Platinum Business Magazine Issue 14 - Surrey Edition

The widest-read business publication in the South East

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SURREY EDITION . ISSUE 14 . 2015

GAME CHANGER

THE TESLA S REVIEWED

AIRPORT EXPANSION

THE BATTLE RAGES ON

BUSINESS TRAVEL

HOW TO ARRIVE IN STYLE THE BIG STORY

ELON MUSK

THE BILLIONAIRE ROCKET MAN

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WELCOME

ISSUE 14. 2015

MEET THE SURREY NATWEST TEAM

Here we are again with a packed issue bringing you all the news, views and opinions from the South East.

We profile the astonishing Elon Musk, founder of PayPal,

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Tesla and Space X and a man who is determined to change the world. The Chairman of Coast to Capital LEP looks back over the past year and celebrates the considerable success that the LEP has achieved throughout the year. Joanne Rogers, MD of Prowse & Co, reflects and the Leatherhead Business Awards storm ahead. The chairman of Develop Croydon reveals the extent of how quickly Croydon is developing.

All too often, banks are seen as faceless entities but not so with the NatWest team in Guildford, as Regional Director

AIRPORT EXPANSION DEBATE Is Gatwick still in the game?

Peter Quilter introduces his local team who are open and

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ready for business. Leading accounts firm Kreston Reeves reviews the VAT traps awaiting international travellers and we take a look at the Croydon and Kingston Business Excellence Awards. Skerritts Wealth Management ask if you are nervous and Gatwick Airport refuses to give up its fight

THE BELLWETHER BRIGHT SPARK

for a second runway.

So as you can see, we have been busy and there is so much

We drive the Tesla S with astonishing results.

more. Can you think of something we should have covered?

Get in touch at info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com.

Enjoy your summer break and re-introduce yourselves to your children and/or partner as a busy autumn is just round the corner.

Maarten & Ian Platinum Business Magazine, Surrey

60 WORKING LUNCH We fly to the Angel Dining Rooms in Guildford.

72 COMPETITION Win a Mercedes and a luxury hotel stay for

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the weekend.

THE TEAM

AT A GLANCE 6 10 11 12 13 14

Local News

16

The FSE Group: Funding Escalator

18 19 20 24

Prowse: Marketing

32 34

Skerritts: Investments

37 38

Kingston Awards Institute of Directors Kingston Network Leatherhead Awards Natwest: Meet the Local Surrey Team

The Budget National News The Big Story: Elon Musk Coast to Capital: Local Enterprise Partnership Social Media Kreston Reeves: Accounts

40 Steve Amos: Business Training 42 Airport Expansion 49 Hastings Direct 50 Style 52 Anger Management 55 Media Training 57 Young Start-up Talent 60 Motoring 67 Chamber Events 68 Interview: Richard Plant 72 Working Lunch:

The Angel Dining Rooms

74 75 76 78 80

Croydon Business Awards

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Wise Words: Richard Pollins

Surrey Chambers of Commerce Secret Sussex: South Downs Introductions

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

Lynne Edwards - Commercial Property lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Tel: 07931 537588

Sally Wynn - Senior Designer

Julia Trevett – Accounts Manager

easitNETWORK Competition

Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

Platinum Business Magazine is published and owned by Platinum Business Publications Limited.

Directors: Maarten Hoffmann and Ian Trevett

THE BIG STORY ELON MUSK The man who is trying to change the planet and leave it at the same time.

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5

{ NEWS }

LOCAL NEWS HOLE IN THE WALL Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has provided a multi-million package to Cennox, a global ATM servicing company based in Camberley, Surrey, to support its acquisition of PSSI International Inc. The deal will enable the firm to bolster its presence in the United States, the world’s second-largest ATM market. The funding facility has been designed to meet the cost of the acquisition while providing the extra capital required to fully integrate PSSI with Sterling Inc, Cennox’s US subsidiary. The merger will enable the business to cross-sell PSSI’s more comprehensive security offering to Sterling’s customer base, which covers 48 US states and includes major banks such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Founded in 2004, Cennox has grown to become a leading ATM service provider for Britain’s four largest banks. The business specialises in ATM parts, field services and security solutions, where it has developed and patented a device that combats skimming from payment terminals. Cennox recently took inward investment from the Business Growth Fund, a UK government-backed initiative which specifically targets promising, high-growth British organisations.

CHOCOLATE SUCCESS A chocolatier who started selling sweets when he just was ten years old has had his confectionery taken on by Selfridges – at the age of 18. Danesh Amin’s concoctions, named Brocks Chocs after his home village of Brockham, are already sold by Amazon UK as well as eight shops across the South East, including at Denbies Wines Estate and Dorking Halls.

The ambitious young man’s venture is going from strength to strength after he opened a chocolate workshop behind his dad’s convenience store in Brockham Green last year. Now his full range of 48 products, including chocolate bars and selection boxes, is to appear on the shelves of famous London department store Selfridge’s – and Mr Amin has his own stall in Redhill’s Belfry centre. “It is really weird being in a new location,” said the 18-year-old after opening his new store two weeks ago. “But we have done really well so far. We are hoping to go into Crawley and Guildford as well, but Redhill is first. We are going to do one at a time. “We are going to have sales executives taking on each shop. There won’t be any franchises, they will all be with our own branding and very much part of the business.” Brock’s Chocs is currently in a temporary unit in the centre of the ground floor of The Belfry but is likely to move into a permanent unit by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Mr Amin has just completed “A” levels in Business Studies, Economics, and Product Design at The Ashcombe School in Dorking, and hopes to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Surrey in September.

LEATHERHEAD OPINION POLL If you could make one change to Leatherhead Town Centre, what would it be? Mole Valley District Council is working with Nexus Planning to seek the views of residents, visitors and businesses on how Leatherhead could be transformed.

Recently, staff and members were at the new French market and the Saturday market in Leatherhead handing out leaflets and listening to more than 450 residents, visitors and workers give their views on Leatherhead town centre. A variety of thoughts were shared on the best features of the town and ideas were put forward about how to make Leatherhead a more attractive place to live, work and do business. Councillor Howard Jones, Executive Member for Town Centres said: “Listening to and involving residents is key. Please come and see us at one of these events, or take five minutes to complete the online questionnaire that can be found at: www.transformleatherhead.co.uk.

BUILD SURREY BUSINESSES in Surrey have won deals and contracts worth more than £34million, thanks to an online scheme launched by the county council.

The BuildSurrey site was launched two years ago as part of a pledge to spend 60 per cent of the county’s money on home-grown goods and services rather than outsourcing from further away.

More than 950 companies have so far benefited from the scheme, according to the council’s latest figures. Peter Martin, Deputy Leader of the council, said: “BuildSurrey is about helping our local businesses, and therefore our local economy, to thrive. In two years of operation the site has clearly done that, and I have no doubt it will go from strength to strength.

“The scheme works by enabling companies to pitch for construction and repair work that the county council, its main contractors and other public sector organisations need doing.”

“You have not failed. You’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” 6

{ NEWS }

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito”

JOB LOSSES HUNDREDS of jobs could be at risk after one of Dorking’s biggest employers announced it was to close the town’s office. Aviva, which took over the Friends Life building after merging with the company earlier this year, made the announcement that it would close its Pixham End site by the end of 2016.

The move has now cast doubt upon the future of the 750 employees in Dorking, with Aviva only saying that some of the company’s work will move to an alternative site in the town. It comes as the insurance group looks to make £225 million of annual savings by the end of 2017. An Aviva spokesperson said: “When we announced the acquisition of Friends Life we said that we would inform our people about any changes which impact them as soon as possible.

So today we have updated our people about proposals to focus our operations on a number of core locations in the UK. As part of these proposals, we have today informed employees that we will exit our Pixham End site in Dorking by the end of 2016.

Some work will be transferred to an alternative site

NATWEST ANNOUNCES SOUTH EAST SHORTLIST 88 organisations running projects all over the UK and Ireland have been shortlisted for a share of a new £2.5million Skills & Opportunities fund set up

by NatWest, eight of them in the South East Region.

The fund is dedicated to supporting projects in disadvantaged communities that help people to help themselves by learning new skills, getting into the world of work or setting up their own business.

The Skills & Opportunities fund launched in May and in only two weeks attracted 1,066 applications for funding. Thom Kenrick, Head of Community Programmes, RBS Sustainability said: “We expected the response to be good but have been bowled over by the volume of applications. Pulling together a shortlist from so many fantastic projects was a real challenge. We expect people will have a hard time selecting their regional favourites from such a strong line-up.”

The eight organisations with shortlisted projects in South East Region are: Bexley Mencap (Bexleyheath), Business and Education London South (Croydon), JusB (Bromley), Thanet Community Development Trust (Ramsgate), St. Michael’s Fellowship (London), WorkingRite (Hastings), Education Business Partnership (EBP) Kent (Sandwich) and Furniture Now! (Eastbourne).

Tim Boag, Chairman of NatWest’s South East Regional Board, which will be voting on the entries, said: “Opening the vote to the public gives organisations who’ve applied the chance to mobilise support from their community, as well as helping us to gauge public opinion. Essentially, what matters to local communities is what matters to us.”

in the Dorking area.”

SOMETHING BIG Woking-based business Something Big has picked up three accolades at the prestigious national RAR Digital Awards, held in London recently.

The Recommended Agencies Register (RAR) is a marketing agency search and selection tool where clients recommend agencies they work with. The RAR Digital Awards recognise those agencies – large and small – providing digital services to the highest standards, as voted for by their clients. Something Big was shortlisted in the medium-sized business (40-99 staff) section in an impressive 10 categories, ranging from how well they serve their clients to the digital disciplines they provide. The local marketing agency, up against much larger national brands, was awarded the overall winner in three main categories – Creativity/Innovation, On Time, and Social.

ALL CHANGE AT BAKER TILLY Baker Tilly has announced it will be adopting RSM as a common brand name, uniting under a single global brand with more than 100 fellow member firms around the world of the RSM International global network.

Baker Tilly is one of the UK’s leading audit, tax and consulting advisers, with 3,400 partners and staff operating from 32 locations around the country, including Gatwick and Guildford.

Kirsty Sandwell, Managing Partner at Baker Tilly said: “The move will considerably strengthen our position in the region as a leading provider of global audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market. Although our name is changing, we will stay true to our roots and continue to maintain the core essence and legacy of the Baker Tilly brand. Adopting RSM as our name will simply accelerate our path to a recognised unified global brand and strategy.

It will reinforce our focus on becoming the leading adviser to the middle market by ensuring that our clients receive consistent global services, irrespective of international borders.”

RSM International is the world’s sixth-largest provider of tax services and has a presence in more than 110 countries. In 2014 RSM International was the fastest-growing top-ten global network, posting an 18% increase in revenue, year-on-year, to US$4.4 billion for the year ending December 31st, 2014.

The change will be effective on October 26th, 2015.

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{ NEWS }

LOCAL NEWS MOLE MONEY Mole Valley District Council has reported an underspend of more than £250,000 in the last financial year, according to a draft statement of accounts.

According to the statement, presented to the council’s audit committee on Tuesday, the council had a budget for revenue expenditure of £10.064million for the 2014-15 year but spent just £9.797 million.

It left the council with an underspend of £267,000 for the year. The council’s capital spending came in at £3.824million for the year, funded through internal money.

Reviewing the council’s economic prospects for the future, officers wrote: “The current economic conditions and Government attempts to reduce public sector spending were influential factors in the decisions taken by the council in relation to setting its 2015-16 budget. Prospects for a revenue support grant from the Government look poor. The level of council tax increase is constrained by law and the controls are likely to get tighter.”

MORE GREEN BELT LOST More than 2,000 homes, a primary school and shops could be built on green belt land close to East Surrey Hospital.

The huge development, which would involve building about around 2,300 flats and houses, a handful of retail outlets, bus routes and sports pitches, is earmarked for land to the east of Salfords.

In a statement sent to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, property developer Quintain says the site - less than a mile south of the hospital next to Whitebushes, on land east of the railway line up to Mason’s Bridge Road and Picketts Lane – also “presents the opportunity” to deliver additional car parking for Salfords Railway Station and community facilities.

The firm also included a map as a preliminary indication of how the site might be laid out.

SUPERCAR PROFIT McLaren’s Formula 1 team may not be doing so well on the track this year, but record financial results for its sports car section have certainly given the Woking-based company something to celebrate. Recording its second year of profitability after launching McLaren Automotive four years ago, the company has generated an operating profit of £20.8m, compared to £12.4m in 2013.

As well as producing F1 vehicles for the likes of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso, the McLaren Technology Centre in Chertsey Road produces a range of supercars from its pristine production centre.

The centre was built in 2011, the same year that the “ground-breaking” McLaren 12C went into production.

SURREY CONNECTS Morrisons Solicitors held the first event at the Home Cottage pub in Redhill on June 11th to encourage those starting their careers to connect with fellow business peers.

Morrisons are based in Clarendon Road, Redhill, and have been running Redhill and Reigate Connects, a networking event, for more than five years, and have now turned their focus to more junior workers to help them form business relationships.

Paul Harvey, Managing Partner of Morrisons, said: “We recognise that younger or junior professionals would feel more comfortable attending with like-minded peers as opposed to with more established professionals.

“Our young professionals group is a very informal style with no agenda other than meeting likeminded people over a drink and developing relationships over time.”

The firm has run a similar event in Wimbledon for five years.

“A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure” 8

{ NEWS }

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect”

GRAFTON BANKS ANNIVERSARY

START-UP ADVICE Business advice that supports the entire business journey and focuses around the needs of local entrepreneurs is ready and available for any business in Surrey Heath.

Working in partnership, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Chambers of Commerce and Basepoint Business Centres are set to offer all local companies and potential companies the chance to meet with experienced professional advisors to get tailored advice on their businesses.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce, working with trained advisors from Branduin Business Support, are delivering subsidised advice for any company. Depending on the needs of the business, one-hour sessions or on-site visits will be available.

The Chambers will also be able to deliver complimentary start-up clinics. Keen to develop new local companies, the partnership will be helping the entrepreneurs and employers of the future.

To further enhance the offer, the one-hour advice sessions and start-up clinics will take place at Basepoint’s offices in the centre of Camberley. Louise Punter, Chief Executive of Surrey Chambers of Commerce said: “The number of start-ups is still growing within the economy, and we all know that the better help they get at the start of their business, the more likely they are to succeed.”

Reigate-based financial recruiter Grafton Banks Finance celebrates its first year in its Surrey office this month.

After building a successful business in Brighton over the last seven years, the team opened up a second office in the centre of Reigate in July 2014.

Meeting both clients and candidates face-to-face is a key part of the Grafton Banks service, and with an increasing number of Surrey-based clients needing their services, a move north was a key part of the business’ plans for expansion. Alex Gregory, Director and Manager of the Reigate office said: “We took our experience from seven years of working in Sussex and replicated our successes with the team in Surrey. It’s been a hugely exciting year, and one of the highlights of the expansion is that we’re now a preferred supplier to a number of larger Surrey businesses, as well as some key SMEs. Being based in Surrey has allowed us to service clients in West Surrey, such as Woking, Guildford and Farnham, that were previously too far for us to be considered local. Croydon is also a growing market, and having a Reigate office gives us a chance to be part of that” Despite the pull of the bright lights of London, there is a growing number of finance professionals living in Surrey who would prefer to work locally. The Grafton Banks Finance team has had frequent requests from Surrey clients requesting local candidates, rather than seeking those from London.

Grafton Banks Finance hopes to take the success of the Reigate office and expand further into Surrey over the coming years.

CROYDON RISING After five years of pushing for change in Croydon, business leaders say they are proud of what the borough is becoming.

The Develop Croydon Forum was formed in 2010 with the idea of marketing the area to potential investors. It now represents 60 key stakeholders in the borough and has overseen an unprecedented period of change. Members of the forum say the transformation is a far cry from the way the town was being looked at around the turn of the decade.

The group’s Chairman, Richard Plant, said: “The change is perceptible. Not only are there cranes up, the public realm is going up and the buildings are coming out of the ground, but perceptions have changed. We are definitely going in the right direction.”

Vanessa Clark, partner at Sinclair Clark consultant surveyors, added: “The change is tangible now. Ruskin Square used to look like a war zone and now the cranes are visible all over the area.

The office market is incredibly strong - there’s lots of demand.”

Croydon Council leader Tony Newman said: “We will have Boxpark, and the compulsory purchase order for Whitgift is looking promising. Who would have thought I’d have ended up in an office with Boris Johnson, agreeing on strategy and vision for Croydon. But it’s that joined-up politics and cross-party agreement which has provided the certainty to rebuild Croydon.”

See page 68 for an exclusive interview with Develop Croydon Chairman, Richard Plant

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KINGSTON BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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ed by Kingston Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Royal Borough of Kingston and Kingstonfirst, the awards culminate in a gala dinner at the Holiday Inn, Kingston South on October 15, hosted by broadcaster and columnist Julia HartleyBrewer.

Now in their third year, the awards, whose headline sponsor is NatWest, celebrate the businesses that bring prosperity to the Royal Borough. The other sponsors include John Lewis, Kingston University, Kingston College, John Lewis, Premier Cars, Time & Leisure Media Group, TWM Solicitors, Veolia Environmental Services and Warren House.

The latest local companies throwing their weight behind it are: Cattaneo Commercial Best SME Business category, Direct Colour Ltd Best Food & Hospitality category; and New Devi Tandoori- Best Young Entrepreneur category Direct Colour director Mark Attwater said: “We are proud to support The Kingston Business Excellence Awards. And proud to print and publish within The Royal Borough of Kingston.

Whilst it is important to have a national reach;

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most importantly we are a local business.

Stronger relationships can be founded and developed essentially because you are a part of a community.

“Walk, cycle or drive over to someone, shake hands, speak to them face-to-face, deliver something yourself, discuss an issue or snag, or just wishing them a pleasant weekend or evening; creates the environment for a stronger caring business relationship to flourish.”

New Devi Tandoori proprietor Subhendu Dey added: “New Devi Tandoori understands its corporate and social responsibilities and always encourages talent whenever the opportunity arises. That is why we are associating with the Kingston Business Excellence Awards.

Furthermore, New Devi Tandoori believes that to invest in people is to encourage talent, specifically within the community. Therefore, sponsoring the Best Young Entrepreneur award is no exception.”

Bob Cattaneo, MD and founder of Cattaneo Commercial, is an active supporter of all matters associated with the town. As a director of Kingstonfirst, he is actively involved in

providing property advice for the town centre and its future development.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Visit www.kingstonawards.co.uk/Sponsors Now in their third year, the awards are being co-ordinated by White Label, from the entry process right through to the glittering finale on October 15. Discounted rates, to see winners crowned across 13 categories, are available until August 10.

Metropolis Hairdressing was crowned Business of the Year at last year’s awards and founder Robert Masciave, said: “On a day-to-day basis we work so hard and you need to feel a sense of reward and the Kingston Business Excellence Awards did that. That was for the team who feel proud to work for Metropolis and it also helped attract more business. Straight after winning the awards the phone did not stop ringing – it was fantastic.”

For further information contact Jolene Hill: jhill@wlcreative.org.uk www.wlcreative.org.uk

{ INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS }

TECHNOLOGY RULES ?

By Dean Orgill Chairman of Mayo Wynne Baxter www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk • www.iod.com

I

recently came across some interesting comments attributed to John Cleese, speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival, on the topic of the impact of technology on creativity.

In his view “The absolute killer of creativity is interruptions”, and accordingly iPhones and open-plan offices need to be removed from a working environment.

Personally, I am not convinced that those would be good steps to take. But then lawyers are not, on the whole, renowned for their creativity, and Cleese has been a master of his craft for decades, so perhaps I should defer.

However, he also went on to quote the 19th century US writer Henry David Thoreau, who said that “technology is an improved means to an unimproved end”. Cleese added his concern that people start out thinking that they are going to use technology, but end up being used by it.

It is impossible to imagine that when he made his comments Thoreau could possibly have imagined the advances in communication technology that virtually all of us carry with us everywhere today. (Those of us who grew up before the birth of the internet would probably have to admit that we could not have imagined

it then either). I nevertheless believe that his comments still hold true.

The fact that I can produce this column on an iPhone and then email it in to Platinum Towers does not make it any better (though hopefully it makes it no worse).

The technology, though, does mean that I can work on it whenever I like, wherever I like, without being tied to a typewriter, without ripping up countless pages because of typos, and without then having to walk it round to the offices for submission.

On a “properly creative” note, I am sure that the animators at Pixar relish not having to reproduce every frame by hand to create their terrific films. However, I would readily agree that hand-drawn animation has, by the same token, produced many classics too.

So, to my mind, Thoreau has a valid point. The “means” have improved beyond his recognition, but the “ends” still have to stand up on their own merit.

Cleese’s point, though, should serve as a warning. The methods of communication and service delivery to our customers and clients can assist us hugely in providing a good service to

them. I absolutely would not advocate taking any steps backwards in terms of the developments we have seen. For, so long as we control the technology to improve the “means” aspect for ourselves, then the advances are positive.

However, I also believe that none of us should forget that creative side we all have in some form, and that we should ensure that we sometimes switch off the technological tools (and that is what they are) and recharge our own batteries.

Just a thought A recent survey by Board Intelligence posed the question “If you could rip up the rule book, what would good governance look like?”

What would your suggestions be?

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KINGSTON CALLING The inaugural Kingston Breakfast Briefing reveals more about the town’s £1.2BN redevelopment plans

T

he briefing in July entitled ‘Growth and Prosperity for All’ - a joint venture between Kingston Futures and Kingston First, with the support of the Royal Borough of Kingston Council - aimed to help businesses take a share of the town’s £1.2 billion investment programme.

And the event in the historic All Saints Church in Market Place, was such a success that a second briefing is now in the pipeline for the autumn.

“This is just the start of the conversation about the redevelopment of Kingston,” said Royal Borough of Kingston Programme Manager Neil Taylor.

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of Kingston First, added: “It is the first step to ensuring businesses in the town centre and across the borough get to hear first-hand about plans for the future of Kingston, and it provides a forum where their views can be heard and shared.”

The Breakfast Briefing allowed delegates to meet with key stakeholders and hear about the major financial investments being generated across the borough, like the new Kingston

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Station Plaza and the Eden Quarter residential, retail and leisure development.

Principle guest speaker, Kingston’s newlyelected MP, James Berry, told the audience the town is uniquely placed to grow and prosper.

“I want people to know that Kingston is open for business and is a place where companies choose to do business,” he told delegates.

