lower heating bills than in my lovely but draughty Victorian terrace in Clifton Street. The gas company rather aggressively accused us of not being honest about our meter readings. They said we were using half as much as they predicted for a four bedroom house!

your property and the plan is that significant savings can be made for modest investment. There is one Golden Rule: The savings on your energy bill must be greater than the cost of repayments. Go to www.gov.uk and search for The Green Deal.

So if you didn’t get a chance to see the Eco Houses this year, watch out for them next year! And if you want advice on greening your home have a look on the website www. ecoopenhouses.org and call up a few architects.

Paul Zara is a director of architects Conran and Partners. paul.zara@conran.com

This year is a bit different, with the Government’s Green Deal programme kicking in. February saw the launch of an initiative to help fund energy efficient ways to improve your home without any initial costs. The idea behind the Green Deal is that the cost of the work is added to your energy bill and paid for by the savings that you make. Assessments are made of what might suit 11

ABSOLUTE Dream Home

E

lliotts are delighted to offer this spacious well presented chalet style detached residence over two floors, with both levels offering space and versatility. In good decorative order, the property has

the benefit of gas fired central heating and double glazing and is located at the end of this exclusive cul-de-sac in Hove’s prestigious Tongdean district. The property is set back from the road with a wide frontage and private driveway providing nose to tail parking which leads to a garage and is set on a large plot with a particular feature being a fabulous c90’ x 60’ rear garden providing good privacy and with a host of trees, shrubs and bushes. Versatile accommodation over two floors with up to six bedrooms and two bathrooms, there is also an extra WC. In terms of living space there is a large interconnecting L-shaped lounge and dining room together with a sizable eat-kitchen with space for a full size table and chairs. Positioned at the end of this exclusive cul-de-sac, properties are rarely available in this location and internal inspection is strongly recommended.

Location, Location, Location! Meadow Close is a tucked away culde-sac immediately adjacent to Tongdean Road in Hove’s prestigious Tongdean district of the Hove Park area. Hove Park is within a few hundred yards with its greenery, open spaces and recreational facilities and there is a local shopping parade in Woodland Drive as well as several supermarkets nearby with central Brighton and Hove’s main city centre amenities including various restaurants, bars and shops within an approximate mile and a half radius.

Price :The property is listed with Elliotts for £825,000 Tel: 01273 773399 Web: www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk 12

Fabulous secluded and good sized mature rear garden, within easy reach of Hove Park.

Columnists

Making a guest appearance in our Homes section...

Stephen Grant Very Real Estate. That’s it, we’re off.

M

y wife and I are huge fans of open-plan living. Door off here, open the space up there, knock through everywhere. If it wasn’t for planning laws and structural dynamics, every home we live in would eventually end up a pillarless warehouse, with us sat in a far corner puzzled as to why our heating bills are at the level of an igloo’s roof garden.

Unfortunately, procreation dictates you need additional rooms, so those walls have been slowly reappearing. And when Mrs G recently alerted me to the fact that her current bout of illness was due to the sort of parasitic infection that takes 9 months to shift, we came to realise that our house had reached maximum comfortable occupancy and it was time to head out.

As those with an eye on the property market know, it’s an odd time to be selling a house. That said, it’s always an ‘odd time’ - the majority of reasons for selling your home are monumental life milestones (death, divorce, new family member, council announcing permanent traveller encampment across the road).

Estate agents are much maligned (and

often rightly) but you have to remember they are often dealing with people at a heightened emotional state, concerning the one possession they simply cannot be objective with. And in the case of an expanding family, a reluctant seller like us can be even harder to force into reality we don’t want to move, so there’s every chance we think our house is a Godgiven palace for which buyers should feel honoured to offer £100K over the obvious market value. Our agent was looking particularly concerned.

So we started the huge process of tidying, cleaning, decoration and reorganisation required to get the house looking as amazing as possible. It’s curious how we do this; people’s homes look their absolute best when they’re trying to get rid of them. Anyone who’s ever sold a car will know this strange feeling post vacuuming, washing, and clearing; it’s the dawning realisation that their vehicle is actually quite desirable when someone bothers to look after it.

The only problem is, neither my wife, nor me, and certainly not our 1yr old son, can live like this. When people go, “look at all the space!”, all I hear is, “look at all

the things that are missing!”. Crockery stored away. Clothes archived. Child-safety bumpers removed. Our once practical dwelling was now a dangerous, useless, uninhabitable show home.

It’s fraud. “Look how we live!” Nobody lives like this. Pretending it’s totally normal to have to go into the attic to fetch a light bulb. Our medicine box used to be on the kitchen worktop. It’s now so comprehensively stacked away that the headache involved in retrieving it is greater than any headache that would send you there in the first place.

So, realising this was an impossible status quo, we picked a list price nearly £50K less than I wanted, rather than have 6 months of living in impossible minimalism, to sell quickly. You could tell the estate agent was overjoyed. If he’d have had a heart, it would have sang. After 30 viewings and 4 weeks, we got an offer.

And how did we celebrate? Champagne?

A big meal out? No, by retrieving our son’s toys from storage and showering the lounge floor in them. Welcome back reality, we’ve missed you hugely.

It’s curious how we do this; people’s homes look their absolute best when they’re trying to get rid of them 25

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.

Cost need not be a barrier to valuable legal advice.

A new survey has revealed that more than half of small businesses are handling their own legal matters amid concerns about the value for money offered by law firms.

The Legal Services Board survey also showed how only 13% of respondents to the survey believed that lawyers offer a cost-effective method of resolving legal issues, despite more than one third (38%) acknowledging that they had faced a significant legal problem over the last 12 months.

Yet how many small businesses have actually spoken to a law firm about how best to manage the cost of expert legal advice which could help resolve a dispute before it escalates and ends up in court.

My advice to companies is don’t be put off seeking legal advice because of how much it might cost.

Talking about price is never easy but established firms like QS Howlett Clarke will always talk to you about the various ways you can fund your legal advice whether on a fixed fees basis, “no win no fee”, based on hourly rates or using insurance you may have forgotten you took out.

We pride ourselves on listening to you and discussing what is best for you, so we can help you find a cost effective solution to your problems. Small businesses in particular often worry about how much using a lawyer may cost but there are lots of options and whatever the issue, we are very happy to 14

review it with you and guide you through the process.

Crucially, handling legal affairs in house without expert legal advice may eventually lead to higher costs and a negative resolution to an issue.

Howlett Clarke sets the trend with Saturday opening hours Here at QS Howlett Clarke, we are always keen to set new trends have done so once again by becoming the first solicitors firm in Brighton and Hove to open on Saturday.

Giving clients access to certain legal services at a time that suits them is we believe essential in today’s economic climate. We are now open from 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday and our reception is able to take delivery of legal documents while a member of staff can witness signatures and progress other administrative functions.

The Saturday opening hours are particularly useful for the property sector with city estate agents able to refer buyers to QS Howlett Clarke on Saturdays to make conveyancing appointments, and to deliver documents.

Katherine Stockwell Associate Solicitor 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ

T: 01273 718514

guestlist What?

Launch of SuperB new homes Where?

Jury’s Inn 1

2

Why? New apartments by The Hyde Group close to the station Who? 1. Chris Oakley, Sally Gunnell and John Bigg 2. Tom Shaw, Jennifer Colquhoun, Debbie Small and Sam Welstead

3

3. Asia Jedrzejee, Mark Adams and Andy Parsons

4

4. Michael Jacobs, Bill Murray, Rob Starr and Adam Bates 5. Rebecca Carden, Jordan Hamilton and Rachael Short 6. Karl Roberts 7. Ben Harvey and Maureen Edwards 8. Becca Ryan, Dipa Dayalji, Lawrencia Ayanu and Maureen Edwards

5

6

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

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7

8

Photos: www.snapitnow.co.uk

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RENTAL property perceived as a good investment

L

andlord investment in residential property has increased significantly over the past three months, according to research from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

These include the areas close to the train station, city centre and

The research, which surveyed ARLA member agents, found that the

with a problem!

proportion of ARLA members who think landlords are currently increasing their net investment in the private rental sector (PRS) by buying properties has risen sharply - from 30% to 39% - over the last

Hove, as well as Kemp Town and Preston Park. Equally important is choosing the right type of property that will do best in your chosen area. A one bedroom flat in an area popular with families, or a family home in an urban area popular with young professionals will leave you

It goes without saying that if you want independent advice you should never rely on rental valuations or buy to let advice from the agent

three months.

who is selling the property. It is important to be realistic from the

In addition to more landlords buying properties, the proportion of

or otherwise - of your investment rests firmly on this.

landlords selling their properties is also down incrementally on the

start about the rental income you can expect to earn as the success -

previous quarter, from 15% to 14%, again indicating sector confidence.

