ISSUE 114. September 2014
COME INSIDE Autumn interiors special
DIGITAL BRIGHTON BuSINESS fOCuS
METAL GURU Motors with Danny Cobbs
BUSINESS
Have you heard...
“This is Limehouse. If you like what you see, you will love the hidden details.” See those stunning details at neptune.com/limehouse
neptunehailsham.com AVAILABLE AT:
PICTURED:
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Neptune Hailsham Neptune House, North Street, Hailsham, BN27 1DQ 01323 849 483 info@neptunehailsham.com Price of this Limehouse Kitchen; island and complete wall run including cabinets not in shot is £11,500. This is our most advanced design yet with 60 registered designs and 9 patent applications.
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ISSUE 114. SEPTEMBER
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16 4 PRoPERTy
10 Contents 30 36 ADVERTISING MANAGER - DAVID HALL david@absolutemagazine.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER - ANYA ZERVUDACHI anya@absolutemagazine.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR - Sam Harrington-Lowe sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR - Daniel White dan.white@absolutemagazine.co.uk SENIOR DESIGNER - Frida Clementz frida.clementz@absolutemagazine.co.uk PUBLISHER - Alan Prior CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Horlington, Matt Ryan, Danny Cobbs, Noel Preston, Justin Brown, Rob Desbruslais, Andy Merricks COVER SHOT With thanks to Raft Brighton Lincoln Sofa www.raftfurniture.co.uk
10 MInd yoUR own BUSInESS 12 SPoTlIghT on lEwES 14 InTERIoRS SPEcIal 16 chooSIng ThE RIghT Sofa 22 InTERIoRS – a ToUch of ThE TRoPIcS 25 BUSInESS nEwS 26 BahBaS – ThE wInnERS, ThE PIcTURES! 29 MaTT Ryan – IT advIcE 30 ThE BEST of BRIghTon dIgITal fESTIval 32 aManda hoRlIngTon 34 fInancE wITh SkERRITTS’ andy MERRIckS 36 MoToRS wITh danny coBBS
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- HOMES|COLUMNISTS -
POOL PASSAGE, BRIGHTON A BEAUTIFULLY AND THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED timber clad house situated in this SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION in the city centre. The property offers contemporary acommodation comprising 28‘6 open plan LIVING AREA with clearly defined lounge, dining and kitchen areas. TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS comprising MASTER SUITE with cleverly designed partioning to create a vaulted mezzanine level opening to the living areas and SECOND GUEST BEDROOM. VAULTED LANDING, cloakroom, STUNNING EN-SUITE BATHROOM, 30‘2 DECKED GARDEN TERRACE, excellent storage, BRIGHT ACCOMMODATION with Velux windows and triple aspect, VIEWING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to fully appreciate this unusual property.
Offers in excess of £400,000 Freehold
brices sales & lettings
SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF
brices sales & lettings
SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF
What house hunters have been waiting for
Sponsored by The Daily Telegraph
Hilton Brighton Metropole 27th-28th September 10am to 5pm Free entry Searching for a home in the UK or Abroad? Look no further. The What House? Show is the perfect opportunity to meet agents and developers who will provide you with friendly and comprehensive advice on homes for sale to match your budget. Our free seminars are a must visit to gain a wealth of information from property experts who will discuss anything from Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, finding the right Retirement home, where to invest in property, avoiding the pitfalls and make the right choice – and much much more. See whathouseshow.co.uk for more details. All your property needs under one roof – don’t miss it.
Each month we talk to business heads and business owners. This month, surveyor Rob Desbruslais is
MINDING HIS OWN BUSINESS… TEll us who you aRE anD whaT you Do
The owner of Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors, and askasurveyor.co.uk, part time musician, husband and Dad of many. At Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors prepurchase building surveys on residential property represent 90% of our business. We survey anything from a country estate to a modern flat but tend to specialise in period property, especially listed buildings. There are certainly plenty of them in Brighton and Hove to keep us busy, but in fact we are in central London almost as much as Sussex. We have carried out nearly 300 surveys since March, many on period and listed buildings. My other business askasurveyor.co.uk is an on-going project that provides online advice to anyone that touches property; tenants, owners, building managers, you name it. I think that is most of the population isn’t it? It is quite an innovative concept and we will be collaborating with other property businesses soon so watch this space. Outside work, music is my real passion. I’ve been in many bands over the years, currently with the amazing (OK that is my own entirely biased opinion) Bobwantshisheadback. If you are a live music fan, you might well have seen us play in Brighton. To say we are slightly off the wall is probably an understatement. Facebook and Google us, you will get the idea. It could not be more removed from surveying.
whaT gETs you ouT of bED in ThE moRning?
Apart from my lovely wife Claire, a very long to do list! But most of all, doing a job I really love in combination with the excitement of running a rapidly growing successful business with so many opportunities arising each day. What might an average day look like? I am happy for all our surveyors to work from home so once I am in the office, usually 10│
SePtember 2014
“Predicting house prices is a dangerous game. I gave up trying to second guess the market years ago.” the first thing I do is check the Google cloud to see what is planned for everyone’s day. Catching up with emails is an unexciting yet essential start to my day, but I avoid admin; I leave that to my PA and staff who frankly are far more organised then me (advice to budding business owners; stick to what you do best and delegate the rest). Most days I will be carrying out a survey and it could be on anything from a windmill on the South Downs to a classic Georgian town house in London’s Belgravia. I get to see some amazing properties, many with a fascinating history. One day I will be in a jaw dropping city centre location overlooking the Thames Southbank, the next in the beautiful Sussex countryside. It is not just about the buildings though, I meet some fascinating people too. There is certainly more to surveying than meets the eye, and no two days are the same.