Mr Berry outlined three key points which will enable the town’s future ambitions to be fulfilled. They include: • A Redevelopment Strategy that was acceptable to existing residents and in keeping with the town’s status as a desirable place to live • Nurturing Start-Ups so they want to grow businesses, create employment and stay in the town (Kingston University has produced more start-up businesses than any other university in the UK) • Improving Transport – primarily the town’s “creaking” rail service – and making the case for the new, high speed pan-London Crossrail to come to Kingston.

“We are not going to be a first rate business

centre with a third rate train service,” he told delegates.

“I have been investigating whether it would be appropriate for TfL to take over our creaking train service when Southwest Trains franchise comes up for renewal.

“But this year – 2015 – is also our year to make the case for Crossrail to come to Kingston.

I would be interested to hear what delegates think of this.”

Delegates also heard from Kingston First Chairman Greg Hughes, Kingston Council’s Strategic Planning Manager Eric Owens and the Economic Development Executive’s Phil Clement and John Pye. They each outlined key projects and timescales, through to 2021 and beyond, when Kingston will have a working population of 80,000, requiring an 7,500 new homes.

The audience questioned speakers on everything from the need for more affordable and flexible housing to the opportunities for tendering for the development.

A celebration of the area’s vibrant business community

ENTER FREE TODAY AT www.leatherheadawards.com Five great reasons to take part: 1.

Celebrate your achievements and showcase your business success 2.

Raise the profile of your company among potential customers 3.

Recognise the hard work of your employees 4.

Network with like-minded business people 5.

Be part of the local business community

Ten award categories open to any individual or business located in Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham, Effingham, Mickleham or Fetcham

HEADLINE SPONSOR SPONSORS

ORGANISED BY

MEET THE LOCAL TEAM I

would like to introduce you to the West Surrey Office of Corporate and Commercial Coverage, NatWest. We cover a large part of Surrey for the bank and look after businesses turning over from £2m through to large corporate names. The office is based in Guildford but the team is out and about across the county, and my team’s preference is to visit customers’ businesses rather than have meetings at our offices.

This means that the team has really interesting customers on its books representing all sectors. Our office in Guildford has multiple disciplines. We also have colleagues from Business Banking who work within the office so we can offer a service that takes customers from start-up to corporate level; we have Lombard Asset Finance on site, Personal Banking, and Coutts to help customers manage their personal banking needs.

I have led the team at West Surrey since 2012 and regard myself as a ‘lifelong learner’ in business terms – through working with customers and professionals in Surrey as well as through continued professional development.

I completed the Chartered Banker Qualification and Diploma in Financial Services leadership in 2014.

In wider terms, I run our regional people board, involved in helping our people enhance their skills and their career prospects. By building knowledge and skills I believe we can continually improve how we help customers with their businesses.

I really enjoy visiting customers and am proud to be part of the Surrey Business Community from which many of my friends derive. Although they don’t all support a Norfolk Football team, which has just been promoted, we do often share common ground as I am also a member at Surrey and enjoy visiting the Oval during the summer with my wife and grown-up children. I would like, therefore, to introduce you to the team at West Surrey; we are keen to talk to local businesses. Please get in touch with me so we can discuss your business needs:

DAVID BEARD David is my Deputy and has worked for the Bank locally for nearly 30 years. He has been a Relationship Manager since 2001 and has looked after a broad range of customers. David has a mixed portfolio but has a specialism in the Education, Not for Profit & Housing Association sectors. This means that David has some key charities on his books and local schools, including some internationally known names.

David brings the experience of being a governor of a local authority school, serving on the Resources / Finance and Head Teacher Performance

ROY WIGMORE AND SARAH TITCOMB Roy has been in the Bank for 40 years and brings this experience to his customer base, including a significant number of private schools, and he has a particular interest in that sector, working closely with David Beard.

Roy has helped a number of his customers with successful projects and has extensive local knowledge, again having worked in the area for most of his career. He is a member of Rotary and has personally supported local causes over many years. He has recently been at Runnymede helping with the celebrations for the anniversary of Magna Carta. Roy and his wife, who works locally as a GP, are

Management sub-committees.

His role involves strategic discussions with clients and prospective customers to ensure provision of a broad range of services to help them achieve their aspirations. Through the development of his expertise David has now taken on the Head of Sector role for West London, Surrey & Sussex for the Not For Profit & Education sector and the office has been recognised as a centre of excellence for such customers.

David holds a Certificate in Business & Financial Management qualification.

He enjoys watching rugby and has travelled supporting the national team. Although he is such a local man, David will recount his early years in Singapore, where, if he had stayed a little longer, he would have been required to do national service there!

extremely well travelled (having visited more countries than many of us can list!) and he is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Roy works in a job share arrangement with Sarah Titcomb, an experienced Senior Relationship Manager. This is unusual in the Bank but has allowed us to combine the talents of two successful Relationship Managers. Sarah was previously at our Surbiton and Kingston offices and lives in that part of the patch. Thus, Sarah has extensive connections in north Surrey and spends time regularly at our Kingston Market Place Branch.

Sarah returned to the business after the birth of her first child and has extensive experience of helping customers with their strategies and lending money to help business expansion. Sarah prides herself on her depth of knowledge and understanding businesses.

{ FINANCE } DAVID HAYLOR David has a mixed portfolio that reflects an interest in international trade and he has recently helped one of his customers achieve their biggest export sale by helping facilitate an Export Credit Guarantee Department-backed bond for £1m. He is keen to talk to any business involved in international trade, particularly exporting,

and believes that businesses can miss opportunities if they are not involved in exporting.

David has worked in Dorking and retains a close interest in the town’s business community. He has always been an active sportsman, although of late this has translated into coaching teams in cricket and football, where his sons have inherited their father’s sporting prowess. David retains a keen interest in sport and has recently played in the bank’s golf event in support of a local charity.

PAULINE WEATHERHEAD Pauline has over 20 years’ experience and is a Senior Relationship Manager with a particular interest in the professionals sector.

Pauline looks after solicitors, accountants and other professionals across the patch and is keen to discuss how we can help other businesses in the sector.

Once again, she is someone who has worked in Surrey for most of her career. Pauline and her husband live in Surrey and have a 6-year-old attending a local school.

Pauline and her family are extensive travellers, enjoying holidays in the United States, Asia, the Middle East and also, closer to home, camping in Sussex.

ANDREW KETTLE Andrew has worked in commercial banking since 2012 and has a mixed portfolio of clients. These include technology businesses and manufacturers, in whom Andrew has a particular interest. He is keen to talk to any business within the sector.

Professionally, Andrew is close to completing his Chartered Banker qualification, having passed the Certificate in Business and Financial Management and finalised his Certificate in Manufacturing and Trade. Andrew is married to Alison, a NatWest Business Manager in Crawley; they have a 15-month-old son and are enjoying parenthood.

GARY COX Gary is a highly experienced Manager who has supported many customers over a long term and takes great pride in seeing his customers grow and succeed. Gary has seen businesses through the start-up phase stay with him to become large SMEs. He has then helped them acquire other businesses and therefore grow organically and by acquisition.

Gary and his wife have twin sons, both studying law, and a daughter who excels in sport and graduated from Loughborough University with a first.

JO CATER Jo has a diverse range of clients and is always keen to talk to new businesses that may wish to bank with us. She is passionate about customer service and helping our customers grow their businesses.

Customers are keen to share their business experiences with Jo, who adds expertise and experience to the consideration of their plans. Jo works hard for her customers but, equally, enjoys time away from the office travelling. She has toured the Far East and also spends time in Spain.

BRENDAN MINIHANE Brendan has taken the role of Leisure Specialist and therefore is looking to expand our presence in the pubs, restaurants, hotels and associated businesses. He has many years’ experience as a Relationship Manager and lives and has worked in Guildford and Woking for much of his career.

IAN WILTON Ian is our Healthcare Manager and his expertise is supporting doctors, dentists and other medical professionals, including care home owners. He is highly professional and offers his customers sound advice based on sector knowledge. He enjoys discussing the sector with a circle of professional contacts which he is always looking to expand so as to provide even more support to his customers.

Married, with two children, one of whom is just about to start at UCL, Ian contributes to the office in many ways, not least because his other daughter is a gifted home baker and cake decorator, and so we sometimes benefit from her skills!

Brendan is a keen cyclist and regularly cycles in excess of 120 miles a week; he has taken part in a number of charity cycling events. This ground-based activity compliments his other interest and skill: Brendan holds a private pilot’s license and is the one manager at Guildford who can genuinely say he has flown over the county at the controls of a plane!

KEVIN HASKINS Kevin has a diverse portfolio of customers and is one of our most experienced lending managers, always seeking to use his skills to help his customers and his colleagues. Kevin has also developed relationships with local communities and has a reputation for “going the extra mile” for customers. He has three children and his wife is a teacher in a Surrey school.

Peter Quilter ACIB MCIBS Chartered Banker.

Director, Corporate and Commercial Coverage: 2nd Floor G3, 2 Cathedral Hill, Guildford GU1 3ZR. Peter.Quilter@natwest.com

{ FINANCE }

FUNDING ESCALATOR

By Martin Coomber, Senior Fund Manager E: martin.coomber@thefsegroup.com | Tel: 01276 608525 Web: www.thefsegroup.com

T

he Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership has committed £5 million of capital to create the Funding Escalator comprising a loan scheme and an equity fund managed by The FSE Group.

Through the Coast to Capital Funding Escalator, The FSE Group are able to provide up to £200,000 by way of a loan to established SMEs (small and medium enterprises) requiring finance to implement expansion activities that will deliver substantial growth; alternatively, equity investment can, in some cases, be provided.

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Funding is available to businesses based in the Coast to Capital area, which includes: Croydon, Tandridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Brighton & Hove, Lewes & West Sussex.

The FSE Group Funding Escalators have been used by SMEs to: • •

Support marketing and sales activities Cover the salaries of new staff positions until they pay for themselves

• • • • • •

Transformative Funding

Pursue overseas contract opportunities Develop additional products Support larger office running costs Bring key operations in-house Drive export growth Pay for the cost of new equipment

Furthermore, businesses operating in ecologically driven markets or contributing to a reduction in the region’s ecological footprint may be able to double this amount through the South East Sustainability Loan Fund, providing access

{ FINANCE }

“At The FSE Group we are able to provide funding for growing businesses that have been unable to obtain conventional finance” to £400,000 of finance. The Sustainability Loan Fund is part of the current European Regional Development Fund Programme, and loans must be taken by June this year.

Martin Coomber, Senior Fund Manager at the FSE Group, said, “SMEs are facing uncertain times financially. At The FSE Group we are able to provide funding for growing businesses that have been unable to obtain conventional finance.

We are keen to help businesses secure the right finance so they can reach their potential, growing sales and profits” MOBILE GAMING BUSINESS TO RACE AHEAD WITH EXTRA FUNDING A Brighton business which produces games for mobile phones and other devices is set to grow with help from the Coast to Capital Funding Escalator.

Big Bit Ltd has been designing and developing high quality games from its base at Sussex Innovation Centre (SINC) since 2011. It has been doing this on behalf of some of the world’s largest games companies, including Disney, Nintendo

and Activision, producer of games such as Call of Duty and the Tony Hawks skateboarding series.

On the back of its extensive experience and the success gained over the past three years, Big Bit has now shifted its focus towards producing and distributing its own titles directly to gamers.

This huge market, currently consisting of over 1 billion gamers worldwide, continues to grow at a rapid pace, and mobile gaming alone is expected to be worth around $60 billion by 2017.

To fully maximise its growth and accelerate the distribution of its first title, Race Team Manager, Big Bit has been successful in securing a £200,000 Expansion Loan from the Coast to Capital Funding Escalator. This will see the company more than double in size over the next two years, from its current 15 staff to 37 by the end of 2016.

NIGHTCLUB TICKETING GOES MOBILE WITH FIRST INVESTMENT FROM COAST TO CAPITAL GROWTH EQUITY FUND A company providing a platform which enables people to buy nightclub and event tickets via their

smartphones is the first to receive investment from a fund set up to support businesses that have the potential to bring job creation and economic prosperity.

The cornerstone investment from the Coast to Capital Growth Equity Fund is part of a larger funding round – the company’s third round to date – which also includes monies from The FSE Group’s South East Seed Fund and Angel Club, as well as other investors.

Launched in October, 2013 in response to the founders’ own frustrations surrounding nightclub entry, FIXR offers a paperless and cashless system for purchasing tickets, both in advance and last- minute. The real-time updates available through the platform mean that nightclub staff and event organisers can see live ticket sales information and manage capacity more easily.

Since launching FIXR just over a year ago, the company has gained momentum and has worked with some major brands, including Ministry of Sound, GetTaxi and LG. It is now operating in four cities and rolling out its services across the UK, with plans to launch internationally in the future.

The FSE Group, Riverside House, 4 Meadows Business Park, Station Approach, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey GU17 9AB

17

REFLECTING BACK ON THE FUTURE

By Joanne Rogers, Managing Director, Prowse & Co. www.prowse.co.uk

T

owards the end of 2011, I wrote a blog about marketing trends to look out for in 2012. Back then, we were still in the throes of the global economic downturn with many companies struggling to survive and significantly reducing budgets for marketing activities. I recently read this blog again, and thought it would be interesting to reflect on where we are now …

DEVOLVED SOCIAL MEDIA: 2011 Blog: Whereas 2011 saw corporate social media largely controlled by company marketing departments, we anticipate social media to become increasingly decentralised in 2012.

Staff will become socially enabled, have access to company’s social networks and become brand ambassadors. However, there will be risks as companies relinquish control. It will be vital to empower employees to enable them to be the different faces of their companies, each with a similar, but not identical, understanding of company values.

2015: Fast forward to 2015, and today our thoughts are more occupied by devolved power to the regions than devolved social media within organisations! It seems that companies large and small, public and private, still have a long way to go in relinquishing control to their employees when it comes to social media. Our predictions here were possibly a little ahead of time…

LESS IS MORE: 2011 Blog: With limited signs of economic recovery, we believe companies will continue to find innovative ways to offer ‘less’. For example, smaller size products and stripped down services may become the norm – targeting costsensitive consumers.

2015: Well this prediction seems to have been

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accurate - things just ‘ain’t what they used to be!’

Campaigning organisation ‘Which?’ found a whole host of products were offering customers less for their money. My advice is treat your customers with care. Brands with good reputations need to be careful how far they go with such practices.

The more people that believe in you, the greater the impact of the potential backlash.

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE: 2011 Blog: 2012 may see a shift from the traditional B2B and B2C narrative, to a B2P (business-to-people) mindset. A customer will increasingly buy a product or service because of the people behind it. And the web will be even less anonymous – built more on real people and their connections, opinions and ideas. In this scenario, it will be vital that companies maintain and nurture their networks of influencers and customers, since it is likely that we will trust reliable contacts more than logos, brands, and corporations.

2015: Well, it seems this prediction is becoming reality, although again, some companies are still set in their ways and need to catch up!

With the rise of social engagement, it’s become increasingly obvious we’re all targeting people.

And people gravitate to quality content which drives real value, insight and education. This is something my company will be focusing on in the months ahead…

MAKING IT PERSONAL: 2011 Blog: Personalised content will make the Internet more effective as it becomes even more targeted towards the individual. People will be choosing their own content on their own terms.

For example, people may be more interested in what friends say is newsworthy, rather than what a news editor thinks. Similarly, Facebook will become the sales platform for many companies -

not only will this mean that users will recommend products and services to ‘friends’, but it will also lead to more tailored products.

2015: Well again, we think we were spot on here. Back in 2011, there were 845 million active monthly users of Facebook worldwide. As of the first quarter of 2015, Facebook had 1.44 billion monthly active users. All organisations need to consider how they manage their online presence, whether the aim is to generate sales, communicate via social media or build awareness.

A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU LIKE DOES YOU GOOD: 2011 Blog: Having become tired of the feelings associated with austerity, we expect to see people wanting to let their hair down to enjoy a little more of what they fancy – be that afternoon tea or an extra special treat!

2015: Just look at the rise of summer festivals, the cupcake and of course, Platinum Business!

Need we say more…?

Prowse & Co. combines strategic counsel with practical support to help you effectively communicate with your target audiences.

We’ll work with you to understand your business and deliver results-driven PR and marketing strategies that use the right channels to reach your audiences.

Acting as a seamless extension to your in-house team, we’ll help you manage your reputation and connect with the people who are important to you. From one-off projects, campaigns and public consultations to a full outsourced service - discover how we can help at www.prowse.co.uk

{ BUDGET }

PAIN AT BOTH ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM? Shirley Smith, International Service Partner at Kreston Reeves, says George Osborne’s budget attacks both tax avoidance and welfare spending.

N

obody could accuse George Osborne of lacking ambition. This was a radical Budget from a Chancellor determined to shake up business, welfare spending and tax.

The centrepiece was an unexpected commitment to a living wage, a move that will dramatically improve earnings for those working for the least.

Businesses, however, might be less happy at the thought of a significant increase in their costs of employment. The measure raises the minimum wage from £6.50 an hour to more than £9, at least for those over the age of 25, by 2020.

This was not a giveaway Budget. There were some sharply targeted taxes that will hurt particular sectors, for example insurance. But business generally had plenty to cheer about.

The prospect of a reduction in Corporation Tax to 18% (in 2020) is particularly welcome, as is knowing that from January firms can invest up to £200,000 a year in plant and equipment, qualifying for 100% tax relief in the year the expense is incurred.

The annual employment allowance is also rising by 50% to £3,000. This will cover the cost of four full-time employees on the new living wage, arguably further boosting jobs and investment.

But in return for increased allowances and other tax breaks, Mr Osborne expects

businesses to do more training as a further contribution to the recovery. There will be an apprenticeship levy on large firms to make this happen.

“George Osborne maybe gambling politically that rising tax receipts and a falling deficit will add to prosperity”

Other news was less welcome. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) using dividends from their companies as income will be hit by new rules from next April. The dividend tax credit of 10% will be abolished but there will be no tax on the first £5,000 of dividend income. However basic rate taxpayers will pay 7.5% on any extra dividend income, with higher rate taxpayers paying 32.5%, and additional rate taxpayers will pay tax at 38.1%.

Buy to let landlords are finally within the Chancellor’s sights. The limit on mortgage

interest tax relief to the basic rate of tax will hit individuals who have brought numerous properties.

But there is still the consolation of capital growth, and that it could perhaps have been worse. The changes he announced will not begin until 2017 and then be phased so there is time to prepare.

Non-domiciled, or ‘non-doms’, resident in the UK for 15 years out of the last 20 will have to pay full tax here.

It might be said that the crackdown on aggressive tax avoidance and moves to cut the welfare bill by £12billion mean pain for both ends of the wealth spectrum.

Clearly, the measures to boost the wider economy, support family budgets and increase the pay of those in work meant a Summer Budget aimed firmly at the centre of the spectrum, and which laid out more than an economic policy.

George Osborne maybe gambling politically that rising tax receipts and a falling deficit will add to prosperity and can pay for better and expanded public services, all whilst leaving people with more of their income.

Much of Mr Osborne’s ambition rests on predictions that the £69.5 billion deficit this year will be a £10 billion surplus in 2019-20. There is still a considerable macroeconomic mountain to climb, so we will see.

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{ NEWS }

NATIONAL NEWS APPLE PAY IN THE UK The launch of Apple Pay shows that consumer demand for mobile payments is rising and will continue to rise. However, the platform has some constraints as it is only available to iPhone 6 and Apple Watch users and it relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. What shoppers really want is a ubiquitous solution which allows them to buy products anywhere, at anytime, from a range of mediums, using any digital device.

The decision to only use NFC also drastically reduces the scope of its usage for retailers as they have to support NFC terminals. Apple Pay doesn’t support online shopping either - once again limiting what consumers can use it for.

Dan Wagner, eCommerce veteran and CEO of Powa Technologies, comments: “Despite Apple being an instantly recognisable brand, Apple Pay’s limitations mean it can only be seen as just another way to pay for things. To stand out in an already crowded market, new entrants should provide more than just a payments service. Many retailers don’t see a benefit in Apple Pay because they want a solution that will help them create an omni-channel sales offering, engage better with their customers and understand their shopping habits.”

FLY NOW, PAY LATER Pay4Later, the UK’s fastest growing provider of point-of-sale credit, is launching a new service for holiday and travel companies following strong demand from firms wanting to offer credit to their customers. The new service will enable firms to offer their clients a choice of finance options including 0% interest - ranging from £275 to £25,000 and over terms of six, nine and 12 months. Customers can start paying for their holiday as soon as they book it through the service and spread the cost to suit their finances once they return. Applications will take less than 10 seconds to complete and all those made via Pay4Later’s platform involve ‘soft’ credit searches, meaning a customer’s credit rating will not be affected. John Wark, Marketing Manager at Pay4Later comments “Data shows that retailers who offer credit can see sales rise by up to 40% and order values by 300%.”

MIDDLE-CLASS INDIA India’s economy seems set fair for rapid growth. With a rate of expansion pulling ahead of China’s, the powerhouse of South Asia may be on the brink of realising its potential as a global economic giant. The governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a mandate for tough reform and a pro-business agenda. The country boasts a young population, a growing middle class and an established business sector. Small wonder then that the eyes of the investment world are sizing up the available opportunities. The Harvard University Center for International Development predicts annual GDP growth in India to average 7.9 per cent over the next eight years. In its April report, the World Bank said: “India’s government has announced an ambitious development agenda…if this agenda is successfully implemented, it carries great promise of an acceleration in economic growth that is also inclusive and sustainable”

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people” 20

{ NEWS }

“It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”

MILLENNIALS RULE EU GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION The EU wants to reform data protection and cut red tape for businesses across Europe by bringing in a ‘one stop shop’ single set of rules. In the future each company will have one single Data Protection Authority (DPA) to report to, generally reflecting where its headquarters are based. The rules will be the same for everyone across Europe. The Regulation also aims to protect the rights of European citizens to have more control over their personal data. Businesses across the UK are in danger of underestimating the huge changes that lie ahead in data protection – after a survey revealed one in five aren’t even aware of the forthcoming Regulation.

The Regulation requires companies with more than 250 employees to appoint a Data Protection Officer. Smaller companies which hold more than 5,000 personal data records will have the same requirement. For many it may be more sensible to outsource this post; but the financial implications of the new Regulation will also be a concern. Citizens will have the right to view their data and ask for it to be edited. The ‘right to erasure’, which has already struck Google, will add further complications as companies will be expected to find and edit large amounts of data quickly, a time frame of 72 hours – and will need processes in place for data subjects to make those requests. The threat of data breaches will no longer be a concern only for data controllers but also for data processors.