Key Account Manager Phoebe Watson has

This shows that rental property is still perceived as a good investment.

and is a qualified member of ARLA. She

We are seeing a similar picture in Brighton, where interest in buy-tolet has been on the rise over the past 12 months.We are now working with a number of landlords who are at various stages of the process – from those who are at the first stages of considering buying-to-let through to those who have bought a property and are waiting for completion.

Rental demand is still very strong and rents remain firm, however, it is vital to seek independent advice from a local expert on exactly what area and what type of property to buy for the best investment.

Investors should be cautious and remember that the lettings market will fluctuate in terms of demand and rental values. As the investment

more vast experience within the industry is always happy to use her extensive knowledge of the local market to give free advice and guidance to landlords at any stage of their investment.

For advice you can trust on all aspects of renting or letting in please contact your local Leaders branch:

Fiveways: 01273 561534 Hove: 01273 321721 North Laine: 01273 675571 Western Road: 01273 720714

needs to be for the medium to long-term, it is better to invest in areas which are perennially popular with renters so that you can be assured of continuous demand throughout the lifetime of your investment.

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.co.uk

WOOD

by Natasha Askaroff

After years of clinical, modern interiors finally there is an essence of a rustic revolution. Wood brings atmosphere and a natural feel to an interior, balancing out an overzealous use of white and greys.

DESIGN CLASSIC

1. Newgate Pluto Starburst Clock Gold, £85.00 Heals www.heals.co.uk 2. Diamantini & Domeniconi Walnut Cuckoo Clock, £240.00 Heals www.heals.co.uk 3. Vitra Plywood LCW Chair by Charles and Ray Eames, from £836.00 Heals www.heals.co.uk 4. Wood-Effect Regent Wallpaper, £69.90 per role Andrew Martin www.andremartin.co.uk 5. Aubergine Turned Wood Floor Lamp, £214.00 Heals www.heals.co.uk 6. Contemporary Plywood Deer Trophy, £24.95 Edited www.editedbrighton.co.uk 7. Wood Wallpaper, Cole and Son www.cole-and-son.com 8. Manoir Bed, Large Emperor (215x215cm) £5825 And So To Bed www.andsotobed.co.uk

MATTRESSES ● BEDS DIVANS ● BUNK BEDS ● MEMORY FOAM ● SOFA BEDS

Tel: 01273 771782 - sales@redbedco.com SpringSummer is in theisair.

Time for afor spring clean of your old and bedmattress. and mattress. upon us. Time a clean of your old bed At Red Bed Bed Co, Co, we we have a huge selection mattressestotosuit suitevery every taste, space budget.

At Red have a huge selectionofofbeds beds and and mattresses taste, space andand budget.

116 Portland Road, Hove East Sussex BN3 5DN

www.redbedco.com

TILES TILES TILES www.tilemates.co.uk

GLASS - CERAMICS - PORCELAIN NATURAL STONE - MOSAICS SALE NOW ON

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

01273 412000 18

WOODEN FLOORING - Take to the floor

By Tara de la Motte

“The floor is literally the foundation of our homes”

T

he floors in our homes are the very bones and structure of the place, so choosing the right flooring is extremely important when creating a beautiful home.

A wooden floor will last a lifetime, acquiring character and patina with age.

It is also low in maintenance, warm, versatile and classically good looking.

This is a highly functional surface suitable for almost anywhere in the

What to choose It is good to learn to distinguish between solid wood, engineered boards, laminated and vinyl flooring.

Solid Wood - is the most natural kind of timber. Available in blocks or boards and it comes in a single piece sawn from the tree.

home, but special care needs to be taken when using it in any areas that Engineered Boards - are made from layers of wood stuck together with are likely to get wet. Hardwood is also antibacterial and anti-static, which their grain running at right angles to each other and this process reduces makes it good for allergy sufferers. Wood floors have a timelessness that warping and distortion which can sometimes happen to solid wood. allows them to fit well in both modern and traditional interiors, these Veneered and Laminate Flooring - is thinner than solid wood or engifloors are durable, warm, both in tone and to the touch. neered boards. These have a top layer of real wood veneer or a printed

Types of Wood There is a number of hardwoods such as oak, ash maple and walnut on the

image of wood laminated to a layered board, and has a tough, clear protective coating.

market. If you are looking for a hard wearing wood for areas with heavy Reclaimed Hardwood - There is a thriving market for reclaimed hardtraffic then maple is a tough wood and is often used in schools, museums boards for not only do they have character and patina but they are enviand dance halls. Oak is a popular wood because it takes on a unique patina ronmentally friendly. If you own a period home then a reclaimed floor will through time and wear.Whilst walnut is ideal as it is lightweight yet strong look like it has always been there. and it has a warm colour and veining. Bamboo has become a current trend So if you are looking for a top notch floor that not only looks stunning and is more eco-friendly. but is durable then choose the best wood flooring you can afford and you

Sizes and formats

won’t be disappointed.

Wooden boards range from narrow strips to broad planks. In general the thicker, wider and longer the boards, the higher the price.

If you prefer a patterned floor, try parquet or wood block, which can be laid in a range of designs from herringbone to basketweave. The individual blocks can come in a range of different colours in the same wood type and this can be installed to great effect in modern and period rooms.

19

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THE CONSERVATORY - A room with a view

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

C

onservatories became very fashionable during the Victorian era, the Victorians used this space for growing exotic plants and fruit. However, today the role of the conservatory has evolved into a luxury extension to our homes, a wonderful link between house and garden.

Adding a conservatory provides the perfect opportunity to extend your home and create a functional, light-filled living space.

A conservatory can be used for a second sitting room, dining room, playroom or office, as well as a place to relax and spend quality time with friends.

A glazed addition add value to your property so it pays to invest in a well-planned and executed structure that will stand the test of time. There are many reputable companies locally that will advise

22

you on the various styles available and they will survey, design, and manage the building of your conservatory from start to finish, to provide a structure that will give decades of enjoyment.

The conservatory is traditionally all glass, however the growing trend for a more seamless extension has seen a re-emergence of the classic stone and glass orangery. The orangery has become popular and is considered to be more of a solid structure, that is part of the house in both styling and feel. Originally orangery’s had a classical look with stone columns, solid back walls and often had sash windows. Now the difference between orangeries and glazed extensions has become somewhat similar; either will improve the layout and ambience of your home.

In designing your conservatory it is important that this new structure will complement the rest of your property by staying close to the materials and detailing which echo your existing home, so that your conservatory will be both authentic and smart.

These charming glass structures come in a diversity of shape, detailing and dimension.

Many conservatory styles are rooted in the past and probably the most recognisable is the Victorian-style. These are usually bay fronted with high-gabled roofs and decorative finials. However if your prefer something less ornate then the Edwardian style glasshouse is the one for you, with a flexible roof pitch and practical rectangular or square footprint. Then there is the Georgian orangery, this works well on larger homes. This features brick, stone or wood piers and a lantern roof, with a combination of solid and glazed walls and therefore the orangery is seen as a more versatile alternative to an all-glass extension.

If you have a large property, then the grandeur of the Georgian orangery is ideal. With an average sized house a smaller glazed conservatory, or the rectangular Edwardian, can be a better option.

The ‘lean-to’ can complement all architectural styles, including modern homes, and is useful on small rural and cottage properties, or ones with low roofs.

“A conservatory is a magical fusion of the outdoors and inside.”

23

Practical Matters When planning to have a conservatory added to your home it is not necessary to stick to a specific era rather, take inspiration from the architecture of your home as a guide. It is good to bear in mind that your local planners are willing to consider contemporary designs on period properties in order to highlight the clear definition between old and new. It is important that a conservatory should befit the house to which it is connected, in both size and style.

Building your conservatory takes careful planning and so choosing a good reputable company is a must. Adding a conservatory is not cheap but it is considered as a permitted development, although if you live in a conservation area or in a listed building then you may well require planning permission.