- Business|Profile -
Once back in the office, the larger reports can take several hours to prepare, but IT is helping us streamline the process. We use voice recognition software to prepare the reports and electronic delivery to our client’s inbox. It’s a great system, barring the odd error made by the recognition software, which can be hilarious (reports are proof read so don’t expect profanities to appear). The final document is an indispensible detailed photographic report explaining how to look after a future home. Then there’s always marketing, filling in questionnaires (ahem) and back to those blessed emails again ………
whaT aRE ThE bEsT biTs of ThE job?
Variety means there is never a dull day, and surveying in the sunshine takes a lot of beating. However, working with and employing such a great team is fantastic, and reflected in the consistent positive feedback we receive. I like to think that everyone at Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors is proud of what we do.
anD ThE woRsT?
Any admin I can’t delegate and very hot, small dusty roof spaces. I’m also not keen on locating septic tanks, you often have to follow your nose! To be honest I’m very lucky, there is little I do not enjoy about my job.
how Do you fEEl abouT ThE housing maRkET in This aREa aT ThE momEnT?
From a business perspective I remain extremely positive but feel sorry for those priced out of the market. Prices may drop off a little if property taxes increase, restrictions on mortgage lending take effect and inevitably, interest rates rise. However, with the population rising and the chronic
housing shortage set to continue for many years, the impact is likely to be short lived and will simply play in to the hands of the numerous cash buyers waiting to grab a bargain. Predicting house prices is however a dangerous game. I gave up trying to second guess the market years ago and I certainly don’t listen to the statistics; they are usually at least two months out of date and the property market can change very quickly. Just when you think things are cooling down and going quiet, it all goes crazy again, often for no apparent reason. Then suddenly everything can stop, as if someone has turned the tap off (I sometimes wonder if it is all down to the weather!). My advise is don’t let other people’s opinion take away your ambition to buy your own home. It should be a decision based on affordability and quality of life. A house is a home first, an investment second.
If you were kIng for a day, what would you change?
If as king I had a magic wand, I would turn prices back to when my secretary could afford a two bedroom flat in Brunswick Square. 1984 if you are wondering. However, I suspect a wand might not be an option, so I would do my best to find a way to build enough affordable houses to allow everyone the opportunity to own their own home, while at the same time trying to protect the countryside for all to enjoy.
DESBRUSLAIS CHARTERED SURVEYORS Lower Ground Floor, 62 Brunswick Place, Hove, BN3 1NB 01273 495984 www.rd-surveyors.co.uk - Business|Profile -
September 2014
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Spotlight on Lewes
Behind Closed Doors… Hailsham Grange, Hailsham
Guide Price £1,650,000
Tim Page-Ratcliff, Partner at Strutt & Parker Lewes www.struttandparker.com 01273 475411 This beautiful property is set in a tranquil location in sussex village life, close to Lewes. Near to a London-line train station, this charming Queen Anne style property was built between 1701 and 1705 and is even referred to in Nikolaus Pevsner’s series ‘The Buildings of england’. ♦Drawing room shelves for books line the walls of this intimate family room ♦Bedroom Beautiful views and original features in this Queen Anne style bedroom
LOCAL KNOwHOw
ToP School western Road Community Primary school. with just over 200 students, the school is ranked as “Good” by the government’s education watchdog Ofsted; making it sought-after by parents.
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STuff To do Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Lewes Arms pub is a real treasure; featuring a great selection of real ales. If you can get a space, a tour of Harvey’s Brewery is also well worth it.
feeling lively Pells Pool is the oldest documented freshwater public pool in the country and is perfect for the family. You can also watch Lewes FC play at The Dripping Pan, while parks and landmarks around the area take the chore out of running.
- ProPerty|Spotlight -
fRee aS a biRd with spectacular views and steep hills, walks around Lewes include the Mount Caburn and the south Downs way. Lewes beaches are perfect on a summer’s day, while window-shopping is a must.
laire Cook
rom Talk Money ancial advice in the news
he past few weeks, the financial world has been making headlines.
udget announcing more flexible pensions.Then the Mortgage Market
w with lenders imposing more stringent criteria for lending. Reading
icles it would appear that the focus has been on the more extreme
s, so here I am going to try and bring some perspective to what is
y happening.
ortgage Market Review:
ay have seen headlines saying that lenders were asking if people played if they ate steak! Although things have become more stringent, I
ly haven’t come across this yet. It is true, lenders are asking more
ons. One of the main focuses of the new rules is affordability, lenders
o make sure that people can afford the mortgage they are taking.
gh the new regulations took effect only on 26th April most lenders
well prepared, they had been honing their systems in preparation for
ome time, gradually changing criteria to the point that most of us
eady become used to the new rules. A word of warning, if you are
g to take a mortgage soon, be prepared. Your lender will probably Alexander, Sompting Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 9EW www.alexanderworthing.co.uk | 01903 522555 a detailed account of your outgoings, they may also ask for bank
ents which give a clear view of what you have been doing, and your
e. So, perhaps steak should be off the menu for a while!
e pensions:
you may have seen headlines stating that “you would no longer have an annuity”, but this has been the case for many years. Since 1995 have had another option, at least until age 75. They have had the to invest their pension fund into an income drawdown plan taking
ome directly from the fund; although for most people there was a the income you could take. The cap has increased for this tax year,
TILES TILES TILES www.tilemates.co.uk
GLASS - CERAMICS - PORCELAIN NATURAL STONE - MOSAICS
l be completely removed from next year meaning people will be able
ess their whole pension fund. (This aspect is still in consultation). The had pictures of pensioners with Lambourghinis, but would people
withdraw all their pension fund and blow it? Firstly, I have found that
people are very sensible with their pension money, they realise that
VISIT US TODAY
o last. Secondly, any money you draw out (after your initial tax free
s taxable. So, if you withdraw the whole amount as a lump sum you
end up paying higher rate tax. This in itself will
o people taking the money more gradually
heir funds. Lastly, annuities will still suit many
, those who require the guarantees of an
e for life.
u require independent financial on any of the above, please call
aire Cook on 01273 224667. I
be happy to assist.
ney is a trading style of Best Practice up Ltd which is authorised and d by the Financial Conduct y. The value of investments can ell as rise and you may not get amount invested.
