platinum THE LARGEST CIRCULATION BUSINESS PUBLICATION IN THE UK
ISSUE 118
Is the M&A market about to turn? ANGER MANAGEMENT
The truth about climate change
Gatwick partners with the Surrey and Sussex Institute of Technology
The Accidental Manager
MOTORING
EV reliability – the best and worst
DYNAMIC MAGAZINE
INSIDE
BIG STORY
THE RAMPION WIND FARM
CENTRAL SOUTH BUSINESS AWARDS 2024 The Central South Business Awards, in association with Business South, celebrates all the remarkable businesses in the region – and the people that work for them! Any business with an office based in Central South can submit entries in up to three categories. The entry fee is £25 plus vat per category.
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toob
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SME Business of the Year Winner 2023
MAGA ZINE
IN AI D O F
OPEN FOR ENTRIES ENTRY DE ADLINE: APRIL 17 TH 2024 AWARDS CEREMONY: JULY 4TH 2024 L EO N A R D O H OT E L S O U T H A M P TO N CATEGORIES
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The Forest Foodie
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Best Customer Service Winner 2023
Best Customer Service Award Best New Business Award Business Growth Award Businessperson of the Year Community Hero Award Company of the Year Construction Project of the Year Employer of the Year Future Talent of the Year Innovation of the Year International Business of the Year Large Business of the Year Professional Services Award SME Business of the Year Sustainability Champion Award
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ISSUE 118
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CONT ENTS BUSINESS
BIG STORY 20 The Rampion Wind Farm Opinions are being sought for the next stage of the Rampion Wind Farm – a more than double-sized Rampion 2 Wind Farm
NEWS
11 International news A round up of the important business stories from around the world 14 Local news A look at the business news stories across Sussex
EVENTS
2 Central South Business Awards Entries are now open for this prestigious event, being held in a new venue 8 Platinum Club Now in its 15th year, it remains the pre-eminent networking forum in Sussex 35 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards Platinum is a proud sponsor of the GDBA. Have you booked your seats to this event?
SUSSEX TECH WEEK 2024 30 The largest tech, digital and innovation event ever to take place in the south east. Get involved!
PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP
FINANCE
16 Gatwick Airport London Gatwick to partner with Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology, plus news of another carrier from this summer
28 Kreston Reeves SMEs are currently hoarding £273 billion in low or no interest accounts. Kreston Reeves suggests how you could start growing your cash reserves
46 Surrey Research Park Setting the stage for innovation and growth
38 FRP Corporate Finance New year, new opportunities – a chance to reflect on your business
49 Creative Pod The Crawley-based marketing agency has brokered a deal for Rubix VT to sponsor the Brighton Half Marathon
42 EMC The M&A forecast for 2024 is warm, though with the possibility of some cold blasts
53 Cleankill Fighting the rat race. How to properly deal with rats
54 Anger Management It might be upsetting but Maarten Hoffmann has decided a dose of reality is urgently required on the subject of climate change
LEGAL
26 DMH Stallard How to minimise your personal risk at the time of a company crisis 34 DMH Stallard commentary Is the M&A market about to turn? 44 Loch Associates The prevalence of the ‘Accidental Manager’; people being promoted above the level of their managerial capabilities 50 Mayo Wynne Baxter The changing landscape of costs recovery: winning a court case doesn’t mean you get your legal costs back. You may not get anything
INNOVATION
36 Sussex Innovation Interior office design – putting your stamp on your workspace
OPINION
56 TRAVEL
56 Space Coast Tess de Klerk visited Florida’s Space Coast, where NASA sends its rockets in to space from
MOTORING
58 Most – and least – reliable EVs Maarten reports on the survey of EV owners as to how reliable their electric cars are
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. Surrey Business Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.
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WELCOME
WELCOME The new year has got off to a flying start for most of us with Christmas being a distant memory. As we continually speak to business leaders across the South East, we feel a real sense of positivity – with a sensible dollop of caution for those unexpected headwinds. In this issue, Jonathan Grant from DMH Stallard and Mike Pay from EMC both speak of the M&A market and what the year holds, Pam Loch from Loch Associates explains what an ‘accidental manager’ is and Helen Bell from Mayo Wynne Baxter looks at the changing landscape of legal costs recovery. In Motoring, Maarten has listed the most and least reliable electric cars, and you might be surprised – as indeed he was – that the best selling, and his best rated in the market, both suffer from reliability issues. In Travel, Tess has returned from Miami with all the news and views of this great city. Enjoy this issue of the largest circulation business magazine in the UK.
The Platinum Team
CONTACTS PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Lesley Alcock lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS MANAGER: Žaneta Bealing zaneta@platinummediagroup.co.uk TR AVEL EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk PL ATINUM MOTORING EDITOR: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk DYNAMIC MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionas@platinummediagroup.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN: Michelle Shakesby design@platinummediagroup.co.uk SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk
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★★★★★ THE PLATINUM CLUB IS A REALLY WELL ORGANISED NETWORKING GROUP, ❛❛WITH THE HOSTS HELPING TO FACILITATE TO ENSURE WE ALWAYS MAKE USEFUL, NEW CONTACTS AT EACH EVENT ❜❜ LLOYDS BANK
The Platinum Club is now in its 15th year and remains the pre-eminent networking forum in Sussex. The Club launched based on no seated meals, no sponsors and no speeches – rather, an elegant but informal cocktail party with delicious hand-made canapés, and Platinum hosts making relevant introductions throughout the evening and all in the luxurious surroundings of the Grand Hotel, Brighton.
CURRENT PLATINUM CLUB MEMBERS INCLUDE
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★★★★★ ALL BUSINESS IS BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS AND PLATINUM GIVES YOU THE ❛❛ PLATFORM TO CREATE THE MEANINGFUL HUMAN CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER ❜❜ BAILEY AND FRENCH
Barry Carden, Partner, Galloways; Nigel Lambe, CEO, Sussex Innovation; Neil Laughton, CEO, Laughton & Co; Rob Clare, Director, Innovation Capital Team
Donna Holland, CEO, Rockinghorse Children’s Charity; Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director, Platinum Media Group; Senda Kavindele, Senior Partner, KPMG
Lesley Alcock, Commercial Director, Platinum Media Group; Dr Adam Jones, Principal Lecturer, University of Brighton; Colin Laidlaw, VAT Director, Kreston Reeves
David Boosey, Partner, MHA MacIntyre Hudson
John O’Connor, General Manager, Watches of Switzerland; Maarten Hoffmann, MD, Platinum Media Group; Jonathan Grant, Partner, DMH Stallard LLP; Neil Kester, Financial Reporting Director, RSM UK
Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director at Platinum Media Group; Kirsty Sadler, Regional Director at Lloyds Bank
We meet once per month, excluding August. If you would like to attend an event, please get in touch info@platinummediagroup.co.uk As annual membership is no longer required and we look forward to welcoming you to the most effective, enjoyable and lively networking group in the South
★★★★★ WE SEE THE PLATINUM CLUB AS AN IMPORTANT AND ❛❛ INTEGRAL PART OF OUR BRAND AWARENESS STRATEGY, THROUGH INTERACTIONS WITH WELL CONNECTED BUSINESS PEOPLE AND OTHER INFLUENCERS. IT IS WELCOMING AND GREAT FUN TOO! MATTIOLI WOODS
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“The economy is uncertain. You needn’t be.” Smart advice to help you make the right decisions for your financial future.
Call our Gatwick office to arrange a free introductory meeting with Paul Cannons. Call 01293 661323 or email paul.cannons@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/gatwick
The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of Brewin Dolphin Limited. Brewin Dolphin Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number 124444) and regulated in Jersey by the Financial Services Commission. Registered Office; 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69
NEWS
ROYAL MAIL SAVINGS PLANS REVEALED Royal Mail could save up to £650m if it delivered letters just three days a week, and £200m by stopping Saturday deliveries, Ofcom, the communications regulator has said. In a much-anticipated review, Ofcom laid out a series of options for the future of the universal service obligation (USO), which requires Royal Mail to deliver nationwide, six days a week, for a fixed price. Ofcom stated that it was not consulting on specific proposals, but that the two “primary options” for reform were the cuts to the number of letter delivery days, or changes that could mean making current deliveries take up to three days or longer, accompanied by a next-day service for ‘urgent letters’.
NEWS BULLETIN ISRAEL PROMOTES ISLAND SETTLEMENT FOR PALESTINIANS In a closed-door meeting, EU foreign ministers pressed Israel’s top diplomat to ease civilian suffering in Gaza and move toward supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Israel’s foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, surprised the 27 EU foreign ministers by screening a video of a project that would create an artificial island off Gaza as a logistics base to inspect cargo and passengers heading by sea into the territory. The island could also include housing for Palestinians. The plan, Israeli officials said, was not an official government policy. The meeting followed recent statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel doubling down on his opposition to a two-state solution.
DRIP PRICING TO BE OUTLAWED Fake reviews and hidden online charges – so-called ‘drip pricing’ – are to be banned under new laws to force businesses to be more clear with shoppers. The charges are said to cost consumers £2.2bn a year. Drip pricing occurs when consumers are shown an initial price for an item or service, only to find additional fees are revealed later in the checkout process. Under the new rules currently making their way through parliament, mandatory fees must be included in the headline price. This will include booking fees for cinema and train tickets. However, optional fees such as airline seat and luggage upgrades for flights will not be included in the measures.
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NEWS
❛❛ Whatever you do,
always give 100% – unless you’re donating blood ❜❜ Bill Murray
WOOLWORTHS TO MAKE UK RETURN? Once loved for its pick ‘n’ mix sweets and bargain prices, Woolworth stores could return to the UK. Its last British shop closed after the financial crisis. The name (minus the ’s’) is now owned in Germany by HH Holding. Current CEO Roman Heini says the UK is on his “bucket list” of destinations as he seeks to expand internationally. Mr Heini, Woolworth CEO since 2020, told trade magazine Retail Week that, despite a cost-of-living crisis, he could still “make Woolworth great again.” Woolworth Germany said it was “unable to confirm any plans for Woolworth to return to the UK market,” but that such a move was not ruled out.
CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY FIRMS IN BIGGEST FINANCIAL TROUBLE More than 47,000 UK companies are on the brink of collapse, according to a report by insolvency specialists Begbies Traynor. There was a 25% jump in the number of businesses facing “critical” financial distress in the final three months of 2023, it said. This is the second consecutive quarter-on-quarter period when critical financial distress has risen by 25%, the latest “Red Flag” report found, with the construction and property sectors accounting for 30% of all businesses facing this issue. The quarterly rate of increase in the number of companies grew by 32.6% in the construction industry; 41.3% in health and education; 25% in real estate and property services; and 24% in support services.
❛❛ Every day I get up and look
through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I’m not there, I go to work ❜❜ Robert Orben, comedian and magician
RECORD NUMBER OF UK ENTREPRENEURS 2023 saw company registrations reach a record high, meaning there are more entrepreneurs in the UK than ever, according to Companies House. Data published by the Office for National Statistics shows a total of 859,007 companies were registered last year, an increase of almost 75,000 on the previous year (784,762), which was, in turn, 30,000 higher than in 2021. This increase in entrepreneurial ambition was further confirmed by a report by Enterprise Nation in January, which found 35% of UK adults were considering starting a business in 2024. The research found those starting their own business to supplement their full and part-time income had jumped from 33 to 40%.
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NEWS
BREWERY SEEKS CROWDFUNDING An East Sussex brewery which started life merely as a hobby among three friends now has plans to open a taproom through starting a crowdfunding campaign. Over the past four years, Three Acre Brewery, based at Blackboys near Heathfield, has become one of the region’s most popular producers of cask ale. “Since we started the brewery, the question we’ve been asked the most is: “have you got a taproom?”, said award-winning head brewer Jamie Newton. “Countless times, we’ve responded with: ‘Unfortunately not yet, but it’s coming soon…’ Now, we hope, that can become a reality.”
LOCAL NEWS SUSSEX PIE MAKER AMONG THE APPRENTICE CANDIDATES Phil Turner from Bognor, owner of family-owned pie business Turner’s Pies, is one of the 18 candidates battling for Lord Sugar’s blessing and £250,000 investment and mentorship. The company has five shops across West Sussex and Hampshire and also offers a pie delivery service. Mr Turner said: “I deserve Lord Sugar’s investment because I already have a track record of successfully building and scaling a business. You don’t grow a multi-million-pound business by being a pushover.” He be up against several other business hopefuls, including boutique fitness studio owner Rachel Woolford and the director of another pie company, Paul Bowen.
CARPENTER BOX CELEBRATES CENTENARY Sussex-based accountancy and financial advice firm Carpenter Box celebrated its centenary, while raising £82,000 for local charities. The company founded the Carpenter Box Charitable Foundation (CBCF) in 2009, raising more than £350,000 in support of local grass roots charities, which often find fundraising challenging. “My sincere thanks go out to all our people for their commitment and creativity in making 2023 a fitting celebration of our firm’s 100 years in business,” said John Billings, senior partner at Carpenter Box. The company immediately made a £30,000 donation, shared among a number of charities and causes across Worthing.
❛❛ Honest criticism is hard to take, BBC/NAKED
particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger ❜❜
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Franklin P Jones American writer
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NEWS
❛❛ The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us ❜❜ Bill Watterson creator, Calvin & Hobbes
SUSSEX COMPANIES EXCEL AT FOOD AWARDS Sussex food and drink businesses did brilliantly at the recent Great British Food Awards. Chichester-based Montezuma’s chocolates picked up three awards in the national competition, while Sussex vineyards dominated the wine category.
WILKO LEAVES OVER £1M DEBTS TO SUSSEX FIRMS The full extent of high street retailer Wilko’s collapse has been revealed, with Sussex businesses owed a total of £1,061,522. Wiko entered administration in August 2023 after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers. The family-owned business hired administrators from PwC who tried to save the retailer. Of the 14 firms Wilko owes money to in Sussex, the largest sum is owed to is Gatwick-based Nestlé, with a debt of over half a million pounds. Because Wilko did not secure a rescue deal, administrators sold off a raft of the company’s assets in order to pay off creditors. Documents recently released by Wilko’s administrators reveal the budget retail chain owes a total of £157m.
Ridgeview’s Fitzrovia Rose wine won a gold award, while wines from Bolney Wine Estate won silver awards. Ridgeview’s English Rose 2022 was also given a bronze award. Robertsbridge-based Bush Barn Farm’s fresh elderberries and elderflowers were recognised as the best food and drink in London and the South East. The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 and “celebrate the country’s finest artisanal produce as well as the hardworking people behind the scenes”
❛❛ A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure ❜❜ Anon
COLLEGE CAMPUS IN WORTHING FOR SALE Crawley-based commercial property consultants Vail Williams is inviting freehold bids for the 5.9-acre Northbrook College Broadwater Campus in Worthing. The site, totalling almost 11,000 sq.m of floor space, hosts a mixture of new build, legacy buildings and car parking space. Steve Berrett, partner at Vail Williams, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a rarely available educational facility in an affluent and growing Sussex town. The site will likely appeal to a wide range of purchasers and end users, including educational providers, care homes, property investors, and alternative commercial occupiers looking to take advantage of the existing building accommodation.”
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BUSINESS
London Gatwick has partnered with the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (IoT) in a collaboration between businesses and education providers to deliver technical skills and qualifications required in the region
London Gatwick to partner with Sussex and Surrey IoT By partnering with the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology, which launched earlier this academic year (2023-24), students will gain first-hand airport experience, network with professionals and learn about the latest technical developments across London Gatwick.
education providers in a collaborative partnership to support the technical skills requirements of the area they serve. The aim is to create a diverse and skilled pipeline of local talent which is critical to the local community and London Gatwick’s future growth.
London Gatwick has helped shape the curriculum to ensure the courses are relevant and responsive to the needs of the local economy. Specialist staff at the airport will also host masterclass sessions for students and hold mock interview sessions and feedback.
London Gatwick’s Cyber Security Apprentice, Malaika Khan, is also studying through the Institute of Technology. She said, “My experience at London Gatwick as a Cyber Security Apprentice has been nothing short of extraordinary. I have gained a deeper understanding of cyber security and developed a stronger passion for this dynamic field thanks to the incredible support of my team members and plenty of hands-on experience.
The Institute of Technology differs from colleges and universities by bringing together businesses with a group of
❛❛ The aim is to create a diverse and skilled pipeline
of local talent which is critical to the local community
❜❜
“London Gatwick and the Institute of Technology have provided me with invaluable guidance and an environment of collaboration which is helping me to shape into an enthusiastic cyber professional. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited for the continued growth ahead!” As part of London Gatwick’s sustainability policy, Decade of Change, the airport has committed to dedicating time to support local workforce skills initiatives. As a result, Gatwick has been involved in the design and delivery of training, with a focus on IT and cyber security. Nick Batchelor, Director of Information Technology, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to be an industry partner of the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology, an exciting institution for the region, its learners and employers. “As a major employer in the region, London Gatwick is committed to supporting local and regional workforce skills partnerships and initiatives. We recognise the value of investing in higher level technical skills to meet employer needs and to support future sustainable growth.” The Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology sets out to address higher level skills needs in engineering and manufacturing technologies; digital technologies; construction, planning and the built environment and sustainable technologies. Courses through the IoT are available at Chichester College, Crawley College, NESCOT, University of Brighton and University of Sussex.
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BUSINESS
NORTHERN RUNWAY PLANNING PROCESS CONTINUES London Gatwick’s Northern Runway project is moving into the examination phase this month.
new jobs and injecting £1 billion into the region’s economy every year.
Last summer, the airport submitted plans to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside the Main Runway.
The application was accepted for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate on August 3rd last year, and a period of detailed and rigorous examination of the proposals by a panel of independent experts will now follow, starting with a series of public hearing dates throughout February and March.
This forward-looking and low impact plan aims to use the airport’s existing infrastructure to unlock new capacity and improve airport resilience, in line with government policy. By investing in its long-term future, London Gatwick will also enhance the crucial economic role the airport plays, by creating around 14,000
Throughout the DCO planning process, all documents submitted by London Gatwick to the Planning Inspectorate will be publicly available at: infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk
www.gatwickairport.com
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BUSINESS
London Gatwick has recently announced the latest airline to secure slots at the airport, with Singapore Airlines services taking off from this summer
Singapore Airlines to take-off from London Gatwick The renowned carrier – recently crowned World’s Best Airline at the 2023 Skytrax Awards – will begin flying five times per week from London Gatwick to Singapore Changi Airport from June 22nd 2024. Flights are available to book now.
best carriers, we are delighted to welcome Singapore Airlines to London Gatwick. It showcases the high regard in which Gatwick is held, and connecting to the impressive Changi Airport is a big boost for the whole region.
Stewart Wingate, CEO, London Gatwick said, “Renowned as one of the world’s
“For passengers across London and the South East, the new route will provide huge connectivity potential, not only to the fantastic destination of Singapore, but more widely across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. With significant increases in trade between the UK and Singapore in recent years, the service also provides exciting opportunities for local and regional businesses.” The service will enable passengers across London and the South East to seamlessly transfer onto flights to Southeast Asia, Australia and New
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Zealand from award-winning Changi Airport.
The 13-hour flight will be operated with the Airbus A350-900, a highly fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft. The 253-seat aircraft features three cabin classes, with 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy Class and 187 in Economy Class. Passengers can enjoy world-class service, an award-winning wine collection, gourmet cuisine, and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi as a KrisFlyer member.
