Platinum Business Magazine issue 65 by Platinum Media Group

THE LARGEST CIRCULATION REGIONAL BUSINESS PUBLICATION IN THE UK

ISSUE 65. NOVEMBER 2019

The growth of

EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL

Putting on the biz Launch of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2020

Tackling loneliness at work

Greta Thunberg How

is making grown men panic

Why NOW is the time to sell your property SUSSEX FINALISTS

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CONTENTS 9

NEWS National, international and local news

DMH STALLARD Would your business survive a divorce?

BRIGHTON SUMMIT Review of the Brighton Summit event hosted by Brighton Chamber

KRESTON REEVES The digitised world of VAT, and the future of compliance

MHA CARPENTER BOX If you’re looking to sell property, you need to act fast

KEN BLANCHARD Don’t be merely a middle of the road leader

NATWEST ACCELERATOR Helen Beard, Managing Director of China Travel Outbound

50-57

TRAVEL Find the best experiential travel escapes across the globe, courtesy of the experts at Go Bespoke Travel.

NATWEST The latest survey of business confidence GATWICK DIAMOND BUSINESS AWARDS The 2020 Awards deadlines are almost upon us

ROCKETMILL Creative ways to connect with your client

GATWICK AIRPORT Why young talent is so fundamental to our success

SUSSEX SUPER GROWTH AWARDS The launch of the 2020 awards

Nov | Dec 2019 #1

Why we need genuine flexible working

TR AVEL FASH ION MOTO R I NG HE ALTH

MICHE LLE MONE OBE

DYN001_01_Cover.indd

SUSSEX BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 The finalists are announced for this year’s presitigious awards

THE GRAND HOTEL Looking after your staff during the Christmas season

HARRODS A selection of ideas for gifts from Knightsbridge’s most famous shop

72 74

CHARITY NEWS Chestnut Tree House events

CHAMBER LISTINGS Events your local Chamber of Commerce is putting on

ANGER MANAGMENT Maarten Hoffmann challenges the motives of environmental zealots

DMH STALLARD Keeping the trading wheels turning during times of uncertainty

FOR WOMEN

SUSSEX INNOVATION CENTRE Scenes from the Croydon Business Excellence Awards

E DUC AT ION

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SUSSEX

Ian Trevett profiles climate change activist Greta Thunberg, and how she scares middle-aged men

THE PLATINUM CLUB Who has been seen at the city’s most prestigious networking event?

DYNAMIC MAGAZINE LAUNCH Highlights from the SPIRIT OF THE SEASIDE Women In Business Expo which saw the launch of Platinum’s Dynamic Magazine. Have you got your MY FIGHT copy? TO THE TOP

04/10/2019 16:15

THE BIG STORY

The Brighton Gin story

24 27

MOTORING Maarten Hoffmann tries out the new VW Touareg, and picks his favourites from the Frankfurt Motor Show

HEALTH & WELLBEING Improving mental and physical wellbeing in the workplace, with contributions from ViiSana and West Sussex County Council

MOVERS & SHAKERS Who’s going where... Harvey John Recruitment tells us who is moving on in the world of Sussex commerce

PLATINUM SPORT Kriss Akabusi to host the Sussex Sports Awards, and Alan Wares runs the rule over the early days of Graham Potter’s reign at the Albion.

INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS How does your reputation sit with you?

Welcome W elcome to the November issue of Platinum Business Magazine. It’s going to be a busy few weeks for the Platinum Group, with two of the biggest nights in the local business calendar coming up.

On November 21st we are hosting the Surrey Business Awards at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Then, on December 5th, we will be presenting the prestigious Sussex Business Awards at the The Grand Brighton. Both events will be packed with the region’s most influential business leaders and will be sold-out events but you may still be able to get tickets if you are quick. Email us at info@ platinumpublishing.co.uk. In October, we launched the much-anticipated Dynamic Magazine, the magazine for women in business, at Farnborough International Conference Centre. The demand for copies at the expo was unbelievable. We are very proud of the new magazine and, from the feedback we have received to date, it appears the readers agree. If you would like to find out more about the publication please email us at dynamic@platinumpublishing.co.uk. Or come and visit us on stand 1486 at the The Business Show at London’s ExCeL on November 27th and 28th. Get there early to guarantee getting a copy!

Maarten Hoffmann – Director

Lesley Alcock

maarten@platinumpublishing.co.uk

Commercial Director

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumpublishing.co.uk

It’s been a breathless few months and we have some more announcements in the next few week from our events team. Enjoy your Platinum Business Magazine

The Platinum Team

And while you’re here... Not only do we have the largest number of print readers on planet Earth but you can also join our 468,000 online readers. If you can’t wait for the next issue then jump onto our social media platforms and join the conversation.

@platbusmag Platinum Publishing Group www.platinumpublishing.co.uk

Nicole Kemble Commercial Manager

Kate Morton

Hanna Nicholson

Features Editor

Travel Editor

Fiona Graves

Lydia Bunyard

Events Director

Events Executive

Alan Wares Head of Design

Platinum staff images courtesy of David Green, Shoot Me Now Photography shootmenow.co.uk

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Now, for tomorrow

Sussex

news CHRISTMAS VENUES

Recruitment experts expand commercial team

allum McKenna, experienced recruiter with extensive knowledge of the commercial finance industry, has joined specialist recruitment agency Harvey John. With the niche commercial finance team working with an established network of clients across the region, Callum will be bridging this gap to expand the reach of Harvey John.

consultants. With Callum joining as Principal Consultant, the commercial finance team will have an even stronger reach sourcing trainee to senior level industry hires.

To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead. BUSINESS WISDOM

EMC lead management buy-out

Finance experts host tax seminar

ward-winning commercial interior fit-out and refurbishment specialists Warnes Projects Ltd, based in Arundel, has been sold in a management buy-out advised on by EMC Corporate Finance, and led by Michael Gibbs. The deal sees director Stephen Hobbs take control of the business with former director Ed Davies moving out to pursue other interests.

practical session covering a variety of issues including tax and VAT implications of promotion agreements, practical case studies, and a legal and accounting Q&A. To register for this free event visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/taxation - on-promotion-agreements -tickets-72488981495

The company has become a leading player in the field of commercial space planning, design and build. Recent projects include 200 Dover Street, London, Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, and The Loom, a 19th century former industrial building in London’s Whitechapel.

Established in 2004, Harvey John is further solidifying its expertise in the accountancy, tax and legal sectors with a growing team of over 15

reston Reeves and PDT Solicitors are holding a free seminar on the Taxation of Promotion Agreements on Friday November 22nd in Horsham. Aimed at house builders, developers, landlords, commercial agents, property managers, business owners and landowners, this is a

Masquerade ball final total

n amazing £101,000 was raised at the 2019 Rockinghorse Ball last month. 350 guests filled The Empress Suite at The Grand Brighton where funds were being raised for Rockinghorse’s projects across Sussex, including the Alex in Brighton. The masked ball was supported by

headline sponsor DMH Stallard and co-sponsored by The Grand Brighton, Cardens Accountants, Gap Solutions, and Potter Raper. Hosted by MC Danny Pike, a live auction accompanied by a silent auction was filled with must-have items for successful bidders, contributing to the total amount raised. Guests raised over £13,000 specifically for Oxygen Saturation Monitors for use with children with various respiratory conditions as well as postoperatively.

It is by acts and not ideas that people live. BUSINESS WISDOM

Business School gains accreditation

he University of Sussex Business School has taken its place among the 1% of business schools around the globe after achieving the prestigious EQUIS accreditation. The accreditation recognises the high standards and quality in research and teaching achieved by the Business School in its development over the last ten years. Professor Steven McGuire, Dean of the University of Sussex Business School, said: “Accreditation highlights our distinctive, worldwide reputation in innovation, energy and sustainability, science and technology policy, and our expertise in understanding the relationship between business, public policy and civil society.”

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Sussex

news CHRISTMAS VENUES

Top marks for Hurst College

tudents at Hurst College recently celebrated the strongest ever set of results at both GCSE and A-level, in what Headmaster Tim Manly has described as “a great year”. At A-level, 84% of grades were awarded at either A*, A or B, enabling the overwhelming majority of Hurst leav-

ers to take up places at their firstchoice universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and the most selective Russell Group universities.

At GCSE level, 83% were between 7 and 9, which equate to A and A* grades in the pre-reform currency.

To be more interested in the writer than the writing is just eternal human vulgarity BUSINESS WISDOM

AV specialists shortlisted for award

anor Royal-based Avensys Commercial division have been shortlisted for the International AV Awards, which recognises the best in global AV. The awards received over 700 entries with the finalists shortlisted by rigorous judging process and independently by end-users of AV technology. Avensys Commercial are one of 10 Finalists in ‘Corporate & Enterprise Project of the year’ for their collaboration with Manor Royal-based Elekta.

The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between. BUSINESS WISDOM

The councils who sit on the rich list

ccording to a new government report on deprivation, areas of Chichester, Worthing and Horsham sit in the richest half of councils in England. Chichester was placed 32nd for the South East; Worthing was placed 24th, whilst Horsham was placed

50th for the South East. The rankings use the most up-to-date data on income, employment, education, health and crime, as well as housing services and the environment, to assess more than 32,800 small areas or neighbourhoods across England.

TV Earl to Sussex Lieutenant

ownton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville has been appointed to the role of Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex. Lord-Lieutenant Susan Pyper made the announcement, with Julia Aisbitt and Peter Webb joining the TV star in similar roles. Emmy award winner Hugh is well-known for his

popular roles as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in ITV’s Downton Abbey series, and Mr Brown in the Paddington films. The unpaid role requires him to deputise about six times a year for the Lord-Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative in West Sussex.

Albion on Track

righton & Hove Albion have entered the Grant Thornton Top Track 250. Published last month, the 15th annual league table ranks Britain’s private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales, and places Albion 206th in the standings. Albion chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said, “This inclusion is another proud moment for the club, and underlines our continued progress in all areas. It is the result of our chairman’s strategic, long-term vision, and the ongoing professionalism and hard work of all our staff, to bring that to fruition. It also further demonstrates our significant contribution to the local economy.”