DESIGN, INSPIRATION, QUALITY Tilemates Brighton Ltd 60 St Richards Road, Portslade, BN41 1PA
01273 412000
COME INSIDE
As the weAther begins to get colder, hAving the perfect cosy living room to snuggle into is key for beAting the winter blues. we spoke to rAft in brighton to get the lowdown on soft seAting Raft have all the ingredients for lounging in luxury. Their vast selection of generously sized sofas and armchairs are designed for the upmost comfort, with extra plump fillings, sumptuous fabrics and the cushions and throws to top it off. If you’re not sure how to choose the right sofa, help is at hand. from the perfectly proportioned Lincoln to the retro feel Oscar, their in store experts can help you choose the perfect sofa for your home. all of Raft’s sofas are made by hand by a dedicated team in the company’s own London factory, so each item is lovingly crafted, just waiting for you to work your own groove into the seats. With over 100 fabrics in a host of colours and finishes to choose from, this is a really good place to find your perfect match. We took a look at some of their hero designs for this season…
2. ManhaTTan
1. The LincoLn
Waiting for you at the end of the day, the Lincoln’s soft lines, lush cushions and luxurious feel will help soothe away any stresses. This inviting sofa can be personalised with your choice of designer-chosen scatter cushions. all cushions are easy-plump, feather-wrapped foam for a sumptuous sit-down. With this much comfort and a quality that lasts for years, this sofa will be a favourite piece of furniture.
Handmade by craftsman in London, this sofa offers the ultimate in flexible living. If you don’t want to be tied down to luxurious lounging at one end of the sofa, then choose the Manhattan. Simply push the footstool to the other end, flip over the chaise cushion and you have a new reclining spot. With your choice of designer-chosen scatter cushions, there’s no stopping the options. Comfortable, durable and with your own added style. (Image on the left hand page).
“Take the classic Chesterfield-style sofa, add a dash of panache and a scattering of modern magic…”
3. LofT
after versatility and contemporary living combined with timelessness? Then try the Loft sofa. Its soft, rounded edges make it fit in with any style of interior. Plus its manoeuvrable modular make-up means it can be made to fit your exact requirements. This sofa has a timeless quality, and it has a solid hardwood frame which will withstand the test of time. - InterIors|SofaS -
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Raft Oscar sofa with teak Root table
4. Oscar
All curves and 1920s cuteness, the Oscar exudes comfort and lush relaxation. A fabulous twist on the American deco period, this sofa is made by hand at our London workshops. Our stylists have added an exaggerated rake to the incline at your back so you feel like you are poured out in sophisticated bliss.
5. MarlOwe
Effortlessly stylish, Marlow is a sofa for a coffee and a long overdue catch-up. A timeless piece, one sit and you can feel the quality of the cushions. The Marlow has a solid hardwood frame designed to see you through years of juicy gossip, mellow conversations and happy silences.
6. warwick
A sofa that makes your living room into a relaxing haven but at the same time can stand the hurly-burly turmoil of family life? Sounds impossible until you look at what the Warwick has to offer. Styled with modern contemporary lines, it gives off that tranquil air but has the comforting, durable feel that can cope with daily wear. The cushions are filled with feather and down over foam with a fibre-filled back to create a bit of peace and give you peace of mind.
7. eMbassy
Take the classic Chesterfield-style sofa, add a dash of panache and a scattering of modern magic and let us introduce you to the Embassy. Its gorgeous roll-top curves and distinguished buttoning will welcome you home for many years.
If like us you’re in need of some help in the interior design department, you can always call on these guys. They’ve got a team of in-house interior designers who can devise an entire scheme, working out the best colours and styles for your home and personal style. A bit like a sofa stylist. For more information, check out their website or pop into the shop in Brighton.
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- InterIors|SofaS -
RAFT 35-36 West St, Brighton BN1 2RE 01273 311610 www.raftfurniture.co.uk
HANDMADE IN ENGLAND
We are proud to say; all our sofas are made by us, in our factory, in London. www.raftfurniture.co.uk
3. 1.
2. 4.
Bring a sultry theme to your interiors with these tropical touches
5.
6.
1. Tropical Bird Cushion £29.50, Alison at Home 2. Thai Lime & Mango scented candle £8.50, www.kiss-air.com 3. Handmade Flamingo Lampshade £36, www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk 4. Xian Orchid Rug £179, www.kelaty.com 5. Tiger Lilly Black Ready to hang Art £75, www. palmvalley.co.uk 6. Bali Bamboo Chandelier £495, www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk 7. Palm Tree Chair £749, www.DigetexHOME.co.uk 8. Golden Bamboo drinks trolley £195, Oliver Bonas 9. Tropical Fish wall hanging in Berry Red £50, www.berryred.co.uk 10. Toucan Wallpaper Panels £40, www.DigetexHOME.co.uk 11. Set of Two Tropical Birdcages £95, www.dotcomgiftshop.com 22│
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- InTeRIORS|Tropical -
8.
