PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 23 - SURREY EDITION

The widest-read business publication in the South East

PLATINUM

SURREY EDITION . ISSUE 23 . 2016

BUSINESS TRAVEL Shake hands in... Berlin

INTERVIEWS WITH SCOTT PAWLEY CEO of GTM MARTIN COOK UKTI’s USA Director

PLATINUM

KRESTON REEVES

Is tax evasion acceptable?

BMW X5 HYBRID Reviewed

THE BIG STORY

TABLE TALK New Surrey Food and Drink Feature

SIR JAMES DYSON

The man who cleaned up

Read all past issues at www.platinumbusinessmagazine.com

Corporate & Commercial Banking

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BMW Business Partnership

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With CO2 emissions on the BMW 730d model from just 124g/km and fuel economy of up to 60.1mpg (combined), this model offers attainable luxury for your fleet.

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VINES OF GATWICK

Stephenson Way Three Bridges RH10 1TN Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series Saloon range: Urban 24.8-51.4mpg (11.4-5.5l/100km).

Extra Urban 45.6-67.3mpg (6.2-4.2l/100km). Combined 34.9-60.1mpg (8.1-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 189-124g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

WELCOME

24

THE BIG STORY SIR JAMES DYSON The vacuum billionaire

46

GLOBAL GROWTH Interview with Scott Pawley

50 58 68 71 4

BUSINESS TRAVEL Shake hands in... Berlin

ANGER MANAGEMENT The Science of Stupid

As we inch closer to the most important referendum in a generation, we have again totally avoided it.

But that cannot continue, therefore next month we will bring you a major feature on the subject of the IN/OUT vote with comment and opinion from some of the leading CEO’s from across our region.

In this issue, we pack Rose off to Berlin to see what the City holds for MICE travel, we interview Global Travel Management’s CEO, Scott Pawley.

Clive Stevens of Kreston Reeves discusses if tax evasion is ever acceptable, DMH Stallard explain what the new Living Wage will mean for business and we feature all the winners of the prestigious Gatwick Diamond Business Awards and learn what it means to them, and their team, to have won.

Amanda has broken herself whilst exploring the culinary delights of Guernsey, Chicago and California but found time to review some great local restaurants, profile a top chef and bring you the ins and outs of English wines.

Maarten rips up the tarmac again with the BMW X5 hybrid, the all-new Mercedes E-Class and terrified the life out of Amanda when she foolishly asked for a lift to a restaurant. If you don’t want a lift in a £160,000 supercar driven by a deranged petrol-head, best not to ask.

We’ve had fun bringing you this issue and hope you enjoy the read.

Maarten & Ian Platinum Business Magazine May 2016

MOTORING Meet the Mercedes-Benz Family

TABLE TALK All the latest food and drink news

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.

Issue 23 - 2016

The Team

AT A GLANCE 6

Local News

10

Natwest Economic Indicator

50 Business Destination -

13

We Mean Business Croydon

56 Martin Cook, UKTI’s USA

Surrey Chambers of Commerce

58 Anger Management

16

Woking Chamber of Commerce

62 Motoring News

16

Croydon Chamber of Commerce

66 Motoring - Mercedes-

16

Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce

19

Beacon Security

14 Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

20 National News

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

24 Sir James Dyson 32 Is Tax Avoidance okay?

34 Gatwick Economic Forum

35 EU Referendum Opinion Amanda Spicer Senior Designer

36 Gatwick Diamond

Nick Hall Sales Director

Business Awards

nick@ platinumbusinessmagazine.com

40 National Living Wage 43 Business Travel 45 Travel News 46 Scott Pawley, Global

Travel Management Berlin Director

60 Nova Direct 64 Motoring - BMW X5 40e Benz E-Class

68 Motoring - Sandown Mercedes-Benz

71 Table Talk 72 Review - Bagatti’s, Croydon

74 Chef Profile - Kanthi Kiran Thamma

76 Croydon Food Festival 77 Bar Fly - English Wine 78 A Fair Share 79 Croydon Business Awards

80 Secret Surrey Guildford Summer Festival

82 Institute of Directors

QUOTE OF THE MONTH Amanda Menahem Food & Drink Editor

Julia Trevett Accounts Manager

❝

It is the most uplifting business magazine in the region, and each edition has me enthralled. I believe in the magazine and every business should have a copy.

Rose Dykins Travel Editor

Lauren Psyk Event Photographer

Faiza Shafeek, Carrot Events

❞ 5

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS £28M SCHOOL PROJECT A £5.6 million project to provide a new building for the 480-place Pyrford Primary School near Woking has started on site. The contract awarded to the Portakabin Group is the first scheme in the £28 million Surrey and Kent batch of the Government’s Priority School Building Programme.

An official ground-breaking ceremony was held at Pyrford Primary School to mark the start of construction work to replace its existing dilapidated 1960s school building. The project is one of six schools in the region to be rebuilt by the Portakabin Group under the Government’s Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).

Pupils attending the school will benefit from a completely new school, with high levels of natural light and increased access and space for outdoor play and learning. The two-storey facility will have 16 bright, purpose-designed classrooms for two forms of entry and a multi-purpose hall.

Schools Minister Lord Nash said, “Our investment in school buildings across the country is transforming the learning environment for tens of thousands of pupils and their teachers. The start of construction at Pyrford Primary School is a key milestone for the first phase of the Priority School Building Programme which is investing £2.2 billion to rebuild or refurbish 260 schools in the worst conditions across the country.”

TOAST OF SURREY The Toast of Surrey Business Awards finalists have been announced and the nominees are as follows:

YOUNG BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

• • •

• Global Travel Management • Perfect Pitch • Conjoint • Vocality

Brightwater Brewery Platform 3 Ruby & Kind BWH Cleaning

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE • • •

Changing Perceptions The Boileroom Positive Autism Support & Training

APPRENTICE SCHEME • Sweethaven • Yvonne Arnaud Theatre • Answers Investigation • SDS

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES • • •

Countrywide Telecoms Office Zebra Centre for Domestic Violence

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING • • •

Healthcare on Demand Team Tops Centre for Domestic Violence

GREEN AWARD • • •

Johnston Sweepers KRR Prostream Plant Passion

COMPANIES WITH A TURNOVER OF UP TO £1M • • • •

Spiritmen Ltd Future Proof Guildford Shakespeare Company Informed Choice

COMPANIES WITH A TURNOVER OF UP TO £5M • • • •

Eagle Eye Solutions The Buy to Let Business Midgley Snelling LLP Source Supplies

COMPANIES WITH A TURNOVER OF MORE THAN £5M • • •

Johnston Sweepers Wick Hill Global Travel Management

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR • • •

Scott Pawley (Global Travel Management) Julianne Ponan (Creative Nature) James Gubbins (Pelling Marketing by Design)

This year’s ceremony will take place on April 28th 2016 and we will bring you all the winners in the next issue.

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavour.”

6

NEWS

“I always give 100% at Work: 10% Monday, 23% Tuesday, 40% Wednesday, 22% Thursday, and 5% Friday.”

McLAREN HIRING Unprecedented orders for Woking-based McLaren Automotive’s Sports Series has led to the immediate recruitment of 250 new staff.

McLaren Technology Centre has been home to the supercar since 2009 with the production centre opened in 2011, working alongside its legendary Formula 1 production team.

FORMATION DATA Company formation group, 24.7, have released data regarding the increase in company formations across Surrey. The study shows a slight increase over 2014 and a decrease in dissolved companies over the same period.

In 2015, a total of 1,654 cars were delivered to customers across 30 markets, mostly due to a global demand for the recently-launched Sports Series. In particular demand was the 570S Coupé - the most accessible model - which starts at £145,000.

CHECK IN

Brooklands Hotel has checked in to the top 10 of the Sunday Times Top 100 Small Companies to Work For, moving up 16 places from 25th last year, courtesy of their happy team players, showing that there’s plenty of drive in the hotel.

Brooklands is the only hotel to feature in this list and is rightly proud of breaking into the top 10 and being the first small hotel to do so in the awards history.

The four star luxury hotel in Weybridge, Surrey, opened in 2010 on the site of the world’s first purpose built race track, scored 80% (1st) for the skills of its employees and scored 95% (5th) as a fun place to work.

7

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS ALL ABOARD! The Mumpreneur’s Networking Club will be bringing the Natwest business bus to Guildford (Monday 16th May) and Kingston (Tuesday 17th May).

The Mumpreneur economy (businesses run by mothers with children under 18) generated 7.2 billion for the economy in 2014. A report from the think tank Development Economics commissioned by Ebay, evaluated the contribution of Mumpreneurs and found that the sector is growing at an unprecedented rate, The report states that Mumpreneurs will generate 9.5bn for the UK economy.

Club Director Sara Guiel says, “Women from all professions who have discovered that the corporate world can be an uncomfortable fit with family are turning their passions into businesses.”

MNC are inviting aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs along to the bus in each location to talk to professionals within their network about local support helping to inspire, share practical skills and drive forward their ideas.

The bus will be open between 10am and 4pm. Visitors will be able to drop by informally at a time which suits. If visitors need more time with a particular expert, they can contact them directly and arrange a slot between 3pm and 4pm.

The bus is NatWest’s iconic 1966 Routemaster. It has been refurbished inside to give it a very modern twist and comes with its very own bus driver and conductor!

For details go to www.agoodgossip.co.uk.

GUILDFORD FRINGE FESTIVAL The festival, now in its fourth year, is looking bigger and better than ever before with new venues, new acts and new events to brighten up the arts diary in Guildford.

Guildford Fringe Festival is Surrey’s premier open-access, multi-arts festival which includes all genres of art including theatre, music, comedy, dance, exhibitions, talks, film, cabaret, kids workshops and shows and poetry nights.

‘So, we are heading into our fourth Festival!! It feels like only yesterday that I was discussing the idea of setting up a Fringe Festival in Guildford but here we are,” Says Nick Wyschna the director of Guildford Fringe Festival.

‘We were really keen this year to host more family friendly events so we are over the moon to announce a superb line up including our Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You workshops (at The Guildford Institute), Mystery at Frankenstein Castle (at The Keep Pub), Music in the Meadows (at Clandon Wood), The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man (G Live, Bellerby Studio) and face painting and kids story time (at The Guildford Fringe Box Office at White Lion Walk Shopping Centre).’

A big change for Guildford Fringe Festival this year is the partnership they have made with White Lion Walk Shopping Centre in the heart of Guildford. This means that the Fringe will have their first ever walk in box office, information centre and art exhibition from the end of June right throughout July. You’ll be able to ask questions and buy tickets for all the events in person whilst enjoying art from local artists. All the work on display will be for sale with a percentage of sales being donated to Challengers Charity who deliver inclusive play and leisure services for disabled children and young people across Surrey, Hampshire and increasingly the surrounding area.

“Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.”

8

NEWS

“Good things come to those who wait… greater things come to those who get off their ass and do anything to make it happen.”

SPEEDY CHARGE At the end of September, Surrey County Council deputy Leader Peter Martin unveiled a new speedy charging point as it was revealed that Surrey has more electric vehicles than almost every county in the country.

It has been installed at BMW dealership Vines of Guildford and means vehicles can recharge in less than 30 minutes, instead of between three and eight hours it normally takes to top up – a huge difference.

The new publicly accessible rapid charger brings the total installed in Surrey to five as part of the council’s aim of promoting green travel schemes through the Travel SMART initiative. The others are located at Reigate Hill car park, Hollyhedge car park, Cobham, and Frimley Park Hospital (two) as part of a network of almost 20 across West Sussex, East Sussex – including Brighton – and Kent.

There were 682 ‘plug-in’ vehicles registered in Surrey in March 2015 compared to 248 a year earlier, according to Department for Transport statistics. The only county with more is Hampshire with 699.

The news comes after the council hosted a summit last year designed to spark extra growth in electric vehicles that featured companies at the industry’s cutting edge, including Surrey-based Mercedes-Benz and McLaren.

Mr Martin said: “It’s fantastic that businesses and drivers in Surrey are accelerating demand for ‘plug-in’ electric cars so this innovative industry continues to boost our economy and the environment.”

THE PAST COMES ALIVE Work has started to rebuild the world's first purpose-built racing circuit following an additional £1m government grant. Brooklands Museum plans to restore the finishing straight to how it looked in 1939 when the circuit was in its heyday. The scheme includes removing a World War Two hangar from the track.

Chief executive Allan Winn said the grant would pay for higher building costs and removal of industrial waste.

In February 2015, the Heritage Lottery Fund provided £4.7m for the restoration. Brooklands said it was confident supporters and donors would raise the remaining £200,000 needed.

The restored Grade II listed Wellington Hangar - which was used for the assembly of Wellington bombers in the 1940s and later for other industrial purposes will become The Brooklands Aircraft Factory, where visitors will see how aircraft from biplanes to Concorde were designed, developed and built.

Brooklands opened in 1907 and went on to make motoring history. For its first 20 years, the racing circuit was the site of many land speed record attempts. At the start of World War Two the site was given over to use by Vickers-Armstrongs and Hawker aircraft companies.

9

ECONOMIC TRENDS

Regional Economic Tracker The NatWest Regional Economic Tracker monitors employment levels in 12 regions across the UK showing where the fastest job growth has occurred on a quarterly basis.

OLDER WORKERS DRIVE SOUTH EAST JOBS MARKET SURGE

Yorkshire & the Humber takes topQuilter spot ACIB MCIBS Chartered Banker Director, Corporate and Commercial Banking

by Peter

e-mail: peter.quilter@natwest.com

NORTH WEST

Top 3 Ribble Valley Pendle Allerdale

Yorkshire & the Humber has leapt to the top of the NatWest Regional Economic Tracker, seeing a higher rate of job growth than any other UK region over the last year.

Employment rose by 3.8% in the 12 months to September 2015, twice the already strong UK rate of 1.9%.

Top local areas within the region were Scarborough, Hambleton and Leeds, all seeing growth of over 10%. This excellent recent performance helps Yorkshire & the Humber make up some of the ground lost in the early stages of the recovery and means that employment is now 4.4% higher than it was in 2008, a result that is only bettered by three other regions.

2.7%

21% 18% 13% WEST MIDLANDS 1.6%

Top 3 N Warwickshire Lichfield Rugby

13% 12% 11% 1.4%

WALES

Top 3 Anglesey Wrexham Pembrokeshire

8% 6% 6%

SOUTH WEST

Top 3 W Somerset N Devon Mendip

Regional Economic Tracker

Top 3 Spelthorne Tandridge Rushmoor

14% 13% 11%

NORTH EAST

2.2%

to the astonishing lead 3.8% that YORKS & HUMBER

has built up. So while TopLondon 3 the region benefits from 19% its Scarborough Hambleton 16% close proximity to the capital, Leeds 10% the South East’s growth is still

Q3 2015

3.0%

1.2%

1.1%

recession peaks.

Top 3 The South East’s strong S Tyneside 8% Gateshead performance is welcome 5% as Middlesbrough 5% it helps make some inroads

EAST MIDLANDS 1.2% dwarfed by the 14% expansion Topthat 3 London has seen since Ashfield 19% In real terms, this means NW2008.

Leicestershire 12% that one in every three jobs Hinckley & Bosworth 10%

29% 23% 14%

SOUTH EAST

SCOTLAND

Topin3the year to September 2015, Clackmannanshire 8% as well as since 2008 showing Dumfries & Galloway 6% where the current employment W Dunbartonshire 5% levels are compared to pre-

LONDON

thatOF has ENGLAND been created in1.7% the UK EAST

2.2%

Top 3 Newham Greenwich Ealing

Topsince 3 the recession began was based in London.

Braintree 15% Colchester 14% In the South East, last year’s Waveney 13% largest gains were seen in

12% 11% 10%

Surrey where Spelthorne and

Employment Y2Q3

of people in full or part-time employment rise by 14%

T

he UK’s economic recovery is broadening, both regionally and demographically. For most of the last four years London has

Yorks & Humber

Last year, fortune also shined on two of the three main commercial centres in Surrey

long term performance means there are now South West

East in the year to Q3 2015 with a 3.8% of North the table

and Sussex with Crawley seeing an additional

4.4% more jobs in the region there were Yorks &than Humber

London

rise in employment, twice the national average.

3% employed while Guildford had impressive

South East

in 2008.

rise of 7% last year. Crawley is now home to

Wales

and North East also made it in

These are latest figures from the NatWest

58,000 full and part time jobs and Guildford

Regional Economic Tracker, North whichWest monitored

has 72,000. However, it was a down year in

regional job growth acrossEast theMidlands United Kingdom

Brighton where a 5% decrease in jobs means

West Midlands

Wales to the top five turning out jobs growth of 2.7% East Midlands

and 2.2% respectively.

South East

North East

Scotland 0.0%

of 1.9%.

of the previous year growing faster than the East

longer.

Yorkshire & the Humber shot to the top North West

The Midlands North West West

increases were well above the national average

year with growth of 1.2%, having spent much UK average. However, the South East’s strong

South West

East

and 13%, respectively. These

In the South East, job growth slipped last

London

been the stand-out region for job creation. No

10

Tandridge saw the number

Employment 2008- Q32015

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

2.5%

3.0%

3.5%

4.0%

Scotland 0%

3%

6%

9%

12%

15%

ECONOMIC TRENDS there are now 143,000 in the vibrant south coast city.

Perhaps what’s most interesting about the overall growth in the South East, and indeed nationally, is that the surge in employment growth has been driven by the number of over 65s in employment. Since 2008, there is now an astonishing 65% more over 65s in full or part-time employment than there were during the pre-recession peaks. When combined with the 12% increase in over 50s working, the total growth across the UK has been more than accounted for by the rise in these two age groups.

Whether this is by choice or necessity people are retiring later, a trend that’s set to continue as state pension ages rise for men and particularly for women in the coming years. Working longer means more flexibility for many, so the South East has seen faster growth in part time work and amongst the self employed accordingly.

“In the South East, last year’s largest gains were seen in Surrey where Spelthorne and Tandridge saw the number of people in full or part-time employment rise by 14% and 13%, respectively.”

However, the story for the country’s youngest workers is not as positive in the South East or nationwide, where there are now 5% less people aged between 16-24 who are in full or part time work than there were pre-recession.

Only in London has there been a net increase in the amount of 16-24 year olds employed since 2008.

Last year, the South East did see some positive gains for the region’s youngest workers. While the number of over 65s in work dropped 1% in the year to September 2015, the number of employed 16-24 year olds saw a healthy rise of 3% during the same period.

11

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Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI 3-door Hatch Range: Urban 31.0-72.4 mpg (9.1-3.9 l/100km).

Extra Urban 54.3-91.1 mpg (5.2-3.1 l/100km). Combined 42.2-83.1 mpg (6.7-3.4 l/100km).

CO2 Emissions 155-89 g/km. Fuel Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

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BUSINESS EXPO

SOUTH LONDON’S BIGGEST BUSINESS EVENT The countdown is on for South London’s biggest business market - We Mean Business Expo and Croydon Ecodrive Motorshow 2016 – at Fairfield Halls on Wednesday, 18th May.

M

ore 1,000 business people and 120 exhibitors made last autumn’s expo a huge success. And it looks like the event’s new spring date is even more popular as firms rush to capitalise on

the key sales and networking opportunity.

“Holding the Expo in May allows firms to make the most of all the business opportunities on offer at an earlier point in the year,” said Katharine Glass, Managing Director of the organisers, White Label.

“It also enables us to expand the outdoor Ecodrive: Croydon Motor Show, which attracted a huge amount of interest last year.”

Ecodrive, the innovative Croydon Motor Show, will showcase the latest fuel-efficient ‘green energy’ vehicles for business from leading manufacturers. For example, the Ancaster Group will be unveiling the latest Nissan Leaf, a 100% electric car which now has a range of 150 miles.

Situated alongside Ecodrive will be the World Food Market, featuring fantastic international cuisine for alfresco dining in the spring sunshine.

But it’s the commercial opportunities on the day which are whetting the appetites of south London’s local businesses.

The Expo will start at 7.45am with the Federation of Small Businesssponsored VIP Networking Breakfast, which proved such a success last year.

The Mayor of Croydon will formally open the event at 9.30am, allowing

Speed Networking sessions, sponsored by Croydon Business Venture.

The Business Advice Clinics, sponsored by Coast to Capital, can be booked in advance to give delegates access to a range of business gurus and mentors. There will also be marketing seminars and talks on key commercial topics.

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive, Coast to Capital LEP said: “We recognise that this is a key business event in the Croydon calendar and we are very keen to point out the support that is available to help local businesses start up, develop and grow.

This is the third year we will be holding individual clinics throughout the day, and we will have a team of six advisers providing information on grants, international trade and other growth support services.”

The 2015 Expo was praised by everyone, including Mayor of Croydon Patricia Hay-Justice and Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell who opened the event.

Designed to support the lifeblood of the South London economy, the Expo promises to kick-start valuable business opportunities for your business. There is a range of stand options and delegate tickets available.

delegates to visit stands featuring an amazing range of businesses, from

So don’t miss out, and contact us today for more information

multi-nationals to SMEs.

and to book. Telephone: 0208 726 7968 or email v.newbould@

Throughout the day they will also be able to attend the hugely popular

wlcreative.org.uk

13

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

WORDS FROM LOUISE PUNTER

H

ere at Surrey Chambers of Commerce we are calling on the government to act cautiously as it increases the living wage – or risk business investment, productivity, and growth. Given that companies face a number of up-front costs, there is a risk that some firms could be forced to divert money away from investment in skills and infrastructure, which could hurt the UK’s productive potential. A decent wage can transform people’s lives, as well as their performance at work. So we should celebrate every business that can, and does, make the commitment to pay each and every employee a living wage. That includes a significant majority of Chamber of Commerce members all across the UK. However, the government’s new Louise Punter National Living Wage will apply a ratchet effect to all companies’ pay bills, and sits alongside a raft of other high employment-related costs.