Your conservatory should maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year, so the location is very important. A southfacing room might be good for winter sun, but too hot in summer. So the materials used in the building needs careful thought. Glass is one of the most important factors to consider, choosing energy-efficient glass that will help reflect heat in summer and retain warmth in winter.

Heating, lighting and power need to be planned during the initial design stage, so wiring or pipework can be relayed under floors or within the framework.

Under floor heating is a good idea for conservatories. Flooring needs to be practical and stone tiles or some woods perform well under temperature change and are all compatible with under floor heating.

Ventilation and shade are all important factors within your conservatory. Opening roof windows are a must, whilst permanent roof vents will keep air circulating and can be operated manually and electronically.

Large entrances complete with sliding or folding doors, along with side-opening windows, will ensure continuous airflow. There is a growing demand for bi-fold or tri-folding doors that create a full opening along the entire wall.These also take up minimum space and offer uninterrupted views of your garden and can add a modern look for newer homes, but can easily blend well with a period home. For smaller conservatories these space-saving doors are a great solution.

Blinds are a multi-functional necessity, both for aesthetics and to keep out glare on sunny days. There are heat reflective blinds that reflect up to 86 per cent of the sun’s rays in summer, but retain needed heat in winter.

The frame of your conservatory can be made from eco-friendly timber, however, require maintenance, such as painting every so many years. In contrast aluminum is maintenance free and can have intricate detailing which will suit period properties.

The conservatory you build must be well-planned and executed so that it will add value to your property. Off-the-peg kits are available that are pre-cut and pre-drilled but come in limited designs. Ideally, choose bespoke as these are tailored to your unique requirements.

24

25

VOLKSWAGEN California Maar ten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor

I

don’t camp. I’ve got nothing against those hardy souls that do but l don’t.

Except for the one time when my wife dragged me along to some god forsaken field in the middle of nowhere and upon instruction that the plastic seat over the hole in the ground was the loo, l was off and running. Have to say though, l ended up in a very pleasant hotel called the Hotel Fowey in, oddly enough, Fowey in Cornwall and l heartily recommend the full English – and the luscious loos!

So when VW asked me to review the brand new variant of that iconic VW Camper van, l was a tad dubious to say the least. Having little knowledge of these things l am the perfect candidate l guess, as if it can convince me, it can convince anyone. From the moment it

26

arrived my daughters India and Millie had only one destination in mind and there was to be no argument – Monkey World.

After a supply shop and an age trying to connect the gas bottle to the supply in the house (apparently, that’s not the way you do it), we were off down the A27 heading toward the delight and delectation that is Dorset.

I am really impressed with it as a drive although you do tend to feel that you are hauling a maisonette around with you but once you get used to that, it drives brilliantly. Get it going and high speeds on the motorway are a breeze. It really pulls and with the 2 litre TDI Blue Motion engine technology and all-wheel drive, the fuel is sipped at a very civilised rate – l got 523 miles on a tank – that’s

Paris and back! But this Swiss Army knife of a vehicle is remarkable in that there is literally a place for everything.

The designer must be on the fanatical spectrum somewhere as everything has been thought out in obsessive detail and many features are ingenious. It offers two double beds and one is only found with the press of a button when the roof rises to reveal an upstairs. Then it boasts a picnic table and chairs, which took me a while to get into his OCD mind before l found the table hidden in the sliding side door and the chairs in a special zipper in the rear door. Ingenious. What sun canopy? Then l found the winding arm that makes the canopy appear from the roof with two legs tucked up inside.

Ingenious.

It feels like home and once you plug into an electrical supply, you could live in this for the rest of your life

I think he took a fag break when the memo came in about the electric tailgate as it would certainly benefit from one but hey, who’d begrudge him a fag. He’s worked hard.

Picture this, I am on an Alpaca farm next to Monkey World for the evening to get a good start in the morning with King Kong and his mates, l am in my chair, under my canopy with a glass of Chablis and slowly hand cranked on the CD and thoughts of food float into my mind. Lift that lid and there we have a two gas burner, with the sink beside complete with running water and the fridge to the other side. Bugger.

Filled it with Chablis and forgot the food.

No fear, as the missus pops out the cool box and it is not long before the foie gras, Russian salmon and three cheese soufflé

are on the go (it was bangers, mash and beans but leave me with my dream!)

To dine, there is another cleverly stowed table inside and the two front seats revolve and you have dining for four. Very civilised. And then shoot off with the kids to pat the Alpacas as the washing up is due. Ingenious. Sleeping is another thing.

First night we slept downstairs and must say that it was like sleeping on a slab of concrete. You would need to take along a blow up mattress not to awake with sore hips and shoulders but for the second night we threw the kids out of upstairs and it was much better. And the blow up mattress would be a doddle, as there are 3 pin plugs scattered around for that or phone charging or hair straighteners.

27

CAMPING Snippets If you cannot afford the £45,000 for the real VW campervan, then try this cut price version. A Campervan tent – no less stylish but probably not quite as good on the motorway but very cool nevertheless. £299.99 (l think that means £300 to you and me!) from www. firebox.com

The one thing missing from the California is a loo, so pick up one of these cool portaloos. Just add a copy of the Sunday Times and you’re set for a great weekend.

From www.thesportshq.com for £36.99

You might recall there is one thing missing from the California – a comfortable bed downstairs. Well pack one of these then you really are set for a good night. A double inflatable mattress that packs away very neatly when not in use. £12.99 from www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Lighting inside your Campervan is well taken care of but when you are scrambling around outside, then this handy head torch is just the thing. From www.argos.co.uk for only £6.99.

.co.uk

VOLKSWAGEN California cont...

There are so many storage compartments that we couldn’t take enough stuff to fill them, great lighting so it feels like home and once you plug into an electrical supply, you could live in this for the rest of your life – well a couple of weeks (without the kids) After a night in my California, l was an expert. I would suggest that they get rid of the gear stick and put in a flush auto press button on the facia as well as an electronic hand break as that would clear all the protrusions from the dash - and make swivelling the front seats round less of a Herculean task and of course, l would bling it. Needs cool graphics, funky rims and a dirt bike strapped to the rear or black the whole

thing out so that is resembles a CIA surveillance truck.

TECHNICAL STUFF CD/DAB radio, 8 speakers, colour

It’s great fun and a cracking bit of kit but then who will have £45,000 for a camper that gets used for the fortnight summer vacation and a few long weekends. Well, l would. Because once l had this clever transformer sitting on the drive, l would no doubt dream up places to go and people to see and end up using it most weekends.

touch screen, sat nav, 30 GB hard

Not sure? Then hire one for a weekend and get a feel for the vibe, dude! It’s a hoot.

but just chill man……

drive, SD card reader, bluetooth, phone, TV, Wi-Fi, tyre pressure warning, safe box, rain sensors, 42 litre fridge, cruise control – l could go on!

Engine: 2 litre 104PS TDI Acceleration: A week and a half Top Speed: 117 mph Economy: 28.8 mpg Price: £44.360.00 plus £150 for the Chablis and £5.60 for the bananas.

29

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Our monthly column from the Sussex County Cricket Club legend

Tony Cottey Back down Memory Lane

T

he Summer has arrived at last. We’ve had at least 10 sweltering days at the beginning of July where the sun has shone on all of us in the South East but more importantly on the Sussex Championship side. I was very fortunate to be involved in Taunton, helping out Robbo with the pre match preparation over the 4 day Match.

As you all probably know it only took two and half days to put a team full of international players to the sword by 9 wickets. That was a day longer than the home match, where it only took a day and half to beat them at Horsham.

Trescothick, Keiswetter, Butler, Compton and South African Alviro Pietersen will all be pleased that they won’t have to face Sussex again in 2013. At time of writing, Sussex sit proudly on top of Division One with six matches to go.

This leads me nicely on to an important date in the calendar, especially for me. On Friday August 9th Sussex are hosting a 10th Anniversary Lunch to commemorate the first Championship winning team of 2003. This will be the first official reunion of the 2003 playing squad and I’m really looking forward to catching up with a lot of old friends. There are still tickets available at £45 per person for the Lunch, for people who are interested in attending.

I have to say the 2003 season was the

highlight of my playing career. It will always be remembered in Sussex History due to the 164 years it took to secure its first County Championship. I remember we had to go to Old Trafford in the penultimate game.