7.
9.
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11. - InterIors|Tropical -
September 2014
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solicitors Incorporating Johnson McCabe
local & independent
We are local, independent solicitors providing an expert legal service with a personal approach Property
Civil Litigation
• Buying and Selling Property • Re-Mortgages • Freehold Enfranchisement • Lease Extensions • Buying and Selling Investment Properties
• Employment • Debt Recovery • Property • Contentious Probate • Insurance Claims • Fraud Claims to include Defending SOCA Claims • Consumer Law • Neighbour disputes • Dispute Resolution/ Mediation of Claims
Business • Landlord and Tenant and Commercial Property • Buying and Selling Businesses and Shares • Employment Law • Licensing
Commercial Litigation
• Wills • Probate and Administration of Estates • Inheritance Tax Planning and Trusts • Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection • Elderly Client Care
• Commercial contract/ Consumer Disputes • Director/Shareholders/ Partnership Disputes • Insurance Claims • Construction and Engineering • Commercial Property Disputes • Professional Negligence Claims • Intellectual Property Disputes
Vallance Hall, Hove Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DE
Life and Family
Personal Injury
info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411
• Family and Matrimonial • Co Habitation Agreements/Disputes • Civil Partnerships • Pre-nuptial Agreements • Divorce
• Road Traffic Accidents • Medical Negligence • Accident at Work and on Construction Site • Fatal Accidents • Structured Settlements
Wills and Trusts
For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:
www.engleharts.co.uk
Taking Care of Business A NEW LOOK AT THE HOUSING CRISIS Is getting your foot on the property ladder just completely out of your reach financially? A group of young locals known as “#BrightonsFuture” have begun an intensive, hard-hitting campaign, fighting for the building of homes that the city so desperately requires. The courageous campaign group is finally giving the people of Brighton a voice independent of political influence and politicians’ possibly suspect motives. Brighton’s Future offers a place to join forces with others seeking legislation that supports the creation of affordable and plentiful housing for all in Brighton and East Sussex. They say, “Buying a house has become impossible for many families. Especially when recent governments have fuelled speculation in the property market – supporting those fortunate enough to be able to buy second or even third homes as investments, but creating a situation where it’s impossible for many first time buyers to find enough money for a deposit. It’s leaving people exposed to high rents and facing the rest of their lives in rented accommodation. We believe this is unsustainable and unfair. We call for action to build new affordable homes for all. Homes that are desperately needed now.” ►www.brightonsfuture.co.uk
ALL CHANGE AT BRIGHTON CURRY CLUB
STILL TIME TO ENTER! The Sussex Business Award team have extended the entry date until 7th September so any of you out there with success stories, or unsung heroes you think need singing about, there’s still time to get entries in. Now in its twenty-sixth year, there are sixteen trophies to be won this year, including the prestigious Company of the Year, International Company of the Year and individual awards for entrepreneurship and business success. The new chair of judges is executive director of Sussex Innovation Centre and Sussex Businessperson of the Year 2000 Mike Herd, who commented, “Our region boasts a truly supportive ecosystem that has enabled so many businesses to flourish, and the Sussex Business Awards have played a massive part in that over the past 26 years.” There is a small admin fee of £50 to enter one award, or £100 for up to three entries. You can however enter the awards for the Healthiest Workplace, Social Enterprise, Young Sussex Businessperson and the Best Boss in Sussex free of charge.
After two great years hosting the Curry Club at the Sussex County Cricket Ground, Brighton Business Curry Club is moving house. From September this long-running and successful business club will be held at the Bali Brasserie at the bottom of First Avenue in Hove. If you’ve never been before - then you’re in for a treat. The Bali Brasserie is an institution in Brighton and Hove, run by TC, his wife Kulbir and son Jasper, who always offer a warm welcome and a variety of delicious curries in a Malaysian/ Indonesian style. Newbies to the Club should know that you rock up around 6pm. Networking at the bar lasts for about an hour or so pre-dinner, then at about 7pm there’s a few pre-dinner speeches and introductions. There is no formal table plan on the night for the sit down buffet curry, so you can sit and network freely with whoever you decide. Finish time: 8-8.30pm. First event is 16th September ►www.brightonbusinesscurryclub.co.uk
Winners will be announced at The Grand Brighton on 10th December 2014. ►www.sbawards.org.uk - Business|News -
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guestlist BAHBAs WHAt?
The 2014 Brighton and Hove Business Awards, sponsored by Absolute Magazine
WHere? Brighton Pier
WHy?
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The leading Brighton businesses came together in one of the most iconic venues in the city to create a competition which acknowledges the diversity and uniqueness of our City and celebrates those companies, organisations and individuals who really build the Brighton and Hove brand. 1. The 2014 BAHBA Winners
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2. Max Leviston and Laura Sackett from the Sealife Centre - winner of the Best Place to Visit 3. Sophie Dodds, Phil Newman, Soozie Campbell and Nick Harvey 4. Tony Mernagh – winner of Outstanding Brightonian
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5. Elvis is in the building…! 6. Emilia Powell, Kim McInally and Ashleigh Belgrave from Grovelands get stuck into the karaoke! 7. Caraline Brown, BAHBAs creator and compere 8. The Treatment Rooms team celebrating their Best Customer Service award 9. The Award for Business Beyond the City – winner David Martin from Ambiental 10. Time for some delicious food 11. Marilyn gets close to Ryan Heal of charity the Rockinghorse Appeal 12. Setting up the venue 13. Alan Margetts and Mark Davis from Kitchen Store – winners of the Fastest Growing Business award 14. Voices raised in song!