HORSE RACING

On track for the new season

days with the Sussex National fixture on Sunday January 5th 2020. Our Cheltenham Bonus Series also begins this month and as this attracts some top-class thoroughbreds we’ll start to see the high class talent like Kalashnikov (pictured) and Master Dino grace our turf, alongside the competitive action we always have.

t was great to kickstart the season back at Plumpton on September 22nd – despite less than ideal conditions the crowd were in fine fettle and treated to some great action on the track. The local contingent cheered home the Gary Moore trained Zamperini to a smart success but just two races later, the Lewes-based Sheena West trained Limelighter romped home to win at 20/1! The smartest performer on the day was Young Wolf for Jonjo O’Neill who won the feature race a tad cosily, and looks set for a great 2019/20 season as he is clearly an improving horse at just six years old. In the week after racing we had 110 mm of rain at the track – to put that in perspective, that is 21% of our total at the track for the whole year! As Brits we are all a bit obsessed by the weather and

working at a racecourse only enhances this fascination. As a jumps track, after a dry year, we along with all National Hunt tracks were glad to see this downpour and it puts us in a really strong place for the winter programme, which continues with two fixtures this month, two in December and one of our signature

We’ve recently refurbished our Paddock Restaurant and our racecourse marquee and despite being a labour of love, they have both come out particularly well and we hope many of you can come and enjoy them with families, your teams or clients. Here’s to a great 2019/20 season!

st Celebrate Chri mas with your team Festive Fun Raceday – Monday 2nd December

Christmas Raceday – Monday 16th December Dine in the course-side Marquee Restaurant with welcome drink, three-course lunch and racing for just £65 per person inc. VAT.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

ADVANCE GRANDSTAND & PADDOCK Group Tickets (10+): £14 ADVANCE GRANDSTAND & PADDOCK Tickets: £15

Tel. 01273 890383 | racing@plumptonracecourse.co.uk | www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk

15175 Plumpton Racecourse Celebrate Christmas With Your Team 185x130 (Landscape)_1.indd 1

15/08/2019 13:30

national

news

The rise of the redundant-preneur

Trump slumps in Forbes 400

esearch from Direct Line for Business reveals there has been a rise of the ‘redundant-preneur’, as four million people have started their own business after being made redundant. Of these, 57% started working for themselves as a freelancer, 48% started a business and 12%

invested in another business and started working there. Although redundancy is a stressful period of anyone’s life, many people retrospectively feel it was a positive change. Over half were unhappy about being made redundant at the time but now think it was for the best.

Google answers workplace questions

he number one workplace query that Brits ask Google is ‘how to promote equality and diversity in the workplace.’ According to Savoystewart.co.uk, 320 people in the UK type this query into Google every month, while up to 370 searches a month revolve around how to deal with workplace

bullying. Other common searches include ‘how to opt out of a workplace pension’ and ‘how to engage with millennials in the workplace’. When looking at other European countries, Spain and France both googled ‘how to create a happy workplace’ 90 times a month.

People are so conditioned to take sides that a balanced analysis looks to them like hatred BUSINESS WISDOM

Promotion but no pay rise?

n recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in workers accepting promotions without (immediate) pay rises. Vanquis surveyed office workers throughout the UK and found that 20.5% of Brits across all sectors would take a promotion without a pay rise, 42.9% would consider it, whilst 36.6% would turn the offer down. Those in the marketing sector are the most likely to take progression over pay, with 58% saying they’d take a promotion without a pay rise. Of those surveyed, workers who would accept or consider a promotion without a pay rise said their main motivation for doing so was to secure a better job in the future.

orbes has released its 38th annual Forbes 400, a ranking of the wealthiest Americans, who have a record-breaking combined net worth of $2.96 trillion. Jeff Bezos, CEO and founder of Amazon, worth $114 billion, remains in the top spot, despite his net worth decreasing by $46 billion since last year. Donald Trump’s ranking dropped to No. 275 from 259 in 2018, but his net worth remained the same as last year at $3.1 billion. There are 56 women on this year’s Forbes 400 list, with one of the most notable being MacKenzie Bezos at No.15. MacKenzie debuts with a net worth of $36.1 billion and is now the third-richest woman in America.

Late payers cause distress

ver three quarters of freelancers have experienced mental health issues as a result of late paying clients in the last 12 months, according to new research. In its latest report Late Payments: The Cost to Business and Our Health, Hitachi Capital UK has investigated the mental health impact of late payments on the UK’s SMEs and freelancers. From a sample of 1,000 UK-based SMEs and freelancers, 11% have been diagnosed with a clinical condition due to clients failing to pay invoices on time, with the most common conditions showing as anxiety (61%), stress (45%) insomnia (41%) and depression (27%).

One sees great things from the valley but only small things from the peak BUSINESS WISDOM

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To register your interest in our Growth advisory service or workshops, please email enquiries@krestonreeves.com or phone Mark Attwood on +44 (0)330 124 1399.

national

news

Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground. BUSINESS WISDOM

England ranked as top 2020 destination

Rich Chinese outnumber rich Americans

he number of wealthy Chinese people has overtaken the number of rich Americans for the first time, according to a report by Credit Suisse. The bank’s annual wealth survey found there were 100 million Chinese people among the world’s

top 10% of richest people, compared with 99 million in the US. The report says the “rapid transformation of China from an emerging nation in transition to a fully fledged market economy” helped create a record number of rich people.

Canada makes positive changes

anada has topped a global poll as the best country for social entrepreneurs, according to the results of a poll conducted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation in partnership with Deutsche Bank’s Made for Good programme. Britain and the US saw a signifi cant drop in ranking – with the US

plummeting to 31st place from the top spot. Almost 900 experts were polled to establish trends, opportunities and challenges related to this fast-growing business-for-purpose sector. Canada came top for young people playing a leading role, as well as the best country for female leaders in the sector.

ngland has been named the world’s second best tourist destination in 2020 by the guide book, Lonely Planet. The list is based on “topicality, unique experiences and wow factor” with the entry for England stating; “Brexit uncertainties have dominated the headlines in recent years but one constant amid all the confusion has been the timeless treasures that England is famous for: the historic castles and cathedrals, the quaint villages and rolling countryside, and of course, the seaside.” Other countries in the top five were Bhutan at number one, North Macedonia, the Caribbean island of Aruba and Africa’s eSwatini (formerly Swaziland).

It is hard for a women to deﬁne her feelings in language which is chieﬂy made by men to express theirs BUSINESS WISDOM

Mini soda cans sales up

oca-Cola Co has beaten Wall Street estimates for quarterly revenue as customers took to smaller-sized cans of its drinks, including Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, prompting the beverage maker to give an upbeat forecast for 2019. Faltering demand for sugary drinks has forced Coca-Cola to roll out low-sugar drinks, while diversifying

into coffee, tea and bottled waters to boost sales. The beverage maker has expanded its coffee business with the multi-billion dollar purchase of Britain-based Costa Coffee last year. Volume in sparkling soft drinks rose 2% in the quarter, whilst strong growth was seen in its smaller package drinks, led by double-digit growth in 7.5-ounce mini-cans.

Divide and conquer:

would your business survive divorce? Being prepared for the worst-case scenario is the only way to contain the impact of divorce according to experienced litigator and family law partner, Siobhan Lomasney

dispute with a business partner or co–director can place enormous pressure on your business and be a major distraction from continued business development, but with the right mechanisms within the shareholders’ agreement, it should be possible to contain the dispute and the dreaded deadlock situation. A divorce can also have a devastating impact on your business life and be financially and emotionally draining, often at a time when you need to be focusing on maintaining your business growth; the divorce of a co-director or partner can be just as distracting and disruptive.

The worst case scenario? A divorce between spouses who are business partners, co-directors and shareholders. Whatever the roots of the scenario, a forced transfer or sale of shares could easily change the balance of power in a company and on the board.

Containing potential damage

The spouse of a shareholder can ask a court to take into account the value of their spouse’s shareholding, creating a real threat to at least some of that shareholding being transferred to the claimant spouse’s name, or sold. Ideally strong shareholders’ agreements will be in place, which impose safeguards in the case of a significant shareholder’s divorce. These can include pre-emption rights for other shareholders and valuation provisions as to how the shares are to be valued for the purposes of the exercise of pre–emption rights.

Keeping it in the family

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements now have an increasing influence in law; they can afford strong protection for companies, and in particular family companies, by seeking to protect shareholdings existing pre-marriage. It’s worth considering including terms in any new shareholders’ agreement to compel consideration of pre- and post-nuptial agreements to protect the company on the marriage of a key shareholder. But even with protection in place, a protracted and difficult divorce can still have undue influence on running and developing the business.

What’s the alternative?

Family courts have been subject to increasing pressures in recent years, with too few judges and a massive increase in the number of litigants in person

LEGAL

trying to navigate complex divorce and financial remedy proceedings. The result is that cases can be even more protracted, costly and stressful, preventing businesses and business owners from moving forward. It has also fuelled significantly more interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

The ADR options for ﬁnancial remedy

These are usually to hold a private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing and/or an arbitration hearing to be conducted by a private judge selected and agreed between the parties. A private FDR means that you can choose a specialist judge experienced in dealing with complex and commercial assets.

settlement. As before, the advantages include being able to dictate the pace of the process, choose the date and venue and choose a commercially experienced judge. The key difference is that the parties can also rely on a binding judgement being made, rather than waiting for a two or three day final hearing to be listed in the family courts .