Lancashire were second at the time and that’s all we had to do was not lose, a draw and we were Champions. We got absolutely stuffed! So it was down to the last match v Leicestershire at Hove and we needed 6 bonus points to secure our first title. We bowled Leicester out for less than 200, accumulating 3 bowling points.

All that was needed was to reach 300 with the bat to get our 3 batting points and the title. The two overriding memories for me was Mushy bowling Brad Hodge for his 100th First Class Wicket of the season with a googlie and Murray Goodwin pulling a short ball for four to get us past the 300 mark. Murray ended up passing the highest first class score by a Sussex batsman in the process, going on to score 333.

Phil De Freitas very sportingly allowed us a break in play so that we could enjoy a lap of honour in front of the Hove faithful. The rest of the week was a bit of a blur to be honest.

To say we celebrated hard would be the understatement of all time! The one thing I do remember in that drunken haze was a different type of lap of honour. Dick Knight and the

Albion very kindly invited us to hospitality at the Withdean on the Saturday where they were entertaining Sheffield Wednesday. It was a great moment as the crowd sang “ Good Ole Sussex by the Sea”, as we paraded the trophy around the ground. It was not such a warm welcome as we passed the away fans though. They started with chants of “ Yorkshire, Yorkshire” but then moved on to a rendition of “Do you bat for the other side”. You’ve got to love Football supporters haven’t you? I have to say I did have a laugh at that one!

Anyway on to the Anniversary Lunch, please get in touch if you fancy coming down to the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground to meet the 2003 squad. I’m sure it will be a great day.

Cheers Cotts

To say we celebrated hard would be the understatement of all time! The one thing I do remember in that drunken haze was a different type of lap of honour.

the 2003 Champions!

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31

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Simon Kirby

Columnists

Welcome to my latest sports column for Absolute.

A

s this year’s Wimbledon has been and gone, we all once again crowded round our televisions to cheer on Andy Murray and the rest of the British competitors.

I recently met some of the two million children who have been given a chance to play tennis as a result of the schools tennis programme run by the Tennis Foundation and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The event was part of a programme of activity to promote tennis as a sport for all ages and abilities, at the time when it took centre stage for the British Public on the eve of The Championships, Wimbledon.

It was great to see over 100 children taking part in the event to celebrate the success of the Aegon Schools Tennis Programme, which since 2009 has delivered free teacher training, resources and equipment to over half (16,000) the schools across Great Britain.

Tennis players past and present like Greg Rusedski and Johanna Konta, fellow MPs and I took to the court to have a hit against school children who have benefited from the programme and experienced first-hand how tennis is a fun sport for people of all ages and abilities.

I am very keen to do what I can to encourage as many people as possible to take up sport, and Tennis is a really enjoyable way to keep fit. I welcome the efforts of organisations like the LTA to boost the popularity of the sport, and I am sure will see a surge in participation after the nation tuned in to Wimbledon to see Andy Murray’s victory.

Mike Donovan Oscar Season

T

o say it has been a lively close season for the Seagulls is an understatement. Tony Bloom’s low-key leadership skills have been tested in the upheaval.

And it seems his appointment of Oscar Garcia as head coach may prove to be the one

which gets the club back on an even keel able to shoot for the stars once more. As early as this season.

Adam El-Abd, the long-serving local hero, has been given a new deal, Matthew Upson, the England World Cup centre-back who so impressed on loan from Stoke City, has been signed up on a permanent arrangement. Adam Chickson, 21, has signed a three-year deal after leaving MK Dons as Albion sought to plug the gap left by Wayne Bridge.

And there might be others on board by the time you read this.

But what counts above all is that Garcia stepping into Poyet’s shoes means a continuance of the upward-and-onward journey to the top-flight for the Seagulls.

Garcia has been a mystery man to Seagull fans. His first game in charge, a 3-0 friendly victory against non-league neighbours Whitehawk, illicited no comment from the Spaniard who played for Barcelona. His lips were tightened, it was reported, due to advice from club lawyers not to grant interviews with management or playing staff until the procedures surrounding Poyet’s dismissal were completed.

But colleagues speak very highly of him. Respected journalist Graham Hunter, who covers the Spanish league, compares Garcia to Pep Guardiola, the feted manager who brought so much glory to the Nou Camp. Hunter also feels Garcia has the potential to one day manage Barca.

Now let’s not push the former acolyte of Johan Cryuff out the door just as he arrives. But someone who has made those kind of impressions should make a positive contribution to repair that feel good bubble.

33

The Sultan of Swing When Guy Fletcher isn’t on the road, touring with Mark Knopfler, you will find him on the fairways at Goodwood

W

hat happens to rock musicians when the party lifestyle becomes a bit too hard to sustain? The answer, it seems, is to move to Sussex and take up an outdoor pursuit. For Roger Daltrey it is fishing in Burwash, Kenney Jones has set up his own polo club on the Sussex/ Surrey border, and for acclaimed musician Guy Fletcher, it is golf. Guy has played with some of the greatest bands including Dire Straits, Roxy Music and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. Since the break up of Dire Straits he has stayed with Mark Knopfler’s band, constantly touring and recording, as well as releasing two albums of his own.

Known as a multi-instrumentalist, Guy is probably best known for his keyboards.

Between tours he is out on the water at his Aldwick home on a paddleboard or surfing, or out on the beautiful Downs golf course at Goodwood. And according to the Goodwood golf pro, Ryan Fenwick, Guy has the attributes to be a fine golfer. We met with Guy and Ryan at the historic course to chat about golf and music - not a bad combination.

Photos and words by Ian Trevett

You are actually quite new to playing golf properly. How did you get the bug?

Guy. I first got the bug in when I was touring with Dire Straits in 1986 in Australia.

John Illsley, the bass player played off a six handicap and he arranged a round with Ian Baker-Finch, who went on to win the Open. I watched them tee off and I could not believe how anyone could hit the golf ball so far. I looked at them with disbelief and that was my intro and it gave me the inspiration.

I only joined the Goodwood club about three years ago with a friend called Rupert Gregson-Williams, who is a composer. We played golf once or twice a year for about ten years, just having a laugh really. We had dinner here one night and we decided we should join and see how good we could actually be. We loved the club. I met Ryan and we just seemed to get on well, so I decided to have a lesson, which was amazing.

I had just been hacking around and every

now and then, I might hit a good shot.

return we are going to change your grip.” But

is very technical. I think men enjoy technical

I thought that one day I would be able to hit

rather than waiting until I got home, I asked

challenges. I was determined to make it work.

a ball like that John and Ian, but, of course,

him what I needed to do, so by the time I got

Ryan. In the limited time he has had, he has

now I know it is hopeless, but it is all starting

back it felt natural.

been exceptional. I am amazed at how quickly

to make sense and the more I learn, the

Ryan. Most people wouldn’t take on that

he picks things up. We go into a lot of detail

more I want to learn.

advice as it is a big thing in golf, asking people

and he is interested in detail. A lot of the

to change the basics. Guy, being Guy and the

pros that I coach don’t have such a keen

way he always seeks perfection, he took on

attention to detail.

the advice and by the time he returned he

Our ambassador at Goodwood, Justin Rose,

had changed it.

is very similar to Guy in that he is also very

Guy. I played eight rounds in America and

good on the attention to detail. They both

Canada. The first time I tried the new grip

always want to get better. If Guy had the time

was in Canada and I hit several balls and they

he could easily play of single figures within a

went all over the place but after about twelve

year.

attempts its started to click in and I played a

Guy. It feels very good to be compared to

round of golf straight away and I actually got

Justin Rose!

How easy is it to fit in a round when on tour?

Guy. We have been touring every year for the last five years and it is hard to find time to practice. Golf is very popular among musicians though not among the current band. There are two crew members that I play with, who are really nice guys and pretty good golfers. The schedule for our current European tour is so tight that even though I

a decent score.

get free time, the crew are too busy, so I have

I was determined to take on the advice

no-one to play with.

though it did help that I didn’t have much

It was better last year when we were touring with Bob Dylan in America. I spoke with Ryan while I was out there and he said, “When you

history in golf, so it wasn’t a long-term habit I needed to undo.

I’m fascinated by the technical things and golf

On your travels have you had the chance to play on some of the best courses?

Guy. I have been very lucky to play on some incredible courses. I have played in Malibu, 35

Ryan Fenwick with Guy Fletcher.

Ryan is a PGA professional, an England Regional Coach and the 2011 Sussex Open Champion.

at Furry Creek in Vancouver, the North

You joined Dire Straits just before

How long have you been in Sussex?