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Photos: Julia Claxton
- Guest|List -
n neptik
CREATIVE
DIGITAL
BUSINESS
We love being creative; after all, it’s first impressions that count. It’s the element that gets tongues wagging, the part that makes people stand up and pay attention. Graphic Design is one of our passions and key in everything we produce.
The digital world is exploding and your customers are making it happen. Being a full service agency we leave no stone unturned, website development, email marketing, Social media and SEO are just a few of the weapons in our digital armory.
We’re not all style and no substance. We’re not so nerdy we forget our customers are making an investment, expecting a return. If a business is good, it must grow; we give you the tools to do it...
BRIGHTON’S
N E W www.neptik.com
01273 693763
hello@neptik.com
@neptikcreative
D I G I T A L MARKETING A G E N C Y
Matt
Ryan
The IT Man CoMeTh
H
This month – security advice for IT users in the workplace
ow can you keep your internet use secure at work? What’s the best software? What’s the most secure device? The truth is that there’s no silver bullet on the market and those products which do come close are generally well beyond the budget of the SME’s that I typically work with. And even huge enterprises that can afford ‘Best of Breed’ security solutions still get hacked; Sony, Google, Verisign, even RSA Security have all had their defenses breached in recent years. Google even reportedly fell prey to the Chinese Government using a well published vulnerability in an old version of Internet Explorer. Simply keeping their software up to date would have prevented the attack. I’m going to assume that you all have your firewall turned on. And likewise that you’re all running some antivirus software. But there is more that you can do to protect yourself. Weak or stolen credentials - Depending on who you talk to, weak or stolen credentials account for 70% - 80% of data security breaches. But it’s breathtakingly simple to avoid. • Change passwords regularly and enforce strong password policies across your business. • Change the default credentials on equipment like ADSL routers and Wi-Fi Access Points. • Never use a password that’s a name or is in the dictionary.
• Change the network name on your Wi-Fi router and only use WPA2 / AES to secure the network (don’t panic Mr Mainwaring! They’re easily found in the security settings). • Don’t make paper or digital notes of your passwords. It’s astonishing how often I find passwords on a post-it note stuck to the monitor. • Ensure that your devices lock when left idle.
Social Engineering and User Behaviour - You wouldn’t give personal information, photos, the name of your school or employer etc. to a stranger in a cafe, why do it online? Most malware requires some level of user involvement in order to bypass antivirus software, often via spoof emails or websites. These might appear to come from an old school friend on social media for example. Teach yourself and your staff to be alert. • Don’t blindly hit the return key every time one of those irritating little boxes appears. If you don’t know what it is, don’t click it!
“Just because the network is called “BT Safe Cloud” doesn’t mean there isn’t actually a hacker nearby harvesting credit card details while you shop online.”
• Know the name of your antivirus or security software. If it doesn’t have the name of your antivirus software at the top of the window then it’s probably suspect.
Software vulnerabilities - The next biggest culprit.
• Avoid downloading free games, screen savers, media players etc.
When that little flag pops up to tell you that a new version of your Operating System is available, don’t ignore it! The same goes for your web browser and any other software which connects to the internet. Loss and Theft - We’ve all read about government and MOD officials leaving laptops and flash drives in the back of taxis. It needn’t be a disaster. • Good regular backups will soften the immediate impact. • Devices locked with strong passwords will be harder to access. • There are free apps available which will enable you to track and even wipe your missing device as soon as it connects to the internet. • Have a policy outlining what data you allow to leave company premises. - BUSinESS|IT-
• Don’t follow a link or open an attachment in an email if you don’t know what it is.
• Never put personal information in an email. • If you have received login credentials for a service via email, change them as soon as you login for the first time.
• Don’t install Java unless you actually need it. • Use an old laptop for downloading torrents etc. and scan files before transferring them to other devices. • Avoid open Wi-Fi networks. If you don’t need a password to use them then nor does anyone else. Just because the network is called “BT Safe Cloud” that doesn’t mean that there isn’t actually a hacker at the back of the cafe harvesting credit card details while you shop online. This is one of the few places where you shouldn’t even trust secure sites. I could write a whole book on hotspot hacking. BACK UP regularly!
Matt Ryan is technical director of Metranet Communications www.metranet.co.uk Follow Matt @threepinreset
SepTemBer 2014
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My Brighton Digital Festival By Festival PR Coordinator John Bannister
Brighton Digital Festival, a month long celebration of digital culture, materialises in the city again this September. The Brighton community has lined up an incredible array of art installations, digital workshops, inspirational conferences, dance shows and interactive entertainment spectaculars. With such a wide range of events, it’s hard to know where to get started. So I have put together a small selection of highlights from the many events in Brighton Digital Festival 2014’s programme. This is by no means exhaustive though!
Synth Prototype
laser light synths
Brighton Unitarian Church – 6 September – 8pm Here, passers by can become a skilled musician with custom-made touch-activated musical instruments packed full of LED lights. The sounds played then trigger a massive laser light show all over the façade of the Unitarian Church.
dConstruct
Brighton Dome – 5 September – 9am
CritiCal engineering Lighthouse – 2-26 September
This exhibition will include PRISM: The Beacon Frame, which detects and mimics nearby cell towers. Mobile phones connect to the dummy network, assuming it to be another point provided by the network provider. The dummy cell then sends a text message to connected phones with messages that could induce either humour or paranoia..
dConstruct is a one-day technology, culture and society conference. There are so many great conferences, but with questions of surveillance, security and anonymity dominating digital culture at the moment this year’s theme, living with the network, is sure to make dConstruct a stand out.
geo-Writing
The streets of Brighton – 1-30 September – All day The Festival isn’t just an opportunity to explore other people’s work; it is also an invitation to create as well. This communal writing event gives writing prompts based on your location in the city. Over September, paths and stories will mix throughout the city creating a “jarring, storytelling mosaic”.
