How Tony Bloom MBE and Paul Barber OBE have taken Brighton & Hove Albion FC to contributing hundreds of millions to the local economy
NEWS
8 World and national news
A round up of the important business stories from around the world
10 Local news
A look at the business news stories across the South East EVENTS
6 The Platinum Club
Now in its 16th year, it remains the preeminent networking forum in Sussex
16 Sussex Business Awards 2024
The 36th annual Sussex Business Awards were recently held in Brighton. See who all the winners are!
PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP
38 Brighton & Hove Business Awards 2025
The BAHBAs are back for 2025, and are open for entries
42 Sussex Property Awards 2025
Announcing a new awards night from the Platinum Media Group. Entries are open now.
48 Focus Foundation Winter Ball 2025
Announcing this spectacularly glamorous fundraising event, taking place in February next year
BUSINESS
15 Gatwick Airport Economic Zone Regional businesses leaders and local authorities met in November at London Gatwick’s annual Economic Summit
34 Gatwick Airport Economic Zone News and community support from the UK’s second airport
51 Creative Pod
Whitespace joins The creative Group 53 Cleankill
Tiny, undealt-with problems now can lead to big problems later
LEGAL
12 DMH Stallard
What effect has the Autumn 2024 Budget had on business sales?
30 DMH Stallard
Navigating inheritance disputes: the power of prompt action
40 Mayo Wynne Baxter New rules on Inheritance Tax
FINANCE
22 Kreston Reeves
Practical steps to cope with the National Insurance changes
BIG INTERVIEW
44 Roffey Park
Platinum publisher Maarten Hoffmann sat down with Harriet Attwood, Head of Talent Development at Jisc, to understand more about its relationship with Roffey Park
TRAVEL
54 Florence
Tess de Klerk spent three days exploring Florence for art, culture.. and sunsets
MOTORING
58 Maarten Hoffmann may be pining for a brute of a car to review, but he is taken with the Smart Car #3 electric vehicle. “A little rocket...”
How to protect your family’s financial future
Protecting your family from financial difficulties isn’t just about having money to provide for the long term. It’s also about ensuring your loved ones are provided for should the worst happen.
When it comes to financial protection, the options can seem overwhelming. However, consulting a financial adviser can help you choose the right cover for your personal circumstances.
Life insurance
Life insurance pays out a lump sum on death, which could be used to pay off the mortgage and provide a cash buffer. The cost of the cover will depend on factors like your age and health.
If you have children or an outstanding mortgage, you should consider a life insurance policy. There are several different types of policy to choose from: whole of life insurance, level term insurance, and decreasing term insurance. An adviser can help you decide on the right one for you.
Income protection
Income protection can provide a tax-free income if you are unable to work because of an accident or illness.
You can choose when the payments start, such as six or 12 months, with longer deferral periods resulting in lower premiums.
Income protection can be particularly valuable for the selfemployed who do not have any cover through an employer.
You can choose from short-term cover to pay an income over one or two years and long-term cover to run until retirement, or when the policy ends, whichever is sooner.
Critical illness
Critical illness cover pays out a lump sum on diagnosis of critical illnesses covered by the policy, such as heart attack, stroke and cancer. The sum could be used to pay off debts, cover outgoings such as school fees, or to adapt living arrangements.
You might want to consider this cover if you don’t have enough savings to cover you if you were to become seriously ill, or you don’t have an employee benefits package.
Family income benefit
Instead of paying out a single lump sum, this policy provides a regular, tax-free income for a set period, such as 20 years. It’s considered a relatively inexpensive form of life cover.
Private medical insurance
Private medical insurance (PMI) will pay for the cost of private healthcare and could enable you to see a specialist more quickly than under the NHS. If you don’t have PMI through work, you can pay monthly or annual premiums for a policy.
I live and work local to you. I would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
Paul Cannons Senior Investment Manager E: paul.cannons@brewin.co.uk
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.
RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
As we find ourselves at the end of yet another year, we hope you can reflect on a good year for your business, a good year personally and a good outlook for 2025.
We decided to end the year with a great celebration at the Platinum Club Christmas party at the Grand Brighton, where we have been hosting high level networking events for the past 16 years – and even managed to get Santa to arrive on a penny farthing, upon which he served the drinks!
We wish you all a happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year before we launch back into battle in 2025.
DYNAMIC MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionas@platinummediagroup.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN / SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk
CHRISTMAS PARTY
❛❛ SIMPLY THE MOST EFFICIENT AND FUN EVENT IN THE REGION. THE ONLY NETWORKING EVENT I EVER ATTEND ❜❜ MERCEDES-BENZ
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
Cara Foschini-Shaw (Sales & Events Coordinator, No 124 by Guest House); Sofia Colturani Grassi (Manager, No 124 by Guest House)
Jen Bayford (Co-Founder, Growth Animals Marketing); Jonathan Grant (Partner, DMH Stallard
Paula Ryan (Chartered Financial Planner, Benchmark Financial Planning); Nadia Cowdrey (Partner, DMH Stallard)
ALL BUSINESS IS BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS, AND PLATINUM GIVES YOU THE PLATFORM TO CREATE THE MEANINGFUL HUMAN CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER
BAILEY & FRENCH
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, 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
Gilva Tisshaw (Director, Tisshaws Family Law Solicitors); Des Henderson (Account Director, Jensten Insurance Brokers)
Ian Trevett; Simon Gregg (Associate Fusion Business); Stephanie Prior (Founder, Prior Media & Marketing); Oliver Maxwell-Jones (Executive Partner, Coole Bevis LLP)
David Sheppard (Director, D-RisQ); Lesley Alcock (Commercial Director, Platinum Media Group); Dr Adam Jones (Principal Lecturer, Help to Grow – University of Brighton)
Graham Gayler (Director, Ridgeview Wine Estate); James Mallinson (Director, Servo Private Wealth)
Kyriakos Baxevanis (Co-Founder, Little Jasmine Therapies and Spa); Dr Adam Jones (Principal Lecturer, Help to Grow –University of Brighton); Fiona Graves (Events Director, Platinum Media Group); Graham Gayler (Director, Ridgeview Wine Estate; Barry Carden (Partner, Galloways Accounting)
Lee Mancini (Founder, Agility Films)
Donna Holland (CEO, Rockinghorse); Neil Laughton (Managing Director (Laughton & Co)
Alex Smith (Director, ForLoop Consulting); Richard Pollins (Managing Partner, DMH Stallard); Gina Hollands (Managing Director, Hollands Associates); James O’Connell (Partner, Mayo Wynne Baxter)
TYPHOO UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Typhoo Tea has been rescued by vape maker Supreme in a £10m deal which it said would keep the brand “in British hands”.
The 120-year-old teamaker fell in to administration in November as its sales slumped and debts rose. Manchester-based Supreme makes the e-cigarette brand 88Vape and distributes nicotine and home products to supermarkets.
Typhoo currently has fewer than 30 staff in the UK, mainly in sales and marketing, after much of its operations - both in the UK and abroad - have been outsourced over the years.
The boss of Vodafone has insisted the telecom company’s merger with rival Three - which has finally been approved by the regulator - will not result in higher prices.
The £16.5bn tie-up will create the UK’s biggest mobile network, with 27 million customers. It has been given the go-ahead, conditional on the merged companies agreeing to invest billions in the country’s 5G network and to cap certain mobile tariffs for three years.
Vodafone’s chief executive Margherita Della Valle told the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the deal would be “self-funded”, which meant “no extra costs from public funding and no extra cost for our customers”.
UK&WORLD NEWS NO VODAFONE PRICE RISES
AISLES OF WONDER
Men are buying more from Lidl’s middle aisle, its UK boss has said as the supermarket returned to profit after a loss-making year.
Ryan McDonnell said the middle of Lidl, known for its unusual stock which ranges from power tools to inflatables, had a “big male following”.
“We often get partners at odds with each other because men have disappeared up the aisle and are buying things they maybe already have,” he told the BBC.
His comments came as Lidl reported a pre-tax profit of £43m, compared with a loss of £76m the previous year. It saw a 16.9% jump in annual sales for the year to the end of February 2024 with sales of nearly £11bn.
❛❛ Work until your bank account looks like a phone number. ❜❜
BIDS COME IN FOR AILING WATER COMPANY
Thames Water has received multiple bids for the struggling business which has warned that it could run out of cash by next year.
Castle Water, a Scottish utility firm co-owned by Conservative Party treasurer Graham Edwards, is understood to have made an offer for Thames ahead of a deadline for potential investors in December. Infrastructure investor Covalis, supported by French firm Suez, is also believed to have thrown its hat in the ring.
Thames is the UK’s biggest water company and one in four people in the UK rely on the firm for their supply. The ailing business is saddled with debts which, it admitted, will swell to nearly £18bn next March.
Customers are facing a steep rise in their water bills. In July, Thames told the industry regulator Ofwat that it wanted to increase annual bills by 23% between 2025 and 2030.
❛❛ The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence. ❜❜
Charles Bukowski
ENERGY PRICES PUSH UP INFLATION
A rise in energy bills has pushed UK inflation to its highest rate for six months.
The inflation rate rose by more than expected to 2.3% in the year to October, up from 1.7% in September. Annual gas and electricity bills for a typical household went up by about £149 in October although prices are rising much more slowly than in recent years.
QUARTER OF UK VEHICLE SALES ARE ELECTRIC
One in four cars sold in the UK in November 2024 was electric, according to industry figures, though new registrations were driven by steep discounting.
Electric car sales grew in November for the 11th consecutive month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as carmakers raced to meet tough targets. Manufacturers gave “massive” discounts worth around £4bn on electric vehicles (EVs), the SMMT said.
Some firms are expected to miss the government’s electric vehicle (EV) sales targets this year and could face fines, but flexibilities in the rules mean this is unlikely. The rules say car makers have to sell a certain amount of EVs but they are able to buy sales credits from other firms or ‘borrow’ from their own quotas in future years.
The latest inflation figure comes after the government revealed that an additional 50,000 pensioners will be living in relative poverty next year as a result of cuts to the winter fuel allowance.
Inflation has fallen from its peak in October 2022. Prices are not falling, but are now rising less quickly.
HOUSE PRICES RISES GATHER PACE
UK house prices rose at their fastest monthly rate of the year in November with further increases expected next year, the Halifax has said.
The UK’s largest mortgage lender, part of Lloyds Banking Group, said property values were up 1.3% compared with October - the fifth consecutive monthly rise. The average house price hit the latest record high of £298,083 last month, surpassing a peak of £293,999 in October.
On an annual basis, house prices have now seen the fastest growth for the past two years.
Halifax said house prices increased by 4.8% in November compared with a year earlier, up from 4% growth in October. That was the strongest annual growth for two years, echoing the view of rival lender, the Nationwide, earlier in the week. This reflects demand from buyers, but also the relative weakness of the market a year ago.
DIRECT LINE AGREES SALE TO AVIVA
FTSE 100 insurer Aviva has agreed to buy rival Direct Line in a £3.6bn cash and shares deal. Direct Line’s
board said that it would be minded to accept the offer of £2.75 per share, up from Aviva’s first bid of £2.50 per share that valued its FTSE 250 rival at £3.3bn. Direct Line had argued that it could turn its performance around, after slumping in recent years. It rejected the first offer, saying it substantially undervalued the company.
A joint statement read, “The Direct Line board believes that, in addition to the attractive headline value per share, the combination would provide the opportunity to deliver significant synergies, creating substantial additional value for both sets of shareholders.” Aviva has until 5pm on Christmas Day to make a firm offer or walk away.
RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO NOMINATE A CHARITY
Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign
For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas the specialist financial services group is giving £1,000 to ten charities each day - with 120 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost. Nominating is easy using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.
Last year more than 7,300 people from East Sussex nominated good causes to receive an awards.
£1 BUS FARE CAP
Brighton & Hove City Council, in association with the city’s bus operators, has introduced a £1 cap on ‘short single journeys’ around the city.
The cap, which started on December 1st, will be in place until January 31st. The council said it was using funding from its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to enable people to travel more cheaply around Christmas.
The offer is available through tap-on-tap-off or directly from the driver through contactless card or cash purchase when boarding.
LOCAL NEWS
❛❛ Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves? ❜❜
Robin Williams
WORTHING PIER RE-OPENS
Worthing Pier has reopened to visitors after almost two months of emergency work to make it safe. Worthing Borough Council, the pier’s owner, also took the opportunity to ask for community opinion and support for the rest of the town’s seafront.
In a statement, the council said, “During the last two months there
has been widespread vocal public support for investment in the seafront. We hope to harness this passion and positivity by recruiting residents, business leaders and community groups. They would work alongside our officers and councillors to develop a blueprint to safeguard the pier, Worthing Lido and other key heritage sites along the coastline.”
BRIGHTON I360 FILES FOR ADMINISTRATION
Brighton i360 has filed for administration, with the observation tower facing closure if it cannot find a buyer.
In a statement explaining the move, Brighton i360 Ltd blamed escalating costs, bad summer weather and the cost-of-living crisis, “which have collectively led to a significant decline in consumer spending across the UK”. The company said the tower, which opened in 2016, will remain open as it files for insolvency and begins the search for a buyer.
Charlie Carter, associate director at the management consultant Interpath, who is leading the sales process, said: “The Brighton i360 has become an iconic visitor attraction, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but unfor tunately is now at real risk of closure unless a buyer can be found.”
SUSSEX BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners of the Sussex Business Awards 2024 were announced at a sensational gala event at The Grand Brighton on December 5th. Business leaders from across the region attended the sellout event, which was organised by Platinum Media Group, and hosted by comedian, Alun Cochrane.
Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director of Platinum Media Group, said: “This year, we received a record number of
entries from all business sizes and sectors, with the standard of applications being very high.
One guest of the evening later commented, “Maarten Hoffmann knows how to throw a party and the Sussex Business Awards at the The Grand Brighton were a brilliant Show and expertly delivered. Well done team Platinum Media Group Ltd.”
For the full story, turn to page 16
❛❛ What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.❜❜
Phyllis Diller
CITY RECEIVES HIGHEST POTHOLE MAINTENANCE FUNDING
Brighton & Hove has been identified as the local authority in England that received the most additional budget per mile for pothole maintenance last year.
Analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) data by accident compensation website claims.co.uk has identified the council areas in England that received the most additional funding to tackle potholes in 2023.
Brighton & Hove City Council received the most additional budget per mile for pothole maintenance
at £1,547.46, which is 33% higher than the national average of £1,163.80.
Milton Keynes and Cheshire East councils came in second and third respectively with £1,390.39 and £1,383.34 additional budget per mile for pothole maintenance.
NEW ACCREDITATION FOR BUSINESS SCHOOL
The University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its exceptional work supporting local business growth and student enterprise.
This prestigious five-year accreditation, the highest possible, recognises the School of Business and Law as a ‘world-class’ business school, combining academic excellence with real-world impact.
Crucially, the SBC accreditation enables the school to deliver the Help to Grow: Management Course, a government-funded programme that empowers SMEs with the skills to unlock their growth potential.
BUSINESSES FINED FOR HIRING ILLEGAL WORKERS
Businesses in Sussex have been fined £445,000 for employing people without the right to work in the UK. The ten businesses across the county were fined amounts ranging from £30,000 to £120,000 in illegal working civil penalties earlier this year.
Businesses in Brighton, Eastbourne, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Storrington and Peacehaven were ‘named and shamed’ by Immigration Enforcement in the UK as part of a national list of employers fined from April to June 2024. Illegal working civil penalties are handed out when businesses employ
someone who does not have the right to work in the UK and did not do the correct checks or did not do them properly. Any business found to have knowingly employed someone without the right to work in the UK can be sent to prison for five years or face an unlimited fine.
Amidst concern about the change to Capital Gains Tax potentially disrupting the M&A market, there is a level of relief amongst deal doers.
By Jonathan Grant, Partner and Head of Corporate, DMH Stallard
What impact has the 2024 Budget had on business sales?
With scare stories rife, many businesses advanced their plans to sell ahead of the budget, and a number of deals were completed to an accelerated timetable. However, this year has also seen deal values rising again, and while some sub-£5m deals were able to accelerate to beat the Budget, larger deals (£10m+ typically with corporate or institutional buyers) were not prepared to rush the process.
Previous Budgets have seen buyers and sellers sharing responsibility for tax increases, with buyers increasing the price to share some of the increased tax burden on sellers. This year, there has been an increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for sellers, but buyers also face higher
operating costs because of the increase in employers’ National Insurance. My limited experience to date suggests that these two issues are cancelling each other out, when it comes to any attempt by sellers to renegotiate.
For most active deals, the response seems to have been that buyers and sellers will each bear responsibility for their own increase in the tax burden. Provided the business continues to perform, deals do not seem to have derailed.
TAX CHANGES AT A GLANCE
Entrepreneurs and family business sellers found that the 20% rate of CGT previously available on the sale of shares increased to 24% with immediate effect (higher rate tax payers). Changes were also made to Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), with effect from April 2025 and again in April 2026.
BADR allows sellers to pay a reduced rate of 10% on the first £1m of gains made on the disposal of a trading com -
pany in which they were at least a 5% shareholder for two years, and for the same period where they were office holders or employees. Most entrepreneurs and businesses sellers achieved 10% CGT for the first £1m, then 20% thereafter.
With effect from April 6th 2025, the 10% BADR will increase to 14%, and from April 6th 2026, it will rise to 18%. The impact of the BADR will clearly have a more dramatic impact on smaller deals, or where there are a number of shareholders in the same family. On
❛❛ The outcome is not yet certain, but there are reasons to remain positive! ❜❜
❛❛ For most active deals, the response seems to have been that buyers and sellers will each bear responsibility ❜❜
an individual basis, the tax impact will be £40,000 after April 6th 2025, and £80,000 after April 6th 2026. However, given the new rate of 24%, they still enjoy a reduction for 2025 and 2026 of 10% and 6% respectively.
If you combine the BADR adjustment with the CGT increase, then from April 6th 2026, a qualifying seller receiving £10m, will pay £440k more in tax then they would have done before the 2024 budget.
WHAT WILL THE MARKET BE LIKE MOVING FORWARD?
Leading up to the Budget, we have seen an increase in deals with a value over £10m, suggesting increased confidence from larger investors and
corporate acquirers. At the same time there has been a high number of management buyouts and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT), often below £10m.
I expect both parts of the market to continue and accelerate over the next year, particularly when it comes to sales to EOTs, given that such sales are not affected by the new changes, so sellers can still benefit from a full CGT relief. There is a strong desire amongst business owners to sell, combined with economic growth and confidence.