It is unclear whether the NLW will spur productivity or strengthen businesses, communities or the economy as a whole. While many companies have the ability to increase pay, others will struggle to do so alongside pensions auto-enrolment, the apprenticeship levy, employer National Insurance contributions, and other up-front costs. Some will have to divert money from training and investment to increase pay, which could hurt their productivity. Others may stop hiring altogether.

“In the face of these concerns, the government must make a clear commitment to avoid over-burdening firms when it comes to future increases in the National Living Wage. Future increases must be proportionate, take account of other employment-related costs, and be based on clear and unequivocal evidence.

Low pay and low social mobility are real problems in Britain today, but they won’t be solved just by driving up wage rates. The best way to get a high-pay Britain is through better education, training, and investment, by schools, universities and businesses alike.

CHAMBER NEWS

SUPPORT BOOST THE SPELTHORNE BUSINESS FOR ALL START PLAN COMPETITION 2016 UP BUSINESSES Associate Sponsors Needed!

IN ELMBRIDGE

14

Business advice that supports entrepreneurs starting their business journey is now ready and available for anyone in Elmbridge. Working in partnership, Elmbridge Business Network, Surrey Chambers of Commerce, The Digital Hub and Haines Watts Chartered Accountants are set to offer all potential companies the chance to meet with experienced professional advisors to get tailored advice on their business proposals.

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 Haines Watts Chartered Accountants offices in the centre of Esher.

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.” To sign up for a clinic or business review, contact anita.avery@surrey-chambers. co.uk or call 01483 735540

The Spelthorne Business Competition is back once again to help unearth the best budding business brain-boxes Spelthorne has to offer.

Founded by Spelthorne MP Kwasi Kwarteng back in 2013, the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition aims to provide an opportunity to those hidden entrepreneurs who have a great idea but need the chance to shout about it. The competition invites entrants to submit a new and Kwasi Kwarteng MP original business idea with the chance to win £3500 prize and mentoring to help kick-start their plan.

The final event is to be held at BP’s state-of-the-art learning centre at the International Centre for Business & Technology in Sunbury-on-Thames. The event, in previous years, has attracted some major sponsorship from the likes of Heathrow Airport, Natwest, Pinewood Studios, Johnson & Johnson, British Airways and, of course, BP. For this years event, one of the key objectives is to support the involvement of our local SMEs through the creation of second-tier sponsorship. Therefore, we are inviting you to help us make this year’s event our best yet by becoming an Associate Sponsor at this year’s final.

For an Associate Sponsorship package of £200, your business will receive: • An invitation to the Business Plan Competition Final and pre-event reception, to be held at BP • Your business’ details published on any promotional literature • Your business’ details published in the event programme • The opportunity to network with other local businesses.The opportunity to meet our major sponsors, Spelthorne Borough Council representatives and Kwasi Kwarteng MP If you are interested in being part of one of the biggest annual business events in Spelthorne by becoming an Associate Sponsor, or would just like to learn more about the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition, please contact Michael Craig at Kwasi Kwarteng’s constituency office at michael.craig@parliament.uk or call 07535616095.

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE www.surrey-chambers.co.uk COUNTDOWN TO GUILDFORD FRINGE FESTIVAL 2016!

T

he festival, now in its fourth year, is looking bigger and better than ever before, with new venues, new acts and new events to brighten up the arts diary Nick Wyschna the Director of in Guildford.

Guildford Fringe Festival Guildford Fringe Festival is Surrey’s premier open-access, multi-arts festival which includes all genres of art, including theatre, music, comedy, dance, exhibitions, talks, film, cabaret, kids workshops and shows and poetry nights.

“We are heading into our fourth Festival, can you believe it!? It feels like only yesterday that I was discussing the idea of setting up a Fringe Festival in Guildford, but here we are,” says Nick Wyschna the Director of Guildford Fringe Festival.

“We were really keen this year to host more family-friendly events, so we are over the moon to announce a superb line-up, including our Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You workshops (at The Guildford Institute), Mystery at Frankenstein Castle (at The Keep Pub), Music in the Meadows (at Clandon Wood), The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man (G Live, Bellerby Studio) and face painting and kids story time (at the Guildford Fringe Box Office at White Lion Walk Shopping Centre).”

Nick continues: ‘Don’t fear though, we haven’t lost the quirky, Fringe events in the evenings! When you take a look through the brochure or website, you will notice huge amounts of comedy,

‘Music in the Meadows’ at Clandon Wood Natural Burials – 24th July cabaret, theatre and all sorts of other events that you won’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing you throughout the month of July” A big change for Guildford Fringe Festival this year is the partnership they have made with White Lion Walk Shopping Centre in the heart of Guildford. This means that the Fringe will have their first-ever walk-in box office, information centre and art exhibition from the end of June right throughout July. You’ll be able to ask questions and buy tickets for all the events in person whilst enjoying art from local artists. All the work on display will be for sale, with a percentage of sales being donated to Challengers Charity, who deliver inclusive play and leisure services for disabled children and young people across Surrey, Hampshire and the surrounding area.

Guildford Fringe Festival is running from 1-31 July, 2016.

Visit www.GuildfordFringeFestival.com for the full schedule and further details.

‘Amanda Waring: For the Love of Chocolate’ at The Back Room of The Star Inn – 30th July Photo credit: Sheila Burnett

‘Eleanor Conway’s Walk of Shame’ at The Back Room of The Star Inn – 14th July

15

WOKING

CHAMBER NEWS

PRESIDENT’S PIECE

16

Dave Peet from Menzies LLP was voted in as President of Woking Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s AGM on 15 March in the superb WWF theatre in Brewery Road, Woking.

A

part from the Chamber’s regular monthly networking meetings at New Victoria Theatre, the next major event on the calendar is the President’s In and Out Dinner on Thursday 21 April at Double Tree by Hilton, where the Chamber will be celebrating the appointment of the new president and acknowledging the excellent work done by his predecessor, Stuart Wright of Barnbrook Sinclair. The event will be attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Woking, Cllr Derek McCrum and his wife and their guests. The

Chamber hopes to be raising a healthy sum of money for the Mayor’s charities.

On 17 June, at The New Victoria Theatre, the monthly networking event will be sponsored by Double Tree by Hilton and will incorporate a New Members feature, where a number of the newest members have the opportunity to take a table display and promote their company’s services to the rest of the membership at this popular event. At the last New Members meeting back in December, 100 local business people attended and enjoyed hearing a ‘relatively’ brief run-down on all that was happening in Woking – the regeneration, the new businesses and new restaurants coming into the town and the work the Council was doing to encourage business generally. This was delivered in his usual charismatic style by Chief Executive of Woking Borough Council, Ray Morgan.

The latest event on this year’s Chamber programme, just announced, is a visit to Brooklands Museum, which will take place on the afternoon of 22 June. Members and their guests will be treated to a short history of the museum, followed by the opportunity to experience a ‘trip’ on Concorde and the amazing 4D Red Arrows Ride, as well as visiting the Car and Bus Museums. This is one of those special business-combined-with-pleasure occasions, where members can get to know each other a little better while enjoying the unique ‘Brooklands Experience’.

Later in the year, the Chamber’s annual exhibition, Woking Means Business, takes place at the HG Wells Conference & Events Centre on 5 October. The event is now live online and taking bookings.

With nearly twenty stands already booked, the show’s continuing popularity over the fifteen years since it was first launched suggests that it will once again be a very well-attended and successful exhibition. The show will incorporate a special Start-up Woking feature, affording start-ups and newly formed companies the opportunity to talk to mentors and sit in on specially created Start-up workshops.

The programme of monthly networking events takes place at the superb New Victoria Theatre in Woking, where they have been running continuously for some fifteen years. The next events are: Friday 20th May, sponsored by Springhouse solicitors; Friday 17 June, sponsored by Double Tree by Hilton; Friday 15 July, sponsored by Barnbrook Sinclair; Friday 19 August, sponsored by Morrisons solicitors.

Membership of Woking Chamber of Commerce starts, for smaller companies, from as little as £10 + VAT per month and can be paid by direct debit at just £10 + VAT per month. Full details are available on the Chamber website www.wokingchamber.org.uk

CROYDON

OUR TOP NETWORKING TIPS

by Annabel Fogden, General Manager, Croydon Chamber of Commerce & Industry

T

here are many opportunities for businesses to network, but how do you ensure you get the most out of the experience? Here are our top ten tips.

Social Media • Always connect with people online after meeting with them, using applications such as LinkedIn or twitter

Be prepared

Long-term strategy

• Have up-to-date business cards in an accessible place

• Networking is not a quick fix, and like any other form of marketing, it will take time and effort to build a trusted relationship

• Make notes on business cards you collect to jog your memory about a particular person

Make an impression • Make sure you are smartly dressed, keep eye contact and try to give a good and memorable first impression.

Be specific • Research, be fully aware of what you want to achieve and who you want in your network • Allocate time to look through the guest list and pick a maximum of four people that you would like to meet. Anyone else is a bonus!

• At the event, ask the Chamber team to help find these people and facilitate introductions

Work the room • Do not spend too much of your time at an event with one person

Be open-minded • Everyone wants to promote their company and sell but effective networking is a two way process. Get into the mind-set of buying by thinking about specific suppliers that you may require, now or in the future

Powerful networking

• Express what your organisation offers and listen to people’s needs with the aim to help • Develop the habit of connecting like-minded people

Follow-up • Build on the relationships you have formed and follow up with any contacts within 24 hours to keep the connection fresh • Tailor and personalise each follow-up, highlighting key points of your conversation

• The more networking events you attend, the more likely you are to build relationships and increase your profile.

Croydon Chamber of Commerce offers our members a strong range of events and the opportunity to engage with our vibrant network. We regularly receive good feedback about the access to decision-makers and the quality of conversations our events offer: ‘’Well done to you and your team on arranging another great networking event, this time at the Ponte Nuovo. The discussions and conversations I had all proved interesting and in time many, I am sure, will help drive my business (and theirs) in the right direction.’’ Steve Mead, Business Consultant, Auditel Ltd. ‘’One great aspect of being a member is the networking events, particularly The Grapevine Network. The format is relaxed but business-like, and being there has definitely raised both my and the company’s profile, along with generating more business for us.” Tony Gallagher, Print Manager, White Label

COME AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF Our Grapevine Network event takes place monthly, and we offer non-members the opportunity to try us out. Please get in touch with us to arrange your guest place.

Upcoming Networking Events: • The Grapevine Network, Thursday 26 May, 12.00pm – 2.00pm, AMP House, Dingwall Road, Croydon • Executive Club Lunch, A Futuristic Development Plan for Croydon, Thursday 12 May, 12.00pm – 2.30pm, Hallmark Hotel, Purley Way, Croydon. CCCI Members £44.00, Non-members £68.00 • The Grapevine Network, Thursday 30 June, 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Metro Bank, Croydon • Summer BBQ, Thursday 14 July, 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Farleigh Golf Club, Old Farleigh Road, Farleigh. CCCI Members £25.00, Nonmembers £49.00

If you would like to learn more about how Croydon Chamber of Commerce can help your business, please do contact us: T: +44 (0)20 7556 2390 E: info@croydonchamber.org.uk • W: croydonchamber.org.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

• Focus on establishing mutual interest and building connections, not closing sales

Be visible

17

CRANLEIGH

THE DANGERS OF CYBERCRIME “The threat of cybercrime is one of the top five risks facing the UK, right up there with terrorism and civil unrest.”

CHAMBER NEWS

C

18

ranleigh Chamber of Commerce members were treated to an informative and eye-opening presentation over breakfast at The Richard Onslow recently, all about the dangers of cybercrime.

Detective Constable Dave Hull of the Surrey & Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit described the threat of cybercrime as one of the top five risks facing the UK. He positioned it as being right up there with terrorism and civil unrest!

Dave talked about various examples of cybercrime, with hackers increasingly using social engineering to access systems.

In one case, a quick search of LinkedIn and Facebook profiles gave Dave and his team enough personal information to fabricate an email purporting to be from a school headmaster, encouraging the parent to click on a video link which took control of their computers.

There have also been cases of USB flash drives dropped by vehicles in car parks, with around one in ten of these picked up and inserted into computers, giving criminals access to valuable data.

Dave shared some useful tips, including the use of two-factor authentication on email accounts, so a text message code is required each time a new device is used to access an email account. He also suggested considering the use of Cyber Essentials, a governmentbacked, industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks.

Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce has a busy programme of events for its members for the rest of the year. Their next networking breakfast meeting takes place on 18th May at The Stables in Cranleigh, with guest speaker Tom Hough, co-owner of bike shop and café Maison du Velo.

The Chamber will also be exhibiting at the Cranleigh Community Showcase on 21st May, offering support to local businesses and encouraging new members to join.

The next flagship event for Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce is an awards evening on 31st May, recognising excellent customer service in the village. This is the culmination of the Up Your Game

customer service initiative, supported by Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council. Mystery shopping has been carried out at participating businesses by Shopper Anonymous Surrey, with an overall winner being announced on the evening.

SECURITY

IS LONE WORKING SAFE? If your staff spend time working alone it can be perfectly safe, but you need to assess the risks, says Matt Robinson, Operations Director at Beacon Facilities Management Limited

I

n the age of no win, no fee compensation and the Corporate Manslaughter Act, is it time to review your lone working policies and procedures?

WHAT IS LONE WORKING? Many businesses are often not sure what constitutes lone working and fail to identify potentially dangerous tasks. It might sound glaringly obvious but, lone working, is any period of time that a team member is working on their own. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) define lone working as “those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision”. Lone working is perfectly legal to carry out but, like all tasks within your business, you must have looked at the risks and taken reasonable steps to mitigate them.

Examples of Lone Working: • • • •

Sales Team members out on the road Estate Agents visiting properties Staff travelling to and from meetings A member of staff who starts earlier or leaves later than everyone else • A member of your team who responds to intruder alarm activations outside working hours • A cleaner working in your office after everyone else has left

✦✦ The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)

HOW TO MANAGE LONE WORKING Taking reasonable steps to manage lone working does not have to be time consuming or expensive and minimises the risk of incidents.

Initially you need to risk assess the lone working and identify the tasks, hazards and people performing the duties. Once you have identified the risks you can take steps to manage lone working safely, these steps include: • By law you are required to speak to your team members on health and safety matters so, talk to you team and involve them, they can often come up with the best mitigation actions • Introduce supervision

• The use of technology, stand-alone lone worker devices or, lone worker apps for smart phones • Stopping any lone working which the risks cannot be reduced by adding supervision or a colleague • Training Once the risk assessment is complete and the control measures identified, implement them and then perform regular reviews.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION? • Health and Safety Executive website • Suzi Lamplugh Trust Lone working is often perfectly safe as long as you have evaluated the risks and controlled them to keep your team and business safe.

Web: www.beacon-services.co.uk Email: Matthew.robinson@beacon-services.co.uk

WHY MANAGE LONE WORKING? For the safety of your team and business, especially in the era of corporate manslaughter, reviewing how your team work, identifying and risk assessing lone working then putting in steps to mitigate risk are vital.

There are several arguments for dealing with lone working: • Financial – Your team members being injured at work can be costly with downtime, investigations and compensation • Morale – Looking after the safety of your team so they feel protected and valued • Legal – The main areas of legislations covering lone working are: ✦✦Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ✦✦Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 ✦✦Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

19

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS TAX FAILINGS

The Government’s tax man only investigates 35 wealthy individuals for tax evasion each year. HMRC told the Public Accounts Committee it did not know how many people it had successfully prosecuted.

The Parliamentary report also found that HMRC has made only limited progress in reducing the level of tax lost, which has remained relatively consistent over the past five years. It concluded that the department’s failure to prosecute those evading tax “creates the impression that the rich can get away with tax fraud”.

A spokesman for HMRC said: “HMRC is one of the most effective tax collectors in the world, getting 93 pence of every pound due. Few other countries have a smaller tax gap. “We remain relentless and strategic in tracking down the few that try to get out of paying their fair share.” Relentless is not the word l would use for 35 individual investigations every 12 months!

JP MORGAN ENLISTS MANDELSON

ANOTHER RECORD

The new 16 plate drives registrations to a new high for the month of Wall Street’s largest bank, JP Morgan, are taking no chances over the Brexit vote by enlisting the services of former EU commissioner Lord (Peter) Mandelson to explain (scare and brainwash) to the bank’s 15,000 British staff the horrors of voting to leave.

Matthew Elliott, CEO of Vote Leave, said JP Morgan has clearly woken up to the fact that many in the City think it is time to leave. Mandelson will be joined by BT Chairman Sir Mike Rake and Innocent Drinks founder, Richard Reed, out of paying their fair share.” Relentless is not the word l would use for 35 individual investigations every 12 months! in making the case. As is usual in this one-sided debate, there will no no alternative views allowed and no member of the Out campaign will be invited.

March, with the Ford Fiesta on pole position. Strong demand for the 16 plate-change has driven sales of new cars to a record for March, according to an industry body.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported growth of 5.3% on the same month last year, with buyers snapping up 518,707 new cars - a new high for the month since the number plate system was reformed 17 years ago.

The SMMT credited the biannual plate change, which took effect on 1 March and said demand was up year-on-year across all fuel types.

The SMMT said diesel and petrol registrations grew by 4.8% and 4.7% respectively while alternatively fuelled vehicles enjoyed a rise of 21.5%.

“If you hit the target every time it’s too near or too big.”

20

NEWS

“Life is like photography. You need the negatives to develop.”

UNFAIR TO BUSINESS

Plans for a quarterly tax filing system have sparked criticism from the independent body that oversees HM Revenue & Customs for their potential impact on small businesses.

In a report published on Tuesday 5 April, the Administrative Burdens Advisory Board (ABAB) predicted that plans announced by chancellor George Osborne to introduce a new digital tax system for the self-employed – including mandatory quarterly updates – would create a significant added burden in terms of accounting records and costs.

“Compulsory digital record-keeping and quarterly online updates is not an approach we can endorse,” ABAB said in its annual report. “We are concerned that the proposals for quarterly updates will be more burdensome than they currently are with increased record-keeping and compliance costs. This will have a big impact on the smallest of businesses.”

DAIMLER SAUSAGE ROW

As Daimler AG shareholders approved the biggest dividend in the company’s history, two investors got into a fight at its annual general meeting over complimentary sausages.

The world’s second-biggest luxury-car maker called police to calm things down after one man began packing away multiple sausages from the buffet.

A woman intervened, and the two got into a verbal altercation.

Daimler served about 12,500 wursts to the 5,500 shareholders who attended the meeting in Berlin, spokeswoman Silke Walters said. Buffets that can cost far more than one share of stock are part of the culture of European shareholder meetings, which can drone on the better part of a full day as investors chow down on everything from hearty pretzels and bratwurst to coffee and cake.

Daimler shareholders approved a dividend of 3.25 euros per share on Wednesday, enough for a double-pack of sausages at German discounter Aldi. Still, Chairman Manfred Bischoff mused at the meeting, clearly the company needs to do more to satisfy their hunger.

“Either we need more sausages, or we’ll have to get rid of the sausages entirely,” Bischoff said.

PARENTAL LEAVE FAILURE

Figures compiled by My Family Care have found that there has been very little take up by dads of new shared parental leave rights.

Under laws that came into effect last April, fathers in the UK can use as many as 50 of the 52 weeks of leave afforded to mothers after the birth of a child. Mothers must take two weeks off - or four for factory workers - but can swap the rest for shared leave, which can be taken flexibly by either of the parents.

The time can be taken in consecutive periods or concurrently, to allow parents to be with their new baby together. It can even be used in blocks throughout the course of the year.

Pay is offered at the same statutory rates as maternity leave, something it was hoped would encourage more dads to take a more active role in early childcare.

But the new research, based on a survey of 1,000 parents at 200 employers, suggests just one per cent of fathers may be doing so. It is suggested that men on the career ladder are too afraid to tell they boss that they wish to put their family before their job.

21

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS FORMATION DATA

Company Formations 24.7 have released data from across the UK as to company formations, dissolutions and company type which makes for interesting reading. Surprised to see the youngest Director is 16 and the oldest 100 - you have to take your hat off to that chap.

“Retirement kills more people than hard work ever did.�

22

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www.krestonreeves.com

SIR JAMES DYSON The man who cleaned up

By Maarten Hoffmann

“Like so many entrepreneurs, he wants a cheap currency and low interest rates, but also low inflation, low wages, a flexible labour market and low regulation. He will not find them in the eurozone.”

24

THE BIG STORY of £2,000. It won the 1991 International Design Fair Prize in Japan and he obtained his first US patent on the idea in 1986.

After failing to sell his invention to the major manufacturers, Dyson set up his own manufacturing company, Dyson Ltd, and in June 1993, he opened his research centre and factory in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

Dyson’s breakthrough in the UK market came more than ten years after the initial idea, through a TV advertising campaign in which it was emphasised that, unlike most of its rivals, the Dyson vacuum did not require the continuing purchase of replacement bags. At that time, the UK market for disposable cleaner bags was worth over £100 million. The slogan “say goodbye to the bag” proved more attractive to the buying public than a previous emphasis

T

he humble vacuum cleaner was invented in the UK by Hubert Cecil Booth in 1901.