Brighton Mini Maker Faire
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange – 6 September – 10am
Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange in full festival swing
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This interactive mini-festival of creativity and invention has been a staple of the Brighton Digital Festival for a number of years already. 2014 will be no different, with antweight combat robots, 3D chocolate printing, live-action Pac Man and toy hacking all on offer. And a word of caution, watch out for roaming Daleks!
BlockBuilders Jubilee Library – 13, 20, 27 September – 1:15pm, 3:15pm
Brighton Mini Maker Faire returns again for 2014
Minecraft can be described as a creative tool, inspiring a generation, or condemned as a game far too addictive for small and large children (myself included). BlockBuilders know that it is both, and more. Having already used the game to help children voice their opinions on the nearby Lewes industrial estate urban redevelopment project, they turn their sights on London Road, offering a workshop to engage the town planner and architect in all of us.
How to Build a successful tecH startup 68 Middle Street – 18 September – 6:30pm
If you’ve always wanted to go your own way with a tech business, Crunch Accounting’s Darren Fell wants to help you do it. With his own experience building Brightonbased email marketing firm Pure 360, and workshops from marketers, accountants and developers, you’ll be launching in no time.
Bring Your own Beamer
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange – 20 September – 7:30pm This is one of the festival’s simplest pitches: find a space, invite artists and ask them to bring a projector. Roam around the Dome either as an artist exploring projection and collaboration or as an observer exploring the video installations being created ad-hoc throughout the night.
tHe measures taken
The Measures Taken
The Old Market – 26 September – 7:30pm Alexander Whitley’s choreography both dominates and obeys the show’s digital augmentations (projection and beams of light) to explore how dance and technology can create work together, not just decorate each other.
sHesaYs BrigHton: “wHat’s tHe Big idea?”… creativitY & innovation Sallis Benney Theatre – 25 September – 6:30pm
An evening of networking and talks from speakers talking about their big ideas, brought to you by the Brighton chapter of SheSays, a global organisation empowering women in the digital and creative industries. Hear from Caroline Lucas, Katy Beale, Joan Farrer and Rosa Fox.
remix tHe museum familY daY Brighton Museum & Gallery – 27 September – 2:30pm
With workshops and sessions across the afternoon, families can bring the Museum’s collections to life with animation, create their own exhibitions through the power of 3D printing and even explore their own stories with the Brighton Youth Film Festival and Sheepfilms.
►This is only a fraction of the exciting creative digital events on offer throughout September. Check out the full line-up at www.brightondigitalfestival. co.uk and watch out for me running from one event to the next absorbing every ounce of nerd fun available!
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Amanda
Horlington
W
hile there are many things that could be considered as one of life’s little irritations, for me the school run cannot be underestimated for its sheer soulflattening tedium. The morning ritual of preparing two young children for the school run, like Groundhog Day, involves breakfast and getting dressed every morning but without Bill Murray or pithy dialogue. However, supermarket shopping with young children also ranks high on the Richter Scale of vein throbbing, blood-pressure raising activities. The slow build of angst which begins with the journey there, continues with the hunt for a parking space. The weave and bob amongst other reluctants who, on occasion, can be found bottlenecking the dairy aisle, transfixed and bewildered by the sheer acreage devoted to yoghurt and yoghurty things. I have not as yet found an app that can assist with the school run grind but I can recommend supermarket home delivery apps. It was a game changer for me, a time and sanity-saving miracle that will have you doing your weekly shop in under ten minutes. Easy. So easy in fact that I do the weekly shop on my iPhone whilst going hell for leather on an exercise bike at the gym. Such is the joy of completing this task with such ease that I am bursting with smug glee; hoorah, I have swerved the horrific act of supermarketing! Indeed I feel almost compelled to mention this to the puce grunty guy on the adjacent bike but I fear this may not be regarded as standard issue gym chat. I regularly use two apps from different ends of the spectrum, the jolly green giant, ASDA and the rather refined Ocado, essentially they offer very similar features. Once downloaded to your mobile you set up your account much
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the same as any other shopping app. The first shop is always the most painful as you need to search for every item individually and this can take a while, but the app builds up a memory. Shopping after that first time is much easier; the lazy way is to look at last week’s order and just re-order the items again with the odd tweak or two if you’re a creature of habit.
“Whilst I would love to shop like a French countess, a languid daily meander, basket in hand, prodding and sniffing artistically arranged vegetables, this is not the stuff of reality.” Once you have selected your items they are saved in your pending orders, you book your one or two hour delivery slot and it’s done, just sit back and wait for that doorbell to ring. Over time the apps compile a bigger list of your favourite items under the handily named ‘favourites‘ option and you just select from these. “Yes, OK” I hear you say, “but what about fine local and organic produce that your fancy-pants app won’t have heard of, let alone deliver? What about the spontaneous
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purchase of something exotic that catches your eye in the Mediterranean section?” Good points both. However, whilst I would love to shop like a French countess, a languid daily meander, basket in hand, prodding and sniffing artistically arranged, pantoneperfect vegetables, this is not the stuff of reality. Other than the occasional farmers’ market I don’t shop like a Gallic gal as alas, I don’t have the time required to peruse the market stalls for that particularly fine herby salt made by monks. As far as I can see, the pros of supermarket apps far outweigh the cons. On the plus side they are hugely convenient and if you’re on a budget you can compare prices easily and stick to what you intended to spend. Clicking on a product gives you an array of dietary information too, so no clogging up an aisle to check on the Bifidus Regularis content. On the minus, occasionally deliveries may be a little late and you may find that your lust for broad beans cannot be satiated by the pouty sugar snaps that have been substituted in their place. However, no problems I have encountered with my chosen supermarket app would ever make me go back to the bad old days, time is too precious. My advice to save time, money and good humour is let an app buy the everyday humdrum items, freeing you to tilt your hat at a becoming angle and go do the farmers markets for the sheer joie de vivre. Amanda Horlington is the founder of web design and internet marketing company Fusion Marketing. Contact Amanda at amanda@fusion-marketing.co.uk Twitter: @jiggertyjig
ARE YOU COVERED? Insurance is vital for all businesses, says Noel Preston
or size of business and provide the range of protection required.