Overall, the impact of macro events will have a greater impact on deal values over the next year than the changes in tax rates: a Trump win in the US, and an easing of international tensions across
the World (should that come to pass), combined with lower inflation and continued growth.
The outcome is not yet certain, but there are reasons to remain positive!
This document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of the contents of this document.
Jonathan Grant, Partner and Head of Corporate, DMH Stallard
www.dmhstallard.com
Airport Economic Zone to drive growth in the Gatwick region
Regional businesses leaders and local authorities met in November at London Gatwick’s annual Economic Summit
The summit discussed opportunities to unlock economic growth through a new Airport Economic Zone (AEZ).
The AEZ will bring together a taskforce of senior economic development and business leaders, including representatives from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, from across the six local authority areas within the Gatwick region early in December. This taskforce will develop the Gatwick Region AEZ, promoting long-term sustainable economic growth and inward investment, and includes 13 economic and business stakeholders, including four local authorities.
London Gatwick is already a major catalyst for growth, contributing 76,500 jobs and £5.5 billion to the UK economy every year. The AEZ aims to build on this regionally, by unlocking new trade, tourism, and benefits for business, and attracting global investment for the region, in line with some of the priorities identified in the Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper.
The airport is also awaiting a government decision on a £2.2 billion investment plan to bring its existing standby
Northern Runway into routine use which, if approved, will create a further 14,000 jobs and generate an extra £1 billion in economic benefits every year. These plans include an Employment, Skills, and Business Strategy, supported by a £20 million fund, which would provide a further funding boost the AEZ.
Stewart Wingate, CEO, London Gatwick said: “London Gatwick has a strong track record as a catalyst for regional growth. We are excited to be working
with the community and business leaders to leverage what has already been achieved, promote the many benefits of the region and attract future inward investment.”
Dawn Redpath, Surrey County Council’s Director for Economy and Growth said: “We recognise the contribution Gatwick makes to our regional economy, creating employment opportunities, driving investment and supporting business growth.
“We know there is potential for the airport to deliver further benefits in the future and look forward to playing an active role in the Taskforce on behalf of our businesses and communities.”
Stewart Wingate, CEO, London Gatwick
Dawn Redpath, Director for Economy and Growth, Surrey County Council
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners of the Sussex Business Awards 2024 were announced at a sensational gala event at The Grand Brighton on December 5th.
Business leaders from across the region attended the sellout event, which was organised by Platinum Media Group, and hosted by comedian, Alun Cochrane. The awards ceremony was made up of 16 categories, and recognised accomplishments made across all aspects of business, from personal successes to outstanding contributions.
Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director of Platinum Media Group, said: “This year, we received a record number of entries from all business sizes and sectors, with the standard of applications being very high.
“It is a testament to the vital role that businesses across Sussex play in fostering economic growth and strengthening the fabric of our communities. To make the shortlist is a huge achievement and I’d like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted finalists.”
The event charity partner was Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. Attendees on the night helped to raise £12,500 which will help improve the lives of sick children throughout Sussex.
VIEW THE FULL SHORTLIST ONLINE: https://www.platinummediagroup.co.uk/events/sussexbusiness-awards/winners-2024
Thank you for putting on such a fantastic event with entertainment that kept everyone laughing throughout the evening ❜❜ Creative Nature
❛❛ Wow, what an amazing night! Thank you so much for your hard work and all the effort that went into planning this event, which we must say was executed beautifully
Matt Hickey, The Health Value Alliance
THE WINNERS
International Business of the Year
KURT J. LESKER COMPANY
Sponsored by Roffey Park Institute
Employer of the Year ARKE AGENCY
Sponsored by D-RisQ
Creative Industries Award THREAD STUDIOS
Sponsored by University of Sussex Business School
Company of the Year TULLEYS FARM
Sponsored by EMC Corporate Finance
Future Talent of the Year OLIVER WATTS, BACKSTREET COMPANY
Sponsored by Chichester College Group
Community Hero Award AUDIOACTIVE
Sponsored by Plus X Innovation
Businessperson of the Year
DEAN ORGILL, MAYO WYNNE BAXTER
Sponsored by FRP Corporate Finance
Small Business of the Year BEST OF BRITISH EVENTS
Sponsored by Loch Associates Group
CEO of the Year
DR CAROLE GILLING-SMITH
Sponsored by The Agora Clinic
THE HIGHLIGHTS
❛❛ Thank you for such a brilliantly organised event.
Having a glimpse behind the scenes showed me just how well planned you and your team were – and that certainly came across in the quality of the ceremony, which was exceptional ❜❜ Catherine Fisher, Managing Partner, Morr & Co
Honest Pricing
Managed Space
Super Fast Internet (1GB Dedicated Shared Line)
Printing
Business Support
Access to Members Directory
CO-WORKING / HOTDESKS MEETING ROOMS
/ EVENT SPACE
Open Plan Kitchen / Breakout Areas
Access to Barclays Eagle Labs Business Support
Unlimited Refreshments
FREE Beer Friday
Tailored Member Networking
Professional Enviroment
By James O’Leary, Corporate Tax Senior Manager at Kreston Reeves
NATIONAL INSURANCE
Practical steps to respond to changes in the Budget
The most significant individual tax measure announced in the recent Budget was the changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs), which are estimated to generate £25 billion annually for the Treasury.
The changes can be summarised as the threshold at which an employer begins paying NICs reducing from £9,100 to £5,000 per annum, and the rate increasing from 13.8% to 15%. This increased NIC rate will also apply to taxable benefits-in-kind and PAYE Settlement Agreements.
However, employers with NIC costs more than £100,000 will now be able to claim the increased Employment Allowance of up to £10,500, subject to other exceptions including single-director companies.
This article outlines some practical steps employers can take to reduce their exposure to increased NICs.
OWNER-MANAGED COMPANIES
For director-shareholders of owner-managed companies, it is typical to take a modest salary from the company
❛❛ It is important to note that taking a salary from the company may have non-tax benefits
(usually between £9,100 and £12,570 in 2024/25, depending on the circumstances) and take further profits from the company in the form of dividends.
With the reduced employer NIC threshold from April 6th 2025, many owners may consider reducing their salary to reduce the extra NICs costs. However, it is important to note that taking a salary from the company may have non-tax benefits.
Reducing the salary to the new employer NIC threshold of £5,000 would mean that the individual would not qualify for their state pension credits. For 2025/26, a salary of at least £6,500 would be needed for this purpose resulting in employer NICs of £225, before any Corporation Tax relief.
Owners should consider their entire remuneration package to ensure it aids in achieving their objectives in the most tax-efficient manner. Options other than dividends and salaries should be considered.
1. Employer pension contributions of up to £60,000, subject to their total earnings, are still very attractive from a tax perspective, as the contribution is an exempt benefit for the director and the company should be able to claim Corporation Tax relief on the payment. Further amounts could be pay -
able where brought-forward allowances are available.
2. For those looking to acquire a new electric vehicle, a company car remains an attractive option. The company will receive a 100% ‘First Year Allowance’, reducing taxable profits by the cost of the car, and the taxable benefit remains at 2% of the list price until the 2027/28 tax year. However, the increased rate of Employer NICs will unfortunately apply to the benefit. This is especially the case with the reclassification to the tax position for a company and individual on ‘double cab pickup’ trucks.
employers. There are still various ways to incentivise employees without paying extra employer NICs.
The increase in the employer NIC rate makes salary sacrifice arrangements even more attractive for employers as part of their overall remuneration packages for employees. Common examples of salary sacrifice arrangements include pension contributions, cycle-towork schemes, and electric vehicles.
❛❛ There are strategies available to ensure profits are extracted and employees are remunerated in a tax-efficient manner ❜❜
3. Trivial benefits of up to £300 per year can still be provided to directors if each benefit costs the company less than £50, is not in the form of cash or a cash voucher, is not a reward for work performance, and is a non-contractual benefit. A trivial benefit does not attract any Income Tax, NICs, or reporting requirements.
EMPLOYERS
Although the Employment Allowance will increase by £5,500, the uplift in the National Minimum Wage and the increase in the employer NIC rate will bring a significant rise in costs for
For example, replacing an employee’s cash bonus with an employer’s pension contribution will bring a 15% cost saving to the employer. This will require the agreement of the employee in question, and some employers agree to share the Employer NIC cost saving with the employee to incentivise this.
Share schemes are often an effective tool in encouraging employee retention and attracting high-performing individuals. Employers can consider setting up tax-advantaged share schemes to incentivise their employees instead of cash bonuses. In particular, the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) is a popular share option scheme as it allows employers to target specific employees and, in general, the growth
in value of the shares on which options are granted is free from Income Tax and NICs.
Where employers pay discretionary bonuses, it may be worth considering whether these should be paid before the new rates come into effect. This can help avoid the higher NICs associated with the increased rates.
SUMMARY
Whilst it is inevitable that most businesses will be affected by the changes to employer NICs, there are strategies available to ensure profits are extracted and employees are remunerated in a tax-efficient manner. Every business is different and will need to use a range of strategies to ensure that they are operating effectively. In practice this can be complex, and we would be happy to speak to you about how the changes affect your business and what can be done to optimise your position.
For more information, please contact James O’Leary, Corporate Tax Senior Manager:
... AND THE REMARKABLE RISE OF BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
BUT FIRST, A BRIEF (-ISH) HISTORY LESSON
In November 1993, at an Emergency General Meeting (EGM); some of the directors (not all were invited) had arbitrarily changed a clause in the club’s Articles of Association, dispensing with a rule that said – should the Albion be wound up, any monies left over would be distributed among sports clubs across Sussex. It meant someone stood to clean up upon the dissolution of Brighton & Hove Albion.
In July 1995, news leaked that the Goldstone Ground, the club’s home since 1902, had been sold. After initially denying this fact, the club said it would play at Fratton Park, home of Portsmouth FC.
This, somewhat alarmingly, was news to Portsmouth.
So began a painful and at times, toxic two-year battle between the fans and the board of directors. The protests were colourful and imaginative in presentation— boycotts, whistle protests, walk-outs, and marches through Brighton and central London.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion were about to become homeless by the end of the 1995/96 season.
The protests were always going to be in vain if the fans succeeded in ridding Archer of the club, but with no one else to take the reins. Dick Knight, himself a lifelong
It’s no hyperbole to say that the club was 28 minutes from extinction in 1997. The Goldstone Ground, home of Brighton & Hove Albion for 95 years, had been sold to property developers, behind the fans’ backs, and the team had nowhere to play. The undertakers had just about finished measuring up the entire club, when the fans decided enough was enough.
The story of the campaigns – ‘the football protest movement by which all others are judged’ – to keep the club alive has been well documented, and Matt Lorenzo’s 2024 film ‘Stand or Fall – The Remarkable Rise of Brighton & Hove Albion’ offers further insight and – 27 years later – a historical perspective.
fan, took control of the club in the summer of 1997.
The Football League sanctioned a temporary home for Brighton – provided the Albion were back ‘home’ within three years. It meant a 150-mile round trip to Gillingham for each ‘home’ game. At the same time, 17 of the same Football League’s member clubs voted to expel them.
This meant getting the club back to Brighton, and the fans having another campaign on their hands. An ambivalent local council and an actively hostile community needed to be persuaded that, to play at Withdean, they would only be there for three years.
Today, Brighton & Hove Albion is a top 10 English football club. At the time of writing, it was sitting proudly in upper echelons of the Premier League. Off the pitch, Its finance figures are impressive, and the opinion from all quarters around the game is just how well run the club is.
And that is largely down to the vision and tenacity of two men – Tony Bloom MBE and Paul Barber OBE.
The city of Brighton & Hove is also a major business beneficiary of the Albion’s rise. Alan Wares takes a look at a proud 123 yearold institution that is showing other outfits how to run a football club successfully with a sustainable business model.
In 1999, the Albion returned to its home town, at the sports complex at Withdean. Meanwhile, now that the club was back, another fight was bumping down the pipeline. Withdean was never going to be sufficient as a permanent home. So plans were put in place for a 22,874-capacity stadium near Falmer.
The original planning application was submitted in 2001, approved by Brighton & Hove City Council in 2002 and – after two Public Inquiries, and countless campaigning for and against by those affected (and even those unaffected), – was eventually approved by Central Government in 2007.
Brighton
TONY BLOOM
During all this time, from 1999 to 2008, the club was kept afloat by Dick Knight, a man whose main achievement –aside from saving the club in 1997, and getting approval for the stadium – was being able to persuade like-minded Brighton business people (Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim being the most famous) to chip in, lest the club be declared bankrupt. Playing in a hopelessly inadequate converted athletics stadium – with the extra handicap of needing to spend millions upon millions on the planning process – was taking its toll.
However, once the club had approval for the stadium, it needed to be paid for, and the timing of the 2008 ‘banking crash’ could not have come at a worse time. In short, no one was prepared to fund the (officially) £93 million project.
Tony Bloom was born in Brighton on March 20th 1970 and was educated at Lancing College. He subsequently gained a maths degree at the University of Manchester.
His uncle Ray Bloom was - and still isa board member, while his grandfather Harry Bloom had served as de facto Vice-Chairman in the 1970s. Tony had been another of the figures in the background whom Dick Knight had persuaded to help fund the club during its tenure at Withdean.
“Tony is someone who has always wanted as many opinions as possible. He listens and respects those opinions before taking a final decision”
By the time of the banking crash, Bloom informed the board that he would be prepared to fund the entire project. His price was Chairmanship of Brighton & Hove Albion, and on May 18th 2009, Bloom took over control of the club.
“When I first started going in 1977,” Bloom told The Albion Roar podcast in 2019, “and it was all very positive, and we were winning lots of games, getting
promotion, I thought ‘this is what football is all about’, it was great. Then, we had the FA Cup Final in 1983, and things started going downhill.
“But I always knew we had a great fanbase, so when we got to 2009, I had the confidence - some people might call it misplaced confidence - that we would one day get to the Premier League. But we needed that stadium. And with the stadium, I also realised we needed a training ground fit for the Premier League. That was obvious to me fairly early on.”
After 14 years without the club having a permanent home, The American Express Stadium opened in August 2011.
RUNNING THE CLUB
Running a professional football club requires a certain set of skills, and these are not always easy to come by from anyone outside the game. Bloom’s style is to collaborate rather than dictate. He is smart and shrewd enough to know what he doesn’t know.
Tony’s humility, to the point of reserved guardedness (occasionally a sliver of information ekes its way out of the boardroom), is evident when talking about his role as Chairman. It’s a privileged role, and he is acutely aware of the notion that Chairmen are only ever custodians of the club; it’s the club itself and the fans who are the constant.
Paul Barber (left) and Tony Bloom on ‘Buzz’s Boot Room’ Albion quiz on YouTube
IMAGE: PAUL HAZLEWOOD
As Andy Naylor wrote in The Athletic in 2020, “Tony is someone who has always wanted as many opinions as possible. He listens and respects those opinions before making a final decision. He wants a diverse set of people around him.
“Often people in power don’t tend to listen to other people. They think they have got somewhere because they have superior judgement. He is the opposite. He wants to take stuff from a lot of people. You can tell when someone asks for an opinion but doesn’t engage or challenge it. They aren’t really interested in it. He relentlessly engages.
“He inspires loyalty through strong integrity. You have a strong feeling for the sort of person he is. In the football world, there is a lot of chicanery and negativity with agents but he will do the right thing, even if it hurts him.”
PAUL BARBER
Paul Barber was born on April 8th 1967 in north London. He grew up a fan of Tottenham Hotspur and previously worked as a Commercial Director at the Football Association and an Executive Director at his beloved Spurs. At the time he was head-hunted by Tony Bloom, Barber was working for Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada and had made it known he was interested in returning to England.
Despite initial reluctance on Barber’s part, just under a year after the new stadium had opened, Bloom appointed a new Chief Executive.
Leap forward 12 years to today, and with both men still working in their respective roles, albeit at an organisation that has seen many changes, those plans for progression still hold. Barber is under contract at Brighton & Hove Albion until 2030, and Bloom - well, he is in it for life.
The club is helped by its ongoing partnership with American Express, especially with the latter’s caveat of having funds to specifically promote the women’s game. “American Express has changed the way we have business partners. They’ve been involved with the club for the past 10 years, and we are delighted that they have renewed. It’s so important to the club that we have a vibrant and successful women’s team,” states Barber.
Paul Barber is arguably the most respected administrator in world football today. He has also delivered lectures and keynote presentations at universities and business schools, as well as being a guest lecturer on FIFA’s Diploma in Club Management. And that doesn’t include his accolades of winning Football CEO of the Year several times from several different bodies.
TODAY
There is a widely-held view across the footballing universe that ‘Brighton & Hove Albion is known as a ‘well-run club’. Arguably, many venture to comment, that it’s the best-run club in England; certainly in the mad circus that is the Premier League.
“Paul Barber is arguably the most respected administrator in world football.”
It’s an opinion that has been put to both men on several occasions, and their response is as constant as it is humble as it is simple. Looking in from the outside, whatever Brighton & Hove Albion does within football is often met with approval, and yet, as Barber states unequivocally, it’s not rocket science.
IMAGE: PAUL HAZLEWOOD
WHAT A DIFFERENCE TWO DECADES MAKES...
And it’s these aspects which Tony Bloom and Paul Barber adhere to when making business decisions – active succession planning; honed recruitment policies; effective HR; staff welfare and benefits; high-end, in-house company values; customer service;
‘Their recruitment is second-to-none,’ is an oft-quoted follow-up comment, and there is a fair amount of merit in that opinion. The aforementioned succession planning is designed to kick in at a moment’s notice. It’s highly probable that, even though Head Coach, Fabian Hürzeler, has only been in the job for five months, the club already has a replacement lined up.
“Tony, when the fans sing ‘Tony Bloom’s Blue & White Army’, do you ever think ‘I’m the man’?”
Eight year-old Brighton fan Joseph asks Bloom what it’s like to be Chairman, 2016.
customer liaison - and on and on. With regards to customer service, it’s incredible that there are at least two Premier League clubs who refuse to actively participate in open dialogue with the fanbase.
PROFIT AND LOSS FOR EVERY PREMIER
That’s not to say Hürzeler’s job is on the line - far from it. However, should the proverbial No.19 bus come along, the club must be prepared to act to ensure a consistent, smooth transition.