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BIG STORY
THE ANSWER IS BLOWING IN THE WIND Brighton, and indeed all of the Sussex coast, may be a wonderful spot to visit whether as a day-tripper, a business visitor, or creeping in as ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’. There is so much to do along the county’s various towns and resorts. There was also, however, the view out to sea; a vast, featureless seascape, occasionally broken up by an amazing murmuration, but – other than that – blank. For the past six or so years, that horizon has been alive with the rotating powerhouses of the Rampion Wind Farm. At a time when renewable energy - wind, in this instance is finally being harnessed on an industrial scale, Rampion represents a more positive outlook for energy production. So much so, that there are now plans to increase the size of the wind farm, to more than double its size and, because of advances in efficiency, more than triple the output. By Alan Wares
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BIG STORY
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BIG STORY
Construction of the substation
RAMPION WIND FARM
The genesis of the original Rampion Wind Farm started in earnest around 15 years ago. Wind technology had hitherto been too expensive to scale up to such a necessary and worthwhile size. However, by the late noughties, with the advancing technology, and the associated falling costs, tenders had been invited by the Crown Estate, owners of the seabed around the
UK within British waters for energy production. In January 2010, E.ON was awarded the development rights to the zone off the Sussex coast. Initially known as ‘Zone 6 off the Sussex coast’, it was later named the “Southern Array (Hastings)”. The developers must have gone on such long flights of fancy to come up with those evocative names. It soon became clear that the original
E.ON held a competition with local schools ❛❛ to suggest a new name. ‘Rampion’ was voted the winning suggestion, submitted by a pupil at Davison High School in Worthing
❜❜
DCO PLANNING The Planning Act 2008 (PA2008) process was introduced to streamline the decision-making process for major infrastructure projects, making it fairer and faster for communities and applicants alike. A DCO – development consent order – is one which has to pass through a pre-application stage with the Planning Inspectorate before the developer or project holders send it out for consultation. As a story that has been mentioned in Platinum many times, this is not dis-similar to the process London Gatwick is going through in order to get its Northern Runway into commercial use. And like, Gatwick, Rampion 2 has passed the DCO Planning stage, and is out for public consultation. The examination of this order takes place in Brighton from February 6th-9th.
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site, off the coast of Hastings, was not going to prove appropriate – it being not deep enough, and by the time appropriate depth was reached, the farm would be in International Waters, and cutting into the English Channel – the world’s busiest shipping lane. The site of the wind farm was changed from near Hastings to its eventual site off Brighton. E.ON held a competition with local schools to suggest a new name. ‘Rampion’ was voted the winning suggestion, submitted by a pupil at Davison High School in Worthing. She named it after the round-headed rampion (phyteuma orbiculare), also known as the Pride of Sussex, and the county flower of Sussex.
BIG STORY THE CASE FOR WIND The UK is the windiest country in Europe so it makes sense to harness this wind to generate our electricity. n Wind is carbon neutral – there’s no fuel to burn and no emissions n Wind is home grown – there’s no need to import or transport fuel n Wind is free – there are no fuel or waste management costs n Wind turbines are very efficient at converting wind power to electricity n Offshore wind farms can be built at large scale – to match the output from a fossil fuelled power station n Tackling climate change is not going to break the bank – the cost of offshore wind technology has plummeted in recent years and as Rampion 2 would only be built in a few years’ time it will be cheaper than a new build gas power station † † carbonbrief.org – 2019. Analysis of wind farm contract prices
Locals recall with huge amusement when an ❛❛ excavator was stranded and disabled after completing cable trench backfilling work on Lancing beach ❜❜ THE FARM
E.ON’s final plans use 116 turbines of approximately 3.45 megawatt (MW) capacity. Each turbine is 140 metres (459.3 ft) high to the tip of the blade, the blade length is 55 metres. This represents a 43% reduction in the size of the development after planning consent was granted. Each turbine is 500 metres from its nearest neighbour. Boats are allowed into the wind farm zone with permission, though none are allowed closer than 50 metres to any turbine. Fishing – personal or commercial – is banned within the wind farm zone. E.ON eventually set up shop in two purpose-built office-factory units in Newhaven, housing the administration and engineering functions of the wind farm. The site and associated buildings act as the combined servicing point for the wind farm. The project was approved by the Government in July 2014. In November 2014, E.ON announced that it had reduced the proposed capacity of the project by approximately 40%.
National Grid Bolney substation in the middle of Sussex. Offshore, the 116 foundations were piled into the sea bed and, on completion of this, the first wind turbine was lifted into place in March 2017. Coincident with this was the ongoing work to backfill the cable duct trenches off Lancing beach initially due to be completed in Spring 2017. Installation of the remainder of the 150kV cable through to Bolney and the burying in the sea bed of the 33kV inter array cables was also completed during this time following the installation of a 2,000 tonne offshore 33/150kV substation. This was completed in April 2017. Locals recall with huge amusement when an excavator was stranded and disabled after completing cable trench backfilling work on Lancing beach in April 2017; getting stuck there for over two months before it was finally removed. Electricity production commenced during November 2017. Construction of the wind farm was completed in 2018 at a cost of £1.3 billion. Since then, the blades have been turning, producing electricity for the equivalent of up to 350,000 homes, and saving an approximate 600,000 tonnes of carbon had the same energy been produced by fossil fuels.
Onshore building work began in June 2015 with the construction of a new electricity substation adjacent to the existing
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BIG STORY
RAMPION 2
Such has been the success of the Rampion Wind Farm that RWE, the company that now operates it, has applied for a larger wind farm, imaginatively called ‘Rampion 2’. The project is currently at the stage where the DCO application for the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm has been accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate. The Preliminary Meeting and first public hearings will be held from February 6th-9th 2024 at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. To view the application and examination documents, visit the Rampion 2 page on the Planning Inspectorate website. The application is for an offshore wind farm, mainly to the west of the current wind farm, though with some turbines to the south, and all the onshore electrical infrastructure required to transmit the power to the final connection into the national electricity network at Bolney. This includes an underground onshore cable route approximately 25 miles long from the landfall at Climping to a new onshore substation at Oakendene, near Cowfold.
This excavator got stuck in the low tide sand on Lancing beach during construction. It was there for two months in 2017 before it was pulled to safety
The intended zone will ❛❛ be an area up to around 196 sq.km. To give some context, the entire area of Brighton & Hove is just shy of 90 sq.km.
❜❜
The intended zone will be an area up to around 196 sq.km (increased from 72 sq.km), comprising up to 90 wind turbines and associated foundations, inter-array cables connecting the turbines to up to three offshore substations, and export cables taking the power to shore at Climping, between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. The enlarged wind farm, like the current incumbent, will still be no closer than eight miles from the coast. To give some context, the entire area of Brighton & Hove is just shy of 90 sq.km. In short, it’s massive.
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BIG STORY THERE IS STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OFFSHORE WIND FARMS OFF THE UK’S COAST Q. In general, do you support or oppose each of the following... n Strongly support n Somewhat support n Neither/nor n Somewhat oppose n Strongly oppose n Don’t know
Development of offshore wind farms off the UK’s coast
71%
The development of onshore wind farms in the UK Development of new nuclear power stations in the UK
20%
51% 18%
Gas-fired electricity stations
8%
The extraction of shale gas using fracking in the UK
6% 9%
16%
20% 33%
17%
4% Support 7% 5% 1% 82%
32%
25%
15%
3% 1% Support 2% 91% 3%
14%
20%
3%
Support 43%
22%
15%
6%
Support 24%
5%
Support 15%
48%
THE PUBLIC IS MOST POSITIVE TOWARDS THE RAMPION OFFSHORE WIND FARM’S ROLE IN GENERATING RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ITS APPEARANCE Q. In general, do you feel positive or negative or neutral about the following aspects of the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm? n Very positive n Fairly positive n Neutral n Fairly negative n Very negative n Don’t know
Its role in generating renewable energy
52%
The appearance of the wind farm
36%
Its economic impact in the local area
19%
The way the project was communicated
14%
25% 24%
20%
2% Support 11% 2% 5% 81%
29% 30% 40% 40%
4% Support 4% 1% 61% 3% 11% 3%
Support 43%
11% 7% 8%
Support 34%
Source: Telephone survey among 1,001 Sussex residents, November 2022
DEVELOPMENT
Rampion 2 is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because of its capacity to deliver large amounts of electricity. The process for gaining consent to develop major offshore wind farms is set in legislation. National planning policies set out what documents and evidence Rampion 2 need to submit. There are stringent rules on how to consult stakeholders about the project. There is a formal process that the application and decision making must follow. The owners of Rampion 2 must apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate and the DCO application is then assessed and determined under the Planning Act 2008. One problem the developers have is a fairly nice one – on a certain level. While the project is intended to be fully operational by the end of this decade, the advances in the technology to generate renewable electricity are predicted to be
fast paced. Turbine designers aim to capture and convert as much of the wind’s power into electricity as possible. Greater blade ‘tip heights’ have been key to advances in technology to date. The power of offshore wind turbines has increased fivefold in just 20 years, and this pace show no sign of abating. By assessing maximum parameters for turbines, the developers claim to have the flexibility to produce an optimal layout for them within this envelope. The turbines will be no taller than the maximum blade tip height. In October 2022, the Rampion 2 Project Team reduced the maximum number of turbines down from
116 to 90. This was in response to feedback on visual effects and shipping from key stakeholders, including Natural England. As a result, the maximum height of 325 metres tip height above Lowest Astronomical Tide (that’s up to 2.3 times the existing Rampion turbine height) and will have a 22m minimum air gap above Mean High Water Springs (MHWS). By the time of the intended start of electricity production, Rampion 2 will have the capacity to generate up to 1,200 MW of power which, given the average domestic electricity consumption, is the equivalent of one million homes – while reducing carbon emissions from electricity production by 1.8 million tonnes. The answer would certainly appear to be blowing in the wind.
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LEGAL
My previous articles focussed on seizing the opportunities economic challenges create, and minimising supply chain risks in the meantime. Economists report that in 2023 UK economic activity outperformed expectations, but the outlook remains uncertain. So, I now look at how to minimise your personal risks as a director in case the worst happens. By Frank Bouette, Partner and Head of the Restructuring and Insolvency Team at DMH Stallard
When the going gets tough, directors get going To resign or not to resign? A tight labour market, services price inflation, and businesses passing on cost rises to consumers continue to create challenges. The Insolvency Service statistics for November 2023 confirmed 2,466 registered company insolvencies (December figures are due this month). This is 21% higher than in November 2022, and 7% higher than October 2023. It suggests business failures are increasing, and further challenges lie ahead for boards of directors. Individual directors may be fatigued from the challenges of recent years, and lacking appetite to carry on. Some may find it all too daunting and decide to throw in the towel, and hand over to others. It’s easy to assume a director isn’t subject to any ongoing obligations or risks following their resignation (aside from any restrictive covenants), and that they can just walk away. Whilst an individual director’s general directors’ duties may end when they cease to be a director, there are some instances when they may find themselves still personally liable to claims post resignation.
Even if a director ❛❛ resigns while the
company is solvent, their conduct may still be investigated ❜❜ 26
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LEGAL
The key to minimising the risk is to ensure that, while you’re in office as a director, the company’s finances are properly managed, and to deal with any pressing matters (where you can). Practical steps you can take are:
The circumstances when a director may still find themselves personally liable after resigning include where – while in office as a director: n they acted negligently or fraudulently, or in breach of their directors’ duties. If so, they can be held personally liable for any losses incurred by the company as a result. This applies whether or not the company goes bust, although insolvency often precipitates the issue as administrators and liquidators, more often than not, pursue these claims. However, other directors and shareholders can also pursue them against former directors on behalf of the company; n they allowed the company to continue trading when they knew, or ought to have known, that there was no reasonable prospect of it avoiding insolvency, and they failed to take every practicable step to minimise the loss to creditors. This is known as wrongful trading; n they put themselves in a position where their interests conflicted with those of the company, or they harmed its interests for their personal benefit. For example, by exploiting their position to benefit personally from company property, information or opportunities; and/or by diverting profits that the company would otherwise have benefited from; n they accepted unauthorised benefits or payments from a third party; or n they personally guaranteed company liabilities. Dependent on the guarantee terms they may remain liable for these regardless of whether or not they continue to be a director.
n know what’s in the company’s constitution (and any related shareholder agreements) and that you comply with it; n maintain accurate and up-to-date financial management information – it’s no good if it’s not current. Don’t wait until the year end accounts – it’s usually at least nine months out of date by then;
The key to ❛❛ minimising the risk
is to ensure that, while you’re in office as a director, the company’s finances are properly managed ❜❜ Even if a director resigns while the company is solvent, their conduct may still be investigated – and they may be open to claims – if it goes bust in the years following (generally the following three years). If the company goes bust and they are found to have contributed to the company’s failure prior to resigning, as well as claims for the above, they could also face disqualification from acting as a director of another company for up to 15 years under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.
n prepare and regularly review and update business plans and forecasts; n hold regular board meetings to review the business plan, the company’s finances, and other matters. Keep proper minutes of those meetings, and the reasons for decisions made. This will help spot potential problems early on, and enable decisions to be explained when they are questioned years down the line; n take professional advice as and when you need it. The earlier you do so, the more options you’re likely to have. The above is a general guide only. The expert team here at DMH Stallard is able and always happy to assist both boards and individual directors who need more tailored advice.
Frank Bouette is a Partner at DMH Stallard, who heads up the Restructuring and Insolvency Team. Frank is recognised as an expert in restructuring and insolvency law and one who provides decisive, practical solutions. Please get in touch: Tel: +44(0)1293 558554 E: Frank.bouette@dmhstallard.com
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FINANCE
Research from Allica Bank suggests that small and medium-sized businesses are holding an astonishing £273 billion in cash in low or no interest bank accounts. But just what should businesses do with cash reserves to make them work harder, ask funding experts, Abbey Watkins and John Walsham of Kreston Reeves
SME CASH RESERVES SMEs are the engines of the UK economy. The trade body, the Federation of Small Businesses, reports that there are 5.5 million small businesses in the UK, employing over 16 million people, accounting for half of the turnover of the UK’s entire private sector. The financial health and success of SMEs matters.
The SME landscape is, of course, nuanced, with many businesses enormously successful, holding considerable cash reserves while others operate on a more hand-tomouth basis. SMEs have felt the economic crunch of the pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis harder and deeper.
❛❛ Research from Allica Bank suggests
that small and medium-sized businesses are holding an astonishing £273 billion in cash in low or no interest bank accounts ❜❜
Yet, Allica Bank’s research, published in a report called The Great British Savings Squeeze: A Report Into the State of the UK Business Savings Market, is astonishing. Of the £273 billion in cash reserves, £149 billion sits languishing in accounts with zero interest, with the remainder typically earning less than 2%. Allica Bank suggests that £7.5 billion a year is effectively being lost from this interest rate deficit. For many, holding cash reserves has been a lifeline, keeping businesses going through some of the toughest trading conditions in recent memory. But it does beg the question just what should a business do with cash reserves in bank accounts that offer little in way of return? What other options are open to them and what are the risks? Making cash reserves work harder for a business will always be a balancing act between ease of access, liquidity requirements and appetite for risk. Here are a few options that businesses might want to consider. There is, of course, the caveat that business owners and directors should always take professional advice before taking action.
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FINANCE
BUILD THE BUSINESS
Whilst savings and investment products have a valuable role to play, perhaps the best option for business owners is to invest and grow their business. That might be through the investment in plant and machinery to improve ef f icie n cy (wi th at trac tive ta x incentives), commercial premises for the business itself or to lease to other businesses, or in the people employed. In a tight labour market, ensuring you continue to attract and retain the very best people is a significant competitive advantage.
HIGH INTEREST ACCOUNTS
It is still possible to find high yield savings accounts offered by business banks. Interest rates are unlikely to be high – perhaps between 3.5% and 4.8% – and will require a minimum balance to be retained.
MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS
Typically, money market accounts require a fixed deposit held for a set period of time. Interest will be calculated depending on the size of the deposit and agreed length, which can be anywhere from a few days, to a few months, or even years. Cash deposits will be tied to the agreed deposit period.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
A certificate of deposit is a savings product that offers higher rates of interest on lump sum deposits. However, cash must be committed for an agreed period of time with penalties for early withdrawal.
STOCKS AND SHARES
Whilst there is scope for higher returns, the stock market does fluctuate making it a riskier investment. A diversified investment portfolio can counter that risk.
PEER TO PEER INVESTMENT PLATFORMS
P2P platforms allow businesses and individuals with cash to invest in other businesses. They have the potential for higher returns yet with the risk of higher default, low liquidity and no insurance cover. There are other more niche options open to businesses, such as currency exchange and digital currencies, that are considerably higher risk and not always a se nsib l e o pti o n fo r inexperienced investors. Businesses should also note that the Financial Services Compensation Fund offers protection on savings held by banks of up to £85,000 (per bank, not individual account) should that funder collapse. This protection is not extended, for example, to peer to peer investment platforms.
Looking to future growth, a business with significant cash reserves might want to explore acquiring key parts of its supply chain or competitors to build a bigger and more resilient business. We recognise that most entrepreneurs do not start a business with growth through acquisition as a strategy or priority and this might at first seem a daunting prospect. Yet with specialist advisers working alongside the business, it can relatively straightforward process. Directors should not overlook their own personal financial future and take advantage of the generous tax position on pension contributions. In reality, businesses with strong cash reserves are likely to adopt a mix of different approaches depending on the needs of the business. But leaving cash in poorly performing bank accounts makes little commercial sense.
To learn how you can balance risk and returns for optimal financial growth, please contact Abbey Watkins or John Walsham: Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Call: 0330 124 1399 Visit: www.krestonreeves.com
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SUSSEX
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The investment aims to enable more than a million British people to gain crucial skills in AI over the next three years
MICROSOFT TO INJECT £2.5BN TO JUMPSTART THE UK’S AI INDUSTRY On January 18th, the US tech giant, Microsoft, announced a staggering $3.2bn investment into the UK over the next three years in a move to drive future growth within the emerging artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The funding will more than double Microsoft’s data centre footprint in Britain, providing the infrastructure crucial for new AI models to work. Microsoft’s announcement has provided lawmakers and investors with much needed optimism in the future of the UK’s macroeconomy, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt declaring that date to be a “massive day in the UK’s ambition to be the next Silicon Valley”. Claire Trachet, CEO/Founder of leading business advisory, Trachet, welcomes the move as a significant step towards the UK’s ambitions to become a global tech leader whilst also urging legislators to take this opportunity to address the risks of a fast-growing, under-regulated sector.
Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar investment will enable more than a million people to gain crucial skills in the burgeoning sector, bringing more than 20,000 of the most advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) into Britain, and kickstart the growth of AI infrastructure across sites in London, Cardiff and potentially the North of England. Following the Autumn Statement 2023 that saw an additional £500m committed to the development of the UK’s computer capacity, the UK is well poised to become an AI powerhouse over the next several years. Claire Trachet asserts that continued capital investment into the UK’s AI infrastructure will provide the backbone of Britain’s ambitions to become a global leader in the tech sector, with Microsoft’s announcement providing the most significant step towards this goal. However, Trachet herself notes that whilst the announcement should be welcomed by those looking to invest in the growing market, policymakers and legislators should be turning their attention towards making AI an industry that works for everyone through pursuing regulation that fosters innovation whilst, at the same time, protecting consumers. Currently, the UK lags sorely behind the EU, US and China in the policy area of AI regulation. Claire comments: “This announcement should provide some much needed optimism to those initially sceptical of the UK’s ambitions to become an AI powerhouse. The $3.2bn will hopefully lay the bedrock for continued interest and enthusiasm within the burgeoning tech sector.