ADR enables the parties to step away Hindsight is a fine thing, but better to from the delays and uncertainty plan for every eventuality – it’s “Pre- and post-nuptial of an overburdened court system the only way to ensure that the in favour of a more private - and agreements now have an emotional and financial impact much swifter - resolution. The of personal matters on a busiparties can choose the judge, increasing inﬂuence in law” ness of any scale is contained. venue, pace and timing of the Shareholders’ agreements can financial hearings. The private judge be reviewed at any time to take acA FDR hearing is a judge-guided medi(usually a senior, experienced barrister count of pre-emption rights and preation/negotiation hearing. It can be a or solicitor) will oversee the process and post-nuptial agreements. very effective day well spent where both and, in arbitration hearings, be able to parties wish to avoid the costs and risk make a binding judgement. There will of a final hearing. Although the presidbe a cost for the judge’s fee, but when ing judge cannot impose a judgement the long-term future of a business is on the parties, they can guide and proinvolved, the benefits of a speedy resovide recommendations for the parties’ Siobhan Lomasney is a Partner in lution will usually far outweigh the cost and their lawyers’ further discussions. DMH Stallard’s Family team. She if it means avoiding a lengthy court proworks from both our Brighton and cess. It will also afford more privacy. A private arbitration hearing is anothLondon oﬃces. Contact her at Like mediation, pursuing ADR requires er alternative; it can also be used if the siobhan.lomasney@dmhstallard. the agreement of both parties. initial FDR fails to reach a satisfactory com, or call 0207 822 1569

The digitised world of VAT and the future of compliance The way government collects VAT – its third largest source of revenue – is changing. Kreston Reeves’ Colin Laidlaw explains what that will mean for businesses the mainframe computer systems of the past. Documents are also stored electronically, removing the need for physical storage. Running the finances of a business and preparing VAT returns has never been easier (if you can remember your passwords).

hen I started work as a VAT inspector – and it was surely not that long ago – you didn’t see many computerised accounting systems being used. Those that were – only by the largest companies – took up a whole room for the computer, large spools of magnetic tape, and a second room for the vast printouts and paper invoices. Manual accounts were very much the order of the day for small businesses. From an interrogation viewpoint, the VAT office I was in had two computer terminals which accessed certain key, but basic, information. How the world has changed. Nowadays cloud computing is the norm with the ability to access and upload information from anywhere in the world with just a mobile phone, which has much greater processing power than

HMRC, along with other tax authorities across the world, have recognised the changing technology environment and the scope it offers for tax compliance and auditing. VAT is the third largest source of revenue for the UK government yet HMRC estimates that there is a tax gap of around £12bn through errors and fraud. With limited resources revenue is difficult to protect and the gap hard to close. Currently, the chance of getting a VAT inspection in the normal course of events is fairly remote. Inspections are generally based on risk factors, such as large repayments, obvious mistakes or large variations in figures, which undoubtedly still attracts the attention of HMRC. Even without consistent reporting of figures you may never be visited. But if you do, and you have made genuine mistakes, HMRC can only go back four years. The ability to challenge beyond that is limited to cases of fraudulent transactions, which are costly to pursue and often fail to recover all of the VAT lost; prevention is always a better cure.

“Running the finances of a business and preparing VAT returns has never been easier (if you can remember your passwords)”

Is digital accounting the key?

As any VAT registered business will, or should know, Making Tax Digital (MTD) came into effect in the UK on April 1st 2019 (later for some types of business) and I think it’s just the first step in digitising VAT return submission. At the moment the MTD requirement essentially just reproduces the current nine box VAT return, except that

FINANCE the data is submitted through a digital platform together with links from source data to the data that is submitted to HMRC. There is, however, currently no look-through from HMRC to the taxpayer’s records; it is just the supply of information. This is not necessarily the case across the EU where other tax authorities have introduced digital reporting; some examples of electronic requirements in the EU are:

– Polish authorities have recouped in excess of £30m VAT and identified a significant number of invoices requiring further investigation. • Similarly, Spain requires large businesses to report invoices to the tax

authority. Invoices not submitted can trigger penalties of up to 180% of the VAT. • Hungary introduced real-time invoice reporting (RTIR) in July 2018 for invoices over €320.

“Inspections are generally based on risk factors, such as large repayments, obvious mistakes or large variations in figures”

• The Czech Republic has required businesses to submit VAT returns electronically since 2014. Reportedly the tax gap decreased by 3% in the two years to 2016.

• Poland requires companies to submit invoices with VAT charged to the tax authorities via a digital platform

authorities within four days of issue. Late reporting triggers penalties of 0.5% of the tax (with minimum and maximum amounts). • Italy requires all invoices to be issued digitally and uploaded to the tax

Not surprisingly other countries are sitting up and taking note; Mexico, Brazil and China have also introduced digital submission requirements. Revenue authorities are notoriously under-resourced and the ability to protect the revenue with less resource and more success is always a desirable outcome.

Some businesses (in particular smaller ones) have struggled with the introduction of MTD in the UK as their systems are not set up properly; there are quick fixes available such as utilising bridging software enabling digital submission, but this is just a patch. In the long-term systems need to be upgraded to ensure that they are compliant. How will they cope with real time submission of data, or, in the short term, the need under MTD for a fully digitised system when the current ‘soft landing’ period of a year allowed by HMRC is up? Although I have said this is some way away at present, if you are looking to change your systems you should keep one eye firmly fixed on the future – will it be digitally compliant?

Colin Laidlaw is a VAT Director at Kreston Reeves. He can be reached by email: colin.laidlaw@krestonreeves. com www.krestonreeves.com

MRC is introducing some very significant changes next year, which might seriously increase the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) that you will pay on the sale of any properties. These changes will affect you if you have a property which was once your main residence but you now either let or have retained, possibly as a weekend retreat. It is important that you understand the changes, as it is likely to result in you having to pay significantly more CGT when you do decide to eventually sell or transfer these properties. There are two important changes coming into effect from April 6th 2020.

Lettings Relief Reform

Lettings relief was introduced back in 1980. It was designed to ensure that people could let out spare

CHANGES TO UK PROPERTY TAX

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to sell, act fast

Stuart Noakes, Partner and Head of Tax Services at MHA Carpenter Box, discusses the significant changes to Capital Gains Tax coming next year

20 20

rooms within their homes on a casual basis, without jeopardising the Principal Private Residence (PPR) Relief status, that came with that property being their main home. Without this, homeowners risked losing PPR Relief if they rented out spare rooms, giving rise to a capital gains tax liability when it was eventually sold.

BUSINESSFINANCE SURVEY In practice however, the relief extended much further than the original policy intended and has come to benefit most of those who let out whole dwellings rather than just spare rooms, which at some stage had been their main residence.

apply where the owner is living in the same dwelling as a tenant and continues to occupy that dwelling as their only or main home throughout the period of the letting.

From April 6th 2020, this final period of exemption will reduce to nine months, which will inevitably result in a higher CGT for many properties which are sold after that date.

Considerations Are you letting a property which was once your main residence? If so, it is worth reviewing the likely CGT position to establish any additional tax which might become payable if you sell it after April an 6th 2020.

The reformed lettings relief will not be available for those periods where an owner has moved out of the property and no longer shares occupation with the tenant.

Under the original lettings relief, the qualifying gain on the sale of a residence does not incur a taxable gain, to the extent that is the lowest of: “It is easy to become • The amount of PPR Re‘accidental’ higher rate taxpayer, lief already calculated • £40,000 so it is important to take the time • The amount of the to plan future property sales, to chargeable gain relatminimise your exposure to this” ing to the letting In a nutshell up to £40,000 of a gain was exempted from tax, if the vendor qualified for the relief. HMRC is now looking to limit the availability of lettings relief by restricting it to those who ‘share occupation’ of their house with a tenant for all disposals made on or after April 6th 2020. What is Shared Occupation? Shared occupation is considered to

This significantly increases the tax payable for anyone who has let out their home for any period, whilst not living there.

Reduction of PPR Final Period Exemption

Currently, if a property has ever been your PPR, in most cases, the last 18 months of ownership of that property is deemed to be your PPR and is therefore exempted from tax.

MHA UK Construction Sector Report The UK construction industry has experienced a further year of slowdown in sales, turnover and profits pointing to a sustained downward trend, according to the latest UK Construction Sector Report from MHA, the UK-wide group of accountancy and business advisory firms. This report analyses operating and accounts data from over 2,100 construction companies and compares companies within six turnover brackets, allowing you to benchmark your own performance with similar sized businesses. The report provides an insight into how the construction sector has performed over the past three years and how we expect the sec-

tor to perform in the near future, providing guidance about what you can do to maximise opportunities. Download your free copy of the report at www.carpenterbox.com/ construction-report

If you are thinking about selling or gifting a property within your portfolio, you should consider which properties these changes are likely to affect. If you own a property jointly, under the current rules you would each be entitled to the exemptions, so these changes will inevitably have an even greater impact on the overall CGT position. Where you are the sole owner of a property, it is worth considering transferring ownership to your spouse, to ensure you both fully utilise your CGT annual allowance. It is easy to become an ‘accidental’ higher rate taxpayer, so it is important to take the time to plan future property sales, to minimise your exposure to this.

Get in touch Professional advice should always be taken prior to the completion of any property transaction. For more information, get in touch with our friendly team of tax and business advisers by calling 01903 234094 or visit our website: www.carpenterbox.com

21 21

o one wants to be known as a “never there” leader — or worse, a micromanager. As a result, most managers tend to adopt a “middle of the road” leadership style that focuses a little bit on direction and a little bit on support. That might seem like a good idea on the surface, but in reality, that style only matches a team member’s needs 25% of the time. The Ken Blanchard Companies’ situational approach to leading others (SLII®) has endured for over 30 years because it is based on managers tailoring their leadership style to the needs of their direct reports. There are four basic development levels in the Blanchard SLII® leadership model: Enthusiastic Beginner, Disillusioned Learner, Capable but Cautious Contributor, and Self-Reliant Achiever. Can you remember when you first started

to learn to ride a bicycle? You were so excited sometimes that you couldn’t even sleep at night. You were a classic Enthusiastic Beginner who needed direction. Remember the first time you took a fall on your bike? Now you had reached the Disillusioned Learner stage, and you needed coaching. Once you were able to ride your bike with increasing confidence, you could take your bike out for a spin without adult supervision. At this point, you were a Capable but Cautious Contributor. Finally, you reached the stage where you could ride without e v e n thinking

about it. You were truly a Self-Reliant Achiever. Matching leadership style to development level Let’s try an example from the work world. Suppose you recently hired a 22-year-old salesperson who doesn’t have much real selling experience. He is enthusiastic and ready to learn, despite his lack of skills. He is curious, hopeful, optimistic, and excited — a perfect example of an Enthusiastic Beginner. You provide specific direction and closely supervise his sales performance, planning and prioritising what he needs to accomplish. While some may consider this over-supervising, teaching and showing him what to do is the appropriate approach for this Enthusiastic Beginner. Disillusioned Learners need a Coaching style After a few weeks of sales training, your new recruit understands the basics of selling but is finding the job harder to master than he had expected. You notice that his energy is waning and he’s looking a bit discouraged. While he knows more about sales than he did as a beginner, he’s sometimes overwhelmed and frustrated. A person at this stage is a Disillusioned Learner. What’s needed now is a Coaching leadership style, which is high on both direction and support. You continue to direct and closely monitor your trainee’s sales efforts, but now you engage in more two-way conversations, going back and forth between your advice and his questions and suggestions. You also provide a lot of praise and support at this stage, because you want to build his confidence, restore his commitment, and encourage his initiative. Capable but Cautious Contributors need a Supporting style Fast forward a couple of months. Now the young man you hired knows the day-to-day responsibilities of his sales position and has acquired some good sales skills. Yet he still has some selfdoubt and questions whether he can