Shore Country Club in North Carolina, the

they became global stars? How did

Guy. We have been in Sussex for 15 years -

Peninsula Club...

you cope with that?

the best move we made. I live in the coast at

You can meet some really interesting people

Guy. I joined the band in 1983, two years

Aldwick and love it here, especially being be

from all walks of life.

before the release of the Brothers in Arms

near the sea. I am out there paddleboarding,

album. The first tour I did with the band was

fishing, surfing. I caught a sea bass yesterday

when it went really crazy. Every country we

which I cooked for lunch

played in, we were number one. I remember

I haven’t tried polo - not in a million years. I

we played 26 nights in a row at Sydney.

would never get up on one of those horses,

I was already used to the way things worked.

though I do love horses. My friend does own

I had been with Roxy Music and before then

a few racehorses and they are beautiful.

with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. For

And then there is Goodwood. I did a bit of

some people, fame comes suddenly and they

motor sport a few years ago - Mark is heavily

find it hard to cope with. I had moments

into cars. So I enjoy the Revival Meeting and

when my ego took over when I was younger.

Festival of Speed. Every now and again I’ll do

You need someone at home to ground you. It

The band is growing and we are still evolving.

a track day with Mark. Goodwood is quite a

was always hard coming home from a tour as

When he disbanded the band and went solo,

scary track to drive on.

there was always a big come-down.

Walks of life? Was that a deliberate Dire Straits plug?

Guy. No! I would never do that, it was accidental.

Actually we don’t play that any more as Mark (Knopfler) has become bored with it. He is very prolific in his writing. He never stops making albums and touring, so he likes to move on.

many questioned whether it would be as good. It has taken until now for people to really appreciate the new work and people now appreciate us much more. We do play some old favourites, as people love hearing them. We usually play Brothers In Arms, Romeo and Juliet, Telegraph Road and Sultans of Swing.

We are selling out everywhere, all across Europe and there are very few people selling out big venues, especially in the current economic environment.

I have been involved with some of the events

I don’t have this now. The way we tour

with Lord March. His son Freddie is a very

now, we really get looked after - we stay in

good guitar player - very nice people. I played

best hotels and travel in comfort. I miss the

with Nick Mason here. That was great fun.

partying but we can’t do this anymore.

We have two sons. Max, the eldest, is 22

Now I enjoy the domesticity - walking the

and he has a band called Animal Language

dog, seeing the family, playing a round of golf.

based in Brighton. He is determined - he

I am very lucky - I met my wife, who is from

has inherited that determined gene that you

California, when we were on tour and we

need. He is a great writer, singer and guitar

have been married for 26 years. She is a big

player. Leon, 17, is at college and he wants

part of it and guys need this to stop getting

to get into film - which he probably do.

carried away. She has always helped me.

Determination has a lot to do with it. www.goodwood.co.uk/golf-at-goodwood

36

guestlist What?

Platinum Club Where?

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Brighton Racecourse Why? The premier business club arranged a members’ day out at the races Who? 1. Niki Cassidy, Jordan Whibley and Daisy Fitzsimmons 3

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8. Nick Ellin, Fiona Marley and Richard Smith

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9. Dan Montagnani, John Healy, Andy Percival, Alan Prior and Maarten Hoffmann 10. Elaine Smith and Rob Fawcett 11. Andy Percival and Becky Sharp 12. Kate McCoy and Craig Walden 16

8

9

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

13 10

11

12

Photos: www.roseberyimages.co.uk

37

It’s Ladies Night The NatWest Venus Business Awards recognise the work of local business women

T

British Engineerium Entrepreneur of the Year Denise Buchan – Classic Consulting Nicky McCrudden – McCrudden Training Monica Norley – Visionary Soap Company NatWest Small Business of the Year Rachel Boyle – ABC Magazine Ellie Priest – Brighton Pilates Maddy Wood – Brilliant Noise Roedean School Inspirational Woman of the Year Sheila Flavell – FDM Group Rebecca Jenner – Extratime Brighton Benita Matofska – Compare and Share

he NatWest Venus Business Awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of women running successful businesses as well as juggling life’s commitments. Set up in 2009 by Tara Howard in Dorset, under the name Langtry Manor Business

Women Awards it rapidly became a huge success and expanded to other regions, rebranding to the name the Venus Awards. Explaining her reasons for setting up the Awards, she said: “Being a mother of four and juggling business and family, as so many women have to do, I realised that women are not always on a fair playing field with men when it comes to recognition and awards. That is why I started the Langtry Manor Business Women Awards now under the umbrella of the Venus Awards. After four years of running the awards, my experience is that the main thing holding most women back is themselves.

“Be it nurture or nature, we often underestimate what we can achieve in the business world. The awards reaffirm to local business women that they are on the right track and give them a confidence boost that may be the first rung on a ladder to endless possibilities. I often have women coming up to me saying ‘this has changed my life’ - to think something as simple as an awards can make such a difference is humbling!”

With a record of over 900 nominations the finalists can now be revealed for the 7 sponsor judged categories and the three public vote categories, see list on the right.

38

Aston Scott Lifetime Achievement Cherril Starmer – Thistle Hotels Paula O’Shea – Journalist Works Sue Taylor – Ultimate Life Secrets

High Achiever of the Year Pamela Austen – Quality Solicitors Howlett Clarke Samantha Bailey – Brighton Racecourse Dulcie Brookfield – Mike Oliver Associates Kathryn Howard – Brain Injury Services Sarah Springford – Brighton Chamber Home Based Business of the Year Kirstie Betts – Pied A Terre Adventures Fay Millar – Pink Rose Cakes Charlie Doidge – Thanks Charlie Ltd Lucy Armstrong – Lucy Armstrong Chocolates Shoshana Plail – Child Friendly Brighton and Hove Networker of the Year Caroline Cole – SF Accounting Jane Hames – Glide Training Rebecca Jenner – Extratime Brighton Helen Ruff – Doily Days For more information please go to: www.venusawards.co.uk

networking

LOV E B I T ES

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

Here’s my round up of the business networking and learning events you should be looking out for in August and September

2nd August - Sussex Cricket Club’s Boundary Club. Excellent food, lots of networking and the chance to watch a match after the lunch. Contact James Potten on 01273 827126 to join.

Ambrose Harcourt’s Business Love Bites Top 5 Dave Day Founder Golden Lion Group Rainy Night in Georgia by Brooke Benton.

I first heard this song and singer when I was

6th August, 6pm - 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.

running a newsagent in Kemp Town and we used to stock Music for Pleasure LP’s - giving my age away now. I fell in love with his rich voice and in particular this song - so much so I made my soon-to-be wife walk down the aisle to it!

16th August, 8am, Juice Business Breakfast.

Venue tbc. Register at www.juicebrighton.com/info/breakfastclub.

21st August, 6pm – Brighton Chamber Summer Social – Pimms and delicious supper at Hove Kitchen. Summer sunshine guaranteed (maybe) www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

Evergreen by Barbra Streisand.

Me and the missus - this is our song.

One Day Like This by Elbow.

An uplifting feel good anthem

10th September – Curry Club. Lots of people, buckets of curry, and full on business card swapping. £17.50, book in advance at www.brightonbusinesscurryclub.co.uk

You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones.

Takes me back to the old days of the mods and rockers era. I was as a rocker

19th September – 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.

sympathiser.

I Wonder by Rodriguez.

A haunting love song which unfortunately reminds me of a really bad cruise we went on earlier this year.

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.

www.goldenliongroup.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 8.30am.

39

Business

Our Port in safe hands Tim Parker meets Shoreham Harbour Chief Executive Rodney Lunn

T

here has been a harbour at

the number of employees has grown by 10%,

Shoreham for over a thousand

a remarkable achievement in these difficult

years, but the River Adur has

times.

a whimsical nature and it was

forever changing its mind as to which way it wished to run into the sea. At one point the entrance to the harbour was very close to where the Hove Lagoon now stands. For locals and visitors alike shifting sands are dangerous and unsatisfactory for those whose livelihood depends on the sea.

There is a smell of the sea at Shoreham Harbour Locks, and every so often a glimpse of the past. It is exciting to watch a ship of some 5,000 tons or more entering the port on a fresh, windy day and then manoeuvre into the lock with just a few feet to spare.