Punishments include fines of up to 100m Euros or five per cent of global turnover, for companies that deliberately or negligently breach the Regulation.

A new generation of entrepreneurial young people total 15% of all undergraduates and they are planning to start their own companies after graduating.

Many undergraduates already operate their own businesses while studying.

Over 52,000 students currently run their own enterprise, in industries ranging from events promotion to software development and clothing design. The Millennials - or those born between 1980 and 2000 - are entrepreneurial, ambitious, confident in their own abilities and fiercely independent. Of those graduates planning to start their own business, 45% stated they were driven by the desire to be their own boss. 27% believe they will earn more money by starting their own enterprise than they could by working for someone else. A worry over suitable job opportunities has motivated a further 19% to contemplate starting their own company. Given the billion dollar valuations of Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook and Larry Page’s and Sergey Brin’s Google, which were both started while the founders were at university, it is little wonder undergraduates are inspired to set out on their own. Those studying creative, arts & design courses at university are more likely than any other student to start their own business. 26% of those studying these courses plan to start their own company upon graduation. Those studying STEM subjects such as engineering, science and maths are the least likely (12%) of all the university disciplines surveyed to consider starting their own enterprise upon graduation.

SUPPORT FOR HOMEBODY ENTREPRENEURS Home-based businesses are on the rise. 69% of home businesses are started by people running a business for the first time and millennials proving their entrepreneurship, and these self-sufficient homebodies ultimately contribute over £300bn to the economy.

Jane Guaschi, Business Manager at Direct Line for Buisness said: “The Growth Vouchers programme launched by the government in January 2014 showed that accessing advice helps businesses to grow and increase their turnover each year. With this programme having now stopped, there is a clear need for an advice based programme to take its place.” Jane believes there is a clear demand for expert advice and is calling on the energy sector to dedicate funds from closed small business accounts which will help continue with a quality advice programme for the smallest of businesses.

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{ NEWS }

NATIONAL NEWS HELPING HAND Apple has given Greek iCloud users 30 days of free storage after the country’s financial crisis threatened to shut off access.

When the Greek government introduced capital controls on citizens, limiting how they could send money out of the country, many Greeks were unable to use credit cards to pay for digital services, which are often registered abroad. The restrictions meant that iPhone users were unable to buy apps and songs, and maintain their monthly subscriptions to iCloud, the online storage service. Apple offers 5GB of iCloud storage for free, but up to €19.99 a month in the eurozone for up to 1TB of storage. Many users, even those paying just 99 cents a month, saw their subscriptions downgraded. Greek citizens have seen banks closed for two weeks and have seen their withdrawals capped as lenders run out of reserves. Apple seems to hope the crisis will be over in the next month. That might be more optimistic than some.

PRINCE OF DARKNESS NINTENDO LEGACY Tim Parker - once dubbed “the Prince of Darkness” for his willingness to swing the axe, having once halved the AA’s 7000 strong workforce - is to become the new chairman of the Post Office, as the organisation struggles to overhaul its branch network and keep up with the times. Mr Parker, the current chairman of luggage firm Samsonite and the National Trust, will be charged with ensuring that the Post Office can be sustainable while also delivering on the Government’s commitment to secure the future of 3,000 rural branches. Taking over from Alice Perkins, Mr Parker will officially take up his post on 1 October.

Nintendo’s President, Satoru Iwata, who died at the age of 55, leaves a legacy marked by both massive successes and inevitable failures. President since 2002, Iwata is the first leader of the video game powerhouse who was not a member of the Yamauchi family, which founded Nintendo back in 1889. His passing leaves Nintendo’s leadership in question just months before the company is expected to enter the unfamiliar world of mobile gaming, a decision Iwata announced back in March of this year.

BUDGET BUSINESS STABILITY Guy Rigby, head of entrepreneurial services of the accountancy and investment management group Smith and Williamson says, ‘The result of the general election, delivering a majority government, left businesses with the stability they craved.’ More than 80% of the 200+ business leaders who took part in the established quarterly survey expect the economy to improve over the next 12 months. Furthermore, 9% of businesses feel migrants are absolutely essential to their business, and 62% believe they played some part. ‘So it would be reasonable to expect SMEs to be adversely affected should the UK elect to leave the EU,’ Rigby says.

“Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door” 22

{ NEWS }

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me”

THE BORROWERS

DISCLOSURE FOR DIVERSITY Placing more women in the boardrooms of publicly listed companies has always been about more than that – it is part of a Herculean task: changing the status quo. While the government’s initiative to deal with the under representation of women at the top of business in February 2011 evolved into a four year “carrot and stick” approach, yielding some considerable success, has it now hit a wall resistant to change? Not only do 31% of businesses responding to the twice-yearly FTICSA Boardroom Bellwether survey report that they will not meet the target set by Lord Davies of 25% women on boards by the end of 2015, 63% of those companies that are not expecting to hit the target also have no plans to do so in the short, medium or long-term. This is the most pessimistic result for the drive for greater gender diversity since December 2012.

A report from New Financial, the think tank and forum focusing on better capital markets, says diversity disclosure could be an important step towards improving diversity in European capital markets.

“Disclosure is important as a statement of intent – to acknowledge that the capital markets industry is starting from a difficult position but wants to change, is capable of change, and how it plans to make those changes, without waiting to be told what to do by regulators,” it says. “Greater diversity disclosure is linked to increased diversity. We found a positive correlation between disclosure and female representation on boards, which is an example of a desirable diversity outcome,” says the report. On the plus side, it finds that diversity is becoming a standard feature of annual reporting for the capital markets industry, with 90% of the sample mentioning diversity and 77% publishing hard numbers about workforce diversity. Are we any closer to understanding whether boardrooms recognise the ‘everyday truth’ of a changing world?

Loan applications have taken off since the election. Households borrowed an additional £2.1bn in secured loans in May, compared with £1.7bn in April. The relatively strong figure is up from an average of £1.9bn a month in 2014, £1.1bn a month in 2013, and £0.9bn a month in 2012.

Meanwhile, small businesses’ demand for credit surged in the three months to June, registering the first sharp rise in a year. Banks also said they are increasingly willing to approve loans to SMEs. A net balance of 26.6pc of banks - which reflects the percentage of lenders reporting rising loan approval levels less the proportion reporting falling levels - said they approved a greater proportion of SME loan applications in the second quarter of the year compared with the first quarter, the fastest increase in lending for five years. “It is also encouraging to see that default rates fell across all sectors in the second quarter – on mortgage borrowing, unsecured consumer credit and on corporate lending, especially for small businesses,” said Howard Archer, chief economist at HIS Global Insight. “This is clearly a reflection of recent sustained healthy UK growth as well as the help to consumer finances coming from negligible inflation, rising earnings growth and higher employment.”

NATIONS PLAN TO BATTLE CLIMATE CHANGE Crop failures, extreme heat waves or high rates of sea level rising could be so harmful that governments will examine even small chances of the most severe impacts, according to a study by 60 experts from 11 nations. “When we think about keeping our country safe, we always consider the worst case scenarios,” British Foreign Office Minister Joyce Anelay said in a statement. “That is what guides our policies on nuclear non-proliferation, counter-terrorism and conflict prevention. We have to think about climate change the same way,” she said. Almost 200 governments will meet in Paris in December to try to work out a global deal to slow climate change. Governments have long been at odds about how to present the risks of climate change; partly because some voters doubt the scientific findings that global warming is man-made. Spending on national security or health is less controversial? The report said the world was not on track to limit greenhouse gas emissions to keep temperatures within a U.N. goal of two degrees Celsius (3.6 F) above pre-industrial times.

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ELON MUSK

THE ROCKET MAN

By Maarten Hoffmann

W

ho is Elon Musk? This is a question that has been asked ad infinitum, and I am not sure that anyone has ever got close to the answer. What he does is a matter of public record, and if he gets his way, and he usually does, you will not be able to escape his brands over the next decade.

Elon Musk is the man who couldn’t quite understand why it was such a bother to telephone retailers and quote long numbers over the phone to make a purchase, so he fixed that problem with a little start-up called PayPal. Then he failed to understand why cities were choked with fumes and the cancer rate was so high, so he created a ground-breaking electric car called the Tesla. Then he heard that it cost NASA a billion dollars to launch a single rocket to the International Space Station, so he rang them and offered to do it for $60 million. Oh, how they laughed – until they arrived at his James Bond villainesque operations centre in Silicon Valley and, within two hours, came away gob-smacked and clutching his signed contract to take over NASA’s launch operation for the next 12 missions.

“When we were trying to bring the character of genius billionaire Tony Stark to the big screen in Iron Man, I had no idea how to make him seem real.

Robert Downey Jr. said, ‘We need to sit down with Elon Musk’”

{ THE BIG STORY }

Elon was born in 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa to a Canadian mother and South African father of British descent, who was an electromechanical engineer. He was the typical child genius, and at the age of 10 discovered computers with the Commodore VIC-20 and proceeded to teach himself to programme. At 12, he had developed a computer game called Blastar and then promptly sold it for $500. Here was the first taste of what he was capable of.

Life in South Africa was not a happy one, with his parents’ divorce and being severely bullied at school. He was once hospitalised after a gang threw him down a flight of stairs and then beat him until he blacked out.

At the age of 17, he knew he had to get to the USA to realise his fledgling dreams, and, thanks to his Canadian-born mother, he moved to Canada in 1989 and obtained citizenship as a step towards the US. This also conveniently meant he just avoided his SA military service and enrolled into Queens University in Ontario before using an educational transfer to the University of Pennsylvania. Whilst there,

26

he and fellow student Adeo Ressi bought a 10-bedroom frat house and turned it into a nightclub. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, he transferred to

“We really wanted to break the mould, to show that electric cars aren’t just glorified milk floats” California to begin his PhD in Applied Physics at Stanford University, but left after only two days, as his drive to create was irresistible, and he began his mission to conquer the worlds

of the internet, renewable energy and outer space. In 2002, he finally became a US citizen.

Following his fist taste of entrepreneurial ventures with Blastar, he joined with his brother Kimbal, and together they started a web software company called Zip2, with a £28,000 loan from their father. Zip2 was like a primitive combination of Yelp and Google Maps, long before anything like either of those existed. The brothers had no money, slept in the office and showered at the YMCA, and Elon, their lead programmer, sat obsessively at his computer, working around the clock.

In 1995, it was hard to convince businesses that the internet was important - many told them that advertising on the internet sounded like “the dumbest thing they had ever heard of” but, eventually, they began to rack up customers and the company grew. It was the apex of the 90s internet boom, startup companies were being snatched up left and right, and within three short years the company was sold to Compaq for $307 million in cash and $34 million in stock. Elon Musk was only 24 years old.

{ THE BIG STORY }

Not one to sit still for long, the same year he founded X.com, an online financial services payment company, and, following a merger or two, this became PayPal, which he subsequently sold to eBay for $1.5 billion, making him eligible for the title of the world’s youngest billionaire.

In college, he thought about what he wanted to do with his life, using as his starting point the question, “What will most affect the future of humanity?” The answer he came up with was a list of five things: “the internet, sustainable energy, space exploration, in particular the permanent extension of life beyond Earth, artificial intelligence and reprogramming the human genetic code.” Modest goals, then!

Now with a secure financial platform from which to launch, he turned his attention to electricity and space. He is totally incapable of understanding why governments are not taking climate change seriously. On renewable energy he said: “If you’re in non-renewables, it’s like you’re stuck in a room where the oxygen is gradually depleting, and then outside, it’s not.

So you want to get out of that room. And I think that those that get out of the room sooner will be better off. You could power the entire United States with about 150 to 200 square kilometres of solar panels, the entire United States! Take a corner of Utah… there’s not much going on there, I’ve been there. There’s not even radio stations.

So his first mission is to rid the world of the internal combustion engine, and

rather than just preach on the subject, he got up and did something about it with the invention of the Tesla Motor Company.

The electric car is not a new invention, as an electric car held the land speed record in 1901, but they have always come packaged with problems: lack of range, the time to recharge and the habit of latter-day car manufacturers, thinking we all want to be the Jetsons, of designing them to look space-age and futuristic. Most of them look ridiculous and are all but useless in everyday use.

Invoking the name of Nikola Tesla, the famous Serbian engineer and physicist who studied under Thomas Edison and was credited with the design of alternating current and the modern electrical supply system, Elon purchased a 370-acre disused General Motors factory in 2010 in Fremont, California, and so began his dream of the electric car revolution.

The first model was the Tesla Roadster, based on the Lotus Elise, and it stunned the automotive world to the point of total disbelief. With a range of 244 miles on a single charge - thanks to his use of compact lithium-ion battery cells and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds! - we have the first electric car that will outperform just about every petrol driven supercar on the planet, and looks like a normal sports car but without the weight burden of an engine, gearbox, gas tank or exhaust pipe. The fact that he could do this with battery power alone spurred the industry

“Elon Musk is the man who couldn’t quite understand why it was such a bother to telephone retailers and quote long numbers over the phone to make a purchase, so he fixed that problem with a little start-up called PayPal” 27

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{ THE BIG STORY }

to get involved, and most major manufacturers today offer an electric option. But they are all still missing the point, as the best-selling electric cars are actually hybrids that have the electric motor sitting next to a noisy and highly polluting diesel engine that charges the batteries, and a range of only 60 miles.

Elon will have none of this, and Tesla is the first company to develop an electric car from scratch with no petrol engine option available, and with a range of up to 311 miles. Recognition came in 2006 when he was presented with the Global Green product design award for the Roadster, presented by Mikhail Gorbachev.

Elon does not mince his words, and when asked about the success of the Roadster, his response is typically flamboyant: “We really wanted to break the mould, to show that electric cars aren’t just glorified milk floats. This is the fastest-accelerating four-door production car in the world. That’s one hell of a milk float. I had thought the big car companies would be coming out with electric cars sooner. Crazy thing is, it’s now seven years since we unveiled the Roadster, and yet there’s still not a single car for sale without a Tesla badge that has a 250-mile range. That’s mind blowing.”

With his point proven, he now needed to invest every dime he had to get into production with a mass-market family car, despite the countless critics saying that he was mad and would go bust, he very nearly did.

Having pumped millions into the company, he needed investment and went hunting. His series A and B rounds of funding brought in $13 million,

and he personally led series C, that secured investment from prominent entrepreneurs such as Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, former eBay president Jeff Skoll, Hyatt

“Crazy thing is, it’s now seven years since we unveiled the Roadster, and yet there’s still not a single car for sale without a Tesla badge that has a 250-mile range. That’s mind blowing” heir Nick Pritzker, the VC firms Draper Fisher Jurveston, Capricorn Management and the Bay Area Equity Fund, managed by JPMorgan Chase.

The fourth series, in 2007, added another $45m and brought the total investment to over $105m. With the bandwagon rolling, the big boys got involved, and in 2009 Germany’s Daimler AG, parent company of Mercedes-Benz, acquired an

equity stake of 10% for £50m, and in July of that year, it was announced that Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Investments had bought 40% of Daimler’s stake.

The final chunk required came from a US Government interest-bearing loan of $465m.

Tesla repaid this loan in full in 2013, becoming the first-ever manufacturer to do so, with loans to Ford and Nissan still outstanding.

Tesla was born, and the current model, the Tesla S, went into production, and, as if to stick a finger up at his critics, it is a stupendous success that will transform everyone’s lives and the future of planet earth. If you are in any doubt, please read my review on page 60.

And, perhaps even more startling, he does not believe in patents, and has left the car with an open source patent to encourage other companies to use his technology to advance their electric programmes.

Here is a man with a real passion to change the way we do things. “Open sourcing the patents does have the advantage of making Tesla a more attractive place for the world’s best engineers to work,” he insists. “And it builds goodwill, which I believe will be important. I only own 30% of the company. They can fire me if they want.

I’ve got nothing against profit, I don’t think it’s an evil word. But if we have a choice between short-term profit and scaling the business, the latter makes much more sense. So I’ve come to the conclusion we need to be a lot more active in building our own cars. Maybe if we start taking market share away from other companies that’ll get them a lot more interested.”

That market share is within his grasp,

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as the S models have just covered 1 billion miles around the world along with an everexpanding chain of Superchargers across the world that will give the car a half charge of 170 miles in only 20 minutes – and it’s totally free.

Elon noted that “at least one major car company” is already taking advantage of Tesla’s open patents. Any guesses? Mercedes would be my call, but I’m not putting any money on it.

Not content with conquering the entire world with his electric car, he is also the CEO of Space X. Ironically for a man who is trying to make the world a better place, he is also determined to leave it at every opportunity, with the goal of creating the technologies that will

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enable humanity to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars with the use of fully and rapidly reusable rockets.

It has developed the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles, both of which were designed from conception to eventually become reusable, and the Dragon spacecraft which is flown into orbit by the Falcon 9 launch vehicle to supply the International Space Station with cargo.

A manned version of Dragon is in development.

Like so many young billionaires, our own Richard Branson included, the ultimate goal is the exploration and eventual colonisation of other planets. The ultimate achievement for the men who have everything. Like Branson’s

Virgin Galactic crash in October 2014 that killed the pilot, Space X has had its problems. Only recently, the launch of the Falcon 9 on June 28th from the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral was perfect until 2 minutes and 19 seconds later, when it blew itself to smithereens.

Fortunately, it was only carrying cargo and no life was lost, but it just goes to show what a herculean task space exploration is and why it is so attractive to hugely successful overachievers with bottomless pockets. But let’s face it, if it was easy they wouldn’t be the slightest bit interested and we would all be doing it.

NASA Astronaut Ron Garan offered the following: “The lessons learned from the failure will save lives down the road when Dragon launches live crew.” He’s right, of course. But it’s still difficult to get swept up in the excitement of space travel, only to be confronted with an explosive reminder of how far away the future remains.

If you wanted to bet which billionaire will get there first, bet against Elon at your peril and only wager what you can afford to lose. Even Richard Branson seems to be hedging his bets: “Whatever sceptics have said can’t be done, Elon has gone out and made real. Remember in the 1990s, when we would call strangers and give them our credit card numbers?

Elon dreamed up a little thing called PayPal. His Tesla Motors and SolarCity companies are making a clean, renewable-energy future a reality. His Space X programme is reopening space for exploration…it’s a paradox that Elon is working to improve our planet at the same time he’s building spacecraft to help us leave it.”

In his spare time he is the CEO of SolarCity,

{ THE BIG STORY }

a company supplying electrical power to residential homes from solar power and is already the number one provider of solar power in California, with 10,000 employees and a new customer in the US switching to SolarCity

“His Space X programme is reopening space for exploration…it’s a paradox that Elon is working to improve our planet at the same time he’s building spacecraft to help us leave it” every 3 minutes. This is not only a stunning conversion rate of folk in the developed world shutting off from the traditional national grid, but with 1.4 billion people in the world having no electricity supply at all, SolarCity intends to bring solar power to homes, schools and hospitals across the third world.

Then there’s Powerwall and Hyperloop and... well, you get the point. His nickname might as well be the Duracell Bunny as he is not stopping

any time soon. It has long been rumoured that the Iron Man and Avengers character played

by Robert Downey Jr., Tony Stark from the movie franchise, was based on Elon Musk.

The Director, Jon Favreau, and Robert Downey Jr. noted: “When we were trying to bring the character of genius billionaire Tony Stark to the big screen in Iron Man, I had no idea how to make him seem real. Robert Downey Jr.

said, ‘We need to sit down with Elon Musk.”

At 44, with over $13 billion in the bank, driving forward some of the most radical and successful companies the industrial age has ever witnessed, married to a stunning British actress, Talulah Riley, with five perfect sons….I question whether I am more tempted to kneel and prostrate myself at his feet or hit him with a house brick out of sheer covetousness.

{ INVESTMENTS }

FEELING NERVOUS?

By Andy Merricks Head of Investments of Skerritts Wealth Management www.skerritts.co.uk

W

e were speaking to a fund manager the other day and we came to a similar conclusion – it just feels as though something nasty is due to happen. Economic purists will scoff at such a comment, being driven by their particular need, similar to scientists, for a definitive theory-and-solution style of analysis that needs more than simply a feeling to satisfy their analytical persona. An economist will wait for an event to occur, and then spend hours telling you why it did. As investors, we prefer to dodge the event in the first place, remaining perfectly willing to listen to the economists’ reasoning afterwards, but, hopefully, with our portfolio value still largely intact.

The recent spike in bond yields has reminded us of one of those earthquake disaster movies

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where an individual has spotted movement on their seismograph, yet no one listens to the warning of impending disaster, even as the local wildlife takes to the skies and acts out of character. OK, so maybe we’re getting a little carried away with our analogy, but you get the drift? There appear to have been a couple of warning tremors in the bond markets and our natural tendency is to seek comparative shelter.

RE-RUN OF LAST YEAR? Whilst on the subject of feelings, this year feels much like last year. 2014 saw markets generally peak in April and then they fell gradually throughout the Summer months as they fretted about Europe and the timing of the ECB’s venture into the QE club. By the time the clocks went back,

anyone who invested in April 2014 must have wondered why they had bothered as most were between 5% and 8% down in capital terms. When you’re in a market that drifts, even six months can seem a long time to wait for any upward trajectory to recommence. This year, despite the post election surge in the FTSE, markets are down again since April, with the DAX (Germany) suffering a greater than 10% correction to date.

The US is a little more benign so far, down just over 2% from its all-time high, but we think that there could be more to come from the States.

Why? There are several reasons, although none of them appear to be of the systemic risk nature of previous concerns, and investors should try to put this aspect to the forefront of their troubled minds.

{ INVESTMENTS }

“In today’s age when we are overloaded with piecemeal information, true insight that cuts through the noise and finds the signal will be able to command a premium” A CORRECTION IS DUE A correction in the US may happen for no other reason than that we have not seen one for a long time. It has been 43 months since the last fall of more than 10% on the S&P 500, the thirdlongest such streak since the 1930s. The most likely reason for a sell-off is the threat of interest rates rising over there, the first upward tick for almost a decade. We suspect that the fact that rates are rising due to improving fundamentals may be overlooked and any turbulence on the bond markets will be reflected in the equity markets. Our personal view is that a rate rise is not merited as the recovery is just not that strong yet. It will also encourage the Dollar to rise, which is not necessarily a good thing for any recovery that is in place to continue, and it would be no surprise to us to see any rise that does occur being reversed fairly quickly. At this stage a prolonged and steep rate increase does not look anywhere near the horizon. Nevertheless, a rise is unlikely to be beneficial to toppy markets.