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP BUSINESS SURVEY sell well on his own, without your help or the support of other colleagues. Although you tell him he’s competent and knows what he’s doing, he is not so sure. He has a good grasp of the sales process and is working well with clients, but he’s hesitant to be out there completely on his own. He may become self-critical or even reluctant to trust his own instincts. At this stage, he is a Capable but Cautious Contributor whose commitment to selling fluctuates between excitement and insecurity. This is when a Supporting leadership style is called for. You encourage and praise, but only rarely direct his efforts. The Supporting style is more collaborative; feedback is now a give-and-take process between the two of you. You help him reach his own sales solutions by asking questions that expand his thinking and encourage risk taking.

on your team. Not only has he mastered sales tasks and skills, but he’s also taken on challenging clients and has been successful with them. He anticipates problems and is ready with solutions. At this stage, he is a SelfReliant Achiever in the sales part of his job. You can count on him to hit his sales goals.

Self-Reliant Achievers need a Delegating style As time passes, your former new salesperson becomes a key player

For a person at this level of development, a Delegating leadership style is best. In this situation, it is appropriate to turn over responsibility

Don’t be a

Middle of the road manager Knowing all four leadership styles helps managers drive employee development - by business author and consultant Scott Blanchard

for day-to-day decision making and problem solving to him by letting him run his own territory. Your job now is to empower him by allowing and trusting him to act independently. Bring out the best in others A situational approach to leading others provides a comprehensive and practical method of creating open communication and developing self-reliance among direct reports. Managers who can adjust their style bring out the best in team members no matter their development level. The result is an organisation where employee competence is developed, commitment is gained, and talented individuals are retained.

Training the World’s Best Managers If you wish to learn more about The Ken Blanchard Companies’ research, please contact uk@kenblanchard.com or visit kenblanchard.com/Resources

Private sector output contracts I

n the midst of ongoing political and economic uncertainty, private sector activity in the South East contracted in September, according to the latest NatWest PMI® data. Although the decline was only modest, it was the quickest since July 2016. Weighing on business activity was a solid fall in new business that was the fastest in over three years. Employment fell for the second month in a row as job shedding gathered pace to the quickest since October 2009. Meanwhile, firms noted a further sharp reduction in backlogs. Subdued demand was reflected in business sentiment, which was the among the lowest since data collection began in July 2012. The headline NatWest South East Business Activity Index – a seasonally

adjusted index that measures the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – posted 48.4 in September, slipping from the 50.0 no-change mark in August. Private sector output has declined in three of the last four months, with respondents attributing the latest reduction to client hesitancy amid sustained Brexit uncertainty. Moreover, the fall was the fastest since the immediate aftermath of the EU referendum in July 2016. The volume of incoming work received by private sector firms in the South East fell for the fifth month in a row in September. Excluding the temporary, referendum-induced, demand shock in July 2016, the rate of the decline was the sharpest since June 2009. Anecdotal evidence linked the reduction to subdued demand conditions and political uncertainty.

“Although the decline was only modest, it was the quickest since July 2016”

Key Findings • Fastest fall in new business since July 2016 • Employment declines at quickest pace for nearly a decade • Expectations remain historically weak

With receipts of new work falling in September, companies further reduced their levels of incomplete business. Backlogs have declined in all but one of the last 14 months, with the rate of depletion in the latest survey period the joint-fastest since December 2011. Meanwhile, workforce numbers fell for a second consecutive month in September. The reduction was moderate

Outlook

Demand The volume of incoming work received by private sector firms in the South East fell for the fifth month in a row in September. Excluding the temporary, referendum-induced, demand shock in July 2016, the rate of the decline was the sharpest since June 2009. Anecdotal

Growth expectations over the next 12 months were relatively downbeat in September. Despite strengthening, the level of positive sentiment was the third-lowest since the series began in July 2012.

BUSINESS SURVEY

South East Business Activity Index sa, >50 = growth since previous month

70 60 50 40 30 '97

'99

'01

'03

overall, with firms linking the decline to subdued demand. Moreover, the rate of job shedding accelerated to the quickest since October 2009. Inflationary pressures eased in September. Average prices charged by firms rose modestly, with the rate of charge inflation the slowest in over three years. Cost burdens also rose at a slower rate. That said, the increase remained sharp and broadly in line with the UK average in September. Panellists attributed inflation to unfavourable exchange rates. Growth expectations over the next 12 months were relatively downbeat in September. Despite strengthening, the level of positive sentiment was the third-lowest since the series began in July 2012.

“The volume of incoming work received by private sector firms in the South East fell for the fifth month in a row in September”

'05

'07

'09

'11

'13

'15

'17

'19

COMMENT

Stuart Johnstone, Managing Director, London & South East, Corporate & Commercial Banking Following a month of stabilisation, private sector output in the South East contracted in September. Although marginal overall, the reduction was the fastest since the aftermath of the EU referendum in July 2016.

historically subdued amid continued political and economic uncertainty. Despite strengthening slightly, the level of positive sentiment in the South East was among the lowest on record.”

Moreover, for the third quarter as a whole, the sector recorded its worst performance since the second quarter of 2009. There was a further decline in volumes of incoming business, which fell at the quickest pace in over three years. Subdued demand conditions led firms to reduce workforce numbers for the second month in a row, with the rate of job shedding accelerating to the fastest in nearly ten years. “The year ahead outlook remains

Stuart Johnstone

METHODOLOGY The NatWest South East PMI® is compiled by IHS Markit from responses to questionnaires sent to South East companies that participate in IHS Markit’s UK manufacturing and services PMI surveys.

The Ga twick Diamo nd Bu siness Award s

19th M arch 2020

Join us for a night of glitz and glam as we roar into the 20s to celebrate the very best of business. The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards celebrate people and businesses who have shown innovation and inspiration in their work, and have demonstrated a real commitment to the region. The Awards have become one of the most prestigious business occasions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; celebrating the best of the best across the Gatwick Diamond.

For more information and to download an entry form, visit: WWW.GATWICKDIAMONDBUSINESSAWARDS.COM @GDBIZAWARDS

BUSINESS AWARDS

Gatwick Diamond

Business Awards 2020 Don’t miss out – get your entry to us by November 22nd 2019

oin us as we roar into the 1920s with our twelfth annual Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.

Once again, with the support of our Headline Sponsors, we have brought together a distinguished group of category sponsors and judges to find and celebrate the very best businesses across the Gatwick Diamond.

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards celebrate people and businesses who have shown innovation and inspiration in their work and have demonstrated a real commitment to the region. Any business that is located or has business interests in the Gatwick Diamond region can enter – you do not

Headline Sponsors

Gatwick Airport Ltd, NatWest, Thakeham, Extech Cloud

Award Categories & Sponsors Business of the Year (Over £1m Turnover) – NatWest Business of the Year (Under £1m Turnover) – SHW Business Person of the Year – Richard Place Dobson New Business of the Year – University of Sussex Business School International Business of the Year - Gatwick Diamond Initiative The Award for Brighter Thinking – Menzies The Award for Developing People – Crawley College The Award for Innovation & Technology – University of Sussex Employer of the Year – Search Green Business of the Year – Britaniacrest Recycling Ltd Apprentice of the Year – Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

need to be a member of Gatwick Diamond Business and entry is free. The Awards are well-established as one of the region’s most prestigious business occasions – celebrating the best of the best across the Gatwick Diamond, and attracting over 600 table hosts and guests on the big night.

Dates for your diary November 22nd 2019 Closing date for entries December 2019 – January 2020 Judging period February 13th 2020 Finalists announcement March 19th 2020 The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards April 16th 2020 Sponsors and Winners Celebration Breakfast

Manufacturing Business of the Year – Kreston Reeves Professional Services of the Year – Crawley Borough Council The Award for Community Investment – Gatwick Airport Limited Growth Business of the Year – Red River The Award for the Place to Meet – Prowse

Partners Design Partner – Storm12 Ltd Venue Partner – Copthorne & Millennium Hotels Staging Design & AV Technology Partner – Avensys Media Partner – Platinum Publishing Group Pre-Dinner Reception – Norwegian

To find out more about the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards and to be involved, visit www.gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com or follow the awards on twitter @gdbizawards

Creative ways to connect with your client Creativity that puts people first will pay long-term dividends, says Gary Martin, Creative Director at RocketMill ferring instead (in their eyes at least), the more discreet allure of Instagram. If further proof were needed to validate the above hypothesis, look no further than P&G brand boss Marc Pritchard, who has cited a need for the digital media industry to move beyond ‘endless retrofitting and clean-up’ to creating a ‘new media supply chain’ focused on quality, civility, transparency, privacy and control.

he world is changing and the digital marketing landscape is changing with it.