Microsoft’s multi-billiondollar investment will enable more than a million people to gain crucial skills in the burgeoning sector
“Coupled with the additional £500m in funding promised in the Autumn Statement, smaller-scale start-ups and SMEs, the backbone of the tech sector, will have renewed confidence to deliver cutting-edge products to market faster and ensure that Britain doesn’t lose its spot as a leader in Europe for this sector. “However, what policymakers mustn’t lose sight of, is the essential need for regulation and a cohesive roadmap detailing the exact trajectory of the UK’s AI ambitions. At a time of sustained, high interest rates, investors can no longer take promises of growth for granted. Venture capital funds and high net worth individuals are more frequently ranking security and transparency as core values when it comes to making investment decisions, and the UK should take this opportunity to join the likes of the US and EU in the pursuit of sensitive regulation.”
Microsoft President Brad Smith stated: “Microsoft is committed as a company to ensuring that the UK as a country has a world-leading AI infrastructure.” The funding, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, will more than double Microsoft’s data centre footprint in the UK, providing the infrastructure crucial for the new AI models to work. As a part of the deal, the company will bring more than 20,000 of most advanced Graphics Processing Units to Britain, tech which is key to machine learning and developing AI. The investment includes a training plan to help ensure Britons have the skills they need to build and work with AI.
SUSSEX
TECH WEEK
LEGAL
Corporate Commentary Welcome to this monthly series for business owners, where myself and my team aim to demystify the corporate market and highlight trends in a non-technical manner Jonathan Grant Partner and Head of Corporate
IS THE M&A MARKET ABOUT TO TURN? Private Equity (PE) has been notable by its absence in 2023, and the resulting M&A market was more challenging, with less pressure on buyers to close deals. Given many PE deals are supported by debt, the high cost of borrowing combined with a series of global disruptions have limited appetite. While we are not out of the woods yet, the picture is beginning to change. Certain sectors which have been quiet, such as travel, are now returning to a more normal pattern. Capital markets are becoming more active after a quiet couple of years, led in part by investors factoring in interest rate drops in 2024, plus increasing demand for natural resources and minerals. Whilst global events continue to have the potential to disrupt trade, the immediate impact of war and lockdown have been (largely) adjusted for. PE are targeting high net worth investors looking for more exciting returns; this produces pressure to invest into growing businesses. PE need to “turn” their investments every three to five years, to generate required returns to investors. Many of those sales have been delayed over recent years, given the slower M&A market, but will need to happen soon. Sales will often be to other PE houses (secondary/tertiary deals) but they can also lead to IPOs, or trade sales.
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Capital markets are ❛❛ becoming more active
after a quiet couple of years, led in part by investors factoring in interest rate drops in 2024
❜❜
While trade deals, management buyouts (MBOs) and employee ownership trusts (EOTs) have filled some of the gap left by PE, a more active PE market will increase competition for quality assets, impacting price and the pressure to close deals quickly. This will in turn drive up prices and reduce deal timetables. Businesses coming to market in this climate are well advised to take time and be well prepared. Whilst businesses can
wait for an approach, having your story and numbers clear, puts you in a far better negotiating position. Finally (in case you have missed it), there will be an election in 2024/very early 2025, with the potential for tax changes. Whilst this should never be a reason for businesses to sell, the current attractive Capital Gains Tax rates will tempt some to take the opportunity while certain.
If you would like to discuss any of these themes further, please get in touch with either: Jonathan Grant Partner and Head of Corporate Mobile: +44 (0)7912 087173 E: Jonathan.Grant@dmhstallard.com
CELEBRATING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards - 21st March 2024
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The 2024 winners of the prestigious Gatwick Diamond Business Awards will be announcedon the 21st March, in the Empress Suite of The Grand Hotel, Brighton. Join us for apre-dinner drinks reception, before taking your seat for a sumptuous three course dinner and wine, with our celebrity host, Simon Brodkin. Acclaimed character comedian and “the world’s most famous blagger” (The Daily Telegraph), Simon is now performing as himself and is fresh off a sold-out, critically acclaimed 120-date international tour with his latest show, Screwed Up. The show had performed to sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 and Dominic Maxwell (The Times) said “no show has made (him) laugh more than this one…”. Simon’s many television appearances include Live at the Apollo and Sunday Night at the Palladium, as well as his own documentary Britain’s Greatest Hoaxer on Channel 4. Britain’s Greatest Hoaxer was nominated for best Documentary at the Monte Carlo TV Festival Golden Nymph Awards 2018. Recently, Simon broke records on TikTok with one of his videos reaching over 40 million views, making it the most viewed video by any British comedian ever. This Black-Tie event will once again see the very best of the Gatwick Diamond Business community come together to celebrate the achievements of World-Class businesses in this World Class region. Now in their 16th year, the Awards are a well-established highlight of the business calendar. They celebrate the achievements of individual businesses and business people across a wide range of categories. Importantly, they also showcase the success of the Gatwick Diamond economic area as major driver of the regional and national economies.
18:00
Evening starts with the Pre-Dinner Reception
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21:30
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21:45
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23:00
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INNOVATION Workplace interior design says a lot about your business and its culture. Driven by the hybrid and remote work revolution, companies are re-evaluating the look and feel of their office space and trying to understand what helps to make a great environment to work. Sussex Innovation’s Joseph Bradfield explores some of the current trends
PUTTING YOUR STAMP ON YOUR SPACE “One of the unique hallmarks of Sussex Innovation Centre, ever since we first opened, is that we’re happy for our tenants to make the space their own,” says Simon Chuter, Sussex Innovation’s Head of Centres. “Initially that was because lots of our members work in science or technology and needed to be able to bring in workbenches or a laboratory setup. More recently we’ve realised that it’s attractive for any small business to be able to put their own stamp on their space.” But seeing as most business owners don’t double as interior designers, what are the quickest and most effective ways of making your office feel like home? Here are three strategies that can help to create a unique feel to your space – and have an impact on your work culture.
Most forward❛❛ thinking interior
designers now seek to build ‘hybrid’ spaces that encourage teams to move between both work modes throughout the day ❜❜
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FROM OPEN PLAN TO CUBICLE AND BACK AGAIN
The history of office design is a constant push and pull between creating a private or public space. For the first half of the 20th century, most workplaces followed a similar model: upper management in private offices, and employees at rows of desks or workstations. In the 1960s, the ‘Action Office’ system developed by designer furniture company Herman Miller invented the cubicle - a radical new concept that would give employees their own sense of privacy and personal space at work. It didn’t take long for the cubicle to itself become a symbol of dehumanisation at work and, during the dotcom boom of the 80s and 90s, a backlash led by Silicon Valley’s start-ups ushered in a return to open plan offices with shared social space.
The pendulum continues to swing between each philosophy because both come with their own advantages and challenges. Very few people work in the same way 24/7 – sometimes we need quiet, focused time without distractions, and other times we need conversation and collaboration to stimulate ideas and creativity. M o s t fo r wa rd - thi n k i n g i nte r i o r designers now seek to build ‘hybrid’ spaces that encourage teams to move between both work modes throughout the day, as the situation demands. Ironically, this is closer to the original intention of the Action Office concept; a modular approach to office design that could be used to create different pockets of space and encourage flexibility.
INNOVATION COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY
Colour plays a surprisingly big role in creativity, productivity and general mood and, much like the layout of your office furniture, it pays to design a mixed-use space that doesn’t lean too heavily on any one colour. Consider how different areas of your workplace may be used, and emphasise different colours accordingly: n W hite is by far the most common workplace paint colour, helping the space to look larger and more ordered. However, large expanses of white can begin to feel very sterile, and has been shown to drain people’s energy and creativity. n R eds and yellows can stimulate energy, motivation and positivity. Too much of either is likely to induce stress, anxiety and agitation though, so use them sparingly as accent colours throughout your space, or to foster warm emotions as you enter the office. n Green, particularly brighter shades, is a good choice for creative space, but can have a negative effect on concentration if it is too dominant. You might want to use it in a meeting area that is set aside for collaborating and coming up with new ideas.
PLANT LIFE
For many years, greenery in the office environment was a relative rarity, considered too difficult and expensive to maintain. But more recently, a series of psychological studies has revealed striking conclusions about the benefits of working around plant life. The presence of plants has been linked to the body producing fewer stress hormones, which in turn has a knock-on effect on everything from increased concentration and focus to reduced absence from illness. A further health benefit comes from the improved air quality in enclosed spaces; houseplants clean the environment of pollutants that can cause headaches, fatigue and allergies. A Cardiff University study offers the most conclusive evidence of the commercial impact these factors can have, showing that of f ices landscaped with plants experienced a boost of up to 15% in productivity.
The history of ❛❛ office design is a constant push and pull between creating a private or public space ❜❜ Plants can also be used to complement the hybrid office layouts described above, acting as natural buffers to reduce noise pollution and creating private space. Finally, a more aesthetically pleasing environment is likely to make the workplace a more appealing place for employees to spend their time.
n Blue has a calming effect and can help with productive ‘deep work’. A neutral blue can be an effective choice for subtly changing someone’s mood and encouraging intellectual thought when they sit down at a workstation or pod. n Grey also puts people in a professional frame of mind, and can aid focus. Be careful to mix up different shades of grey to prevent your space from feeling too oppressive and dull. n Black helps to bring a more luxurious feeling to a space, but absorbs natural light when used too much. It makes a good accent colour in areas designed for taking a break.
If you’re looking for a serviced office to make your own, visit www.sussexinnovation.co.uk/ find-your-space for more information about joining the community of tenants at Sussex Innovation.
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FINANCE
By Adrian Alexander, Partner at FRP Corporate Finance
NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES At the start of a new year, it’s a natural time for business owners across the South East to reflect on how far their companies have come in the past 12 months and to consider their ambitions for the future. It’s an opportunity to take a holistic view of plans and to think about a strategy that will ultimately get them where they want to be. That can be difficult in a rapidly changing market like the one we are experiencing right now, so it’s always useful to get an expert eye to help identify the options available and to ask the right questions. Is this a good time to exit a business? If so, what route is best? Trade sale, management buyout, employee ownership trust, merger – or something else? Perhaps to realise their business’ full value, owners will need to grow their companies fur ther. If that’s the
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case, should they be looking to grow by acquisition or organically, and what funding do they need? While there is cash available from investors, there’s no doubt that fundraising is more challenging in the current environment. Private equity investors, in particular, are monitoring firms’ performances more closely and for longer, conducting more detailed due diligence than they perhaps previously did before investing. That means that, for those seeking investment, preparation is key.
A corporate finance ❛❛ adviser will be an important
ally to ensure all the investor’s criteria are well understood ❜❜
FINANCE AN IMPORTANT ALLY
Against this backdrop, a corporate finance adviser will be an important ally to ensure all the investor’s criteria are well understood and that a business is genuinely on track to meet those benchmarks. At FRP Corporate Finance, we’ve continued to see interest from private equit y investors, par ticularly in businesses with reliable recurring revenues. They are now also looking for the security that comes with long-term contracts, such as in the facilities management sector, even where there is a reliance on a relatively small number of customers, which they might have shied away from previously.
OVERSEAS INTEREST
When it comes to M&A activity, the main trend we have seen over the last few years is the large number of overseas buyers for relatively smaller companies compared to a few years ag o , in c lu din g own e r- manag e d businesses. This is set to continue and opens up an additional pool of potential international buyers We recently advised Eastbourne-based Go Plastic Pallets, a leading independent supplier of plastic pallets, on its sale to Dutch products and logistics services provider, Rotom Group. We negotiated the deal and project managed the transaction process, having previously provided advice to the shareholders with a view to their ultimate exit. I had personally worked with the team at Go Plastic Pallets for many years, providing strategic growth advice, so this was a particularly satisfying outcome.
It’s always useful to get an expert ❛❛ eye to help identify the options available and to ask the right questions ❜❜ International companies are interested in investing here, and see the UK as a strategic location to do business. It’s also hard to set up a business from scratch, especially if they’re trying to do so from another country. It can therefore be a much easier option to acquire an existing business that can give them a new platform for growth. When I was a guest at the recent Sussex Business Awards, it was clear that the county’s business community has a defiantly optimistic and entrepreneurial outlook. At FRP, we’re embedded in that community and have a deep-seated experience working with local firms and helping them to achieve their full potential. We have a depth and diversity of exper tise through our Corporate Finance, Debt Advisor y and Restructuring teams to support firms at all stages of their evolution. When it’s time to take the next step, or simply assess your options, we’re here and happy to help.
www.frpadvisory.com
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FINANCE
By Michael Pay, EMC Corporate Finance
The M&A forecast for 2024 is warm, with the possibility of some cold blasts EMC ended 2023 with another completion - the sale of Falanx Cyber Security to Wavenet, concluding, not only a great year, but also our 35th year serving the business community across the region. As we look forward to this year, the landscape for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the UK appears poised for opportunities. The reversal of 2023’s inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and falling consumer confidence, being replaced in 2024 by wage growth catching up with price increases, lowering of interest rates and increasing business, if not consumer, confidence, is expected to bring about a resurgence of deal making activity in 2024. To understand this resurgence, particularly from a seller’s perspective, one only has to consider the effects that the macro-economic impacts had on deal activity during 2023.
❛❛ Although it did
not quite fall off a cliff, it [2023] was definitely quieter than in previous years ❜❜
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FINANCE
Although it did not quite fall off a cliff, it was definitely quieter than in previous years. Acquisitions of UK targets were down by almost 20% from 2022’s ten-year high of almost 3,222 deals, as reported by Experian’s Market IQ. Experian has reported 2,780 acquisitions of UK targets in 2023. The backlog arising from fewer acquisitions happening will undoubtedly have built up a backlog of sellers wanting to exit. Match this with a, hopefully, more benign economic environment and a potential for a change in Government, and 2024 could see more opportunities for acquirers as sellers come to market.
❛❛ The hope
that consumer confidence will result in increased spending, will push corporate buyers back into the market ❜❜
On the other side of the coin buyers, particularly Private Equity, need to deploy capital. For Private Equity, even though 2023 was shaping up to be a lower call on funds than in 2023, they still spent less than they raised. Funds are rewarded on investing and can be penalised for not doing so. With many funds sitting on the fence in 2023, this coming year will mean there is additional pressure to invest and they have a lot of money to do that. The latest estimate, by S&P Global Market Intelligence, reported that Private Equity dry powder is 8% higher than in December 2022, at a staggering $2.59 trillion. Similarly, for corporates who have built up cash reserves, the need to increase market share in low growth economies will create a resurgence of activity. The hope that consumer confidence will result in increased spending, will push corporate buyers back into the market. Over 2024 the cost of capital is expected to reduce with falling interest rates easing financial burdens on acquiring entities. This will catalyse an upswing in
deal activity as companies find it more appealing to engage in strategic acquisitions. Yet, amidst the opportunities, challenges emerge. The impact of geopolitical uncertainties, such as the current events in the shipping lanes of the Red Sea; the potential for political change, with 64 elections involving almost half of the world’s population going to the polls, including the UK and US; regulatory changes, and global economic tensions all continue to cast shadows over the M&A horizon. Those contemplating deals must carefully navigate this intricate landscape, conducting thorough due diligence to mitigate potential risks. In conclusion, a bounce back in business confidence adds a layer of optimism to the M&A landscape. Companies, buoyed by positive economic sentiment, may be more willing to explore expansion through acquisitions. Confidence often translates to a willingness to take calculated risks, fostering a climate where strategic M&A decisions are seen as growth enablers rather than potential liabilities and the pent-up demand of willing sellers will, almost certainly, result in a positive year for 2024’s M&A market. At EMC, we are already seeing an increase in activity, with more business owners coming in to discuss their succession plans and exits and more buyers seeking opportunities. If you would like to know what the future could have in store for you, we would be delighted to have a confidential discussion to help you understand your options.
Michael Pay is co-founder of EMC Corporate Finance www.emcltd.co.uk
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LEGAL
Pam Loch, Managing Director of Loch Associates Group, discusses the issue of untrained managers in the workplace
AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN
The prevalence of the ‘Accidental Manager’ There’s plenty that can go wrong in a workplace. From colleague clashes, to health and safety hazards, right the way through to economic emergencies. However, the issue we come across most regularly is untrained, underperforming and, frankly, unnerved ‘Accidental Managers’. Poor people management can lead to reduced retention, poor performance and conflicts, complaints and claims. Despite this, few workplaces invest in management training, preferring instead to promote technically proficient team members to people management positions in the vague hope they’ll thrive, or at least survive (and ignoring the risks that let an untrained manager loose on an unsuspecting team brings with it). It doesn’t have to be that way. Organisations of all sizes can, and should, provide manager training, both prior to the commencement of and during their management journey. Doing so will reap rewards, from improved staff retention, to increased organisational performance, which can be achieved by having more confident and competent managers.
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WHAT IS AN ‘ACCIDENTAL MANAGER’?
Accidental managers are employees who, generally as a result of their technical skills, are ‘rewarded’ with managerial promotion, but given little to no training in connection with the people management element of the role they’re stepping into. We see it often in the legal sector. Brilliant lawyers promoted to ‘Head of Department’ with zero pe ople management training and limited soft skills. They don’t thrive. They sometimes survive. They often burnout and cause damage along the way. Managers lacking training often fail to articulate relevant goals, to provide regular recognition, to intervene when stress levels are intensifying, to devote suf ficient time to learning and development or to provide adequate support to their team. Unfortunately, these are the very things employees crave and value. The legal sector is certainly not alone. According to research carried out by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in June 2023, over two thirds of UK managers would categorise themselves
as ‘Accidental Managers’. The absence of training isn’t solely reserved for first-time managers. According to the research, while 82% of those who enter management positions have not had any management training, the same also goes for a staggering 26% of those in senior management positions. Managing people is a skill that requires training and practice. The old adage, that leaders are born, has repeatedly been debunked. Leadership capability isn’t a genetic gift – leaders are created through appropriate training and lots of practice.
❛❛ Accidental
managers are employees who, generally as a result of their technical skills, are ‘rewarded’ with managerial promotion ❜❜
LEGAL
❛❛ From the
performance perspective, research from Lumien reports that untrained managers can cause as much as a 16% drop in productivity ❜❜ SO…WHAT TO DO?
BAD MANAGEMENT IS BAD FOR BUSINESS
Supporting the notion that people don’t quit a job, they quit a boss, a 2022 Visier Poll reported that more than two in five employees have left a job because of a bad manager, with 38% reporting staying in a job longer than they intended because of a good manager. Management can be ‘make or break’ when it comes to employee retention which, given the war for talent we’re currently experiencing, is particularly relevant. From the performance perspective, research from Lumien reports that untrained managers can cause as much as a 16% drop in productivity (equivalent to over £5,000 per employee based on an average UK salary of £31,461). Many untrained managers often fear difficult conversations, lacking the skills and knowledge to embark on them clearly and confidently. The result – they don’t happen, leading strong workers to leave and poor performers to be allowed to stick around, unchecked and underperforming, for years.
We also should not forget the increasing concern regarding mental ill-health across the UK. According to Deloitte, UK businesses could save as much as £45 billion per year if they invested in worker wellbeing support. While that might include offering an Employee Assistance Programme or providing subsidised subscriptions to mindfulness apps, there’s no replacement for supportive management. In its 2022 guidelines on mental health at work, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised this when it strongly recommended, for the first time, manager training as par t of its preventative strategy. The WHO’s recommendations reflect on the countless managers who lack the skills needed to spot the signs of, or support employees with, mental health challenges, and employees do not discuss their mental ill-health with their manager for fear of being stigmatised or judged incapable.