This succession planning applies to everyone within the ‘Core 25’ that the club has identified as being key to the daily running of the business. The only senior member not on the succession
Source: Kieran Maguire / Price of Football
AFC BOURNEMOUTH +£44M
MANCHESTER CITY +£80M BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION +£123M
MANCHESTER UNITED -£150M
ASTON VILLA - £120M
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - £96M
CHELSEA - £90M
LEICESTER CITY - £90M
EVERTON - £89M
SOUTHAMPTON -£87M
NEWCASTLE UNITED -£73M
NOTTINGHAM FOREST -£69M
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS -£67M
ARSENAL -£52M
LEEDS UNITED -£34M
CRYSTAL PALACE - £27M
FULHAM -£26M
WEST HAM UNITED -£18M
LIVERPOOL -£15M
BRENTFORD £0
planning list is Tony Bloom himself. And he already knows what he intends to do when it’s eventually time to let go.
The club has also found itself ranked at No.29 on the Forbes list of the world’s richest football clubs (though some gloss is taken off by realising 11 Premier League clubs are ahead of them on that list. The 2025 list is expected to see Brighton climb higher.
Barber has stated on many occasions how grateful he is to have a boss like Tony Bloom. They discuss football, business, the next step – anything business-related – daily. The only time business is not mentioned is on matchday. That’s when Bloom goes into ‘fan mode’, and company business is strictly forbidden. Barber occasionally joins him on that step, but as a Spurs boy at heart, one does wonder the extent to which Brighton has taken over his soul.
One pertinent pointer may well be when I spoke to Paul - he is very accessible, even on matchdays – at a Brighton v Spurs game, and he did refer to the Seagulls as ‘we’.
HEALTHY FIGURES
In 2003, when the club was at the first Public Inquiry, seeking to obtain permission for the stadium, it highlighted the potential financial benefits in terms of jobs and income to the city. Martin Perry, then CEO of Brighton & Hove Albion, told the Planning Inspectors that the stadium, and all its associated activities, could bring the city of Brighton & Hove an estimated £23m to the local economy every year. This statement was met with derision, scorn, and no
Fans protest on the pitch after the last-ever game at The Goldstone Ground, April 1997...
... to the victory parade along Brighton and Hove seafronts following Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League, May 2017
small amount of dismissive laughter from the room.
In 2023, Marshall Regen, management consultants based in Hove, issued a report estimating that Brighton & Hove Albion’s contribution to the local economy during the season 2022/23 was around £612m. The figure is taken from direct and indirect financial transactions as a result of what the club calls ‘the matchday experience’.
In central Brighton, when the Albion are at home, the pubs are full and, depending on the time of kick-off and the location of the visiting team, hotels fill up fairly quickly too.
The club’s most recent set of financial figures – for the season ending 2022/23 state that, off the pitch, Brighton’s pre-tax profit surged from £24m to a very impressive £133m. Revenue increased by £30m (17%) from £174m to £204m, which was the club’s highest ever, while profit from player sales just about doubled from £62m to £121m. At the same time, Brighton managed to keep their costs under control, as operating expenses only rose £4m (2%) to £220m, while they had £2.5m net interest receivable.
The figures were also boosted by £25m other operating income, up from just £1m in the previous year, which included £23m compensation from Chelsea for the outgoing Graham Potter and his support staff. Profit after tax was lower at £123m after considering a £10m tax charge. That ‘profit’ figure of £123m is, incidentally, a Premier League record, and it is widely expected that the club will match – or get very close to – that figure in the next set of financial figures.
It also highlights the point that, despite the billions sloshing around the Premier League, how is it that so many clubs make such a loss on such a constant basis? Actually, the answer is wellknown - salaries are exorbitant, bordering on stupid, but no one seems minded to change that.
WHAT NEXT?
Today, Brighton & Hove Albion is in the best position it has ever been in since its humble genesis upstairs at the Seven Stars in Ship Street in 1901 – both
BUSINESS BASICS
If anyone reads the back issues of Platinum Business Magazine, one will notice the myriad aspects of running a successful company are highlighted by the thought leadership articles written by the forward-thinking contributors who write for the magazine.
This then seeks to ask another question – should more football club chairmen and CEOs be getting a regular copy of Platinum Business Magazine? If only to realise that you don’t need to over-complicate how you run your business. As any business leader who has a passing interest in football will tell you, it’s absolutely baffling as to why the business model of running a football club - certainly at the top end England - is so dreadful.
on and off the pitch. It directly and indirectly provides almost 2,000 jobs in the club, and through its caterers and via associated activities.
It is seen across British, European and world football as a progressive club, representing what many residents and visitors feel is a progressive city, especially with the charitable arm of the club - Brighton & Hove Foundation – and its noisy support for Brighton Pride every year.
Plans are in place to promote the women’s game further by building a bespoke women’s stadium in the city. It will be the first of its kind in Europe and only the second in the world. A new site needs to be identified first.
Tony Bloom and Paul Barber are considered two of the most highly-respected
football administrators today. Their vision, teamwork and leadership are a beacon in football surprisingly few are following – more fool them.
It is, therefore, no surprise that they have both received awards from His Majesty King Charles III. Bloom was appointed MBE in 2024 for services to association football and to the community in Brighton, while Barber was appointed an OBE (‘just an Old Boy of Edmonton’, he called it) in 2023 for services to association football.
The pair have everyone facing the same direction - a rarity within the business of football. Whatever metric you wish to measure the club by, it is now looking to confidently stake its claim at the top table, and now has the framework in place to do so.
Gonzalo Butori (left), Senior Associate, Family, at DMH Stallard and a legal expert in contested disputes in England, Spain and Italy, and Rajinder Sahonte, Barrister at New Square Chambers, discuss the rising trend of inheritance disputes.
Navigating inheritance disputes: The power of prompt action and legal guidance
In the UK, contested probate cases have been on the rise, with reported disputes reaching a record high, as claims to contest Wills have increased in the last decade, reflecting the growing complexities in family structures and property values.
Succession, or inheritance, often causes emotions to run high, sometimes even before the moment of death. Family dynamics, sentimental attachments, and financial stakes can create a volatile mix when the division of assets is known or questioned.
Expectations don’t translate into rights. In the UK, a Testator, the person who has made a legally valid Will, is free to leave his/her estate as he/she chooses, subject to one exception. There is no requirement to make a Will; in that event, the Law sets out how an estate is divided.
If you believe something has gone wrong in making a Will, it is crucial to act quickly and seek legal advice. Delays in addressing inheritance disputes can lead to complications.
Inheritance laws are often complex, vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are designed to ensure a fair distribution of assets upon someone’s death where there is forced heirship (the European model). The UK permits unfair division to be challenged differently. These laws generally set out who is entitled to inherit, under what conditions, and in what proportions.
A Will may be contested if family or other potential heirs believe they were wrongly excluded or question its validity. Grounds for invalidity include the testator’s lack of capacity, undue influence, coercion, improper execution, lack of knowledge and approval, or forgery.
Also, a defined class of people connected to, or dependent on, the Testator may seek reasonable financial provision if assets were unfairly divided. These include, among others, spouses or civil partners, children, and others financially dependent on the Testator.
Executors, or administrators, must act impartially in the beneficiaries’ interest, yet conflicts may arise if they
❛❛ If you believe something has gone wrong in making a Will, it is crucial to act quickly and seek legal advice ❜❜
mismanage assets, or fail to follow the Will. Beneficiaries can seek to resolve issues through solicitors or, if needed, through the courts.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTING SWIFTLY
Inheritance disputes are time-sensitive for several reasons. Legal systems impose statutory and procedural
limitations that set out what actions must be taken to make challenges. Respect for time limits is crucial. Missing a deadline, even if your claim is valid, means you may lose your right to challenge the inheritance.
Preserving evidence is vital. Witnesses forget essential details, documents could be lost, or electronic records might be deleted. Taking swift action increases the chances of gathering and preserving critical information needed to support your case.
Protecting estate assets is vital, as delays may lead to distribution, sale or transfer of assets, making it harder to recover your rightful share.
The emotional charge in probate disputes is often underestimated. Prolonged disputes can strain family relationships beyond repair. Addressing the situation promptly may help avoid the
❛❛ Addressing the situation promptly may help avoid the conflict escalating into a lengthy and bitter legal battle ❜❜
conflict escalating into a lengthy and bitter legal battle.
WHY SEEK LEGAL ADVICE
Inheritance disputes often involve highly technical areas of law, requiring expert guidance. Seeking immediate legal advice is critical for several reasons:
• Understanding your legal position is essential for informed decisions. Consult a specialist solicitor who can assess your unique case. An inheritance lawyer will help determine if you have a valid claim.
• Acting correctly from the beginning is crucial. The first steps of a dispute are perhaps some of the most important moments in litigation. Preserving the assets, keeping the integrity of evidence safe, formulating a strategy, and setting up the appropriate path is integral to building a solid case.
• Dealing with legal intricacies involved in contesting a Will, can be overwhelming.
• Considering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is also crucial, as not all inheritance disputes need to end up in court. Courts often encourage ADR to reduce costs and promote negotiated rather than imposed settlements. Common ADR methods include mediation, early neutral evaluation, and negotiation.
Whilst going to court should be the last resort, having legal representation from the outset will ensure your interests are protected throughout the litigation process.
CONCLUSION: PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS TO INHERIT
Inheritance disputes can be emotionally and financially draining but seeking legal advice promptly can make all the difference in protecting your position. The legal complexities involved, the urgency imposed by statutes of limitations and the need to keep assets safe mean that delays can be costly.
If you believe your inheritance rights have been violated, don’t wait. Explore your options, build a strong case, and take the necessary steps to ensure a fair outcome. By acting swiftly, you protect your interests and your family’s legacy.
For more information contact: Gonzalo.Butori@dmhstallard.com, +44 (0) 1403 282707
www.dmhstallard.com
More than an airport, Gatwick has been helping local families in time of need
London Gatwick contributes towards supporting Crawley families
London Gatwick has contributed £13,990 to support families in financial hardship through its partnership with charity FreeShop Crawley.
Thanks to funding secured by a London Gatwick colleague, £8,990 was granted from the London Gatwick Foundation Fund and £5,000 from the VINCI UK Foundation.
FreeShop provides essential services to more than 600 people every week, offering food, mental health support, professional services and community engagement - crucial resources that help families rise out of poverty.
Barry Cullen, London Gatwick’s Employment and Skills Lead, nominated FreeShop for the VINCI UK Foundation
funding, while the charity also successfully applied for a grant through the London Gatwick Foundation Fund. He comments: “I am proud to work with London Gatwick to support FreeShop in their vital mission to uplift local families. Having grown up in an area similar to parts of Crawley, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by families living in financial hardship.
❛❛ The support from London Gatwick has been invaluable in helping local families navigate difficult circumstances. ❜❜
“I had the opportunity to learn more about FreeShop’s impactful work at a recent event and felt an immediate connection to their cause. I firmly believe every family deserves access to the resources to rise out of poverty.”
Laura-Jane Wainwright, CEO and Project Development Manager, FreeShop says: “The support from London Gatwick has been invaluable in helping local families navigate difficult circumstances. With this funding, we can cover core costs like rent, storage, accountancy, and venue hire, as well as purchase craft supplies, storage for toys, and essential kitchen items.”
During October half-term, London Gatwick welcomed 13 families who use FreeShop to its STEM centre (Science Technology Engineering and Maths). London Gatwick colleagues led STEM-related activities for children and engaged with parents about the career opportunities available at the airport.
In December, London Gatwick’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team will volunteer at the FreeShop hub in Bewbush to organise gifts for their Christmas stocking event.
London Gatwick is investing in its longterm future. The examination phase of the airport’s planning application to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine use has now concluded, with a decision expected to follow in early 2025. London Gatwick’s low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism, and new jobs.
INSPIRING
THE NEXT GENERATION AT THE CROYDON CAREERS FAIR
London Gatwick Representatives from London Gatwick recently attended the Croydon Careers Fair, where Head of the Project Management Office, Usman Afzal, joined a panel discussion on careers in the construction and built environment sector.
Alongside industry professionals, Usman shared career insights, discussed challenges, and offered tips on navigating the evolving job market with an engaged audience interested in exploring opportunities in this field.
At the London Gatwick stand, colleagues welcomed visitors, while the construction team hosted mock interviews and provided valuable career advice. Usman also highlighted
Gatwick’s multi-billion-pound capital investment programme, which is creating exciting new opportunities for the construction team and its partners.
Earlier this year, London Gatwick signed an Economic Growth Charter with Croydon Council, reinforcing its commitment to economic growth, skills development, and job creation in the area. Recent data from leading economist Oxera shows that Gatwick supports over 3,600 jobs in Croydon, and with Northern Runway plans advancing, the airport is set to unlock even more jobs, opportunities, and economic growth for Croydon and beyond.
❛❛ Usman highlighted Gatwick’s multi-billionpound capital investment programme
LONDON GATWICK ‘POLAR BEARS’ PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER
London Gatwick colleagues have completed more than 4,000 hours of training as the airport prepares to deal with adverse weather conditions this winter.
Around 200 airport staff – primarily from the Security and Passenger Operations teams – have volunteered to be trained as ‘Polar Bears’ – ready to operate London Gatwick’s extensive fleet of winter vehicles, including tractors and snow ploughs, should it snow.
The ‘Polar Bears’ have been trained over the past few weeks on operating the vehicles and how to clear snow and ice from the airfield, in line with the airport’s adverse weather plan.
Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, London Gatwick states: “We put a lot of planning in place for our winter operation, starting as soon as the previous winter ends. Our priority is the always safety of our passengers and staff, and to ensure they can travel through the airport as efficiently as possible.
“We rehearse our processes to make sure we get it right. While we can’t control the weather, it’s vital we have comprehensive plans in place to deal with inclement conditions as best as possible, to ensure the airport can remain operational and people get away on their holidays – particularly over the festive period.”
The ‘Polar Bears’ are just one of several proactive plans London Gatwick has in place to ensure the airport can run
smoothly and safely throughout winter. Other preparations include landside volunteers - known as ‘Yetis’ - on standby to grit 27 miles of the airport’s road network, alongside its car parks and bus routes.
The airport has 70 tonnes of grit stored on site, as well 350,000 litres of liquid de-icer, and 25 tonnes of solid de-icer, alongside 80 winter vehicles from articulated snow clearing vehicles, to deicers, gritters and snow cutters.
❛❛ The airport has 70 tonnes of grit stored on site, as well 350,000 litres of liquid de-icer, and 25 tonnes of solid de-icer ❜❜
These preparations will help passengers jet off to more than 220 worldwide destinations this winter, including new long-haul services to Bangkok and Islamabad with British Airways, and new short-haul flights to Luxor in Egypt (TUI and easyJet), Evenes in Norway (Norwegian), and Brest in France (Volotea).
Find out more via www.gatwickairport.com
SAFEGUARD YOUR FUTURE:
Protect yourself from the unexpected
Let’s face it - life’s busy. And as a business owner, your personal and professional lives often overlap. You’re working hard to grow your business, and at the same time you are your company’s most important asset.
It’s important to take some time to review potential risks for both you and your business. For example, what could throw your plan off course or even derail it completely? Have you ensured you are protected against such risks, such as what would happen to your income if you were to become seriously ill or injured?
We insure our cars, our phones and our homes, so why not ourselves? Imagine your workplace for a moment. Now, picture a machine in the corner of your office that, without fail, produces your income each month.
Every month, like clockwork, that machine churns out your earnings, keeping your household running and your family life going. But here’s the catch: this is the only machine that can generate your monthly income. If it breaks down, stops working, or disappears, your income does, too.
The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.
HJP Chartered Financial Planners 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 http://www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
HJP Chartered Financial Planners is a trading name of HJP Wealth Management Ltd
SJP approved 20/11/2024
Now, the question is: Would you insure that machine?
For many of you, you are that machine. But how many of you have taken out insurance to make sure that monthly income continues if something happens to you?
Income protection insurance is a straightforward way to mitigate this risk, ensuring you maintain an income even if you’re unable to work. After all, your most valuable asset is you, and this coverage safeguards your future earnings should the unexpected arise.
The best part? It’s tax-deductible—so while it’s a cost, it’s one that offers peace of mind without impacting your bottom line.
Senior Partner Practice
FREE TO ENTER
2025 CATEGORIES
Large Business of the Year
SME Business of the Year
Future Talent of the Year
Best Customer Service Award
Best New Business Award
❛❛What a fantastic evening – very slick and highly enjoyable ❜❜ UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
Retailer of the Year
Businessperson of the Year
Community Hero Award
Company of the Year
Employer of the Year
Best Restaurant Award
Outstanding Brightonian
Professional Services Award
Diversity & Inclusion Award
Green Business of the Year
International Business of the Year
Property Business of the Year
Leisure and Tourism Excellence Award
Tech Excellence Award
Entries are open to businesses with the postcode BN1, BN2, BN3 and BN41. Maximum of three entries per business, and the entry deadline is January 8th 2025
The BAHBAs showcase the talent, dedication and heroes that make our city a remarkable place to live, work and thrive.
Every business has a story to tell and we want to hear yours!
GRESHAM BLAKE
TONY
By Stuart Alabaster Mayo Wynne Baxter
Inheritance Tax: NEW RULES
❛❛ You do not pay [IHT] tax if your estate is below the £325,000 nil-rate band threshold (NRB) ❜❜
On October 30th, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered her long-awaited first Budget. Amongst the announcements she made were some changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules.
IHT is a tax on the estate of someone who has died, and you do not pay tax if your estate is below the £325,000 nil-rate band threshold (NRB), or if your estate passes to a spouse or civil
partner, to charity or to a community amateur sports club.
In addition to this NRB, there is an additional £175,000 residence nil-rate band (RNRB) allowance if you give your main residence home to direct descendants (children, stepchildren etc). A single person, with a family home that passes to direct descendants can gift assets tax free up to a value of £500,000.
If IHT becomes payable, then it is paid at a rate of 40%. The last Government froze these allowances until 2028.
Some key takeaway points form this budget in relation to IHT are:
■ The current NRB and RNRB allowances will now be frozen until at least 2030.
This means where a person dies and leaves their estate to a surviving spouse or civil partner, then their NRB and RNRB allowances also transfer so that up to £1 million of assets can pass, free of tax at the death of the second person (as long as there is also a family home that will pass to direct descendants).
If an estate has a value in excess of £2 million then the RNRB then there is a taper in place which will reduce this allowance until it reaches zero. For every £2 excess, the RNRB will reduce by £1.
pensions and death benefits will fall into a person’s estate for the purposes of IHT calculations.
■ Agricultural Property Relief (APR) is also set to change. Currently, APR gives a 100% relief on the agricultural value of land and buildings occupied for agricultural purposes (this may not necessarily be the total value of the land). To get this relief the land must have been occupied and fared by the deceased for at least two years prior to their death, or where
❛❛ This new £1 million allowance will also include any relevant business property that might qualify for 100% Business Property Relief (BPR). ❜❜
another person (e.g. tenant farmer) has farmed the land for at least seven years prior to their death. Under current rules there is no limit on the amount of relief.