What was once hailed as a promised land for marketers to engage in an honest, targeted one-to-one dialogue with their consumers - where everything was measurable - has turned into something far sketchier in the lead up to 2020. It certainly feels like we’re at some kind of watershed, where the people we’re talking to are no longer just wide-eyed early adopters, but instead cover a span of generations, with different attitudes and receptiveness to the mature digital marketplace. I see it in microcosm every day in my own home, where my nineteen-year old daughter still uses Facebook but neither of my fourteen-year old twin girls even has a Facebook account. And when I quiz them on it, both are adamant they don’t want that kind of personal exposure on the internet, pre-

Not only that but research* has shown only 9% of digital ads are viewed for more than a second, a shocking statistic that sometimes feels like it’s sugarcoated by the alleged and inexorable decline in consumers dwell time. Conversely, in a world where the appetite for quality long-form entertainment is on the rise, I can’t help but question whether the reason people have such a low tolerance for what is served to them online, is simply because much of it either isn’t correctly targeted or worse still, simply isn’t good enough. The majority of agencies excel at optimising performance in the journey to sales, but I believe it’s time to mobilise ideas that concentrate on optimising the stuff we actually put into the funnel in the first place; the content, the reason, the message, the relevance - so it speaks to our target audience and ultimately makes them make the choice to stay with us - instead of clicking off. It should be a no-brainer when video content is still the biggest growing trend out there. So, what we can expect in 2020? And what can we do as creatives to ensure

that people cease to feel bombarded by meaningless online content and begin to feel like they are part of a dialogue again? There are some out there who herald emerging technologies like AR and VR, chatbots, shoppable posts, personalisation and voice search as the tools for a new golden digital age but whilst these are very interesting, they’re also useless unless used effectively. My own belief is that we start with data. Not the bouillabaisse kind that has a million and one things floating around in it, but the refined stuff sifted via a DMP (data management platform), to deliver intelligent insights that allow us to truly personalise the online experience and create the basis of a meaningful conversation between brand and consumer. One that’s entertaining and engaging and not a flatpack, onesize fits all that leads to the fabled one-second dwell time. My own creative sensibilities were forged in the heady days of big TV campaigns at agencies like BBH and AMVBBDO, where the only meaningful currency was how good an idea was. Whilst I know that has become an unfashionable yardstick over recent years, I passionately believe great ideas are the only glue robust and credible enough to hold fast in the complex media landscape we’re facing as we head into 2020. Some of RocketMill’s most recent work for Kimberly-Clark has resonated with both client and consumers precisely because we’ve utilised

DIGITAL MARKETING

“I passionately believe great ideas are the only glue robust and credible enough to hold fast in the complex media landscape we’re facing as we head into 2020”

everything we know about our target audience to make sure the communication feels personal across the entire omni-channel experience, and not just a one-size-fits-all. At RocketMill, we believe aligning data with creative is the way forward for our clients, and it’s only by merging meaningful data, creative strategy and creative ideas that we can create sustainable and ultimately profitable engagement for them and their consumers. There’s probably a lot to be wary about going into a post-Brexit 2020 but digital marketing shouldn’t be one of them. It feels like we just need to be better at populating the infrastructure that’s already in place and tell better stories. *Source: Marketing Week

RocketMill Ltd YT: RocketMill Digital Marketing t: @RocketMill I: @rocketmill_ W: Rocketmill.co.uk LI: @RocketMill T: 01273 916 600

RocketMill designed this campaign for their client DryNites by Kimberly-Clark, for a Facebook Instant Experience

The young fight back Profile of eco-activist Greta Thunberg. By Ian Trevett

THE BIG STORY

“Thunberg’s is a voice of unaccommodating clarity that reminds me of Soviet-era dissidents”

he anger was palpable and the frustration was etched on her face. When 16-year-old eco-activist Greta Thunberg stood up to address September’s 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in New York, she let rip: ”This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be standing here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to me for hope? How dare you! You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I’m one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction. And all you can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!” It was a passionate call to action to protect our planet. Glaciers are melting, sea-levels are rising, rain forests are being flattened and species are threatened with extinction. Seeing the lack of action from world leaders, Greta was angry. The anger apparently delighted many of her critics, who seem to be largely male and middle-aged (or older). It’s not easy to attack a sweet-natured child, but a stroppy and emotionally charged teenager is a much easier target. The resulting snipes aimed at Greta were ugly and disturbing, and seemed to be fuelled by more than a disagreement with her views on climate change.

Greta Thunberg became famous for taking a stand at such a young age and she has inspired a generation to take direct action, either through school strikes or high-profile demonstrations. But her stand has exposed more than a lack of determination to tackle environmental dangers. She has laid bare the raw misogyny and bullying among much of the established media and the political class, and shone a light on a chasm dividing the generations. Inevitably, the usual suspects included Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, alongside the ever-present ranters brigade with signed-up members such as Rod Liddle and Toby Young. They are, of course, perfectly within their rights to dispute Greta’s arguments, but the nature of the jibes was often disturbing. Perhaps it is because I have a daughter who is the same age as Greta, but I can’t help but find the bullying and ridicule of a teenage girl by intelligent grown men as nauseating. What is it about Greta Thunberg that unsettles men of a certain age so much? Greta Thunberg’s concentrated determination It has been well-documented that Greta is on the autistic spectrum, which has been a major factor in why her campaign has been so focused and determined. When Masha Gessen interviewed Greta in the New Yorker (www.newyorker.

com/contributors/masha- gessen) last October, Greta explained the influence of her autism: “I see the world a bit different, from another perspective. I have a special interest. It’s very common that people on the autism spectrum have a special interest.

What a difference a year makes: from a lone protest in Stockholm, to a global movement involving millions

“When I was nine people were always talking about how we should turn off lights, save water, not throw out food. I asked why and they explained about climate change. And I thought this was very strange. If humans could really change the climate, everyone would be talking about it and people wouldn’t be talking about anything else. But this wasn’t happening.” Noting Greta’s highly developed ability to stay highly concentrated on a single subject, Gressen writes, “She began researching climate change at nine and has stayed on the topic ever since. She has stopped eating meat and buying anything that is not absolutely necessary. In 2015, she stopped flying on airplanes, and a year later, her mother followed suit, giving up an international performing career. The family has installed solar batteries and has started growing their own vegetables on an allotment outside the city.” Noting the way Greta has taken Sweden to task on its environmental policies (even though Sweden is one of the greenest nations in the world), Gessen concludes: “Thunberg’s is a

voice of unaccommodating clarity that reminds me of Soviet-era dissidents. I suspect that some of them were also on the spectrum, which in their case meant acting irrationally in the framework of the Soviet system— risking their lives to make the doomed demand that the country act in accordance with its written laws and declared ideals. Thunberg smiled in recognition when I told her this. ‘I can become very angry when I see things that are wrong,’ she said.” The New Statesman’s India Bourke also reported on how autism makes the issue painfully serious for Greta, writing,

Three of Thunberg’s more triggered critics - L-R: Toby Young, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin

“At the age of 11, she fell into depression, stopped talking and eating, and lost ten kilos in weight. In a TEDx talk last year, Thunberg attributed her despair to the lack of attention the existential threat of climate change received from politicians and the media. “… Thunberg has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder and selective mutism, meaning she only speaks when she feels compelled to do so. But Thunberg views the condition as a gift. ‘We aren’t very good at lying and we don’t normally enjoy participating in the social game that the rest of you seem so

THE BIG STORY disorders which intensify fears.” Greta replied succinctly on social media: “I am indeed ‘deeply disturbed’ about the fact that these hate and conspiracy campaigns are allowed to go on and on and on just because we children communicate and act on the science. Where are the adults?” When Greta set sail for New York for the UN summit (in doing so making a point about flying), UKIP’s funder, Arron Banks, pointed out that “Freak yachting accidents do happen in August …” Jeremy Corbyn’s brother Piers tweeted that, “Listening to an ignorant brainwashed child is deranged,” - a tweet celebrated joyously by The Sun’s Rod Liddle. fond of,’ she drily quipped in her TEDx talk. “The teenager credits the ‘black and white’ viewpoint characteristic of autism with helping her confront the stark reality of climate change. ‘Either we limit the warming to 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels, or we don’t,’ she wrote. ‘There are no grey areas when it comes to survival.’”

It shouldn’t be this way, but at least aspiring leaders are aware what they may be letting themselves in for. How could a nine-year-old fixated with worries over climate change anticipate that her fears would make her a target of hate or ridicule? Brendan O’Neill, a regular writer for The Spectator, described Greta’s UN

And there was a chorus of outrage when Nick Robinson didn’t press Greta hard enough on Radio 4’s Today programme, with calls for her to be grilled by the Beeb’s most ferocious rottweiler Andrew Neil. The hope was that a proper kicking on live TV would put her in her place and prompt an emotional meltdown.

“Greta Thunberg obviously scares This, of course, assumes that Neil would outwit her The fact that Thunberg is some men silly. The bullying of in a debate. Her critics may on the autistic spectrum well be seriously underestiexplains how she has the teenager by conservative mating her. become so fixated on middle-aged men has taken on a the issue of our planet’s The way she handles patsurvival. What is not exgrim, almost hysterical edge” ronising comments from plained is why it takes a speech as chilling, picking on her two of the world’s most powerful men, child, whose brain is slightly different“monotone voice” and “look of apocaTrump and Putin, is priceless – and ly wired, to bring the future of mankind lyptic dread in her eyes”. demonstrates a wicked sense of huto the world’s attention. It is a heavy mour that many might assume is at burden for one so young. The Australian News Corp (part of the odds with her Aspergers. Murdoch empire) columnist Andrew Attacking the messenger Bolt used her autism as a weapon to After Greta’s impassioned UN speech, Politics is brutal. If you seek power dismiss her as “deeply disturbed”, Trump sarcastically tweeted: “She then you know you will need to don writing, “I have never seen a girl so seems like a very happy young girl your flak jacket and face up to the inyoung and with so many mental dislooking forward to a bright and woncoming missiles of barbs and characorders treated by so many adults as derful future. So nice to see!” ter assassinations. The poison comes a guru. Far more interesting is why so from all angles – the know-it-all punmany adults – including elected politiGreta immediately subverted his dig, dits who dish out the shit but never cians, top business leaders, the Pope by changing her Twitter bio to: “A very put themselves forward to lead, the and journalists – treat a young and happy young girl looking forward to a anonymous social media trolls and strange girl with such awe and even bright and wonderful future.” the power-crazed narcissists who will rapture. Her intense fear of the climate lash out to divert from their own shortis not surprising from someone with She did the same after Putin, in the comings (ie Trump and Putin).