ILLIQUID BONDS We do fear a worse than expected rout to the bond markets if rates rise. We saw a screen grab recently from Bloomberg TV which highlighted the potential problem for bond holders should they decide to exit the market en masse. The slide was of a Tesco bond on the day of a profit warning earlier this year. This bond was a £900 million issue (quite big, in other words) yet there was a market of only £6 million liquidity for sellers on that day. The choice was to sell only part of your holding, or wait for a lower price to be offered. It was impossible, if you had owned a lot of it, to get your money back as readily as you would have hoped, and at a price that was acceptable. One of the problems is the cull of market makers after the credit crunch of 2008, and we have not yet seen what levels of liquidity will exist in an era of rising interest rates in a world of fewer third parties who are prepared to trade your bonds.

We have started to reduce our bond holdings where we can as we shuffle towards the exit door, but a balance needs to be maintained between the need for income (which bonds still cater for) and capital volatility. It’s a tricky one and we think that bond liquidity will be an issue that we’ll hear more about in the future.

NOT FORGETTING GREECE, OF COURSE Possibly the most likely reason for markets to fall in the short term is that old chestnut (or should we say olive stone), Greece. Nearly 70% of the Greek people do not want to leave the Euro, yet they do not want to have further austerity prescribed to them either. Being a member of the Euro is binary – either you are or you are not – while the definition of austerity measures can be fudged more. Our suspicion is that fudging may win the day, but the Greek politicians have apparently looked to Iceland as an example of a defaulting nation which very quickly got back on its feet again, not least through increased tourism. The big difference is that Iceland achieved this with financial help from the IMF, something that Greece quite clearly cannot rely upon.

“As investors, we prefer to dodge the event in the first place, remaining perfectly willing to listen to the economists’ reasoning afterwards, but, hopefully, with our portfolio value still largely intact”

WHAT IS OUR STRATEGY? With all that is going on at the moment, we aim to keep things as simple as possible. According to Daniel J Levitin, in his book The Organized Mind, we take in five times more information in a single day now than we did in 1986. Yet our colleagues, clients and family expect immediate answers and constant contact due to the various methods of communication that exist today, and productivity has actually been shown to fall the more wired we are to the constant onslaught of information. “In today’s age when we are overloaded with piecemeal information, true insight that cuts through the noise and finds the signal will be able to command a premium” [BCA Research, June, 2015]. This is what, as investment managers, we aim to do.

Cutting through the noise, we ask ourselves, “From here, over the next few months, are markets likely to rise strongly?” Or, “From here, over the next few months, what are the chances of markets falling?” The answer to the former is no. The answer to the latter is quite probably.

Neither is definitive. And so, our strategy is to play safer than we have been doing by raising our cash levels. This does not mean that our portfolios will not fall if the markets fall, but that they should fall less. This is because, if we are wrong and markets recover without a correction occurring, we don’t want to miss out on this because we are all cashed up. By raising cash levels from here, however, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to take advantage of better prices and subsequently healthier overall returns for clients should a correction occur.

And that is as simple a strategy as we can think of during times of excessive short-term threats.

Sources: BCA Research –June 2015

The information contained within this feature is for guidance only and is not a recommendation of any investment or a financial promotion.

A “Grexit” increases in likelihood as the weeks go by and markets will almost certainly react negatively if it happens. Greece in itself will not cause too much hardship to the Union should it leave, but it will be the inevitable “who’s next” game that will most likely cause ripples.

Skerritt Consultants, Skerritt House, 23 Coleridge Street, Hove, BN3 5AB. Tel: 01273 204 999.

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{ LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP }

GREEN LIGHT FOR GROWTH Chairman Tim Wates looks back over the past year – a period when Coast to Capital LEP significantly expanded its reach, remit and investments for the region…

T

his has been an exciting year for Coast to Capital. Following the announcements of our Growth Deal and our Extended Growth Deal – both of which will see millions invested in our region – a significant projects delivery programme is now being implemented.

With our partners, we are investing thoughtfully in all of the industries and infrastructure that will carry our region into the future. Whilst there will be some short-term gains, the long-lasting legacy of these projects will benefit all those who visit, work, study and invest in our region.

During the past year, whilst we have been negotiating with Government on our region’s behalf, our board and management teams have continued to engage with the people, companies and communities that matter across our region.

It is important to us that an equitable balance is achieved from the Growth Deal, spreading the benefits across a broad range of communities.

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Coast to Capital now has an extended network that includes our region’s business associations, higher and further education, local area partners and the third sector. Together we have combined to form a strong and united approach which reflects our priorities for investment, infrastructure and business support.

Coast to Capital’s strategy and our long-term vision for the region have been determined and we are clear in our ambition to become one of the UK’s leading Local Enterprise Partnerships.

We want to be a force for change and a major influence for economic development excellence, nationally as well as locally.

My colleagues and I look forward to seeing our projects and initiatives being realised as we enter this exciting yet challenging implementation phase.

GROWTH DEAL HIGHLIGHTS In 2014, Coast to Capital agreed a £202 million Growth Deal with central Government to achieve a sixyear investment programme in jobs, infrastructure and transport. Beginning with £38m of new funding in 2015/16, over the life of the Growth Deal, the funding is projected to provide: • Up to 21,000 jobs • Up to 9,000 homes • 380,000 square metres of employment space • Up to £350m investment into the Coast to Capital economy from the public and private sector

{ LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP }

“Coast to Capital now stands at the heart of the business relationship between Whitehall and our local authority partners” KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014-15 Bringing investment to our region • • • • • • • • •

£238 million Local Growth Fund secured £61.2 million secured from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) £23.6 million Growing Places Fund secured, enabling seven business loans for large scale infrastructure development £3 million investments in businesses made from the Regional Growth Fund £30 million investment in East Surrey’s transport infrastructure £13.7 million secured to deliver transport and infrastructure improvements in Brighton and Hove £7.1 million to upgrade West Sussex’s transport infrastructure £810,000 secured to support the Growth Hub Business Navigator, which has helped more than 2,200 businesses to date Provided support to local authorities to access the Public Works Loan Board

Enabling companies to expand and create jobs • • • • • • • • •

£2.2 million Business Growth Grants fund enabled 39 companies to create more than 300 new jobs £500,000 initial investment won by Coast to Capital led consortia to fund a ‘Digital Catapult’ centre – one of just three in the UK £88,694 to fund a Small Business Digital Capability project £17,500 from the Skills Funding Agency to run apprenticeships workshops 137 representatives from enterprise agencies, membership organisations, local authorities, partnerships, intermediaries and the HE/FE sector participated in the Coast to Capital Business Providers Network 18 foreign owned companies set up operations in our region creating 337 new jobs 2,205 businesses were supported via the Business Navigator Service, which includes an online business support services directory and events calendar Delivered a Business Engagement programme to understand the challenges and views of business leaders and business organisations across the region and to promote Coast to Capital funded programmes Supported Export Week and Global Entrepreneurship Week

Creating collaborations and driving partnerships • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Published the Strategic Economic Plan – unanimously agreed by the Coast to Capital Joint Committee of all 17 authorities Published a regional Skills Strategy and established a Skills Committee focusing on meeting business skills needs and generating sustainable employment Published the Local Transport Board Strategy Published the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) Strategy Established the new Greater Brighton Economic Board, which will oversee a six year programme of investment in jobs, housing, business and skills Prepared a Rural Statement, with our rural partners, to ensure we “rural proof” everything we do Worked with DEFRA to bring pilot Food Enterprise Zones to the region Supported Skills Funding Agency in re-contracting the National Careers Service in our region Supported three successful LEADER bids from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) to improve the rural economy Supported a range of enterprise-related events, including a joint event with the Business Growth Service and the Eco-Technology Show Published agreed key performance indicators to measure the economic performance of our region Supported the activities of the LEP National Network.

Supported the London Borough of Croydon in its ‘Growth Zone’ ambitions

Discover more online at www.coast2capital.org.uk

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Sussex-based Skerritts have won the industry-recognised Citywire New Model Adviser award for the South East for the 5th successive year. The awards were presented by comedian and TV presenter Clive Anderson.

{ SOCIAL MEDIA }

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

By Lucy Wilkes totalsocsec@gmail.com www.totalsocialsecretary.com

O

ver 1500 apps a month are being submitted for launch as designers drill deeper into developing tools to support every facet of our lives. Whether it’s a high street bank, music, shopping, health monitors or maddening games, there’s an app for it. Most devices now come with standard Twitter and Facebook apps; I would also recommend adding in the key business Linkedin option, and have a few more to suggest.

An issue that has plagued us for years is the abundance of business cards stuffed into wallets, or collecting dust in a desktop box - but the CAMCARD app (entry level free) changes that. Simply take a quick photo via CAMCARD (camera option installed within the app) of a proffered business card and it will be saved to your designated contacts list with full image and contact information. You can also exchange business cards via this app by saving your card and emailing it to a new contact, so no more loose cards cluttering up desk drawers, and an easy-to-manage address book with contacts at the touch of a button..

Accountants are now breathing a sigh of relief as clients download the EXPENSIFY app (free for individual use and costs £3 per multiple business user). This pleasantly laid out app prompts the user to upload bank details, capture receipts, file under specific categories, tag

as reimbursable or billable and finally create a company report at the end of each month.

Another option is the SMART RECEIPT app (free), which doesn`t require bank access, but quickly and easily stores receipts and gives the user the option to email forward as saved pdfs. At last the notion of presenting envelopes stuffed with receipts to a weary bookkeeper is finally behind us all.

“Accountants are now breathing a sigh of relief as clients download the EXPENSIFY app”

Utilising the FASTSCANNER app (entry level free, costs £2.44 to remove the annoying ads that stream across the bottom of the screen) has proved incredibly useful on a daily basis. As it says, simply open the app, click on the camera icon and scan paperwork. The app gives the

option to lighten or darken the image, then save as pdf, ready to email or share as appropriate.

Ideal for contracts, tickets and legal documents, and straightforward to use.

I mentioned the (free) PERISCOPE app last month: this app gives the user the option to broadcast live to the world. The ideal way to work Periscope is to tweet alerts to your existing followers on Twitter, telling them that you will be live “scoping” an event or talk at a designated time This will then prompt them to follow you on Periscope and tune in to watch you at the advertised time. Still in its infancy, it would be advisable to start utilising this app sooner rather than later as its potential to promote business brands and events is huge, and every user - whether it’s NIKE or your local restaurant - is starting on Periscope with zero users and having to build their followers on this app from scratch.

With summer holidays coming, the increase in traffic, the frustration of scanning a packed five-storey car park looking for your car are now no longer issues with CAR LOCATOR app (£2.44), which uses GPS to track and save your location and guide you back to your vehicle at a later date.

Do let me know what apps you find most useful @totalsocagency, and I look forward to hearing from you.

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TRAVEL CAN BE TAXING...

Rupert Moyle, Director of VAT and Duty at Kreston Reeves, warns of VAT traps for international events

M

ost businesses are used to the ‘general rule’, introduced in 2010, for determining where VAT is due on services supplied between businesses.

As a reminder for those involved with international trade, the rule means in practice that UK VAT is not charged on general rule services where the customer is based abroad.

Instead, a customer would charge itself VAT at the local rate, under a ‘reverse charge’ procedure. This also means that a UK recipient of a supply of a service has to self-account for

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VAT on most services bought from outside the UK. A warning here: purchases from outside the EU also require a reverse charge, and, for those not registered, reverse charges count as taxable supplies towards the registration threshold.

There are exceptions to the general rule, the most common of which relates to real estate.

Again, businesses are familiar with the rules, that is, any VAT is due where a property /land is located.

These rules determine the place of supply, not the treatment. UK supplies of property are often

exempt from VAT (subject to an option to tax for commercial properties). Other countries may also apply similar rules and reliefs from VAT. As an aside, although there is a common framework for VAT within the EU, the EU Directive has been interpreted differently by member states. There is discretion in some areas of the tax. Rates, too, can vary, or simplifications may apply. The message here is that wherever you undertake international transactions and events you should seek local specialist VAT advice.

{ ACCOUNTS }

Overseas events – a problematic exception Although the 2010 change has not been overly difficult to apply, there have been further VAT Package changes, the last of which occurred this year.

The change which in my view causes the most headaches concerns events, including fairs, conferences and exhibitions. This exception to the general rule arrived in 2011. There are problems for both event owners and organisers.

The exception rules seem clear at first glance. Charging for admission to an event, or services that are ‘ancillary’ to the admission, are treated as being supplied where the event takes place, whether customers are in business or otherwise.

I will highlight some of the issues below.

Firstly, you must decide if the event is a oneoff conference or part of a course of tuition (which falls outside the ‘event’ rules).

What does ‘ancillary’ cover? EU legislation includes cloakrooms and sanitary facilities but not assistance in selling tickets. What else might be ancillary? You may need to take advice.

Most importantly, there needs to be a careful analysis of what is actually being supplied. Too often event owners, especially smaller charities and membership bodies, engage a third-party organiser, but do not themselves consider their obligations, or the effect this may have on their VAT status and recovery position.

Event owners need to consider if there are supplies in addition to attendee admission, such as sponsorship, stand hire and accommodation.

An example: To illustrate how events can cause problems, a charitable organisation held an educational conference and agreed to share its profits from the event with a related body. It usually treated delegate income as exempt from VAT as it was an ‘eligible body’.

The main issue was that the ‘profit share’ might breach the eligible body rules, which preclude the distribution of profits, leading to 20% VAT on tickets. Alternatively, as the body sharing the profits owned rights to the event, the share could have been interpreted as payment for the right to hold the event.

This situation might lead to a reverse charge by the charity, resulting in a cost if delegate income was exempt. This in turn would reduce the profits and so the share would need to be adjusted. The charity also had issues with accommodation it sold (Tour Operators Margin Scheme applying), stand hire and the effect the event would have on its VAT recovery position.

Where events are being organised by third parties, what is being supplied and the related consequences need to be considered properly.

Assumptions can be made, for example that a client is an ‘eligible body’ and can exempt its education. Are there exemptions for cultural or educational events where the event is held? Are there different rates applicable? A degree of control must be retained by the ‘owner’ as it is they who are ultimately responsible for the VAT declarations.

There is difficulty, too, with regard to stand hire. HMRC realised in 2012 that its policy of treating stand hire as a land-related service was contrary to other member states - which treated the supply as a general rule service.

This gave rise to double taxation as UK VAT would be charged (assuming an option to tax of the venue), as well as a reverse charge by the customer. Fortunately, HMRC changed their policy in August 2012, stating that any ‘package’

of services included with the ‘land’ would be regarded as a general rule ‘service’.

More generally, if businesses are supplying a number of different ‘supplies’, they must establish if there is a predominant supply, which determines the liability of all of the supplies.

Otherwise, the supplies may be ‘mixed’ without a predominant element and so could attract their individual VAT treatment.

“The message here is that wherever you undertake international transactions and events you should seek local specialist VAT advice” In addition, a business needs to determine the status of its customers and where they are established. This will not be of issue if they are simply charging for admission, but could be for other services in connection with events.

Supplies to non-business consumers may have a place of supply where the activities are actually performed.

Finally, I should mention certain administrative issues with events held abroad.

For example, invoicing requirements and the frequency of return filing in other countries need to be understood. The timing of registration can be problematic where advance payments are received. Also, where registration abroad is not required, but VAT is then incurred on costs, an overseas refund claim may be appropriate.

And, to end on a word of warning, late registration can attract penalties, the value of which will depend on the amount of tax due and the local penalty regime.

To find out more about the potential VAT liabilities and refunds on overseas events, please contact Rupert Moyle on 01293 855121 or rupert.moyle@krestonreeves.com.

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GOOD JOB OR GREAT JOB?

By Steve Amos

‘There are no two words in the English language more harmful than “good job”.’

W

hat do you think of this quote?

It’s from Terence Fletcher, the brutal music teacher in the Oscarnominated film ‘Whiplash’. Fletcher’s view is that telling someone they’ve done a ‘good job’ leads them to settle for mediocrity, and stops them from pushing themselves to be the best they can be. His alternative is to seize on every mistake, and to humiliate the individual responsible in front of their peers.

In the film this approach ultimately enables Fletcher’s student, Andrew Neiman, to achieve greatness as a jazz drummer. But along the way it leads to him being involved in a near-

40

fatal car crash, a law suit, and destroys his relationship with his girlfriend.

Professional sport is often seen as a similarly macho environment, where individuals need to be stretched to their limits to fulfil their potential. Sir Alex Ferguson was often seen as a master motivator, but when he overstepped the mark and hurled a boot at David Beckham he soon found his star winger leaving Old Trafford for Real Madrid. What had been a productive relationship was broken by brutality.

This was unusual for Ferguson, who by and large managed more nuanced relationships with his players. He knew when to let rip

with the infamous ‘hairdryer treatment’, but also when to treat them with kindness and sensitivity. This ability to adapt to different people, in different circumstances, at different times, is key to getting people to perform at their best.

I recently heard Graeme Swann being interviewed about his time with the England cricket team. He identified Ian Bell as a player who, for all his experience, still needs plenty of praise and encouragement. James Anderson, on the other hand, finds praise embarrassing, even when he’s done a great job, and prefers to be left alone. It’s different strokes for different

{ BUSINESS TRAINING } How can we get the balance right? Three key tips: 1. Recognise that everyone’s different, and be ready to adapt your approach to the individual. What worked with one team member won’t necessarily work with someone else.

2. Ask questions. Questions are key to finding out about people, so we can discover how the world looks to them.

They’re also a great way to get people to reflect on their own beliefs, attitudes and approaches, and consider whether they need to change.

3. Push your most talented people to give their best. But do it carefully, not by stretching them to breaking point.

4. Finally, don’t feel you have to do all this by yourself. There’s a lot of advice available, and a lot of learning material around. Make use of it, both for yourself and your team members. Unlike Terence Fletcher, I think you’ll find it a lot more developmental than throwing a cymbal at someone’s head.

Steve Amos is a trainer and author. He is editor in chief with Cherrystone Ltd, and lead consultant with the imaginatively named Steve Amos Training Consultancy.

Email: steve@cherrystone.org.uk

“Fletcher’s view is that telling someone they’ve done a ‘good job’ leads them to settle for mediocrity, and stops them from pushing themselves to be the best they can be. His alternative is to seize on every mistake, and to humiliate the individual responsible in front of their peers”

folks, but at no point did I hear Swann identify anyone who benefited from being abused.

My own belief, from over 30 years’ experience as a manager and trainer, is that people learn and develop from being stretched, but not from being humiliated. The times when I’ve pushed people too hard are the times when I’ve lost them, and failed to help them fulfil their potential. But equally there are times when I’ve allowed people to remain in their comfort zone, without providing the constructive challenge to enable them to move forward.

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{ AIRPORT EXPANSION }

RUNWAY TO GROWTH OR POLITICAL MINEFIELD? Ian Trevett on the dilemma facing David Cameron

P

oliticians strive to create a legacy and crave their place in history as someone who made a difference. It rarely works that way. They are more likely to be defined by a broken promise, a controversial policy or a flippant remark. Blair wanted to create a fairer society by investing in education and health but will always the man who took us to a bitter war in Iraq. Clegg finally opened the door to power for the Liberal Democrats but lost any credibility by ditching his pledge to abolish student tuition fees. Jim Callaghan will forever be associated with his dismissive”Crisis, what Crisis?” remark during the strike-ridden winter of discontent (even though he never actually said it).

David Cameron knows how easily a reputation can be decimated, and he faces the dilemma of either back-tracking on his muchquoted, adamant declaration, “No ifs, no buts, there will be no third runway at Heathrow,” or dismissing the independent recommendations of a commission that he instigated.

Sir Howard Davies and his hard-working team spent years examining reams of submitted evidence, whether it was delving into

42

the intricacies of carbon-capped forecasts and or calculating impacts on the wider economy through Spatial Computable Generalised Equilibrium models. But, ultimately, the delivery of a new runway will be all about the politics.

The froth of champagne from Heathrow was still fizzing when the political initiative was unceremoniously snatched away by the objectors. Within minutes Boris was live on TV, grabbing all available limelight and railing against this “catastrophic decision”. The problem for Cameron goes deeper than a few sound-bites from the scruffy one. The opposition to Heathrow is a bit too close to home.

The political minefield was neatly summarised in The Economist: “At least five cabinet ministers are against it, along with several well-known MPs. Opposition to the expansion of Heathrow helped Boris Johnson, the Conservative mayor of London, achieve a resounding victory, and he is still staunchly opposed to it. If Mr Cameron wants another Tory in City Hall then expanding Heathrow could put him in a pickle. Zac Goldsmith, the MP for Richmond, the Tory front-runner to replace Mr

Johnson, has already threatened to resign from his seat if another runway goes ahead.

“Meanwhile, six marginal seats sit under the flight path in west London, and their wellheeled constituents are more vocal than most.

Two of these—Brentford and Isleworth, and Ealing Central—were won by Labour from the Tories in May’s general election by candidates who specifically asserted that they were against expansion.”

It may be that none of this matters. Cameron’s majority is slender, but the opposition has been, at least temporarily, neutered. Labour’s big problem is not that they need to find a new leader, but that no-one seems the slightest bit interested in the leadership contest. But if Labour does manage to find a leader who starts connecting with ordinary people, the Conservatives will need to be wary. The referendum on Europe may not erupt into the civil war so often predicted, as the party will surely have been working hard to mitigate such a disastrous scenario. The divisive, personal battles between the Europhiles and the sceptics during the late 1980s and early 1990s, were

{ AIRPORT EXPANSION }

“The froth of champagne from Heathrow was still fizzing when the political initiative was unceremoniously snatched away by the objectors” symptoms of a complacent and arrogant party. After 18 years of waiting for power, the MPs will be all too aware of the risks - but a bitter row over a new runway may well spontaneously erupt. After all, who would have predicted that the biggest internal row in the Thatcher years would be over a rescue bid for a helicopter manufacturer?

The politics shouldn’t matter. The recommendation of an Airport Commission should really be the final word. The conclusion they drew was forthright.

“The benefits of competition are much higher for the Heathrow schemes than the Gatwick Airport Second Runway scheme. At an expanded Gatwick the benefits of competition would depend on whether the airport would be able to successfully attract long-haul carriers in the future, which creates a risk around their realisation.

“Gatwick is unlikely to provide as much of the type of capacity which is most urgently required: long-haul destinations in new markets. Heathrow can provide that capacity most easily and quickly. The benefits are significantly greater for business passengers, freight operators and the broader economy. All passengers will benefit from enhanced competition.”