It’s vital to remember the skills gap isn’t, generally speaking, the fault of the managers themselves. According to Investors in People, 71% of UK employers admit they don’t train first time managers. So, rather than blaming untrained managers for their shortcomings, employers should focus on putting in place a programme to ensure their managers have the necessary understanding, tools and confidence to succeed. From communication skills, to performance management, through to emotional intelligence and selfawareness, there’s plenty of training employers can and should provide. If you want to be more creative, consider matching your managers with coaches or mentors, to help them grow and develop. Wondering where to start? Why not ask your existing managers what they want and need from a training perspective and what they would have benefited from before they took on their first management role. This will give you a good idea of areas for development, as well as demonstrating your desire to provide useful training and ongoing support. Why don’t you make it your mission to take management skills seriously in 2024?
Pam Loch, Solicitor and Managing Director of Loch Associates Group www.lochassociates.co.uk
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2023 stood out as a remarkable year within the vibrant business community of Surrey Research Park, characterised by dynamic innovation and thriving industry
Surrey Research Park sets the stage for innovation and growth Situated in Guildford, the Research Park, which is owned and managed by the University of Surrey, is home to over 200 science and technology enterprises, ranging from established leaders to emerging start-ups. Over the course of the year, the tenants of the Park made substantial contributions to both the local Surrey economy and the broader UK economic landscape. In fact, in a significant milestone, the University unveiled its Economic Impact
Report, assigning a tangible value to a myriad of innovation suppor t activities, including those directly linked to Surrey Research Park’s endeavours. According to the report, published in March, the GVA (Gross Value Added) of these innovation activities stands at an impressive £660 million annually, supporting 7,640 jobs. As the team eagerly anticipates the possibilities 2024 holds, its commitment remains steadfast in consolidating the
❛❛ Surrey Research Park isn’t just
a place for business – it’s a dynamic ecosystem where innovation thrives ❜❜
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Park’s position as the ultimate destination for pioneering research and, beyond this, propelling economic growth and fostering employment opportunities within the region. For Caroline Fleming, who has recently assumed an expanded role at the University as Director of the Surrey Innovation District, overseeing the leadership of relationships within Surrey Research Park, the vision is clear. She explains, “The Surrey Innovation District is the beating heart of innovation in Surrey. We want to draw together the industry, academic and civic contributions and collaborations that suppor t star t- ups and growing businesses of all shapes and sizes to drive regional growth and positive societal impact.”
BUSINESS Members of the Surrey Research Park ecosystem, comprising industry-leading businesses working across sectors such as space, digital, environmental, animal health and human health, enjoy access to an extensive network of support. This encompasses first-class facilities, prime real estate options and an array of other resources, services and events designed to provide everything needed for starting up, scaling up and achieving success. The Park offers a diverse range of spaces tailored to accommodate businesses of all sizes. From collaborative co-working environments at Surrey Technology Centre (STC) and Rocketdesk to expansive real estate extending up to 40,000 sq ft, each option is designed to seamlessly support company growth and movement, featuring flexible leasing arrangements. Individual commercial units, which can be readily adapted to create wet or dry laboratories, start at 1,000 sq ft and are available on a minimum three-year lease term. Alongside dedicated parking, they boast thoughtfully designed green spaces that contribute to enhanced biodiversity. There are currently a number of vacancies at Surrey Technology Centre, a dedicated space for small research, development and design technology companies, located within Surrey Research Park. Tenancies come with a flexible contract, requiring just a 30-day notice period, making it a great choice for early-stage start-ups.
Every STC unit is complete with broadband, car parking and a telephone system, with broadband service offered at a significant capacity and additional capacity available for tenants with high demands. Strategically positioned with excellent travel links to London, Surrey Research Park is overseen by a devoted onsite property management team committed to supporting tenants through every step of their entrepreneurial journey. It goes beyond the conventional idea of a managed office or lab space; it’s a true home – a vibrant centre for networking, innovation and growth.
£660m
the annual GVA of Surrey Research Park
The benefits offered within the Park innovation ecosystem are vast. Whether you’re in pursuit of investment or funding, seek networking opportunities or aspire to collaborate with the UK’s leading academics, the affiliation with the University of Surrey guarantees unparalleled access. As a tenant, you will be equipped with the best chance to recruit highly skilled talent, engage in collaborative research and development (R&D) projects and tap into a varied spectrum of innovation and business growth services throughout the district. Specifically tailored for tech start-ups, the SETsquared Surrey business incubator offers focused growth support, including the facilitation of Angel investments through the exclusive S100 Club. As far as amenities go, there is an onsite café, corporate hospitality services, meeting room rentals, an e-shuttle bus service from the train station, bike storage, showers and a host of other conveniences to ensure smooth business operations. The site features 12 solar-powered EV charging bays, and tenants have access to a variety of nearby facilities and services, ranging from discounted health and wellbeing options at Surrey Sports Park to multimillion-pound centres of excellence at the University and local nursery provisions. Surrey Research Park isn’t just a place for business – it’s a dynamic ecosystem where innovation thrives. From groundbreaking satellite development to revolutionary strides in animal cancer treatment, companies based there are global leaders, positioned to shape the future of science and technology. As we step into 2024, the prospects for Surrey Research Park are brighter than ever, and the team looks forward to sharing and celebrating the numerous achievements and success stories of their esteemed members.
https://surrey-research-park.com
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IS YOUR BUSINESS LOOKING TO DEVELOP A NEW IDEA? We can help you address your innovation challenges by connecting you to world-class expertise, technology and facilities. If you are a small or medium-sized business looking for solutions to develop your next product or service, we would like to help. Register your interest today and we’ll be in touch. Once we agree a way forward, we may be able to draw down funding to support any resulting collaborations. So, whether you’re just getting started or already have an idea that you’d like to develop, please email us at collaborate@sussex.ac.uk
By James Turner Head of Commercial at Creative Pod
Creative Pod facilitates Rubix VT – Brighton Half Marathon partnership Creative Pod, the Crawley-based marketing and sponsorship consultancy, has announced a three-year sponsorship deal between Sussex-based telecoms company, Rubix VT, and Brighton Half Marathon. Rubix VT, based at the Sussex Innovation Centre, will be the headline sponsor for the upcoming event and continue as the main sponsor for the following two editions. The partnership was brokered through Creative Pod’s specialist sponsorship sister company, ECHO International, who played a pivotal role in bringing together these sponsorship partners. It marks a strategic effort to enhance community engagement, promote healthy living, and elevate the event experience over the next three years.
James Turner, the Head of Commercial at Creative Pod and ECHO International, commented, “We believed Rubix VT and the Brighton Half Marathon were the perfect match for this sponsorship. This long-term commitment emphasises the relationship between community-centric companies and flagship events.” As the headline sponsor, Rubix VT will enjoy prominent visibility throughout each event, connecting with thousands of participants, spectators, and media representatives. “We are excited to be the headline sponsor for the Brighton Half Marathon for the next three years, a renowned event that aligns perfectly with Rubix VT’s values of community, health, and
“The Brighton Half Marathon, which takes place ❛❛ across the city on February 25th, is expected to draw participants from across the region” ❜❜
vitality. This commitment reflects our dedication to supporting local initiatives and allows us to build lasting connections with a diverse audience who share our passion for well-being,” commented Nick Poyner, Managing Director at Rubix VT. The Brighton Half Marathon, which takes place across the city on February 25th, is expected to draw participants from across the region, making it an ideal platform for Rubix VT to showcase its community engagement and corporate responsibility.
www.creativepod.uk.com www.rubixvt.com https://brightonhalfmarathon.com
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LEGAL New legislation regarding recovering costs in a civil dispute has been recently introduced. Where the government has sought to simplify, it may have inadvertently confused the issue. By Helen Bell, Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution at Mayo Wynne Baxter
THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF COSTS RECOVERY It was not that long ago that a solicitor could confidently advise their client that if they succeed in their case, the court will order the losing party to pay their costs. From an individual’s perspective, if you have to take a matter to court and the court agrees that money is owed
then isn’t it reasonable to expect your losing opponent to have to pay your costs? No longer can you make that assumption. When considering the commerciality of seeking redress in the courts, business owners need to factor in these changes.
Prior to embarking on litigation, it pays to be armed ❛❛ with some fairly detailed knowledge about how much you might be able to recover
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❜❜
Over the last decade or so, we have had a huge amount of legislation which limits a successful party’s right to recover their costs. The well-intentioned aim has always been to try and limit the costs of litigation and bring certainty to those who find themselves wronged and having to consider if they want to bring a claim in court.
LEGAL One unintended consequence may be to further limit access to justice because the actual costs of taking professional advice from experienced lawyers exceed the costs that they may recover from the opponent – even when that person succeeds and has a very strong claim. Prior to embarking on litigation, it pays to be armed with some fairly detailed knowledge about how much you might be able to recover, even if you obtain a judgement in your favour. On the assumption that you succeed in your case, whether you can recover your costs will largely depend on the value of your claim, the complexity and the stage at which the dispute concludes. For claims with a value of below £10,000, neither party can recover their legal costs even if they obtain a judgement in their favour. On October 1st 2023, the government extended the fixed recoverable costs (FRC) regime for the large majority of claims with a value between £10,000 and £100,000. Save for few exceptions, the costs that you can recover are now fixed. Whilst this has the benefit of certainty, it can throw up some scenarios which might be seen to be unfair for the price of that certainty. One such example is that if you have a claim for, say, £24,500 which is agreed between the parties as involving very complex issues, then the costs that you may recover (currently) from the losing opponent is limited to £2,600 plus an amount equivalent to 15% of the damages (plus £510 per extra defendant) if the matter settles before you issue the claim in court. Most claims are now governed by pre-action protocols which will require you to set out your claim and take certain steps prior to issuing proceedings in accordance with that protocol. A failure to comply with a pre-action protocol can result in an adverse costs order. It follows, therefore, that the stage before issuing proceedings has the potential to be lengthy and involve a lot of time and costs.
The policy behind the FRC regime is to encourage ❛❛ early settlement, but it may also encourage the party bringing the claim to cut corners
The new FRC regime is somewhat at odds with the policy behind the pre-action protocols. Now, the successful party will recover exactly the same amount of costs regardless of whether they have settled the claim shortly after issuing a letter before claim, or settled the claim after having complied with various steps under the protocol, but before issuing proceedings. The policy behind the FRC regime is to encourage early settlement, but it may also encourage the party bringing the claim to cut corners in their haste to issue proceedings and move onto the next stage which brings with it the ability to recover higher costs. There are many other factors that affect the ability to recover costs. For example, if a party unreasonably refuses to engage in settlement discussions, they run the risk of an order that they are not entitled to recover any of their costs even if they have succeeded at trial. The court will always retain the discretion to determine who pays whose costs.
❜❜
A party might also argue that they have a written contractual right to recover costs in certain circumstances. In such cases, this may conflict with the FRC regime. Currently, the position seems to be that a contractual right to recover costs will prevail over the FRC regime, but that right is still restricted by the court’s right to limit those costs to what has been reasonably incurred, and that are reasonable in amount. The new extended regime of fixed recoverable costs reinforces the government’s stated intention to provide certainty for litigants. However, the impact is likely to have unintended and unfair consequences in some cases. Until we have a body of case law to assist us in how to interpret the new regulations, the regime poses many unanswered questions. What remains clear is that it will pay to ensure that you have a thorough knowledge of the cost’s consequences of proposed litigation before you embark on any communications with an opponent.
Helen Bell – a partner in Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP who heads up their Litigation & Dispute Resolution department and specialises in property disputes. hbell@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
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RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, WE NEED YOUR HELP
Could your business be part of our moving story and Help Keep Martlets Caring? If you want to discuss ways your business could support Martlets call our Fundraising team on 01273 747455 or email fundraising@martlets.org.uk
Help Keep Martlets Caring Registered Charity Number: 802145 MN0041
PEST CONTROL
Cleankill Pest Control has seen an increase in calls for help to deal with rats this year following a ‘perfect storm’ of different factors such as flooding and reduced waste collections.
FIGHTING THE RAT RACE with by a professional as soon as they are suspected. Rat populations can increase rapidly if you consider they can have a litter of around six pups, with a gestation period of 21 days. Incredibly, they can become pregnant again within 48 hours of giving birth,” Paul added.
Overspilling bins and bags left in the street offer food for rats. Well-fed rodents are likely to breed more prolifically and survive longer. Meanwhile they are also benefitting from an increased urban fox population who have learned to flip open dustbin lids and spill the contents – creating easy pickings for rats. Cleankill Pest Control Managing Director Paul Bates explains, “Places where waste collections have been reduced are experiencing real problems. The more rats can feed and breed, the more likely people will see them in their homes where they will cause damage and health problems.” Poor drainage, broken pipes and poor sewer maintenance are also adding to the increase in rodents. Rats are excellent swimmers and if there is easy access to drains they will use them to move from site to site. Cleankill advises the fitting of drain interceptors or non-return valves that stop rats getting in or out of drains.
Rats are excellent ❛❛ swimmers and if there is
easy access to drains they will use them to move from site to site ❜❜
The use of plastic flexi hose in modern properties is exacerbating problems. Paul explains, “Rats can chew through plastic hose in seconds. The concertina-like construction of flexi-hose allows them to grip while they gnaw. The result is sewage leaking into the property – horrendous for the property owner. Solid plastic waste pipes should always be used as they are smooth on the inside and longer lasting.”
increased used of bird feeders in gardens. Rats are excellent climbers and, like squirrels, can easily scale bird feeders or will eat any crumbs created by birds when they are feeding. Garden compost heaps are an additional source of food and warmth. Unfortunately, Council cutbacks have resulted in fewer local authority pest controllers and limited free services, and rats are benefiting from this. Increased ‘wilding’ of grass verges and roundabouts along with gardening cut backs are often to blame as well as they provide hiding places.
Less severe winters have also led to an increase in the population along with the
“Rats pose a big health hazard and they breed rapidly, so they need to be dealt
Another factor that is not helping with the increase in rats is DIY pest control. Rats quickly build up resistance to rodenticides if the correct dosage or products are not used. It is far better to call in a trained pest controller who can find and block entry points and use a range of techniques to eradicate problems which, in the case of Cleankill, will be as sustainable as possible. Cleankill is a long-standing member of The British Pest Control Association and has a range of accreditations including: SafeContractor; Achilles Health and Safety, ConstructionLine; ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and Altius Elite Vendor status and Gold Investors in People. As a registered waste carrier, Cleankill can remove pigeon debris and other waste. Award-winning Cleankill Pest Control offers a range of preventive solutions for keeping your premises pest free.
For a free survey or comparison quote go to www.cleankill.co.uk
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ANGER MANAGEMENT
NET ZERO
Chances of achieving it?
...ZERO
By Maarten Hoffmann DISCLAIMER: All views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this publication
I would love to be more positive but realism is a vastly underrated quality, and realism is what the subject of climate change needs. Wishful thinking, platitudes and spin is not helping anyone. There are countless things humans need to do, we are constantly told, to avoid Armageddon. The main one is the use of fossil fuels. This is highly unlikely as China is currently approving two new coal fired power stations per week; at the huge waste of time that was COP28, the oil cartels’ secretary-general insisted a line be entered into the final document text that read ‘we proactively reject any text or formula that targets fossil fuels rather than emissions’; the UK has given the green light for new drilling in the North Sea for gas and oil; the demand for
electric cars is declining across the world (GM, VW and Ford combined have cancelled a total of £14billion of planned investment in EV factories); the UK ban on gas boilers has been watered down to 80% change by 2035 from the original 100% by 2025; the burning of fossil fusels is increasing according to a UN report – a 460% increase in coal production, 83% more gas and 69% more oil. The entire thing is a farce. If the world stopped burning fossil fuels today, the economy of every single country would collapse, fuelling wars, mass starvation and riots the likes of which we have never seen. In addition, the countries using most fossil fuels are countries we have no sway over and they have zero intention of cutting back.
COAL (global share) China 50.5% India 11.3% United States 8.5% Germany 3.0% UK 0.5% OIL (barrels per day) United States 19m China 12m India 4m Japan 4m UK 1.6m GAS (global share) United States 21.7% Russia 12.4% China 5.4% Japan 3.5% UK 2.0%
❛❛ Governments are literally doubling down on fossil fuel production – that spells double trouble for people and planet. Fossil fuels are sending essential climate goals up in smoke ❜❜ António Guterres UN secretary-general
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❛❛ Despite further strong growth in wind and solar
fuels and all will be well in a decade or two is a scam to keep humans calm.
Juliet Davenport president of the UK-based global industry body Energy Institute
We need to learn how to cope with what is coming, and teach the next generation how to cope with a predicted 11ºF (6ºC) increase in the planet’s temperature, according to a repor t from the International Energy Agency.
in the power sector, overall global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions increased again ❜❜
In 2030, if current projections hold, the United States will drill for more oil and gas than at any point in its history. Russia and Saudi Arabia plan to do the same. They’re among the world’s fossil fuel giants that, together, are on course this decade to produce twice the amount of fossil fuels than a critical global warming threshold allows, according to a United Nations-backed report The oceans are another issue as they act as a giant carbon sink, yet we are destroying them so fast they will never keep up. Not only are there plastics being found in the bodies of every marine creature, water companies around the world are polluting them with chemicals way faster than they can recover and, with an increase of 80 million new humans on the planet every year, we are eating the polluted marine life into oblivion. Of course, those extra 80 million a year, on top of the 8.1 billion existing humans, means that the need for more food increases almost every day with a rapidly diminishing supply. One final matter is the world’s forests and trees, another great natural carbon
sink. As we know, the Amazon is being destroyed at the rate of 7,135 square kilometres per day – a 19% increase year on year. Increased population means more housing on green land and the corresponding hospitals, schools and shops that result in concreting over so much land that scientists can’t even calculate it. Oh, and when you enjoy that next fireworks display, remember that globally, fireworks produce 123,422.5 metric tons of carbon a year – the equivalent of another 12,000 diesel cars on the planet. My point is, and l am sorry if it upsets or angers you, it’s all a waste of time. As we have been producing greenhouse gases since 1830 with a massive increase every single year, if we stopped it all tomorrow, it could still take the planet up to a thousand years to recover. The naivety of thinking we can curb the use of fossil
The share of fossil fuels in global energy consumption remained at
Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? There’s a glimmer as science could come to the rescue. There is exciting news of a lithium replacement in car batteries in that zinc can be used and that would be far cheaper and less harmful to source. Technology is moving fast on carbon capture schemes which catches more than 90% of carbon emitted from power plants and industry and burying it in the ground like nuclear waste. There are now eleven under construction and 153 in development around the world. The UK and others are looking at building several mini nuclear reactors to replace the filthy coal and gas fired power stations and reduce emissions. So there is a glimmer but they really need to get a move on. We need to curb it, but – far more importantly – we need to prepare.