THE BIG STORY

“I can become very angry when I see things that are wrong.” most patronising way, called her a kind and sincere girl, before dismissing her lack of knowledge. She quickly changed her bio to: “A kind but poorly informed teenager.” Touché! Misogyny in action Camilla Nelson, Associate Professor in Media at University of Notre Dame (writing for theconversation.com) believes misogyny and a lack of respect of the views of the young lie at the heart of Greta’s treatment: “Greta Thunberg obviously scares some men silly. The bullying of the teenager by conservative middle-aged men has taken on a grim, almost hysterical edge. And some of them are reaching deep into the misogynist’s playbook to divert focus from her message. “It is not a rhetorical accident that critics of Thunberg, nearly 17, almost always call her a ‘child’. This infantilisation is invariably accompanied by accusations of emotionality, hysteria, mental disturbance, and an inability

to think for herself – stereotypically feminine labels which are traditionally used to silence women’s public speech, and undermine their authority. “At a deep level, the language of climate denialism is tied up with a form of masculine identity predicated on modern industrial capitalism – specifically, the Promethean idea of the conquest of nature by man, in a world especially made for men. “By attacking industrial capitalism, and its ethos of politics as usual, Thunberg is not only attacking the core beliefs and world view of certain sorts of men, but also their sense of masculine self-worth. Male rage is their knee-jerk response.” An uncomfortable truth There can be no doubt that the actions of humans have damaged our planet and future generations will pay the price. Governments set targets to reduce emissions but with deadlines so

far in the future, the problem is kicked into the long grass and they carry on regardless. Greta Thunberg is the most effective critic of this complacency. I am part of the generation that is the problem and I admit Greta makes me feel uncomfortable. I drive to work (in a petrol car), I enjoy eating a juicy steak and given half the chance, I’d jet off tomorrow to a sunny beach to escape the incessant rain. Saving the planet is not my priority and she is right to criticise people like me. Her ability to expose uncomfortable truths has to be applauded and I know I need to do more. Young people need more of a voice and it’s about time that the arrogant bullies in the media and in politics were challenged. It shouldn’t be the case, but the world needs Greta Thunberg. She has lost her childhood and paid a huge personal price. The planet owes her a big thank you.

The Platinum Club is the foremost Director level networking forum in the region and meets each month in the luxurious surroundings of the Grand Hotel in Brighton. Now celebrating its tenth year, the Club goes from strength to strength. Attendance is by invitation only and applications for membership should be sent to: info@platinumpublishing.co.uk

Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director at The Platinum Group and Nik Askaroff, CEO at EMC

Lesley Alcock, The Platinum Group, Gemma King, Owner at Vivid Marketing, Fiona Graves, Platinum Event Management, Maarten Hoffmann, The Platinum Group, Katie Gibson, Managing Director at Pier Recruitment

“I MAKE SURE I NEVER MISS AN EVENT AND THOROUGHLY ENJOY IT” KEITH JACKMAN, MARKETING DIRECTOR, MERCEDES-BENZ

HHHHH

Paul Cannons, Divisional Director at Brewin Dolphin, and Neil Laughton, CEO at Laughton & Co

Conor Moss, Business Manager at Global, Janella Merritt, Area Director at Global, and Mark Gibson, Travel Counsellor

Launching the

Sussex Super Growth Awards 2020 The search for the 50 fastest growing businesses in Sussex is now on

he Sussex Super Growth Awards 2020 is a collaboration between asb Law, Lloyds Bank and Kreston Reeves. It recognises the achievements of those businesses across the county who have experienced the fastest growth, whether True Sussex Businesses, Exporters or Other Major players.

• Exporters - A Sussex business with fastest international growth.

This year there are two new categories for businesses to participate; Exporters - Sussex businesses with the fastest international growth and Other Major Players – trading in Sussex but owned outside of the county.

• Information filed at Companies House as at July 1st 2019.

The entry criteria:

• Profitable growth in the period.

• True Sussex - A privately-owned business trading and led from the county.

Inclusion in the Awards is free and based on the accounts filed at Companies House over the last four years. Should your business meet the entry criteria above but has not filed full accounts in the last four years please send these to paul.roe@krestonreeves.com by Monday December 2nd 2019.

• Other Major Players – trading in Sussex but owned outside of the county. • Growth in turnover measured over a 4-year accounting period based on latest full accounts.

• Minimum turnover of £2m in base year and positive turnover growth in latest year.

Paul Roe, Partner at Kreston Reeves comments: “Sussex Super Growth 2020 is the most exclusive member’s club for businesses operating in Sussex, who are contributing to the local economy and we want to recognise this growth and the achievement of their business in these challenging times.” Nicola Billen, Partner and Head of Business Relationships at asb law commented: “We all know that the last few years have been incredibly challenging for businesses. Uncertainty over what will unfold in the future has undoubtedly affected business confi dence and investment and continues

to do so. Yet, despite this, Sussex Super Growth 2020 is back to celebrate those that are facing these issues head on and still achieving remarkable growth. These companies deserve to be recognised and celebrated. We are delighted to be able to work with businesses to help them address their own challenges, achieve growth and deliver shareholder value.”

FAST GROWING BUSINESSES

Paul Roe, Kreston Reeves

Gavin Potter, Growth Relationship Director, at Lloyds Gatwick office, commented: ‘’With the Super Growth Awards now an established fixture on the Sussex business calendar, we look forward to another successful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the

Nicola Billen, asb law

Gavin Potter, Lloyds

achievements of our most successful fast-growth companies.’’ Sponsors will visit the businesses who have achieved the fastest growth and they will be ranked in order which will be revealed at an Awards breakfast,

hosted by writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe OBE, on Wednesday March 18th 2020 at The American Express Community Stadium. There will be the opportunity to network with other growth businesses throughout the year.

2019 winners, PSI Play with Nicola Billen (left) and Paul Roe (right)

LEGAL

Business as usual? If your customers or supply chain are based abroad, reviewing commercial arrangements should be a priority according to contracts expert, Debbie Venn you can no longer obtain or afford certain raw materials, products or manufacturing assistance in the same way.

Keeping trade wheels turning

he current maelstrom of politics, constitutional and legal uncertainty makes it almost impossible for businesses to keep up with what they need to be doing to continue trading in the short and medium term. At the time of writing, arguments about borders and tariff restrictions remain a concern; will we leave the EU with an agreement that allows continued unrestricted trade, or will UK traders and consumers be subject to import/export barriers that limit choice and/or increase costs and prices? Reviewing arrangements with both customers and supply chains helps identify opportunities or threats to those arrangements. You may need to agree adjustments to tariffs or pricing structures, or responsibilities for import or export, or seek alternatives if

If you trade internationally, you may already take advantage of the international trade terms called ‘Incoterms’ (introduced by the International Chamber of Commerce in 1936). They assist businesses by providing a standard approach to how delivery, risk, insurance, responsibility for transportation, costs of carriage and import/export arrangements work. The terms allow parties to agree other specifics such as transfer of title, price, payment and liability. Jurisdictionally neutral, they are internationally recognised as a commercial standard to assist trade.

business and your insurance. This may affect your existing contracts, but if you don’t use them, then they may help to provide a standardised approach when discussing trade arrangements with suppliers, distributors and customers. Those sectors most likely affected by uncertainty are manufacturers and those buying and selling goods and raw materials abroad. Supply chain contracts need to allow enough leadin for goods or materials to be delivered to meet deadlines; consider early ordering strategies to allow for potential delays at imposed borders, and negotiating longer delivery times with customers to ensure agreed service levels are achieved.

The latest set of Incoterms will be updated from January 1st 2020 (replacing the 2010 version). The updates introduce mechanisms to align insurance coverage, update for use of electronic documents, allow more flexible ways for parties to agree transportation means and allows for security-related requirements within the carriage obligations and costs.

The new trading landscape will hopefully become clear within weeks, but preparation is the key to minimising the impact on your business; the chances are that you will need to review and restructure trading arrangements, and there’s no reason to wait.

So if you already use Incoterms, you should check whether your terms have been updated and whether the terms used reflect the risk appetite for the

Debbie Venn is a Partner in DMH Stallard’s Commercial team. Contact her at debbie.venn@dmhstallard.com, or call 01273 744250

A celebration for Sussex innovation

There was triumph all round for the Sussex Innovation Centre at the 2019 Croydon Business Excellence Awards

t was a successful night for the Sussex Innovation community at the 2019 Croydon Business Excellence Awards on October 4th, with awards handed out to a member business, one of the support teams, and the Croydon centre as a whole. Sussex Innovation Croydon received the Best Business for Customer Service award and the company’s Catalyst project manager Eva Poliszczuk was named Enterprising Young Person of the Year, while members Hozah were winners in the Best Business for Digital, Data and Technology category.

The Croydon centre opened its doors four years ago in October 2015 – becoming Sussex Innovation’s first site away from the University of Sussex campus, and marking the point at which the organisation went from a single innovation centre to a wider network of business incubators. The organisation has since become firmly established in the local start-up landscape, connecting two distinct business communities at either end of the ‘Gatwick corridor’ between the coast and the capital. Judges in the Customer Service award

Main pic: Sussex Innovation team with the award for Best Customer Service. This pic: Naomi Bishop and David Fowle, co-founders of Hozah

category were impressed by the organisation’s commitment to customer experience, ensuring that all employees were invested in thinking about and responding to members’ needs. Recognising the huge impact of having five minutes to talk significant business decisions through with somebody impartial, the Sussex Innovation support team are briefed to have an ‘always available’ policy when a client comes to them. “We’ve been involved as supporters and sponsors of the Croydon Business Excellence Awards every year since it

Eva Poliszczuk with the award for Enterprising Young Person

SUSSEX INNOVATION CENTRE started five years ago, and this year we decided it was high time that we apply ourselves,” said Saffron Saunders, Croydon centre manager.

award, which featured no less than four finalists from Sussex Innovation companies: Baskar Sundaram of public sector bidding consultancy Baachu, Eric Giroux of data intelligence experts Giroux Ltd and Nisha Menon of vegan food producers Jack & Chill were also nominated.