Sadly, there was no such entertainment when I went to see the Port’s Chief Executive

The Port as we know it today did not come

Rodney Lunn last month, but it was a sunny

into existence until 1760 when a group of

day and I could smell the sea.

influential people met at the Star Inn, New Shoreham. They decided to make a proper and reinforced cut for the river to enter the sea and so make Shoreham a safe port for its ships and shipbuilders. There were arguments, troubles, good times and bad times and sometimes it seemed that the Adur could not be tamed but, thanks to those early pioneers, the Port is still open for business.

Now some 252 years later it is doing very well despite the forecasts of some of its detractors. I understand that, over the past 4 years, revenue has increased by 25% and

When I arrived, I found that the Port had some new offices. In truth I was rather disappointed - I missed the old offices with the boardroom table and pictures of sailing ships battling through stormy seas.

But thinking about it, new offices and a new approach is just what the Port needs; it is no good living in the past. And, it was a pleasure

for our expanding timber trade and other

to meet Rodney Lunn who is a friendly man,

innovations which give us a better return than

an enthusiast who loves his job and who was

depending on aggregates and other traditional

himself a seaman.

industries. We have to look to the future and

“So how are you doing?” I asked.

“Things are going well,” Rodney replied.

“For some years the Port has been investing for the future and we are very busy with a number of new projects. Last year we

come our way.”

“Of course, that’s wholly sensible,” I replied, “but I do find it sad that you no longer handle tomatoes and wine.”

welcomed around 900 commercial ships, 900

“Yes, it is sad,” agreed Rodney, “but the hard

fishing vessels and we shifted approximately 2

fact is that those markets have changed and

million tonnes of cargo.”

I doubt we could compete in this day and

All very impressive but I remembered from my last visit that when talking to Rodney Lunn’s predecessor, the cargo tonnage had been the same – 2 million tonnes per annum.

“But your tonnage shows no increase on what it was when I was last here six years ago.”

age. Still you never know! But, although there are some who still regard our Port as an anachronism, it is doing better now than it has for many a year, we have a master plan and I am confident for the future.”

While of course the master plan, like all master plans would change, I was encouraged

by Rodney’s obvious enthusiasm, skills and

“That’s true,” said Rodney, “but we have

vision for the future. I asked him to tell me

branched into some new areas. Steel handling

something of his past.

for example, providing improved facilities Rodney Lunn

take advantage of opportunities when they

The Port has been investing for the future and we are very busy with a number of new projects.

“I was born in Gravesend where my father

and we were pulled out of the water on one

was a River Thames pilot for some 30 years.

of the Gravesend Slips. The local pubs still had

He loved the job but at times it was tough

spittoons in those days. We could have gone

and demanding. To climb a ship’s ladder

on chatting for hours!

of 30ft or more on a dark night with the ship rolling and pitching is a difficult and hazardous business, where it is indeed a matter of ‘one hand for the ship and one for yourself’. The Port has been investing for the future and we are very busy with a number of new projects.”

But now, back to business. There is no doubt about it, under Rodney’s leadership and with a forward-looking Board of Directors, the Old Port is doing well. At the time of writing the Port is home to some 1,400 businesses and directly employs 92 people, including 3 apprentices. In addition to its new business,

No chance of anything like that being allowed

the Port is now exporting which makes it a

today Health and Safety would not approve, I

much more attractive proposition for ship

thought to myself. Rodney went on to tell me

owners. It exports wood chips to Europe,

that his father had been serving on a corvette

and glass to Portugal. And, the Port now

in the Mediterranean in the Second World

is hoping that planning permission will be

War when his ship was torpedoed. Swimming

received to build a Biofuel power station. The

for his life, he was picked up by one of

power produced from this will be fed into the

England’s mighty First World War Battleships,

National Grid.

H.M.S Rodney. “Hence my name,” said Rodney with a smile.

I told Rodney of my time in the Navy when my small ship was in collision with another

Altogether there is more that goes on in Shoreham than one might suppose.

s

. t

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How to win awards With the Sussex Business Awards now open for entries, Thomas Paton speaks to Chris Robinson, founder of Boost Marketing, the company which specialises in writing award entries designed to grab the attention of those all-important judges

What are the most common errors you encounter?

Often people want to enter a good idea, a new website maybe, a product that has just launched, or the early stages of an initiative.Very often we say to people “Today is too soon, so let’s decide when it would be the right time”. People often also send unsuccessful award entries or presentation decks and ask, “Why didn’t we win?”

We almost always find the same two problems: “you have not

What is your professional background and how did the

answered the questions the right way”, and “you have not proven your

idea for Boost present itself?

point” (a lack of evidence). Other common issues are the story being

I worked in marketing positions at a training company called

too soon, too unoriginal, too low level or too badly written.

KnowledgePool, followed by a call centre consultancy called Blue Sky Performance Improvement. At both companies I found myself being

In times of recession, companies are more cautious

hired out to write award submissions, and Blue Sky won ten awards

when allocating investment for additional services. Do

in the year I was there. I got the bug when I saw how effective these

you feel you can offer them a valid advantage in their

were at improving marketing and sales effectiveness, and making the

own market?

clients involved love us more.

Absolutely. Whether a supermarket convincing someone to buy fresh produce in their store, or a call centre outsourcing bidding for a

How does Boost differ from a public relations agency?

multi-million pound contract, an award does make a difference. We

We are only in the PR sector by default because it is the closest fit to

have undertaken research on a number of occasions and generally

our services, not because I would consider myself a PR professional

about 80% of business decision makers and 70% of consumers admit

or Boost a PR agency. We are different because, rather than award

to being influenced by awards when making buying decisions.

entry writing being a case of “yes we can do that too” our service is all about awards. Any PR agency or copywriter can write an award entry, and probably do a decent job. We consider ourselves a Award Entry Consultancy because we add value in ways that non specialists cannot hope to – most importantly, we don’t just write up the story as it is presented, we challenge their perception of the story, and most important we sort out the almost inevitable lack of evidence.

You can’t win over a skeptical judge without proving you deserve the awards. So we generate evidence as well through research, analysis, surveying etc. We are the whole case building service, not just the easy bit – writing it up. So our service overlaps in terms of writing, and there is a small overlap in planning, but the real value adding elements of the job are completely different.

Is there a particular question that you wish companies would ask themselves before approaching you?

Not really. People often don’t know what to enter, which awards to enter, when, how or anything. We can help them answer these questions and make the right decisions for their business and their wallets. Because we are completely independent of awards, and more experienced at helping people enter awards than literally anyone else on the planet, it is probably best they call us and let us help. We will not encourage people to enter awards when not appropriate and because we are fortunately very busy they will not find themselves receiving a hard sell. However some people call us for advice with no intention of hiring our services. This happens a lot and so there is only so much advice we will offer before drawing a line in the sand and saying “from now on it’s consultancy”.

44

Chris Robinson

Fitness

Boost Marketing Team I would suggest more are influenced but would prefer not to mention

How do you deal with companies who are looking to

it. It is a very inexpensive way of providing a few extra percentage

manipulate fact to achieve commercial recognition?

points to the likelihood of winning customers. I thought the recession

We have a strict code of conduct here and do not let people do this.

would kill Boost, and in certain sectors like construction and central

There is an important difference however between presenting the

government the work did dry up, however the service sectors went

truth in a positive light (expected by judges) and being deliberately

crazy for awards and they kept us growing. Our turnover is now

misleading or fibbing. If there is even the slighted whiff of dishonesty

about £600k per year.

in an application then the submission is dead in the water, so a sense of trust needs to be earned by quoting sources and being clear about

What level of access, to company information, do you

stats. A common trick for example would be to say that increasing

require?

a win rate from 11-17% is a 55% improvement. This should be

We ask for, and usually receive, total access to senior people and

expressed as a “six percentage point improvement from 11-17%”.

extremely sensitive information. Awards also ask for sensitive

Judges will trust the latter, not the former.

information and we routinely check on confidentiality policies before putting financial or sensitive information into documents. The thing is, awards want to know about profits, future plans, strategies, innovations and ingenuity. These things are usually sensitive but when customers start refusing to let even us see the information (very rare) we normally suggest they do not proceed. We also need to check that there is no “legal risk” or “legal department” in the sign off loop that is likely to sterilise an entry – this happens and it is infuriating when it does. These sterile entries never win – ever.

How much of the written entry do you dedicate to story-telling and how much do you dedicate to strategy?