So the final word? The conclusion, quite rightly, responds to the remit outlined at the outset. The commission was charged with producing: • An Interim Report, published at the end of 2013, setting out the nature, scale and timing of steps needed to maintain the UK’s global hub status alongside recommendations for making better use of the UK’s existing runway capacity over the next five years; and • A Final Report by summer 2015 setting out recommendations on how to meet any need for additional airport capacity in the longer term.

So is it all about being a hub? In which case it has to be Heathrow, which is a hub already. I’m told by those in the travel industry that having a hub is vitally important, but I’ve still to work out how we actually benefit from someone swopping planes at Heathrow. I’m sure the chap who owns the Costa Coffee franchise in the connecting corridor will enjoy the trade, but does it really matter to the UK economy?

Gatwick maintains it should be about origin/destination passengers that start or end their journey in the UK, and I am inclined to agree.

The panel have deliberated and made their verdict. So, surely politicians should now just rubber-stamp the decision and get the bulldozers on stand-by. However, Sir Howard has kept the door enticingly ajar, leaving enough oxygen for Gatwick to continue their fight. The Executive Summary of the Report declared that ‘Each of the schemes shortlisted was considered a credible option for expansion, capable of delivering valuable enhancements to the UK’s aviation capacity and connectivity.’

Added to the caveats and conditions that have to be met before a third runway at Heathrow will be acceptable, such as no night flights and keeping to acceptable performance on air quality, it is clear that this debate is far from over. On the next three pages Gatwick delivers a compelling case against the recommendation.

And you can’t escape the conclusion that the decision will have more to do with the electoral interests of the MPs whose seats are closest to the airports, most of whom just happen to be members of the cabinet.

WHERE DO LOCAL MPS STAND ON THE DEBATE? The Surrey Comet and the Croydon Guardian newspapers reported their predictions on how local MPs would react, with many tweeting their thoughts:

NO THIRD RUNWAY AT HEATHROW Wimbledon Conservative MP Stephen Hammond: “Airport Comm recommends Htrw 3rd Runway. I remain opposed and don’t believe will happen.”

Tooting Labour MP (and potential mayoral candidate) Sadiq Khan: “A 3rd #Heathrow runway would cause misery for Londoners.”

Kingston Conservative MP James Berry is against a third runway.

Twickenham Conservative MP Tania Mathias stands ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with Zac Goldsmith against a third runway at Heathrow.

Conservative MP for Sutton Paul Scully was photographed with Zac Goldsmith and says: “The Heathrow flight path is predicted to go over Sutton.”

Cabinet minister Philip Hammond, Conservative MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, has called for the expansion of Gatwick and rejected expansion for Heathrow.

Conservative Jane Ellison, MP for Battersea, Balham & Wandsworth, is also against.

Conservative Justine Greening’s opposition was said to be a reason why she was reshuffled from transport secretary in 2012 and as a sign of the PM’s change of stance on the runway.

Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake, Carshalton and Wallington: “Asked Transport Sec. for guarantee, no ifs, no buts, that residents lives won’t be blighted by more noise if 3rd runway @ H’row. Silence” Other opponents include Theresa May in Maidenhead.

EXPAND HEATHROW Mitcham & Morden Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh: “Sorry but I agree with 3rd runway at Heathrow & I am confident most Londoners do even in the constituencies most effected!”

Sir Paul Beresford, Conservative MP for Mole Valley, said: “Mole Valley’s green spaces, its core services and its unique character are all safer as a result of this decision. Reason and logic have prevailed over a sharp PR campaign by Gatwick.”

Crispin Blunt, Conservative MP for Reigate and Banstead, also welcomed the recommendation.

Other Gatwick opponents include Henry Smith MP for Crawley and Sir Nicholas Soames MP for Mid Sussex EXPAND GATWICK All three Croydon MPs back Gatwick.

Central Conservative MP Gavin Barwell (Conservative) Croydon South MP Chris Philp (Conservative) Croydon North MP Steve Reed (Labour) There is also support along the South Coast, notably Caroline Ansell MP for Eastbourne.

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GATWICK FIGHTS ON The battle for London’s next runway is far from over, with Gatwick calling the conclusions of the Airport Commission into question.

T

he ink had hardly dried on the Final Report by the Airport Commission when Gatwick Airport came out fighting with their ‘Initial response to the Airport’s Commission’s recommendation report’. In presenting the report, the Chair of the Gatwick Airport Board, Sir Roy McNulty, had strong words: “Our view has always been that the assessments on which the Commission’s conclusions are based must be thorough, balanced, fair and well evidenced.

“We believe that the Commission’s report falls short of this standard in a number of very important respects. As a result, the many strengths of Gatwick and the many challenges

44

of Heathrow are underplayed, leading to a conclusion which we believe is flawed.

“The Airports Commission has made its recommendation and it is now for the Government to decide.

“We are confident that when they do make their decision they will choose Gatwick as the best option for the economy and the environment, and - most importantly - after decades of delay, the option that is actually deliverable.”

SO WHAT EXACTLY WERE GATWICK’S OBJECTIONS? Gatwick Airport’s case against the Commission’s conclusions were broken up into seven sections,

which we have summarised below: TRAFFIC The Commission under-forecasts future traffic at an expanded Gatwick. For example, they forecast that Gatwick will reach passenger volumes of 40million in 2024; the airport will actually reach that level in 2015.

The Commission forecasts that if Gatwick is expanded by one runway, in the first year of operations it will only generate an additional 2 million passengers, despite the fact that Gatwick grew by 2.7 million passengers last year with one single runway and limited slot availability. The Commission also states that after five years with

{ AIRPORT EXPANSION } would all restrict traffic growth, but none of these restrictions are factored into its forecasts. These restrictions are important for the Commission’s conclusions as they could have a significant impact on existing and new long-haul capacity, which is at the heart of the Commission’s view of the appeal of Heathrow’s case.

The Commission’s assessment rests on these flawed traffic forecasts, which inevitably make the economic case for Gatwick less attractive than Heathrow.

ECONOMIC CASE The Commission’s own analysis - based on HM Treasury guidelines - shows relatively modest differences in economic benefit between Heathrow (£33.6 - 54.8billion) and Gatwick (£27.2 - 47.1billion), although the Commission’s conclusion relies heavily on numbers calculated by a different methodology.

The economic benefits for the UK from airport expansion come from meeting the demand of ‘origin/destination’ passengers who start or end their journey in the UK, and not from ‘transfer’ passengers merely using the UK as a convenient transit point on their way from one country to another.

The Commission’s central expectation is that by 2030 the total number of UK ‘origin/ destination’ passengers will be identical (294m passengers), whether Gatwick or Heathrow is expanded. Thereafter, a gap emerges, with more ‘origin/destination’ passengers in the UK with Gatwick expanded rather than Heathrow. So, even the Commission’s own forecasts demonstrate that expansion at Gatwick better enables the UK to meet the demand from such passengers. a second runway, Gatwick will have an additional 8m passengers - fewer than Heathrow would have after one year with a third runway.

It is simply not credible that by 2025, after another ten years of market growth in a system where no other airport is adding capacity, a Gatwick that has doubled its capacity and has, in particular, many peak-hour slots available, would grow less than it did last year.

In contrast, the Commission’s forecasts suggest that if Heathrow is expanded by one runway it will immediately generate an additional 12 million passengers a year in the first year of operations - a number greater than the total traffic of Luton Airport today. The Commission further assumes there will be an additional 35 million passengers at Heathrow within five years, almost as many as the whole of Gatwick today.

The Commission also suggests a complete ban on night flights at Heathrow would be necessary, alongside other restrictions on noise. These

PASSENGER BENEFITS The Commission acknowledges that the majority of new traffic over coming decades will be to European markets but recommends a solution that is almost entirely focused on long-haul; it also fails to consider the role that Gatwick could play in the long-haul market.

The Commission acknowledges that 60%70% of new traffic over the period under review will be short-haul to European markets, and there is considerable social value in passengers travelling for leisure and visiting friends and relatives.

The Commission argues that the lack of capacity is already preventing the development of new links to emerging markets. This is disproved by analysis of the new routes BA has launched from Heathrow during the last two years: • To leisure destinations 10 • To emerging markets 2 • Other 2

The fact that BA has launched only two new routes to emerging markets in this period clearly stems from normal commercial considerations rather than from capacity constraints.

Heathrow is already the most expensive airport in the world. The costs to passengers will rise further with a third runway. Expansion at Heathrow will significantly increase the average price of travel for the rest of passengers travelling through the London airport system. This is not adequately addressed by the Commission.

“We are confident that when they do make their decision they will choose Gatwick as the best option for the economy and the environment” COMPETITION Expanding Gatwick would enhance competition, but the Commission recommends increasing market dominance at Heathrow.

The Commission’s argument appears to rest on the idea that, because there is presently less competition in the long-haul market than there is in the short-haul market, expanding Heathrow will generate competition.

It is hard to see how turning the clock back and recreating what would essentially be a new monopoly at Heathrow sits alongside the success of airport liberalisation following the Competition Commission’s recommendation to break up BAA in 2009.

There are many examples and much academic evidence to demonstrate that competition from different airports provides greater price discipline than competition at a single airport.

An expanded Gatwick would further competition between airports, encouraging greater choice, innovation and service improvements.

NOISE The huge differential in noise impact between the two airports is largely glossed over; for example, relatively little emphasis is given to the 320,000 people ‘newly affected’ by Heathrow expansion compared to 18,000 at Gatwick.

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The Commission also sets out a number of conditions on noise, such as night flights, but it is already clear that Heathrow is unable to say whether or how they would be able to meet these restrictions.

Furthermore, the Commission recommends measures to “address the environmental and community impacts” from an expanded Heathrow, but it offers no explanation as to why such measures would make expansion there acceptable.

AIR QUALITY The Commission largely ignores the fact that Heathrow today breaches legal limits without a third runway; Gatwick would meet targets with a second runway.

The Commission rightly states that “air quality is clearly a problem”, but in essence, the Commission considers that it is acceptable for the area around Heathrow to continue to breach the health-based legal limit values of nitrogen dioxide as long as air quality there never gets any worse than the most polluted location in London. If a third runway was to open in 2030, the most polluted location is currently predicted to be Heathrow, but the Commission concludes that, with mitigation, Heathrow may be able to drop behind Marylebone Road and to be only the second most polluted place in London.

Notwithstanding its own assessments, the Commission suggests two possible safeguards: Consideration of a congestion charge at Heathrow and the area around it. However, the scale and wider implications of a congestion charge have not been considered.

A condition that additional operations at an expanded Heathrow must be contingent on acceptable performance on air quality. However, the Commission does not indicate how such a safeguard could work, and it fails to assess the impacts of such a condition on the financeability of the scheme, since there is no certainty that limit values will be met in the future or, if they

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are, when they will be met.

Gatwick has taken legal advice which confirms that the expansion at Heathrow carries a very significant risk of being unlawful. This risk has not been factored into the Commission’s conclusions.

“Expanding Gatwick would enhance competition, but the Commission recommends increasing market dominance at Heathrow”

DELIVERABILITY The Commission downplays the very considerable delivery risks and financial challenges at Heathrow compared to the Gatwick scheme, which is comparatively straightforward.

The Commission has significantly underplayed the disruption from Heathrow expansion. Not only has it not costed the disruption caused by construction, it has taken insufficient account of the requirement to treat or relocate 9m cubic metres of landfill and to relocate a very substantial waste-to-energy plant. In its initial report, the Commission stated that the “planning and construction of an Energy from Waste plant is a substantial exercise in its own right, whose timescales are not substantially shorter than the delivery of a new runway.” However, the risks and costs associated with this have not been addressed in the final report.

The Heathrow scheme faces significant risks in terms of noise impacts and breaches of legal limits on air quality. Previous Heathrow schemes have had tight planning restrictions imposed to alleviate environmental concerns, and it is very possible that such restrictions will again be imposed – impacting on the scheme’s viability.

The Heathrow scheme also faces very significant financing issues. The Commission points out that an annual financing requirement of up to £6bn, or 13% of total market capacity in 2013, would be necessary for Heathrow.

Heathrow’s financing requirement is sustained for several years. The ability of investors to absorb repeated and substantial bond issuance from a single issuer will be severely constrained by their own limits on concentration. This may be further affected by adverse market events that could be expected over any five-year period.

CONCLUSION The traffic and economic case for Heathrow is significantly overstated compared to Gatwick, whereas the major environmental advantages of expansion at Gatwick are largely downplayed.

The benefit of competition through a network of airports is stated to be less than through the re-creation of a monopoly.

Gatwick’s very significant strengths regarding deliverability are largely ignored, which means that the most important risk of all is overlooked – namely, the risk that, once again, nothing happens. Many things can change in the future, but one thing that cannot change is Heathrow’s location. There are very real reasons why expansion at Heathrow has not happened in the past. The flaws in the Commission’s Report mean there is a real danger that history will repeat itself and nothing at all will be done to expand runway capacity in the UK. AND SO, THE DEBATE GOES ON. GATWICK FIGHTS ON...

Award winning business, tax and wealth advice For a complimentary initial discussion on any of your accounting, tax or financial planning needs please contact Shirley Smith on: T: +44 (0)1293 776152 E: shirley.smith@krestonreeves.com Offices across London, Gatwick and Kent

www.krestonreeves.com

Do you want to be part of a winning team?

Hastings Direct is an agile and fast moving insurance company which continues to challenge industry convention and remains one of the fastest growing insurance providers in the UK, with over 1.7 million customers. As an ambitious, industry innovator, we are seeking talented individuals to join our multi-award winning team at our head office based in Bexhill-on-Sea. In a culture which recognises achievement and actively promotes career progression, we can offer you the tools to excel and continue to grow with us in the future.

We have a variety of exciting opportunities across an array of business functions including: Technical engineering manager Accountable for managing the IT Infrastructure team across multiple disciplines including databases, servers, storage and networks.

Claims planning business partner To lead a team responsible for forecasting contact volumes and designing appropriate shift patterns and schedules for colleagues across multiple functions.

Senior systems engineer Overseeing the implementation and support of the Hastings infrastructure services across the systems, storage and virtualisation environments, whether these are on-premise, cloud or hybrid configurations.

Senior finance business partner Acting as an integral link between the Finance Department and the wider business, this role is responsible for planning, analysing and reporting on the financial and operational aspects of the company.

Senior network engineer Assisting in the development strategy for the corporate network, creating and articulating network infrastructure solutions, and addressing the core network architecture and design requirements for Hastings Direct.

Contact centre leaders for sales and customer service Leading the Contact Centre in delivering excellent customer service to Hastings Direct customers.

Head of compliance To be accountable for Compliance throughout the company and ensure that regulatory obligations are adhered to in conjunction with the requirements of the business Customer representatives Starting salary of £15,500 with exciting and achievable career development and the opportunity to earn up to £18,500 as you progress.

We’re on the lookout for great people, so experience is not required as we will invest lots of time up front in our fantastic training environment. All we need from you is the flexibility to work when our customers need us and to enjoy working as part of a team. If that sounds like you and you have basic computer and communication skills, as well as the drive to really go places, we want to hear from you.

Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm.

Sat 9am to 5:30pm and Sun 10am to 5pm.

Part time opportunities are also available working evenings and weekends

If you would like to know more about us or any of the above vacancies please visit our careers site at:

www.hastings-careers.com or send us an email to: recruitmentteam@hastingsdirect.com

BE THE CHANGE

By Amanda Menahem, HR Director ww.hastingsdirect.com

R

eaders of this magazine know I am passionate about forging ever stronger links between business and academia.

We have made great progress with Brighton University and the launch of our Undergraduate business leadership programme. We now have our Executive Committee lined up to sponsor and mentor, providing real business challenges for these keen undergraduates to get their teeth stuck into, developing real world skills along the way.

The success in getting this programme up and running has been in part to do with how Brighton Business School has embraced our vision and worked with us to make it a reality.

I wish other colleges and universities had the appetite, means and resources to do the same.

Such programmes should not be left to whim but rather should be offered as standard. Just as there are Foundation Programmes for students to bridge the gap between school and university so too should there be ‘pre-employment’ type programmes such as ours, offered as standard.

But how do we make this happen?

We need to demonstrate the benefits to business so that they get involved and don’t see it as an expense but rather an investment, and a cost effective one at that. Similarly, we need to remove the barriers to help our colleges and universities. First we need to fully understand what these barriers are. This means dialogue. I know there is an appetite for this in our region

and I’m keen to see how this develops and be part of the conversation.

But let’s think bigger than this. If we are really going to make a difference to employment, skills, and economic prosperity we need to think much more broadly. Yes we need to target those still at school. That’s a given. But I’m not talking about just careers advice. Unfortunately that often falls upon deaf ears with limited value. I wonder how many of us ended up doing what a careers advisor told us?

“The programme genuinely inspires fundamental change in attitude, outlook and inner confidence”

Much more powerful would be to equip school kids with the thinking skills and inner confidence to understand that they are the masters of their

own destiny and that they have choices in how they think, feel and behave. That this in turn impacts how others respond to them and in turn the success they can expect at school, in work, career and life in general. I have long felt that this has been a missing link in our plight – we have been ignoring the ‘psychological’ elements of the development of our youth. Without these thinking skills, skills for life, then success will always be limited. We learn about these things once we get to management positions – and once we learn them, they supercharge our effectiveness and change people’s lives.

Why do we wait until then? and why do we rely on businesses to do it?

This is why I’m very excited about an initiative called Be the Change. I was lucky enough to observe this programme in action run by an impressive organisation ‘Humanutopia’.

They are working with LoveLocalJobs in an inspiring mission to reach every young person in Sussex. The programme genuinely inspires fundamental change in attitude, outlook and inner confidence and LoveLocalJobs is working with them to link this to the workplace. They will be seeking business sponsors and mentors to help them achieve this and I for one will be at the front of the queue. Gary Peters, founder of love local jobs agrees that initiatives like this are absolutely key to ensuring our next generations are inspired, prepared and able for the real world of work.

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TRAVEL IN STYLE T

ravel is glamorous only in retrospect. So said Paul Theroux, noted American novelist and travel writer, and I believe he makes a valid point. Long gone are the days of beautiful leather trunks being loaded (by other people) onto boats and trains, while passengers got on with the pressing business of pre-dinner cocktails in the dining car or lounge.

I think boats and trains are inherently romantic, but most of us travel by plane these days, whether for business or pleasure.

Budget airlines, plastic food, cattle herding through security and the hell of economy do not make for a glamorous or romantic experience, no matter how many glasses of champagne you’ve consumed beforehand in Terminal 5.

“looking effortlessly elegant en route has become more of a challenge”

DRESS FOR THE JOURNEY Furthermore, looking effortlessly elegant en route has become more of a challenge. People used to dress to board their BOAC flight (or steam ship or train), but no one seems to bother these days. Baggy t-shirts, sweatpants (the horror) and flip-flops are too often the norm.

Many of you travel extensively for business, and I’m sure you want to arrive at your destination

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looking smart, elegant and refreshed - as if you hadn’t travelled at all. How do you achieve this in our fast-moving, casual age?

Firstly, start as you mean to go on. Arrive at the airport looking the part, whether in business dress or smart casual. This does wonders for the level of service you receive, and for potential upgrades.

Gentlemen: if you are in a business suit and carrying hand luggage, pack a spare shirt and socks in your hand luggage; changing into these before landing will make you feel fresher. If you are dressed casually, keep the emphasis on ‘smart’. Choose dark jeans or crisp chinos, with a shirt and blazer (or coordinating jumper if you prefer). Another trick is to wear a clean, crisp t-shirt under your jacket or blazer to travel in

{ PLATINUM STYLE }

Samantha Wilding Tel: 07833 084864 Email: Samantha@styleandgrace.eu Website: www.styleandgrace.eu Twitter: @alwayschicUK

PACKING WELL IS AN ART I think packing well is an art. You want to pack your clothes so that they arrive at your destination relatively crease-free, and also know that you’ve got everything you need. Taking a capsule approach to your packing will help to ensure that everything works together and keeps you looking sharp. Here are some of my packing secrets…

• • •

before changing into a shirt when you land. Be aware, though, that not all airlines have hooks on the seats to hang your jacket or blazer.

Wear shoes that you can get out of easily (loafers are ideal) to minimise delays and fuss at security. And remember my mantra about the details: they matter.

An elegant briefcase or messenger bag makes a great statement, along with a smart passport holder, wallet and watch.

Ladies: keep it simple and streamlined.

For business, a suit or dress with a coordinating scarf (planes are always cold) are good options. If you are travelling casually, keep it tonal – dark jeans and a navy cashmere jumper, or tones of camel and grey, are always elegant. Team these with contrasting accessories (red shoes and bag, for example) that will also work with the outfits you’ve packed.

A word on shoes: again, wear shoes you can slip out of easily, such as ballet flats or loafers. If you choose heels, keep them at a mid-height; you’ll be walking miles of corridors at the airport, and your feet will swell on the plane.

• • • •

Check the weather. It sounds obvious, but many people forget to do this, particularly if it’s a short trip Consider the culture. If you’re heading to the Middle or Far East, for example, check with your company or host about any particular clothing etiquette you need to consider Plan ahead. People think I’m mad, but I always create a list (whether for business or pleasure) of what I plan to take, at least a week before. It gives me time to get any dry cleaning or shoe re-heeling done, as well as giving me a record in case my hold luggage goes astray Roll with it. Roll socks and ties and pack them inside your shoes. When you arrive, hang your ties and steam them in the bathroom (don’t iron them) Label inside and out. Label your luggage with your name and phone number (not your address) both outside and inside (sometimes labels get lost…)

Carry your valuables. Make sure you carry anything valuable, including jewellery and medication, in your hand luggage Check before you travel. Some airlines are looking at changing their rules on hand luggage this year, so do check before you go.

Buck the prevailing trend when you travel and make an effort to look sharp. You never know who you’ll run into in the lounge or sit next to on the plane. And who knows, it may even result in an upgrade!

FEEL GREAT, LOOK GREAT • Carry your toothbrush with you. Brushing before disembarking will help you feel refreshed, no matter how short the flight • Wear sunglasses – a lifesaver if you’re travelling on the red eye…

• Don’t wear white or linen while you travel. It will get grubby or crease like mad– you’ll look a mess at the other end!

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Believe me, you will feel less bloated and dehydrated. Drink lots of water instead • Don’t eat airline food! (I swear by this one).

I stock up on salad, fruit and yogurt before I board and graze through the flight • Wear items that you will also wear on your trip.