As usual, the Americans got their hands

on the suction efficiency that its technology the sawdust was removed from the air by large

delivered. Ironically, the previous step change

industrial cyclones. Centrifugal separators are

in domestic vacuum cleaner design had been

a typical method of collecting dirt, dust and

the introduction of the disposable bag —

on it and the Hoover Company was launched,

debris in industrial settings. Such methods

users being prepared to pay extra for the

selling vacuum cleaners door to door to

usually were not applied on a smaller scale

convenience. The Dyson Dual Cyclone became

alleviate the housewife’s burden of cleaning.

because of the higher cost. Dyson reportedly

the fastest-selling vacuum cleaner ever made

hypothesised the same principle might work,

in the UK, and outsold those of some of the

Unusually for such designs that start in the UK and get ‘hoovered’ up by the Americans, we

companies that rejected his idea, becoming one

have grabbed back this design via the industrial

of the most popular brands in the UK.

design talent of a man from Cromer in Norfolk.

This man from Norfolk is now worth £3 billion.

James Dyson was born in 1947 and in his early days he excelled at long-distance running: “I was quite good at it, not because l was physically good, but because l had more determination. I learnt determination from it.”

He spent a year at the Byam Shaw School of Art and then studied furniture and interior design at the Royal College of Art before moving into engineering.

Dyson helped design the Sea Truck in 1970 while studying at the Royal College of Art.

“In 2014, Dyson said he would now be voting to leave the European Union to avoid being “dominated and bullied by the Germans.”

In early 2005, it was reported that Dyson cleaners had become the market leaders in the United States by value (though not by number of units sold).

Following his success, other major manufacturers began to market their own cyclonic vacuum cleaners. In 1999 Dyson sued Hoover (UK) for patent infringement. The High Court ruled that Hoover had deliberately copied a fundamental part of his patented designs in making its Triple Vortex bagless vacuum cleaner range. Hoover agreed to pay damages of £4 million.

His original invention, the Ballbarrow, was a modified version of a wheelbarrow, using a ball

In 2005, Dyson incorporated the wheel ball

instead of a wheel. This was featured on the

from his Ballbarrow concept into a vacuum

BBC’s Tomorrow’s World television programme.

on a smaller scale, in a vacuum cleaner. He

cleaner, creating the Dyson Ball, with the aim of

Dyson stuck with the idea of a ball, which his

removed the bag from the Hoover Junior and fitted it with a cardboard cyclone. On cleaning

making it more manoeuvrable.

brother had thought of, inventing the Trolleyball, a trolley that launched boats. He then designed

the room with it, he found it picked up more

the Wheelboat, which could travel at speeds of

than his bag machine. This was the first

40 mph on both land and water.

vacuum cleaner without a bag.

In the late 1970s, Dyson had the idea of using

Partly supported by his wife’s salary as

To prove the theory that failure maketh the man, this industrial genius was not always successful as, in 2000, he expanded his appliance range to include a washing machine called the ContraRotator, which had two

cyclonic separation to create a vacuum cleaner

an art teacher, and after five years and many

that would not lose suction as it picked up dirt.

prototypes, Dyson launched the “G-Force”

He became frustrated with his Hoover Junior’s

cleaner in 1983. However, no manufacturer

The range was decorated in the usual bright

diminishing performance: the dust bag kept

or distributor would handle his product in the

Dyson colours, rather than the traditional white,

becoming clogged with excessive dust, thus

UK, as it would disturb the valuable market for

grey or black of most other machines. The item

reducing suction. The cyclone idea came from

replacement dust bags, so Dyson launched it in

was not a commercial success and is no longer

a sawmill that used cyclone technology. During

Japan through catalogue sales. Manufactured in

available.

a visit to a local sawmill, Dyson noticed how

bright pink, the G-Force sold for the equivalent

rotating drums moving in opposite directions.

In October 2006 Dyson launched the Dyson

25

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THE BIG STORY

Airblade, a fast hand dryer that uses a thin sheet of moving air as a squeegee to remove

may be nothing left to save.”

Claiming that the strength of the pound was

resultant strong pound will force him to move abroad. Last week he blamed the price of land

water, rather than attempting to evaporate

affecting his company’s profits on exports to

and planning delays in Wiltshire. So where will

it with heat. This allows faster drying, while

France and Germany, in 2000 Dyson threatened

using much less energy than traditional

to shift focus from his Wiltshire plant to a

he go? To Portugal, Italy or to an EU candidate

electrical hand dryers. Another product is a fan

new plant set up in Malaysia because the

without external blades, which he calls the “Air

government would not join the euro. He said:

Multiplier”. In addition to a cooling fan, a model

“We would expect to double in size in the next

which distributes electrically-produced heat

two years. We are talking about a £100 million

rates, but also low inflation, low wages, a

and an ultrasonic humidifier model are also

investment and up to 2,000 jobs. I would like

flexible labour market and low regulation.

available.

to make that investment in the UK but it seems

He will not find them in the eurozone.” Lord

such as Poland? No, Mr Dyson threatens to go to the Far East. Like so many entrepreneurs, he wants a cheap currency and low interest

that is not going to be possible. The value of

Tebbit, a former Secretary of State for Trade

and chief executives of the twenty FTSE

sterling means we are struggling to compete

and Industry, also questioned Dyson’s motives

100 companies who signed a statement

at home with cheap imports from Europe and

and said: “What still puzzles me is why such a

published in The Financial Times calling on the

the Far East. We do around £40 million worth of

government for early British membership of

euro-enthusiast as Mr Dyson does not intend to

export business with France and Germany each

the Eurozone. He claimed that failure to join

year but we aren’t making any money. If we

the Euro would lead to the destruction of the

joined the euro we would be on an even footing

British manufacturing base and said: “It does

with our biggest trading partners.”

In 1998, Dyson was one of the chairmen

not mean that the jobs will go tomorrow but

At the time, an editorial published by The

establish his new factory in Europe if he can’t have it in Britain.” In 2014, Dyson said he would now be voting to leave the European Union to avoid being “dominated and bullied by the Germans.”

will drift abroad over a period and the longer-

Times responded: “Mr Dyson, a manufacturing

term future of Britain as a manufacturing

version of Sir Richard Branson, likes

nation will be blighted. Ministers had better

complaining. Yesterday he was complaining

looming EU referendum and shows that the

understand that if we delay entry too long there

that Britain’s failure to join the Euro and the

opinion of industry cannot always be trusted

This brings us bang up to date with the

In 1998, Dyson was one of the chairmen and chief executives of the twenty FTSE 100 companies who signed a statement published in The Financial Times calling on the government for early British membership of the Eurozone 27

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THE BIG STORY

as they have their own vested interests that

and a copy of Genius Of Britain, a Channel 4 TV

on the subject of engineering and thinks

might not chime with the best interests of this

series featuring Dyson, and design engineering

that people feel it’s all “bearded men in bad

country. Dyson’s demand to join the Euro was

posters. The Foundation also supports the work

jumpers”...or white coats. “Yes, exactly, a

motivated by the best interests of his company

of young designers through the James Dyson

terrible image problem, but they’re creative

and certainly not those of the UK.

Award. This is an international design award

people. They’re creating all day long. That’s the

With the Dyson invention taking the world by

problem I’ve always had with people talking

storm and adding billions to his bank account, he turned his attention to the nurturing of British engineering talent and created the James Dyson Foundation to support design and engineering education. It now operates in UK, US and Japan. The Foundation’s aim is to inspire young people to study engineering and become engineers by encouraging students to think differently and to make mistakes. The Foundation supports engineering education in schools and universities, as well as medical and scientific research in partnership with charities. It achieves this by funding different resources, such as the “Education box”, a box filled with activities for a school to use as a

about the ‘creative industries’, it implies that

“Partly supported by his wife’s salary as an art teacher, and after five years and many prototypes, Dyson launched the “G-Force” cleaner in 1983”

teaching aid.

industry isn’t creative. I loathe that. It degrades the whole idea of making things. There is still this snobbery in Britain about that sort of thing.

It’s ‘trade’ or ‘new money.’ It’s OK to make money as an artist, but not OK to make money by making things”, he said in a recent interview.

When asked how the UK is fairing in the engineering debate, his response is typically blunt: “ Very badly. We’re filing fewer patents every year, and we’re now 22nd in the world league. Yet, we’re the fifth-largest economy in the world. And we need lots and lots of engineers and can’t get them. If we could double it tomorrow, we would double it tomorrow. There are not enough British

The Foundation lends the boxes to schools for four weeks free of charge. They are suitable

that “celebrates, encourages and inspires

students reading engineering at university.

for Key Stage 4 and above. The Education box

the next generation of design engineers.” It’s

Then very, very few stay on to do research.

enables students to take apart and examine

run in twenty countries and is open to recent

Around 88% of researchers in science and

a Dyson DC22 Telescope hand held vacuum

graduates in product design, industrial design,

engineering in British universities are from

cleaner. In addition, a school is allowed to

and engineering.

outside the EU. And they are told they have to

retain a James Dyson Foundation teacher pack,

Dyson has always been quite outspoken

go home when they finish their degrees

29

Call Worthing: 01903 234094 Call Gatwick: 01293 227670 Email: info@carpenterbox.com

XERO AWARD WINNER 2016

THE BIG STORY near his engineering base in Wiltshire. With his wife and three children, he also enjoys homes in Chelsea and the South of France and is the owner of the largest British-owned mega-yacht, the Nahlin, which at 91.4 metres, is the 36th largest yacht on the planet. But, not content with just any old yacht, Dyson bought a unique steam powered boat that was built in 1930, having been used by King Edward Vlll and Wallis Simpson during their Adriatic cruises.

Getting aboard should be no problem as he has his own £20 million Gulfstream private jet and a £2 million private hanger at Bristol Airport.

So what does the future hold for a man that has everything but still appears to have the

because they can’t get a visa. The Dyson

research, and they were absolutely right.

Foundation is also trying to get more children

People said they didn’t want to see the dirt, but

rabid thirst for invention and disturbing the

interested in engineering. It teaches the

now every single vacuum cleaner has a see-

status quo? “The future is robotics”.

valuable life lessons you need. You have to

through bin. I couldn’t prove that people would

analyse things. You watch failure and overcome

buy it. The research showed the opposite. But,

than buying other people’s. We’ve been

failure because you don’t get it right the first

you have to be brave, you have to risk a lot of

developing one for 15 years. We’ve been a bit

time. You go back, you analyse it, you change it,

money, you have to go into the unknown. It’s

slow about it, but are very ambitious in what

you get it right. That’s what life’s about.”

risky.”

we’re doing, so it’s taken us much longer to

There was some criticism over his £8 million

All of this commercial success has created

“We are developing our own robots rather

get there. It’s interesting because it’s slightly

donation to Cambridge University, being that

a multi-billion pound company, yet, unusually,

difficult to see at this stage where robotic

it is effectively a private company: “Well, yes.

Dyson is still a private company: “It seems that

technology is going. We’ve been developing

But we’re doing all sorts of things. And it’s

most entrepreneurs just want to make money

vision systems so that they can interpret what

our free choice. So £6m of that is going into

as quickly as possible, but I didn’t do it for that.

they see. What our robot is doing is behaving

a new postgraduate engineering building,

We double our investment in research every

and £2m into an area where graduates and

two years, and couldn’t do that as a public

like a human. When you vacuum a room, you

undergraduates can build prototypes, which

company. They wouldn’t put up with that. We

is so important. We also fund undergraduate

can take a very long-term view. We’re doing lots

bursaries, postgraduate bursaries, because I

of research in lots of British universities, and

think the government should subsidise the fees

some of it is 20 years old. It won’t happen until

of UK engineering undergraduates. Since there

I am long retired, and you couldn’t do that if you

are so few, it wouldn’t cost them very much.”

were a public company”.

It would appear that he trusts his intuition over the market research:

Being a private company also allows Dyson to indulge himself and his family, and he

look and interpret, and that’s what they’re doing. They’re already cleverer than humans in the sense that they remember things. So, when artificial intelligence truly kicks in, then yes, artificial intelligence might well surpass human intelligence. We use robots on our assembly lines because the motor is assembled perfectly every time, every measure is assembled

answers to no one. He now owns more land in

perfectly. We used to batch test; we stopped

Dyson. As engineers, we got really excited

England than the Queen, the Duke of Bedford

because there were no failures.”

about that, we enjoyed seeing our dirt, and

and the Duke of Marlborough after his latest

watching it come in. But, when we started

purchase, a 3,000-acre estate in Lincolnshire,

a myriad of other things. Dyson is not a man

selling it, the retailers were appalled: ‘You’ll

bringing his total land portfolio to 25,000 acres.

who is quitting anytime soon, and as long as the

never sell that. People don’t want to see the

His main residence is Dodington House, an

drive to invent is there, we will be hearing much

dirt.’ We said no, we like it, and did some

18th-century manor house with 51 bedrooms

more from the Dyson empire in the future.

“Yes, a trite example is the clear bin on the

There are rumours of the Dyson car amongst

31

TAX

IS TAX AVOIDANCE ACCEPTABLE IN TODAY’S WORLD? asks Clive Stevens, Head of Taxation at Kreston Reeves

New definition: Google:

Noun – an internet search engine Verb (1) to search for information on the internet using Google search engine; (2) to avoid tax by some artificial or complicated structural way, possibly using overseas entities, with intent to hide income from the tax authorities.

tax returns in response to accusations that he

of the window: Couple that with the instant

had benefited from an overseas investment

judgement that comes from social media

fund set up by his late father.

and reputations, and power and position are

The discovery of these papers, taken from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, is the

I

year and advise on the tax position. On hearing the result, my client asked me if it were possible to ‘google’ the tax away – hence the definition above. English is a language that evolves, but I am not sure that I would be happy, if I owned Google, with this usage of my company’s name, from a reputational point of view.

Last month, we had the leak of the ‘Panama

Despite all that, our government has

largest leak of information about the offshore

done a great deal in recent years to counter

arrangements used by some of the world’s

unacceptable tax avoidance. A lot of the

richest or politically exposed people. The leak

revelations are historic, and the activity

dwarfs previously leaks from Liechtenstein,

demonstrated in the Mossack Fonseca files

Wiki-leaks or other whistle-blowers and

does seem to have peaked in 2005, with

comprises some 11.5 million files going back

progressive reductions in the use of offshore

nearly 40 years and revealing details of more

arrangements since then. But before looking

than 200,000 offshore entities connected to people in 200 countries. The investigation has so far revealed over 30,000 offshore companies

was recently meeting with a client to run through his company’s year-end financial statements, review the resultant profits for the

threatened immediately.

related to active UK citizens, making the UK the third-highest user of the arrangements after Hong Kong and Switzerland... and this

at what the government has done, it is worth considering where the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable planning and avoidance fall. HM Treasury clarifies the terminology as follows: • Tax Evasion: This is always illegal. When

time it’s personal. We aren’t just dealing

people or businesses deliberately do not

with the multi-national corporations, such as

declare their true incomes or conceal

Google and Starbucks. We are dealing with

taxable sources of income.

identified individuals in powerful positions. Tax

• Tax Planning: Perfectly legal use of tax

authorities around the world are duty-bound

reliefs for the purpose for which they were

to investigate and will want to bring people

intended. Examples would be investing

who are involved to book if criminality, money

through ISAs, claims for allowances on

laundering or tax evasion is proved, for fear of

capital investment, tax relief for pension

being perceived as weak by their citizens. What

premiums, and so on.

papers,’ so it is very easy to come to the

the Panama leaks show is that ‘secrecy’ (and

• Tax Avoidance: Bending the rules of the

conclusion that everyone is at it – even our

many such arrangements depend on secrecy,

tax system to gain a tax advantage that

Prime Minister, who felt forced to publish his

as opposed to full disclosure) has gone out

Parliament never intended. It involves

32

TAX

“Most clients do not entertain contrived arrangements to reduce tax further as they generally have a desire to ‘sleep at night,’ knowing their affairs are dealt with properly.” contrived or artificial arrangements that serve no purpose other than to produce this

come to an end.

A raft of anti-avoidance legislation has been

inevitably result in a call for more powers to investigate defaulting taxpayers. David

advantage, or using tax reliefs excessively

enacted to deter aggressive tax avoidance. This

Cameron has announced the establishment of

or aggressively in a manner way beyond the

includes a General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR),

a task force to deal with the leaked papers and

intention of Parliament.

to prevent artificial transactions with the sole

will demand that overseas territories provide

And this is the rub. While outright tax

purpose of bending the rules. We have also

details of the beneficial ownership of secretive

evasion is relatively easy to understand, tax

seen the Accelerated Payment arrangements,

offshore companies.

avoidance and Parliament’s intentions are not

whereby taxpayers must now pay the liability

The ethics of tax planning have certainly

always clear. The boundary between this and

immediately in relation to any tax avoidance

changed, and what may have been acceptable

acceptable planning is blurred. We continually

HMRC identify, only getting recovery if they win

30 years ago is certainly not acceptable in

discuss this in the profession, and one of my

their case, which may take many years.

today’s age of austerity. The numbers of

contemporaries recently commented, “You

HMRC are now pursuing more criminal

people engaged in such planning is reduced

know, there is no such thing as tax avoidance; it

cases with a five-fold increase in prosecutions

significantly. Most of our clients want their tax

is only tax planning that has been proved not to

for mass market investigations across trade

affairs managed efficiently, and in a proper

have worked.”There is a lot of truth in this. Most

sectors. Since 2010 there have been more than

manner, taking advantage of the normal tax

tax schemes that people have been encouraged

2,650 criminal prosecutions, and we know the

relief and allowances available under the law.

to enter into are proved not to work when

Public Accounts Committee would still feel this

They do not entertain contrived arrangements

challenged by HM Revenue & Customs. People

is not enough!

to reduce tax further, as they generally have a

will find that they have paid more in fees and

HMRC now publicise the names of defaulters

subsequent penalties and interest than the tax

in serious cases where income has been

they sought to avoid. My own firm has sought to

deliberately concealed and tax of at least

avoid such schemes.

£25,000 has been evaded.

So what has the government done in recent years to stem the tide of unacceptable avoidance?

Unit to specifically review the tax affairs of the

To start with, way back in 2006, the government introduced the DOTAS (Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes), requiring promoters of tax schemes to disclose them to HMRC so they could be reviewed. Over the years, these rules and the obligations on promoters of such schemes have been increased and expanded. Failure to comply comes with significant penalties.

We will soon start to see increased co-operation between governments in international tax transparency. Over 90 countries will, from 2017, share information on bank and other financial accounts.

Internationally, the G20 group of countries are leading reform of international corporate tax rules through the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project, to make it harder for companies to avoid tax by hiding profits abroad.

In the last few years, HMRC have given taxpayers the opportunity, through the UK Swiss Agreement and the Liechtenstein

HMRC have established a High Net Worth UK’s 6,000 richest people, who each have a net worth of over £20 million. In addition, an

are dealt with properly.

But I am concerned that this will lead to more oversight and regulation. If we join the ‘burn them all at the stake’ brigade, then be careful what you wish for: more legislation is likely, in my opinion, to affect the ordinary taxpayer and businesses more than the

Affluent Unit was formed in 2011 to review

international tax dodger. In my view, a more

the affairs of wealthy people who may not be

targeted approach is required by our tax

within the remit of the HNW Unit.

authorities, who have already been given all the

A whole host of specific tax changes has been enacted to prevent taxpayers using what the government considers ‘loopholes’

powers they need to investigate tax dodgers.

They just need to use them effectively.

But back to my client’s request to ‘google’

in the system. These are many and varied,

his company’s tax bill away. Yes – I was able to

and continue to be enacted. They include

reduce the tax bill by offsetting losses incurred

measures to:

by other group companies within the spirit and

• target the use of Employee Benefit Trusts to avoid tax and NIC on income paid to employees and directors of companies • increase the tax charges on dividends to reduce the tax advantages of withdrawing income from a company in such a way compared with the tax due under PAYE • eliminate the tax advantages obtained by using companies in partnership to

letter of the law. Did I do wrong? I don’t think so.

But as with all these things, proper, sober advice is always needed - not the quick fixes sold by ‘snake oil salesmen’ who peddle offshore tax arrangements to the rich and famous that may not work when they face scrutiny, yet which will inevitably lead to damaged reputations when discovered. www.krestonreeves.com

avoid higher rate tax liabilities that might otherwise arise.

New rules are also to be enacted shortly,

Disclosure Facility, to make declarations

requiring the disclosure of the beneficial

about offshore accounts and to clear up past

ownership of all Companies in the UK.

wrongdoings. These arrangements have now

desire to ‘sleep at night,’ knowing their affairs

The release of the Panama papers will

33

BUSINESS FORUM

GROWING THE GATWICK DIAMOND DIGITAL ECONOMY

The annual Gatwick Diamond Economic Growth Forum, which this year takes place at the Arora Hotel in Crawley on June 9, brings public and private sector together to discuss the opportunities and obstacles for our regional economy.

T

he forum will be discussing Gatwick Airport and how it plans could provide greater economic growth across the Gatwick Diamond, and hearing from important investors and employers like Stewart

Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport and Surinder Arora, CEO of Arora Group about what they are investing in, and why.