■ BPR currently gives 100% relief for IHT purposes for business which are trading businesses. A 50% relief is applied to assets personally owned by a shareholder or partner and which are used by their company or partnership business.
From April 2026 the value of business assets above £1 million will attract 50% relief.
It should be noted that this is effectively going to be a single allowance meaning: 100% relief can be claimed for APR, or for BPR; alternatively, agricultural and business assets with a combined value of £1 million will also attract the £1 million relief.
Details of exactly how these changes will be given effect are still not entirely clear. However, you may wish to review the provisions of your Will, particularly if you are a farmer or the owner of a trading business.
■ The Alternative Investment Market (AIM) was designed to assist, primarily fledgling companies, to raise capital. These companies are generally considered to be a risky investment and therefore attracted generous reliefs regarding IHT. The Chancellor has announced that, from April 2026, the IHT relief is to be reduced from 100% to 50%.
■ The general position just now with regard to the inheritance of a ‘pension pot’ is that it falls outside of a person’s estate for the purposes of IHT. From April 2027, inherited pensions, unused
From April 2026 100% APR will be available on agricultural property up to a value of £1 million. Anything above this new threshold will only be able to claim a 50% relief.
This new £1 million allowance will also include any relevant business property that might qualify for 100% Business Property Relief (BPR).
Unlike the NRB and RNRB allowances, this new £1 million APR/BPR allowance will not transfer to a surviving spouse or civil partner.
If you would like to discuss making a new Will, or reviewing your existing Will, then please get in touch with our Private Client Department who will be happy to discuss things with you and give advice appropriate to your circumstances. With offices across Sussex, we would be able to meet with you to discuss things in person or, if you prefer, we can conduct video call meetings.
Stuart Alabaster salabaster@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
The agriculture sector is subject to new IHT rules
JUNE 19TH 2025
2025
THE GRAND BRIGHTON
“I dedicate this award to my team and how tenacious and resilient they have been in the last five years. This achievement is testament to our vision, strategy and execution delivered by my most excellent crew. This award is therefore 100% for them…”
Diamond Logistics, Company of the Year
ENTER NOW
Platinum is delighted to announce the exciting new awards programme, the Sussex Property Awards, which will take place at the Grand Brighton on June 19th 2025 in a spectacular show.
This gala event is aimed at celebrating and rewarding the property sector of Sussex, from estate agents to contractors; from mortgage advisors to architects and everything in between. The award categories have been created with the assistance of many property professionals from across the region and afford every business the opportunity to enter – companies can enter up to three categories and it is free to enter.
As all Platinum’s magazine titles act as media partner, news of the awards, the entrants and the winners will be transmitted right across the South East, therefore affording a wealth of publicity for all involved.
The Sussex Property Awards is the must-attend exclusive property event of the year, bringing together hundreds of leaders in business, education and government along with VIPs and celebrities for one superb gala evening. These are the awards to win and the platform on which to successfully promote your business.
“It’s a fantastic achievement to win an award at Surrey Business awards and demonstrates the commitment of our team and supply chain in supporting our customers. The whole team had a great evening celebrating with so many fantastic businesses at the stunning awards ceremony…”
Croxsons, Large Business of the Year
CATEGORIES
Business Growth Award
Social Impact initiative of the Year
Architectural Practice of the Year
Contractor of the Year
Property Law firm of the Year
Estate Agency of the Year
Interior Designer of the Year
Future Talent Award
Property Funder of the Year
Mortgage Adviser of the Year
Employer of the Year
Sustainability Champion of the Year
Construction Project of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Property Company of the Year
KEY DATES
Event launch: December 9th, 2024
Entry deadline: March 12th, 2025
Judging period: March 24th - April 25th
Judging Day: April 29th
Finalists announced: April 30th
Event Date: June 19th
Venue: The Grand Hotel, Brighton
Roffey Parkpartners with Jisc
Jisc is the digital and data body dedicated to shaping the future of education and research. By harnessing the power of technology and data, it provides vital digital infrastructure and shared services that inform, protect and promote UK education and research.
Roffey Park Institute is a centre of expertise in organisational development, consultancy, learning and development whose mission is rooted in breaking down barriers within workplaces, striving to create environments that are conducive to growth and success.
Recently, Jisc partnered with Roffey Park Institute to co-design a Leadership Development programme for 200 people leaders and 60 strategic leaders.
Platinum publisher Maarten Hoffmann sat down with Harriet Attwood, Head of Talent Development at Jisc, to understand more about its relationship with Roffey Park, and the impact that the Leadership Development Programme has had on Jisc.
Tell us more about Jisc Jisc is the UK digital, data and technology body focused on tertiary education, research and innovation.
We provide the Janet network, the UK’s national research and education network (NREN) that is used by 18 million people, all protected by its in-built, world-class cyber security. Through our sector-wide deals and shared services we save education and research over £300 million annually.
Our solutions, informed by our expertise and experience, help our customers navigate digital transformation efficiently and successfully.
Who are your customers?
We support members across the further education, higher education and research sectors across the UK, but also work with customers in the public sector, independent education, schools, non-profits and industry.
Can you explain why you sought a partner to collaborate with to deliver this Leadership Development programme?
We sought a particular focus on up -
❛❛ Firstly, we are proud that the leadership programme we co-designed with Roffey Park was shortlisted in 2023 for ‘Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme award’ by The Institute of Leadership. ❜❜
skilling our people, and leaders’ ability to give effective feedback and develop their strategic thinking, communication, prioritisation, inclusivity and self-awareness. We emphasised to the Roffey Park Institute (RPI) our desire to establish the long-term sustainability of the programme through developing the in-house capabilities of our employees.
We co-designed a programme with RPI that would assist in embedding our newly published ‘People’ strategy whilst also equipping our people managers with the skills to become authentic and inspirational leaders.
Can you explain a bit more how the programme was co-created?
The solution we designed together consisted of six virtual modules, Insights Discovery personal development pro -
files and 360 reports on participants, Action Learning Sets (ALS), facilitation skills training, in-house coaching and online masterclasses. A combination of internal facilitators and alternative suppliers designed and delivered Module 1 and Module 8. A number of these elements, including the creation and design of the 360 tool were led by Jisc, highlighting the co-creation and support provided.
Run us through what was delivered by Roffey Park, RPI has recently delivered 20 cohorts of up to 20 delegates. It was important to Jisc to have mixed cohorts to give participants a diagonal slice perspective of Jisc, to enable them to see where
there were similarities and differences in experiences across the organisation and at different levels. The programme designed and delivered six modules on the following topics:
1. Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness
2. Influence & Communication
3. Feedback for Performance
4. Leading Teams
5. Strategic Awareness
6. Leading change
Before each of these modules, learners were issued a variety of pre-work activities. Learners also attended a digital launch event before the first module to set the programme’s expectations and
objectives. This enabled RPI to engage with the appropriate stakeholders to ensure the programme reflected Jisc’s current needs and organisational culture.
Before attending Module 1, participants received their Insights Discovery personal development profiles and 360-degree feedback. These tools help reveal to leaders their leadership style, their strengths and weaknesses, value to their teams, communication styles and suggestions for further development. These insights were explored in Module 1, which was delivered by Jisc’s internal learning and development team.
Embedded throughout each individual’s learning journey were five internally facilitated Action Learning Sets (ALS). During these interactive sessions, groups of leaders from across Jisc would meet to resolve work-related problems, to come away with a set of
❛❛ Roffey Park is a centre of expertise in organisational development, consultancy, learning and development whose mission is rooted in breaking down barriers within workplaces, striving to create environments that are conducive to growth and success. ❜❜
realistic actions that could be integrated into the workplace. These sessions enable individuals to see how others approach challenges and expose ways of working. This encouraged participants to learn how to engage in difficult conversations, navigate conflict and improve their communication and collaboration skills.
Roffey Park Institute provided facilitation skills training for 15 in-house Jisc coaches around action learning to develop internal capability and generate sustainable change beyond the lifetime of the programme.
How did the programme conclude? Jisc ran a celebration event to recognise and appreciate the efforts of participants that aimed to motivate learners to continue applying their newfound skills to become authentic leaders and embed our new People Strategy. It provided an additional opportunity
“The ALS has been a revelation to me. I felt quite sceptical at first about how much I’d gain from it, but I’ve benefited a lot. I’ve learned that there is some diverse experience across Jisc, and some excellent attentive listeners.” – Programme participant
for leaders across the organisation to meet and network, strengthening the sense of community and shared understanding of accountability.
What impact has the programme had on Jisc?
It was important to us to evaluate the impact of the programme. Key findings revealed that participants valued the interactive aspects of the programme and sought the length of the facilitated modules to be shorter to increase the space and time for break-out discussions and the application of theory to practice.
Leveraging these insights, RPI amended the programme to be delivered over a longer period and allocated more time for the interactive elements of the solution so participants could practice transferring the learning and engage in reflective discussion in breakout groups.
The evaluation revealed that, overall, participants felt an increased confidence in their leadership and management skills. Participants reported that the Action Learning Sets were the most positive and powerful element of the programme.
What other impacts did the evaluation find?
Participants reported significant changes to their ways of thinking and leadership practice. Some specific examples of how this programme impacted participants thinking included their improved view of diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, influencing skills, and generally, a va -
riety of communication styles used aligned with contemporary leadership.
They also expressed seeing the importance of being able to create a safe space for their teams to be able to express their opinions and comfortably share their vulnerability. A contributing factor to these changes was the mixed cohorts which enabled participants to network and connect across the organisation.
What difference has working with Roffey Park Institute made?
Firstly, we are proud that the leadership programme we co-designed with RPI was shortlisted in 2023 for ‘Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme award’ by The Institute of Leadership.
Furthermore, RPI has been an excellent co-pilot on our journey of leadership development at Jisc. I have valued their flexibility and creativity and
preparedness to make changes based on feedback. It was essential to me that we develop a sustainable programme, developing in-house skills and capabilities to deliver impactful aspects such as action learning.
This has had positive ripple effects across Jisc in terms of a strong coaching and leadership culture and I’m proud of what the programme has achieved and continues to achieve!
www.roffeypark.com
www.jisc.ac.uk
FOCUS FOUNDATION WINTER BALL 2025
An evening of glamour, charity and unforgettable moments from stage & screen
Focus Foundation is proud to announce its third Annual Winter Ball, taking place on Saturday February 1st, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Brighton, It promises to be bigger, bolder and more impactful than ever, making it the must-attend gala of the year.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
A blockbuster-themed night inspired by stage and screen:
The 2025 Winter Ball will take you on a journey through the magic of stage and screen, with performances and entertainment to leave you captivated from the moment you arrive. Expect nods to some of the most iconic moments in film and theatre, creating a truly immersive experience.
Sussex Superstars grand finale:
Witness the thrilling grand finale of the Sussex Superstars competition, where talented local performers compete in front of top celebrity judges. This highenergy showcase culminates in a winner being crowned live at the event.
Symphonic Ibiza returns:
Get ready for a musical experience like no other as Symphonic Ibiza returns to the stage with their unique fusion of classical instruments and Ibiza club anthems. An electrifying atmosphere with live musicians and DJs coming together for an unforgettable set.
Charity auction & raffle:
Throughout the evening, guests will have the chance to participate in a charity auction and raffle, offering exclusive prizes and experiences. Proceeds from the auction will go directly to supporting Sussex-based grassroots charities, including Bramber Bakehouse, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC), Esteem, Fareshare and Team Domenica.
Every single penny raised from Focus Foundation’s Winter Ball will go towards supporting local grassroots charities that are working tirelessly to improve the lives of underprivileged children, advance mental health initiatives, and foster community projects.
We invite businesses and individuals alike to join us for this spectacular evening and become part of a movement that is making a real, tangible impact in our community. Tables of 10 are available for £1,250, which includes a welcome drink, a three-course meal, half a bottle of wine, and an evening full of live entertainment and opportunities to give back.
Get Involved:
• To book your table, contact us at info@focusfoundation.org.uk.
• Sponsorship opportunities are also available, offering a chance to elevate your brand while supporting a cause that matters.
• Visit www.focusfoundation.org.uk
Date: February 1st, 2025
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton, Brighton
Focus Foundation focus_foundation_uk
For a table of 10 (£1,250), contact info@focusfoundation.org.uk
“Brilliant Charity, Fantastic event!”
“YOu’d be crazy to miss it!”
SaTURDAY 1st FebruarY 2025
The Drone Light Show
Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas story, performed by hundreds of animated drones and narrated by Matt Lucas.
45-minute animated drone light show
Festive food village
Music and fun pre-show entertainment
Sat 14 Dec 2024 | The 1st Central County Ground, Brighton yuup.co/a-christmas-carol
Whitespace joins The Creative Group
The Creative Group has announced its latest collaboration with Whitespace, a Brighton-based agency renowned for its expertise in brand, digital, design and strategy.
The Creative Group is currently formed of multi-award-winning full-service marketing agency, Creative Pod; specialist SEO agency, 427 Marketing; digital print company, The PrintShop; commercial interiors company, Spacelink, and ECHO a sponsorship brokerage business.
This new partnership marks another milestone for The Creative Group as it continues to expand its capabilities across the creative landscape. Headed up by Milly Stone, Whitespace has built a strong reputation with high-profile clients such as Ticketmedia, University of Brighton, and Hospitality Finder.
The agency has developed a niche for creating compelling brand strategies and highly effective bespoke digital solutions, particularly WordPress websites. By joining forces, the two agencies will offer an even more comprehensive suite of services to their clients, including an enhanced focus on strategy, branding and website development.
Matt Turner, CEO of Creative Pod, comments, “We are thrilled that Whitespace has joined the Group. Milly and her team share the same passion for creativity and delivering exceptional client service as we do at Creative Pod.
skills, we’re set to take our offerings to the next level.”
❛❛ This new partnership marks another milestone for The Creative Group as it continues to expand its capabilities ❜❜
“We believe this partnership will create fantastic opportunities for both teams and clients. By combining our marketing expertise with Whitespace’s brand strategy and website development
Milly Stone, Managing Director of Whitespace, adds, “Joining the Creative Group family presents an amazing opportunity for us to work with like-minded agencies. We’ve always admired their innovative approach and are looking forward to bringing our expertise in brand, strategy and web development to the table.
“Together, we’ll be able to offer clients a wider range of services, whilst maintaining the high-quality results they’ve come to expect.”
Whitespace, which has worked with clients across various sectors, will continue to provide its specialised services while benefiting from the broader marketing resources of The Creative Group. This collaboration underscores the commitment to helping clients thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape.
To benefit from our agency collective and for more information about the Creative group and its services, please visit: www.thecreative.group
Matt Turner, CEO, Creative Pod with Milly Stone, Managing Director of Whitespace at the recent Sussex Business Awards
Cleankill Pest Control’s Managing Director Paul Bates looks at the complicated issues around unwelcome visitors in your premises and how to keep on the right side of the law.
Tiny unwanted visitors can lead to big problems later
Pests are categorised as a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns. Some species have special protection by law, or restrictions on the methods that can be used.
Unlike fixed assets you might be responsible for, the management of pests is a constantly changing and evolving challenge. Weather is a factor, as are the people who use the buildings. They could bring pests into a property or poor housekeeping could result in an influx of pests especially when doors and windows are left open during the summer.
Generally, each season presents different pests to deal with. During cold periods it’s mostly rats and mice who are looking for warm places to nest and food supplies; in Spring, it’s pest birds as they frantically search for nesting sites; and as the weather warms up it’s wasps, ants and flies that suddenly appear in abundance.
Weather patterns are a huge influence on insects and their ability to breed. Also, if residents are outside more during
good weather they are more likely to spot and be bothered by crawling and flying insects.
The managing agent is responsible for an infestation that is located or caused within the building structure or communal areas. If this breach causes an issue inside the leaseholder flats, then it would be the managing agent’s responsibility to resolve. However, determining the cause of an infestation issue is not always easy, and it is critical to ensure the issue gets resolved quickly to avoid it spreading to other properties.
Often in blocks the problem has already spread to other properties and establishing the root cause of the infestation is not possible. If an individual flat in a block is managed by one agent, but the block common areas are managed by a different agent then the two agents will need to speak. Anything that originates from the leaseholder property will need to be resolved by that leaseholder.
The source of any infestation can be a very difficult thing to prove, especially if it is affecting other flats/tenants, and/or
has been a long-standing problem that has been allowed to spread.
A specialist contractor may need to be instructed to carry out a survey and/or investigation of how a problem may have originated, and how it can be resolved. It is important, as with so many agent/tenant queries, that the agent contacts a pest control contractor to deal with a suspected infestation without delay.
KEY ADVICE
The safety issues from treating pests are the legal responsibility of the landowner/ freeholder (not the contractor). A professional contractor will be able to provide you with RAMS documentation detailing how the pest control work can be carried out safely, and how any risks identified can be managed. They will also be able to provide you with COSHH sheets.
• Act promptly to prevent an infestation from spreading to other areas
• Check your proposed contractor belongs to the British Pest Control Association
• Ask the contractor to provide COSHH sheets for any chemicals used on site
• Obtain a copy of the contractor’s Public Liability Insurance
TRAVEL THREE DAYS IN
By Tess de Klerk
Florence is the sort of city that doesn’t need an elaborate sales pitch. The skyline, punctuated by the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, does the heavy lifting. So does the fact that Florence brims with artistic treasures, great food, and a scale that makes it a joy to navigate on foot. It’s little wonder it has long been a magnet for city breakers.
Visiting in off-season is highly recommended as it means fewer crowds and cooler weather—ideal for spending hours in museums without feeling frazzled. In November, we had four nights and three full days, enough to tick off the must-sees and sneak in a countryside jaunt. Here’s what worked, and a few tips for making the most of your
Masterpieces at the Duomo Museum and Galleria dell’Accademia
First things first: Florence revolves around its cathedral. The Duomo, with its iconic terracotta dome, is stunning, but the real insight into its construction and artistry comes
from the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, a few steps from the cathedral.
Here, you can examine intricate sculptures, including pieces by Donatello, and learn how the dome itself was engineered—a feat of Renaissance ingenuity. It houses the largest collection of sculptures from Medieval and Renaissance Florence in the world, all in luminous space that doesn’t feel crowded.
Tip: Take a breather at the museum’s café, a perfect suntrap that serves fantastic, thick gloopy hot chocolate.
Later, we made a pilgrimage to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. The statue is every bit as beautiful as people say, towering over its audience with a level of detail that makes it hard to believe it was carved from a single block of marble.