Tell us who you are and whaT you do... I’m a local Brighton boy, with a career in the insurance industry spanning 25 years (I know sad, eh?!) The industry has been good to me, providing some fabulous experiences and a number of very good friends. With all that experience under my belt and a passion for delivering professional and personal service, I decided about two years ago to start my own business – Preston Insurance Brokers – with the help of my business partner. I enjoy arranging competitively priced insurance programmes and looking after and protecting local businesses of all shapes and sizes. The part of the job I like the most is getting to know the people and their businesses. Insurance broking is actually a lot more interesting than people may think and the opportunity to get right under the skin of how different people and businesses work is often quite fascinating. We’ve exceeded the targets we set ourselves in the first couple of years and our team is growing to ensure we continue to deliver the service we are becoming renowned for in the local area. With a smile on my face, I am really looking forward to what the future brings. whaT kind of businesses need insurance? In short, all businesses need insurance. The breadth of it is down to us to explain to clients, including all the covers available and how they can protect their business. With the experience I’ve gleamed from years in the industry we’re well positioned to advise pretty much any type
In my opinion insurance is not a crutch but more a risk transfer, to help keep a business going should the worse happen. I recognise each business is individual in what it does, how it manages itself and its attitude to risk. The insurance arranged should reflect this, in addition to protecting just the pure asset values of the business.
“In my opinion insurance is not a crutch but more a risk transfer, to help keep a business going should the worst happen.” There are of course the compulsory purchase insurances, such as employers’ liability and motor. Often contractually businesses also need to arrange certain insurances. Otherwise it’s all about the individual business’ attitude to risk and I only find out about that by asking the right questions and listening to what they have to say. whaT kind of disasTers can happen? Well, you have the well-publicised global issues such as hurricanes, tsunamis
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and terrorist activities. But more localised issues are wide-spread in their nature. Fires in certain industries such as chemical and waste recycling can have a massive impact to not only a business but also the immediate area and the environment. The increase in the litigious nature of the world’s culture and the ‘where there’s blame there’s a claim’ mentality means injury and other liability claims are more prevalent in people’s minds. This makes it even more important for us to help a business manage and protect itself correctly; prevention in the form of comprehensive risk management being the starting point, the insurance purely being the cure should all else fail. This approach will generally help in the pricing too – a good risk equals better rates! whaT is The craziesT claim you’ve ever had? Good question, with a load to choose from, such as big fires, multiple vehicle accidents, sunken boats, wrongful advice, wading around in six feet of water and re-roofing clients’ premises during a storm! Having looked after most industries during my 25 years of arranging commercial insurance, I can safely say there are some extremely amusing stories, some which really couldn’t go to print. As for the craziest claim, well, it involved an injury to a couple in the bedroom – I think we had better leave it at that!
For more advice please contact… Noel Preston, Managing Partner Preston Insurance Brokers 11 Hollingbury Place Brighton BN1 7GE 0845 129 7505 www.prestonib.co.uk
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WEIGHING UP THE RISK Andy Merricks explains how being aware of risk doesn’t mean not taking any
I have recently been fielding questions about the shaping of our portfolio construction and with this in mind I thought in this month’s column I could go through it with you. So, volatility. It is unquestionably a worry that volatility has reached one of its lowest measures in a decade, but this doesn’t necessarily predict an instant reaction. Many people look to mean reversion as a guide (what goes up must go down and vice versa). The FTSE 100 has been nudging an all time high, but this was achieved in the year 2000. Also, we have not experienced a period of prolonged low interest rates in most of our lifetimes. We complain of low growth, but maybe this is what happens in such a cycle. The downturns may be less emphatic too. In other words, there is a lack of the boom/ bust cycles that typified more active interest rate management from the Central Banks. And of course, boom/bust equals volatility. In a cycle-less cycle, it’s possible that lower volatility is a longer-term feature. What are the biggest risks? Many people are concerned about the Ukrainian problem at the moment, while others point to the situation in Iraq, Israel and Palestine as the major worry. While they 34│
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“There are strong signals that the Spanish housing market may have bottomed and that European bank lending has once again turned positive.” are not helpful, we would argue that their effect on global markets are nowhere near as potentially dangerous as the credit crunch and Eurozone crisis that we have endured recently. On the geopolitical front we are more concerned about the rising tensions in Eastern Asia, a region that has been largely forgotten due to the aforementioned concerns. A spat between Vietnam and China for example would be extremely unsettling
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Andrew Merricks Head of Investments, Skerritts
to the Asian markets, and because of their deeper influence, quite possibly to global markets as well. But this is not a risk that we can necessarily defend against in advance, so we remain unprotected to such a move. interest rates Rising interest rates have been an inevitability at some point since they fell to zero, but the timing of the rise is still unknown. There have been a few false dawns and the markets have not reacted well to them. This is an obvious risk. No one can really say whether the rise, when it comes, is “priced in” – we’ll find out when it happens – but what we can quite confidently predict is that there will be a bout of volatility at the time because the markets will go into “recalculation” mode. At this point there will be both risk and opportunity. Intuitively investors think that strong economic growth is a good thing, so there may well be some head scratching if markets sell-off on the back of some strong data. Why would this be? In short, inflation. If the economy grows strongly it will mean that more people are in work. If more people are in work it means that they will have more money in their pockets to spend. If they