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TRAVEL
By Tess de Klerk
Florida’s Space Coast – a stellar experience Florida’s Space Coast is a choice destination for both travellers and space enthusiasts. Along the eastern shoreline of the Sunshine State, this region boasts pristine, sweeping beaches, vibrant communities, and a wide array of attractions - including the iconic Kennedy Space Station. I can’t say I’m a ‘space nerd’, intergalactic travel etc is, of course, interesting but it never was more fascinating to me than, say, the average person. Never in a million years would I have bet on being moved to tears when faced with the Space Shuttle Atlantis or hearing of the bravery of those who ventured in to the unknown. I had clearly underestimated the power of the NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Now, rocket launches aren’t an everyday occurrence at Cape Canaveral and only a few launch dates are actually on the calendar – and even those are subject to change due to the intricacies of blasting tons of tech into space. So you might imagine how very delighted we were when we arrived at our lovely Hilton Cocoa Beach Hotel, and were told that there would be a SpaceX rocket launch the following day – yes, the exact day we had our tickets for!
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We arrived at the centre, bright and early the next morning. As we entered, we were faced by the towering Rocket Garden, showcasing historic launch vehicles from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras. The sense of awe and wonder deepened as we explored the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where the orbiter is displayed in all its glory. It was fascinating learning how high-tech and low-tech was combined on this incredible shuttle that completed 33 manned missions. One example being – the covers which are essentially blankets that were stitched by the ‘Sew Sisters’ on their Singer machines!
The day flew by in a whirlwind of wonder and soon we were seated only a few miles away from SpaceX’s launch pad, waiting for sunset. As the countdown reached its final moments, a palpable sense of excitement filled the air. Lift-off! We marvelled at the sheer power and grace of the rocket as it soared into the boundless sky. I can’t recall any other time when I had felt so moved by the vision of what man can achieve. But this awe-inspiring experience had more to give. The Kennedy Space Center is renowned for its commitment to reusability and, as the rocket returned to Earth, guided by the principles of SpaceX’s Falcon 9, the crowd erupted in applause. The dual display of launch and landing was a vivid show of humanity’s triumphs in space exploration, creating a memory that will forever be etched in my mind.
TRAVEL
❛❛ We have dreamed big. Ventured on
wild seas, lost sight of the land a few times and found stars to guide us on our journey. We expanded our horizons and learned lessons ❜❜ Tom Milner, Space Shuttle engineer
areas provide sanctuary to countless species, including endangered sea turtles, manatees, and diverse bird populations. One of the most popular wildlife refuges in the area is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the US. Take a guided tour or explore on your own to experience the beauty of these unique ecosystems.
We were rather quiet on the way back to Cocoa Beach, assimilating all we had experienced; a day like no other. Rocket launch or not, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center should be experienced by everyone. It is so much more than you would expect. In fact, Florida’s Space Coast is more than I expected. It is not only the place for space. Cocoa Beach, for one, is known for its sandy shores and surfworthy waves. The vibe is cool and relaxed, somehow intermingled with the passion and excitement that everyone related to NASA seems to be walking around with. There is a sense of very proud-of-place locals who are thrilled to have you there, happy to share their knowledge. The region is home to over 250 square miles of wildlife refuges. These protected
boat, and fish seemed to fly from the waters around us. This was all the while learning about local history from our passionate guide; a morning well spent. I, for one, am hooked. I’m already planning my return for August 2024, to hopefully coinciding with NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 launch.
We chose the 1000 islands: In Search of Wildlife pontoon boat tour with Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours. It was a good choice – searching was hardly necessary! We saw too many bird species to list. At one point, a single tree with what must have been close to 20 pelicans precariously perched on its thin branches. Dolphins came swimming alongside our
GOOD TO KNOW nY ou’ll find some of Florida’s best championship golf courses here. nT he Valliant Air Command Museum in Titusville showcases some aircraft that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. nS pace Coast is an easy 45-minute drive from Orlando International Airport. nN orse Atlantic offers direct flights daily from Gatwick to Orlando rocketlaunch.live (launch schedule) cocoabeachdolphintours.com visitspacecoast.com
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MOTORING By Maarten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor
THE MOST –AND LEAST– RELIABLE EVs What Car? recently carried out a reliability survey of all the electric cars on sale in the UK today. With new models and brands entering the electric car market all the time, the competition is only going to increase as this is one of the most exciting sectors of the new car market. This year there is data on 20 electric models in two categories – ‘most reliable’ and ‘least reliable’. And when it comes to reliability, they are mid-league, scoring 90.4% in 2022 and 90.9% this year. The Reliability Survey, conducted in association with Motor Easy, polls thousands of car owners about the reliability of their cars. The latest survey gained 21,732 responses and that enabled us to report on 178 models (up to five years old) from 32 brands. All car owners were asked to say if their car suffered any faults over the previous 24 months. For every car that has suffered a fault, they were asked in what area the issue occurred, plus how much it cost to repair and how long it spent in the workshop. This information is used to create a reliability rating for each model and brand where we have a large enough response rate. A few surprises here - for instance, the best selling EV is the Tesla 3 but it only comes eighth in the list and the best EV on the market, the Porsche Taycan is the least reliable of them all! We will look at this again next year to see if such unreliability damages their sales.
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1MINI ELECTRIC
RELIABILITY RATING 97.6%
The Mini Electric is proving just as dependable as the brand’s petrol-powered models. Only 7% of survey respondents reported any issues with their cars, with none being serious enough to render any cars undriveable. Mini covered the cost of all remedial work, and although no cars were fixed in a day, all were back on the road in less than a week.
2 VW E-GOLF
3 NISSAN LEAF
The VW e-Golf is less prone to problems than the regular VW Golf of the same age, with a fault rate of 14% (versus 26% for petrol versions). All cars remained driveable, and the only problematic areas were the brakes and infotainment. All faults were fixed for free; half were sorted out in less than a week, while the rest took longer.
The Nissan Leaf is the most reliable Nissan model in our survey. Only 9% of Leaf owners reported a fault with their cars, in areas that included the gearbox, interior trim, electrics and steering. All problems were fixed for free, 40% of them within a day. The remaining 60% of cars spent more than a week in a workshop, though.
7 VW ID3
8TESLA MODEL 3
One in five of the VW ID3 electric cars in our survey had a problem. The vast majority were with non-motor electrical systems, including sat-nav/infotainment. There were also some troubles with the bodywork and transmission. It’s reassuring to know that VW paid for 92% of remedial work, though, and all of those who had to pay for repairs were asked for £200 or less. Most cars could still be driven, and two-thirds were put right in less than seven days.
The Tesla Model 3 is a hugely popular car, and the good news is that it’s streets ahead of the Model S when it comes to reliability. Owners told us 26% of their cars had a glitch, with bodywork and non-motor electrics the most common concerns. Tesla paid for remedial work in 97% of instances, leaving a small number of owners with bills of up to £750. 60% of issues were sorted out in a day or less and only 15% of cars spent more than seven days in the workshop.
RELIABILITY RATING 97.2%
RELIABILITY RATING 94.3%
RELIABILITY RATING 96.9%
RELIABILITY RATING 93.9%
ST L O B M LIA RE E
PLAT IN U M
4 MG 5
5 CUPRA BORN
6 KIA NIRO EV
Owners told us that only 15% of their MG5s went wrong, with issues relating to the electric motor the biggest bugbear. There were also complaints about the bodywork and sat-nav/infotainmen. All cars could still be driven, but half of them took more than a week to put right. The good news is that MG covered the cost of all repairs.
Electrical glitches were the most common complaint of Cupra Born owners, who told us 18% of their cars had a fault. The problem areas were the air-con, non-engine electrics and sat-nav/infotainment system. All cars remained driveable, and four out of five were fixed in less than a week, with Cupra stumping up for all associated bills.
Bodywork and electrical systems caused the most grief for the 15% of Kia Niro EV owners. There was also a small number of issues with the 12-Volt battery, brakes and charging system. Kia covered costs of 94% of repairs; 6% of owners had to pay £751-£1,000 to get their cars fixed. Half of the cars reported on were out of action for more than a week.
RELIABILITY RATING 96.1%
RELIABILITY RATING 95.6%
RELIABILITY RATING 94.6%
❛❛ The Reliability
9 POLESTAR 2
10 PEUGEOT E-208
Polestar started life as the electric offshoot of Volvo, and it has recently established itself as it’s own brand. The Polestar 2 had a high ratio of faults – 42% of owners reported issues – but most were fixed swiftly and at no cost to owners. The sat-nav/infotainment system created the biggest headache, followed by the 12-Volt battery and non-motor electrical systems. All cars were fixed for free, though, and two thirds of repairs were completed in a day or less.
Electrical issues were the biggest cause for upset with the Peugeot e-208. Overall, 31% of the cars reported on had a fault, and 23% of them were with the electrics. The positive news is that Peugeot paid for all remedial work, the not so good news is that 60% of cars took more than a week to fix and 20% were rendered undriveable by their faults.
RELIABILITY RATING 92.0%
RELIABILITY RATING 91.2%
Survey polls thousands of car owners about the reliability of their cars ❜❜
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RE LE LI AS A T BL E
MOTORING
PLATINUM
1PORSCHE TAYCAN
RELIABILITY RATING 66.5%
What went wrong? Air-con 31%, non-motor electrics 31%, sat-nav/ infotainment 15%, battery 8%, brakes 8%, motor electrics 8%, interior trim 8% The Porsche Taycan is one of the fastest electric cars you can buy, but it’s not one of the most reliable. Of the cars in our survey, a hefty 46% went wrong, with owners citing the air-con and infotainment system as the main trouble spots. All remedial work was done for free, but two-thirds of the stricken cars were out of action for more than a week.
RELIABILITY RATING 75.5%
With a high fault rate of 41%, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric suffered far more issues than its petrol and hybrid siblings (3%). The 12-volt battery was the biggest headache, followed by motor and non-motor electrics. Although all repairs were done for free, 60% of faulty cars were stuck in a workshop for more than a week.
CORSA 6 VAUXHALL ELECTRIC
7 RENAULT ZOE
Examples of the Vauxhall Corsa Electric were mostly dependable; owners said only 7% of their cars went wrong. 58% of cars were rendered undriveable by their faults however, and 44% of them sat in the workshop for more than a week. There were issues with the battery, bodywork, brakes, motor and electrical systems. The positive feature is that Vauxhall covered the cost of all repairs.
The Renault Zoe doesn’t promise its owners problem-free travels: 22% of the cars in our survey had at least one fault. The 12-volt battery was the main gripe, and there were also issues with the air-con, bodywork, brakes and non-motor electrics. All cars were fixed for free, but repairs were slow three quarters of cars spent more than a week in the workshop, and 43% of cars couldn’t be driven.
RELIABILITY RATING 87.4%
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IONIQ 2 HYUNDAI ELECTRIC
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RELIABILITY RATING 89.2%
MOTORING
3 MG4 EV
4 KIA EV6
5 TESLA MODEL S
Bodywork and non-motor electrical issues were the main complaints from the 37.5% of MG4 owners who told us that their car had gone wrong. Although 80% of the afflicted cars were fixed for free, 20% of owners faced bills of £1,000 to £1,500, and 70% of the cars were laid up for more than a week.
Slow and sometimes costly repairs drag the score of the Kia EV6 down. Only 24% of the cars we were told about went wrong, with the 12-volt battery, motor and other electrical systems to blame. However, 64% of faulty cars couldn’t be driven, and 85% of them spent more than a week in the garage. Although 86% of remedial work was done for free, the remaining cars cost between £751 and more than £1,500 to put right.
The sheer volume of troubles reported by Tesla Model S owners is the reason it sits in the bottom 10: 42% of the cars we were told about had at least one problem. The most common culprits were the bodywork, interior trim and sat-nav/infotainment system. The silver lining is that all cars could still be driven, half were repaired in a day or less. Just as reassuring is the fact that 86% of work was paid for by Tesla and no repair bills topped £300.
RELIABILITY RATING 76.1%
RELIABILITY RATING 83.4%
RELIABILITY RATING 83.9%
❛❛ My car is off the road with a failed heater matrix, and Porsche cannot predict how long the repair will take ❜❜
Owner’s view of the Porsche Taycan
8 VW E-UP
9 BMW I3
Slow repairs bring the score of the Volkswagen e-Up down: half of the cars we were told about were out of action for more than a week. A reasonable 21% of owners reported issues with their electric city cars, with problems occurring with the aircon, battery and sat-nav/infotainment system. On a positive note, 75% of cars were fixed for free and where there were bills to pay, they were all less than £100.
The BMW i3 was the brand’s first foray into the pure electric world, and it’s proving a fairly dependable option. According to our survey, 21% of i3s had a fault, but two thirds of issues were fixed in less than a week. The main problem areas were the bodywork, non-motor electrics and suspension. While 77% of remedial work was done for free, some owners paid up to £300 and 8% had to find up to £1,500.
RELIABILITY RATING 90.9%
RELIABILITY RATING 91.1%
KONA 10 HYUNDAI ELECTRIC
RELIABILITY RATING 91.1%
Four out of five of the Hyundai Kona Electric models we were told about didn’t suffer any faults, but those that did were slow to repair and sometimes costly. Three-quarters of faulty cars couldn’t be driven and a third were in the garage for more than a week. While Hyundai covered the cost of 78% of repairs, some owners had to find up to £750 to get their cars fixed. There were issues with the 12-volt battery, air-con, brakes, interior trim and sat-nav/infotainment system.
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The New All-Electric smart #1. Say hello to your convenient electromobility Fleet.
Picture is for illustration purposes only.
The smart #1 is an all-new generation of smart. With its surprisingly large cabin space, premium features and competitive TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), the smart #1 SUV is the perfect choice for your business. Leasing, warranty and maintenance costs up to 30,000 miles are included in the TCO. Plus, you’ll get three years of free maintenance and warranty with the Integrated Service Package – so there’s less for you to worry about already. The smart #1 could help to reduce your company’s CO2 footprint. And with a range of up to 273 miles (WLTP) and access to more than 360,000 charging points all across Europe, range anxiety is a thing of the past.
For more information, please scan the QR code or contact the team at Sandown smart on 0330 178 1801.
0330 178 1801 sandown-group.co.uk All pictures and illustrations are for information purposes only. Because of the production, colour differences of the ordered vehicle or equipments are possible. This means that deviations in the presentation, especially of the exterior and interior colours, cannot be ruled out. Optional extras and special equipments, that are displayed in images, are not automatically part of the offer. Delivered vehicles will be right-hand drive, even if left-hand drive is shown. All prices/rates include the value added tax (VAT) applicable at the time of delivery, unless otherwise stated. In particular, if you are logged in as a business customer, all prices/rates are always exclusive of VAT. The stated vehicle price is the On The Road price (including Delivery to your chosen smart agent, registration plates and new vehicle first registration fee). All price quotations refer to the prices/rates valid at the time of publication on the website. The details are non-binding, may vary by market and are subject to change without notice. The respective General Terms and Conditions of smart UK Automotive Ltd apply to all orders. The data on CO² emissions, electricity consumption and electric range were determined according to the prescribed measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 as amended. The data do not refer to an individual vehicle and are not part of the offer, but serve solely for comparison purposes between different vehicle types. The values vary depending on the optional equipment selected. The ranges determined according to the standard WLTP cycle enable a comparison between manufacturers. They also include the measured range achieved through recuperation (energy recovery during braking). Individual driving style and behaviour, speed, acceleration behaviour, outside temperature, topography and the use of electric vehicles have an influence on the actual range and may reduce or even increase it under certain circumstances. The values were determined according to the prescribed EU measurement procedure. Depending on driving conditions, the value may deviate from the stated value. The charging time of the battery may vary depending on various conditions such as different ambient and battery temperatures, available power and other restrictions, as well as the use of the remote control function (e.g. remote controlled air conditioning, preheating of the vehicle, etc.). With a 7.4kW home wallbox you can charge from 10% to 80% SOC (State of Charge) in under 7.5 hours. Where a 22kW on-board charger is fitted, you can charge at this speed from 10% to 80% SOC in under 3 hours under optimal conditions. CAll interfaces of the vehicle and the app shown as well as all associated elements are still under development. In this respect, the content is solely for the purpose of showing the design and style. The actual functions and content are dependent on the products that ultimately appear on the market.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN
FEBRUARY 2024 #33
THE BIG STORY
BARBOUR A cut above THE DYNAMIC FESTIVAL
Tickets on sale TRAVEL
Magical Miami THE DYNAMIC AWARDS
Entry deadline extended
SPONSORED BY DYNAMIC
Help to Grow Management Course
Employers pledge against
domestic violence
CONTENTS
ISSUE 33
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BIG STORY
Dame Margaret Barbour Dynamic tells the story of J. Barbour & Sons, a company that saw Margaret Barbour become its chairperson over 50 years ago, and turn it into a major international brand
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FEATURE
Tackling domestic abuse Business owner and survivor of domestic abuse. Sharon Livermore, has launched a nationwide campaign to help employers tackle domestic abuse
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FEATURE
The Surrey Women’s Entrepreneurship Network SWEN has been launched, marking a significant milestone in empowering female entrepreneurs
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What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make Jane Goodall, English anthropologist
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70%
The percentage of American Association of Physical Anthropologists members who are women, up from 2.4% in 1930
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. Surrey Business Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.
REGULARS News
FEATURE
8 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business
10 Help To Grow
Dynamic has once again teamed up with the University of Brighton to offer free spaces to all women on its 12-week mini MBA-style programme
18 In The Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world
Spotlight
24 Highlighting four female leaders in the charity sector who ought to get more recognition than they currently receive
Health & Wellbeing
30 Cholesterol isn’t necessarily bad for you. Tanya Borowski takes you through its effects, and what it means for women in menopause
Further reading
34 Debra Corey is an award-winning HR expert and the author of Bad Bosses Ruin Lives: The Building Blocks for Being a Great Boss (out now), co-authored with Ken Corey
Art Scene
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There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women Madeleine Albright
36 Kellie Miller discusses the paintings of Jules Allan
EVENTS 2 The Dynamic Festival 2024 Tickets are on sale. Get involved and don’t miss out 16 The Dynamic Awards 2024 The prestigious business awards for women returns for a third year in April. Last chance to enter…
Travel
38 The magic of Miami - a vibrant fusion of culture, sun and sizzle
Fine Dining
40 The Prince of Wales, Esher, Surrey. A recently converted Victorian pub now serving excellent cuisine
What’s On
42 A brief snapshot of art and culture cross Sussex and Surrey
CONTACTS PUBLISHER: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionas@platinummediagroup.co.uk COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Lesley Alcock lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS MANAGER: Žaneta Bealing zaneta@platinummediagroup.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN: Michelle Shakesby design@platinummediagroup.co.uk SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk
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Financial advice, built around you. • Personal finance advice • Retirement planning • Business support • Generational planning • Tax year-end advice
I’m proud to represent both male and female clients. And, while it goes without saying that both can experience the same stressors, there’s no avoiding the fact that women face several unique challenges. My 20 years’ experience has shown that women can therefore greatly benefit from highly personalised financial advice, which takes these challenges into account. This is why I’m so passionate about empowering women with the confidence and tools to help them achieve their long-term financial goals. So, whatever your financial journey so far, let me give you the guidance, support, and stability to help you plan a happy and financially secure life.
Call me for a no-obligation initial meeting on 01444 712672 to find out more.
Wellesley House, 50 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9LH 01444 712672 | info@wellesleywa.co.uk | wellesleywa.co.uk SJP approved on 08/03/2023 Wellesley is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website: www.sjp.co.uk/products. Wellesley is a trading name of Wellesley Investment Management Limited, registered in England & Wales No. 6530147. Registered Office: 44 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TN.