Make use of hotel services like the trouser press, or steam clothes in the bathroom for a quick refresh

SMART TRAVEL ACCESSORIES • A portable steam brush removes creases, freshens clothing and is much kinder to fabric than ironing • Dust bags for shoes and small accessories, and layers of tissue paper to keep shirts and delicates crease-free • A portable weighing scale can help you avoid excess baggage charges • Small bags to help keep laundry separate • Small bottles (100ml or less) for any liquids or cosmetics you want to carry with you

51

{ ANGER MANAGEMENT }

ANGER MANAGEMENT Utterly failed by Maarten Hoffmann

SOFT TOUCH I

s it just me or is this country the soft-touch capital of the world? I am not a ‘little Englander’, don’t read the Daily Mail and share many liberal views, but how much longer can the UK attempt to live up to its long-gone imperial roots by throwing money around the world like confetti?

We are a small island country, and it is about time we accepted the fact and stopped trying to join in the super league.

Take the tax credit and child welfare issue.

There are now 12,000 children living outside of the UK whose parents receive one or both of these benefits. That’s a rise of 75% in just two years. It means 182 children are being added to the rolls every month. Treasury figures show that in December 2012 a total of 4,011 EU workers were receiving the tax credit for 6,838 children living outside of the UK. By March this year, that increased to 7,026 awards for a total of 11,762 children.

The figures also reveal that a total of 19,579 parents were receiving child benefit for 32,408 children not living in the UK. This is totally unsustainable.

Pawel Swidlicki of the Open Europe think-tank said, “The combination of EU rules and the UK’s universalistic welfare system creates a perverse incentive for newcomers to perform low-wage jobs. They know their pay will be topped up by generous in-work benefits.”

This simply transfers the onus of decent wages

52

from the employer to the government, in other words the taxpayer, whilst leaving the worker having to accept benefits to survive. Long-term benefits benefit nobody.

“The Treasury figures also reveal that a total of 19,579 parents were receiving child benefit for 32,408 children not living in the UK. This is totally unsustainable”

Government overseas aid is another bone of contention. To the delight of NGOs, the Chancellor announced in this month’s budget that the amount the UK spends on aid will hit 0.7% of gross national income this year, making the UK the only G8 member to hit this level. This

represents £11.3 billion a year.

The Prime Minister justifies aid on moral and national interest grounds. In a speech to the UN general assembly last year, Cameron said it was not only a moral obligation that betteroff countries have to tackle poverty in a world where more than one billion people live on less than a dollar a day; he argued it was also in everyone’s interests to build a more prosperous world, otherwise the problems of conflict, mass migration and uncontrollable climate change “will come and visit us at home”.

I could not agree more. Alas, that pragmatic, but moralistic, view can only be taken by a government that has all its ducks in a row back home. Failing this, all developed countries risk being dragged down to the lowest common denominator.

Why do thousands of migrants flood through Europe with dogged determination to reach the UK? They risk their lives to reach these shores.

We have an enviable way of life, but, more likely, we are the soft touch of Europe, to the fury of the French, whose problem it has become.

And we have a double whammy. Forking out over £11 billion a year in international aid would be a pleasure in achieving Cameron’s dream, but we are currently being swamped with migrants looking for a better life and struggling badly to keep up.

A good chunk of international aid should

{ ANGER MANAGEMENT }

“Foreign trade is not a replacement for foreign aid, but foreign aid to a country that doesn’t also engage in significant amounts of trade is more likely to end up in the pockets of dictators and cronies”

be spent at home helping the rapidly growing international population right here to settle and enjoy the services and lifestyle that attracted them in the first place - services that we fought so hard for centuries to create.

The NHS is creaking so loudly that we will either hear an almighty crack soon or it will be privatised by stealth. Our transportation system, roads, schools and green belt are under serious attack by the sheer weight of numbers. But the migrant net benefit, certainly within the first five years, is far outweighed by what they cost the country. Therefore, we are all in danger of lowering our standards to the point that it becomes less attractive for us to remain and for the migrants to come.

Everybody’s standard of life declines. In a recent poll, 82% of migrants settled here stated that we should not accept any more as the mass influx was in danger of changing the very things they came here for. Perhaps a case of pulling the drawbridge up, but an interesting perspective that we should all consider.

While in the EU, we can do little about the numbers arriving, but we can demand the government spend more money on the infrastructure of this country to assist in the resettlement of those internationals coming here rather than those staying there. U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy said, “Relations between the United States and other countries, and our role as

a global leader, are advanced by our willingness to help other countries in need. Foreign aid is essential to protecting U.S. interests around the world, and it is also a moral responsibility of the wealthiest, most powerful nation.”

It is indeed a moral responsibility of the wealthiest nation, but we are not the wealthiest nation by a long shot, and we experience a far sharper increase in migrant numbers than most.

The balance is wrong.

Foreign trade is not a replacement for foreign aid, but foreign aid to a country that doesn’t also engage in significant amounts of trade is more likely to end up in the pockets of dictators and cronies. The advanced nations of this world should surely trade the poorest out of their plight,

not just throw money at them, which more often than not seems to end up in the wrong hands.

Foreign aid projects have pumped billions into the Afghan economy and that is now in the hands of those who would destroy us – with our own weapons and our own cash!

Take £5.65 billion to aid the domestic settlement of migrants and use the other £5.65 billion on building factories, training the workforce and establishing free trade with the poorest countries.

Raise them to full international development standards, simultaneously increasing their dignity and self-worth, rather than giving them charity and lowering all our standards to the lowest common denominator.

53

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{ MEDIA }

FACING THE MEDIA

By Ollie Wilson, PR Professional, Media Coach and Trainer.

F

or most business owners and directors, publicity is like gold dust – free promotion for their companies and products. However, being interviewed by a journalist still holds a terror for many executives, preventing them from making the most of publicity opportunities.

During my career as a national newspaper and TV journalist, I frequently encountered interviewees who were ill-prepared for talking to a reporter and had to have the story coaxed out of them.

KEY MESSAGES Working as a business writer at CNN TV, I would brief the guests before their interviews with the presenter. Sometimes, they were well-coached consummate TV performers with their key messages committed to memory and a ready answer to any tricky questions. Occasionally, they turned up for the early morning show looking hungover and bleary-eyed and behaved on camera like a rabbit caught in car headlights. The owner of one tech start-up, who had somehow blagged a slot out of the guest booker, panicked when asked in his live interview how large his company was and blurted out: “Er, it’s just me and the lad!”

Training and coaching before any kind of media interview is vital to make the most of your big chance.

Firstly, if an interview request comes into

your company, you may need to decide quickly whether to take it and who the appropriate spokesperson should be. There will be a reason why the journalist has contacted you, and, if you have the knowledge and media training, you could be the ideal person.

TIPS Here are some tips for maximising the opportunity: • Always make sure you know who is going to interview you and for approximately how long; • If it is a print journalist, ask what kind of a news story or feature they are working on and who else they are talking to; • For a broadcast journalist, will the interview be live or pre-recorded? Will they help you by telling you up front what the first question will be or even give you a list of any planned questions beforehand?; • Ensure you have three key messages prepared and memorised and weave them into your responses to questions; • Prepare any controversial topics in advance with your PR person so you are not thrown by a tough question coming out of left field, and • Listen carefully to what you are asked and treat the interviewer politely and professionally at all times.

You can learn a lot by listening to other people being interviewed on local radio or regional and national TV. Did they come across well? If not, why not? Did they get their argument across?

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT For broadcast interviews in particular, nothing beats practice. During my 30-year media career I have coached and trained many people – from chief executives to archbishops, entrepreneurs to organisation presidents – in interview technique, individually and in small groups.

The skill of being interviewed is more an art than a science. However, it is an art that can be learnt and perfected. And nothing beats practice.

Knowing what is newsworthy and getting your story across is an absolute joy. There are few things I find more satisfying than watching people I have media trained or coached fulfilling their potential in media interviews, doing their companies and themselves proud.

01273 321555 www.matchfitmedia.co.uk

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{ YOUNG START-UP TALENT }

EX S S SU

BRIGHTON STARTS UP AGAIN B righton’s local business community and the region’s loyal Young Start-up Talent (YST) sponsors came together to celebrate and mark the launch of the entrepreneurial initiative’s fourth year in Brighton & Hove.

The event heard from long term sponsors as well as new ones with Gary Chown of NatWest speaking from experience and saying, “I find the whole experience of working with these talented youngsters extremely rewarding.”

Melanie Martinez from Fastsigns and dedicated sponsor of the initiative commented: “The whole process is so enjoyable; you meet some great people. You can put as much or as little in as you want, but you really want to do more.” She went on to say, “As a company we will not hesitate to encourage anyone to sponsor or enter and get involved in YST.” Some of the Brighton YST finalists from earlier in the year came to the launch to share their experience of the initiative and the success they’ve seen since. Bettina Nemeth entered the initiative with her business ‘NEM Clothing’, a Brighton based eco-friendly clothing line. Bettina makes re-designed and re-thought textiles and clothes from recycled materials, making each item one-of-a-kind.

The young entrepreneur commented that her experience with YST “helped (her) really evolve (her) business plan and gave (her) great opportunities to network.” Bettina currently has a pop-up shop in the North Lanes.

This year’s Brighton YST winner was Jodie Deakin, who won with her high-end luxury

leather pet accessory company, Hounds and Hides. Jodie has been using the many connections via YST to grow her business and expressed her appreciation for the continuous support from the YST team and sponsors of the initiative in helping her to develop and grow the business.

The occasion also introducted Brighton’s newest sponsor and judge, Hewlett-Packard, the multinational information technology company. Vice president Martin Hess told the room, “I’m very proud to be from Sussex and if I can do something to create a stronger, more vibrant business environment then I’d love to do all I can. This initiative gives our company the opportunity to do just that.” New sponsors announced for 2015/16: PSD Ice, thebestofBrighton&Hove, Platinum Business, FaceMedia and Pivotal Moment.

The team of sponsors are set to mentor and work alongside a wealth of new, young entrepreneurs aged 16-25 in the Brighton & Hove area. The aim is to help aspiring young talent to start their own businesses by being involved not only with with the finalists but by engaging with schools, workshops and universities across Brighton and Hove to spread the word of the initiative.

This year’s Brighton judges will be Lorraine Nugent, Media Word Waves, Dan Simpson, Hartley Fowler LLP, Matt Turner, Creative Pod, Gary Chown , NatWest, Stephen Mason, Mason Consulting and Martin Hess, Hewlett Packard.

The team are looking forward to meeting some more young entrepreneurs this year.

The business sponsors for 2015/16 are as follows: •

Avensys Hire and Events

•

Hartley Fowler LLP

•

Gatwick Airport

•

Hewlett Packard

•

Young Enterprise

•

City College Brighton & Hove

•

Brighton&HoveJobs.com

•

Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce

•

Brighton Racecourse

•

The Argus

•

Media Word Waves

•

NatWest

•

Let’s Do Business

•

Juice FM

•

Bennett Christmas

•

Beta Futures

•

Fastsigns

•

Creative Pod

•

The best of Brighton & Hove

•

Latest TV

•

Pivotal Moment

•

PSD Ice Art

•

Platinum Business Magazine

•

Face Media

To get involved in the initiative or to find out more, please visit: www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk

57

Stag House, Upper Bedford Street, Brighton BN2 1GW

{ YOUNG START-UP TALENT }

Y E R SUR

STUDIO SUCCESS C

roydon welcomed the region’s first Young Start-Up Talent (YST) winner to the stage at Fairfield Halls. The showcase event on Thursday, 9th July marked the end of the YST process for its first year in Croydon. Stephanie Kane, aged 22, was crowned 2015’s winner, walking away with a prize fund of business products and services worth £50k that were all donated by local businesses to go towards her vision of creating Studio 14. The studio is set to be a gallery comprised of three elements – a gallery for emerging artists, an artist studio space and a bar area for events in Croydon.

Gatwick Airport’s Aspiring Leader, Andrew Williamson said “I’ve really enjoyed today, I’m so happy to be here and to be involved in a great start-up initiative like YST. I’m just so pleased for Stephanie tonight - she’s got a real opportunity here and these prize funds can change lives.”

The showcase this year was also home to the unveiling of the showcase DVD, premiering the first-ever Croydon YST final and gave viewers an insight into the challenging process behind becoming a winner. Guest speakers during the evening were Andrew Williamson of Gatwick Airport, Mark Burgess, Director of RBS and multi-award-winning young entrepreneur, Ben Towers, Director of Towers Design and Social Marley.

Our panel this year was made up of local business professionals Mark Burgess, Director at Royal Bank of Scotland Group, James Booker, Editor at Croydon Advertiser, Simon Maddox, Partner at Owadally & King, Lorraine

Nugent, MD at Media Word Waves, Matt Turner, MD at Creative Pod Ltd and Ben Towers, CEO of Towers Design and Social Marley.

Judges were left thoroughly impressed by the pool of talent at the Jury’s Inn final and praised the quality of their business models, with judge Simon Maddox of Owadally and King commenting: “It’s been amazing. I’ve really enjoyed it from start to finish. It was great to see the contestants handle themselves so well.”

Among the promising finalists were four other impressive businesses, including: 25-year-old Vanessa Karikari, whose business, Ezape, involves 100% natural skincare products, predominantly designed as an organic way of helping babies with skin problems; Alex McGuigan, aged 23, is looking to fill the void and create a Music Venue for the Croydon area called Talheim Music; Ross Hicking, aged 19, is looking to establish his company, London Falconry, which will offer people in Greater London the experience of flying birds of prey; Graduate Lee Gordon, who is currently working as an estate agent, has created an online, 24/7 student lettings platform called Padsnap Student Lettings - set to launch later this year.

The finalists assembled their own stands, showcasing their businesses to local business professionals who attended and networked with the young business entrepreneurs.

Annabel Fogden from the Croydon Chamber

of Commerce said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring these fantastic young entrepreneurs. Tonight has been enjoyable and inspirational, the young people who come up with these business ideas are so brave and courageous and very clever in what they’ve thought through.” James Booker, judge and Editor of the Croydon Advertiser, said,”If this is anything to go by, we can expect great things from not only this year’s YST finalists but many more in the coming years from Croydon.”

The businesses that sponsor and support the project are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • •

RBS Amicus Horizon Owadally & King Fairfield Halls Gatwick Airport Fastsigns Beta Futures Media Word Waves Avensys Croydon Advertiser Croydon Chamber of Commerce

• • • • • • • • •

Young Enterprise Creative Pod 3D Change Coast2Capital Matthew’s Yard Hands On IT Frost Group Jury’s Inn – Croydon Platinum Business Magazine

To get involved in the initiative or to find out more, please visit: www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk

59

{ MOTORING REVIEW }

Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

TESLA S

THE GAME CHANGER

TECHNICAL STUFF: Model Tested: Tesla S Engine: none Performance: 0-60mph 5.4 seconds BHP: up to 691bhp MPG: Unlimited Range: up to 312 miles Top Speed: 140mph Prices from: £49,500

Disclaimer: This publication is not sponsored or supported in any way by Tesla Motors, nor do they advertise with us or have any form of involvement with this magazine, nor have they bunged me in any way to write this review.

O

k, that’s got that out of the way, now I can begin.

On June 4th , 2015, my life as a highly experienced motoring editor changed forever. I am a dinosaur that loves fast, noisy cars. Ideally, a V8 or V12 up front, rear wheel drive, two seats and plenty of grunt. I have the joy every Monday morning of a new car arriving on my drive delivered by the manufacturers for the pleasure and delectation of my review. Electric and hybrid cars are foisted upon me from time to time, and, although competent to a degree, none have blown my skirt up and all seem like politically correct tinkering with existing models. In short, they are all mostly a waste of time with dodgy styling, useless range and most have a noisy and highly polluting diesel engine sitting alongside the electric motor that kicks in after less than 60 miles to charge the batteries. They are, in the main, small city cars that already do a gazillion to the gallon. Pointless.

Then the Tesla S arrived. Oh, here we go again – another car that I will force my wife to drive for the week as I cannot face it.

But hang on, this is rather good-looking, and upon depositing my derriere into the warm leather seat I am forced to ask if this really is an electric car? It all seems so normal. Luxurious but normal.

Then I spot the giant i-pad in the centre of the dash and the digital displays that offer a clue to the car’s origin. Wearily, I decide to give it a go and whoosh! Life will never be quite the same again.

This is one of the most remarkable cars I have ever driven and

proof, and proof is needed, that electric cars are the future, and I can assure you that I have taken considerable stick over this cultish conversion.

The Tesla looks like a conventional stylish executive car from the outside, as, cleverly, they realise that’s what the buying public are used to, and there would be less resistance than if it looked like something out of Star Wars, but that is where the similarity to anything else on the road ends.

The Model S has only battery power but will go from standstill to 60mph in 5.4 seconds and proceed to 140mph in total silence. That shatters the acceleration of most cars in its class, but that is not all. It does it seamlessly.

There is no jerk as you change gear or the auto box does it for you. There is just power – seamless, silent, smooth power. It is so smooth and so silent that you wonder if you are really driving or in a simulator.

The car hauls around no engine, gearbox, fuel tank, hand brake or exhaust pipes. It emits nothing as there is nothing to emit. It has no mechanical moving parts; no metal or steel mechanical linkages; no rotating mechanical parts as there is no engine. Open the bonnet and you are faced with a boot. Open the boot

and you are faced with a boot. It takes a minute to get your head around it, along with realising the joyous fact that you will never again visit a petrol station.

Really, this is total a game changer. A comparison is required here, so let’s have a look at the BMW M5, the legendary super saloon that will hit 60mph in 4.6 seconds. That’s fast, but it will do less than 20 miles to the gallon and at 1.17 per litre (£5.32 per gallon) that burn out is costly. So a trip to the south of France in the M5 will cost you £480 return in fuel alone. In the Tesla, it will cost you zero, squat, nada, diddly.

But, I hear you ask, what about that everpresent little devil called range anxiety? Range

anxiety has always been present with cars, be they petrol or electric, as when the needle says you are close to empty, you need to fill up. The same with the Tesla, but the computer works it all out with the use of the heavenly ZapMap that automatically tells you where the next charging station is, how long to get there and how to get there.Then, and this is the game-changer, it takes only 20 minutes for a half charge that will get you 125 miles or 70 minutes for a full charge of 250 miles using one of Tesla’s Superchargers, and it is free - and only Teslas can use it. Absolutely free to charge. So, whilst ye olde fashioned folk are pumping fossil fuel into their gas guzzlers, you plug in

and walk away, take a coffee and a sandwich before returning to your Tesla after the app on your phone informs you charging is complete, charged for free and ready to go. Or, as I did, use the on-board computer with full wi-fi and giant screen to get some work done whilst you are charging. Upon departure you will very rapidly catch up ye olde folk who are belching out noxious fumes as they hack up the motorway and pass them in a totally silent flash. Smug is not the word.

The proliferation of Superchargers across the world grows unabated and a new one is popping up every day, but if not available, then the standard electrical charging points found at most large service stations now will do it, but slower. Once home, you simply plug into the house supply and charge it overnight on the cheaper tariff. Apparently, it costs under £14 to charge it at home against £90 to fill a standard luxury saloon. Smug is not…well, you get the point.

In May of this year, all the Tesla S models in the world celebrated covering 1 billion miles.

That’s the equivalent of 40,000 trips around the earth totally emission-free.

How does it do it? Well, a little technical stuff is required. The S comes with three battery

62

options: 60kWh pack with 208 mile range and 5.9sec 0-60mph; 85 kWh pack with 265 mile range and 5.4sec 0-60mph; 85kWh Performance Pack that gives 265 miles and 4.2sec 0-60mph.

This is achieved by the use of a revolutionary allwheel drive electric motor that sits atop the rear wheels, with another, smaller one, atop the front wheels for all wheel drive. Unlike conventional engines that have hundreds of moving parts, the Tesla has only one – the rotor. The batteries use conventional lithium ion battery cells, just like most electric cars, but they have a capacity of 85kWh. Effectively, this is a huge fuel tank – a

Renault Zoe’s range, for example, is provided by a 22kWh battery which one might equate to a 100hp engine as opposed to a 500hp engine.

The battery pack sits under the cabin floor, further aiding its low centre of gravity, and, as there is no gearbox, there is no ‘tunnel hump’ in the centre of the cabin. therefore affording more interior space and a flat floor.

If you are of a certain age, you might recall having a Ford Escort or similar and then seeing the RS version that prompted a visit to your local car parts shop to buy stuff to upgrade your car.

When Tesla has an update they simply press a

{ MOTORING REVIEW }

“Upon departure you will very rapidly catch up ye olde folk who are belching out noxious fumes as they hack up the motorway and pass them in a totally silent flash. Smug is not the word”

button and send it to the computer, which, once accepted by the driver, totally updates the car.

The interior will elicit few complaints with high-quality leather, and a centre storage tray that’s shaped like a snowboard, that will consume a mountain of junk and a space age dash, but only four seats, which is a bit of a surprise as there is no tunnel to worry about.

But they have dealt with this with the optional two rear children’s seats that face backwards so that your nippers can terrorise the car behind you. This makes it a full six-seater. The body is mostly aluminium, with some steel strengthening, and this brings its overall weight close to 2.2 tonnes. The air-sprung suspension is highly sophisticated, and the steering is progressively weighted and accurate. You would expect some tire rumble, but there is simply nothing – just total silence.

The brakes are fun as you have to learn how to use them. Obviously not the ‘press-itto-stop’ routine, but the regenerative braking system that pumps a little extra power into the battery each time, therefore not allowing you to free wheel. Take your foot off the brake and the car slows faster than you would expect.

Once mastered, this actually saves wear on the brakes, and if you lift off far enough away from

the lights, you can arrive without having touched the brakes at all.

The giant i-pad is a mission to understand, but it is quite intuitive, especially if you are used to Apple products. For example, you can adjust the creep that you find with all automatics. Or open the sunroof, or a gazillion other functions that you will never tire of. Or search the net, or update profiles, or email that client…..

As if the S were not powerful enough, we then have the astonishing P85D – a catchy name that sounds like a diesel Volvo, but ignore that and brace yourself. It is strongly advised to place your head against the headrest upon acceleration as it will hit 60mph in 3.1 seconds, and, as before, that 3.1 seconds seems like 1 second with the seamless acceleration. To access this power they have a fun little button on the computer interestingly entitled ‘insane’.

Really, that is the button you press to access this power, and the progression is astounding.

You’ve gotta love a car with a button marked ‘insane’.

Then there’s the Autopilot that, combined with radar and forward-looking cameras, will update itself in real time and steer the car, and

when you arrive at your destination it will locate a parking spot and park itself. It will know what time you leave in the morning, start up, heat or cool the car and pull out of the garage and wait for you in the driveway, and as you walk towards the car, the flush handles pop out just as you get there. If it could only drive to the office and do the work, we could all stay home!