For 2016, the theme is the digital economy, so this year’s Forum will spend some time considering our digital sector, and how it can grow further, providing more jobs, and generating more local economic value.

It is no longer accurate to talk about a digital sector alone. In the Gatwick Diamond new digital trends such as the internet of things, cloud computing, mobile web services, smart grids, and social media, are radically changing the business landscape, reshaping the nature of work, the boundaries of enterprises and the responsibilities of business leaders from the largest of organisations to the smallest.

These trends enable more than just technological innovation. They spur innovation in business models, business networking and the transfer of knowledge and access to international markets. The strongest sectors in the Gatwick Diamond – advanced manufacturing and engineering, medical devices and health technologies, and professional and business services – are already taking advantage of the clear link between market competitiveness and the uptake and application of digital technology in the workplace. Conversely, a lack of digital investment and infrastructure can place companies at a competitive disadvantage. We need to benchmark our own infrastructure which is still woefully inadequate in many parts of the Gatwick Diamond, particularly in industrial estates and outside of towns.

How do we achieve adequate digital investment into our infrastructure to enable our businesses to grow?

The event will also look at digital skills and the talent pool discussing how the supply of digital skills could meet the demands of the labour market.

The shortage in digital skills represents a key bottleneck for industry.

There is an increasing range of activities and occupations where digital skills are needed but supply is not adequate. There is a lack of awareness of career opportunities within the digital sector, sometimes reflecting skill and gender stereotypes around the types of roles that exist. And there are challenges in matching the speed of change in the education sector, the speed of demand, and the rapidly changing skill sets required in the economy and society in general.

The event attracts almost 200 delegates each year. They are a mix of leaders from significant local employers, investors, local authorities and more. It’s this mix that gives the event its power, as business leaders talk directly to local authority leaders about how we can make growth happen faster.

Join the conversation. See more information at www.gdegf.com.

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A RICH MIX Delegates at the Gatwick Diamond Economic Growth Forum are a real mix of the business and economic development community. Last year around 200 people attended from organisations including American Express, Balfour Beatty, Canon UK, Chemigraphic, DMH Stallard, East Surrey College, Gatwick Airport, Iceni Projects, Jones Lang Lasalle, KPMG, Liberty Property Trust, Mayo Wynne Baxter, NatWest, Optima Systems, Platinum Business Magazine, PricewaterhouseCooper, Red River Software, Southern Housing Group, Transvalair UK, University of Brighton, Valad, and Whiston Solutions, as well as the Coast to Capital LEP and all seven of the local district and county councils.

EURO REFERENDUM

THE EU AND THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL THINGS

the wealth and taxes by which this country and its people prosper. It provides us with jobs and a future for our children. One inescapable statistic is that our main trading partner, by a long chalk, is the EU. In a

In this very personal view of the upcoming referendum, Carpenter Box Partner Chris Coopey muses over the European question.

T

he interconnectedness of all things is a phrase I have borrowed from the late great Douglas Adams – he of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. This particular gem comes though from one of his

other works, the Dirk Gently novels. Hopefully, the link with the European question is obvious. Whilst we may be disconnected by the seas and oceans that surround us, our past (and in my view) our future, are inexorably interconnected to our continental near neighbours.

Of course, it’s not that simple. I have had endless discussions with friends, colleagues and business contacts over the merits of staying in versus leaving the EU, and pretty much all of us have come to one conclusion: it is almost impossible to untangle one argument from another because, sadly, the context of the debate has become toxic,

recent FT article, exports of British goods from the UK to the EU were said to stand at 45%, with services accounting for 38% of our exports to the EU – in both cases, our largest market by some measure. Of course, on the basis that we import more from the EU than we export, it would be stupid of them to cut us adrift or start a tariff war, but the risk to our trade is still obvious and significant. What isn’t in question is the fact that if we leave the EU, we will still be caught by all of the legislation governing the goods we export to it. The big difference here is that we would have no influence over what those regulations would say, which would leave UK industry and the UK service sector at a major disadvantage, and that would undoubtedly be bad for UK business.

In my view, and because no market enjoys uncertainty, the effect of a BREXIT on UK business confidence would be tangibly negative and potentially long-lasting. Negotiations for an exit would take time and, whilst they were going on, uncertainty would be pervasive. The EU question has many other facets, not least national security, but for me there’s no fence-sitting. I’ve made my choice, and it’s to stay in.

although the tribal tendencies of our politicians have temporarily moved away from the predictable left and right, to coalesce around the new question of ‘in’ or ‘out’.

All factions are pitching in with their particular sound bytes and political point-scoring, much of which is so unworthy of the country they profess to serve. In addition, as far as the Conservative Party is concerned, we have the unedifying spectacle of a government and party divided on a fundamental question affecting the future of the UK, which, even when answered by the referendum, will at best leave deep and permanent scars, and at worst may see the party fracture down what seems to be an irreparable fault line.

So where has this left me? Well, obviously, one of my prime concerns is business, which perhaps you’d expect from a Partner of an accounting practice. In my book, business makes the world go around. It generates

35

THE GATWICK DIAMOND BUSINESS AWARDS 2016

Success Spotlight

The most prestigious awards in the region are over for another year and we asked the winners what this success means to their company and their team. With such a rigorous judging process, it is a significant achievement to win one of these coveted awards and our congratulations go out to all the winners.

RED RIVER SOFTWARE - Simon Pringle BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR sponsored by KPMG “I am absolutely delighted to win this award and am overwhelmed by the feedback from our customers, business partners, colleagues and many of the guests on the night. This is a great award to win, both for me and my colleagues, and is a perfect way to end a number of years of building our businesses and working with the Gatwick Diamond community. I have seen the Gatwick Diamond profile grow significantly over the years and feel proud to be part of it and to receive this recognition.” info@river.red

VAT INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD sponsored by Rawlison Butler “We are absolutely thrilled to have won. Countless thousands of hours have gone into the development of our unique VAT Forensic Management software that helps our clients submit correct returns anywhere in Europe, be compliant with all EU VAT legislation and recover lost VAT and other cash. Apart from providing efficient and transparent processes, our software greatly helps our clients avoid disruptive HMRC audits and fines, and recover millions of VAT and other cash.” www.vatinternational.com

IT DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by FSB “Entering a competition like this in the first 2 years of starting a business has been a great experience; to win it has exceeded all our expectations. We believe the future for ITDS will be full of exciting moments. As a company we like to have fun, but we are serious about what we do. We will continue to look for products and services to enhance our portfolio through consultancy, we will continue to maintain the buzz and excitement in the office, and we will continue the same enthusiasm and passion in front of our clients. We see this award as another step forward from taking our small business, to one day becoming a big business.” www.itdocumentsolutions.com

36

DENBIES WINE ESTATE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by NatWest GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Crawley Borough Council Celebrating its 30th year, Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, was delighted to be the recipient of two major South-East business awards. Denbies received the coveted Gatwick Diamond Business of the Year Award 2016 and the Green Business of the Year Award 2016.

‘Winning the Green Business Award (1) is a real testament to the whole team, sustainability has been and will continue to be a major focus at Denbies. We endeavour to lead the way to become market leaders in every aspect of our business in regards to sustainability and environmental wellbeing.

Winning both awards really reinforces Denbies commitment to strive for the best in all areas of the operation” http://www.denbies.co.uk/

ASSURITY CONSULTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRM OF THE YEAR sponsored by PVL Assurity Consulting, a leading independent workplace compliance consultancy has been awarded the Gatwick Diamond Business Award for Professional Services Firm of the Year 2016. Paul Foxcroft, Managing Director, commented, “We are delighted to win this award, achieving recognition as an organisation with award winning customer service is fantastic.

It is a superb achievement and all of the employees at Assurity Consulting are extremely proud.” 2016 also sees Assurity Consulting celebrating their 30th anniversary in business. They have achieved this success and acquired their loyal customer base by listening to and implementing customer feedback so they can continually provide the exceptional service expected through their health, safety and environmental compliance solutions. www.assurityconsulting.co.uk

FRONTIER PITTS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Gatwick Diamond Initiative “Frontier Pitts is delighted to be named Winner of International Business of the Year at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. Frontier Pitts manufactures Security Gates, Automatic Barriers, Bollards and Turnstiles in the heart of the Gatwick Business region. This equipment is installed throughout the UK and exported around the World, including the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Russia and the Far East. This award recognises the counter terrorist equipment which is produced in Gatwick area using local skills, mitigating potential threats internationally, and Protecting Our World. Winning the award is a fantastic recognition of our achievement, and, perhaps more importantly, has provided an additional incentive and inspiration to develop even further.” http://www.frontierpitts.com/

37

1ST CENTRAL AWARD FOR DEVELOPING PEOPLE FOR SUCCESS sponsored by Central Sussex College At 1ST CENTRAL our people are at the heart of everything we do. With that in mind we ensure every single employee, no matter at what level, has access to knowledge boosting courses, self-development and professional qualifications. By winning the Gatwick Diamond award for Developing People for Business Success we are demonstrating to our employees and the Gatwick Diamond community that we really care about the careers of our people to ensure a happy and knowledgeable workforce. We are delighted to have won this award. www.1stcentralinsurance.com

HILTON LONDON GATWICK AIRPORT AWARD FOR PLACE TO MEET sponsored by B&CE “We are proud to have been recognized in this way” said Guy Hilton, General Manager of Hilton London Gatwick Airport “It is testament to our team’s dedication and commitment to meeting efficiency standards, ensuring complete customer satisfaction” By winning this award, Hilton London Gatwick Airport’s team have clearly demonstrated that they understand the essence of a top meeting place for business and the needs of those who use it. The team shows flexibility and commitment to please their customers by delivering a service of a high standard that represents value for money. Above all, the venue and service they provide contributes to the success of customers’ meetings. www.hilton.com/Gatwick

CLUB CLASS CHAUFFEURS AWARD FOR CUSTOMER DELIGHT sponsored by Storm Creative Corporate chauffeur provider, Club Class Chauffeurs, scooped the award for Customer Delight.

Club Class Chauffeurs was in a hotly contested category with many of the biggest and best players in the South East.

This comes on the back of being crowned Corporate Chauffeur of the Year at its industry awards just three months ago.

Managing Director, Jonathan Dow said: “We are very honoured to be crowned winner. Customer service is the backbone of our business and the entire team at Club Class focuses on being exceptional deliverers of fantastic service. Thank you to the judges involved too, we are very pleased.”

Club Class Chauffeurs specialises in serving the corporate market by providing long distance transfers. It is an Investors in People Gold accredited organisation with administrative hubs in Sussex, Gloucestershire and Leicestershire, and plans to further expand in the future.

HEADLINE SPONSOR COMMENTS

www.clubclassonline.co.uk

38

"We were delighted to be a headline sponsor for the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards again this year.

It was lovely to get the chance to mingle with the best businesses from the Gatwick Diamond and we were impressed, as always, by the sheer range of talent, quality and innovation there is around the patch.

Our team had a great night out together, and our thanks go to Jeremy and his team for making it such an enjoyable evening. Our congratulations to all the winners and runners-up: we’re proud to be part of such a dynamic region."

Susie Howells, Community Engagement Advisor

“The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards gives us the chance to work with the other sponsors and the other companies. We are fairly new to the region so it’s given us an opportunity to work with a new network of organisations.”

Peter Clinker, Head of Property & Facilities Management

ROCKETMILL DIGITAL MARKETING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Optima Systems EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Search Consultancy We are surprised and delighted to have won these awards. We have bold ambitions in terms of our employer brand and to win the employer award shows we are on the right track. Making history by winning the digital award for three consecutive years is much deserved public recognition for the hard work our team put into campaigns and driving value for our clients. I would like to thank Optima Systems and Search Consultancy for their sponsorship and judgement of the awards, our clients for their continued trust, and our team for making such a success of their work. www.rocketmill.co.uk

BASEPOINT RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Lloyds Bank We are delighted that our Basepoint Centres in Crawley and Haywards Heath have won Responsible Business of the Year.

The competition is very tough within the Gatwick Diamond business community, so we are very proud to accept this award as recognition for the work we do to build thriving and sustainable business communities, support local charities, and the development opportunities we provide for our teams. Basepoint aims to have a culture of responsibility throughout our whole business, so this award is fantastic recognition for all the efforts our hardworking team puts in to share that ethos with the wider community. www.basepoint.co.uk

ACRO AIRCRAFT SEATING AWARD FOR SUPPLY CHAIN EXCELLENCE sponsored by Hays Recruitment Since we set up in 2007, Acro has focused on staying true to its vision to be more than just another manufacturing business and we were extremely delighted to receive the 2016 Gatwick Diamond Business Award for Supply Chain Excellence in recognition of our achievement. We’re proud of the way that our business aids the Gatwick Diamond economy via employment and a 95% local supply chain with which we have partnered, designed, certified and manufactured over 60,000 seats for more than 300 aircraft, serving more than 25 airlines throughout the world.

Thank you Gatwick Diamond and Hays Specialist Recruitment! www.acro.aero "NatWest is very proud to support the annual Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. They are truly authentic business awards aimed at honouring the people and businesses that are committed to making a real difference to the Gatwick Business community. The competition is of the highest calibre and the judging process is extremely rigorous. Our team undertook 17 extensive interviews to ensure that the most deserving of the very worthy finalists is recognised. We are humbled to be part of such a great event."

Daryl Gayler, NatWest Regional Director for Corporate & Commercial Banking in Surrey & Sussex

“Vines Group are delighted to be a headline sponsor of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards and wish to extend our congratulations to all the winners. The awards are the most prestigious in the region and with our Vines Centres being the most prestigious locally, it seemed to align perfectly.

All the winners were worthy of their awards and it is testament to the strength and depth we have in the Gatwick Diamond.”

Cathy Parsons, Group Marketing Manager Vines BMW and Mini

39

LIVING WAGE

LIVING WITH LIVING WAGE

Greg Burgess, Partner at DMH Stallard, explains what the introduction of the National Living Wage will mean for business

A

nnounced to raucous cheers from his Tory colleagues in the budget in July 2015, the introduction of the National

Living Wage (“NLW”) was Chancellor George Osborne’s headline-grabber. The business community was stunned. Greg Burgess of DMH

Q: Doesn’t the NLW already exist?

it will affect 6 million low paid workers.

it has been an entirely voluntary thing. Over

Q: What are the pay rates?

the last few years, employers have been able to sign up to be accredited Living Wage Employers. This accreditation is provided by

exactly what it is, and looks at how it is likely to

the Living Wage Foundation.

Q: So what is the NLW? Rather than being something entirely new, it is in fact just a higher, National Minimum Wage level for workers aged 25 and over. It does not affect workers aged under 25, who will remain entitled to the National Minimum Wage (of

the NLW increases it is estimated that by 2020

Yes, the concept does exist, but until now

Stallard’s Employment Law Group explains affect businesses in the South East.

affect 4.5 million low paid workers initially. As

Over 2,000 employers across the country have signed up to pay the optional living wage of £9.40 in London and £8.25 outside of London.

Q: Why is it now being forced upon employers?

As the cost of living rises faster than average

From April 2016 the NLW will be £7.20 per hour for workers aged 25 and over. The aim is for it to ultimately rise to £9 per hour by 2020.

It will rise each year until 2020, although it is not yet known by how much.

Q: What is it going to cost British business?

As usual, various figures have been published about the financial impact on British business. The Federation of Small Businesses

£6.70 for 21-24 year olds, and £5.30 for 18-21

wage growth, low earners will inevitably suffer

says around 40% of its members will be

year olds). It came into force on 1 April 2016.

the most. It is estimated that the NLW will

directly affected by the NLW. The greatest

40

LIVING WAGE the next level of staff, to ensure the gap in pay bands between staff at different levels are preserved. For those businesses that it does impact, the impact is potentially more dramatic than might first be thought.

In Sussex, since 2012, Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce have spearheaded a campaign to encourage local businesses to pay the Living Wage. The Brighton and Hove Living Wage Campaign is the only business-led campaign in the UK. It aims to make Brighton and Hove a great example of how the Living Wage can become the normal and accepted minimum level of payment for employers in the City.

Over 260 businesses have signed up to show their commitment and are continuing to do so, even after the announcement of the government’s ‘National Living Wage’. impact is likely to be in those sectors which already operate on tight margins, such as hospitality, care and retail. Interserve, who employ 15,000 cleaners, estimate that the cost to them will be £15m a year, equivalent to 12% of its annual profits. Care provider Mears Group estimates an extra £5m on its wage bill for its 4,000 care workers.

Q: What are the options for companies who are now faced with an increase in their wage bill?

This very much depends on factors specific to the business or industry they are operating in. A recent survey of companies showed a variety of ways they were proposing to fund it: • 40% of companies said they would absorb the cost; • 25% suggested they would pass the cost on to their customers;

Q: What are businesses in Sussex and Surrey doing to respond to the introduction of the NLW? Fortunately, average wage rates in London

because they are a Living Wage employer and

higher than in other parts of the country.

it’s been great PR for their business. Others

However, it would be wrong to think that

said that staff morale has improved, as well

businesses locally are not affected.

as their reputation in the City as an ethical

There appears to be a wide variety of different approaches from businesses across the region. We have spoken to businesses, for example, in the hospitality sector who are hit with additional costs of several hundred thousand pounds, in an environment where price competition on room rates is so fierce.

Unable therefore to pass additional cost on to their guests, they are having to review all of their variable costs and specifically employee benefits packages margin. However, seeking to

employer.”

Businesses can sign up to the Brighton & Hove campaign (at no cost) at www.livingwagebrighton.co.uk

If your business needs help finding solutions to help manage the impact of the NLW then please contact Greg Burgess in the Employment Team at DMH Stallard at greg.burgess@dmhstallard.com.

change employees’ terms and conditions especially where

packages.

it results in financial loss to

The challenge for businesses is that the

staff is inherently risky, and

the introduction of NLW are those that already

for businesses too. In our recent survey, businesses told us that they’ve won tenders

in an attempt to protect their

sectors that are most likely to be affected by

employees, we’ve found that there are benefits

that is in part because the cost of living is

• 14% said they would reduce bonuses and • 11% said that they would reduce benefits

the Living Wage has clear benefits to

and the South East are relatively high, although

• 21% said they would introduce a pay freeze; discretionary payment;

Sarah Springford, Director of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce comments, “Whilst paying

requires careful planning.

The knock-on effect of

operate on relatively tight margins. Those

increasing wage rates for

that operate for example in the retail sector,

the lowest paid staff, is that

or supply into the retail sector, are unlikely to

it is forcing businesses to

be able to pass on the additional cost to their

also review and potentially

customers.

increase the wage rates for

www.dmhstallard.com 41

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environment, sciences, maths product design, engineering leisure, arts, media business and management

A placement student brings many advantages to your organisation: • a high-calibre employee who is motivated to perform well • fresh, innovative ideas • a flexible way to resource a short-term project • cost effective graduate recruitment

These placements are for pre-agreed durations, between 2 and 12 months, and most are paid.

“They’re bright, they’re enthusiastic, they help to bring the rest of the team up.” – Anton Cowell, Product Support Manager

Joe Simes, Mechanical Engineering student from the University of Brighton, on a placement at Eschmann

Medical device made by Eschmann

Contact the Business Helpdesk on +44(0)1273 643098 or email businesshelpdesk@brighton.ac.uk

www.brighton.ac.uk/may16placements

Anton Cowell, Product Support Manager

TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT

PLATINUM

Welcome to the Platinum business travel section.

We interview Scott Pawley, the CEO of sector leader, Global Travel Management, to find out what is happening in the industry and how he has gained such success in a relatively short time, Rose ies off to Berlin to discover the City and what it offers for conferences, incentive trips and exhibitions and we chat with UKTI to learn the latest on exporting.

sponsored by

PLATINUM THIS MONTH:

Berlin

Opening a world of business opportunities With over 40 airlines and more than 200 destinations, London Gatwick is better connected

To find out more, visit gatwickairport.com

TRAVEL NEWS

Travel

NORWEGIAN AIR Norwegian Air has continued its expansion at Gatwick Airport by putting seats on sale for a new route to a popular Greek island. From the end of the the month, they will be offering lights three times week to Crete from Gatwick.

The route will depart Gatwick on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday from April 28 using brand new 186-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft which offer free wi-fi. Fares on these new flights will start at £29.90.

Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian, said: “We’re serious about offering more choice, flexibility and low-fares for our passengers. Crete is a fantastic addition to our growing UK route network which now serves more than 40 destinations nonstop. Travel patterns have changed and so Crete offers an attractive option for sun-seekers.”

Norwegian is also boosting the number of low cost flights from Gatwick to the U.S this summer with 425,000 transatlantic seats on offer and is also going to start flying to Berlin 13 times a week.

RISK MANAGEMENT

CUBA OPEN FOR BUSINESS Booking.com said it will be the first online travel brand in the United States to offer instantly bookable properties in Cuba.

“After months of

Of those global corporate travel buyers with risk-management plans in place, 81% found theirs to be effective after the March 22 Brussels terror attacks. The Global Business Travel Association surveyed 301 travel managers across the United States and 10 European countries between March 23 and 28 and found that 72% have riskmanagement plans in place. Flipping the numbers, though, caused concern for GBTA executive director Michael McCormick: “With 28% reporting their company either doesn’t have a risk-management plan in place or they are unsure if there is one and 13% who found their plans ineffective after the Brussels attacks, there is clearly still work to do.” The poll also found that 90% of travel managers expect their companies’ level of travel within Europe to stay the same or to decline only slightly.