EDITOR’S NOTE A warm welcome to our February edition of Dynamic. We are proud to bring you our monthly offering in ode to women; Women from all walks of life, women who make the world a better place – often in small ways that can go unnoticed, and sometimes in leaps and bounds. This month, in particular, Dynamic features four hugely inspiring people in Spotlight. They all work in the charity sector, have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place, making huge differences in the lives of others. I believe that we all have the responsibility to look out for each other and as Sharon Livermore, creator of the domestic abuse campaign ‘Working It Out’ says in our feature: “Colleagues and managers can often be the only other people outside the home that survivors talk to each day and are therefore uniquely placed to help spot signs of abuse.” A reminder that sometimes, simply caring enough to be aware, can make a huge positive difference. Furthermore, we bring you the story of Dame Margaret Barbour, plus plenty of reading in our regular features too including Upfront, Health & Wellbeing and Art. Find the perfect Miami itinerary I’ve designed – and lived – for you in our Travel section… yes, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it!
Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk
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SUSSEX WOMEN LISTED IN UK’S TOP FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS LIST Two Sussex-based women have been listed in the top 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs of 2024. Pippa Moyle of the City Girl Network, and Lyndsey Clay of Connected Brighton, founded their businesses in Brighton to create more social connections in the city. They are now part of the f:entrepreneur 100 campaign run by Small Business Britain. Pippa started the City Girl Network in 2016 to help women find friends and feel more connected to the city. The network now has 18 communities with over 120,000 members across the country. Lyndsey started Connected Brighton in 2021, with the idea of connecting people to businesses. She is also the host of the Brighton Business Show on RadioReverb, and a finalist in the Dynamic Business Awards.
UPFRONT THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
FEMALE START UPS HIT BY HMRC TARDINESS HMRC’s sluggishness is holding back entrepreneurs, says Buy Women Built (BWB), a network of some 450 female entrepreneurs. It says its members have been left frustrated when trying to access tax incentive schemes designed to support start-ups. Trying to contact HMRC was “very difficult” and in some cases delays in receiving the tax credits meant firms could not pay bills. “In recent months the female founders in our community have increasingly experienced issues accessing key government incentives aimed at boosting new businesses and innovation,” says Sahar Hashemi, co-founder of BWB. In particular, she points to R&D (research and development) tax credits and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) tax relief.
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People waste their time pondering whether a glass is half empty or half full. I just drink whatever’s in the glass Sophia Petrillo, The Golden Girls
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WOMEN DELIVER BETTER RETURNS THAN MEN ON INVESTMENT In a report by Boston Consulting Group, entitled “Why Women-Owned Startups Are a Better Bet”, businesses founded by women deliver more than twice as much per dollar invested than those founded by men. Data published by the US Census Bureau, Dow Jones, the Harvard Business Review, and others from private and public studies show the following: • Women-owned firms generate significantly higher revenue than male-owned firms. • Female-owned firms create significantly more jobs than their male-owned peers. • Women are more effective in Senior Leadership roles. • Women executives significantly improve company performance as compared with men. • Women have a much larger appetite for growth and success than their male counterparts.
SUPPORT NETWORK SUPPORTS 300 MOTHERS BACK IN WORK A Bristol-based group has reached a milestone by supporting over 300 mums back into employment since its launch in January 2020. Women’s Work Lab, the all-female-led social enterprise has been helping unemployed mums and those on benefits back into workplace in the region, and has revealed plans to support further 185 mums this year. On the expansion plans, Camilla Rigby, co-founder and joint chief executive of Women’s Work Lab, said: “We are so proud to have now supported 300 mums on their journeys back into employment and are totally thrilled to reveal our new branding.”
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You see a lot of smart guys with dumb women, but you hardly ever see a smart woman with a dumb guy Erica Jong
GENDER EQUALITY STILL GENERATIONS AWAY Women CEOs may be the victims of what a leadership consultant has labelled ‘tall poppy syndrome’. New analysis shows that worldwide CEO gender parity is, at the current rate of travel, still 81 years in the future despite a record number of women being appointed to the role. In the UK, gender parity for FTSE 100 CEOs will not be reached for another 117 years (the year 2141), according to leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates. It also found that 10% of female CEOs left their roles in 2023 with 27% of these being dismissed. This led to one analyst to say women were being singled out and subject to more scrutiny than their male counterparts.
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The lord gave us two ends: One to sit on and the other to think with. Success depends on which one we use the most Ann Landers
TOP TEN JOBS WHERE WOMEN ARE BETTER PAID Personal finance experts Wealth of Geeks analysed gender pay gap data from the Office for National Statistics to reveal the job roles where women can be higher earners than men in the UK. Without context, here are the top 10 gaps in favour of women. pay gap
1. Community and civil enforcement officers (e.g. traffic wardens) 28.9% 2. Welfare professionals 20.9% 3. Biological scientists 20.6% 4. Hire service managers and proprietors 20.3% 5. Personal assistants/secretaries 17.1%
pay gap
6. Special needs education teachers 7. Veterinarians 8. Occupational therapists 9. Social and humanities scientists 10. Publicans/licensees
16.8% 14.3% 13.2% 12.4% 11.4%
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BUSINES S
HELPING EVEN MORE WOMEN TO GROW Last year Dynamic magazine sponsored multiple places for women on the Help to Grow: Management programme to help them to grow their business and develop themselves. We are delighted that we have again teamed up with Help to Grow to sponsor more places so that a limited number of women business leaders or senior managers can attend free of charge in 2024. This mini MBA-style programme from the University of Brighton is taught over 12 weeks, face to face and online, and includes your own business mentor. Attendees enjoy taking time away from the business to focus on the business, and all come away with an actionable growth plan. 43 business leaders graduated from the Brighton and Crawley Help to Grow courses at the end of 2023, and Dynamic’s Businesswoman of the Year, Emma Draper from Velvet, was one of them.
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Velvet is an independent store selling fashion homeware and lifestyle that Emma set up 23 years ago and she employs 18 staff in her Hove shop. She tells us how the programme has benefited her and the business.
What would you say to a female leader thinking of enrolling on the Help to Grow Course?
“Help to Grow has been amazing, it has generated the time for me to look at new ideas. I’ve learnt so much from the different businesses on the programme, even if they do something completely different to me. It’s supported me working over the businesses rather than in them. “Operations-wise, Help to Grow has prompted me to talk to some external businesses to look at new systems, and we have gone out to tender on this. “It’s impacted my leadership as I have learnt to be more strategic and set up systems to encourage the team to be more accountable to the business goals, which in turn is developing their skills. I have also just made someone an MD in the business which I was considering anyway but Help to Grow has made me realise this was the right thing to do for the business. “I have started chatting to my management team about the different topics we have covered on the course and will continue to use this and I am now finishing my plan on a page to help focus my growth plans going forward.”
What are the biggest challenges being a female leader in an SME?
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“Do it! I learnt loads, felt validated for a lot of the stuff I was already doing and I met some fantastic people.”
“The huge cost of childcare and support when my children were younger, when I needed it the most, as the business was in infancy then too.” In one or two sentences, why should someone buy your products/services?
“Just a short bus ride from the centre of Brighton, come and discover the magical world of Velvet, your next great favourite shop. A fabulous two-floor independent store close to the seafront, full of wonderful fashion, homeware and lifestyle products. “We have a terrific team of passionate, dedicated and lovely people, committed to offering you the warmest of welcomes, the very best customer service and ready to find you that perfect outfit for the weekend or that ideal gift for someone you love.” www.velvetstore.co.uk
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HELP TO GROW • Mini MBA style content • In person and online sessions over 12 weeks • Open to businesses with 5+ employees • Your own one-to-one business mentor • Time away from work to invest in your business • 90% Government funded • Networking with other local businesses • Taught by experts at the University of Brighton
I learnt loads, felt validated for a lot of the stuff I was already doing, and I met some fantastic people Emma Draper, Velvet
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY FOR A SPONSORED PLACE You must be a leader or senior manager of an SME which employs between five and 249 people to join Help to Grow. The next 12-week programme starts in April in Brighton, and further dates in Brighton and Crawley will be announced soon. To request your sponsored place, saving £750, pre-register now and we will get in contact to discuss dates and confirm. Make sure you QUOTE DYNAMIC24 under ‘Other’ when the form asks where you heard about Help to Grow. For more information visit Help to Grow or email helptogrow@brighton.ac.uk to arrange a chat with a course leader to find out if the course is right for you
MODULES • Strategy and innovation • Digital adoption • Internationalisation and winning new markets • Vision, mission and values • Developing a marketing strategy • Building a brand • Organisational design • Employee management and leading change • Creating a high performing workplace • Efficient operations • Finance
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE
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STORY BIG
BARBOUR
A CUT ABOVE Dynamic tells the story of Dame Margaret Barbour – a widow who took over an 80 year-old family business to turn it into one of the biggest international fashion brands the world has ever seen, and continues to do so
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he Barbour story began in 1894 at 5 Market Place, South Shields (in those days in Co Durham, now Tyne & Wear). John Barbour founded the company as a retailer, specialising in ‘oilskins, waterproofs and footwear’. The company has stayed true to its North East roots and its family roots. In 2024, it is owned and run by the fifth generation family with its headquarters located in Simonside, South Shields, where many of Barbour’s classic wax jackets are still manufactured and repaired by hand. The company has a presence in retail stores in almost 55 countries worldwide including the UK, US, most of western Europe, Argentina, New Zealand and Japan. Today, the company is run by Dame Margaret Barbour, and her daughter Helen. They are the women responsible for turning Barbour, during the 1980s, from the essential professional outdoor clothing company into a high-end fashion brand, favoured by so-called ‘Sloane Rangers’. Margaret Barbour was made CBE in 1991 for her services to industry, and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2001 for services to industry in North East England.
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BRIEF FAMILY TIMELINE
1894 J Barbour is founded in South Shields, Co Durham by John Barbour. 1908 John’s son, Malcolm Barbour produces the first mail order catalogue. 75% of the company’s business is now through mail order. 1912 J Barbour & Sons became J Barbour & Sons Ltd with John Barbour as Chairman and Jack and Malcolm as joint Managing directors. 1918 Founder John Barbour dies, aged 70. 1927 Jack Barbour resigns as Chairman, and brother Malcolm takes over. 1936 Duncan Barbour, Malcolm’s son, produces a range of motorcycle clothing, used by the British International Motorcycling team every year until 1977. 1939 Duncan is called away to war, so Malcolm runs the company with Duncan’s wife Nancy. Between them, they design the standard uniforms worn by British U-boat seamen. 1957 Duncan dies aged 48, meaning father Malcolm takes over the company again. Duncan’s son John joins, aged 19. 1964 Malcolm dies, aged 83, with Nancy taking over. John becomes Managing Director. 1968 John unexpectedly dies, aged 29. His widow Margaret joins the Board of Directors. 1973 Margaret becomes Chair of J Barbour & Sons, a position she has now held for over 50 years.
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STORY BIG Dame Margaret Barbour was born Margaret Davies in February 1940. She had begun her career as a teacher when she met John Barbour, whom she subsequently married. He was working for the firm in the south of England. After John’s early death, she immersed herself into the Barbour business, learning all aspects and every department of the company. This served her well after she succeeded her mother-in-law, Nancy Barbour, as Chair in 1973. As a fashionable young woman with a talent for listening and learning from customers, Margaret brought in some much-needed fresh ideas; pivotal to what was – in the 1960s and 70s – a traditional company serving a loyal but limited customer base. She turned the company’s rustic clothes, initially designed for seamen, motorcyclists and submariners, into a must-have fashion accessory for the 1980s. She then turned the rural brand into an international retaining its reputation for integrity, craftsmanship and urban fashion icon in over 55 countries where it is repre- tradition. In other words, fashion was given greater sented through the company’s regional prominence, without sacrificing the offices and distributors. As a fashionable young quality. In order to achieve this, what she Barbour received its first Royal woman with a talent for Warrant in 1974 from HRH The felt needed to happen was to widen the product range, and to make a range Duke of Edinburgh. In 1982, it was listening and learning of jackets that appealed to a younger awarded its second Royal Warrant generation. She brought in a wider from customers, Margaret from HM The Queen and in 1987 from variety of styles and colours, while reHRH The Prince of Wales. brought in some much taining the country-style that appealed Today, Dame Margaret remains needed fresh ideas so much to the city-dwelling young, active in the strategic management wealthy people; many of whom liked to of the business, as Chair of a fivebe synonymous with driving Range Rovers. member board of directors, including with her daughter The key to this was the design and product develop- and Vice Chair, Helen. Barbour now employs over a ment had moved to the front and centre of the compa- 1,000 people at its South Shields site, and around the ny’s thinking, enabling it to move with the times while world. 14
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PHILANTHROPY
As head of a family business, Dame Margaret has undertaken to protect the welfare of its employees, providing security of employment, training, benefits, and support for the local community. It is an approach Dame Margaret has always believed in. To that end, in 1988, she set up The Barbour Trust – which later became The Barbour Foundation – to support charities and good causes in the North East of England and support research into the causes of chronic illness. The Foundation has a diverse collection of objectives, including; • The relief of patients suffering from any form of illness or disease. • The furtherance of general education of children and young people. • The protection and preservation of features of cities, towns, villages and the countryside that are of special, environmental, historical or architectural interest. • The relief of people in conditions of need, hardship or distress in the UK. Together with her daughter, Helen Barbour, she also established the Women’s Fund in 1999, with an initial donation of £250,000 to encourage and support women, also across the North East of England to develop their full potential. An annual Women in Philanthropy network event takes place, attended by 300 female business leaders, showcasing charitable projects, and boosting the Women’s Fund.
In keeping with Dame Margaret’s eye for fashion, Barbour keeps up to date with sartorial trends
As head of a family business, Dame Margaret has undertaken to protect the welfare of its employees In 2000, as a tribute to Nancy, her mother-in-law, Margaret – as she still was then – set up The Nancy Barbour Award, an award within the Women’s Fund that recognises organisations helping women to play a more active part in the community, particularly those who work with a disability. Dame Margaret has been a major supporter of medical research and education at Newcastle University. In 2014, she donated £2 million to the Future Fund of the Centre for Childhood Cancer. In 2019, Newcastle University named its new £39m teaching facility the Dame Margaret Barbour Building.
THE FUTURE
Dame Margaret Barbour (white jacket) at the opening of the eponymous building at Newcastle University, 2019
Dame Margaret Barbour celebrates her 84th birthday this month, yet shows little sign in relinquishing her handson control of both the Barbour business – itself showing no signs of abating – and the charitable benevolence she offers women in the North East, and across the UK. With Dame Margaret and Helen at the helm, Barbour looks in rude health to continue the next-level success story both of them have brought about. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk
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No quality of human nature is more remarkable, both in itself and in its consequences, than that propensity we have to sympathise with others.
THE EU IS SAYING ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’ TO GREENWASHING Many products claim to, in some way, to be ‘green’ but research shows that over 50% of those claims are vague, misleading or unfounded. The EU has now approved a law which will prohibit manufacturers from using eco-buzzwords unless the product is truly greener than conventional ones. The directive, which will come into force within the next two years, also aims to ensure that people have better access to information about the durability and reparability of products before buying them.
David Hume, Philosopher, 1739
IN THE RIGHT
DIRECTION REDUCED-LITHIUM BATTERY DISCOVERED USING AI An AI-powered search conducted in a collaboration between Microsoft and a US lab has uncovered a novel battery material that uses less lithium, marking a significant advancement in materials science. The team of scientists employed artificial intelligence and high-performance computing to sift through 32.6 million potential battery materials, including many not found in nature. Any previous task – it was estimated – would have taken 20 years previously; this took just 80 hours. The breakthrough initiates an ambitious endeavour to develop a new generation of batteries with reduced reliance on toxic lithium.
POWER SHIFT Shell is confronting a potential shareholder revolt as major investors, including the UK’s largest pension scheme, align with a climate activist resolution. Twenty-seven investors, holding around 5% of Shell’s shares, are supporting a resolution by Dutch shareholder activists urging the oil company to align its medium-term emissions reduction targets with the 2015 Paris agreement. This coalition includes the UK governmentbacked National Employment Savings Trust (Nest), managing pensions for almost a quarter of the country’s workers, and firms like Amundi, Candriam, Scottish Widows, and Rathbones Group. The resolution, backed by investors overseeing about €4tn in assets, will be voted on at Shell’s annual general meeting in May.
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SCANDALOUS
A HELPING HAND FOR ABUSE SURVIVORS In England and Wales, people facing domestic abuse will now have access to ‘lifeline’ payments to help them start a new life. As of January 31st, survivors who lack the financial means to leave their abuser can apply for a one-time payment, with a maximum amount of £500, along with an additional £2,500 to support their path to independence. This initiative, funded by a £2 million government programme, will be administered through domestic abuse services. The programme’s implementation follows a successful pilot run by the charity Women’s Aid, where more than 75% of recipients used their grants for essential items after fleeing abusive environments.
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One of the most significant miscarriages of justice in UK history, involving over 700 sub-postmasters wrongly accused of theft due to an IT fault, is now being addressed by a newly announced government law. This long-overdue legislation aims to exonerate and compensate all those affected by the scandal, which spanned 1999 to 2015. The question is why had it taken so long when so many people knew what had happened. Curiously, it took a television drama, “Mr Bates vs the Post Office,” aired in January, to prompt the government into action. Despite the relief, legal experts caution that the bill carries risks, as it could set a precedent that might compromise the judiciary’s independence in future cases.
A computer would deserve to be called intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing that it was human. Alan Turing, computer scientist, 1950
ALZHEIMER’S TESTING BREAKTHROUGH A study led by Swedish researchers suggests that a newly developed commercial blood test may match the accuracy of standard lumbar punctures in detecting Alzheimer’s disease. The blood test targets ‘p-tau217,’ a variant of the tau protein, a key marker of Alzheimer’s. Currently, Alzheimer’s is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms, and only 2% receive gold-standard diagnoses through methods like PET scans or lumbar punctures. With new Alzheimer’s therapies on the horizon, early and accurate diagnosis becomes crucial. The study found that blood levels of p-tau217 correlated with amyloid and tau proteins detected in brain scans and lumbar punctures.
EV RELIEF? Familiar fixtures on UK streets, the once-used green street cabinets for landline phone cabling may find a renewed purpose as charging stations for electric vehicles. British Telecom recently announced a pilot initiative aiming to repurpose these units, addressing the shortage of EV charging points. The trial is set to start in Scotland “within weeks,” with potential plans to convert 60,000 street cabinets into EV charging stations nationwide if successful. Currently, the UK has only 53,000 charging points. Tom Guy, Managing Director at BT Group, sees this innovative solution as a significant step toward bringing kerbside EV charging closer to reality and overcoming existing customer barriers. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk
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Business owner and survivor of domestic abuse SHARON LIVERMORE has launched a nationwide campaign to help employers tackle domestic abuse
Employers’ pledge to take action against domestic abuse The campaign, ‘Working It Out’, created in collaboration with the Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance and outsourced HR provider The HR Dept calls on employers to sign up to a six-step pledge to support employees. After being forced to take five days of annual leave to attend the court case of her abusive partner, Ms Livermore created ‘Sharon’s Policy’ in 2021. The policy enables businesses to improve workforce safeguarding procedures for victims of abuse. The Working It Out six-step pledge invites employers to take action by: 1. Becoming a member of the Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse. 2. Introducing and embedding a domestic abuse policy in the workplace . 3. Ensuring all staff know where to get help if they are experiencing domestic abuse. 4. Raising awareness of domestic abuse among employees. 5. Publicly sharing their commitment to the Working It Out pledge. 6. Reporting back on activities and achievements annually.