There’s an energy about him and remarkably none of the crowd pushed or shoved, in reverence, I’d say. While David is undoubtedly the star, the gallery houses other works too, including
IN FLORENCE
unfinished Michelangelo sculptures that offer a glimpse into his creative process.
Day 2: Palazzo Vecchio and a sunset success (eventually)
Florence’s artistic and political history converge at Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s fortress-like town hall. Stepping inside reveals a vast array of frescoes, tapestries, and sculptures—not to mention the chance to climb the Tower of Arnolfo for one of the best views of Florence. It’s a workout, but the 360º panorama of the city is worth it.
For a change of pace, we rented a Vespa in the afternoon and headed out of town. The roads winding into the Tuscan hills are as photogenic as you’d hope, flanked by olive groves and vineyards. It’s a refreshing break from the city’s museums and gives you a sense of Florence’s setting within the wider region.
Everyone you meet in Florence will tell you to visit Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. So, we did—and quickly realised
everyone else had the same idea. The steps and terrace were heaving with people jostling for the perfect photo of the sun sinking behind the Arno river.
It was a bit much. Thankfully, our Vespa gave us the flexibility to find a quieter spot further into the hills. We parked up at a roadside viewpoint and enjoyed a
more peaceful take on the same golden-hour spectacle. A lesson learned: while Florence has well-known charms, a little effort can reveal a more personal experience.
Day 3: Uffizi Gallery and Wandering No trip to Florence is complete without visiting the stunning Uffizi Gallery. We
Uffizi Gallery
started our morning here, weaving through its vast collection of Renaissance art. Seeing works like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera in person was a definite highlight.
The Uffizi is always busy, so book your tickets online a day or two in advance. The time slot system ensures a smoother experience, but you’ll still want to arrive early to avoid the midday rush.
HOTELS IN FLORENCE
In the afternoon, with our cultural appetite sated, we let Florence’s streets dictate our pace. We wandered across the Ponte Vecchio, browsed the market stalls near San Lorenzo, and soaked up the city’s architectural splendour. Even without a packed itinerary, Florence offers plenty to stumble upon—whether it’s a hidden piazza or an unassuming café with exceptional coffee.
For us, Florence delivered exactly what it promised: worldclass art, beautiful scenery, and a pace that allowed us to see the highlights without stress. November might not be peak season, but that’s part of its appeal—it’s Florence, just with a little more breathing room.
• Florence’s major attractions are best booked online. You don’t need months of foresight, but aim for at least a day or two in advance.
• City vs countryside - while the city centre is compact, taking a Vespa or local bus into the hills is worth it to experience the wider Tuscan landscape.
• Getting there: Fly direct from Gatwick with British Airways or Vueling. From £172 return in January.
Our first hotel was the remarkable Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1, a medieval tower dating from the 13th century. A luxurious medieval tower, mind you, which is celebrated for its illustrious history and unrivalled location. Adjacent to the Renaissance-era Palazzo Gianfigliazzi, it is in the heart of the city, a mere stroll from
Right in the centre of Florence’s Historic District, the 5-star Hotel La Gemma manages to feel like a calm retreat while keeping you close to the action. Nestled just steps from Piazza della Repubblica, this boutique hotel combines classic Florentine beauty with a bold, modern edge. The Cecchi family, known for their creativity in fashion, art, and design, has poured their talents into making this space a vibrant place to unwind.
The interiors are striking, with Art Deco-inspired designs brought to life in greens, blush pinks, and creamy whites—colours
that echo the marbles of Florence’s famous cathedral. The rooms are luxurious, with marble checkerboard floors, plush velvets, and custom-made furniture adding a touch of glamour.
We were spoilt with one of two Loft Suites which went above and beyond expectations. Truly special with a roomy living area, glam bathroom plus a rolltop bath in the living room - a playful and indulgent detail that made relaxing after a day of exploring feel extra special. Opulence and fine Italian craftmanship is everywhere in this beautiful space, including Ponti
ANTICA TORRE DI VIA TORNABUONI 1
LA GEMMA HOTEL
landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery, and surrounded by the most fashionable boutiques with Dior as its neighbour. The property itself is steeped in fascinating history, even earning mention in Dante’s Divine Comedy.
One of the hotel’s most defining features is its spectacular rooftop terraces, considered the finest in Florence. These terraces offer spectacular 360º panoramas, with views stretching south over the Arno river to the Oltrarno and north toward the Duomo and surrounding hills.
Whether having breakfast, a light snack, or evening drinks, the terraces create a sublime setting. We couldn’t have been happier, cocktails in hand, basking in the setting sun, overlooking this remarkable city.
Sweet slumber
The interior of the hotel has an atmosphere of a private Florentine
residence with fine antiques, art, and mirrors from the owner’s collection thoughtfully arranged throughout the property. Rooms and suites are individually decorated, featuring light, uncluttered designs that emphasise space and natural light.
Classic marble bathrooms, equipped with organic citrus-scented products, robes, and slippers, elevate the sense of luxury. Some rooms boast private terraces, while all offer lovely views. From our vantage point, we had the most envious view across the river, a sight that will forever remain in our memories. For a spa-like stay, you can book the Hammam Suite which has its own chromotherapy system, jacuzzi and Turkish bath!
to Florence’s history, beauty, and soul. It’s location is second to none, right by the river Arno, in the thick of things but not so far in the thick of things that you feel overrun by tourists. It feels luxuriously private yet welcoming and very conducive to a great night’s sleep, ready for the day ahead. It is family-friendly as well as dog-friendly, which is quite a rarity for Florence.
ceramics, Votary amenities and Rivolta Carmignani robes. On top of that the Loft Suites has access to a roof terrace with stunning Duomo views. La Gemma is tucked away therefore views aren’t standard but I had a good look at various room categories and all of them are plush and gorgeous.
Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that connects you
Food worth staying in for
The hotel’s restaurant, Luca’s, makes dining an event in itself. The space is warm and elegant, with botanical ceiling prints and velvet banquettes creating a lush atmosphere. Led by Michelinstarred chef Paulo Airaudo, the menu takes traditional Tuscan flavours and updates them with a modern twist. We tried a fourcourse tasting menu, and every dish was packed with creativity and attention to detail. Each plate was paired perfectly with fantastic wine.
From €255 pn in January (breakfast included)
Relaxation done right
The Allure Spa, hidden below the hotel, is an ideal spot to recharge. Whether you’re stepping into the Turkish bath, cooling off in the ice shower, or unwinding with a Biologique Recherche facial, the treatments are designed to help you feel refreshed and ready for more of what Florence has to offer.
Hotel La Gemma nails the balance between style and comfort, giving you a peaceful base right in the heart of Florence. With its attention to design, incredible food, and relaxing spa, it’s a place that feels special without being over the top. Whether it’s your first time in the city or a return visit, staying here makes Florence even more unforgettable.
SMART #3
By Maarten Hoffmann Motoring Editor
❛❛ Despite not being terribly keen on reviewing EVs any longer, l enjoyed my week with this little rocket.❜❜
MOTORING
The Smart car range has changed dramatically as, rather than the tiny Fortwo, we now see a range of full-size saloon cars – and all are electric.
Smart is now a product of MercedesBenz (Daimler) in partnership with China’s Geely and, as Geely owns Volvo – along with many other brands – the Smart #3 shares its platform with the Volvo EX30.
This is a very good looking, small hatchback although they tend to call it an ‘SUV-coupe’. Despite not being terribly keen on reviewing EVs any longer, l enjoyed my week with this little rocket.
The #3 range starts at £32,950 for the entry-level single motor, rear-drive Pro model with 49kWh battery (for 202 miles of WLTP range). Then there is the mid-range Premium model – which gets a 66kWh battery for 283 miles of range – and this comes in at £39,950. Like for like, the #3 costs around a grand extra over the #1. I got around 240 miles of real world range out of this model.
The top-spec Brabus car costs £45,450, adding dual motor AWD into the mix but taking a hit on range (258 miles). In more realistic driving, the Brabus is a 220-mile car if you’re gentle, but could easily drop below 200 miles if you’re not - and you will not be as it is a monster.
The Smart has got price in its favour: it's much cheaper than the £50,000 Volvo
EC40 and new Peugeot e-3008, or the Skoda Enyaq Coupe. Less convenient for Smart is the presence of the Renault Scenic and electric Mini Countryman, both of which are close on price when compared to the big-batteried #3.
Bigger doesn’t necessarily also mean better packaged, of course, but while the #3 does give away a little bit of head room compared with the taller #1, its cabin is still quite spacious. There’s plenty of room for taller, larger adults in the front row, although the car’s sportylooking front seats weren’t considered ideally comfortable by a few of my family.
Their ‘integral’-style headrests are fixed, and tended to jut out and poke some drivers in the nape of the neck
TECH STUFF
Model Tested: Smart #3 Premium
Power: 268 bhp
Speed: 0-62 - 5.8 secs
Top: 112 mph
Range: 283 miles
Price from: £39,895
❛❛ It is a very good car with a distinctive look that doesn’t appear as if a sci-fi nerd has got carried away ❜❜
rather than supporting the head itself, while their seat cushions lacked useful inclination adjustment and thigh support. Having said that, l drove it over 500 miles and had no issues with the position of comfort the seats offered.
I might, though, have a small issue with the infotainment screen. The design is stylish and fun but it can call upon a dose of anger management. Every time l set the car up how l want it, then turn the car off, everything defaults back –and you have to start all over again.
Satnav, aircon, trip info and even wing mirror adjustments are to be found in the 12.8in central touchscreen, otherwise you get a smattering of steering wheel buttons and some shortcut buttons underneath the touchscreen. I got used
to it all after some miles but does it really have to be this counter intuitive?
And I’m not quite sure what the cheetah is doing on the screen, moving around and pulling your eye when you really don’t need it pulled away from the road.
All in all, it is a very good car with a distinctive look that doesn’t appear as if a sci-fi nerd has got carried away, but it is stylish and practical. With the exception of the above, the interior is really nice and l do like the exterior design with wheels that at first look too big for the car but then they just blend in perfectly.
The Brabus version is by all accounts, a total animal, and l await its delivery with relish.
Now available to test drive at smart of Epsom.
Sometimes a trip is about the journey, sometimes the destination. Who you’re bringing, what you’re packing, where you’re headed: every day is different. So you need a car as flexible as you are.
With a maximum range of 273 miles for the #1 (WLTP)* and 283 miles for the #3 (WLTP)** and with a less-than-30-minute charging time^, you’ll always be quickly and confidently on your way back home, or off to your next adventure.
To
How to deal with C-Suite burnout
IN PROFILE
Poppy
Gustafsson
THE DYNAMIC AWARDS 2025
Open for entries
Monetising a community company
Britain’s unregulated cosmetics industry
DEALING WITH
NEW JOB ANXIETY
8
FEATURE
Poppy Gustafsson
Dynamic profiles the newly-appointed Minister for Investment, Baroness Gustafsson, and her rise from cyber security to the heart of government and the House of Lords
Lean
18
COVER STORY
New job anxiety
Dr. Sophie Ward, the Deputy Head of Psychology at Arden University, suggests how to best handle a career change
in, speak out, have a voice in your organisation, and never use the word, ‘sorry’.”
– Trish Bertuzzi
PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP
16
FEATURE ‘A balancing act’
Pippa Moyle, Founder of the City Girl Network describes how she finally managed to monetise her community work without letting go of her principles
The percentage of female founders who self-fund their business 79%
REGULARS
News
6 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business
14 In the Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world
A focus on Platinum Events Director, Fiona Graves, whose experience in business awards put Platinum at the top of the tree
Further Reading
28 Written by S.J. Clarke, a keen sportswoman and practitioner of Muay Thai boxing. Many years spent in the ring and researching the philosophy of Muay Thai culminated in her debut novel.
Art Scene
30 ‘Smile to the Sun’. Kellie Miller discusses the work of artist, Helen Phoenix
Travel
32 The Grand Brighton
Fine Dining
34 Cyan, located in The Grand Brighton
Girl Torque
34 Fiona Shafer, MD of MDHub, road tests a VW ID-7, the latest electric vehicle off the line from the German giant
What’s On
38 A brief snapshot of art and culture cross Sussex and Surrey
FEATURE
20 Britain’s unregulated cosmetics industry
Following on from an article in June’s Dynamic highlighting the dangers inherent in the unregulated industry, Dynamic looks at ITV’s exposé, ‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’
Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”
–
GD Anderson
FEATURE
26 C-Suite burn out
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the wellbeing of C-Suite employees is increasingly under threat.
HEAD OF DESIGN / SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk
+44 (0)33 0124 1399
enquiries@krestonreeves.com
www.krestonreeves.com
EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to our last Dynamic edition of the year.
Our cover story features Dr Sophie Ward explaining how we can ‘override’ our primitive brain to deal with anxieties related to career change. Our main profile brings you the rise of the the very impressive Minister of investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson. We wish her all the best in her new role.
In her column, Pippa Moyle shares how she managed to monetise her business while staying true to the values that inspired City Girl Network in the first place. No easy task. But, of course, professional challenges and anxieties aren’t limited to business owners.
We have a special Spotlight for you this month, the fantastic Lesley Alcock and Fiona Graves of Platinum. Neither of them knew that they would be featured so… surprise!
There is more, of course. In Wellbeing, we take a look at the shocking unregulated cosmetics industry while Further Reading brings you a novel this month. The author, S. J. Clarke shares some very wise lessons she has learnt from her years in Muay Thai Boxing as well as the corporate world.
I hope you enjoy Dynamic this month and I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Hundreds of women in the UK are planning to take on one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies over alleged links between talcum powder and cancer.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, Cassandra Wardle is one of the women launching a group action against the biggest seller of talc, Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Cassandra, who stumbled on a Facebook article linking cancer and talc following her diagnosis, said it was used on her as a baby and she continued to use it “for 20 years or more”. If it proceeds, the legal action would be the first of its kind brought against the pharmaceutical multinational in the UK. With 1,900 potential claimants, including cancer patients, survivors and families, lawyers say it is set to be the largest pharmaceutical product group action in English and Welsh legal history.
CASH USE INCREASES GIVING MORE WOMEN CONTROL
Cash use in the shops rose for a second year in a row after a decade of falls, according to retailers. Notes and coins were used in a fifth of transactions last year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said, as shoppers found cash helped them to budget better.
The findings were published after charities told a committee of MPs that numerous groups were excluded from essential services and community venues that had started to refuse cash. They cited issues for women in abusive relationships, whose partners use a bank account as a form of control or to track their movements.
Deidre Cartwright, policy manager at charity Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “Often, access to cash is their only means to actually acquiring essentials for themselves and their children.”
UPFRONT
THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
❛ Fearlessness is not the absence of fear. It’s the mastery of fear. It’s about getting up one more time than we fall down.”
Arianna Huffington
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ON THE RISE
A new report by UN Women and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals that at least 51,000 women and girls were intentionally killed around the world in 2023, with the majority of these murders committed by intimate partners or family members.
This marks an increase from 48,800 victims in 2022, though some of the rise is attributed to improved data collection.
“The home is the most dangerous place for women and girls,” the report highlights, stressing that no region is exempt from this extreme form of gender-based violence.
Despite decades of awareness campaigns and efforts to combat domestic violence, these figures underline the ongoing vulnerability of women in what should be a place of safety.
GYNAECOLOGY WAITING LISTS GROW AT A STEEP RATE SINCE 2020
Waiting lists for gynaecology appointments across the UK have more than doubled since February 2020. Records show around threequarters of a million (755,046) women’s health appointments are waiting to happen - up from 360,400 just
before the pandemic. This suggests around 630,000 people - at the very least - are on the list to be seen for problems that range from fibroids and endometriosis to incontinence and menopause care. As a result, women feel they are being forced to go private. Health ministers across
People respond well to those that are sure of what they want.”
– Anna Wintour
UK GOVERNMENT URGES WOMEN’S MEDICAL ACCESS
The UK government has strongly called for the Taliban to allow women and girls to access medical education, following recent reports that these have been banned in Afghanistan.
Courses in nursing, midwifery, and dentistry were some of the few educational pathways still available to women under the Taliban’s oppressive regime, and the government call the prohibition of these “an appalling violation of fundamental human rights.”
The British government urges that this policy will severely undermine the provision of healthcare to women and children, and will have serious long-term implications to the health of many Afghans who will be denied critical medical care in a country with high levels of maternal and infant mortality.
FEMALE BUSINESS FINANCE BODIES TEAM UP
UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Female Founder Finance have partnered up to help more women-owned businesses access export finance support to help grow their business and compete on the international stage. Having launched in June 2023, Female Founder Finance has handled over £115 million worth of funding.
Female Founder Finance works with women who have founded their own businesses and who have been disadvantaged when seeking access to finance.
The partnership between UKEF and Female Founder Finance will streamline the process for referring eligible businesses into one another’s financing programmes, therefore reducing missed opportunities for women owners.
the UK say they are working on plans to improve the situation, but health leaders say that women are being let down. The heads of 11 leading women’s health organisations have signed an open letter urging the public and health professionals to participate in their “Change NHS” conversation.
A New York priest who let popstar Sabrina Carpenter film provocative scenes for a music video inside his church has been accused of mismanagement and stripped of his duties.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at the church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn said in a statement. Church officials launched an investigation after the October 2023 music video release for Carpenter’s hit song Feather, filmed inside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
The Diocese said the investigation found other instances of mismanagement beyond the music video that appalled some, including unapproved financial transfers.
SUSSEX WOMAN EXPRESSES GRATITUDE AT MEDICAL AI PRIEST REMOVED FOR CARPENTER VIDEO
A woman is “deeply grateful” to artificial intelligence for finding her breast cancer after she was given the all clear following a routine scan.
Sheila Tooth from Littlehampton, West Sussex, had a mammogram at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which is using AI to improve breast cancer screening by spotting cancer that human “readers” might miss. The 68-year-old’s cancerous cells were almost undetectable and had not been spotted before they were found by AI.
“I’m deeply grateful for it to have been caught so early,” she said. “When I talk to friends, we just can’t believe this AI can detect what the human eye can’t always see. I just feel so lucky.
One assumes that, to the outside world, a CEO of a cyber security company would, by the very nature of their job, be largely unknown.
Poppy Gustafsson is the co-Founder and ultimately CEO of Darktrace, one of the world’s leading cyber security companies, based in Cambridge. Her time at the top was, not unlike the tasks many CEOs face, a fairly rocky one on occasions.
The acquisition of Darktrace into US private equity was the catalyst for Poppy to join Sir Keir Starmer’s government portfolio. Dynamic looks at the rise of this tenacious business leader turned Minister of State...