I could bang on for 20/30 pages, but suffice it to say this is the future. Even for old farts like me, I am converted to that fact. There is little doubt about it. This is the future of transportation, and in coming years we will have buses, trucks, taxis and planes all running the same technology and saving the polar bears.

The electric vehicle isn’t quite the finished article yet, but consider this: as battery technology improves, the Model S and its offspring will get lighter (and therefore even quicker) and capable of going yet further between charges.

The inventor, Elon Musk, profiled in this issue, is on a mission, and he’s not stopping anytime soon. More power to him – electric power, of course!

63

{ MOTORING NEWS }

MOTORING NEWS WORLDS BEST TAXI TORRO ROSSO The Red Bull moniker made famous on the F1 track is to come alive in a road car. Adrian Newey, their legendary F1 designer, will take charge of the programme to produce a hyper-car with Aston Martin. Newey stepped back from his F1 involvement at the start of the year, with a road car project rumoured to be among his plans.

He is understood to have begun collaborative work with Aston Martin at about the same time, and insiders describe the embryonic project as “ongoing, with no certainty of reaching fruition”.

Speaking at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner reiterated that Newey was working on a road car project and added that it was inevitable Red Bull would make a production car.

This is the world’s best taxi. Probably. It’s a yellow McLaren P1, snapped here in Taiwan by Wesley Cars Photography.

Naturally, information surrounding this yellow P1 is thin on the ground. It could be a P1 with a taxi sign slapped on its roof just for kicks. It might just be an elaborate Photoshop. It could even actually be a real-life taxi. I am secretly hoping it’s the latter. Because what better way to transport one person from home to kebab shop than in a twinturbo V8-engined rear-wheel-drive supercar with enough downforce to make you go home and rethink your life?

Europcar, the leader in car hire services in Europe, has joined the RBS Group Cashback Plus loyalty programme, offering NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland customers the chance to earn a minimum of 1% of their spend at Europcar back in Rewards.

With over 250 UK branches and the widest choice of quality cars and vans, Europcar customers reap even more benefits when they book a hire car with Europcar.

The Cashback Plus loyalty programme, originally launched in 2013, offers NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland Cashback Plus account holders the chance to earn Rewards when making purchases on their card with a variety of retailers. In the new partnership with Europcar, Rewards can be earned on purchases paid for at the time of online booking at www.europcar.co.uk and at all UK Europcar rental stations.

64

Surely one of the prettiest ever Ferraris was the 248 Dino. Ironically this was also one of the only Ferraris that didn’t carry the Ferrari badge. At last it’s back and although one still mourns the original, a single look at this and you really do want to lick it.

THE LE MANS BENTLEY

THE PHOENIX RISES IN GUILDFORD RBS CAR HIRE

DINO RETURNS

Talking about returning marques, orders are being taken for the all new TVR. A new Guildford based investor group consisting of some 12 well-heeled individuals was formed two years ago to save it from the incompetent clutches of Russian oligarch Nikolai Smolenski. Gordon Murray of McLaren P1 fame is involved and deposits are now being taken.

It has been over a decade since the Bentley Speed 8 won at Le Mans, an absence obviously considered long enough by the chaps in Crewe as here we have the Continental GT3-R and in their own words,’ the most dynamic, responsive and involving Bentley road car ever. With 572bhp and 0-60 in 3.7, who would argue?

TRUE BLUE ‘Blue is the colour’, according to AA members as it has overtaken silver as the most popular car colour choice. These AA Cars survey results come from an AA Populus poll of 25,810 drivers. AA members’ top choice of car colour for their next car was blue (21%) followed closely by silver (19%), black (18%), and red (14%).

Members aged 18-24 top choices are black (29%), blue (17%), and white (15%). Whereas, those aged 65 and over top choices are silver (24%), blue (20%), and red (15%). Those aged over 65 were twice as likely to go for beige. The 18-24s were twice more likely to opt for white (influenced by Apple?) than the general motoring public. The higher the social status the more likely the driver was to own a silver car although the true blues were more represented by C1 social class.

{ MOTORING }

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK A

lthough the first question should be what is it, l feel the first question should actually be how the hell do you pronounce it?

Koenigsegg is a Swedish hypercar that is one of the fastest, most powerful and most expensive cars the world has ever seen. And l thought all they could do was knit sweaters and made moody TV thrillers?

This is the all new Koenigsegg One: 1. Try these stats for size: 0-250mph in 20 seconds. Or, even more impressive, zero to 186mph and back to zero again in 17.95 seconds. The One: 1 silliness is supposed to represent one-toone as an expression of its perfectly balanced power to weight ratio of one metric horsepower to one kilogram of mass – or 986bhp per tonne.

This is not a motivating piece about why you should buy one as you cannot. They have only produced 7 of them and they are all sold – at £1.79 million. But be honest, if you had it, wouldn’t you?

And what’s this? A new sports car but then there is nothing terribly new about that as they arrive on the market all the time but this one is a little bit special.

This is the Elemental RP1 which has the engine fitted longitudinally, driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed Hewland gearbox that is mounted behind it. This means that the engine can be set lower in the chassis. There is also a long diffuser at the front and another at the rear which offers 200kg of downforce at 100mph. That, my friends, is very impressive.

And with a weight of 580kg and a Ford Ecoboost engine producing 320bhp, it will do 0-60 in 2.8 seconds. Let’s face it, it is essentially a track car and at £75,000, quite an expensive track car at that.

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{ BUSINESS SCENE }

1.

2.

3.

1. Amanda Menahem (Hastings Direct), Mark Tulley (Gemini Press) 2. Clive Lee (Rawlison Butler), Geoff Goodman (LLoyds Bank), Peter Stewart (Baker Tilly) 3. Jesicca Murphy (Hilton Hotels) 4. Ian Trevett (Platinum Business Magazine), Nick Poyner (Teliqo), Ryan Heal (Rockinghorse)

4.

PC

THE P L AT I N U M CLUB

THE PLATINUM BUSINESS CLUB, THE HILTON HOTEL, GATWICK

The Platinum Club, the region’s leading networking forum, has continued its expansion with events held at the Grand Hotel, Brighton and the Hilton Hotel, Gatwick. Platinum evenings are unstructured, relaxing and primarily social events with an eclectic mix of business leaders from a wide spectrum of sectors. All events are hosted and relevant introductions are made throughout the evening.

Fine Champagne and hand-made canapĂŠs complete an effective and highly enjoyable evening of diverse news, views, opinion and a wealth of new contacts. There are many more benefits to membership.

Membership is limited to four members per business sector and for more information about joining the Platinum Club, please contact info@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk or call 07966 244046 5. Megan Thomas (Mercedes-Benz) 6. Nick Jenner (Square One Financial) John Pannett (Kreston Reeves), Simon Gregg (IT First) 7. Nick Poyner (Teliqo), Ron and Jo Rogers (Prowse & Co) 8. Stephen Barham (Harvey John Recruitment)

5.

7.

Photo Credit: Lauren Psyk

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8.

6.

{ CHAMBER EVENTS }

DATES FOR THE DIARY For further information go to www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

Wednesday 5th August Chamber Connections – Spelthorne & Runnymede Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury on Thames Breakfast networking Members: £12 + VAT Non Members: £20 + VAT Wednesday 5th August Business Advice Start Up Clinic (Surrey Heath) Basepoint, Camberley Running a business can be challenging and you may feel that you are suffering from a particular issue or challenge. Who do you turn to? What advice do you listen to? Our Business advice clinics are specifically designed to give you the opportunity for you to discuss what help and advice you need with your business. You may want to discuss a particular issue, how to improve your business or talk about some new opportunities.

Price: Free Tuesday 11th August Chamber Connections Elmbridge Hilton Cobham Hotel, Cobham Breakfast networking Members: £12.00 + VAT Non Members: £20:00 + VAT

Tuesday 18th August Open 18 Hole Golf Competition for the Runfold Cup at Cuddington Golf Club Cuddington Golf Club, Banstead Open 18 Hole Stableford competition for the Runfold Cup, open to all business people to attend. Join us as a team of 3 or 4 players and entertain your own clients or as a solo player and we will place you in a team. Tee off from 13.00 hrs on the 1st and 10th tees for an 18 hole Stableford competition followed by 3 course dinner and prize giving; ends 20.30 hrs.

Members: £66 + VAT Non Members: £85 + VAT Thursday 20th August Chamber Connections Reigate & Banstead Reigate Heath Golf Club Breakfast networking Members: £12 + VAT Non Members: £20 + VAT Tuesday 25th August Chamber Connections Surrey Heath Camberley Theatre Breakfast networking Members: £12 + VAT Non Members: £20 + VAT

Golf in Sussex - North Downs Golf club “North Downs, Woldingham’s historic golf club and only 10 minutes from the M25. Great venue for corporate golf days, client meetings or entertaining, and off-site seminars.

Flexible corporate and personal memberships available. Check out the website www.northdownsgolfclub.co.uk or call 01883 652057 for more details.

Quote ‘Platinum’ for the best terms available.

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DEVELOPING THE DREAM When eight businesses got together to promote their town in 2011, they would never have believed in their wildest dreams just how quickly Croydon would transform. Ian Trevett meets Richard Plant, Partner at Stiles Harold Williams, and also Chairman and Founding Member of Develop Croydon.

T

he map of Croydon is almost obliterated by orange boxes marked with digits from 1 to 49. Each number, on the map in Croydon News, represents a new development, either being built, approved or in the pipeline. The developments are so prolific, it is hard to find a square yard of land that is being left untouched.

In last month’s issue of Platinum Business Magazine, council leader Tony Newman declared, “this is the fastest development programme in London.” He wasn’t kidding.

Much of the credit for the dramatic regeneration of the town can be claimed by the influential (and aptly named) Develop Croydon

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group. It’s satisfying when a plan comes together!

“I guess, as one of the Founding Members, it would be really nice to say that we had a plan and that this is exactly where we expected it to be,” says Chairman Richard Plant. “But not exactly. We had an idea of what we wanted to achieve, but never expected it to take off like this. It’s quite rare that you do some marketing that has such a massive success.

“I think it’s because everybody is going in the same direction; everybody wanted this to happen.

When we started in April 2011, we were groaning at the bottom of a recession, but by the time we got to 2012 we began to get a better feeling, with

the Olympics here. By the time we got to 2013, it was better, and then in 2014 it went off like a rocket.”

Everybody may have wanted Croydon to happen, but things don’t happen in a vacuum. It needed leadership and action.

“There has always been a marketing company of some sort in Croydon,” recalls Richard. “Once upon a time it was called Croydon Marketing.

Then it was called the Croydon Economic Development Company. It was something that the Council funded, predominantly. You’ll probably find people who disagree, but I never remember it doing very much at all. You used to go to a talk

{ INTERVIEW } I could list some of the active developments: • Delta Point: 404 units on site being built • Exchange Court: 121 on site being built • 5 Bedford Park: 91 on site being built, • Cygnet House: 72 on site being built, • 5 Sydenham Road: 63 on site being built, • Canterbury House: 110 on site being built, • St Anne’s House: 200 on site being built, • Surrey House: 30 units on site being built, • Green Dragon: 111 on site being built, and • Cannis: 36 units, all on site being built.

“You used to read out a list like this and it was ‘had planning ready to go’ or ‘available’ or something like that. We have never had a list like that, with units that are all actually genuinely being built this year and will be finished by May next year. The Berkeley scheme is 792 units, it has been on site five years and it’ll be six by the time it finishes. It’s been on-going for ages.”

And most of the time there was nothing else happening?

“It wasn’t that they were doing nothing. Most developers will build at the sales rate, so Barratts have about 1,000 on the Purley Way; they have been there since pre-recession and they would have slowed it right down in the recession. Now they’ll be out of there by Christmas, all finished, all sold. So it’s just a complete change of pace.

You used to see 1,000 units taking 5 or 6 years and now it’s just, bang, in a year. And that’s not even including the new builds.”

and someone would stand up at the front and tell you how long it took to get to London on the train.

And you’d think, ‘Yeah, I know that. But what else are you going to do about economic development in Croydon?’ And most of the time it was nothing.

“The Council disbanded the Croydon Economic Development Company and then the private sector decided it did want something.“ Develop Croydon started in April 2011, originally with eight members: Berkeley Group, Barratts, Croydon Council Urban Regeneration Vehicle (CCURV), Guildhouse Rosepride, Menta, Stanhope Schroders and Stiles Harold Williams, plus White Label Creative. And now it’s 68. The Council weren’t involved initially; Boris wasn’t involved initially – he was the 50th member. He got the T-shirt for that.

“It started from a very low point, and then the riots happened. I was in Portugal at the time and saw Croydon was on the TV, but initially I couldn’t understand what the report was about, though you could see buildings burning.

“The first part was predominantly about getting people to come and develop the sites that weren’t being developed, or encouraging enough market confidence that the people who owned them would do so. We’d go to property investment events such MIPIM and UK RESI looking for funding and investment and we started our own conference, which was instigated

by Katharine Glass of White Label Creative.

These eight companies started off almost being a steering group for the conference, and then it became the marketing of Croydon. A lot of the ideas came from Katharine, but the strength was the quality of the members. When you have Westfield Hammerson, Stanhope Schroders and Berkeley Group all standing together saying, ‘I think we ought to do that’, then everybody else comes along and then follows, whereas, if it was the photocopy salesman and the printer and whatever, it wouldn’t have the same effect.

“When we started Develop Croydon, developers such as Berkeley and Barratts were struggling to sell their units. We used to have too much vacant office space. And now we’re at the point where we haven’t got enough. Now there is so much going on in this sector.

“The Council disbanded the Croydon Economic Development Company and then the private sector decided it did want something” As well as the determination of the private sector, the will to help from the public sector was more pressing after the riots in the town.

“The riots were obviously a bad thing,” agrees Richard. “Property was destroyed and it was a worrying time, but it brought an increased focus on the need to do something about it, and we started getting money from the Mayor.

You can see the difference in South End (the pedestrianised area with restaurants at the bottom of the High Street) with the high quality paving, new parking bays, and seating areas

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outside restaurants. It actually looks like one of those CGIs that architects create. You can see that there has been some thought put into the design, with innovative, interesting paving patterns and landscape architecture.

“It goes probably the best part of a mile. It’s not just like a little tart-up over in one corner; it’s the whole lot. And then the same with Crown Hill - again, paving, new and better shop fronts, the tenant mix has improved – it has really boosted it.

“Following the riots, the reaction prompted the creation of a food festival, which is fantastic.

You see 10,000 people coming out on a Sunday afternoon to eat and drink together; it’s just a massive party, which is so important for somewhere that would previously be seen as a bit of a soulless place.”

The change in perception about the town is particularly satisfying for someone like Richard, who is Croydon born and bred.

“I was born in Croydon and my dad was a surveyor as well, initially with Fullermoon & Fuller, which now is Stuart Edwards Fullermoon, then Edward Payne and Veness. The office was close to where the the fly-over is now. My earliest memories are of coming into town with my mum and my grandmother, who was from Coulsdon, and going down the market and doing the shopping with a little wheeley trolley and taking

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it home in a little blue Mini, and then a Citroën Dyane.

“You see 10,000 people coming out on a Sunday afternoon to eat and drink together; it’s just a massive party, which is so important for somewhere that would previously be seen as a bit of a soulless place”

“I moved away and didn’t come back until 1995. I’ve been here 20 years now, and I bought my first house here. I had kids here and they went to the local school here. Now I walk in and out and do my shopping in the market every single Saturday, just like I did as a kid, and I know all the people down the market by name.

“I’ve been here all through the changes, such as the tramlink going in, and now we are gearing up for the biggest change yet.”

The tramlink was a big boost, but, connectivitywise, Croydon has always been a fabulous place.

“I think it’s unrivalled; it’s the busiest station after Clapham Junction. It’s a phenomenally busy station, and the train times are trotted out all the time, and the fact there are 24-hour trains back from Victoria is absolutely fantastic. The number of times I’ve been up in town and everybody else is going, ‘I’ve got to get the 10:30 back to Weybridge’, or whatever, and I’m relaxed as I know I can always get back.”

“But the thing about East Croydon station is that it isn’t just a commuter town. It’s about 50:50.

So in the morning, the same number of people are going out as are coming in, which is really healthy. It’s better for maintaining the services and local businesses.

“With the public transport we have, I don’t know why anyone drives at all. The Westfield development is going to help with the infrastructure, hopefully helping with those Saturday afternoons, when all the Brighton people come for IKEA and the roads are wedged full of cars with cardboard boxes sticking out of the roof.

“They’re going to build another fly-over. Not like we haven’t got enough of them, but it will

{ INTERVIEW }

solve one of the issues where you have two horizontal routes and one London-to-Brighton vertical route meeting. The idea is to keep routes that are crossing over moving.

“The transport is an accident of geography, but it is brilliant - and there is room for one more platform at East Croydon to hopefully do a shuttle that just goes back and forth to Victoria.

“The infrastructure will get even better if Gatwick get its extra runway.”

If the station already has 50 per cent of people going into London and 50 per cent arriving at Croydon, will the town now become even less of a commuter town, more of a city in its own right?

“It’s already a place where people can live and work, just as Brighton is. But the difference, I think, will just be in liveliness and perception.

Historically, not for me, but for most people, Croydon might have been a place where they lived, and they worked somewhere else; it might be the place where they worked, and they lived somewhere else. Generally speaking, they almost apologised for it being there. And I think now the best result, or the result that we need to strive for, is that people are basically proud to live and work in Croydon and that it becomes cool.

“We now have places such as RISE Gallery in St George’s Walk. It’s absolutely phenomenal.

There are Damian Hirsts and the like hanging

there. You never found that before in Croydon.

That would be ridiculous to try and sell a £5,000 or £6,000 painting in Croydon. It would just have been ludicrous.

“We keep promoting the town, whether it is through our newspaper, Croydon News, or the website which has an interactive version for the iPad. “We also do investor tours. When someone has bought an office or is looking to buy one, we borrow a tram and go for a tram ride. Then we take them up a tall building, we talk them all through the retail and take them into the Almshouses. We are very proud of the town, and giving an investor tour is a positive experience.”

One of the flagship projects will be the new Westfield shopping/entertainment centre, which will replace the existing Whitgift and Centrale shopping malls. What’s the latest on this?

“The CPO Inquiry finished in March. The inspector had approximately 60 days to write a recommendation, so we are expecting some news any time. The recommendation goes to the Secretary of State, so presumably Greg Clark has the recommendation, and I would suggest that he’s going to use his summer holiday to peruse that and issue a result in September.

“I wouldn’t want to pre-empt the decision, but it’s got cross-party support, and it is THE answer for Croydon. Croydon is one of the only answers for London in terms of the housing problems and can deliver thousands of units. In order for that to go well it needs its town centre resolved. The beauty of the Westfield Hammerson situation is that it does both, because Hammerson own Centrale. Westfield had agreement on parts of the Whitgift Centre. Now the whole lot is one scheme, so it’s not like in some towns, such as Sutton, where you’ve got the Times Square and the Saint Nicholas Centre competing. This resolves everything in one go; it’s amazing. So, on that basis, how would it be possible or conceivable that anyone could read it and say, ‘Actually, no, I

don’t think it’s a good idea’? It couldn’t happen, could it?

So, Croydon’s time has come? “The sheer quantity of what’s happening already is amazing.

But the biggest site hasn’t even really woken up.

The Westfield Hammerson scheme doesn’t wake up until September and doesn’t start until next year. So, we’ve never, ever seen anything like this.”

Are the people moving into the offices from different kinds of companies or more of the same, just more volume?

“A lot of it is internal expansion, to be fair.

We don’t know who’s coming for the next big one yet, because it hasn’t happened. But the people who have been looking at the Stanhope Schroders project are proper big companies or banks looking for headquarters. They’re different companies. Croydon historically is financial services and insurance.”

And the influx of tech industries? “Yes, we suddenly have got a big reputation for that. In terms of volume that’s still fairly small, but it’s growing. It’s almost better to have smaller numbers growing than larger numbers shrinking.

All of those people just make everything better.

I get my hair cut at a little hairdresser’s in St George’s Arcade, and he was saying that when Nestlé left, it decimated his business for a bit and he noticed it. Now, with all these flats, his business has taken off and all the numbers are back to before and better. And yet, all the ones that I’ve mentioned being built aren’t occupied yet. He’s only talking about the tip of the iceberg.

He’s only talking about a few hundred units rather than a few thousand, so that effect, when it starts being felt by the hairdresser and all of the little businesses, the sandwich shops, the people providing those services, that’s brilliant. They can all be successful and happy. It just makes it a better place, doesn’t it?” www.developcroydon.com www.shw.co.uk

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THE ANGEL DINING ROOMS

By Maarten Hoffmann

“A lovely, quiet location for lunch, but take some of our magazines with you to sit on”

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{ WORKING LUNCH }

T

he Angel Dining Rooms at the Angel Hotel has a lovely old-fashioned feel about the name and as it has been voted the winner of the Top Table awards for Diners Choice 2014 as well as seventh-best place to eat out of 214 restaurants in Guildford, we thought we would visit in secret.

You will certainly have to keep your eyes peeled to locate it as it is tucked away, with quite poor signage, and when found, further confusion reigns, as, once through the hotel reception, you are faced with Bill’s Restaurant entrance. I didn’t want to review Bill’s and therefore reversed my path, to be told by reception that I needed to go to the first floor. At last, the Angel Dining Rooms.

An attractive dining room, that I am reliably informed was actually the ballroom of the historical building that once stood on the site.

Clean, tidy and well-presented, and surprisingly empty at lunchtime. The polite Australian waitress seated us and the first problem arose.

Chairs that are the wrong height for the table are the bane of my life and I am 6’1”; therefore, this is not due to my stature. it was only off by an inch, but enough to make me feel that I had to lean over the table to eat. Ever the hardy problem solver, I whipped out five copies of this excellent magazine, placed them under my derriere and all was well.

The lunch menu is pleasingly brief, and at

£11.95, including a glass of wine, is tremendous value.

I chose the prime Wagyu beef burger in a lightly toasted bun with micro salad garnish and some hand-cut chips on the side, and Ian went for the tuna steak with seasonal vegetables and seaherbs.

“Although I attempted to have Ian describe it to me in detail, it was gone in a flash, which is always the sign of a good meal.

Or a gannet!”