This depends on the entry form and word count. Even when the rules

In a time when local councillors have declared that Brighton must generate a minimum of 6,000 jobs by 2014, I think that it is a pertinent moment to examine one of our own local enterprises that is paving the way for innovation and skill growth. What Boost Marketing have done is to specialise within a market, to look at their mode of operation and take it to another level. Every entrepreneur knows it’s about finding your niche, it’s about grabbing an opportunity when it presents itself. I chose to interview Chris to get a better insight into his business, not only did I discover that he is a charming and affable man but, he’s also the embodiment of a success story and a textbook example of how to capitalised on an emerging sector, after all, necessity is the mother of invention.

only allow a few hundred words we ensure there is still a memorable narrative, even if it’s just 10% of the words. However when an award

To enter the Sussex Business Awards go to

allows more words – 1,500 is common and a good number - then we

www.sbawards.org.uk

can go to town.

Boost Marketing - www.boost-marketing.co.uk 45

Why Network?

There is no substitute for the good old handshake, says Maarten Hoffmann

N

etworking is vital for any business in today’s tough

listen to a speech in which they might have zero interest. That serves

economic climate but as with so many commercial

the bank balance of the organiser but not necessarily the group.

choices we have to make such as what computer system to install, what marketing to undertake, what printer

I realised that what was missing was a networking event that felt like

to employ – so one has to make the important decision of where

a social occasion; an event l would like to go to regardless of the

to spend valuable funds and sometimes more importantly, where to

networking opportunities; an event that was relaxed, enjoyable and

spend our valuable time when it comes to networking. There are

full of diverse, eclectic and interesting people from a great range of

many such events in Brighton, almost too many to shake a stick at, but

different business sectors with new faces at every event in luxurious

which one to join?

surroundings with no superfluous additions. So l founded The Platinum Club, in association with the Grand Hotel, Brighton.

Social media is well embedded in our psyche these days and might l say, has turned into an obsession for some. Whilst SM is a great

Now in our third year, The Platinum Club is a great success primarily

advent that has brought with it numerous advantages there is no

due to the number of people out there that felt the same way l

replacement for face to face dialogue. I hear people say that they have

did. We stripped everything away – no seated meals, no sponsors,

500 connections on LinkedIn or a thousand friends on Facebook, but

no marketing literature, no charity whip rounds and definitely no

how many do you actually know and how many would actually do

speeches. In its place, we host a relaxed Champagne reception with

business with you based on some tenuous link through a computer?

delicious canapés, live jazz and hosts that know everyone in the room and all in the splendour of the Grand Hotel. While the guests

There is no substitution for the good old fashioned hand shake and

sip Champagne, the Platinum hosts work the room and make casual

getting to know one another face to face over a drink, but if you do

introductions throughout the evening just as one would if you were

want to network, where, how and which one?

hosting a party and invited lots of friends who didn’t know each other.

I faced this problem several years back when l realised that l needed

The difference is that we know everyone in the room and the

to step up my networking efforts and began the search for the

background to their business, therefore when we make introductions

Brighton group that would best suit my needs. Surprisingly l couldn’t

we know they are relevant to the business in question and that there

find one that really suited my company and as time is often more

is benefit to both parties. Never is anyone left standing alone and

precious than money, l didn’t want to devote time to a group that

within ten minutes of arriving to their first meeting, new members

didn’t deliver. So l started my own networking group.

feel like they have come home and are amongst friends.

But I’m biased – here are a few quotes from members:

I was put off by many things. Seated meals are a bug bear for me as sitting next to two people is just not the way to go if you want to

“Let me tell you, The Platinum Club is no ordinary

network – the very meaning of the word is to meet lots of diverse

networking club. For anyone tired to the run of the mill

people and not just two. Second are sponsors. They pay the organiser

networking events, l would suggest you try the Platinum

a fee to pitch to the group and then everyone has to stop talking and

Club.” JOHN HEALY, Chairman, HEALY’S LAW

46

Maarten Hoffmann with Absolute MD Alan Prior, presenting the winners prize at a recent Platinum away day at Brighton Racecourse to celebrate the Clubs second anniversary.

“I met some great people and really enjoyed myself.

courses but to ensure you get the best ‘bang for your buck’, work out

Well worth it and l look forward to many more.”

what you want from your networking efforts and choose the group

AMANDA MENHEM, Director, HASTINGS DIRECT

that best suits your needs.

INSURANCE

For those that are new to networking or feel a little insecure walking “Thank you for a great year of networking events that

into a room full of people who all seem to know each other, here are

are always very well organised and so refreshing to

a few tips:

meet so many people l have never met before.” KEITH JACKMAN, Director, MERCEDES BENZ OF BRIGHTON

a/ Take lots of business cards. b/ Ask the organiser for a list of attendees, study it and work out which one’s you would specifically

“I would highly recommend the Platinum Club if you

like to meet. c/ Don’t be shy – locate the person you would like to

are interested in meeting new businesses in a relaxed

meet, approach them when they are not in full flow with another

and friendly environment – we have only just joined

person, look them straight in the eye and introduce yourself with

and have gained new clients already.” BECKY SHARP,

confidence. d/ Don’t begin with a rehearsed pitch of your business.

HARVEY JOHN RECRUITMENT

Instead, treat it as you would any social event you might go to – chat and get to know each other. e/ When the time feels right, tell them

“The Platinum Club is everything l expect from a

about your business and all the salient points. Keep it short and

networking club – informal, full of interesting people

succinct, hand over your card, accept theirs and ask if it would be

and very well run. I look forward to each meeting and

ok to get in touch the following week to expand further. If you are

have gained new clients and made some great friends.”

getting along like a house on fire, chat away. If not, thank them for

RICHARD KENDALL-TOBIAS, Director,

their time and move on. Remember – treat a networking event as you

BLUE DIAMOND SECURITY

would a social occasion, but with a mission. f/ Accept only soft drinks until you have met all your planned people – getting tipsy straight off

“Absolute Magazine is proud to be the media partner

the bat often leads to all sorts of unplanned things falling from one’s

for The Platinum Club”

lips and sometimes a failure to remember anyone you actually met!

We have members large and small but to ensure that we are not

Networking is a fantastic way to meet new people, gain more

top heavy with any particular industry, we limit members to four per

business and to promote your company and is very cost effective.

business category which ensures a good spread of companies. But as mentioned, there are many networking groups in Brighton that work

For more information on joining The Platinum Club,

very well for their members. Cobb PR run the excellent Lunch Club

call: 07966 244046

that meets each month as does the Curry Club who meet monthly

or email: info@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk

over curry and a pint and of course there is the Boundary Club at the

and check out recent and future events at:

Cricket Ground and they certainly have their fans. The local Chamber

www.theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk

of Commerce also run some interesting events. It really is horses for 47

State of the City 2013 Thomas Paton reviews the city debate hosted by the Chamber of Commerce

T

he premise of the debate was to allow business leaders

In all respects the event was a success as not only did it bring

from the public and private sectors to raise and discuss

together a group of individuals who have the means to address the

any issues which are impacting the community. This

issues facing the city but also, more importantly, it afforded a collective

year’s panelists included council leader Jason Kitkat, Gary

awareness regarding many smaller problems which otherwise would

Peters (Chairman of the Economic Partnership) and Julia Chanteray

have been neglected. For example, audience members raised their

(President of the Chamber of Commerce). Conducting proceedings

concerns over the ‘Look’ of Brighton, claiming that the grubby

for this year’s debate was former BBC journalist Miranda Birch, who

exteriors of local businesses were driving away potential custom

was given the unenviable task of keeping the audience and the panel

and also the need for better road allocation for buses, as certain bus

firmly on topic.

routes are proving dangerous for pedestrians.

At it’s heart, the debate reflected upon a central question, ‘What is

The event drew a sizeable audience of executives and institution

it about Brighton & Hove that helps or hinders your business?’ This

heads including representatives from both universities. All of the

question was posed to attendees before the event in the hope that

issues raised at the event were documented by the chambers

it would inspire an outing of the dominant issues which are having a

scribe, with a view to present and confront them in the future. It is

positive or negative effects upon local enterprise. Aside from a few

clear that many of those involved in the event have a genuine and

noticable of deviations from topic, audience members brought a

steadfast approach to improving our city and for that we should all

myriad of salient issues to the table, prompting panel members to not

be appreciative. However, at some points the conversations deviated

only shed light on particular development areas but to also quell any

to unrelated national issues and some individuals posed questions

false notions held amongst the audience.

which were outside the remit of the debate. With this in mind I would

The chief talking points answered by Gary Peters highlighted a need to support local start-ups, diversifying our local industry and a his vision of attracting larger employers to the city. During the debate council leader Jason Kitkat was called into question regarding the i360 wheel and the proposed developments on the disused King

implore local business people to speak out and present any issues that they are encountering. I do this in the knowledge that there is a multitude of individuals working within the chamber and Brighton as a whole that are devoted to improving it for the rest of us but without feedback, their task becomes much more difficult.