BARONESS POPPY GUSTAFSSON
From cyber security to Minister for Investment
Poppy Clare Veronica Gustafsson, Baroness Gustafsson, OBE (née Prentis) was born August 24th 1982. Her father, John, ran an agricultural sales business, and her mother, Gilly, was a journalist for Farmers Weekly. She grew up in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, she attended Hinchingbrooke School.
She subsequently gained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in mathematics from the University of Sheffield in 2003 before studying for an accountancy qualification at Deloitte, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2006.
In 2008, Poppy married Roland Joel Gustafsson, a Swedish engineer, and they have two daughters. She took her husband’s surname after the birth of her eldest daughter.
In her early career, Gustafsson worked for the venture capital firm Amadeus Capital Partners. In 2009, she moved to Autonomy, working as a corporate controller until the company’s acquisition by HP. She co-founded Darktrace in 2013 and initially held the
A mathematician and cyber defence expert, she was named CEO of the Year at the 2021 Digital Masters Awards and Tech CEO of the Year at the UK Tech Awards 2021. In 2019, she — along with Darktrace CTO Jack Stockdale — was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cybersecurity.
Gustafsson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 Birthday Honours for services to the cyber security industry. She was named Tech Businesswoman of the Year at the 2019 UK Tech Awards. In 2022, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree by the University of Sheffield, her alma mater.
DARKTRACE
“Under co-Founder Poppy Gustafsson’s leadership, the company experienced huge growth
Darktrace was founded in 2013 in Cambridge, by a number of mathematicians and British intelligence officers from MI5 and GCHQ, and by cyber defence experts at Invoke Capital, a company once owned by Mike Lynch. There is also a Darktrace AI Research Centre based, with the company’s second R&D centre, in The Hague, Netherlands.
Lynch, as stated in a recent issue of Platinum, was co-founder of Autonomy, sold to Hewlett-Packard in 2011 in a transaction leading to accusations of fraud and to a legal fight over extraditing him to the United States. In 2024, Lynch and Autonomy’s former finance executive, Stephen Chamberlain were cleared
Many of Darktrace’s management personnel, including former chief executive Poppy Gustafsson, chief technology officer Jack Stockdale, and chief strategy and artificial intelligence officer Nicole Eagan, were recruited from Autonomy.
Under co-Founder Poppy Gustafsson’s leadership, the company experienced huge growth and global expansion, resulting in it being listed on the London Stock Exchange from 2021, until it was acquired by Chicago-based private equity firm Thoma Bravo in October this year.
During her tenure, Darktrace became a world leader in autonomous cyber AI, having created one of the first, at-scale deployments of AI for enterprises. Developed by mathematicians Gustafsson, Stockdale and fellow founders Dave Palmer, Emily Orton and Nicole Eagan, the company uses self-learning AI algorithms to detect and neutralise cyber threats
+“HOW DARK TRACE HELPS McLAREN STTAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE...”
Darktrace describes its relationship with McLaren –
“In a world defined by speed, two teams race against the clock – driven by innovation. Each F1 team would love to know each other’s secrets – badly.
Darktrace’s Cyber AI helps McLaren Racing stay ahead of the curve against attackers that move at machine-speed, allowing their teams to focus
across the cloud, IoT and industrial control systems and requires minimal set-up.
Darktrace AI also protects against previously-unknown vulnerabilities including ransomware, data loss and insider threats. The company has more than 4,700 customers worldwide.
Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute in 2022, Gustafsson herself called for a dedicated cyber task force designed to enforce accountability, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in cyber warfare and the global cyber threat landscape. She shared valuable Darktrace data that showed a huge uptick in global attacks on critical national infrastructure, with a 90% increase in high priority security incidents in Europe during the week of the invasion.
SHORT SELLING ACCUSATIONS
Darktrace’s accounting performance has seen some controversy in its 11-year lifespan. In January 2023, a New Yorkbased hedge fund and short seller, published a detailed report alleging potential accounting errors at Darktrace, making claims about potential irregularities in contracts with resellers and customers, predominantly dating from before Darktrace’s public listing in 2021.
“During her tenure, Darktrace became a world leader in autonomous cyber AI”
+MINISTER OF STATE FOR INVESTMENT
Poppy Gustafsson is only the third person to hold this title; the role having only been created in March 2020, for former Barclays Bank Chairman Gerald Grimstone, Baron Grimstone of Boscobel, and subsequently taken over by Dominic Johnson, Baron Johnson of Lainston.
It is a position within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) - itself an amalgamation in 2023 of the former Department for International Trade and some of the functions of the former Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy. The current Secretary of State is the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP.
Responsibilities in this role include:
• investment strategy
• investment promotion across all sectors
• investor relationship management
• investment events (including Global Investment Summit)
• DBT Investor Screening
• Office for Investment
• defence and security exports
• Lords trade legislation
Darktrace has disputed this. The hedge fund pointed towards connections between Darktrace and HP Autonomy, the UK software company with which Darktrace shared many ties. Autonomy was accused of irregular accounting practices relating to its $11.7bn sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.
The company’s share price fell 12% when the accusations were first made, and a further 8% the following day. This led Gustafsson to publish a robust 1,200-word rebuttal, denying the accusations.
Six months later, Ernst & Young concluded its thorough review into the company’s contracts and internal financial processes. Its found a “small number of errors and inconsistencies” with some of the contracts but nothing that would be “material” to Darktrace’s financial statements.
Since then, all of the original accusations have fallen silent.
MIKE LYNCH CASE
As featured in the cover story of Platinum Busines Magazine #125, Mike Lynch and Sushovan Hussain had been accused of falsifying financial facts and documents in the run-up to an $11bn sale of Lynch’s software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. Hussain was found
Poppy Gustafsson (second right), with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Council of Nations and Regions meeting, 2024
INVITATION TO GOVERNMENT
In October 2024, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited Gustafsson into government, making her Minister of State for Investment, while elevating her to the House of Lords for a life peerage.
Upon leaving Darktrace, she told her ex-colleagues, “Darktrace has been a huge part of my life and my identity for over a decade and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved in that time. Together we have revolutionised the marketplace for cyber security and brought our AI-powered technology to almost 10,000 customers around the world, keeping them safe from cyber disruption.
“ ‘When the prime minister asked me, it was an easy yes. His mission-driven approach to government is the right one –something I’ve seen a lot of in my time in business.’ ”
Poppy Gustafsson, on entering government
guilty and sentenced to five years in prison in the US. In January, Lynch lost a high-profile civil lawsuit brought by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the judge making a finding of civil fraud against him and Hussain.
However, in a spectacular move earlier this year, Lynch – who had been sold down the river by the then Home Secretary Pritti Patel to face these charges – was acquitted on all counts within the criminal judicial system in the US. The judge felt the prosecution’s case was poorly presented to relied too much on hearsay and innuendo.
During this time, Gustafsson charted a course between defending her former colleagues while making efforts to distance herself and the company from the Autonomy founder – and the potential reputational fallout of the association. She offered written testimony and was cross-examined during Lynch’s civil fraud trial, and she wrote a letter to the judge in defence of Hussain, describing him as a ‘close friend’.
Dr Mike
“This challenge has required tremendous personal and professional commitment from me. With the acquisition of Darktrace by Thoma Bravo nearing its completion and with us having identified an excellent successor, now is the right time to hand over the reins so that Darktrace can be led through its transition into private ownership and beyond. I am profoundly grateful to have had the privilege of leading such an exceptional team and I look forward to remaining engaged in this exciting next chapter of the business as a non-executive director after the transaction completes. I remain Darktrace’s number one fan.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am delighted to welcome Poppy Gustafsson as our new Investment Minister –an accomplished entrepreneur who brings invaluable experience to the role. We’re upgrading the Office for Investment to ensure it is fit for purpose and has the capability it needs to make the UK the first choice for investment and the best place in the world to do business, which is central to our mission to drive growth and make people better off.”
The 59-year-old Lynch and six others died in August, when a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily in a storm.
Given these to high-profile instances, it wouldn’t be a stretch to conculde that Corporate America really didn’t like these successful entrepreneurs operating in their homeland.
Upon her invitation to government, Gustafsson wrote, “I know working in government will be challenging. It might even be the most challenging job I’ll ever have. It requires strong people skills, strategic thinking, good communication, a clear direction of travel. Skills that I’ve learned in my time in the business world.
“So when the prime minister asked me, it was an easy yes. His mission-driven approach to government is the right one – something I’ve seen a lot of in my time in business. Also right is his focus on investment and full-throated backing of UK plc.”
While the leap from cyber security expertise to leading the Government’s investment policies is not necessarily an obvious one, Gustafsson’s appointment has, across politics and and business, been seen as a prudent one. So begins Poppy’s new career in amongst some real skulldugerry...
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it’s right.”
Rosa Parks
GAPS BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADES CLOSING
Private school pupils in England no longer outperform state school pupils in core GCSE subjects like English, maths, and science, according to research by University College London. However, a grade gap remains in creative subjects such as music, drama, and art, even after adjustments.
Lead author Professor Jake Anders noted state schools’ improved focus on core subjects over two decades, benefiting social mobility, but warned that inequality persists—and may be worsening—in creative industries.
IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
EXERCISE REDUCES RISK OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
A major analysis of existing research has found that doing at least 80 minutes of moderate exercise per week can nearly halve the risk of new mothers developing postpartum depression. While exercise is known to reduce anxiety and depression in the general population, Canadian researchers have shown it also benefits new mothers.
FOUR-DAY WEEK TRIAL DEFIES SCEPTICS
A long-running dispute over a four-day workweek at South Cambridgeshire district council has ended in victory for its supporters. The council began a 15-month trial in January 2023, despite opposition from the then-Conservative government, which argued it wasn’t fulfilling its duty to taxpayers.
However, the trial showed improved or stable worker performance, a 39% drop in staff turnover, and savings of over £370,000. The new Labour government has now lifted objections to such trials, with the Cambridgeshire results aligning
with other successful four-day week pilots, though critics question the longterm sustainability of these benefits.
Their study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, involved 4,000 mothers and found a 45% reduction in the likelihood of postpartum depression with regular exercise. Lead author Prof Margie Davenport advised that after recovery from childbirth, new mothers start with gentle walks, gradually increasing exercise intensity.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Maya Angelou
CLIMATE POLICIES PASSED IN THE US ELECTIONS
Experts warned that Donald Trump’s re-election is a significant setback for climate action, but the US election also saw some environmental victories at the state level.
In Washington, voters rejected plans to weaken the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which funds conservation and climate efforts. Californians approved a $10bn climate bond, and Minnesota renewed the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for 25 years, securing $2bn for environmental protection.
“When climate and conservation are prioritised on the ballot, voters strongly back these initiatives,” said Adam Snyder of The Nature Conservancy.
RELATIVELY EASY SOLUTION TO CONTRAIL WARMING
Research from the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) suggests that adjusting flight routes could significantly reduce the warming effects of plane contrails. Contrails, which have a warming impact almost equal to aviation CO2 emissions, are mostly caused by just 3% of flights, responsible for 80% of contrail warming. Rerouting these flights could cut global contrail warming by over half by 2040, without significantly increasing fuel consumption.
T&E’s Carlos Lopez de la Osa emphasised the potential for rapid action through targeted flight path adjustments.
NOVEL THERAPY FOR LUPUS
A cancer therapy could potentially “revolutionise” treatment for lupus, a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
Scientists are trialling CAR-T, which involves genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells to target problematic B-cells— key drivers of lupus. Researchers hope this one-off treatment could reduce or eliminate the need for life-long medication. Lupus affects 70,000 people in the UK, 90% of them women. It causes debilitating joint pain, fatigue, and rashes.
The trial is led by University College London.
THE UK’S RIVAL TO GDP PUBLISHED ITS LATEST DATA
For years, gross domestic product (GDP) has been the standard measure of a country’s prosperity, despite overlooking contributions like childcare. Now, the UK has introduced a more comprehensive alternative.
Developed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the ‘inclusive income’ dataset considers factors GDP ignores, such as housework, environmental damage, and ecosystem services, offering a clearer view of ‘sustainable income.’
“This marks the first year we’ve compiled the complete dataset, including UK carbon emission reductions,” said Richard Heys, ONS deputy chief economist, calling it a significant milestone. In 2022, net inclusive income per person rose by 5%, outpacing GDP’s 4.3% growth, partly due to renewable energy adoption. The aim is to promote global use of this metric, enabling smarter policymaking.
NATIONS JOIN A COALITION TO END FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES
Expectations for the Cop29 climate summit, hosted by Azerbaijan—a petrostate aiming to expand fossil fuel production—had been low. However, climate groups have welcomed news that the UK, New Zealand, and Colombia have joined the Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives.
The coalition now includes 16 nations, with Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, and others already onboard. Members aim to present a plan to end oil and gas subsidies at Cop30.
Greenpeace UK’s Rebecca Newsom called the UK’s move a sign
of revived climate diplomacy but stressed the need for urgent action. She urged the government to redirect fossil fuel subsidies, worth billions annually, and impose extra industry taxes to fund climate commitments for developing nations.
Pippa Moyle, CEO and Founder of the City Girl Network on how her company finally got round to making some money!
A BALANCING ACT Monetising a community and staying true to your values
For nearly nine years, I’ve been growing a national network of women across the UK made up of local community groups. The mission is simple: helping women belong where they are. The execution is complex.
We host a range of different events to help women connect with each other, as well as managing several social media channels to facilitate that connection online. We’re building a content bank of advice to help guide women through their lives and a business directory to help them find the products and services they need.
We also have an app called the Friends Pass where we highlight exclusive deals across the country to help them save money and find places to go. Our latest product, a Wedding Directory, has been created in response to the 130% increase in people coming to us for wedding recommendations.
A jobs board is in development, due to our latest discovery that 2,124 women have found jobs through our events, social media channels and us recommending certain City Girls for job openings.
At the time of writing this, we support 153,712 women across 19 communities in the UK. Our impact is multidimensional. They’re finding friends, jobs, travel deals, properties to buy, business connections, fitness communities, insurance brokers and local support services when they’re at a vulnerable point in their lives. That’s really just scratching the surface, but I think you get the idea.
“When it comes to building a community, I’m an expert. When it comes to building a community business, I’m a disruptor.”
When it comes to building a community, I’m an expert.
When it comes to building a community business, I’m a disruptor.
Monetising the City Girl Network has been my greatest challenge. I have built this community on the principle of being inclusive: free at the point of entry, affordable events, free recommendations, affordable products. Withholding
access to knowledge, opportunities and experiences has resulted in iron-clad barriers for women: that cycle ends with us.
“I applied my “A, B, C” formula of building a community to building a business: Accountability, Boundaries, Communication.”
Rejecting the easiest and traditional model of charging for membership threw me into an advanced business course before I’d even learned the basics. Like most women who were educated in the state school system, I was actively discouraged from building a business – more on that another time.
I’ve spent years reading books, theories and studies about business; attending free courses and workshops; having countless coffees with mentors. I became such an encyclopaedia of knowledge that I started to lecture in business and consult on other successful businesses. I just struggled to financially sustain mine.
Until this year. The year I was listed as a “Top 100 UK Female Entrepreneur for 2024”; an accolade that, on reflection, was a premonition rather than an accurate placement.
This year, I had to rip out the rule book in a last ditch effort to save the City Girl Network. Our audience may have been growing, but our bank balance wasn’t. I had to radically lean into the reality that I was the only person who could save it. So, I applied my “A, B, C” formula of building a community to building a business: Accountability, Boundaries, Communication.
Accountability in community-building terms is staying true to your mission. With every event, product and relationship opportunity that comes our way, it has to pass our mission test first: does it help women to belong where they are? If yes, pass go.
Boundaries are ensuring that the audience knows what you’re here for and what you’re not – we can guide you in the right direction, but we can’t solve your problems for you. Communication is the core ingredient for facilitating connections, building trust and growing relationships.
My approach to accountability in monetising a community began by looking at the principles of our mission – making knowledge, opportunities and experiences accessible – and the boundaries for that. Our audience should be able to access where to find the best products and services for free. But those businesses should pay to access them. Finding ways to save money through our deals and discounts app adds value to their lives and therefore matches our mission, but it’s a premium service that our audience should be paid for.
Communication snuck in a few more ‘Cs’ when it came to business – confidence and conviction. The City Girl Network is now an advertising business, powering a thriving multi-channel community.
When businesses advertise with us, they’re advertising to a highly-targeted, engaged audience who trust our brand. When our audience sees those advertisers, they know that they’re a business who’s investing into their community and are more likely to buy from them. The success of this has resulted in hiring a full-time Head of UK Communities to support and develop our audience experience.
This is how we now monetise our community. But please don’t make the same mistake as I have and see this as a blueprint. There is no blueprint when it comes to people. All you can do is listen, innovate and apply your ABC(CC)s.
Our brain tries its best to protect us at all costs. As it handles so much at once, a lot of the tasks the brain completes are repetitive; it becomes programmed to operate on autopilot to stop us from thinking too hard about everyday activities. But when something new comes along – something our brain isn’t used to or knows little about – it can trigger a level of anxiety.
This can be exactly what happens when we’re starting a new job or changing careers. Humans are hardwired to be risk averse – it’s something that has been instilled in us since the Stone Age. And with career change comes a sense of risk. The fear of the unknown sets off our fight-or-flight response, and that’s why, when big life changes come our way, we often experience excitement underpinned with a sense of anxiety or worry.
At times such as these, it is important to remind yourself of your worth; one way you can do this is by writing down a list of your skills and achievements. Recognising what you’ve achieved in the past will remind you that you are qualified for a new challenge. Remember – if you’ve managed to get through the things that have caused you stress before, you can certainly do it again.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
As we are constantly using previously-stored knowledge to help us deal with new information, our expectations will generally drive our future experiences – or at least our hopes for them. When changing careers, if you’ve not enjoyed your previous jobs, you may fear this new path may be no different.
❛❛ A lot of our anxiety is around the fear of the unknown, and it can lead us to question ourselves and our abilities ❜❜
But, as we know, our minds can play tricks on us. It’s only trying to protect us but life is all about change and we should embrace it.
REMEMBER YOUR WORTH
A lot of our anxiety is around the fear of the unknown, and it can lead us to question ourselves and our abilities. We might question if we’ve made the right decision in starting a new job or changing career, or whether we have the right knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful. But a lot of the time, we are much more capable than we give ourselves credit for.
But our internal monologue is not entirely true, and our capabilities are not set in stone. By adopting a growth mindset, you can change the way you see your peaks and troughs of life. A growth mindset will mean you can begin to see your mistakes as opportunities for learning. Facing change becomes so much easier when you think of it in terms of growth and learning, as opposed to seeing your identity as a fixed, unchangeable set of traits and skills.
DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN
To ease any worries, coming up with a thorough plan can help to keep you on track and organised. List the things you want to achieve and how you think you will go about it. Writing down the reasons why you want to change career also serves as a good reminder as to why you’re considering a new role. This will not only
❛❛ Setting smaller goals can help our brain adapt to the changes we are embracing, while giving us the confidence we need to reach our end goal.❜❜
get you ready to think practically about the change, but it will also help you to see how it will happen in a realistic manner. List out how your current skillset will help you, alongside the new skills you wish to learn and how you will go about this.
GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED
A successful career change is about tapping into the assets surrounding you, and a lot of the time, it’s about connecting and networking to learn how best to set off in your new career. When you buy a house, you can benefit from the expertise of a mortgage adviser; when you are ready to have a child, you may seek the advice of a doctor. The same thinking applies when changing career – seeking out help and advice will get you on the right track, as well as answer any questions that may be causing worry.
REMIND YOURSELF OF YOUR END
GOAL
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what others may think of you or of what will happen if you fail. We may think this way because of a lack of confidence or because we are jumping in too deep, too quickly.
Setting smaller goals can help our brain adapt to the changes we are embracing, while giving us the confidence we need to reach our end goal. Small steps could include volunteering for a few days to give you a taste of the career you may want to go into. It may also include completing short courses to learn more about the industry, or even watching videos to pick up some skills and give you an idea of what you may have to learn.
Following on from an article in June’s Dynamic highlighting the dangers inherent in the unregulated industry, Dynamic looks at ITV’s exposé, ‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’
Britain’s unregulated cosmetics industry
Undercover filming by ITV News gave an insight into dangerous cosmetic practices being carried out in some of Britain’s high-street salons by ‘wild west operators’. It’s part of a year-long investigation into unregulated cosmetic surgery for a new ITV documentary - ‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’ - in which the Health Secretary Wes Streeting has committed to taking action against those carrying out these procedures.
As part of that investigation, ITV discovered that, every week, behind the doors of an unassuming beauty salon in south London, dangerous cosmetic training courses are taking place.
An undercover reporter signed up for a one-day training course in ‘fat reduction’ procedures at Luxury Medical Aesthetics in Clapham. The salon charged £1,500 to teach the treatment.
“In the UK, there is no regulation to prevent non-medics performing these procedures, while doctors face strict regulation from the General Medical Council”
The undercover footage shows the moment an incision is made in a client’s jawline, before the beautician begins to remove fat with a ‘suction wand’ – a sharp, long metal tube that pierces the skin and crudely sucks fat out as the operator plunges it up and down beneath her skin. The client –who has had only local anaesthetic – is clearly experiencing pain, but the trainer continues regardless.
“If we damage the nerves on one side, then we’re very, very careful on the other side,” the trainer tells her students. She even tries to reassure the group that during hundreds of procedures, she has only damaged “two nerves” and “one artery”.
Shockingly, despite having no prior experience, it isn’t long before she hands over the instrument to her students to have a go. The reporter then made her excuses and left before she was invited to join in, but despite this, she still passed the course, leaving with a certificate from Luxury Medical Aesthetics.
A Freedom of Information request found that, since 2021, there have been 1,193 ambulance callouts to businesses with ‘beauty’ or ‘aesthetics’ in the name, for reasons including “chest pain”, “immediate threats to life” and “major trauma”. In the last five years, there have been 670 complaints to local authorities about aesthetic procedures.
It’s not just high-street liposuction treatments which are cause for concern. Liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) are also a popular choice for people searching for a fuller figure. Surgeons performing a BBL would typically inject fat from another part of the body into the buttocks. However, salons are able to offer a ‘non-surgical’ option, by inserting hundreds of millilitres of filler instead. Both options are very high risk.
In September, 33-year-old Alice Webb became the first person in the UK to die from a liquid BBL procedure at a clinic in south west England. Leaving behind her five daughters. Her partner, Dane Knight and his family are now calling for the introduction of Alice’s Law, which would make it illegal for anyone other than a registered Plastic Surgeon on the GMC specialist register, operating from a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated environment, to perform buttock augmentation procedures using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.
“ ‘If we damage the nerves on one side, then we’re very, very careful on the other side,’ the trainer tells her students.”
In the UK, there is no regulation to prevent non-medics performing these procedures, while doctors face strict regulation from the General Medical Council (GMC).
Consultant plastic surgeon, Professor Iain Whitaker said, after viewing the footage, “I’ve been a doctor for over 22 years, and I never thought in my lifetime I’d see something like that. How she can be allowed to do this, with zero training, or medical background is just beyond belief. They’re just not thinking about the patient… it disgusts me, to be honest.”
ITV spoke to several women who experienced severe complications after visiting Luxury Medical Aesthetics. KeyleaAnne Griffiths, who underwent the fat reduction procedure, described excruciating pain as a hot metal rod pierced her skin. She also recalled seeing another client’s blood splattered on the salon wall.
After the procedure, Griffiths suffered temporary bladder damage and required emergency hospital treatment when she could not pass urine. When she reported the incident to the salon, it took two days to receive a dismissive response, with the salon blaming her for focusing on the equipment instead of aftercare advice.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AND CAMPAIGN FOR REFORM
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the lack of regulation as “absolutely disgusting” and pledged to continue the regulatory review begun by the previous government. “We are working as fast as we can. We know that we need to act. We are taking this seriously,” he stated. However, he wasn’t able to provide a specific timeframe, frustrating campaigners who argue that laws have failed to keep pace with the rapidly growing, multi-million-pound industry.
Campaigners are demanding an overarching licensing system to protect patients and prevent further harm.
‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’ was originally broadcast on ITV, and is available to view on ITVX
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.
SP OTLIGH T
This month’s Spotlight is a little self indulgent as the Publisher has taken hold of this section to highlight two of the Platinum management team, who work diligently behind the scenes of the events and publishing businesses to ensure we are the best in the business and he thought they needed some recognition.
Lesley Alcock
Lesley is the Commercial Director for Platinum Media Group, the publishers of this very magazine, and has been with the company for almost ten years.
Lesley’s career has been varied and highly successful having started life at the London Evening Standard carrying out a range of high pressure sales positions when the Standard was selling millions of copies every day. She then moved onto the Observer newspaper before becoming the Business Development Director at a top London advertising agency, running the creative partnerships team at Capital Radio. She was known affectionately as the ‘Duracell Bunny’ due to her ‘never give up’ attitude.
For the past ten years, Lesley has been Platinum’s Comm-ercial Director and handles all business development, sales and client relations alongside the
Maarten comments, “I met Lesley for her interview at the Grand in Brighton, and knew within minutes that she was ‘one of us’. Her ‘can do’, never give up attitude is rare today and a total breath of fresh air. Lesley is a pleasure to work with, is adored by all clients and great fun to be around’
Lesley lives in Cuckfield with her partner, has two adult children and, most importantly, a dog called Harry. Outside of work, she is obsessed with sailing and has done so all over the world and refuses to adhere to Maarten’s rule of ‘Motor Boats only’. His passion for loud speed at all times is not shared. “Lesley is a pleasure to work with, is adored by all clients and great fun to be around”
Managing Director and Publisher, Maarten Hoffmann.
Fiona Graves
Fiona is the Events Director for Platinum Media Group and is in charge of the vast array of live events that Platinum produce across the year.
With over a decade of media experience, Fiona worked across countless PR campaigns and product launches, spanning design, beauty and tech. Such clients include Fujifilm, The Daily Mail Group’s Outdoors Show, Grand Designs Live, Ford Motor Company, Npower, L’Oreal and Mercedes F1.
Live events then took over and she worked in media relations, producing award-winning events for high profile companies such as the Sky Sports Living for Sports Awards, UK Startup Awards to name but a few.
For the past ten years, Fiona has been in charge of all Platinum’s events such as the famous BAHBAs (the Brighton & Hove Business Awards), the Surrey Business Awards, the Central South Business Awards, the Dynamic Awards and the longest-running such awards programme in the UK, the 36 year-old Sussex Business Awards.
Never shy of a challenge, when Platinum announced the launch of the all-new Sussex Property Awards, she
rose to the challenge and is excited to produce the first ever event in June 2025.
Platinum Managing Director Maarten Hoffmann states, “Fiona is a powerhouse and has such an indepth knowledge of the events industry that she is leant on by the entire team. With my 20 years’ experience in television production, I really needed someone to run the events business with the same professionalism, drive and work ethic l was used to in TV. I found Fiona; problem solved.
“I really needed someone to run the events business with the same professionalism, drive and work ethic I was used to in TV. I found Fiona; problem solved.”
Fiona lives in Hassocks with her husband and young family of two and is often up before the children to get
Entry is open to businesswomen with office based in Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire. Entrants can either nominate themselves or be nominated someone else.
EAST
★ 18 categories
★ £25 per entry
★ Maximum: three entries per person
★ Entry deadline: February 5th 2025
★ Awards ceremony: April 30th 2025
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the wellbeing of C-Suite employees is increasingly under threat.
C-Suite burnout Sabbaticals may be the answer
According to a landmark study by Deloitte, 70% of C-Suite executives interviewed were at risk of burnout and considered moving to organisations that offer better workplace cultures. This alarming statistic raises fresh questions about how businesses can improve their wellbeing support to help retain staff and prevent burnout.
David Banaghan, Interim CEO at recruitment software experts, Occupop said: “With 20% to 50% of employee turnover a result of burnout, it is a pressing concern for businesses and HR departments in particular. One option to combat this could be the use of sabbaticals which can have restorative health benefits while improving your internal staff retention statistics.”
We explore how businesses can enhance their wellbeing initiatives, with a particular focus on the benefits of sabbaticals.
THE IMPORTANCE OF C-SUITE WELLBEING
As the highest management level in any given organisation, C-Suite executives are often the driving force behind a company’s strategic vision and long-term success. Despite this, C-Suite wellbeing can often be overlooked with 73% of C-Suite reporting they don’t feel able to take time off work and fully disconnect.
While 20% of UK workers experience burnout, it can be particularly detrimental at executive level because it affects not just the individual, but also the entire organisation. Stressed and overworked leaders may consequently struggle to make clear decisions, foster innovation and
effectively guide their teams. Over time, this can erode company culture and employee morale, leading to higher turnover rates and a decrease in overall performance.
To mitigate these risks, businesses need to take proactive steps to support the wellbeing of their executives. By doing so, they can retain top talent, ensure long-term leadership stability and create a more resilient organisation.
CAN SABBATICALS BE A POWERFUL TOOL?
One of the most effective ways to support the wellbeing of C-Suite executives is through sabbaticals. A reported 90,000 UK professionals are estimated to take a career break each year with 62% saying they’d take one if it were an option.
Historically, sabbaticals have been rare outside of academic professions, yet businesses are starting to embrace their benefits, affording executives the opportunity to recharge and return with renewed energy and a greater sense of perspective. The benefits of sabbaticals are well-documented. In the UK, 50% of respondents who took sabbaticals did so to relieve stress: 43% of which reported improved mental health as a result.
For executives, a sabbatical offers a rare chance to reflect on their personal and professional goals, explore
“70% of C-Suite executives interviewed were at risk of burnout and considered moving to organisations that offer better workplace cultures.”
“Businesses can promote the mental and physical health benefits of taking an extended break through internal communications, wellness programmes and workshops”
new ideas and gain fresh perspectives. This period of reflection can lead to greater clarity in decision-making, improved leadership skills and a deeper commitment to their role.
ENCOURAGING SABBATICAL UPTAKE
Despite some clear benefits, many executives may – understandably – be hesitant to take sabbaticals. When asked why C-Suite executives were reluctant to take time off, 24% reported having too much work to do while 22% questioned whether others would be able to cover for them while away. Businesses can play a crucial role in encouraging sabbatical uptake by addressing these concerns and fostering a culture that values and supports employee wellbeing at all levels.
Here are some practical tips to encourage uptake:
CREATE A SABBATICAL POLICY
If you are considering employing a sabbatical policy, be clear around what expectations are. Having a clear and well-communicated sabbatical policy is the first step in encouraging executives to take time off.
The policy should outline the eligibility criteria, duration of the sabbatical, and any expectations around communication and workload management during the break. By providing a structured framework, companies can make it easier for executives to plan their sabbatical and feel confident that their absence will not negatively impact the business.
PROMOTE THE BENEFITS
Businesses can promote the mental and physical health benefits of taking an extended break through internal communications, wellness programmes and workshops. By highlighting the positive impact that a sabbatical can have on stress levels, companies can make a case for why executives (who may be silently suffering) should openup and prioritise their wellbeing.
PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR ROLES IN TRANSITION
Clearly, not all businesses will be set up to allow for sabbaticals and this may only be done in exceptional circumstances. One of the main concerns around sabbaticals will be how responsibilities are managed in an employee’s absence. To address this, businesses can provide support in the form of succession planning, cross-training or interim leadership appointments. By ensuring that there is a clear plan in place for managing the executive’s duties, companies can help alleviate the anxiety around taking a sabbatical.
In short, in an era where nearly 70% of C-suite executives are considering leaving their organisations for better wellbeing support, businesses cannot afford to ignore the importance of executive health. A sabbatical may be an effective means of addressing this and is not just beneficial for the individual but your organisation as a whole.
FURTHER READING… RINGSIDE GAMBLE
This month we bring you Ringside Gamble, a novel for the Christmas holidays. Authored by S.J. Clarke, a keen sportswoman and practitioner of Muay Thai boxing. Many years spent in the ring and researching the philosophy of Muay Thai culminated in her debut novel.
Ringside Gamble has garnered accolades for its authentic depiction of the underworld of Thai boxing and the resilience required to be a fighter. This actionpacked novel takes readers on an uplifting journey with Nong, a spirited Muay Thai fighter who is chasing his dream of stepping into the legendary Lumpinee ring in Bangkok. Amidst a whirlwind of shady companions, tempting offers, and the painful sting of poverty, this story weaves together magic and gritty reality, showcasing the essence of Muay Thai through acts of kindness, valour, pain, and courage.
BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
Years ago, after an exhausting stint running a financial technology company, I took a break to train in Thailand. One morning, as I waited for class, a trainer stopped abruptly and told me to go home. I was stunned and asked why. “You look weak,” he said, lifting my slumped shoulders and chin. “Think strong, and you will be. If not, better go to the beach.”That moment made me realise how much our body language reflects our mindset. When I adjusted my posture, I felt stronger, and the training session went much better. In business, this lesson applies every day. No matter how challenging things get, projecting confidence and strength can change how others perceive you—and how you perceive yourself.
YOU MUST HAVE COURAGE
FROM THE MUAY THAI BOXING RING TO THE BOARDROOM: LIFE LESSONS FROM MY JOURNEY IN MUAY THAI AND BUSINESS
“Over the years, my experiences in Muay Thai and as an entrepreneur have taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, strategy, and resilience. Both worlds demand courage, focus, and adaptability. Here are eight lessons I’ve learned that have transformed how I approach life and business.
difficult a situation is at work, there are not going to be any physical dangers. No-one is going to knock you out. Turn up to your career like a Muay Thai fighter, with heart. If you can’t, then perhaps question whether the career you have chosen is right for you.
PREPARE THOROUGHLY—THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS
“ ‘Think strong, and you will be. If not, better go to the beach.’ That moment made me realise how much our body language reflects our mindset.”
Muay Thai training is gruelling. Not just because of the physical aspects but mentally you must be prepared. Muay Thai trainers will tell you they can teach a student to have a perfect roundhouse kick, an incredible knee strike, but not courage or “heart”. You have to want to win and believe you can. Fighters that do not have heart may win the first or even the third round, but they are not going to last the distance.
You can be smaller than your opponent, but your spirit is everything. Muay Thai is a tough test; both psychological and physical. In fact, it’s one with real physical consequences. Fighters lose eyes, suffer head injuries. No matter how
In Muay Thai, success comes from relentless preparation. Every session builds muscle memory, enabling fighters to perform under pressure. I’ve carried this approach into business. Whether preparing for a pitch, running a meeting, or developing a new product, I know that practising and seeking feedback is crucial. When I wanted to write a book, I immersed myself in reading. The same principle applies to any skill—prepare, practise, and don’t cut corners.
WALK AWAY WHEN NECESSARY
Muay Thai fighters never succeed alone; trainers are vital. But not every trainer is worth your time. I’ve walked out of gyms where trainers were distracted or overly focused on upselling private sessions. This same principle applies to business. If co-founders or colleagues don’t share your values or pull their weight, it’s time to make decisive changes. Leaving a bad situation can be difficult, but staying will only drain your energy and hinder your growth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
S. J. Clarke (Sally) is a British-born entrepreneur, author and educator.
She was the recipient of the 2014 La Salle Incubator Fund Award and steered the advisory practice of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. A former advisor to the board of the Substation, Singapore, a leading contemporary arts platform, she has curated conferences and exhibitions in the visual arts and poetry.
Clarke taught Central Asia Art History at the La Salle. She holds master’s degrees from the University of Barcelona (International Finance and Commerce), University of London (Modern Asian Art Histories) and a B.A. (Hons.) majoring in Economics and Politics.
CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS
Before stepping into the ring, fighters calm their minds. I’ll never forget removing the ceremonial headpiece (Mongkhon) from my trainer, Kru Wah, before a fight. He exuded such serenity it seemed as though he had already won. Watching him fight was mesmerising—every move was precise, every strike calculated.
His calmness allowed him to adapt seamlessly to his opponent’s strategy. In business, staying calm in tense situations is just as critical. I’ve learned to observe others’ body language, adjust my approach, and trust the strategies I’ve prepared. Remaining composed under pressure often leads to better outcomes.
BE GRATEFUL AND GIVE BACK
Femur fighters are strategic and adaptable, while Muay Mat fighters rely on aggressive, explosive moves. Trainers help fighters find the approach that suits their temperament.
The same applies in business. I’ve learned to identify the strategies and environments where I thrive. Am I best suited to a bold, high-energy approach or a thoughtful, methodical one? Knowing yourself is essential to succeeding in any arena.
FOCUS COMPLETELY
“Whether preparing for a pitch, running a meeting, or developing a new product, I know that practising and seeking feedback is crucial.”
One of the most inspiring moments in my Muay Thai journey was watching a young girl named Mongkunpet. After winning a fight with a broken foot, she limped into the gym the next day to bow in gratitude to each of her trainers. Her humility and respect left a lasting impression on me. I’ve carried this spirit of gratitude into my career. Whether it’s showing appreciation to mentors or taking on mentees myself, giving back has become a priority. When I mentor young entrepreneurs, I feel I’m honouring those who helped me along my journey.