Wagyu means ‘Japanese cow’ and is known for its high quality, with intense marbling and a higher percentage of Omega 3 & 9 and a great taste. I sometimes worry about mincing such fine meat, but I was looking forward to

the result. And we didn’t have long to wait as service was prompt, which was no doubt a result of the chef not being very busy. Two other patrons had just arrived, but I cannot presume he was run off his feet.

The taste of the beef was fantastic and it was served with a small presentation spoon of tomato relish that was very Moreish. The hand-cut chips were perfect, with just the right amount of crisp on just the right sized finger of potato. The only thing I was not keen on was the toasted brown bun. To me, it should be white, as the brown bread adds a very slight flavour to the meal that is not required, but overall, very good indeed.

Ian’s tuna steak was perfectly cooked, sitting atop small broccoli and samphire spears, and although I attempted to have him describe it to me in detail, it was gone in a flash, which is always the sign of a good meal. Or a gannet!

As it was lunchtime and we had several meetings to go, we replaced the wine with orange juice, and, all in all, it was a very good meal in a quaint dining room. I cannot help feeling that placing a dining outlet like Bill’s on your ground floor might somewhat affect the trade to one’s first floor restaurant, but I guess they have their reasons for such a layout.

A lovely, quiet location for lunch, but take some of our magazines with you to sit on – or you could always read them, of course.

The Angel Dining Rooms 91 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3DP T: 01283 533537 W: www.theangeldiningrooms.co.uk

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Councillor Toni Letts

AN EXCELLENT MONTH FOR CROYDON O

ctober is set to be a busy month for Croydon’s thriving business community with two major events being staged in the borough.

The Croydon Business Excellence Awards’ Charity Dinner and Gala Ball will be hosted at Fairfield Halls on Thursday, 1st October.

While the We Mean Business Expo 2015 – Surrey’s largest Business Expo - will bring over 1,000 visitors to see over 100 exhibitors and participate in speed networking opportunities at Fairfield Halls on Wednesday, 14th October.

This year’s Croydon Business Excellence Awards attracted a record number of entries across 15 categories, including the coveted Business of the Year 2015.

The winners will be revealed at the glittering Charity Dinner and Gala Ball, which is already proving to be a hot ticket with tables for the event selling fast. Guests at the black tie event will enjoy a formal dinner, speeches from special guests, followed by dancing to a live band.

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“We are proud to support The Croydon Excellence Awards – they are the ideal platform to highlight the borough’s successes, especially during a period of exciting and generationdefining opportunities,” said Keith Yeoman, Croydon Branch Manager of Handelsbanken, who are sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year category.

Acknowledging the value of the awards in encouraging Croydon’s fast growing small business community – particularly the technology and micro business sector Councillor Toni Letts said: “Croydon Council is absolutely delighted to be a major sponsor of these Awards - we have 13,000 businesses in the borough, which makes Croydon a primary business centre in the south east.”

The one-day We Mean Business Expo 2015 on Wednesday 14th returns to Croydon for the seventh year and is open to businesses of all sizes and from every sector.

This year’s event will feature seminars led by seasoned business professionals, as well as

offering the delegates numerous opportunities to make new business contacts, reach a wider customer base and be inspired by others.

Every delegate attending WMB15 will be given a specially printed A4 colour Expo Guide, listing every exhibitor and providing essential event information. Sponsors include Showcasing Business, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Ecodrive and Ikea Business.

For information about the Croydon Business Excellence Awards evening on 1st October, contact: Email: info@croydonawards.co.uk or call 020 8726 7968.

For information about the We Mean Business Expo on 14th October, contact: info@wemeanbusinessexpo.co.uk or call 020 8726 7968.

{ GREEN BUSINESS }

“Sustainable business practice is a mainstream movement across the whole spectrum of the business community. There now exists a real desire to address transport issues and that is where easit can help”

easitNETWORK T

en years ago Dr. Mel Mehmet had an idea; he believed he would be able to encourage commuters to better embrace sustainable transport options if they were made more efficient, affordable and accessible.

Today he runs The Queens Award winning easitNETWORK representing over 300 major employers and one million commuters across thirteen networks in the South East including many businesses based here in Surrey, a number of which have been members since launch.

Reducing transport carbon emissions, improving people’s health and reducing congestion are all stated priorities of government. By bringing together the major employers in an area, easitNETWORK’s generate a critical mass and so enable the introduction and use of far more initiatives that could not necessarily be taken up by one organisation alone. The benefits of this approach are in establishing a working partnership, a sizeable group that is more effective in lobbying for changes to public transport provision and generating funding for new initiatives.

The success of easitNETWORK has been due to

the plethora of sustainable transport initiatives available to its members from discounted peak time rail travel, exclusive savings on electric vehicles and travel planning - to implementing rotational staff parking systems! By facilitating collaboration amongst a range of companies easitNETWORK helps businesses work together to develop transport solutions which in turn will reduce the environmental impact of commuter journeys and promote healthier, more active life styles.

Travel Plan Coordinator at Oxfam UK said, “easit brought together travel organisations, the local authority and ourselves along with other end user organisations. For Oxfam the sharing of knowledge has been great. It gave us liftoff for our sustainable commuting programme and together we hosted a successful travel fair for business and commuting. With limited car park capacity we continually look for sound alternatives to single car use and providing environmentally friendly, healthy and cost saving alternatives. easit has the experience of what choices work and experience how to best promote those choices.”

Mel Mehmet, Chief Executive of easitNETWORK said “Sustainable business practice is no longer a niche but a mainstream movement across the whole spectrum of the business community. There now exists a real desire to address transport issues and that is where easit can help.”

The group has been recognised by the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency being hailed as an example of best practise, as well as winning a number of

travel green

NETWORK

National Green Business awards including The Queens Award for Enterprise, The City of London Sustainable Business Award, Highly Commended Award for Reducing Car Use at the Low Carbon Champions Awards in London and The Green Award for Sustainable Transportation and Travel at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. CEO Dr Mel Mehmet was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours.

For more information please visit www.easit.org.uk, or contact Kip Parker, Membership Manager on tel: 01306 88 66 77 or email Kip@easit.org.uk.

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{ SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE }

Surrey Chambers of Commerce sits at the heart of the business community, which in turn is an integral part of our local society. In order for everyone to enjoy success there are many aspects to be covered. Surrey Chambers is keen to support members as well as influence and support anything affecting a thriving economy. Some of our members have been doing exciting things this month and we share Something Big and Charles Russell Speechlys’ stories. Surrey businesses are always keen to give back and we see many examples of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) amongst our members. Semmco is a great example of this, and a number of our members work with SATRO, who inspire young people to consider careers in Business, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. We love to recognise success, and the latest awards to be launched are for businesses in Epsom & Ewell. And if that isn’t enough, we are busy lobbying government to make life as easy as possible for businesses to succeed.

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE www.surrey-chambers.co.uk MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES SOMETHING BIG WINS THREE NATIONAL AWARDS IN ONE NIGHT! Woking-based Surrey Chambers members, Something Big, has picked up three accolades at the prestigious national RAR Digital Awards, held in London recently.

The Recommended Agencies Register (RAR) is a marketing agency search and selection tool where clients recommend agencies they work with. The RAR Digital Awards recognise those agencies – large and small – providing digital services to the highest standards as voted for by their clients. Something Big was shortlisted in the medium-sized business (40-99 staff) section in an impressive 10 categories, ranging from how well they serve their clients to the digital disciplines they provide. The local marketing agency, up against much larger national brands, was awarded the overall winner in three main categories – Creativity/Innovation, On Time, and Social. Sally Pritchett, Director of Something Big, said: “We’re delighted to have won these three national awards, which recognise the Something Big team’s outstanding creative and social media work and the fact that we deliver our projects on time. We’re especially proud of this combination because it shows we can produce great things to tight deadlines. What’s even more rewarding is that the results aren’t based on a judge’s or panel’s decision, but purely on how clients rate their agencies. And we credit a huge amount of our fast-growing business’s success to the importance we place on keeping our customers happy. So, a very big thank-you to all our clients who value the work we do and shout about it!” At Surrey Chambers we are also excited that Something Big create the national marketing campaigns for British Chambers of Commerce, which we are very happy to use.

CHARLES RUSSELL SPEECHLYS PLAYS KEY ROLE IN GALVANISING GUILDFORD’S GAMING INDUSTRY Leading South East technology law specialist and Surrey Chambers of Commerce patron Charles Russell Speechlys joined forces with the University of Surrey and UKIE (UK Interactive Entertainment organisation) to host an inspiring and insightful conference and networking event for Guildford’s gaming community at the University’s impressive 5G Innovation Centre. Nick Hurley, partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, co-hosted the inaugural G3 Futures event, introducing a range of speakers from the University of Surrey as well as keynote speaker, world-renowned, Guildford-based video games designer and programmer, Peter Molyneux OBE. According to Nick Hurley, “Guildford is often referred to as the Hollywood of the gaming industry because of its proliferation of gaming studios and independent developers. Local studios have made games played by millions of people, resulting in billions of pounds worth of sales and we take great pride in our role in helping these companies to thrive.” This sector is a key part of the Surrey economy, and Surrey Chambers was really excited to be part of this new initiative.

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“The South East is one of the hot spots for technology businesses outside London and it is wonderful to think that we may be helping to launch tech entrepreneurs of the future” Chris Cairns, Partner, Alliotts, on his involvement in SATRO activities.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SEMMCO SINKERS SAIL TO 3RD PLACE IN DRAGON BOAT RACE Well done to the Semmco Sinkers, who won 3rd place in the Dragon Boat Race at Goldsworth Park Lake in Woking on 5th July after four gruelling races. On the day, they looked the part in their matching outfits and hats and won the best-dressed category as well as raising £500 for the Woking & Sam Beare Hospices. A few days earlier battle cries were heard from the company’s meeting room, where the team were practicing for the race using office chairs as the boat and imaginary oars.

Louise Punter, CEO of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, was co-opted onto the VirginCare team in the same competition and commented: “It was brilliant to see a local company joining in so enthusiastically, and having missed the final by a long margin, I was rooting for the team from Semmco to win the top prize!

We will try and get a few more teams to take place next year and support fellow members, Woking & Sam Beare hospices” Semmco is a manufacturer of equipment used by airlines to work on their aircraft and are significant exporters in Surrey, who use the expert support of Surrey Chambers of Commerce International Trade Department.

SATRO INSPIRING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE TODAY! SATRO is an outstandingly effective educational charity which has been working with young people across the south east of England for 30 years. They provide real-life experience of the working world, particularly in Business, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. They inspire and enthuse young people about their future careers by giving them practical engagement opportunities with the working world throughout their time at school. They do this through bespoke packages which also provide businesses with Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities.

Last year, SATRO business volunteers contributed 13,831 hours to help bridge the skills gap between education and business.

Surrey Chambers highly recommends working with SATRO and CEO Louise Punter is one of their trustees.

AWARDS EPSOM & EWELL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS SUPPORTED BY SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MP Chris Grayling launched the 2015 Epsom & Ewell Business Awards at All Things Nice in Ewell. The objective of the Awards is to recognise and showcase the success stories of businesses and individuals within the local area of Epsom & Ewell. At the launch Chris Grayling said, “Epsom & Ewell has always had a dynamic business community, and our businesses continue to provide an excellent service to their customers. The Epsom & Ewell Business Awards have made a real difference to the profile of businesses locally and I am delighted to launch them for the fifth year. I urge people to take the opportunity to give businesses and individuals in the area a boost and to nominate outstanding contributors”

COMMENTS ON THE BUDGET George Osborne has delivered a balance of politics and economics that provides stimulus for the economy while continuing the tough task of eliminating the deficit. Steady deficit reduction means the economy still has the oxygen it needs to grow. The Chancellor has confirmed that Britain is open for business. Firms across Surrey will cheer not just the new permanent Annual Investment Allowance, further Corporation Tax reductions and lower National Insurance for small businesses, but also commitments to childcare and higher education that help them employ Britain’s best. Companies will offer a cautious welcome to proposals on transport, training and local decision-making, but will want to see precisely how the Chancellor’s moves will make roads better, improve skills, and allow them more power to determine what happens in their cities and counties. Most Chamber member companies already pay their staff at or above the Living Wage. They will want assurances, however, that moves to create a National Living Wage follow an evidence-based approach, and minimise impacts on smaller firms, for whom adjustment will be harder. Several key themes for business - such as export support, compensation for those affected by infrastructure schemes, planning reform and transport - were conspicuous by their absence in the Budget. Companies will want to see more detail on how the government’s productivity plans help to improve the business environment, because any plan will only make a difference if it becomes easier to do business on the ground.

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TIME TO RELAX

UNWIND AT DE VERE VENUES HORSLEY PARK WITH A MERCEDES FOR THE WEEKEND

A

s we all work far too hard, we thought a competition to win a relaxing night at the magnificent De Vere Venues Horsley Park near Leatherhead, tickets to RHS Wisley and a top-flight Mercedes-Benz for the weekend would be spot-on for this exciting first issue of the Surrey edition of the magazine.

Horsley Park is part of the De Vere Venues portfolio and is located in East Horsley. Set in 70 acres of stunning parkland, with leisure facilities including health club with gym, sauna and indoor swimming pool, this grand Victorian mansion was built in 1828 and boasts an ornate classical chapel, some wonderful four-poster beds, the dramatic Great Hall, along with 47 flexible training, events and meeting rooms. Having enjoyed a sensational dinner for two in the Steam, Bake and Grill restaurant, a relaxing night’s sleep and the breakfast of your choice, we have an agreement with Mother Nature for the sun to shine all weekend to make the most of the next part of our competition, which is a visit to the glorious RHS Wisley Gardens in Woking, to wander through the twisting wisterias, tropical greenhouse and dazzling rhododendrons. Wisley is one of the great gardens of the world.

We cannot possibly expect you to use your own car; therefore, courtesy of Sandown Mercedes-Benz of Guildford and Hindhead, we will also supply the stylish new Mercedes-Benz CLS for you to drive for the weekend. The new generation CLS Coupe and CLS Shooting Brake are a glorious combination of luxury, style and exhilaration, and as we cannot possibly ask you to drive a car we have not fully tested, our Motoring Editor will review the car in next month’s motoring section, and you will certainly not be disappointed.

TO ENTER: So as to tax you as little as possible, the winner has to answer one simple question:

What do the Mercedes-Benz letters CLS stand for?

We will accept the answer in English or German.

Entries to: info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com

by August 10th , 2015 with the answer and your name, address, company name if applicable and e-mail address. Details will never be passed on to any third party.

Employees of this magazine or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition. Closing date for entry will be August 10th , 2015. After this date no further entries to the competition will be permitted. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value. The winners name will be drawn at random on August 11th 2015. The promoter will contact the winner to arrange a mutually convenient time to accept the prize. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. Prize includes a one night break for two in a Signature Double Room complete with dinner and breakfast, based on two people sharing a double room. Prize must be booked and redeemed by 30 September 2015 on dates subject to availability.

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Moorfield Road Slyfield Industrial Estate Guildford, Surrey GU1 1RU Sales 01483 315824 Service 01483 315826 www.deverevenues.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead Seven Thorns Lane Bramshott Chase Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DF Sales 01428 768652 Service 01428 768654

www.sandown-group.co.uk

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SECRET SURREY IT’S A FAIR COP

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oday’s singletons seem to be addicted to the internet when seeking their next partner, even though we are assaulted on an almost weekly basis with horror stories of lies, deceit and fraud along with, I am sure, many matches made in heaven.

Matchmaking is as old as time, and in some cultures the role of the matchmaker was quite professionalized. The Ashkenazi Jewish shadchan and the Hindu astrologer were often thought to be essential advisors, who also helped in finding the right spouses as they had links to and a relationship of good faith with the families. In cultures where arranged marriages were the rule, the astrologer often claimed that the stars sanctified matches that both parents approved of, making it quite difficult for the possibly hesitant children to easily object – and also making it easy for the astrologer to collect his fee.

Things have moved on and matchmaking is back in vogue, none more so than with South Downs Introductions, founded by ex-police detective Tara McDonnell. PBM met up with Tara and asked her how it came about. “I set the company up due to my experiences with online dating in my 30s, when I was single. I found that some people lied about their age, weight, height and even their marital status. I put being single down to my career choice. I served as a police detective for 10 years and shift work made meeting single men difficult. The thought of putting my picture on the internet for all to see, including those I may have arrested, was horrifying. I eventually met my partner offline through our love of sailing and have been together now for seven years. I left the police to attend university and study law and found that matchmaking agencies in the area were few and far between, and so expensive that they became prohibitive.”

On-line dating fraud is ever-growing as singles turn to the ease of the online route, but such fraud rose by 33% in 2015 to a staggering £34 million, with one woman losing an eye-watering £800k. “Fraudsters, adept at grooming techniques, prey on the vulnerable; 68% are women and the rest are men. I saw there were even more sinister issues when a female suffered a brutal sexual assault and beating from a man she met on a well-known online dating site. Our objectives are to put the personal touch back into dating and strive to

keep people safe. I meet everyone in person and I ensure they are who they say they are. I really get to know my clients and I am using my skills as a trained and certified matchmaker, and as an ex-detective, to put compatible, busy,

“The thought of putting my picture on the internet for all to see, including those I may have arrested, was horrifying”

professional people together, and it works. My testimonials are evidence of that. My clients put a lot of trust and faith in me. I work with some wonderful, inspirational people who have some marvellous life stories and some equally poignant ones. Honesty is my policy, and if I believe that I cannot assist someone, I will say so in a tactful way.

“I would rather turn down a client than take their money and have a sleepless night. I am entering the UK Dating Awards 2015 as Best

Callisto Associates www.callistoassociates.com

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Newcomer to the industry. My company also provides bespoke, relaxed, no-pressure singles events, which include sailing taster days, wine tastings in elegant venues and summer barbecues.”

It seems quaintly old-fashioned that dating agencies and matchmakers are back in fashion, but as with so many things online, there is no substitute for meeting face-to-face, and the technological age can be a curse as well as a blessing. As our professional lives get busier, it becomes ever more difficult to meet a new partner outside of one’s own workplace. Help is certainly needed, and with the on-line route presenting an unknown quantity, the key is to locate a firm that is professional and does what is says on the can, and South Downs Introductions certainly seem to be at the top of the tree.

Who better to match you up and keep you safe than a law student and ex-police detective such as Tara McDonnell?

“Our objectives are to put the personal touch back into dating and strive to keep people safe”

SOUTH DOWNS INTRODUCTIONS call 07713 183420 or visit www.southdownsintroductions.co.uk or email connect@southdownsintroductions.co.uk 81

{ WISE WORDS }

Words

Issue 14 Wise

Richard Pollins, Managing Partner DMH Stallard Tel: 01483 302345 • www.dmhstallard.com 3 & 5 Jenner Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3AQ I am very fortunate to have spent my entire legal career (25 years and counting) at DMH Stallard - from Trainee all the way to Managing Partner.

BE GENEROUS No-one likes a mean boss. If you want to encourage trust, team work and loyalty, spend money on your team. They are worth every penny.

Here are my words of wisdom: BE RELIABLE Always meet deadlines for clients or colleagues.

That builds trust and confidence and saves time chasing or in turn being chased.

BE CONSISTENT Everyone values consistency inside and outside work. There is nothing worse than not knowing what to expect from your colleagues.

PLAY TO YOUR TEAM’S STRENGTHS Everyone has a role to play in any organisation and we all have a blend of skills and interests. To get the best out of people you need to encourage them to do more of what they do best and still a little bit of what they may not really like but adds value to their role and the wider business.

People need to feel challenged but not unduly uncomfortable.

BE RESPECTFUL Disrespectful behaviour has no place in modern business. But it’s more than just being polite and saying thank you. It’s about taking the time to recognise your colleagues’ contribution and to consider what makes them happy or what drives them mad.

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SURPRISE PEOPLE FROM TIME TO TIME Everyone likes a nice surprise. An unexpected thank you, day off as a reward for good performance, ice creams on a hot day, or even an impromptu party will always go down well with the team.

BE PREPARED TO LISTEN Just because you have may have achieved some success in the past doesn’t mean you are the only one with all the decent ideas. There is always a huge source of great ideas within your staff, clients, family and friends. Don’t be scared to ask them for ideas or advice.

HAVE A HOBBY It’s good to have something outside of work which encourages some creativity and passion. It helps create a sense of balance and perspective at work, and always serves as a useful point of discussion with clients or business contacts BE POSITIVE Business life has its ups and downs but most of us are really in a very fortunate position. When things go wrong (and they will from time to time), pause, reflect, learn from your mistakes, and then move on.

“It’s good to have something outside of work which encourages some creativity and passion” YOU WON’T SELL WHAT PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO BUY It’s important to constantly review your products, service lines and positioning so they remain relevant at all times to those who can (and should) buy from you. Einstein famously said the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. He was spot on!

BOOK A HOLIDAY Always have a holiday booked in the diary as it will give you something to look forward to.

Business is great but so is recharging your batteries and spending quality time with your family. That makes those long hours seem much more bearable.

Welcome to Sandown Mercedes-Benz Fleet…

A Mercedes-Benz is no ordinary car, so when purchasing one for your business, you should expect extraordinary service. Which is exactly what you will find at Sandown Mercedes-Benz Fleet.

In addition to being a team of local professionals dedicated to the needs of our customers, we’re also experts when it comes to Mercedes-Benz, which means we can deliver on the things that matter, at a price that’s right for your business.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon

£309 +VAT Per month

†

Payment Profile Annual Mileage Initial rental 6+35 10,000 £1854 +VAT

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

£359 +VAT Per month

†

Payment Profile Annual Mileage Initial rental 6+35

10,000

£359 +VAT

Please call 0843 9026522 for exclusive Platinum Business Magazine reader offers.

Sandown Mercedes-Benz Fleet Sales Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester Mercedes-Benz of Guildford

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead Mercedes-Benz of Poole Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury

0843 9026522

† Business Users only. Contract hire agreement. Advance payment applies. † All payments subject to VAT at 20%: Finance based on a Contract Hire agreement, 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply. Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the contract duration. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Orders/credit approvals on selected models between 1 April and 30 June 2015, registered by 30 September 2015. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. Prices correct at time of going to press 4/15.

WELCOME TO MY WORLD

In the lead role: John Travolta, movie legend and aviation aficionado.

Guest star: the legendary North American X-15 that has smashed all speed and altitude records and opened the gateway to space. Production: Breitling, the privileged partner of aviation thanks to its reliable, accurate and innovative instruments – such as the famous Chronomat, the ultimate chronograph. Welcome to a world of legends, feats and performance.

CHRONOMAT 44