“Customer service felt like the most appropriate award to go for because it’s such a focus for us as an organisation - we are only successful if our cliBut the celebrations still hadn’t finished ents are successful, and so as a team on the Sussex Innovation table, as Counwe really do go the extra mile to make cillor Manju sure that S h a h u l -Hatheir needs Measuring customer service meed, Croydon are being of Sussex Innovation’s members Council’s cabmet. It’s engage in regular informal chats with inet member nice to be the support team to seek advice, with an average satisfaction rating of 4.4/5* for economy recognised data from member survey, Jan 2019 and jobs, prefor that and sented the share in the award for Enterprising Young Person of celebration with our members, many the Year to team member Eva Poliszczuk. of whom are in the room tonight!” Cllr Shahul-Hammed praised Eva’s commitment to business diversity initiatives, Several of those customer successes as well as the ambition and drive that has were showcased among the finalists led to her project managing a team of ten for Best Business for Digital, Data and young people, just over a year after gradTechnology, in which coupon marketuating herself. ing promotion engine Uniqodo was commended, and fully automated “I’m in shock!” said Eva on collecting parking payment system Hozah was her award. “It’s been a really inspiring the eventual winner. Hozah thanked evening - Croydon is a brilliant busithe wider Croydon community and in ness community to be part of, because particular the local council’s part in you can feel how passionate everyhelping to roll out their smart technolbody is about rolling up their sleeves ogy in car parks across the borough. and getting to work. It’s easy to be ambitious and get involved when you’re Hozah’s co-founder David Fowle was surrounded by other people who want also highly commended in the hotly to make things happen.” contested Entrepreneur of the Year

82%

Sussex Innovation Croydon to host London Growth Hub Sussex Innovation’s hub at East Croydon station has been announced as one of four sites to host a new free-to-access Growth Hub centre, launching this November. The plan was unveiled in a speech by the Mayor of London at City Hall on October 7th. The service builds upon the online resources provided by LEAP – London’s local enterprise partnership – by offering in-person help, advice and guidance for small businesses trading in the capital. An initial focus for advisors will be helping small business leaders to prepare for the impact of Brexit on import and export arrangements, EU staff, and potential changes to contracts and insurance, as part of the Mayor’s ‘London is Open’ campaign.

www.sinc.co.uk

All of the winners at the 2019 Croydon Business Excellence Awards

Reaching the Summit The Brighton Summit 2019, organised by Brighton Chamber, brought together record numbers of Brighton’s businesses, charities and entrepreneurs

record number of Brighton’s businesses, charities and entrepreneurs came together on Friday October 11th for the 2019 Brighton Summit: Crack on. Nearly 400 attendees took part in a fully-immersive day of learning and networking, making it the biggest Brighton Summit in the seven years since it began. The packed line up featured an opening keynote speech from Hannah Dawson who shared her business journey, about resilience, the barriers of pride and fear and the importance of a learning mind-set. The second keynote speaker Kamal Ahmed, Editorial Director of BBC News was interviewed by Master of Ceremonies, James Dempster. Kamal shared his experience of being the ‘other’, growing up as a mixed-raced boy in the 70s as well as his vision of reinventing the audience-corporation dynamic in his role at the BBC. Gina Miller, businesswoman and campaigner, closed the Summit with an

“One NOT to ever miss. Outstanding.” Emily Munford, Director, Rickshaw Travel uplifting and inspirational keynote talk about the lessons she has learnt throughout her life, how she navigated upheaval, trauma and hardship, and reflecting on the choices she made to become who she is today. The audience rose to its feet as she finished her talk.

Attendees chose from four additional speaker sessions where local business leaders including Justin Francis from Responsible Travel and Jason Kirk from Kirk & Kirk shared their business story. There were five interactive workshops led by experts designed to help business crack on and ten Engine Hours including sewing, an escape room and a food tour and many more activities all designed to inspire and recharge for the afternoon. In the buzzing foyer attendees were busy networking, connecting with new contacts and catching up with existing connections. Much needed energy and sustenance came from local food and drink suppliers throughout the day including Sugardough, Bird & Blend, Redroaster, Higgidy Pies, Youjuice, Spade and Spoon, Brighton Cakes, Happy Maki, Loud Shirt Brewery and Fin & Farm.

BRIGHTON BUSINESS CHAMBER SURVEY

All images: ©Sarah Bennett Commercial Photography

“A business event that isn’t too business-like! Gina Miller was a highlight for us as well as a really fun Samba session. It’s always great to meet other businesses in an informal and relaxed environment. We’ll definitely be back next year.” Mel Berry and James Armstrong, Digital Fireﬂy

Suffering in silence The importance of managing loneliness at work By Paul Ollerton, Managing Director at ViiSana Ltd

Paul Ollerton

A modern day phenomenon

he physical and emotional effects of loneliness are now well documented, particularly amongst older generations. BUT more and more employees are also reporting a sense of loneliness at work, despite being surrounded by colleagues all day.

According to new research by Mind and totaljobs, more than half (60%) of UK employees have felt lonely at work. You may ask why this would be the case, given that traditional definitions of loneliness describe it as a state of solitude or being alone. But modern thinking describes loneliness as a ‘state of mind’ – causing people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted. The impact to the employee’s health on business performance is significant. Nearly two-thirds of employees feeling their workplace doesn’t do enough to combat office loneliness, while research suggests loneliness is costing as much as five working days of productivity loss per affected employee. The purpose of this month’s article is to explore the impact and offer some simple solutions.

What causes loneliness

Traditional research reports that lower levels of loneliness are found amongst those who are married, earn higher

incomes, and have achieved higher educational status. Conversely, higher levels of loneliness are associated with those living alone, with small social networks, and low-quality social relationships. Other contributing factors include major life changes, including moving to a new location, taking a new job, divorce, and a bereavement. Additionally, it can be a symptom of a psychological disorder such as depression, or those with low self-esteem. When considering the factors that then compound this at work: • Technology is undoubtedly a huge factor. We send emails or instant messages rather than talking to people. • Hot desking/part-time/flexi working is making it harder to form close relationships. When sat in the same place every day, people notice who is off sick, or who has a birthday. We don’t have ‘work families’ anymore.

HEALTH & WELLBEING • Workplace pressure means that the social pub drink is happening less and less, as people work longer hours and then rush from work to spend what little time they have left of the day with their loved ones. • Home working is also contributing to this isolation, with some workers not seeing colleagues for weeks on end. When taking the above into consideration, it is hardly surprising that the millennial generation, for whom technology accounts for an increasing percentage of their social interaction, are reporting the highest levels of workplace anxiety/loneliness.

“According to new research by Mind and totaljobs, more than half (60%) of UK employees have felt lonely at work”

How employers can help

Make managing loneliness a wellbeing priority To do this managers need to be trained and developed to provide appropriate support. This can be as simple as making note when an employee goes through a big life change such as starting a family, children flying the nest, a relationship break-up, bereavement or even a workplace promotion (we often see the saying ‘it’s lonely at the top’) – and offering support. Encourage people to talk Avoid making assumptions, or trying to guess what problem a co-worker has, because even the most sociable people feel lonely. Staying silent is one of the worst things people in difficulty can do. Opening up to a colleague about how they’re feeling can help them feel more relaxed about chatting to a manager.

The effects of loneliness on health

Being lonely is not good for you – fact. Here’s what happens: when we feel isolated and alone, our bodies enter into a heightened state of stress, shortening our breath, tensing our muscles and accelerating our heart rate. If prolonged, it increases the risk of heart disease by 29% and the risk of stroke by 32%, reducing overall life expectancy by seven years.

Create opportunities for social interaction Most people spend more time with their colleagues at work than they do with their families. Employers therefore have lots of opportunities to create occasions for social interaction. Such opportunities – which could be as simple as creating shared breakout areas and encouraging people to eat lunch together instead of in isolation at their desks – can provide huge emotional benefits. Try to preserve social structures Many of the social structures that were once in place at work have gone. If workers now work at home, bring them together regularly through team meetings or social events. Similarly, technology has over-ridden the need for field-based workers to meet at a depot/office before starting their day. Think how these individuals can be brought together socially, or for sharing best practice at work.

Some researchers estimate that chronic loneliness is the health equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Loneliness at work can manifest in antisocial behaviour and poor decision making because loneliness actually alters the brain function causing decreased memory and learning capability. In addition, lonely adults consume more alcohol and get less exercise than those who are not lonely. Their diet is higher in fat, their sleep is less efficient, and they report more daytime fatigue.

Contact us ViiSana specialises in implementing wellbeing programmes through the implementation of company-wide Vitality Life and Health insurance. If you would like to discuss your company’s individual health concerns/challenges, or if you would just like to discuss ideas for implementing a programme at your business, please get in touch: Email: paul.ollerton@viisana.com Phone: 0333 772 0761

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Worried about funding care home fees? In West Sussex care home fees could cost up to £1500 a week (the cost will vary, depending on the provider and your needs). Deciding on the best way to fund this could turn out to be one of the most difficult financial decisions people will have to make – either for themselves or on behalf of relatives. Getting the right advice and support could make all the difference. All the Carewise care fees specialists are members of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) and can provide advice on products across the whole market, giving you peace of mind that you have explored all your options and made an informed choice about the best way to pay for the care, for as long as it’s needed.

Book your free consultation

Your first consultation with a care fees specialist is free of charge and there is no pressure to go ahead with the advice. So there’s nothing to lose

to find out about all your available options. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with your chosen care fees specialist. You will then hear from them within one working day.

www.carewiseadvice.com socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk Adults’ CarePoint 01243 642121 Mrs G’s experience of Carewise “I found Carewise helpful in getting referred to a care fees specialist who was able to advise me on the options of funding my Godmother’s care fees. This enabled me to make an informed decision on the most suitable option. My decision to purchase an annuity provided peace of mind, knowing that her care fees could be paid for the rest of her life.” Mrs G, East Grinstead

WS32588 10.2019

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Cutting alcohol with a DrinkCoach DrinkCoach can help create a healthy work-life balance

t’s challenging to achieve a healthy work-life balance, especially when juggling a career and home commitments. It can be easy to get into the habit of turning to alcohol to unwind at the end of a long and busy day, using a drink or two as a short-cut to stress relief. However alcohol is actually a depressant, so while it may help to cope with feelings of stress in the short-term, in the longer term it can increase anxiety and low mood. Over time, it’s not uncommon to need increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the same relief from stress. This was Karen’s* experience, who realised she had developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

“I was in a high pressure job and felt I deserved to relax with some wine in the evening. It started off innocently enough, switching from work to home life with the help of a glass of wine, but this quickly became two and three and before too long a bottle a night was a regular thing. “With DrinkCoach I could talk to someone in my own home over Skype and it seemed like a logical choice. I didn’t have to risk being seen and I could book appointments for the evening when I got home from work. I was nervous at first, but my coach was understanding and I found that once I started talking I couldn’t stop. “Now my evenings after work are different. There is no cracking open the

bottle of wine while I cook dinner every night and I try to make time for some light exercise to help me transition from work to home mode.”