CHOOSE A STRATEGY THAT FITS YOU
In Muay Thai, a fighter’s style reflects their strengths. Muay
Training in Muay Thai demands absolute focus. It’s not like a casual spin class where your mind can wander. For those few hours, I think only about the present moment—no work stress, no family concerns. This focus has been a game-changer in other areas of my life. When I’m fully present at work or with my family, I perform better and feel less overwhelmed. Giving your mind a break from distractions can make a world of difference.”
Ringside Gamble by S.J. Clarke is available on Amazon Books (November 2023)
By KELLIE MILLER
SMILE TO THE SUN THE WORKS OF HELEN PHOENIX
Helen Phoenix — her first name means light, warm, and shining; her surname is destined to take all birds under her creative wing.
The phoenix is a mythological, immortal bird that appears in Greek, Egyptian and Persian folklore. Being associated with the sun, it resembles the Greek legend of Icarus, who flew too close to its rays and burned his wings. The story of Icarus symbolises human frailty in trying to achieve something impossible. In the case of the phoenix, the spectacular burning process is a renewal, and cleansing is necessary to be reborn and raised again through the ashes, symbolising the death of the old.
What she is doing is capturing aspects of a bird’s character, as evidenced by her use of titles like Mine is the Morning, depicting the blackbird’s preferred time of day; Curiosity to describe the robin’s inquisitive traits; and Twilight Dance to recognise the gestures and movement of the swifts.
Helen’s paintings have luxurious qualities achieved using an ancient egg tempera technique. It was primarily used in medieval paintings until the late Renaissance when oil paints superseded it. Dry pigments are mixed with egg yolk, which acts as a binder.
Through her paintings, the bird characters develop distinct personalities
With the names read together, it could translate to shining the light on the old and new. With the phoenix component, it is no surprise that her obsession with all things bird-related.
Helen says: “Hope is a thing with feathers. Across cultures, mythologies and folklore, birds embody many roles — symbols of freedom, messengers between worlds and signals of change. All of these elements influence my work. I love to explore the interaction of nature with the human spirit.”
Through her paintings, the bird characters develop distinct personalities, showcasing her daily observations and interactions with her feathered friends who surround her. She is mindful that they wake us up in the morning; they follow the sun, the moon and the stars, often returning to nests across many miles, evoking a sense of homecoming.
“The King”
To maintain the paint’s consistency, the mixture must be continuously adjusted with distilled water and vinegar. Thin layers are applied, working from the dark to the light, with glaze used between each layer to build up the luminosity in the work. Final coatings of shellac are applied to protect the work and make the colours ‘sing’. Enhancing her pieces with the luminosity of the gold brings vibrancy and enhances the ethereal quality of the final work.
The aim is for her works to be joyfully reflective and to ask us to pay a little more attention to the birds.
Helen is an acclaimed artist who has been selected for the Royal Academy Summer Show. Her paintings are held in private collections and owned by celebrities such as Jonathan Ross and Dawn French.
Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner.
www.kelliemillerarts.com
“Hope is a thing with feathers. Across cultures, mythologies and folklore, birds embody many roles. I love to explore the interaction of nature with the human spirit.”
– Helen Phoenix
“Herald”
“Smiling To The Sun”
“Serenade”
THE GRAND BRIGHTON SIMPLY TIMELESS
This grandest of grande dames celebrated her 160th birthday this year, and she has never been more splendid. The new owners spared no expense in making sure of it.
By Tess de Klerk
Gazing along Brighton’s seafront, you can’t miss the illustrious Grand. She’s an icon, having been at the heart of Brighton since 1864. Her Victorian exterior with its intricate detailing, has been beautifully restored to its original splendour. In fact, an eye-watering £16.2 million was lavishly spent on refurbishment. I had to go see for myself.
Walk through the revolving doors (or have the impeccably dressed, bowler-hatted concierge hold it for you) into a hotel that will have you wondering if your Great Gatsby fantasies have finally materialised. Not that it is all Art Deco mind you, just that is all so very, very classically elegant. Plus, there’s that undeniable buzz; a buzz that evokes the feeling that this is where it all happens, that this
is the place to be, and that you’re in the thick of it! Who knows, a film crew might be filming a next big hit – there have been quite few.
The Grand is arguably Brighton’s most storied hotel with a tapestry of history so fascinating that I could easily fill pages writing about the famous visits, the shocking IRA bombing, the films and even the birth of a Royal baby. But it’s best to pay a visit yourself. As with the exceptional attention to detail in all areas, you will find Grand Moment plaques with convenient QR codes dotted around. Scan to reveal the fascinating stories and moments from bygone eras that have unfolded in each area of the hotel.
“There’s that undeniable buzz; a buzz that evokes the feeling that this is where it all happens, that this is the place to be”
ROOMS
But I digress. Back to the oh-sogorgeous lobby with emerald marble pillars, huge chandeliers and a sweeping staircase that lead the eye up seven floors to rooms and suites for various preferences. Since the new ownership took over, rooms have been redecorated to an exceptionally high standard – fresh, contemporary with Art Deco touches. Gone are the slightly dated bathrooms. Instead, find sleek, beautiful modern amenities that enhance the feeling of luxury.
Having revisited The Grand several times, I can confidently say the makeovers are stunning. Carefully curated furnishings and pastel sea-breezy tones instantly set the tone and puts the mind at ease. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
Room options range from cosy doubles to spacious suites, some with private balconies overlooking Brighton’s iconic seafront and all with high-thread-count linens, comfortable beds, and stylish en-suite bathrooms. From the King with Seaview rooms and upwards you can expect extra luxuries such as plush bathrobes and slippers, Bose speakers and Chromecast, to name a few.
The Junior Suites stand out, offering double-sized sea-facing balconies with outdoor furniture to make the most out of the stunning views and sunny days. These spacious suites are ideal for families with up to three children. Or, for ultimate indulgence, book one of two Grand Suites on the seventh floor. You’ll have your own private gym and lounge!
SERVICE
But it’s not just about aesthetics; service at The Grand is equally impressive. Staff are courteous, attentive, and always ready to go the extra mile to make your visit unforgettable. They’re clearly a well-oiled machine of a team.
WINE & DINE
One of the hotel’s standout features is the Victoria Bar & Lounge, with its lovely sea views, irresistible for an exceptional English afternoon tea. Savour perfect little cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches while sipping on the finest teas or something sparkling. Here I have to add, for the gluten-averse amongst us, that The Grand’s gluten-free afternoon tea is fantastic; it’s well worth it.
+ GOOD TO KNOW
Accessibility for guests with disabilities: Ramps are available, and 11 rooms are adapted.
Family-friendly: Absolutely. Interconnected rooms, extra beds, cots etc.
Pet-friendly: Dogs are welcome at £30 per night. Treats are free
Superior King Sea View Room inc breakfast: from £203 in December www.grandbrighton.co.uk
“Staff are courteous, attentive, and always ready to go the extra mile to make your visit unforgettable”
MEETINGS & EVENTS
The Grand Brighton has an unbeatable reputation for competence and professionalism as a venue for business, add to that attractive conference suites ranging in capacity from 12 - 900 people and you have the perfect location for board meetings and events of a range of sizes.
The Grand really does tick all my boxes. No matter what your reason is for visiting, you’re likely to have a fabulous stay. Highly recommended.
CYAN BRIGHTON
By Tess de Klerk
Cyan, tucked inside The Grand Brighton, offers a dining experience that’s equal parts stylish and relaxed. While technically a hotel restaurant, it doesn’t feel like one. Instead, Cyan stands on its own as a destination perfect for almost any occasion— whether you’re celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or just craving a great meal.
Drawing inspiration from the Sussex Downs and the sea off the Sussex coast, the restaurant’s name reflects the midpoint between green and blue. This isn’t just a theme—it’s woven into everything, from the rich cyan walls to the artwork that’s quirky enough to make you look twice.
A SPACE THAT FEELS SPECIAL WITHOUT TRYING TOO HARD
Cyan strikes a balance between being a treat-yourself spot and somewhere you’d feel comfortable dropping in for a casual dinner. The vibe is polished yet unfussy, and there’s a
definite sense of thoughtfulness in how the space has been designed.
The glass room, overlooking the sea, quickly became our favourite. It feels private and peaceful while offering some of the best views in Brighton—ideal for catching the changing colours of the sea or simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere. It’s a rare combination of understated elegance and casual comfort that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to impress.
FOOD THAT SURPRISES IN ALL THE RIGHT WAYS
Hotel restaurants often have to cater to a mix of guests, from solo travellers to locals celebrating something special. Cyan manages to do this effortlessly, and the menu is full of seasonal dishes that push boundaries without feeling overcomplicated.
We started with the fresh crab, served with crème fraîche, chives, cucumber, and beetroot. The beetroot was an unexpected highlight, adding a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the crab. My partner’s French onion soup— topped with Gruyère and puff pastry—was comforting and rich, perfect for a chilly evening.
I couldn’t resist trying the fresh oysters as well, which were served simply to let their natural flavours shine.
THE MAINS STEAL THE SHOW
For my main, I chose the Turbot, paired with samphire, potato purée, prawn beignet, and butter sauce. It was luxurious without being heavy, and the little bursts of flavour from the caviar were a clever touch. My partner went for the pork fillet, which came with potato terrine, apple purée, pork belly, roasted onion, and sage. Every element was perfectly cooked and balanced, from the crisp pork belly to the sweetness of the apple.
It’s clear that a lot of care goes into how the dishes are put together, with each ingredient adding something essential
“Cyan strikes a balance between being a treat-yourself spot and somewhere you’d feel comfortable dropping in for a casual dinner”
to the plate.
DESSERTS AND DRINKS
The desserts at Cyan are generous, so come prepared to share (or not—no judgement). I went for the chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut cheesecake, which was rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying. Even with two of us digging in, we struggled to finish it—though that didn’t stop us from trying.
The drinks menu is just as impressive as the food. If champagne is your thing, they’ve got a great selection, but we couldn’t resist the cocktails. My partner got hooked on the spiced apple daiquiri and ended up ordering a few throughout the night. I opted for the pickled plum punch, a mix of rum, plum shrub, plum jam, lime juice, and cinnamon syrup. It was bold, tangy, and perfectly spiced—a cocktail I’d happily order again.
A PLACE TO KEEP COMING BACK TO
What makes Cyan special is how effortlessly it brings everything together—the food, the setting, the service. It’s sophisticated enough for a big night out but still manages to feel welcoming and unpretentious.
The prices are reasonable for what you get, which is another reason we’ll be heading back. Brighton has plenty of good restaurants, but this one might just be our new favourite.
££ cyanbrighton.co.uk
“Brighton has plenty of good restaurants, but this one might just be our new favourite.”
French onion soup
ID.7 Pro S Match EV Who needs a spa day when you can drive an ID.7?
TIn case you are wondering if I have completely lost the plot with that headline, I can assure you that I have not.
By Fiona Shafer, Managing Director, MDHub
he ID.7 comes with a rather splendid pressure point massage function in it’s ergo Active heated front seats, which I found quite by accident whilst navigating the Infotainment system to sort the heating out on a freezing November morning.
As a great fan of massages, I obviously then had to try out all of the six massage functions while driving to and from work on a daily basis for a week – which was no hardship, as you can imagine. It was a very nice way to start – and end – my busy day, with some lumbar action.
YAY +
• New Smart Glass panoramic roof – which can be switched to become either transparent or opaque almost instantly via an electronic layer in the glass.
• Comfortable and easy to open door handles – a vast improvement on Tesla.
• Seriously wide beam headlights for night driving. Loved them.
• Massive 530-litre boot capacity
• Two electric charging points – one on each side.
• Infotainment system is an improvement on earlier models but still a way to go (just don’t lose the massage function).
NAY –
• Augmented Reality ( AR ) heads up display – try as I might, I found it hugely distracting. It was just something else that I had to focus on, instead of the road ahead.
• Internal ambient lighting which comes in 30 different shades and had a very odd design. It looked naff, and friends who travelled with me thought the same.
• Lips on edge of the seat not easy to get over when getting out of the car– a cross generation complaint
• Rear windows are operated from the front
• Price – £55,480
7.5 /10
The ID.7 is a long, low, comfortable drive in every sense. It’s described by VW as the most “advanced, capacious and luxurious member of the ID.family,” and you can quite see why.
Based on VW’s ground breaking MEB modular electric drive vehicle platform, it is the largest and most advanced electric car offered by VW in the UK.
The ID.7 features a new electric motor offering the most power (210kW) and highest torque figure (545Nm) yet seen in an ID.model. This Pro S Match has a very impressive
battery WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing procedure – for those of you not ‘in the know’) range of more than 430 miles. As this figure comes from a lab test conditions, it is not always very accurate when driving in the real world. However, on my weekly jaunt around the badly maintained country lanes of Sussex with all manner of obstacles, I reckon 390-400 was about right.
I first reviewed an electric car in February 2020 and have gradually replaced my ‘range anxiety’ over these past four years with a ‘how fast will it charge anxiety’. As I don’t have a charger at home, I have to take more care on route planning.
family tree. This is a great shame especially for VW and BMW with their collective iconic design heritage.
It is a big, roomy, comfortable car with a lot of leg room and overall storage, which you can also have as an estate AKA Tourer. What it lacks in the design both inside and out it makes up for with excellent practicality .
“I suspect that the ID.7 will be a car that if you love it, you will keep for many years”
I am pleased to report that when charged at a DC quickcharging station, you will get 151 miles in 10 minutes (enough time to go and get a cuppa and a bacon sarnie) and if you find that you are as low as only 10%, it can be charged up to 80% again in around 26 minutes – say half an hour to be on the safe side (enough time to pop into the supermarket for a quick shop).
If you took the VW badge off of the ID.7, I don’t think you would automatically think it was a Volkswagen. It is so homogeneous looking that if you placed it alongside its rivals, the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the BMW i4, you might think that they were all related somewhere down the
It is an enjoyable and constant drive rather than an exciting one. It has a top speed of 112 mph and 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds. It handled well on poor roads, tight bends and wet conditions – I felt very safe in it.
I suspect that the ID.7 will be a car that if you love it, you will keep for many years as it won’t take you out of your comfort zone anytime soon. A solid 7.5 /10
Model tested: ID.7
Top: 112 mph
Power: 286 bhp
Speed: 0-62 - 6.6 s
Range: 436 miles / 702 km
Price from: £55,480
As tested: £60,280
TECH STUFF
HOVE BEACH HUT ADVENT CALENDAR
Visit Hove seafront from 5.30pm to 6.30pm between December 1st and 24th, where a different beach hut is beautifully decorated each day to celebrate advent. Enjoy mince pies, mulled wine, and festive carols as part of the experience. The huts are located along the seafront between First Avenue and Hove Lagoon. Check the schedule online or pick up a flyer at the i360 gift shop to see which hut is open each day. For those who visit daily, there’s a puzzle to complete by collecting pieces along the way.
December 1st – 24th
Hove Seafront beyondchurch.co.uk
HORSHAM JACK & THE BEANSTALK PANTO
Experience the enchanting magic of Jack and the Beanstalk in Horsham. Expect flamboyant costumes and a bespoke set by designed by Jack Lane — recently nominated for the National Panto Award 2024 for Best Set Design — Jack and the Beanstalk will burst to life in a festive, family-friendly delight that you won’t want to miss.
Various dates throughout December The Capitol Horsham www.thecapitolhorsham.com/events/jack-the-beanstalk/
WHAT’S ON...
A brief snapshot of art and culture in the region
ON TOUR THE KING & I
The beloved musical, inspired by the true story of a British governess in the Thai royal household during the early 1900s, is earning rave reviews at London’s Palladium. Now, you can catch it at cinemas across Sussex. After initial screenings on 29 November, many venues, including Chichester, Worthing, Littlehampton, East Grinstead, Brighton, Uckfield, and Tunbridge Wells, are hosting encores in December.
Various dates throughout December kingandImusicalcinema.com
Experience The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s, once home to Rudyard Kipling. Discover festive displays featuring Kipling’s beloved animals, with art by Claire Fletcher inspired by The Jungle Book, available to view and purchase. Explore the Oast House shop’s Christmas gifts and decorations, and enjoy seasonal treats at the Mulberry Tea-room. Celebrate tradition, creativity, and Kipling’s legacy in this cosy family home, bringing visitors back year after year.
Until January 5th
Bateman’s Lane, Burwash, East Sussex, TN19 7DS nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/batemans.co.uk
BURWASH THE JUNGLE BOOK CHRISTMAS
Photo by Matthew Murphy
FARNHAM PENGUIN FEEDING
Join the keepers at either Penguin Beach or Penguin Island as you feed the lively colony of penguins! Make the most of this rare opportunity to learn everything you need to know about penguins from our friendly and knowledgeable keepers! Available morning and afternoon at either 11am or 3:30pm, the price also includes access to the rest of the Birdworld site after your feeding experience.
Until December 24th Farnham Road, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD birdworld.co.uk
GUILDFORD THE MISTLETOE BALL
The Mayor of Guildford and Guildford Philanthropy hosts this event. Why not gather some friends together for a night that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, whilst raising funds for local charities! Expect a sparkling wine reception, 3-course meal and dancing to a live party band at the GLive Centre.
December 12th
GLive, London Road, Guildford, GU1 2ADYN guildford-philanthropy-ball.raiselysite.com/
FARNHAM SANTA SPECIAL AT RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM
For a different way to arrive to see Santa head to the Rural Life Living Museum in Surrey, here you ride on a steam hauled train to visit Santa in his rural grotto and explore the Museum decorated for Christmas. This museum tells the story of the countryside, with its unique collection of re-located historic buildings allow visitors to explore inside, complemented by one of the largest collections of agricultural implements and objects from everyday life. Suitable for the whole family.
December 14th-15th & 20th-21st
The Reeds, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL rural-life.org.uk/events/ christmas-at-the-museum-santa-special-2024/
GUILDFORD A FESTIVE EVENING OF BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE, GUILDFORD
Naughty or nice, Hundred Watt Club’s sizzling festive show is your perfect treat! Expect glittering showgirls, bawdy comedy, classic vaudeville, and jaw-dropping circus acts. Always seductive, always sublime, and a little ridiculous – ideal for a cheeky staff night out or festive fun with friends.
Note: Contains adult themes, strong language, and nudity. Over 18s only – no refunds for the faint-hearted!
December 14th
The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4SZ electric.theatre/shows/ hundred-watt-club-festive-evening-burlesque-vaudeville2024/