have more money in their pockets to spend the companies that make things and employ them will know this and so pricing pressure will occur. And if there are fewer people unemployed, those in work will feel more confident about asking the boss for a pay rise to buy the very things that are becoming more expensive. This is inflation, and if it looks like growing too strongly the banks will raise interest rates more. And this is the scenario that the markets will be trying to get to grips with when they go into “recalculation” mode, which we suspect will trigger a fall. On the flip side, we don’t think that, once they’ve recalculated, they will be too alarmed by what they see, so our guess is that any volatility for this reason will be relatively shallow, albeit uncomfortable. EuropEan Banking SyStEm July saw a small panic occur when the Portuguese bank, Banco Espirito Santo,
revealed large hidden losses on its balance sheet. This was not good news for our investment strategy that consists of being overweight in the European Periphery (Italy, Spain and Greece) in our portfolios, as these were the very markets that sold off most aggressively. We turned to the excellent BCA Research for guidance and were reassured by what we found. The ECB has bulked up its stress-testing of European banks, and what happened to Espirito Santo was exactly what the Asset Quality Review (AQR) was designed to do – namely flush out the skeletons in the cupboard. From data that BCA published, it appears that most of the European banks are adequately covered and those that fail (such as the Portuguese one) will not pose a systemic risk to the system (as seen by the Portuguese one!). At the same time there are strong signals that the Spanish housing market may have bottomed and that European bank lending in
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general has once again turned positive, so if the banking system itself is not threatened the biggest beneficiaries of improved sentiment towards banks will be those very indices that have a higher weighting towards them. Which is why we maintained our overweight position to the Periphery markets. So these are just some of the discussions that we are currently having as we weigh up the correct mix of risk on and risk off in our portfolios. While we do see threats looming through current valuations and low volatility as well as geopolitical issues in Eastern Europe, Eastern Asia and the Middle East; are these threats sufficient for us to run to the hills seeking cover? Not yet. Not just yet. ► www.skerritts.co.uk
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FLYING BUSINESS CLASS Mercedes C-Class C250CDI
Many of the new Mercedes C-Class cars are destined for the company fleet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still in a class of its own, says Danny Cobbs
T
here was a time, not so very long ago, when the carrot of a company car usually came in the form of something quite mundane. But that was then, when you knew where you were with all the different car makers. Back then, who would have thought that Porsche would make an SUV? And an Audi supercar; what a ridiculous notion. Yet now it seems there isn’t a boundary a car maker isn’t prepared to cross, or diversify into, to engage with an ever-discerning and demanding audience. Take Mercedes, for example. They used to be the default setting when middle-England wanted to go out and buy a new car. And still is. However, because most cars are bought through leasing plans nowadays, it’s possible for a new Merc to be sitting on your driveway for virtually the same monthly outlay as a Ford Mondeo. A Mercedes for the masses, who would have thought? Admittedly, this only works when there is the prediction of high second-hand values coupled together with low interest rates, but even so, if the offer’s there, why not snap it up? And this brings me neatly to the latest generation of C-Class, or more specifically the C250 BlueTec Sport, the subject of this month’s missive.
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“It’s like an automotive version of a chocolate body wrap; a place where you feel safe and never want to leave.” The new C-Class, then, which went on sale in July, and follows the same format as the outgoing model: a mid-sized, four-door executive saloon. It’s slightly bigger this time around and far better looking. But to merely describe it as being handsome is like saying Gordon Ramsey just reheats food. It appears to be a mini-me version of the S-Class, Mercedes flagship model, which was never going to be a bad thing. The interior follows the same S-Class narrative too. It’s like an automotive version of a chocolate body wrap; a place where you feel safe and never want to leave, even after
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the longest of journeys. If you wanted to buy this particular model outright, then you’d be looking at spending £34,015, but you’d be in the minority. You see, more than half of all C-Class sales are bought by the fleet market, and most of those are on some type of leasing drip. You could opt for the entry model, the C200 SE at £28,570, but don’t think for one moment you are going to be short changed by doing so - these aren’t the scantily-clad Mercedes of yesteryear, when even the radio was an added extra. All C-Class’s now, irrespective of trim levels – there’s three;
SE, Sport and AMG Line - come complete with an array of goodies which include such things as a 7-inch colour display monitor, reversing camera, 7-speed auto transmission, alloy wheels and cruise control. Part of the standard package also includes Mercedes Agility Control; a worthwhile inclusion which remaps the engine, quickens the gear change and tightensup the suspension and steering. However, once you’ve fiddled with all the different settings, it soon becomes apparent the ‘eco’ mode will deliver the best economy – up to 76.4 mpg – even if it does feel a little on the lacklustre side. So here, dear reader, is my observation: this C-Class proves the point that company cars aren’t always the equivalent of a beige cardie. Sometimes you could get lucky and end up with a sparkly catsuit.
Quick facts: car Driven: Mercedes C250 BlueTec Sport Engine: 2143cc Turbocharged diesel transmission: 7-speed auto Performance: 204bhp@3800rpm 0-62mph: 6.6 seconds top speed: 153mph fuel consumption: 52.3mpg (urban), 64.2mpg (combined), 76.4mpg (extra urban) cO2 emissions: 113g/km Price: £34,015
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