Following the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the Home Office published Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance to increase awareness and inform the response to domestic abuse. The guidance highlights the important role employers have in helping victims of domestic abuse to remain in work, in the workplace itself, and to help victims access the support they need. Sharon educates organisations by offering specialised training on domestic abuse and its impact on their workforces. She also provides strategies to help employees resolve the issue. “Colleagues and managers can often be the only other people outside the home that survivors talk to each day and are therefore uniquely placed to help spot signs of abuse. Whether providing a safe space to disclose abuse or signposting to the right organisations for help, employers can be a vital link between an employee and the support they need,” explains Sharon.
+ DOMESTIC ABUSE: THE FACTS • As many as one in five victims may need to take time off work because of abuse (Domestic violence and the workplace TUC 2014).
• One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime (Domestic abuse prevalence and trends, England and Wales: year ending March 2020).
• An estimated 2.4 million adults aged 16 years and over experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales for the year ending March 2022 (Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2022).
• The social and economic costs of domestic abuse are estimated to be in the region of £78 billion (2022 to 2023 prices) over a three-year average period of abuse (Government response to ‘A Patchwork of Provision: how to meet the needs of victims and survivors across England and Wales’).
• Lost output relating to time taken off work and reduced productivity is estimated to cost the UK economy £14 billion (The Home Office: The economic and social costs of domestic abuse. Published 21 January 2019).
> A link to the report can be found here: Domestic Violence and Abuse: Working together to transform responses in the workplace.
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For many victims of domestic abuse, the workplace may be an escape from abuse at home • In 2017, Vodafone Foundation published a report about the barriers that prevent organisations from doing more to support employees who are experiencing domestic abuse, as victim-survivors or as perpetrators.
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+ FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT DOMESTIC ABUSE EDUCATION
Domestic Abuse Education was founded in 2023 by Sharon Livermore, a domestic abuse survivor, who shares her lived experience and knowledge to educate and train businesses through her CPDaccredited course. Sharon has a Diploma in Domestic Abuse Awareness and is an Ambassador for the Domestic Abuse Alliance and the Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse. Sharon works alongside both organisations to create a positive impact and end the perception and associated stigma that comes from the belief that what happens in a marital home isn’t our business. domesticabuseeducation.co.uk
ABOUT THE DOMESTIC ABUSE ALLIANCE
The Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance brings together organisations working on the frontline of domestic abuse with the legal sector to provide legal assistance and protection for victims. The free to use WEPROTECT app enables an immediate referral to be made to the DA Alliance’s team of trained legal advisors who support domestic abuse victims to seek professional legal advice and secure protection measures, such as court orders and injunctions, to help them break the cycle of recurrent abuse. domestic-abuse.co.uk
“When I was experiencing domestic abuse, my employer couldn’t fully support me – because they didn’t understand what help I needed or how to provide it. The Working It Out pledge provides a platform for employers to actively demonstrate their commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse and providing the right support so their employees and business can thrive,” she adds. “Our collaboration with Sharon and The HR Dept on the Working It Out campaign is a powerful example of how people and organisations can partner to protect victims of domestic abuse,” says Razi Hassan, Director of Partnership and Communication for the DA Alliance. “By engaging with employers and providing them with practical tools and resources, we can ensure that those experiencing domestic abuse are identified and receive the help they need as soon as possible.” “For many victims of domestic abuse, the workplace may be an escape from abuse at home. But with many of the UK workforce now working from home, employers also have the responsibility to ensure that the remote workspace is not only prosperous and productive, but also a safe place for their employees,” says Felicity Kenny, Managing Director of The HR Dept.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
• Sharon Livermore, Domestic Abuse Education. Tel: 07897 316514. Email: sharon@domesticabuseeducation.co.uk • Rosie Watson, Domestic Abuse Alliance. Tel: 07740 300686. Email: rosie@domestic-abuse.co.uk • Andrea Bristol, Admire PR for HR Dept media enquiries. Tel: 07887997922 Email: andrea@admire-pr.com
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ABOUT THE HR DEPT
The HR Dept is an international network of expert human resources practitioners, offering advice and support to more than 6,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) through a network of licensees in more than 100 territories in the UK and Ireland. Over recent years it has played an active role in lobbying for and influencing legislative change, including work around the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and also on legal employment statuses as workplaces adapt to technological and societal shifts. hrdept.co.uk
By signing the Working it Out pledge, it demonstrates commitment as an employer to raising awareness of domestic abuse and having the resources available to provide help
Guiding you to a brighter future In a continually evolving world we help all generations embrace change through trusted advice, support and guidance. Our passion for continued improvement ensures that we work to understand your goals, support and advise you on your journey and help you to realise your ambitions. #GuidingYouToABrighterFuture For more than accountancy, business and wealth advice. Call: +44 (0)33 0124 1399 Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com/shapingyourfuture
In our exclusive Spotlight feature, we highlight women who are doing good things in their community. They’re not always seen but we think they should be
SPOTLIGH T Jan Ellis Jan is the chair of Tyler’s Trust, a small, registered charity based in Barnham, West Sussex, which supports local children with life-threatening illness and their families When Tyler, aged 12, was diagnosed with a brain tumour, he spent months in Chichester and Southampton hospitals. Whilst in hospital, Tyler bought some items to cheer up some other children; they were thrilled, and the idea of Tyler’s Trust was formed. Initially, there were many challenges to overcome, it was a huge learning curve, but with hard work and a great team of volunteers, The Trust was formed in 2015. The Trust covers Southampton, Worthing, Portsmouth and Chichester hospitals and, over time, has increased the services offered to local families. The services are specifically aimed at children and families who spend time in hospital and include: • A beautiful gift box of presents for the ill child, • A large bag of presents for each sibling, we are one of the few charities that recognise illness’s impact on siblings. • For a home essentials kit, many families we support find that at least one parent must give up work, meaning that essential items become unaffordable. • Overnight parental bags containing essential toiletries (when Tyler was first admitted, we could not clean our teeth or have a wash)
The Trust covers Southampton, Worthing, Portsmouth and Chichester hospitals and, over time, has increased the services offered to local families 24
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• Managing two parental rooms and supplying food and toiletries. The hospitals no longer feed parents, and using the restaurant is costly. • Bespoke activity sessions, many of our children cannot attend standard provision. • Parental coffee mornings provides much-needed emotional support. • A fantastic, free family fun day for all our families One of the biggest issues the Trust faces as a small charity is fundraising and increasing public awareness of our work. I take the lead on applying for grants applications but in the current economic climate, this is highly challenging. To try to help this, I opened the office as a shop two days a week selling hand-crafted items. I also visit local schools and businesses to give talks. However, we still need our funding to increase – there is so much more we could do for our families with increased funding. Through this work, I have met some of the most inspiring and courageous families, and it has allowed me to find something positive in a difficult time. I am beyond proud of Tyler, the Tylers Trust Team, and all we have achieved. www.tylerstrust.co.uk
Rachael Swann Rachel is CEO of Grassroots Suicide Prevention, seeking to educate the wider community on the issue of suicide
Sussex consistently has amongst the highest rates of suicide in England. On average 186 people die by suicide in Sussex each year. This is 20% higher than the national average and rates are on the increase amongst those aged ten to 24. I have personal lived experience of childhood trauma and this has been my driving force in helping the most vulnerable people in our communities. I’ve had the privilege of helping people with legal aid support, gaining access to higher education, securing accommodation after experiencing homelessness, supporting carers and people at risk of suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy which has a devastating and long-lasting impact. For every suicide, it is estimated that over 135 people are profoundly affected. My vision is that everyone in our community is aware and develops the knowledge and skills to help prevent suicide. We are working hard to build stronger collaborations and have been expanding what we do to address the increased rates of suicide, ensuring our work is tailored for people at higher risk. One example is the increase in domestic abuse following the pandemic. As a result, we have developed a bespoke course on suicide prevention and domestic abuse which has been rolled out across Kent and is now being expanded to Sussex. We empower people to help save lives from suicide through connecting, educating, and campaigning. We offer a wide range of ‘off the shelf ’, tailored and bespoke training and consultancy on suicide prevention,
My vision is that everyone in our community is aware and develops the knowledge and skills to help prevent suicide mental health, and self-harm. With 20 years’ expertise, we have trained over 50,000 professionals and individuals to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to help support people at risk of suicide. Our pioneering, award-winning ‘Stay Alive’ app has been downloaded nearly one million times, across 212 countries and in 14 different languages. The app provides resources, tools and quick access to crisis support helplines and is nationally recommended by the NHS. If you would like to find out more then please contact rachael@prevent-suicide.org.uk If you are struggling yourself and need support or are supporting someone else please go to our Stay Alive app www.prevent-suicide.org.uk
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SPOTLIGHT
Jo Gough Jo Gough has spent ten years delivering direct services in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector, with six of these as CEO at RISE. Here she tells us about her work.
I am driven by the global cause to end violence and abuse against women and girls, and understand that this takes a whole root and branch society-wide approach to bring real change. Establishing the structures to prevent and to address perpetration of abuse is at the core of tackling the systemic nature of abuse of women and girls. I want to have a greater impact on policy to permanently bring change, to see a turn-around in thinking rather than just a sticking plaster on the problem – this is the RISE vision. Whilst I have applied this approach over the last five years as Vice Chair and Trustee at Women’s Aid Federation England (WAFE) and as Chair of the Research, Policy, Campaigns and Communication Sub of the WAFE Board, I feel I have more to give. I want to see changes in policy that improve the lives of girls and young women, and that make the links about economic abuse being a core plank of coercive control. As well as providing services to help survivors recover, I dedicate as much time to ending violence and abuse forever. I am a feminist with an MA in Social Policy and a keen interest in ethnographic social research and its practical applications as well as a long history of taking a community development and service user / survivor-led approach to my work with adults and children. I am committed to tackling inequality, and have worked and volunteered in positions that campaign for and build social capital to respond to inequality including working to shut down long-stay hospitals (mental handicap (sic) hospitals); in HIV and AIDS support; and community development on ‘priority’ estates.
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I want to see changes in policy that improve the lives of girls and young women We are here to support women, children and LGBT people in Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas who are affected by domestic abuse. Demand may increase but we are not going away. We will continue to offer help including crisis accommodation, a helpline, counselling, support groups, legal and housing advice, children’s services and a specialist LGBT Service. We want to be there for everyone who needs us, providing the right support at the right time. www.rise.org.uk
Rachael Duke Rachael Duke is Director at Heads On, a Worthing-based official charity for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, supporting mental health and learning disability services
I turned 18 in 1997. Titanic was the highest grossing film of the year, Glastonbury was the “Year of the Mud” (I know, I was there) and Baz Luhrmann wrote “Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.” I’ve worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, driven by a desire to help make the world a better place than when I found it. But when I think about the career I feel incredibly grateful to have had, I remember that I never had a game plan. And yet, I am exactly where I’m meant to be. I started Heads On ten years ago. It’s the longest I’ve ever stayed in a job, and it is as challenging, exciting and deeply personal now as it was then. I am proud to work both in mental health services and use them – it makes me better at my job. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem, and nearly 90% of them say that stigma and discrimination have a negative effect on their lives. It simply shouldn’t be that way and yet that stigma has persisted for generations. Part of Heads On’s work is to challenge this. Our schools’ project supports primary and secondary age childrenand their teachers to talk about mental health.
Football programmes encourage men to reach out. Our oral history project will capture people’s whole life stories, placing their mental health in the context of a life well lived. Throughout everything that we do, social connection is the thread that runs through it. If you do one thing after reading this, have a chat with the person you’re worried about. Ideally with biscuits. My proudest moment? Being here. For those of us with our hands up as the one in four, I think of the myriad of tiny moments that make up a life that, on more than one occasion, I wasn’t sure I’d be here to see. Being here? That’s worth celebrating. If you’d like to join Heads On in supporting many more people to be here, please do get in touch. www.headsoncharity.org
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EMPOWERING
WOMEN
The Surrey Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (SWEN)
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n the heart of Surrey, a burgeoning network is opportunities for women in the innovation ecosystem, driving change and fostering innovation within the raising the profile of entrepreneurs and companies across all entrepreneurial landscape. The Surrey Women’s sectors. SWEN’s mentoring programs are a cornerstone of its Entrepreneurship Network (SWEN) was launched in initiatives, connecting aspiring women December as a collaborative effort beentrepreneurs with experienced mentweenSurreyResearchPark,SETsquared tors who can provide guidance, share Surrey, and the University of Surrey. insights, and offer support. This It is dedicated to revolutionising mentorship component plays a pivotopportunities for business growth and al role in nurturing the next generainnovation, particularly for women tion of female innovators and leaders, entrepreneurs. SWEN stands for helping them navigate the complexities empowerment by offering a compreof the business world with confidence hensive suite of initiatives designed to and resilience. bridge the gender gap and create Complementing the mentorship a supportive ecosystem for women in Kat Mack, SWEN Co-founder programmes, SWEN provides expert business. At the core of SWEN’s mission is the commitment business support that covers a spectrum of areas, from to providing women innovators and entrepreneurs with refining business strategies to navigating regulatory frameaccess to critical information, support, and resources. works. Everyone at SWEN recognises that a strong foundaThe network recognises the unique challenges faced by tion is crucial for the success of any business, and it actively women in the business world and actively works towards works towards ensuring that women entrepreneurs have the levelling the playing field. Through its exciting collabo- tools and knowledge they need to build and sustain successful rative efforts, it has created a robust network that offers ventures.
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The community is vibrant and poised; I can’t wait to see the network flourish.
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SWEN actively assists women in preparing for investment raises and grant applications, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the funding landscape successfully Beyond mentorship and business support, SWEN places a strong emphasis on investor-readiness. Access to funding is a critical factor in launching and growing any business, therefore SWEN actively assists women in preparing for investment raises and grant applications, ensuring they are wellequipped to navigate the funding landscape successfully. By equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to secure financial support, they aspire to contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. But the Surrey Women’s Entrepreneurship Network doesn’t stop there. Its support reaches beyond mentorship and securing funding to a dedication to creating platforms for women to expand their networks, generate interest in their ideas, and receive expert business advice. Through events, workshops, and networking sessions, SWEN fosters an environment where women can showcase their talents, connect with potential collaborators, and explore avenues for collaboration and growth.
As part of its commitment to fostering growth opportunities, SWEN is actively involved in the Dynamic Festival for Women 2024, where it will host a Mentoring Room. This initiative will provide a fantastic opportunity for female innovators and entrepreneurs to engage with experienced mentors, gain valuable insights, and receive guidance on various aspects of business development. SWEN is also the proud sponsor of the Future Talent of the Year Award at this year’s Dynamic Awards. Surrey Women’s Entrepreneurship Network is creating a network that goes beyond traditional support structures, fostering a community where women can thrive. By championing women in entrepreneurship, actively promoting their contributions, and offering a holistic suite of initiatives covering mentorship, business support, investor-readiness, and growth opportunities, SWEN is making significant strides in creating a more inclusive and empowering entrepreneurial landscape for women, both within Surrey and beyond.
https://surrey-research-park.com/ surrey-womens-entrepreneurship-network
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WELLBEING
Some women who have had normal cholesterol readings all their lives, find that this changes during menopause. But, before you start to reach for the statins or cut out eggs, let’s take a dive into the science and really understand what the numbers mean BY TANYA BOROWSKI
Menopause & cholesterol FIRSTLY, WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?
After cholesterol testing, you will be told a figure for your total cholesterol – a ‘healthy’ level is considered to be five mmol/L (millimoles per litre) or below. But, this figure is misleading, as we do not have cholesterol particles freely passing through our arteries. Since cholesterol is a fat, it can’t travel alone in the bloodstream as blood is predominantly water based, and the two don’t mix. Picture fat left over from your Sunday roast floating on top of the roasting tray when filled with water. The body’s solution to this problem is to package cholesterol and other fats (lipids) into tiny protein-covered particles that can then mix easily with blood.
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These tiny particles are called lipoproteins, “carriers” of cholesterol and other fats, able to travel in blood, depositing their cargo of cholesterol and other fats( lipids) around the body for many important uses.
WHAT ARE THE USES OF CHOLESTEROL IN THE BODY
Yes, contrary to popular belief, cholesterol has many positive functions within the body. Cholesterol is an essential part of all cell membrane structures plus the protective myelin sheath around the nerves. It is a building block precursor for hormone production (oestrogen, testosterone, progesterone and DHEA), vitamin D and the adrenal hormone cortisol. Cholesterol is also an essential component of bile acids which are key to eliminating waste from the body and facilitate the absorption of fat from the gut.
THE STAGES OF CHOLESTEROL l HDL (good) l LDL (bad)
Normal Artery
Low
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Artery Narrowed
Normal
Moderate
High
MORE ON LIPOPROTEINS AND TESTING
As mentioned before, cholesterol is transported in the body within the lipoproteins, along with triglycerides. As such, it is important to emphasise, it is these lipoproteins that come into contact with the arterial wall and can, if the environment is correct (more on this in a bit), initiate the cascade of events that leads to atherosclerosis and heart disease. Measurements of your total cholesterol are not overly helpful or, indeed, reflective of health. To assess your risk, understanding your lipoprotein status; namely their density, numbers and size together with the status of the environment is far more helpful. Lipoproteins are classified according to their density; based on the amount of protein, cholesterol, and triglycerides within them. High levels of certain lipoproteins can be
Measurements of your total cholesterol are not overly helpful or, indeed, reflective of health
harmful to your heart. But some lipoproteins have heartprotective benefits. There are four major classes but only two are regularly tested within the NHS:• Low-density-lipoprotein (LDL-C) is commonly known as ‘bad’, delivering cholesterol to cells for either cell membrane or hormone production. • High-density-lipoprotein (HDL-C) termed ‘good’ is involved in bringing excess cholesterol back to the liver which is then eliminated via the bile and faeces.
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WELLBEING
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GUIDE TO HEALTHY LEVELS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIPOPROTEINS
HDL-C (‘good’ cholesterol) above 1.2 mmol/L for women
LDL-C (‘bad’ cholesterol) Below four mmol/L.
Other lipoproteins are
• Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are another type of ‘bad’ cholesterol. VLDLs carry triglycerides – and to a lesser degree, cholesterol – to your tissues. • Chylomicrons are very large particles that also transport triglycerides. The LDL-C particles size and density change as they move around the body and lipids are removed. The most up-to-date thinking is that it is the smaller, denser LDL particles that are more damaging to arterial cell walls due to their ability to be more easily damaged by free radicals and get drawn in arterial walls forming a plaque.
MORE ADVANCED TESTING FOR LIPOPROTEINS
More advanced testing through Functional Medicine practitioners, who can test for VLDLs as well as the number of LDL-particles and the density of the LDLs 1. The number of LDL-particles (LDL-P) appear more predictive of risk than the standard LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) that is obtained from the GP. 2. LDL exists either as large, more buoyant particles or as smaller, more dense particles (sdLDL). sdLDL is more easily oxidised (basically internal rusting!), has a higher affinity for vessel walls, and remains in the circulation longer because it is less likely to be cleared by the liver, making it more atherogenic than larger LDL particles.
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TANYA’S TOP DIET & LIFESTYLE TIPS
A ‘healthy’ level is considered to be five mmol/L (millimoles per litre) or below. But, this figure is misleading… On the other hand, a higher number of HDL-P is considered to be more protective, since HDL removes cholesterol by transporting it to the liver. In general, higher levels of HDL-P are at a lower risk for heart disease.