BRANSON BONANZA Sir Richard Branson is about to land a £490 million windfall from the sale of his Virgin America airline to Alaska Air. Alaska have edged out the competition from Jet Blue, valuing the Virgin business at £1.6 billion.

Another day, another dollar.

working with the Cuban authorities and local hotels, the first properties will be ready to book in the coming weeks on Booking.com,” the company said. Initially, bookable properties will be offered in Havana, with plans to expand beyond the capital city.

“With the news of the easing of U.S. travel restrictions, we began working immediately with the local Cuban government, tourism authorities and our local hotel partners to launch the first platform to allow travellers to book and confirm instantly with the click of a button,” Todd Dunlap, Booking.com Managing Director of the Americas, said in a statement.

NEW APP Have you ever wondered from your window seat at 35,000 feet exactly which town or city, lake or river, hill or mountain, you are gazing at down below?

Of course you have. Well, now there’s an app that will help air passengers identify and explore the distinguishing features on the ground as they fly to their destination. Flyover Country, which is available to buy in the app store now, but is still being developed, will also find relevant Wikipedia articles for users so that they can better understand what exactly is beneath them at any given moment.

45

Travel

GLOBAL GROWTH

Nineteen years ago, just after getting married, Scott and Natalie Pawley launched a business-travel company in Horsell, equipped with just a phone and a PC each. Now Global Travel Management turns over in the region of £30m per year and employs 35 people. Ian Trevett met Scott Pawley at his Woking office to discover how they have thrived in such a challenging industry.

J

of Beacon Security when it was that people

important thing is the peace of mind knowing

decided to invest in security. “After they

that someone is looking after your travel if

story has been one of organic growth, retaining

have had a break-in,” was his reply. It seems

there are any problems,” says Scott. “With the

customers and building relationships. But

that the same thinking can often apply to

recent incident at Brussels Airport, the first

sometimes a tremendous force of nature can

travel management. With travel comparison

thing we did was to find out where all of our

also help, as Scott Pawley discovered a couple

sites, booking flights isn’t that difficult, but

travellers were. Was anybody in Brussels?

of years back when an erupting volcano in

companies have a responsibility for their staff

Then we can tell all of our clients, you’ve got

Iceland spewed out vast clouds of volcanic dust

who are travelling.

x number of people there and we can manage

ust a year short of the 20th anniversary celebrations for both the company and the founders, Global Travel Management’s

into the atmosphere.

46

In last month’s issue, I asked the owner

This is where a travel-management company

(TMC) is so important. “Perhaps the most

their forward travel. If you do it yourself, you

Travel “But sometimes a tremendous force of nature can also help, as Scott Pawley discovered a couple of years back when an erupting volcano in Iceland spewed out vast clouds of volcanic dust into the atmosphere.”

Icelandic Volcanic Eruption

are at the mercy of the airlines. We can tell you,

customers who had decided to book their own

either by email or phone, or by one of our apps,

flights on the internet, and we could advise

that your flight has been changed.

them, but ultimately we just had to refer

“The most challenging event was the

them back to the airlines, and, of course, they

aftermath of the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

couldn’t get through. We got a lot of business

That was the first time flights around the world

because of our reaction to the crisis. I don’t

were grounded for so long. It was an absolute

want another volcanic ash incident, but it was a

nightmare. No-one had ever seen anything

good business lead.”

like it before. “On the Saturday afternoon when I realised how bad things were getting, I

Of course, a TMC is not just there in case of Acts of God or terrorism outrages. Happily, in

So, who is GTM’s market?

“When we first started 19 years ago, it was just myself and my wife. Our niche was small start-ups, as we could relate to them, and the key was always to be around the SME market.

Obviously, a good SME company grows, so we have grown with them. Now we have more of a mix with SMEs and blue-chip companies.

“The SME market is still our bread and

thought I’d ring our out-of-hours service, and

usual circumstances they are there to make

butter because they appreciate what we do and

the lines were engaged, so I knew they were

business travel smooth and cost-effective,

they appreciate there’s a fee for our service. It’s

in trouble. I got in the car and legged it to the

as Scott explains. “Business travel is not just

not overly high, but they understand that if they

office. I thought I’d turn the phones on and

about the flights. A businessperson might need

did it themselves, it would be more expensive.

start working - but the office was already open

a hotel, they may need advice on whether they

and all the team were already there. I hadn’t

require a visa or insurance. Then there’s the

because we rely on repeat business. We learn

phoned them to tell them to come to the office,

accounting side; if you are doing one flight a

their business and their travel requirements.

but they just knew it was going to be bad. Being

month, that’s easy to account for, but not so

the last in meant I got plenty of stick! They

straightforward if the company is doing 100

If they are exhibiting at trade shows, we get

all stayed there literally until the following

trips a month. We bring all the invoicing and

Wednesday, when it started again.

purchasing into one place, and we report on

“We were inundated with calls. Everyone was watching the TV and were being told 24/7 there

figures.

“We are not tied to any one airline. We have

“It’s all about knowing the corporate needs,

to know the nature of their business, so we can help ensure the transit of their stand goes smoothly. It’s difficult to advise on customs, as laws in different countries change, but we can ensure we source for them the right place

were no flights. Everyone said: ‘I really need to

a license to sell with almost any airline in the

get back,’ but there were simply no flights. ‘Can

world. If we haven’t got a license to sell with

you charter me an aircraft?’ we’d be asked,

them, it’s through our choice. We simply guide

partner freight forwarding company or the

but chartered or not, planes can’t fly through

our travellers to where they want to go in

right department within the government.

volcanic ash. Strangely, it was a real buzz. By

the most cost-efficient way, because our fee

the time we finished, everyone was exhausted.

is going to be the same, whether they buy a

We own a private-jet company, which has

£1,000 ticket or a £5 ticket.”

attracted a new demographic, including sports

“We got so many calls from previous

to get the up-to-date information, such as our

“We have also diversified into new markets.

47

Travel “Clients always tell us where they want to go, and that is the big difference between leisure and business.”

somewhere. We’ve always been keen to make sure we had one extra member of staff before the business was there.

“The best barometer, to me, is the guys working in reservations. Our rule of thumb was that everyone in reservations should be able to turnover a £1 million of business in a year. If we had five people and £6 million of business, I would think we were one short, though I would speak to the team first.

“There have been a few recessions and dips, but we have grown all the way, through a lot of hard work and a bit of luck as well. In the first dip, we looked to outsource outside of the UK and go to emerging markets. We started doing business in Bogota and South Africa. Even though the UK economy was down, we were stars and celebrities. One of our clients is a

dad’s business partner. Dad offered me the

Premiership club.”

opportunity, and I said no. I’d only just started

Scott has come a long way, and perhaps he should thank his school’s careers advisor...

on the management ladder, and I just didn’t feel

done this, because passengers had to have

ready. But after our wedding, Natalie asked me

actual tickets. When e-tickets came in, the

in a cinema, ‘Do you ever regret that decision?’

whole world opened up to us.”

To be honest, I hadn’t really thought about it,

“I only went to school because I had to go;

but I phoned my Dad and next thing we were in

Aside from e-ticketing, what are the biggest changes you’ve seen?

I didn’t really enjoy it; and I didn’t do well in exams. My parents were rightly concerned that

Turkey, chatting to the guy.

“We came back, we handed our notice in and

riding the wave of newer economies.

“When we first started, we couldn’t have

I had no plans to do anything, and I just had

we set up our own business-travel company in

“The airlines used to pay a commission.

one CSE in maths. The careers advisor asked

Horsell, a little shop with two phones, two PCs

If I sold you a ticket to New York, the airline

me loads of questions, input the answers into

and just me and Nathalie. It was a simpler time,

would give me 9% of the value of the ticket. The

a computer, and the print-out said I should be

because there were no huge demands on us to

very day we opened our doors, a letter came

an estate agent, work in a hi-fi shop or be a

make any profit because it was a brand-new

through the door from British Airways which

travel agent - so the next day I applied for a job

business. We wrote our business plans and

said they were cutting commissions from 9%

as a travel agent at Reading University in the

we worked 23 ½ hours a day for two or three

down to 7%. It was a worrying start! Then 7%

students union.

years... and it grew and grew.

became 5%, and 5% became zero. Within our

“It was doing UK and domestic travel, mostly

“Nineteen years later we have just short of

British Rail tickets and National Express, which

£30 million turnover and there are 35 of us

was fine, but I saw what was going on in the

doing it. We still very much see ourselves as a

main office with the flights - and that was the sexy part.

“When I was 21 I moved to a company in Chertsey, where I met Natalie. We got married we and both wanted to stay in this business, but we decided it probably wasn’t best to work together, so she went into the hotel trade I stayed in the air side.

“My father had a business partner in Turkey, and one day he told my dad: ‘You and I are going to run a business in the UK, it’s going to

family business.

One of the greatest challenges for any company is managing the growth, and working out when the time is right for expansion. GTM have always handled this well, as Scott explains: “Once we started getting a bit too busy for

first 4-5 years we’d lost the whole mechanism of where our income came from.

“We had to think on our feet, and that’s when we, and the whole industry, introduced our own fees, whether it was a monthly management fee, a transaction fee, or per invoice. It was a massive change, but in hindsight it was good that it happened when we were starting out, as we had to adapt from day one. For the companies who had been going 40 or 50 years, it was a big struggle. Some of my older peers are still complaining, 16 years later.

“There have been changes in how we pay the airlines. We have to pay airlines through a

be a travel agency and your son is going to run

two of us, we employed a few more people.

company called Billing and Settlements Plan

it.”

We got someone in to sell for us, but we were

(BSP), which is effectively a clearing house. We

winning a lot of sales from our referrals,

used to pay our bill once a month, but this has

so that’s when we thought this is going

changed to bi-monthly, which may not sound

“I was 24 at the time, and it was six months before the wedding. I’d never even met my

48

Travel Global Travel Management • Kingsway House • 123-125 Goldsworth Road • Woking • Surrey • GU21 6LR T: 01483 747321 • W: www.gtm.uk.com • M: sayhello@gtm.uk.com

like an issue, but effectively means we have

We gave Farefinder to all 68 members of the

that one of the guys might go home, so we said,

less time between booking flights and paying.

group.

if you do want to go home, why don’t we pack

As customers often pay on account, there has

“You never can tell what the next booking

your PC under your arm and we’ll set you up

will be. One phone call is going to be a first-

remotely with a phone system. It will be like

class around-the-world, and the next phone

you are sitting in Woking, because your phones

IATA on how much cash must be held in

call is going to be an Easyjet to Aberdeen. The

will come through here. It worked out very well

reserve, it means that running a TMC requires

interesting thing is that more people moan

for us.

significant sums of money. You probably

about the price of the Easyjet to Aberdeen at

wouldn’t want to start a business in this sector

£100, than a round-the-world ticket at £7,000!

advantages of the time differences. We have a

“Our key routes are Jo’burg and Durban in

very good out-of-hours service, but it costs me

been a considerable impact on cashflow.

“If you add to this the requirements from

now as the licenses are getting harder, and

“The next step may well be Australia, for the

more expensive, to obtain. Our business works

South Africa. There’s always going to be New

a fortune. I’d like to bring it back in house, but

on bonds; if you are an unknown business in

York business. In Europe, we have a lot of stuff

trying to get people to work all night isn’t ideal.

this industry, you have to put down a bond, and

into Warsaw, we have a lot of stuff into Paris, as

With an Australia office, during the day we’d

that could start from half a million pounds.

well as Brussels. Each year we run a report on

be their out-of-hours service and during their

We’ve built up quite a large cash reserve over

what our top five routes are, and four of those

day they’d be ours. We’ve got some clients out

those years. It’s hard, but I try to keep the cash

will probably change each time.

there already, and through our network of other

in the bank.

“It is no wonder that many companies are

“In a leisure market you can push a

travel agencies we’ll look at possibilities there.

destination. Our clients phone up and say they

We won’t have a problem finding people who

merging or consolidating. We are always

want to go to Munich, and I say how about New

want to go from here to start it up. That’s the

looking around. We’re not actually looking for

York, and they say, no I want to go to Munich,

five-year plan.

someone right now, but if the right opportunity

it’s where the business is. They tell us where

“Our most important decision has always

came along, and we could manage and

they want to go, and that is the big difference

been to value our staff, and we are proud to

integrate it, we’d be open-minded.

between leisure and business. In a leisure

have Investors in People accreditation.

“We recently took on a company that had been going for 43 years, with a good client base, heavily into the medical market. For us it was a good fix, because it was a family-run business and it was the right size. We are 8-9 months in now, and it’s been a big challenge and very exciting. We gave ourselves a year to

market, they can be open-minded: ‘here’s my

vote of all the airlines, they voted us as their

Are there any decisions you’ve made that have changed the business?

favourite travel agency. That was fantastic. We

“We decided to open up an office in Durban

do it, but we are three months ahead of time.

three years ago. We put it there because we

All the things we thought would be hard have

had a lot of business coming out of South

been really easy; all the bits that we said, ‘Oh,

Africa. We had a few guys in the office who

that’ll be easy’, have been the hardest bits.”

were South African and the possibility arose

What innovations have kept you ahead?

“Four years ago, we developed comparison software called Farefinder so we could make sure we didn’t miss a fare for our client. We get reduced prices on many flights, but we also check against online portals such as Expedia. In our market, clients check our fare and then go on to Expedia to see if they can beat it. We need to make sure that we can beat their prices, because if we don’t, people won’t come back to us. We created a network of agencies around the world to ensure we remain competitive.

“We are part of an organisation called the Advantage Focus Group – the largest independent travel consortium in the UK. If our sector is strong, it keeps the bigger boys at bay.

“It is great to get recognition. In a secret

budget, where can I get to?’”

“We simply guide our travellers to where they want to go in the most cost-efficient way, because our fee is going to be the same whether they buy a £1,000 ticket or a £5 ticket”

are hoping they will vote for us again this year.

Closer to home, we were shortlisted for a Toast of Surrey Award. I learnt so much from it, and the staff had a great time being involved. We have entered again this year and have been shortlisted for three awards. Local awards are important to us, and we are working closely with colleges in Woking and Guildford.”

Which leads us onto one very impressive achievement: a husband and wife working together successfully for such a long time!

“When we first worked together, we did exactly the same job. Now, we are almost polar opposites. She’s more on accounts payable, that sort of side. I’m on the other side, still doing reservations, so if something goes wrong, I’ll offer something for free, but I have to get it past her. We’ve got a rule: I’m in charge at work, but that’s the only place. When we get home, I don’t stand a chance. We don’t go home and spend the whole time talking shop, but when we need to, we can.”

49

Travel Shake hands in...

BERLIN

by Rose Dykins

The German capital has first class facilities for business, plus the quirkiness and poignant history to captivate your team

here’s something in the air in Berlin. The city has forged a special cultural identity based on its modern history, and the

T

atmosphere,” says Heike Mahmoud, Director

legacies of the Second World War and the Cold

Office. “Each year sees more participants in

War era pulse through the city’s core. A walking

conventions and conferences travelling here,

tour of the city leads you past monuments still in need of repair, despite being bombed more than 70 years ago. Berlin has had to pay heavily

“Berlin attracts visitors with its own vivid of Conventions at Visit Berlin’s Convention

enjoying its unique rhythm.”

As with many cities faced with adversity, Berlin has cultivated an impressive start-up culture: “Global companies like Microsoft

for Germany’s role in the wars, and the nation

and Google are coming here to search for

only finished repaying its billion-dollar debts

talent and the next ‘big idea’,” says Mahmoud.

from the First World War in 2010, let alone

“Therefore, the city has the right atmosphere

the second. The city has needed to be gritty, creative and forward-thinking to prosper, and the result is a dynamic culture of fresh starts, architecture built from scratch and cleverly repurposed buildings steeped in history.

50

for congresses dealing with innovation. Last year saw more than 50 events held here that were focused on global digitalisation issues, an average of one conference a week.”

In Berlin, meeting space is certainly not limited to cookie-cutter carpeted ballrooms.

Stadtbad Oderberger Straße

Travel

Spree

Over the past few years, unique venues have emerged – such as

“I’d have to say that the Axica is my favourite venue,” says Scott

Stadtbad Oderberger Straße, a renovated 1902 public bathhouse with

Pawley, Managing Director of Global Travel Management. “It’s a very

soaring vaulted ceilings – as well as state-of the art congress centres

exclusive conference and convention centre that is actually a DZ Bank,

such as CityCube, now Berlin’s second-largest venue, a super-sleek

and is located right by the historic Brandenburg Gate.” From the outside,

cube-shaped 22,000 sqm site.

Axica is like any other bank, but you step inside to find a Frank Gehry-

CityCube

Axica

51

Travel

Das Stue hotel designed atrium bursting with character, and giant walk-in sculpture that can hold 80 people for a meeting – the latter, named “Plenum” has an off-the wall biomorphic design (using shapes inspired by nature, which is said to boost creative thinking.)

“Berlin’s hotel landscape is ideal for all kind of events,” says Jenny Klamm, Director of Sales for Das Stue, Berlin’s first independentlyrun luxury hotel, set in a grandiose 1930s building that was formerly the Danish embassy.

“We see a trend for hotels that offer a new experience – something apart from only a meeting room.” Taking full advantage of its location in Tiergarten Park, adjacent to Berlin Zoo, Das Stue has just launched its Urban Safari

Berlin Zoo

Experience, where guests will be able to access the zoo directly from the terrace of the hotel bar, opposite the antelope and ostrich enclosures.

“Henceforth, guests will not have to queue at the official entrance in order to go peek at the penguins or loll by the lions – the easy entry to the zoo will enrich the experience of staying with us,” says Klamm.

Last year, Berlin gained its first Soho House hotel and members’ club, housed in a Grade II-Listed former department store that became the headquarters for the Reich Youth during the Second World War when its Jewish owners were forced out by Nazis. Its meeting spaces are ideal for intimate gatherings – the woodpanelled Club Room has a board room seating for 16 people and its own bar, and there’s also a stunning 30-seat cinema with red velvet seats.

Other new hotels include the four-star Titanic Chaussee Berlin in the central Mitte district,

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Moxy Hotel

Travel

Titanic Spa

with 389 modern rooms and a tempting 3,000 sqm spa, the 108-room Hotel Zoe in the Hackescher Markt shopping district, with plush, masculine interiors and a rooftop terrace, and the 204-room Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof in the bohemian Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg area – Marriott International’s Moxy brand is geared towards next-generation travellers, with the Berlin offshoot featuring “plug and meet gathering areas”, 24-hour dining and large “writing walls” for brainstorming.

For welcoming international clients, Berlin Tegel Airport’s impressive flight network and mere 8 km distance from the city centre make an accessible, convenient option (the Departures area is in desperate need of a makeover, and fortunately, there are plans to increase the capacity of the check-in area.) Its other airport, Schoenefeld is further away (23km), but also handy – Easyjet has just stationed its tenth A320 aircraft at the facility, which is its Berlin base, while Norwegian plans to increase its service from London Gatwick to Schoenefeld to 13 flights per week. The

Alexanderplatz

long-awaited new Brandenburg Airport is now slated to open at the end of next year (six years behind schedule). It has been plagued with setbacks, but when the hub does finally arrive, it will offer cutting-edge facilities and handle 27 million passengers annually. The original plan was for Brandenburg to replace Berlin’s three Cold War-era airports (including the abandoned Tempelhof Airport, see below).As for getting around the city, Berlin’s metro runs like clockwork. During one of my journeys, a band of buskers hop on for three stops – a singer, saxophonist, guitarist and drummer – for a jovial rendition of Hit The Road Jack, before they do a cheeky whip-round for cash, then jump off to try another carriage. Worlds away from my old commute on the Victoria Line, my mood is lifted by the encounter, and I’m reminded of the enterprising vibrancy that permeates this incredible city.

HachsecherMarket

Holocaust Memorial

Tempelhof Airport Photo Credits: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, copyright Visit Berlin, Wolfgang Scholvein Am Hackescher Markt, copyright Visit Berlin, Wolfgang Scholvein Yorckschlossen, Kreuzberg, copyright Visit Berlin, Pierre Adenis Strandbar Capital Beach Berlin-Tiergarten, c Visit Berlin, Philip Koschel

Kreuzberg

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Travel

BERLIN

TEN TOP INCENTIVES • ZAGREUS PROJEKT – Literally immerse delegates in Berlin’s art scene by organising a meal set within one of Ulrich Krauss’s exhibitions – where the food served matches his latest masterpiece.

• BERLINER UNTERWELTEN – Up to 30 people at a time can descend for a two-hour Altes Museum tour of the capital’s “underworld” of ominous concrete bunkers that were intended to shield citizens from nuclear attack during the Cold War.

• TRABI SAFARI – Delegates form a convoy of the infamous Communist-era cars and cruise around the east of the city, the arty Kreuzberg district, and the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall.

• DDR MUSEUM – Available for private hire in the evenings for up to 150 people, guests are transported back in time to experience everyday life in the German Democratic Republic – even the smell is authentic.

• SAIL ALONG THE SPREE – Hire luxury 1930s yacht, Marlene, complete with a skipper, for a relaxing way to soak up the sights.

• ALTES MUSEUM – Clinking champagne glasses beside the murals of the museum’s 19th-century rotunda is an elegant way to network.

• TEMPELHOF AIRPORT – A guided tour of the abandoned 1920s airport has a thrilling apocalyptic vibe – the silent ticket hall feels particularly haunting. The edifice can also be hired for events, including the 300-hectare airfield.