Alfred sports site which he answered and explained to the concerned

The next chamber debate will be held in October at Brighton City

parties before going on the elucidate upon his primary objectives of

College. All events provided by the chambers are free and open to all

confronting our outdated transport system and paying heed to our

looking to voice a relevant concern.

failing pollution targets.

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guestlist What?

Skerritts’ Champagne Reception Where?

1

2

The Hilton Metropole Why? Skerritts sponsored The Rockinghorse Ball raising money for the Royal Alex

Who? 1. Theresa and Wendy Heal 3

4

5

2. Sam Howell, Mary Skerritt and Fay Skerritt 3. Tim Skerritt and Zoe Ealey 4. Heidi Edwards and Richard Skerritt 5. Neil and Katy Jackson 6. Richard Buckingham, Alison Duke and Stella Buckingham 7. Jenny Green, Lee and Nicola Tunmore 8. Dawn Blake and Sid Sloane

6

9. Lady Mary Mumford, John Dunlop, Sarah Collins and Ryan Heal

7

10. Louise Hearn and Zoe Ealey 11. Kim Wilks and Anne Heal 12. Sophie Croass and John Heal

16

8

9

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

13 10

Photos: Lesley Taylor

11

12

www.infinityphotographic.co.uk

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

Inside the Chamber A learning culture for business

O

ne of the things I’m always

through a lot of dross and out of date

are really expensive, which can put a lot of

struck by with my business

material to find out things you need to

people off coming along or sending their

consultancy clients is that

know.

staff. Or, you have to spend the whole day at a course, which can be very difficult for

people often feel that they

don’t know how to run a business. We don’t

Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce

busy people. Brighton Chamber’s Bite Size

learn this at school, and even if you do a

has an alternative to this. Not only can

sessions are just two hours, usually at the

business studies degree, this doesn’t teach

you come along to our networking events

beginning or the end of the day, so they

you much about the practicalities of running

and learn from your fellow business people,

don’t involve a lot of time away from the

a business.

including our great speakers, but we also

business.

have some great learning opportunities.

Oh, and because we’re run by business

I spent a lot of time and money on my MBA, and while it teaches you all the theory, I’m

Our Bite Sized Learning sessions give two

people with the sole purpose of helping the

not sure it was a good investment for any

hours of very practical business learning.

Brighton business community, we’re able to

of the things you need to know about the

And it’s not pure theory, we’ve been able

keep the price down to a ridiculously cheap

stuff you need to do, day by day, to create a

to get some of the city’s leading experts

£25 for a session. So you can come to a

successful business.

in their areas to share their secrets and

couple of sessions a month, learn lots of

teach others about what they know. We’ve

great stuff, and not break the bank.

Most business people have had to learn as

got sessions on online marketing, time

they go along, which of course is the hard

management, decision making, cash flow and

Check out some of our sessions, and have a

way, and often involves lots of mistakes

finance, how to get clients through public

think about what you need to learn to get

to learn lessons from. There are lots of

speaking and a series of sessions specifically

your business moving up a gear.

business books available, but not everyone

for creative businesses. And that’s just the

wants to, or has the time to wade through

next couple of months!

a big pile of reading. And there’s lots of advice online, but again you have to get

Julia Chanteray is the director of business consultancy The Joy of Business and the President

Most commercial workshops for business

of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce.

Even if you do a business studies degree, this doesn’t teach you much about the practicalities of running a business.

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Photos: Julia Claxton

Sussex Business Awards Now Open for Entries

T

he twenty fifth Sussex Business Awards are now open for business following a trio of launch events across Sussex this month in Brighton, Crawley and Eastbourne.

Chris Robinson, managing director of Boost Marketing Ltd, chaired a short Q&A session with previous Sussex Business Award winners James Burton of Qualifa, winner of last year’s International Business of the Year, Nick Dunn of Boing Splash Media, who won Most Awesome Use of Digital Media 2012 and Kevin Berry of Sussex County Cricket Club, which won Best Place for Business Entertaining 2012.

They were joined by Nicki Perry of Domestic & General, who sponsors Best Customer Service and John Keenan of The Argus, sponsor of Boss of the Year.

Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards are the longest established scheme of its kind in the county and it is the one that everyone wants to win!

This year’s sponsors include Morgan Sindall, Mazars, Legal & General, The Montefiore Hospital, Domestic & General, Morrisons Solicitors, Sussex Innovation Centre, HSBC, Checkaprofessional, Sussex Enterprise and Midnight Communications.

The media sponsors will be Heart FM, Sussex Business Times, Absolute Magazine and The Argus.

To enter simply go online at www. sbawards.org.uk to review all of the categories available and determine which are appropriate for your business. Entry costs £50 for one entry or £100 for up to three to cover the administration costs of the scheme. Enter The Healthiest Workplace Award, The Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity and Boss of the Year for FREE. www.sbawards.org.uk @SussexBizAwards.

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The Queen’s Speech

If I was

Queen of Brighton Drag Queens and karaoke on the buses, a West Pier nightclub and free cake and jelly at the Pavilion... all under the reign of Queen Dulcie Danger

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If I were Queen of Brighton I would rule with an iron fist (inside a fluffy mitten)

As Queen I would take up residence in the Brighton Royal Pavilion, which would be painted pink and blue and dusted with glitter. I’d host a grand ball there every night with free cake and jelly and a giant chocolate fountain.

Unlike the present queen I would wear a crown all day, every day. There is little point in being a Queen if you don’t use the opportunity to wear ridiculously over the top jewellery on your head as a matter of daily attire. I am always disappointed to see the Queen wearing just a hat, a crown is part of her work uniform, it should be compulsory headwear for royalty.

I would make sure that all my subjects are free from poverty and homelessness and make it illegal to leave property empty that could be lived in. I would work hard to make sure that daily life is a joy for everyone in my kingdom.

Firstly I would make it illegal to speak in any other manner than ‘musical singsong’, making it difficult to be nasty and

threatening without also sounding stupid.

A good old sing-song puts a smile on everyone’s face and on that note I would also make it compulsory to smile at strangers in the street!

I’d make Brighton a happier and more easy going place by making it law that everyone must finish work at 3pm on Fridays. When the temperature reaches over 20 degrees all work must stop at midday and everyone is to spend the rest of the day on the beach. The sea must be heated and your boss must buy you drinks by law.

You’d be able to flag down a bus

My Royal demolition team would then demolish the Holiday Inn, the Brighton Centre, the Odeon, Hove Town Hall and the King Alfred Centre.

Photos: RoseberyImages.co.uk

anywhere on the city streets and get it to drop you anywhere along the route. Public transport should be free or minimal charge making it cheaper and more convenient to take the bus than the car. All buses will be hosted by fabulous drag queens and driven by equally fabulous drag kings who are always pleased to see you and love their jobs. A karaoke machine will be installed on every bus and drinks and food would also be available. And whilst I am on the subject of transport I would banish the one way system for good!

I would rebuild the West Pier and install a massive nightclub at the end that is open 24 hours a day. The other pier, which is now called Brighton Pier would have it’s original name ‘Palace Pier’ reinstated and party boats would cruise from pier to pier all day and night.

Around the city I would make it law that you can take your dog anywhere that you can take a child. Restaurants, cafes, cinema and shops would all welcome dogs.

I would make it illegal to speak in any other manner than ‘musical sing-song’, making it difficult to be nasty and threatening without also

Brighton is already a fabulous place, you can really tell that by how great Brighton Pride is. As Queen of Brighton I would try and make sure that there is a little bit of Pride magic and sparkle in every day and everybody!

sounding stupid.

Dulcie Danger is a Director of Pride. The Parade and Party in Preston Park take place on Saturday 3rd August. For details and other Pride events go to www.brighton-pride.org 51