MOVE
You can walk, run, trot, swim, cycle, take a class, play tennis, or do any activity CHOOSE INCREASE SOLUBLE that gets your heart beating HEALTHY FATS FIBRE INTAKE faster. Any cardio exercise Monounsaturated fats, found Soluble fibre binds cholesterol can improve your cholesterol in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and in the gut and escorts it levels. The key is to do it avocados, lower the ‘bad’ LDL from your body before most days of the week and cholesterol; omega-3 fats are being absorbed into your known to raise ‘good’ HDL bloodstream. Aim for at least cholesterol levels. 25 grammes of fibre a day. Foods high in soluble fibre include raspberries (eight grammes in one cup), beans and pulses (eight grammes in half a cup), a medium apple with skin (five gramme), broccoli (five grammes in one cup), and brown rice (four grammes in one cup).
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accumulate at least 150 minutes (30 minutes five days a week). You don’t have to push yourself too hard. However, an hour a day of activity or higher intensity activities like fast walking or jogging, may provide better results.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND MENOPAUSAL RISK FACTORS
What causes LDL to become damaged and as a result reactive? Inflammation can result for numerous reasons, most common are insulin resistance, psychological stress, excess exercise without sufficient recovery, heavy metal toxicity, chronic viral or bacterial infections, food reactions and weight gain. The life stage of menopause is associated with significant changes in body shape, namely the accumulation of fat in the abdomen as well as decreased lean body mass. This change in fat accumulation in the abdomen is not inert, it produces inflammatory chemicals, which damage (oxidise) LDL particles. The declining oestrogen levels that occur in menopause also results in a loss of blood sugar control. Escalating
CUT BACK/ ELIMINATE REFINED CARBOHYDRATES
These include sweetened drinks, biscuits, cakes, sweets, fruit juice, white bread, pasta, and the worst offender – alcohol. When digested, these foods quickly break down into sugar, raising blood sugar and insulin levels which increase triglycerides and lower protective HDL levels.
Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol has many positive functions within the body levels damage the lining of your arteries meaning it’s more likely that LDL- cholesterol will stick to them, making them narrow or even blocked. The following diet and lifestyle interventions help to control blood sugar levels and keep inflammation tamed. I hope you found this helpful. www.tanyaborowski.com
FIND A WAY TO RELAX
CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found in fish, such as fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, walnuts, and seeds like flax seeds and chia seeds.
REDUCE SATURATED FATS
Foods high in saturated fat include red meat, processed meats (salami, bacon, and hot dogs) and ice cream. Too much saturated fat impairs your liver’s ability to self regulate cholesterol production. Instead, eat more fish, poultry, and moderate butter and dairy intake.
One of the many detrimental effects stress has on your body is to raise cortisol which, in turn, increases triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. Helpful strategies include meditation, yoga, and deep breathing, but they’re not the only ways to relax. Find what works for you and make it a constant part of your life.
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RE VIE W
FURTHER READING… Debra Corey is an awardwinning HR expert and the author of Bad Bosses Ruin Lives: The Building Blocks for Being a Great Boss (out now), co-authored with Ken Corey. What type of boss do you want to be?
LEADER AS HEALER By Nicholas Janni LID Publishing (2022)
This award-winning book is about the highest levels of presence and peak performance leadership. It is, above all, a call to break from the chronically imbalanced ways of thinking and functioning that have become the norm in so many corporate cultures, where ‘doing’ eclipses ‘being’, and hyper-rational, analytical thinking relegates feeling, sensing, intuiting and the transpersonal to the outer fringes of life. To face the scope and threats of 21st Century challenges, today’s leaders must possess potent powers for logic, reason, discernment and strategic forecasting. Yet, they must also be empathic and therefore embodied, grounded and intuitive.
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When you wake up in the morning, do you ever ask yourself – what type of boss do I want to be? Do I want to be a good boss, a great one, or possibly a bad one? I’m pretty sure it’s not the latter, that most of us don’t actively set out to be a bad boss. But according to research we conducted for our new book, Bad Bosses Ruin Lives, that’s exactly what’s happening, with 99.6% of people saying they’ve had a bad boss! In fact, of the ten bad boss traits we explored, over 50% of people said they’d seen every single one in a past or current boss. But why is this happening? Why do well-intentioned bosses get it wrong? I believe it’s happening because of a lack of three things – awareness, acceptance, and action. Awareness – I’m absolutely sure that if we went to the bosses of those we surveyed, the majority would be shocked to hear that their employees thought they were a bad boss.
THE CULTURE ADVANTAGE
EMPOWERING YOUR PEOPLE TO DRIVE INNOVATION By Daniel Strode Kogan Page (2022) Far from being the privilege of the unicorns of Silicon Valley, innovation isn’t dependent on business model, structure or even budget. By harnessing your people’s power through a corporate culture of innovation, you unlock business opportunities that your competition won’t have access to. The Culture Advantage is a blueprint to designing, implementing and sustaining a culture that will not only celebrate innovation, but will imbue it in everything your company, and its people, do.
Of the ten bad boss traits we explored, over 50% of people said they’d seen every single one in a past or current boss But we all have blind spots, not being aware of the big and little things that we say and do that cause us to be a bad boss. It’s critical to look out for and understand these, being selfaware of what makes you good, great and bad as a boss. Acceptance – Next, you need to take ownership and
responsibility for any bad boss traits you may have. Tell yourself that we all have them, admit that you’re not perfect, and be willing to recognise and embrace the traits that you personally need to focus on to be the great boss you want and need to be. Action – And finally, it’s time to take action, to leverage the right knowledge, skills, and tools to become great and overcome your bad boss traits. Will it be easy? Absolutely not! So remind yourself that it’s a journey, and embrace it. Celebrate achievements, learn from setbacks, and accept that often it’s going to be progress over perfection. If you’d like to learn more about your boss traits, check out our free and confidential online assessment tool at www.badbossesruinlives.com/assessment
FOR THE CULTURE
WHEN THEY WIN, YOU WIN
The architect of some of the most famous ad campaigns of the last decade argues that culture is the most powerful vehicle for influencing behaviour, and shows readers how to harness culture to inspire other people to share their vision. We all try to influence others in our daily lives. In For the Culture, Marcus Collins argues true cultural engagement is the most powerful vehicle for influencing behaviour. If you want to get people to move, you must first understand the underlying cultural forces that make them tick.
In When They Win, You Win, Russ Laraway, the Chief People Officer of Goodwater Capital, provides a simple, coherent, and complete leadership standard that teaches organisational planners and managers how to develop incredible levels of employee engagement. Russ Laraway’s approach to management, developed at Google, Twitter, Qualtrics, and Goodwater, shows the way to cultivate a happy, productive, and engaged team. Happy results are sure to follow – for you, your customers, your shareholders, and your employees alike.
THE POWER BEHIND WHAT WE BUY, WHAT WE DO, AND WHO WE WANT TO BE By Marcus Collins PublicAffairs (2023)
BEING A GREAT MANAGER IS SIMPLER THAN YOU THINK By Russ Laraway St. Martin’s Press (2022)
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SCENE ART
By KELLIE MILLER
AWAKENING THE MIND AND THE BODY THE WORKS OF JULES ALLAN One can sense the energetic shifts that awaken perceptions when viewing Jules Allan’s paintings. They starkly remind us that art plays on the conscious and unconscious mind. Jules’ dual practices as an artist and art psychotherapist, without doubt, inform one another. We can draw parallels to the concepts of neuroscientist Antonio R. Damasio, who has dedicated his life to explaining how consciousness is created. He is concerned with what happens when our bodies interact with the world and what those experiences are. He gives us some insight when he says in his book The Feeling of What Happens: Body Emotion in the Making of Consciousness, “Sometimes we use our minds not to discover facts, but to hide them. We use part of the mind as a screen to prevent another part of it from sensing what goes on elsewhere. The screening is not necessarily intentional — we are not deliberate obfuscators all of the time — but deliberate or not, the screen does hide.” He goes on to say, “One of the things the screen hides most effectively is the body, our own body, by which I mean the ins of it – its interiors. Like a veil thrown over the skin to secure its modesty, the screen partially removes from the mind the inner states of the body, those that constitute the flow of life as it wanders in the journey of each day.” He seems to suggest that we construct screens as barriers. Somehow, these screens can also be referred to as layers, perhaps the clothing and our skin, the outer layer of our bodies. Jules’s subject matter is often related to mortality, sexuality and the vulnerability of the human body. Although her work has a human presence, the forms she uses are not human shapes as such. They relate to the body rather than representing it directly. The forms are fragile or tough, are blurred or have edges, and are separate or merged. Each abstract painting establishes its own identity.
Fusion Oil and acrylic on Canvas
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She paints by slowly building up layers and then scraping them back to reveal new interactions between the materials. By layering, scraping, and dissolving the paint, residual glimpses and traces of what lies beneath appear. It is intensely physical; reactions between materials, such as the chemical resistance of oil and acrylic paint, are fundamental to the work, rooting it in oppositional forces and creating tension between structure and flux, control and chaos. In this way, process and meaning co-exist and is like memory-making. Often, a grid pattern underlies the layers; this becomes the basic framework, literally in terms of paint and metaphorically in terms of a molecular, cellular structure. Jules’ creative process echoes Damasio’s life work, building and uncovering as she goes with every surface and painting. She is using the mind and body as pathways in her art. Her works can be viewed at Kellie Miller Arts, Brighton. Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner. www.kelliemillerarts.com
Renewal Oil and acrylic on Canvas
Jules’ creative process echoes Damasio’s life work, building and uncovering as she goes with every surface and painting
Tendresse Oil and acrylic on Canvas
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TR AVEL
Miami, a city that needs no introduction, synonymous with sun, sea, and sizzle, took me for an exhilarating ride, exploring its tapestry of fusion, cultural diversity and tropical allure. I only had a few days, but those few days sure packed a beautiful, pastel hued punch. BY TESS DE KLERK
THE MAGIC OF MIAMI A vibrant fusion of culture, sun and sizzle
Located on Florida’s south-eastern coast, this iconic destination blends Latin influences, Art Deco charm, and an irresistible energy that pulses through its streets. There is so much to see and experience, and I would suggest as long a visit as your life allows but if three days is all you have then this itinerary will not disappoint. Alternatively, use this over a longer period by taking a more leisurely approach.
DAY ONE: GET YOUR BEARINGS
Morning: Kickstart your Miami exploration with either a guided tour by a local driver or a bus sightseeing tour to get a comprehensive overview of the city. There are plenty of open top double-decker bus tours, with enthusiastic guides narrating the journey through iconic neighbourhoods like South Beach, Little Havana, and Coconut Grove. Enjoy the vibe and take note of places you’d like to explore later. Late morning: Most bus tour companies offer boat tour extensions. The bus drops you right by the harbour for a tour along Biscayne Bay. Cruise past Star Island, catching glimpses of celebrity homes and the stunning Miami skyline. The boat tour provides a unique perspective, offering insights into the city’s maritime history and its architectural gems.
Afternoon: Enjoy a late lunch at Bayside Marketplace (right by the harbour), a bustling waterfront shopping and dining area. You’ll find a diverse choice of restaurants; best to settle for something overlooking the marina. Afterward, explore the marketplace for souvenirs or take a stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the bay breezes. Evening: Downtown Miami is all business during the day, but it truly comes alive at night, aglow in shimmering lights and bustling with activity. Take in a Broadway show or dance the night away at a concert at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Hungry? There are restaurants and bars to satisfy every craving and style, from casual happy hours to quiet date-night spots.
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DAY 2: BEACH BLISS AND CULTURE
Morning: Start your day with a relaxing morning at South Beach. Soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean, and enjoy a beachside breakfast at one of the numerous cafes along Ocean Drive. The iconic pastel-coloured lifeguard stands make for the perfect photo backdrop. Late morning – afternoon: Head to Little Havana for a cultural immersion. Wander along Calle Ocho, exploring the local shops and experiencing the vibrant Cuban atmosphere. Stop for a traditional Cuban lunch at Versailles Restaurant, a Miami institution known for its authentic flavours.
DAY 3: RETREAT TO NATURE BEFORE YOUR BIG NIGHT OUT
Morning: Escape the urban hustle with a visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. Explore the lush gardens, tropical landscapes, and butterfly conservatory. It’s a serene start to your day, offering a contrast to the vibrant city scenes. Afternoon: Head to Key Biscayne for a
There is beachside lunch and relaxation at Crandon Park Beach. Enjoy water sports or simply unwind on so much the sandy shores. Take a scenic drive through to see and the island, visiting the historic Cape Florida experience, Lighthouse for great views. Afternoon: Visit Wynwood; the and I would Evening: Return to South Beach for a glamorous neighbourhood famous for its colourful evening. Begin with dinner at a beachfront street art. I suggest hopping on a city suggest as long restaurant, relishing fresh seafood while the sun bike as well as using the Wynwood Walls sets. Transition into Miami’s renowned nightlife a visit Museum app to make sure that you get to with a visit to a rooftop bar for panoramic views, as your life followed by a night of music and dancing at a see it all. Alternatively, book a personal guided tour. Wynwood is renowned for famous club such as LIV at Fontainebleau or allows its art galleries also, if street art isn’t your E11EVEN. We chose E11EVEN. It was wild, preference.
Evening: Dine in the trendy neighbourhood of Brickell, known for its upscale dining options and lively atmosphere. Savour cuisine from around the world before exploring Brickell city centre or taking a stroll along the Miami Riverwalk.
nuts, over the top and we had a blast!
This itinerary will have you soaking up the essence of Miami – from its cultural diversity to its beaches, iconic neighbourhoods, and electrifying nightlife. Make no mistake, it will have you leave this pulsing city exhausted, spent but all the better for it. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk
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DINE & WINE
THE PRINCE OF WALES ESHER, SURREY
BY TESS DE KLERK Nestled in the heart of West End, Esher, the historic Prince of Wales, which has stood as a public house for over 140 years, has been completely transformed following a two-million-pound investment and four months of extensive renovation works. The pub officially reopened in December 2023. I was delighted to be invited to go and see the transformation for myself, knowing that, renovating a building dating back to 1892 in a way that retains its charm as well adding the modernity needed, is no small feat. They managed this beautifully. Alongside keeping its original Prince of Wales name, the renovation has given the building a new lease of life, while retaining all-important touches, including the beautiful original open fireplaces and floor finishes. The drinking nooks, lounge areas and dining spaces in the original building are comfortable and cosy whilst the addition of a 48-seater orangery, a new outdoor bar and heated seating terrace in the garden has greatly increased the space for visitors. The Prince of Wales has a lovely atmosphere. We went on Burns Night; part of the building was dedicated to
celebrating Robbie Burns in the proper Scottish fashion - the piping of the haggis, whiskey sampling and tartan aplenty. I was not surprised at the ample attendance of the Burns Night celebration, but I was surprised to see so many well-healed, jovial punters there simply for a drink or dinner on a Thursday evening. Clearly, this pub is doing something very right. Their menu features pub food that you would expect as well as more gourmet offerings such as harissa lamb ragu with orecchiette pasta or a tempura soft-shell crab burger with avocado and gochujang aioli. What I particularly liked of their menu is Stix, basically a grazing menu where you choose up to six different dishes to sample. On top of that, they also offer small plates, in case you need more substantial grazing or would like to share. Then there are also the actual sharing plates. Oh, let me not neglect the drinks menu! Extensive. Nearly a binder full of carefully curated wines (inc organic and bio-dynamic), spirits, world beers, local cask ales and house cocktails, finishing off with a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks – something for everyone. Everything about The Prince of Wales encourages a good night out – well worth a visit.
Everything about The Prince of Wales encourages a good night out – well worth a visit
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www.theprinceofwales-westend.co.uk
Renovating a building dating back to 1892 in a way that retains its charm as well adding the modernity needed, is no small feat
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CHICHESTER
FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD This ‘pop-fuelled, upbeat’ hit musical, based on the book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst. Jade meets the incredible wonder women Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart and Emmeline Pankhurst: from explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest women; all independent icons who really did change the world. Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester February 14th-18th www.cft.org.uk/events/ fantastically-great-womenwho-changed-the-world
WHAT’S ON... A brief snapshot of art and culture in Sussex and Surrey
CHICHESTER
LASER SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA A free laser light show is to be held over Chichester Canal Basin to provide some fun for all the family. The show will be held across two evenings, making it the perfect way to end the half-term holiday. Scheduled to start at 5.00pm on each of these two dates, the laser shows – which will take place with music – will be shown at 6pm and 7.30pm on both evenings. Chichester Basin Canal February 15th-16th https://chichesterbid.co.uk/event/ laser-show-extravaganza-at-the-canalbasin/2024-02-17
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LINGFIELD
LOWER BEEDING
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY DAYS
FLOWER ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOPS
A packed day with many photo opportunities including: animals of the Copse (could include red squirrels and muntjac deer), foxes, Scottish wildcats, otters, harvest mice, stoats, weasels, and polecats. The days offer the advantages of diffused winter light, toning down deep shadows and harsh highlights. And, there’s always the chance of frost and snow!
Are you ready to infuse your Valentine’s Day dinner with an extra touch of enchantment? Picture yourself surrounded by blooming peonies, fragrant roses, and delicate tulips. During this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to craft your very own Valentine’s Day dinner table centrepiece, an exquisite arrangement that will set the mood for a truly memorable evening.
British Wildlife Centre, Lingfield Until February 29th https://britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/ photography/photography-days
Leoanrdslee Lakes & Gardens February 14th www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/ all-events/floral-arrangement-workshops
LEWES CASTLE & MUSEUM
BILL BAILEY – THOUGHTIFIER
BRIGHTON
HURSTPIERPOINT
Climb to the top of Lewes Castle – a Norman Castle built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror – for stunning panoramic views across Sussex. This medieval fortress has been standing in the heart of Lewes for close to 1,000 years, providing the perfect place to explore tales of knights and dragons.
Thoughtifier - noun
Washbrooks Family Farm is set against the backdrop of the South Downs, in Hurstpierpoint. This is the perfect day out for children, offering tractor rides, indoor play area, and two acres of outdoor adventure. The farm is home to a range of animals, including donkeys, Shire horses, Shetland ponies, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, llamas, alpacas and Highland cows.
LEWES
Lewes Castle, Lewes Open seven days a week sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle
• an intriguing device that can amplify the thoughts of a curious mind using music, channelled through a human instrument, known as Bill Bailey • (colloq.) a person resembling Bill Bailey The Brighton Centre, Brighton February 18th, March 5th https://brightoncentre.co.uk/ whats-on/2024/bill-bailey
WASHBROOKS FAMILY FARM
Washbrooks, Hurstpierpoint Seen days a week https://washbrooks.co.uk
BERWICK
HALF TERM AT DRUSILLAS Keep the kids half term happy with a zooper day out at Drusillas Park – voted one of the best days out with kids in Sussex! Get nose-to-nose with 80 species of animal in our interactive zoo, go wild with indoor and outdoor adventure play, be totally immersed in SPARK sensory play experience, and more! Drusilla’s Zoo Park, Berwick February 10th-18th www.drusillas.co.uk/ february-half-term-at-drusillas
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NOV/DEC 2022 #19
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN
WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MENOPAUSE
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PREMIER WOMEN
Female political leaders across the globe
GIRL TORQUE
The all-new electric Fiat 500
SPOTLIGHT
Women in business making a difference
TRAVEL
The Highlights of the Highlands
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NEURODIVERGENCE
Is it a superpower
THE UK’S ONLY MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS
ALL THE BUSINESS NEWS, VIEWS AND OPINION FROM ACROSS THE REGION
ESSENTIAL READING FOR ANY BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH EAST
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