• SHOPPING SCOUT TOUR – Fashion-forward delegates can be taken to the underground clothing hotspots of the city, and add some edgy local designer items to their wardrobes.

• OPEN DOORS BERLIN – Small groups can visit apartments in the city to meet their residents and find out more about what it’s like to be a Berliner.

• SPREESPEICHER– set in Berlin’s vibrant media quarter, Friedrichshain, this

Spreespeicher

repurposed granary pairs exposed brickwork with white contemporary furniture, and its 030 Eventloft space can host 200 diners cabaret-style. “It’s one of the most stylish places in all of Berlin, and the Spree Terrace that has a wonderful view of the river,” says Pawley.

SPARE TIME DINE: For a beautiful bistro, make a reservation at the newly-opened Le Petit Royal – check out the shimmering peacock wallpaper above the bar and the line drawings by Yves Saint Laurents.

For an intriguing, “brutally local” dining experience, Nobelhart & Schmutzig only sources ingredients from in and around Berlin – so don’t expect pepper or lemons on the menu. And for a clubby yet comfortable vibe, Crackers serves curious, contemporary dishes (to the beat of “DJ dinner sets” on Fridays and Saturdays) DRINK: With Modernist furniture, animal Le Petit Royal sculptures and cognac that can’t be found anywhere else, Stue Bar is a classy place to unwind. In good weather, head to PraterGarten, Berlin’s oldest beer garden, for a cold Prater Pils and a sausage (cash-only, open April-September). And to sample Berlin’s incredible speakeasy bar culture, knock on the door of Scrawl Traube – there’s no menu, but a bespoke cocktail will be conjured up based on your preferences.

Prater Garten DO: Head to the historic-turned-hip district of Scheunenviertel for one-off boutiques and quaint courtyards with street performers. Museum Island comprises five internationally-acclaimed museums right in the city centre, while the Currywurst Museum is a fun, well-curated attraction, with some surprisingly absorbing facts about the history of the curried sausage dish.

Museum Island

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VENUES

THE PLACE TO MEET 2016 B

usinesses are now not only looking for just great venues in which to hold their meetings and conferences but venues who are the number one choice based on sincere customer experience.

Satisfaction for businesses is achieved when choosing a venue that plays a big part in the community and upholds sustainability.

The reason businesses seem to be suddenly placing so much importance on venue choice is because it says so much about a company’s credibility. Every business wants to impress its clients. It is no longer enough for a venue to just be in the right location and offer acceptable food and drink at a good price, it is vital that a good business’s choice of venue will deliver outstanding customer experience on every level. It must be seen that the venue and its staff will play an important part in environmental programmes and keep both small and large scale meetings as green as they can be.

Every credible business sourcing a meeting place will want to find the most time-efficient and effective way of sharing, thinking, identifying solutions and reaching agreements. However, it is important to maximise the positive impacts and minimise the potential negative ones during the planning stages and this starts with choosing a venue with unmatched experience in doing this. It has never before been so important to consider a venue which understands that every business must leave only a small footprint - however large scale its event may be.

Gatwick Diamond Business honoured Hilton London Gatwick Airport with the ‘Place to Meet 2016’ award. The team at this hotel have clearly demonstrated that they understand the essence of becoming a first choice meeting place for businesses and meeting the needs of everyone who uses the venue. It is critical that a team is entirely flexible and shows commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and high standards that represent value for money. A good team will always remember that their service contributes to the success of their customers’ meetings.

Nowadays, making meetings more productive, meaningful and ecofriendly is becoming more popular for both customers and venues. The common goals are to utilise practises that are less resource-intensive and more environmental friendly while minimising waste.

Hilton London Gatwick Airport is a good example of such a venue. It takes a holistic and comprehensive approach to sustainability, reducing their impact and looking closely at all aspects, including a careful selection of products and services as well as the conservation of energy and water, creating a more efficient hotel. Furthermore, in 2015, the hotel’s team organised and participated in activities such as helping to serve dinner at a local homeless shelter and organising a food collection whereby a total of 54.4kg was donated to a local food bank. This kind of dedication really signals a team’s commitment.

Last year, this particular venue raised over £15,000 for charity.

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INTERVIEW

AMERICA IS GREAT

Should you be taking advantage of the huge US market?

Ian Trevett meets Martin Cook, UKTI’s USA Director Trade & Investment As the UKTI’s Director in New York, Martin Cook’s role is to encourage and help UK companies export to the United States. Last year Martin’s office worked across the US with approximately 4,000 UK companies who either already had a presence or were exploring the opportunities the US market can create for them. His remit is to help UK companies understand what the opportunities are in America and what the differences are between operating in the US versus the UK. Is there still a strong US/UK relationship? Do Americans like buying UK products?

My view is that Americans like dealing with Brits. They see us as honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and often as creative as well.

pretty quickly. Even if you intended to cover

probably a slightly more challenging city 25

it and you were doing it in the wrong order,

years ago than it is today, but people on the

they’ll get bored quickly. So understanding that

whole are very friendly and very willing to help.

cultural difference, how you sell to them, is an

It’s a very international city.

important differentiator coming here.

The small talk may come a bit later in the

They like dealing with the UK, and that will get

meeting when they’ve figured out that there is

you in the door. It won’t keep you in the door.

an exchange of value that they can make with

What keeps you in the door is having the right

you, then they’ll invest some time getting to

product, the right sales pitch, understanding

know you.

how to deliver it in America, particularly in New

I always hear people say that New Yorkers

Which sectors can British exporters or British companies really exploit in the US? That’s always a tough question. To me, it’s a little bit less about the sectors and a little bit more about the differentiation you bring to

York. In a typical sales meeting in the UK, we’ll

are not friendly. I don’t buy that. I think New

your product. If you add to this the capability

discuss the weather for at least five minutes,

Yorkers are really friendly, they’re just time-

to build partnerships and support the product

or last night’s football match, before we get

poor. If you ask them for help, they will almost

with marketing, then you can make a significant

down to the business of the day. In New York

always suggest something to you before

amount of money.

that’s unlikely to happen. The chances are that

moving on but New Yorkers are generally

in the first two or three minutes they’ll expect

very open.

you to be telling them about your KPIs and how

I first lived here in the early 1990s and I

We see quite a lot of food and drink companies coming here, as well as giftware and jewellery businesses. The UK is quite design-

you are going to earn them money. If you aren’t

had people say to me, “New York is a pretty

strong; there is some really cool stuff that Brits

ready for that, then you’ll be out of the door

scary place. You’re going to die.” New York was

do, and we have a very quirky take on things.

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INTERVIEW Advertising for us is a really strong point. US adverts are not as good as UK adverts - ours are funnier and they resonate more. Again, it is a sense of British creativity coming through.

Do you have a network of UK exporters to the US that new exporters can tap into?

Taking New York as an example, whenever we have groups coming over on trade missions, we will almost always have a couple of Q&A sessions where we will bring in UK companies that are based here, who will talk about their experiences. I can tell people all kinds of things, but they are far more likely to listen to a

The United States is the size of a continent. How do you advise tackling a market that is so vast?

When I’m talking to companies, I’ll often put a slide up showing the size of each US state as an economy, renaming the state with a world

up against some unusual spikes in tariffs,

that picture and it makes you stop and think

such as a UK company who were selling ballet

for a second and realise: I wouldn’t try and

leotards to the New York Ballet, and the duty

tackle 50 countries in one go. I wouldn’t do it!

was something like 30%. Then there are the

So why do I think I can do that in America? UK

non-duty barriers, like having to change your

companies will often go to one place such as

labelling where you have got to invest time in

New York, San Francisco, Chicago or Atlanta,

understanding the US labelling requirements.

and they will start to grow from there.

here can network amongst themselves. The purpose is to learn from each other and share advice. We have a steering group, which is made up of four or five companies from that group, so it’s not us setting the agenda.

In a time of public sector cuts, will the funding for the UKTI’s work be maintained?

TTIP is about getting rid of as many of those barriers as we possibly can. It would be very helpful for SMEs to take away barriers to trade.

We’re starting to build a group called Great members now, where the UK companies over

There are several examples of SMEs coming

country that is the same size. So you look at

guy who did it last week.

British Business Club, which has about 120

What impact would the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (a trade agreement between the European Union and the United States) have?

I believe there is an appetite on both sides of

“My view is that Americans like dealing with Brits. They see us as honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and often as creative as well.”

the Atlantic to make TTIP happen.

Do you get frustrated about the vast number of companies in the UK that don’t have the ambition to actually take their fantastic products further afield and really take that chance?

I’m not sure I’d say frustration, but I think it’s about people missing out on opportunities.

It is true that companies that export tend to be

The whole government has challenges on funding, and like other departments we

more productive, more innovative and more

have to reduce spending over the next four

creative; if you’re travelling the world selling

to five years. But they are relatively modest,

It’s all about understanding the opportunities

stuff, you’re seeing way more ideas. I think the

and within that we were given a big chunk of

and the challenges. Some companies arrive

challenge for many people is that it can feel a

money, which we need to use carefully. We have

thinking they’re going to make a big sale, but

bit scary. My challenge is always: is the bigger

big targets to meet: gaining a trillion pounds in

then find it’s tough, so they go away and they

risk to do nothing? Because if you sit here and

exports and 100,000 new exporters by 2020.

don’t come back.

do nothing, maybe some guy from America

One way is to focus on digital as it can help

There are lots of little steps along the way

or Germany or Japan will come and nick it

companies to be better prepared for when

that can get you in the right place, and part of

and take your market in the UK. So grow what

they come here. If you can sit at your desk

our role at UKTI is to help companies with each

you’re doing, learn more things, be better at

and download some information, maybe some

of those little steps, and gradually those small

what you do, and then when that guy comes,

video blogs, before you go to the States, then

steps become a journey. If you try to do the

don’t just see him off, but go back to his country

the investment of time and money you make

whole journey in one go, people can get quite

and take his market over there. That’s what I’d

will be valuable to you.

scared.

like UK companies to be doing.

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ANGER MANAGEMENT

ANGER MANAGEMENT

by Maarten Hoffmann

THE SCIENCE OF STUPID H

ave you noticed that we are getting more stupid by the day?

Technology is replacing the mundane

human actions so fast that we can scarcely

answers and articles appear on screen. It’s

the knowledge that answers are just a click

an unsettling feeling that my first instinct – to

away, and are happy to treat the web like an

Google my own stupidity – may be the root of

extension of our own memory.

my increasing stupidity.

Sit down with a pen and two A4 sheets of

A recent study (you’ve probably forgotten it

paper and write a letter, or a report. Take a look

parking sensors and, having finally learnt to

by now) suggests 90% of us are suffering from

at your formerly beautiful, crafted handwriting

trust them, we now take them for granted. Try

digital amnesia. More than 70% of people don’t

that has now deteriorated into a 5-year-

parking without them. Go on, turn them off and

know their children’s phone numbers by heart,

realise that you no longer have that immediate

and 49% have not memorised their partner’s

knack of being able to parallel park. Turn the

number. While those of us who grew up in a

Satnav off and try to use a map. That’s a hoot.

landline-only world may remember friends’

keep pace. Take driving - most of us have

We have outsourced our memory for such

home numbers from that era, we are unlikely

things, safe in the knowledge that they are only

to know their current mobiles, as our phones

a click away. “Is the internet making us stupid?”

do the job. We don’t commit data to memory

I type. Press enter. Almost instantly, a raft of

because of the ‘Google Effect.’ We’re safe in

old’s scrawl. Ask your kids to research their homework without using a computer. I did, and now, apparently, there is one Dad for sale at a very reasonable price.

But our dependence on technology and the internet has a dark side. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that the net, with its constant distractions and interruptions, is turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers.

Such mental juggling takes a big toll. In a recent experiment at Stanford University, researchers gave various cognitive tests to 49 people who do a lot of media multitasking and 52 people who multitask much less frequently.

The heavy multitaskers performed poorly on all the tests. They were more easily distracted, had less control over their attention, and were much less able to distinguish important information from trivia.

The researchers were surprised by the results. They expected the intensive multitaskers to have gained some mental advantages. But that wasn’t the case. In fact, the multitaskers weren’t even good at multitasking. “Everything distracts them,” said Clifford Nass, one of the researchers.

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ANGER MANAGEMENT

“Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words,” he wrote. “Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a jet ski.”

What we seem to be sacrificing in our surfing

would get caught up in the narrative or the

latest episode of the moral panic that always

and searching is our capacity to engage

turns of the argument and I’d spend hours

accompanies the arrival of a new technology.

in the quieter, attentive modes of thought

strolling through long stretches of prose.

People worried about printing, photography,

that underpin contemplation, reflection and

That’s rarely the case any more. Now my

introspection. The web never encourages

the telephone and television in analogous

concentration often starts to drift after two or

us to slow down. It keeps us in a state of

three pages. I get fidgety, lose the thread, begin

perpetual mental locomotion. The rise of social

looking for something else to do. I feel as if I’m

networks like Facebook and Twitter, which

ways. It even bothered Plato, who argued that the technology of writing would destroy the art of remembering. The brains of illiterate

pump out streams of brief messages, has only

people, for example, are structurally different

exacerbated the problem.

from those of people who can read. So if the technology of printing – and its concomitant

Every 50 years or so, American magazine, the Atlantic, lobs an intellectual grenade into our culture. In the summer of 1945, for example, it published an essay by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineer Vannevar Bush entitled “As We May Think.” It turned out to be the blueprint for what eventually emerged as the world-wide web. Recently, they published an essay by Nicholas Carr, one of the blogosphere’s most

“We have outsourced our memory for such things, safe in the knowledge that they are only a click away.”

requirement to learn to read – could shape human brains, then surely it’s logical to assume that our addiction to networking technology will do something similar?

Our brains adapt, but the process of adaptation is value-neutral; we might get smarter or we might get dumber, we’re just adapting to the environment. There are of

prominent (and thoughtful) contrarians, under

course great positives to such technology, but

the headline “Is Google Making Us Stupid?”.

l would argue that the pace is unprecedented

“Over the past few years,” Carr wrote, “I’ve

and therefore the historic change that humans

had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain,

always dragging my wayward brain back to

remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming

the text. The deep reading that used to come

the memory. My mind isn’t going – so far as I

naturally has become a struggle.”

can tell – but it’s changing. I’m not thinking the

“Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of

way I used to think. I can feel it most strongly

words,” he wrote. “Now I zip along the surface

when I’m reading. Immersing myself in a book

like a guy on a jet ski.”

or a lengthy article used to be easy. My mind

It’s easy to dismiss Carr’s concern as just the

adapted to over a decade, now needs to be done in a year or two. We are losing skills before we are done with them and the pace is too furious. Watch reality television or read the Sun. The resulting vacuum can only be filled with stupidity.

59

INNOVATION

NOVA SHINING BRIGHT

Nova Direct has always embraced innovation and technology. Commercial Director Stuart Sutherland outlines some of the latest developments at the Burgess Hill direct-marketing company.

A

lthough Nova Direct is best known as a direct-mail company focusing on fulfilment, we have always looked at new ideas with an open mind. In recent years we have promoted ‘smellymail’ and have developed a very strong charity arm, which helps charities maximise the potential of their databases.

Now we are turning a small part of our business into an innovation hub, bringing together different skills and techniques.

A NEW SOLUTION We are always looking to offer new services and solutions for our clients, and one way in which we have achieved this is by bringing in an over-sized A1 bed laser cutter, which allows us to make whatever shapes we want out of polypropylene, paper, beech ply, MDF and other materials The value of using this type of equipment is multiple: • Prototyping: Computer Aided Design (CAD) is not enough on its own. If you are working on a large project or looking to mass-produce a

60

product, it is always best to create a physical model before launching into production. We can work on a project with our CAD designer, pass it onto our graphics guy and create the component parts. Testing in this way can make dramatic savings, as design faults can be eliminated.

“The Greeks invented the steam engine, but didn’t have a practical application, so it sat there on a drawing board for 2,000 years.”

• Unique promotional products: We have been working with the United Nations Refugee Team, and they wanted a little, free gift

item that they could hand out at events. The idea was a self-assembly money box, and together we came up the idea of a money box that looks like a refugee shelter tent.

We were able to try out different designs, whether is was the angle of the tent or the positioning of the coin slot. It enabled us to grow and evolve an idea and a concept until we got to a finished piece and we could see it, rather than making a judgement on intangible artwork on a computer screen.

• Short runs: If you are a small charity and you want to make a till display, you are limited by what you can find already out there online or in a catalogue. If you wanted to have your own design, such as a display with a sunflower hanging out of the top corner, it would be prohibitively expensive to create without any economies of scale.

The laser cutter opens up the opportunity for short-run bespoke marketing products, with a wide range of choice in terms of the material used. The only limit is the imagination of the client.

INNOVATION but also internally, so they can create forums, log donations from people and manage memberships.

AUGMENTED REALITY We started working with augmented reality a couple of years ago. It was one of those innovations that needed a practical application.

We are now working with the innovations team of Konica Minolta, a massive Japanese company. They were looking for partners and we have worked with them on a number of projects over the years. They want our input on taking new technology to market.

One of the things they are developing is an app-building tool, where clients can develop their own on-line shop. Our role is to find companies or retailers who can make practical use of it. We are looking for people to innovate, looking for people who want to do something a little bit different. We want to get a group of collective, creative brains from around Sussex to come together and to go, “We’ve got this tool and this function and this ability, what is it you are trying to do?”

A good example of a practical use of the tool is where a company sends out a physical catalogue, for instance, as a clothing company.

Normally, you might see an item in the catalogue you like, and then you have to go online, log in and find that product before you can discover if it is in stock. Instead of that, you hold your phone over it and it reads the page.

It identifies the 20 products on the page – you tap the one you want and it will come up and ask which colour and size you want. It’s taking technology that’s been developed and actually giving it a practical application that isn’t just a gimmick. It’s making life easier.

“The internet is a hard place to find something if you are not sure what you are looking for” thumbing through a catalogue. So it combines the ease of purchasing online with the physical experience of shopping.

We save companies and charities a lot of money every year by using our technology to remove obsolete records; your database may contain 20,000 names, but only 17,000 are active, so why waste £6,000 a year sending things to them? In December we did a campaign for the Big Issue. They were quite adamant that their data was accurate. We took 23% of the names out of that; it was the most successful campaign they had ever done because they had saved thousands of pounds, which means they needed less donations in to cover that cost and generate a return. We’d rather deliver quality over quantity. Removing those names was not just a saving in that one campaign; it created an on-going saving going forward.

The message that we try to get across is that we always love to find answers or solutions to anyone’s marketing wish-list. We are far more than a fulfilment house. Whatever you are trying to do – talk to us, because if we don’t know how to do it, we will find someone who does. It doesn’t need to be the biggest job for us to get involved; we just enjoy the challenge.

We like to offer something that’s unique; we are able and willing to give that kind of support.

www.novadirectmail.co.uk

The augmented-reality side of it (where a 3D image leaps out of the phone) adds another dimension. Imagine a housebuilder building a new estate: they can create an app where you hover over a plot in a brochure and it will bring up an artist’s model of the house and garden, as well as a virtual tour.

The partnership with Konica Minolta has worked very well, as they are so advanced in their innovation, but we can advise on what is actually useful. The Greeks invented the steam engine, but didn’t have a practical application, so it sat there on a drawing board for 2,000 years.

CHARITY WORK The other area where we have been developing new ideas is on the CRM platforms for charities. We are busy building a new CRM platform for charities so they can manage their interactions, not just with their supporters,

This is a very powerful way of selling, as people like to flick through a catalogue that comes through the post. Actually, the internet is a hard place to find something if you are not sure what you are looking for. It’s not easy to browse on the internet; it’s not like walking into a shop where something catches your eye, or

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MOTORING

MOTORING NEWS GOODWOOD 2016 The Festival of Speed will take place on June 23 - 26th this year with the theme being ‘Full Throttle - the Endless Pursuit of Power’. There are many more yet to be confirmed but the list of drivers so far is quite impressive: Grand Prix winners Rene Arnoux, Tony Brooks, Jenson Button, Emerson Fittipaldi (along with his brother Wilson), Jochen Mass, Sir Stirling Moss, Riccardo Patrese, John Surtees and Mark Webber, Le Mans winners Richard Attwood, Derek Bell, Emanuele Pirro and Vern Schuppan, plus sports car legend Brian Redman, Motorcycle champions Giacomo Agostini, Troy Corser, Eddie Lawson and Sammy Miller, Rallycross stars Ken Block, and Liam and Pat Doran, Indy winner Kenny Brack, NASCAR champion Bobby Labonte and legendary team owner Richard Childress, and Touring car stars Fabrizio Giovanardi, Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal, Gordon Shedden and Steve Soper.

ANCHORS AWAY

FIT FOR A QUEEN If you fancy yourself as a bit of a queen, log onto Autotrader as she is selling one of her cars. The Queens Bentley Mulsanne limo has gone on sale for £200,000 and has been used by Maj from 2012 having covered only 5,000 miles. Just for fun, no one has touched the SatNav which still shows the ‘home’ address as Windsor castle.

HERITAGE MG have just sold the 5,000th MG3 model which just goes to show that there really is a sucker born every minute. I have driven the 3 and the 6 and l have to say that they are both appalling in terms of style, design, build quality and good luck when when they come to sell it. Unless they own a boat, in which case it would make a great anchor.

Jaguar is to build nine brand new XKSS models, last seen in 1957, and often referred to as the worlds first supercar. Having built 16 in 1957, a fire consumed the factory and they lost 9 of them and it is these that will be recreated. At a million quid a pop, this image is all you will ever see of them.

THE MUSTANGS ARE LOOSE Over 1,000 UK customers have now received their new right-hand-drive Ford Mustang, as total sales accelerate past 3,500.

So far, 80% of UK customers have opted for the fastback body style over the convertible and 68% have specified the 416PS 5.0-litre V8 engine. Mustang’s six-speed manual transmission is the slightly more popular choice (54%) over the six-speed automatic, which comes with SelectShift paddle control.

Red is the most-popular exterior colour among UK buyers, specified on 20% of Mustang orders. Silver is second in line with 17% and Black is third with 15%. The right-hand drive Mustang is available to order in the UK from £30,995 (EcoBoost) and £34,995 (V8).

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Model shown is a 16 MY Outlander PHEV GX4h 2.0 petrol hybrid automatic at £33,899 including the £2,500 Government Plug-in Car Grant. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants. The Government Plug-in Car Grant is subject to change at any time, without prior notice. 1. The Contract Hire Finance Plan shown is applicable to UK resident business users only and is subject to status via Mitsubishi Contract Motoring (MCM) Watermoor, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 1LF (part of the official Mitsubishi Motors distribution in the UK). The rental is based on an initial rental repayment equal to 12 months’ rental plus VAT at 20%, followed by 35 monthly rental in arrears, and based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles and are non-maintained.

Excess mileage will be charged for. The offer rental is valid between 30th December 2015 and 29th March 2016 and is subject to change without notice, other terms and mileages are available upon request, available at participating dealers in the UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & I.O.M). Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to MCM. 2. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 3. Congestion Charge application required, subject to administrative fee. Birchwood Motor Group Ltd trades as BIRCHWOOD MITSUBISHI.

Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: no fuel used, Depleted Battery Charge: 51.4mpg (5.5), Weighted Average: 156.9mpg (1.8), CO2 emissions: 42 g/km.

MOTORING

BMW X5 40e

By Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

T

he electric/hybrid market continues apace, and following the cracking i3 and i8 models, the Bavarian Motor Works

take just 6.8sec. Claimed combined economy,

admits the claims of 85.6mpg and 77g/km

meanwhile, is 85.6mpg. From a domestic

(which misses out on the UK government’s

socket, the car will recharge itself in a little

£5000 plug-in grant) are a result of the flawed

have come up with their latest incarnation - a

under 4hr, or 2hr 45min if you’ve stumped up

NEDC economy test. Instead, BMW calculates

hybrid X5.

for the fancy-looking BMW i Wallbox.

that with a full battery charge you should score

Hybrid SUVs might not yet have taken Europe

What’s it like to drive? Well, the same as any

about 43.5mpg on what Munich deems ‘an

entirely by storm, but in the petrol-dominated

other barnstorming X5, but quieter. With full

average commute,’ and for a two-tonne SUV,

US and Chinese markets, their potential sales

electric charge, it’s totally silent, which, for a

this is pretty impressive, but if you combine

volumes are prodigious.

large SUV, is rather disconcerting, and when

the electric and fuel mix, and drive like Mother

you run out of electric juice, around 20 miles,

Theresa, then you can reach over 85 mpg.

In the US, with Lexus and Porsche chief among its rivals, luxury and performance rate

the engine kicks in with barely a murmur and

as highly as efficiency, so the plug-in hybrid

the only way you really know you are on fossil

cabin layout or styling from the standard X5,

X5 gets plenty of surge to go with its zero-

fuel is when you see the rev counter flicker into

save a few badges, and there are no shouty

emissions.

life. Try the Porsche Cayenne with this trick and

‘look at me, I am saving the planet’ styling cues.

Consequently, the car comes with a 111bhp

There is virtually no difference in the drive,

you will see how well BWM have done. They

The X5’s cabin is still a good place to spend

electric motor located just upstream of its

have also thrown in a ‘Save Charge’ setting,

time, with very comfortable seats and masses

eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, and, ahead

which avoids draining the battery if you’re

of space in the back. But if you need seven

of that, the most powerful four-cylinder

anticipating some urban driving later in your

seats, it’ll have to be a non-hybrid X5, as the

petrol engine in the BMW range: the 242bhp

journey. Most drivers will leave the car in Auto

rear-mounted battery pack means a third

TwinPower turbocharged unit found in the 328i.

eDrive mode and let the computer decide when

row of chairs can’t be fitted. There is also

Total system output is rated by its maker as

the e-motor should get stuck in.

restricted luggage space — 150 litres less with

309bhp and 332lb ft, and 0-62mph ought to

64

Interestingly, BMW’s official bumf tacitly

the rear seats down — although, subjectively,

MOTORING

Vines of Gatwick

Vines of Redhill Vines of Guildford

www.vinesofgatwickbmw.co.uk the boot still looks quite capacious. And then you have the lovely split tailgate that offers the Range Rover style seating area should you find yourself unexpectedly on a grouse shoot.

It drives superbly, is full of creature comforts, will take on mountains and valleys, and then there is that intrinsic satisfaction that, in electric mode, all of this is costing you absolutely nothing. Do less than 20 miles a day on your commute and you will never have to put in a drop of fuel. With an everincreasing network of charging stations around the country, this is getting easier to do away from home, and with a 2.5-hour charge time, you could find yourself driving to that meeting, putting it on charge and then driving home again without ever visiting a petrol station.

Mash the go-pedal to the floor and it is satisfyingly fast and is as smooth as silk on the motorway, with barely a hiss coming from the tyres, very little wind noise and a totally silent drive.

Smug? Moi‌

TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: X5 xDrive 40e Engine: 2-litre, turbocharged Electric: 111 bhp Power: 245 bhp Performance: 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds Top Speed: 130 mph Economy: 85.6 mpg combined Price: ÂŁ52,105

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MOTORING

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

By Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

“I know we Brits hate the thought of the Germans ‘ruling’ us as the strongest European state, but maybe we should just shut up and let them get on with it. Imagine if everything in life functioned like a German car?”

T

his is the most comprehensive mid-life facelift ever carried out by Mercedes, and that’s quite some claim. The E-Class has

push towards a more minimalistic approach,

manoeuvre with no assistance required from

although nothing is missing. Its just all a tad

the lump of flesh sitting in the drivers seat.

easier to use and on the eye. The dash flows

been with us since 1993 and it has sold by the

like a Frank Geary design and sweeps across

bucket load, over 13 million as of 2015. So why

your horizon, interrupted by four stylish air

the major facelift?

vents and a neat row of toggle buttons. Most

Well, if you have a winner, make it better and stay ahead of the game, and l was not disappointed with their efforts. Its smother, slicker, quicker and feels totally bomb-proof.

They have shaved the sides and given it a more coupe-like nose.

Inside, we are moving continually towards the class-leading S-Class, and a further

66

everything else is on the rotary wheel that is a doddle to use. The tech is incredible, with Drive Pilot taking us a step closer to autonomous driving with laser range-finding, self-parking that can be controlled from your phone whilst you are outside the car, head-up display, the brilliant Brake Assist, Comand on-line Nav system, keyless go and more besides. It will follow the car in front, brake, swerve and

It comes with AppleCarPlay that allows a full interface with your phone so that the 12.3-inch screen assumes the role. Use voice command or the steering wheel controls and the phone is hardwired into the car and comes with Bluetooth and WiFi. (Read Anger Management ‘The Science of Stupid’ for my current view on technology in our lives).

Enough playing with everything and licking that tactile dash: what’s it like to drive?

The ride quality starts at exceptional and, with the optional air suspension, goes all the

MOTORING TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: E220 SE CDI Engine: 2.0 litre Power: 194 bhp Performance: 0-62: 7.3 seconds Top Speed: 149 mph Economy: 72.4 mpg combined Price: £35,935.00 way to extraordinary. OK, Mercs are known for this, but in the past this was a compromise in handling, but no more. It gets down the road at quite a lick, and if you are impressed with 0-62 in 8.8 seconds, then there is great news. That’s the slowest diesel E220. The 250 needs 7.3 seconds, the 350 6.6, and if, like me, you are slightly deranged, plump for the thunderous AMG E63 S (5.5 litres of twin-turbo charged gorgeousness), and see 62 mph arrive in an earth-shattering 3.6 seconds.

Its rivals are no slouches, and this sector’s battleground is hotly contested. The BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Audi A6 are all exceptional cars. The Beemer is punching toe-to-toe but only comes with a roof. Jag just need a little work on build quality and the A6 is coming up fast but lacks that aesthetic refinement and has a roof. The Merc has them all in one very noticeable respect: unlike its rivals, you can have it as a saloon, estate or drop top. You could name the Lexus GS and Volvo S80 here, but one is Japanese and one’s a Volvo, so l think not.

What is it with the Germans? How did they get so far ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to build quality and sheer breathtaking efficiency? I know we Brits hate the thought of the Germans ‘ruling’ us as

the strongest European state, but maybe we should just shut up and let them get on with it. Imagine if everything in life functioned like a German car? Many of you will go for the entry model E220 CDI, and if you have to, go ahead, but l beseech you to look down the back of the sofa or be a sycophant to the boss and step up to the E250 at least, as that is where this new model comes into its own. I would also advise the AMG models as they will result in a better re-sale value. Deliveries start in May, so join the queue.

Compared to its competition, the new E-Class is not cheap but the old idiom of ‘you get what you pay for’ has never been more spot-on.

Stuart Head, Group Head of Fleet Sales, Sandown Group Mercedes-Benz Tel: 01483 654541 Mail: stuart.head@sandown-mercedes.co.uk www.sandown-group.co.uk

“Enough playing with everything and licking that tactile dash: what’s it like to drive?”

67

MOTORING

MEET OUR FAMILY

At Sandown Mercedes-Benz we are proud of many things but the one that stands out is the extensive model range that truly ensures that we have a model to suit every person, every pocket and every fleet requirement. A ‘family of cars’ has never been more accurate and in the 2015 World Car of the Year Awards, Mercedes-Benz was the only manufacturer to have five models through to the final round and the C-Class has been voted Car of the Year 2015.

A-CLASS With the new generation of the A-Class, Mercedes-Benz reconciles the conflicting aims of sporty performance and enhanced comfort. With Dynamic Select the driver is able to change the car’s characteristics in just seconds – at the touch of a button the A-Class drives in a particularly comfortable, sporty or efficient manner. Mercedes-Benz has also increased the range of available engines. The new efficiency champion is the 80 kW (109 hp) A 180 d with CO2 emissions of 89 g/km. Also new to the range is the A 220 d 4MATIC. And with its dramatic design in the style of the successful Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, the special “Motorsport Edition” model will particularly appeal to racing fans. The Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC also benefits from the model facelift. With peak output of 280 kW (381 hp) and a maximum torque of 475 Nm, the entry-level model from Mercedes-AMG is the world’s most powerful compact sports model.

C-CLASS SALOON The all-new C-Class heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium mid-range class. Thanks to an intelligent lightweight design concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, excellent aerodynamics and new, economical engines, the C-Class establishes new benchmarks in its class. The C-Class has been voted the World Car of the Year 2015. Mercedes-Benz was the only automobile manufacturer to make it into the final round of the awards with five vehicles. This commanding performance is unprecedented in the 11-year history of the World Car of the Year awards and serves to reflect the tremendous popularity of the Stuttgart-based brand among

Stuart Head, Group Head of Fleet Sales, Sandown Group Mercedes-Benz Tel: 01483 654541 Mail: stuart.head@sandown-mercedes.co.uk www.sandown-group.co.uk

68

MOTORING their customers. The international jury for these prestigious awards is

Dynamic Select dynamic transmission modes and the 4MATIC permanent

made up of 75 renowned automotive journalists.

all-wheel drive increase not only the ride comfort, but also the vehicle’s

C-CLASS COUPÉ

sporty agility – whatever surface it is driving on. Visually, the body

Mercedes-Benz has added a coupé to its C-Class family. Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensual design of the new Coupé cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. At the same time, its interior

follows the clear and sensual design idiom which was demonstrated so successfully by the GLC Coupé showcar concept in the spring, and which serves as the standard for future SUV families.

raises elegance and style to a sporty level. A dynamically configured chassis, with optional air suspension, forms the basis for a high level of suspension comfort, low road roar and tyre vibration, agile handling, and driving pleasure. Lightweight construction to reduce weight, excellent aerodynamics and high-performance yet efficient engines likewise contribute to this. New assistance systems provide safety of the very highest calibre. With its high-class appeal and generous interior, the new C-Class Coupé sets new standards in its segment.

E-CLASS The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which in 2013 celebrated 60 years of the

SLC In March 2016, 20 years on from the birth of its segment, the archetypal compact roadster is to be relaunched with a new name –

brand’s mid-sized saloons dating back to the W 120 ‘Ponton’ of 1953, is

SLC – significantly optimised technology and an enhanced look. The

the most comprehensively revised model range in the company’s history.

name change acknowledges the traditionally close relationship with

The inherent safety of the E-Class body structure was sufficient to earn the 2009 EuroCar Body Award. With its class-leading levels of safety and comfort equipment, expansive range of petrol and diesel engines and an exceptionally attractive pricing strategy, the E-Class Saloon once again sets the benchmark in the ultra-competitive executive sector.

the C-Class, from which much of the roadster’s technology is derived.

There are new additions to the model line-up – the sporty top-of-theline Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 and the entry-level SLC 180. In visual terms, stand-out features include the standard-fit diamond radiator grille and the LED Intelligent Light System (optional extra). As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the roadster’s sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet, is particularly striking. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard.

GLC The second generation of the mid-range SUV from Mercedes-Benz goes by the name of GLC and represents a big step forward on several fronts. On a technical level the new SUV clearly makes its mark with the excellent standard of safety that is a brand hallmark, featuring stateof-the-art assistance systems and outstanding energy efficiency. Fuel consumption has been cut by up to 19% in comparison to the previous model. At the same time, the Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension that is without parallel in this segment, the extended range of

69

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INTRODUCING

Table Talk

Welcome to the second issue of Table Talk. I hope you enjoyed our launch last month - please do feed back with your thoughts!

thanks to the gin.

Here I had one of the best tapas of the year so far, a Josper grilled

TThis month you can read Ian’s review of Bagatti’s and following on from our profile of Denbies Winery, our wine columnist Jonny Gibson provides the inside

cauliflower steak basted in butter and garnished with capers. Something magical happens to cauliflower when roasted/grilled and of

track on English wines.

Our chef profile this month is Kanthi Kiran Thamma, chef patron of the Curry Leaf Café.

course a Josper grill makes everything delicious. This was one of many dishes

There’s the latest news on the Croydon Food Festival and you can

I ordered and they were

also find out about FareShare. This charitable organisation takes surplus

all faultless. With Cava by

from the food industry and redistributes it to provide meals for the

the glass and one of my

needy. Ingenious.

favourite Rioja’s on the wine list, I found myself

What have I been up to? Well…

wishing this place was on

This month I’ve been immersed in food and wine even more than usual.

my doorstep.

The following day was

I began the month with my head in various textbooks, revising for

lunch at the very chic Bella

my wine exam, then headed off to Guernsey for a foodie weekend,

Luce. I shall definitely be returning there for a long weekend. It is both

and finally drank and ate my way around Chicago and California. This

elegant and cosy – oh, and they have a spa….

Thelma and Louise style road-trip (minus Brad Pitt, regrettably) was totally wonderful, but I have to say it’s broken me.

And so, as I type, I’m on day five of super-food smoothies and salads and, shockingly, no booze! Its all about balance as they say. Sadly they’re right.

Guernsey was a revelation.

Soon after my arrival I took to the streets in search of sustenance. I ended up at Tinto tapas bar intending only to stay for a few plates but ended up in there all afternoon trying out different gins and learning drink making tips from

In the evening I was treated to the tasting menu at the Old Government House Hotel headed up by the talented award-winning chef Simon MacKenzie. Look out for him cooking at occasional pop-ups and chef exchanges in Brighton as part of food festival events.

24 hours later I was on a plane to Chicago for the first leg of what would turn out to be a wonderful adventure. For the sake of word count l’ll have to save that for next month’s issue…

Suffice to say I now have a cupboard stocked with Guernsey local gin (of course) and their locally made espresso vodka (I have an espresso Martini fan coming to dinner soon), a variety of bean-to-bar artisan chocolate from San Francisco (it’s a thing there), almonds roasted in salt, olive oil and tarragon from the Napa Valley and Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara.

It’ll all have to wait. I have a green juice to drink first.

the (extremely) delightful Bar Manager. I forget his name,

Amanda 71

Table Talk REVIEW

Bagatti’s

By Ian Trevett

Peter Bagatti (left) takes to the stage

restaurant can be found in South End,

T

today, but diners now have a healthy choice

has seen over the years. “People are far more

at the heart of Croydon’s restaurant

when it comes to eating out. “The area would

knowledgeable about Italian food now,” he

quarter. If you go back just over 25 years,

have improved anyway, but I do think Bagatti’s

says.

when Peter Bagatti first opened the door of

was the catalyst for change. At my last count

his new venture, you could make the same

there were about 50 restaurants. Competition

statement - if you slightly rearrange the words!

is healthy as it brings people to the area and

Bagatti’s was, back then, one quarter of the

raises standards. Restaurants don’t last if they

restaurants in South End - and the others were

are not up to the mark.”

he ever-popular Bagatti’s Italian

a burger bar, an Indian and a small pizzeria.

The skyline of Croydon is changing on a daily basis, but few changes match the culinary revolution of South End.

The restaurant remains busy and bustling

that the four chefs have all been with him for over 16 years, with some starting on day one.

Croydon as the council were very reluctant to the use of the premises. Finding premises with an A3 licence (food and drink) was difficult.

queues outside the restaurant every day of the week. Happy days!”

72

he has introduced many local dishes as well as

at all. “I struggled for ages to find a place in

As well as building up his restaurant business,

scene. “Back in the 1990s, we used to have

family is from the Parma region of Italy, and

Peter had a big struggle to find any premises

South End area of Croydon has to go to Peter.

lucrative monopoly on the local restaurant

cuisine. Himself born in this country, Peter’s

plates from other Italian regions. It also helps

hand out licences where there was a change in

town, even if that meant he has lost his rather

The restaurant has always had a good reputation for the authenticity of the Italian

Despite the paucity of restaurants in 1990,

A lot of credit for the improvement of the

he has been a tireless advocate for his home

and that is not the only change that Peter

Finally, I came across a gym and dance studio in South End which was available and was valid for a change in premise use.”

Fortunately, the council has a more enlightened view on developing Croydon,

“When we first started, the menu was quite simple”, recalls Peter, “It was mainly pasta with some fish options. We gradually evolved the menu, introducing specials dishes, many of which stayed on the menu.

“We have a selection of dishes from regions across Italy, such as spicy Neapolitan shellfish, hearty, gamey food from Parma, and dishes from Tuscany. I am regularly out in Italy,

Table Talk

❝

A lot of credit for the improvement of the South End area of Croydon has to go to Peter. As well as building up his restaurant business, he has been a tireless advocate for his home town....

looking for new ideas and tasting regional wines.

“One of the first specials we had was a

make them unwell.”

We recently had a fascinating lunch at Bagatti’s with Katharine and Jo from White

rabbit dish that I’ve always liked to make.

Label (who are also great champions of

I couldn’t sell any. I tried again some time

Croydon), and received the usual warm

later and had the same response. The English

welcome, which is such a trademark element

restaurant-goers weren’t ready for it. Now,

of the Bagatti’s experience.

when I put it on the specials board, it sells out every time. People are far more adventurous and want to try new things.

“The other change is the emphasis on

Great minds thinks alike, and both Katharine and I chose the Branzino (grilled sea bass fillets with mango, garlic & tomato salsa and a touch of chilli on cracked new potatoes with rocket).

❞

rocket). Jo’s verdict: “A delicious combination of flavoursome rocket and delicate chicken pieces, with fresh tomatoes and a light dressing which provided a perfect lunch, hopefully without too many calories.”

On this occasion I can’t offer any pointers on the wine selection as it was a dry lunch.

What has happened to business lunches? I despair at this sensible modern living. With all of us having media backgrounds, we should be ashamed! Wine or not, Bagatti’s is an excellent place for a business lunch, as well as dining out

intolerances and allergies. We cater a lot for

“I always choose this,” reveals Katharine. I

coeliacs who dine here, and we have some

can see why. The fish was beautifully cooked,

people who have serious conditions which can

with a slightly crisp skin, and the sweet

be triggered by the slightest cross-contamination

mango was a pleasing antidote to the chilli

Peter is to be applauded for all he has done for

of ingredients. We have a booklet that lists all

and salsa. Maarten certainly appreciated the

the town, not least his role in the food festival.

ingredients and potential allergens for all our

tenderness of the veal in his Milanese (pan-

Aside from everything else, most importantly,

dishes, even the specials. The legislation on the

fried veal in breadcrumbs, served with cherry

the food and service are excellent. But this

listing of ingredients is getting stronger, which

tomato and rocket spaghetti). Jo chose the

was no surprise: no-one lasts 25 years in this

is a good thing. People should be able to dine

Pollo e Pepperoni (a warm salad of charcoal-

business unless they are doing something

out in confidence, knowing that the food won’t

grilled chicken, roast peppers, fine beans and

right!

for pleasure.

It is deservedly a Croydon institution, and

56-58 South End Croydon CR0 1DP Phone: 020 8686 9649 www.bagattis.com 73

Table Talk CHEF PROFILE

Kanthi Kiran Thamma

Award winning Curry Leaf Cafe is fast gaining an impressive reputation in our region for both the cuisine and its regular charity events. I caught up with chef patron Kanthi Kiran Thamma. By Amanda Menahem

D

espite a growing clutch of awards and accolades Kanthi is a humble, generous and warm individual with family values

in the broadest sense of the word. He takes pride in creating a family feel within the

good for the economy and for us foodies.

As well as raising money for local charities, Kanthi also supports charitable endeavors in his native India. In January for his birthday instead of a typical birthday celebration he

restaurant, making the effort to spend quality

held a charity dinner to raise money for an

time with his team, involving them, ensuring

orphanage in Chennai.

that they enjoy what they do in life and work.

This also extends to the local community. He has supportive relationships with fellow chefs,

contributes to a thriving local food scene –

74

team member and that they are happy in what they’re doing, that they are passionate about the cuisine (Kanthi seeks input from the front of house team when developing dishes for the menu as he believes that they should love what they sell), and last but not least giving something back to the community and charity.

One lunch time I managed to catch Kanthi to chat about his inspirations, values and all things food….

suppliers, producers and restaurateurs. This collaborative and open approach to business

and the team; making sure I get to know each

Where do you get your inspiration?

From many places – the local farmers and producers providing me with fantastic

What’s important to you?

Three things – never compromising quality,

ingredients, amazing fellow chefs and most importantly my travels which are always

Table Talk

❝

I get inspiration from all good international cuisines, a recent trip to Barcelona was also food heaven for me! The informal tapas style of dining appeals in the same way as Indian street food which features strongly at the Curry Leaf.

❞

food orientated. Recently I spent time in India, visiting my family and travelling further afield to discover new cuisines. On my last trip to India I discovered the unique cuisine of Coorg, where the curries are completely distinct. I discovered a slow cooked pork curry, very unusual for this part of india and this will be appearing on the menu at Curry Leaf Café very soon. I get inspiration from all good international cuisines, a recent trip to Barcelona was also food heaven for me! The informal tapas style of dining appeals in the same way as Indian street food which features strongly at the Curry Leaf.

What do you cook at home?

Anything and everything! I look at what I have in the fridge and create something. Ingredients come first and then the recipe emerges.

Guilty pleasures?

Popcorn! – although I usually add turmeric, paprika or masala spices…

What do you think of the local food scene?

I am blessed to be working in such a great city and region. Conde Naste voted Brighton and Hove the best city to dine out in because we have so many great restaurants. Some commentators point out that we haven’t got a Michelin star in the city but in a way I admire the fact that the chefs here are more focused on cooking what they love and being true to their passion rather than ‘trying to get a star’ which requires a certain formula. Having said that I think its only a matter of time before we’ll get one just because the chefs here are so talented.

Where do you like to eat out?

I love The Set for a special occasion, La Choza; good Mexican street food and the informality appeals to me. Terre a Terre cannot be beaten for vegetarian food. Semolina is a great new local restaurant run by a husband and wife team turning out stunning dishes. Having worked for the Chilli Pickle I really rate what they do and its where I go to dine for Indian food other than here!

Which celebrity chefs do you admire?

Having worked for Jamie Oliver, I still admire what he does. For Indian food, I am inspired by Alfred Prasad, the youngest Indian chef to obtain a Michelin star at Tamarind in London. I love his humility. You wont have heard of him because he doesn’t seek the limelight. He just quietly gets on with creating excellent food.

What’s next?

I am never satisfied, I am always looking to make improvements, develop and learn. On my recent trip to India I have started building the foundations to grow my own produce such as coffee. This allows me to ensure fairtrade and ethical business, cutting out the middlemen.

Expect to see Curry Leaf Café home grown coffee on the menu soon!

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Table Talk EVENTS

Croydon Food Festival BOOK NOW FOR CROYDON FOOD FESTIVAL THE BIGGEST SOUTH LONDON FOODIE EVENT OF SUMMER 2016

T

he Croydon Food Festival is already whetting appetites as traders flock to book for South London’s biggest summer foodie event.

More than 10,000 people attended the festival in the heart

of the South Croydon restaurant quarter last year, where a record 70 traders served up a smorgasbord of food, alfresco dining, live music and entertainment.

This summer – on Sunday, 26th June - the organisers, South Croydon Business Association (SCBA), promise an even more ambitious programme for the newly rebranded Croydon Food Festival. And they are encouraging food traders to book now to ensure their place at this hugely popular event.

“The festival is now the biggest food event in Croydon, attracting businesses and foodies to the Restaurant Quarter from right across the borough and beyond,” said Linda Arthur, Chairperson of the SCBA and owner of South End cocktail bar, Bar Txt. “There are amazing opportunities for businesses to sponsor the festival, so I would urge you to get in touch now if you want to be involved in one of the biggest events in Croydon in 2016.”

The major sponsors for 2015 included Bagatti’s Restaurant, Barratt Homes, London Borough of Croydon and Croydon Partnership, Malcolm John Restaurants, Lidl, Quantum, and Veolia Environmental Services. Many of the record number of 74 traders – including top South End restaurants likes Bagatti’s and Brasserie Vacherin - either sold out or reported record trade on a fabulous sunny festival day last June.

Linda commented: “The 2015 food festival was such a fantastic

success, thanks to the support of the public, the traders and our wonderful sponsors from right across the borough, who helped to make the day so special. And the 2016 event is set to be bigger and better than ever.”

Visitors to the 2016 festival will once again be able to enjoy al fresco dining on quality international cuisine, summer cocktails and dancing to live music across two stages, plus cookery demos on the Kitchen Theatre Stage.

To find out how your business can be involved contact Katharine Glass at kglass@wlcreative.org.uk or call 020 87265 7968.

76

Bar Fly

Wine School

ENGLISH WINES ARE COMING OF AGE England was the third most successful sparkling wine country in last year’s Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships. If English sparkling wine can build a world class reputation and achieve the competitive success to match it on such young vineyards and with very little reserve wine, imagine what might be achieved as the vineyards mature and

E

nglish wines are enjoying a renaissance at the moment. According to Julie TrustramEve of English Wine Producers, retail sales

producers build up their reserves.”

The wine estate that fired the starting gun on the new breed of English wines

JONNY’S FAVOURITE BUBBLES • Ridgeview Bloomsbury 2013 • Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs 2013, • Bluebell Vineyards Hindleap Blanc de Blancs 2011, • Court Garden Blanc de Blancs 2010, • Coates & Seely Blanc de Blancs

for wine made from grapes grown in England

was Nyetimber in West Sussex. It’s

and Wales are predicted to rise to £100m in

Classic Cuvee still sets the benchmark

2015 when final figures are in. The industry

for English sparkling wine and indeed

produced a record breaking 6.3m bottles in

the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2010

2014 and is expecting another bumper year in

won the trophy in the English

2015. English wines are now a regular feature

category of the 2015 Champagne

at award ceremonies and state occasions. UK

and Sparkling Wine World

• Davenport Limney 2010,

retailers reported a huge increase in sales of

Championships. They were followed

• Langham Classic Cuvve

English wines last Christmas and Taittinger

by Ridgeview, the award-winning

recently became the first Champagne house to purchase prime vineyard land in Kent.

It wasn’t that long ago that English wines

family run producer at Ditchling Common in East Sussex.

Land prices and the lack of

were regarded as something of a joke. Even 10

economies of scale, not to mention

years ago there still weren’t many plantings of

the labour intensiveness of making

what have become the three most important

sparkling wines by the traditional

grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and

bottle fermented method, mean

Meunier – used mainly for producing sparkling

that prices are in the £23-35

wine. Recent investments in vineyard plantings

range. Make no mistake though as

and winery equipment from a number of

these wines are right up there in

entrepreneurs are beginning to reap rewards.

quality terms with similarly priced

According to renowned fizz expert Tom Stevenson “With 13 Gold medals and 11 Silvers, Jonny Gibson is an independent wine educator. He runs regular tastings and courses including WSET Levels 1-3 with Sussex Wine School in Brighton and Tunbridge Wells. www.sussexwineschool. com

Champagnes.

Still wines are also improving with every vintage. Bacchus has led the way but there are some excellent whites being made from Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Ortega and other grape varieties – sometimes single variety sometimes

NV, • Gusbourne Estate Brut Reserve, • Chapel Down Blanc de Blancs 2009,

Brut 2011 • Wiston Estate Brut 2010.

For sparkling rosé you should try: • Camel Valley Pinot Noir 2012, • Ridgeview Victoria Rose 2010 • Hush Heath Balfour Brut Rose NV.

JONNY’S FAVOURITE WINES • Bolney Estate Pinot Gris 2014 • Camel Valley Atlantic Dry 2014, • Albourne Estate Bacchus 2014 and Estate Selection 2014,

blends – but usually with a distinctive whiff

• Chapel Down Bacchus 2014,

of hedgerows, elderflower and citrus fruits.

• Davenport Vineyard’s

Gerard Bassett MW MS OBE commented recently that English wines remind him of New Zealand in the 1980s.

The future is bright and full of bubbles.

Horsmonden Dry White 2013, • Gusbourne Estate Guineviere 2013 • Bolney Estate Pinot Noir 2013

77

Table Talk SPONSORSHIP

A Fair Share

T

here can be few of us who readily accept the enormous waste

costs of running their warehouses and three refrigerated delivery vans,

within the food industry as we are regaled with stories of

which underpin the entire service. FareShare are looking for corporate

hundreds of tonnes of perfectly good food being ploughed into

partners who would be interested in supporting them in tackling

rubbish dumps, with supermarkets disposing of anything just past its

the important issues of food waste and poverty on a local level and

sell-by date. No doubt, we are all appalled, and then we get on with our

reaching new areas in Sussex and Surrey.

lives without ever contributing to the answer.

FareShare is not one of them, as they have taken the problem by the scuff of the neck.

The project began its life as FareShare Brighton, established by a group of friends in response to the problem of homelessness in the city to provide food for the eleven existing services for rough sleepers at the time. The project has now grown to deliver around ten tonnes of food

I would suggest that there can be few better recipients of companies’ CSR programmes than this organisation, as, in 2016, we should all be ashamed that there are hungry people on our streets whilst tonnes of perfectly good food goes to waste.

There are various sponsorship opportunities available to companies wishing to support their work. They currently have one delivery van

a week to their network of over 85 different charities and community

available for sponsorship, which would see your brand’s logo next to

groups that work with vulnerable client groups. These projects include

theirs on the vehicle, which is out and about in Sussex and Surrey, and

supported housing schemes, homeless hostels and day centres, food

there are many further opportunities, and significant tax relief can be

banks and children’s centres. They currently reach an area from Bognor

achieved.

in the West, to as far north as Redhill in Surrey, and they are just

If you wish to get involved, contact Beth Parry: beth@faresharesussex.org.uk or call on 01273 671111.

Fareshare is a charitable project run by city gate community projects. www.citygatechurch.org.uk charity number 1093245

beginning a pilot route into Hastings to the East.

FareShare has the joint aims of alleviating poverty, reducing food waste and supporting volunteers. It works by redistributing surplus food from the food industry out to local groups supporting vulnerable people. Perfectly edible food that would otherwise go to waste due to short use-by dates, overproduction, damaged or mislabelled packaging or unmet aesthetic standards is instead donated to FareShare and delivered to where it is needed most across the community.

Their main challenge is securing enough funding to sustain and expand the service. There is food available and an on-going need, but in the current climate it has been difficult to find repeat funding for the

78

BUSINESS AWARDS

TASTE THE SUCCESS Croydon’s biggest awards programme is returning for 2016 with a celebration of the borough’s business success stories.

Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison of RISEgallery with Councillor Toni Letts

F

ollowing the success of the inaugural Croydon Business Excellence Awards last year, organisers White Label Creative are promising an even bigger and better event this year, which will also provide local charities with a valuable boost by raising funds for the Mayor of Croydon’s charities.

More than 300 people attended last year’s gala dinner and charity ball and the 2016 event, being held in association with Gatwick Airport, got off to a glittering start with a launch party held at Impact House, which will shortly be transformed into residential accommodation by Inspired Homes.

Councillor Toni Letts, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for the economy and jobs, told assembled guests: “This is Croydon’s time – with 11 cranes swinging on the skyline in this wonderful city of ours, you can almost taste the success.

“One of the things I am most proud of is that we now have 14,815 businesses operating in Croydon – and that is a 9.1 per cent increase over the past two years. That is giving employment to 187,000 people and providing prosperity for Croydon residents and contributing to the economic success of this great place.”

Some of last year’s winners joined forces to urge businesses to get involved and enjoy the kind of benefits they enjoyed from being recognised as a Croydon Business Excellence Award winner.

Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison, founder of the RISEgallery, which was named Business of the Year at last year’s event, said: “When you start a business, you feel very alone, but when you enter awards like this and win that award, it’s such an amazing thing to be recognised for.

Get involved – the Croydon Business Excellence Awards are amazing.”

Performers at the launch event

The closing date for entries this year is May 6, and the gala dinner and awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 6, with funds going to the Mayor of Croydon’s charities.

Businesses can enter in the following categories: Best Business for Customer Service , Best New Business (trading less than two years), Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Business for Food and Hospitality, Independent Retailer of the Year, Apprentice Employer of the Year, Best SME Business (turnover of up to £15 million), Best Business for Staff Training & Development, Best Charity or Social Enterprise, Best Green Business, Best Business for Marketing & Social Media, Tech Innovation of the Year, Best Creative & Media Sector Business.

As well as London Gatwick, partners of this year’s awards are: Allianz Global Assistance, London Borough of Croydon, Wing Yip, Croydon Business Venture, Sussex Innovation Centre, the Croydon Partnership, the Croydon Advertiser, Platinum Business Magazine and Croydon Chamber of Commerce.

For more details about how to enter and the awards process, visit www.croydonawards.co.uk

79

SECRET SURREY

IN THE SUMMERTIME The Guildford Summer Festival is always entertaining and great fun, but it also has a significant positive economic impact on the region.

T

Guildford Festival Craft Fair, Farmers’ Markets,

and each year it has grown with many more

Guildford Cricket Festival, Guildford Lions

venues now involved.

features beer festivals, sporting events and

Raft Race, Drama in the Castle Grounds, and

the madly chaotic raft race. This year, the 33rd

classical concerts all return for summer 2016.

he Guildford Summer Festival is hard to define in a few words. It is a celebration of arts and performance, but it also

annual event, is bigger than ever and features

Now regular family favourites such as the

eight years ago. The festival falls into my remit,

“In 2014 there were over 4m day visits to Guildford. People are attracted by the shopping

The festival attracts large numbers of

and the heritage, and we also have a lot of

visitors to the town, which has a very strong

tourists who stay in Guildford and use the

tourism sector. It is organised each year by the

town as their base. It has been calculated that

place in 1983 and centred around the Guildford

Tourism, Marketing & Development Manager,

tourism brought in £330.7m to Guildford in

Pageants, which used to take place in Shalford

Diana Roberts, who first started at the council

2014.

Park, and were organised by the ‘Pageant

13 years ago.

Guildford’s first Alan Turing Celebration.

The first Guildford Summer Festival took

Master’, the late David Clarke. Every year,

“The festival plays a major role in attracting

“I was the marketing manager at the gallery,

people to the town and we expect this year

events were organised in the town to coincide

and we would hold festival events, so it was an

to be very popular with events such as the

with Festival time, and so it grew.

interesting move when I switched to Tourism

Town Centre Cycle Race. “There will be a lot of

For more information visit www.guildfordsummerfestival.co.uk

80

SECRET SURREY interest in the Alan Turing events as his family have lived here for 50 years.

There are talks, a play, a screening of the film and the walks. The walks are very popular and will book very quickly.

“My personal highlight of the festival is always the outdoor drama. No set designer can match the beautiful outdoor settings in Guildford. If the weather is nice, watching a drama production with a picnic cannot be beaten.”

The festival is chaired by Terence Patrick, who first became involved due to his passion for film: “I am a member of Circle Eight, which is an amateur film and video making group which has been going for over 50 years. We were always part of the festival and then I was invited on the committee and before I knew it I became the Chair.

“During this time I became a councillor and was the mayor from 2011 to 2012. When you serve as the Mayor, you really get to appreciate how important the festival is to the town. It brings people into the town and helps the local businesses, and it just binds the town together. You realise just how much work people put into it to make it a success, and just how passionate people are about the town.”

Few people can match the passion Terence has for the town, and he has made many carefully researched local history films. He is currently working on a film showing the impact the Great War had on Guildford, which is a very moving subject for him. His family history in the town goes back a long way and his grandfather was the Mayor one hundred years before he took the office.

A lover of film and the work of the Guildford School of Acting, it is actually two of the outdoor events that Terence is most looking forward to. “The Raft Race is always a highlight for me, and this year we have the Town Centre Cycle Race, which will attract entries from everywhere. It will be a very big event for the town.”

As always Arts and Heritage events are in abundance with the annual Guildford Arts exhibition at the Mill Studio, Watts Gallery and Guildford House Gallery.

For those who prefer their theatre indoors will not be disappointed. G Live, The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and the Back Room of the Star play host to a variety of shows and Guildford Fringe Festival arrives in town in July across several venues.

There are plenty of opportunities to get fit this summer – the Round the Hogs Back Cycle Tour is designed for all ages and a perfect way to get fit or keep fit!. For those who would rather watch sport than participate head for the Cricket Festival.

Local ale is celebrated at the Guildford Beer Festival at the Cricket Ground and there are plenty of opportunities to listen to live music while taking a glass!

This year, as usual, many of the events are completely free to attend.

Guildford Summer Festival runs across the borough from 12 June to 12 August 2016. Brochures are available to collect from Guildford Tourist Information Centre, The Electric Theatre, and other distribution points around the borough from Mid May. Tickets for most events are on sale now.

For full details, sign up to the mailing list and receive weekly reminders of events throughout the festival. Alternatively, visit www.guildfordsummerfestival.co.uk or visit the Guildford Summer Festival facebook page.

81

INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

HEADWINDS DAVID SEALL CEng FRAeS MiMMM MIoD David is the Regional Chairman of IoD South. He is a former Chair of IoD Surrey and is an experienced Non-Executive Director. He is retained by DMH Stallard LLP as their Strategic Adviser Manufacturing www.davidseall.co.uk ∕ www.dmhstallard.com

L

ooking at the aftermath following the Chancellor’s budget it’s easy to miss some of the good things that will benefit

businesses of all shapes and sizes amidst the uproar of the resignation of the Work and Pensions Secretary.

For some time now the IoD has been

reform and the so called Sugar Tax struck me

rather like the one given to those in retirement.

as two of those initiatives thought up in the

It’s also disappointing that the Chancellor has not been bolder on tax reform and simplification.

Smaller businesses will welcome the doubling

There was plenty in the Budget for small

of the business rates exemption, but mid-sized

and medium-sized businesses. I’m sure that

businesses will feel rightly aggrieved that the

we all welcome more relief on business rates

reliefs are withdrawn too quickly as a business

and cuts to capital gains tax, and a further

moves from start-up to scale-up. Additionally

corporation tax reduction coming in a few

we still need to see the reform or abolition of

years.

National Insurance, a non-hypothecated tax

The Chancellor’s decision to outline significant progress towards the £12,500

which is a tax on employment.

It was good to see support for major

personal tax allowance and a £50,000 higher

infrastructure projects. The ones in the North

rate tax threshold should be welcomed and

are much needed but it was encouraging to see

the increase in the higher rate tax threshold

Crossrail2, vital for the Surrey economy, getting

to £45,000 from next April is particularly long

a nod of approval.

overdue.

However it’s slightly disappointing that he

The academies programme for school

lobbying for a “triple lock” on these allowances

It was also is good to see the Chancellor attempt embrace the sharing economy by

days before the Budget statement that were not fully analysed. In Education and skills, as all employers know, standards matter much more than structures, so the changes in governance that academisation requires, risks becoming a distraction from the core issues of improving teaching and learning. Likewise making studying maths compulsory until the age of 18 is on paper a very good thing. However what’s taught needs to be relevant and targeted to the abilities and needs of the individual.

My policy colleagues often tell me that things like this are thrown into the speech at an amazingly late hour to try to grab positive headlines the next day. We can all remember those that didn’t work or needed radical reform afterwards, the climate change levy and airport passenger duty spring to mind.

did not smooth out the excessive and counter-

announcing a world first ‘sharing economy’

productive spikes in marginal tax of more

allowance. However, the £1,000 allowance

whether, with his significant “headwinds” in

than 60% that occurs when child benefit is

for such things such as renting out a parking

the Global economy, he will able to meet the

withdrawn on earnings over £50,000 and the

space or a room through Airbnb is still very

commitment of the delivery of a budget surplus

personal allowance at earnings over £100,000.

low. We should be encouraging the utilisation

by the end of the decade. I hope, that with

This is another tax dilemma, rather like

of these assets. How many parking spaces

the key votes out of the way by the autumn,

National Insurance, that isn’t easily understood

would be freed up at Surrey railway stations if

we may see some more radical reforms that

by the media but hits some very hard and is a

commuters could park at a competitive price

address some of our underlying problems in

disincentive to be ambitious.

near the station in someone’s drive!

the economy.

82

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