Visit DrinkCoach.org.uk. West Sussex residents can enter the code ‘PLATINUM’ to get your sessions for free.

The Sussex Entrepreneurs Conference Exclusive Charity Partner

5th December 2019 12pm - 5pm

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THE EVENT

Mandy Purdie

MD, The Wellbeing and Performance Company

Harry Daymond

Fay Millar

CEO, Kart Kompany

Founder, Brighton Cakes

“Business in 15.”

“Finding your personal success.”

Founder, First Friday Networking

Jayna Shah

Director, JPS Wealth Management

Oliver Pell

“A designer’s tale.”

“What they didn’t teach me at Business School.”

“How I achieved over 2000 Five-Stars in under 2 years.”

“From Crime Watch to Career Coach - why Mental Toughness is key in any entrepreneurs journey.”

Steve Wilson

Georgia Alston

Co-Founder, Pinks Vintage Ice Cream “Little Miss Whippy comes to town.”

Director, Oliver’s Brighton

The Sussex Entrepreneurs Conference is at Malmaison, Brighton with just 60 delegate spaces, and it’s just £95+VAT per person to attend. A day of wonderful keynote speakers, networking, a delightful lunch, games and champagne at the end of the day. This is an INVITE only event, so please register at netxp.co.uk for our final event of 2019.

Business Events with a Twist Call 01273 833 222 for Event Info! netxp.co.uk

BUSINESS GROWTH

NatWest Accelerator

Entrepreneur of the Month – October 2019 Helena Beard, MD of China Travel Outbound China who will take your money to tell you how difficult it is. We wanted to be different; to be useful, helpful and to work collaboratively. What have been your business highlights? The biggest highlight was winning our first competitive pitch which was for Virgin Trains East Coast (now London North Eastern Railway). I remember how nervous I was going to Kings Cross for that meeting, knowing I was up against much larger agencies. I even remember worrying about the cost of my rail ticket up to London for the pitch! How did you get into the travel industry? I took a Masters in Tourism Management at the University of Surrey in the early 90s. After that, I never looked at any other industry, working in marketing and PR commercial roles for large tour operators such as Virgin Holidays and First Choice. I started China Travel Outbound in 2013. How would you describe your business? China Travel Outbound is a PR, Sales and Marketing agency which makes it easy for global tourism brands to access the growing market of outbound travellers from China. Our clients include English Heritage, Royal Museums Greenwich, Merlin Entertainments, Gatwick Airport, VisitBrighton and Visit Wales. We have a team of account managers in Brighton as well as an office in Beijing staffed by bilingual Chinese nationals. We are heavily focused on our mission to make life easy for our clients. China can seem overwhelming. The opportunities are vast, but the journey to success is complicated. There are plenty of consultants on

We have achieved so much for LNER, bringing influential media / opinion leaders and travel agents from China to experience the beauty and convenience of the train journey up the East Coast. We have built a fan base for LNER of 50,000 on Weibo, (a kind of Chinese Twitter). What have been the biggest challenges? The first big challenge was learning all about China. I really relied on my partner in China and she has taught us all so much over the years. The other challenges have been personal ones. How to change my mindset to believe in myself. How to pick myself up when we lose a pitch, or when a member of staff leaves. How to balance work with being a mum. I also went through a

divorce when the business was really taking off. What advice would you give to a budding entrepreneur? Validate every business idea with the customers you intend to sell it to before you start. Don’t create something just because you know how to do or make it. Create something people want and which you can sell profitably and frequently. Then work out how to do it. I seek lots of support from my peers, and I am currently part of the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator in Brighton, receiving brilliant coaching, training and networking opportunities. Don’t ask your friends or family what they think. Their advice is generally hopeless. But keep them close because, I guarantee at some point along the way, their support will be absolutely invaluable.

Read more about the Chinese travel market at www.chinatraveloutbound. com/blog or follow Helena on Twitter @ChinaTravelOut

Each month the leadership team at Brighton’s NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator select a founder of the month to recognise the individuals that have demonstrated a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to overcome challenges and accelerate the growth of their business in a short space of time. To ﬁnd out more about the Accelerator hub, email kristina.pereckaite@ NatWest.com

Experiential travel Immerse yourself in culture, cuisine and people with these inspiring transformative escapes. By Hanna Nicholson, Go Bespoke

e now live in a society of experience, it’s no longer just about where you can go, but how you can feel and who you can be. The concept of a successful holiday is not just about returning home refreshed and sun-kissed; it is also about bringing an authentic

experience to life, discovering hidden gems and connecting with the local culture and people.

Maybe you’re planning to whisk the family away on an adventure or you’re thinking of ticking a once-in-a-lifetime journey off your bucket list - in this

THE TRAIN JOURNEY Explore Peru’s natural wonders aboard the Andean Explorer Hop aboard South America’s first luxury sleeper train, starting in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. Admire spectacular views of the Andean landscapes; from the dazzling blue waters of Lake Titicaca, and the deep Colca canyon to small traditional villages in the altiplano and the towering snow-capped peaks. During your luxurious journey, meals are served in one of the two beautiful dining carriages, cooked by chefs from Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco using locally sourced produce. Choose from a selection of carefully crafted journeys starting in Cusco, Puno or Peru’s colonial city, Arequipa. Depending on your journey, selected excursions are included en route in beautiful destinations such as La Raya, Raqchi ruins or the unique reed islands on Lake Titicaca. Price from £3,979pp

feature, Go Bespoke highlights five unforgettable experiences which are guaranteed to inspire you to experience something new.

BUSINESS SURVEY TRAVEL

TRAVEL

Experiential travel THE CULTURAL RETREAT Book yourself into a holistic retreat in India Replenish your body and mind whilst also experiencing some of the most majestic, inspiring and energetic places in the East. This holistic wellness-inspired trip focuses on nutrition, meditation and yoga – the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and recharge your batteries. Prior to your trip, you will meet with renowned nutritionist Sarah Macklin at her Harley Street clinic, where you will learn to travel better with her expert guidance to enhance your physical and mental wellbeing. This two-week long trip will see you journey through Rajasthan and its royal cities; watch the sunrise

over the Taj Mahal, join a cooking lesson based on Sarah’s dietary guidance, and see the sun set during an evening rooftop yoga class. Other activities during the trip include experiencing a sacred aarti ceremony at a Hindu temple and a private viewing with the curator of the Mehrangarh Fort Museum. Stay in a five-star island palace and also see how the locals live as you wander the cobalt streets of Jodhpur’s old town. Price on request

Businesses local to Gatwick are 50% more likely to export than the national average

BUSINESS SURVEY

Gatwick brings global trade opportunities closer

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more than just an airport 53

THE CASTAWAY ADVENTURE Take yourself off to a remote tropical island shore, each resembles a Dhow Fanjove Island is one of six sail and is designed to minimise its small islands in the Songosongo environmental footprint. Indeed, 3% Archipelago, just off the coast of Tanzania, offering an authentic of the income from Fanjove Island castaway experience. Abundant is donated to the local community of Songosongo Island for social with resident marine life and an 11km development projects. Embark on long coral reef which spans for miles, pre-breakfast snorkels, spend your the prolific wildlife includes spinner dolphin, green turtles and humpback day exploring on foot with a local whales. An unadulterated paradise, guide or venture out on a dolphin excursion. Then try your hand at only the 19th century lighthouse and catching a barracuda or take one of architectural remnants of a former fishing village settlement hint at the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four kayaks to navigate the whole main island before ending previous human occupation. your day relaxing on the beach. Six discreet, eco-friendly private Price from ÂŁ2,030pp for 7 nights, excluding flights bandas made from sustainable wood and thatch are set along the sandy

THE SAILING HOLIDAY Discover Indonesia aboard a fully catered phinisi yacht Tiger Blue is a traditional 34m timber phinisi yacht which sails around the stunning islands of Eastern Indonesia. Designed with families and groups of friends in mind, a journey on Tiger Blue is guaranteed to be packed with unforgettable moments whether it be searching for dragons on Komodo, spotting birds of paradise in West Papua

TRAVEL

or snorkelling with giant manta rays over the coral gardens of Raja Ampat. Tiger Blue can accommodate up to 12 guests with a choice of two cabin types and the yacht can either be chartered exclusively or you can join an existing trip in one of the cabins on selected dates. Price from £4,200pp for a 7 night trip in a Double Standard Cabin, including all meals and excursions.

THE EXHILARATING SPREE Ski on your own private mountain New Zealand’s best-kept secret is an unspoiled playground where you can indulge in a completely private mountain experience for a group of up to 24 guests, with the Ski Area all to yourselves, even if you’re not an advanced skier or boarder. Enjoy free rein of 264 hectares and over 500 vertical metres of pristine high-country terrain at Soho Basin. Skip the chairlift queue and jump on state-of-the-art snowcats with specially designed heated passenger cabins, taking in breathtaking vistas all the way from Fiordland to the West Coast, and Wanaka to Queenstown. Adventurous skiers can explore more

challenging terrain or simply enjoy cutting your own lines and navigating more leisurely groomed runs, wide open slopes, chutes or ungroomed zones. After a morning of exploration with experienced guides, you’ll be treated to a gourmet three-course lunch paired with Amisfield wines on the deck of an Alpine Hut where you can relax and enjoy the blissful mountainous surroundings. Price from £21,995 per day for exclusive hire for a group of 24. Individuals and smaller groups can also book from approx £865pp

Go Bespoke is delighted to offer Platinum readers £500 off their first booking*. Quote ‘Platinum’ when making your enquiry. *T&Cs apply offer valid on bookings over £5,000.

BUSINESS SURVEY

Travel SNIPPETS One & Only Rwanda

ffering an exclusive front-row seat to one of the most magical mountain gorilla sanctuaries, the new One & Only Gorilla’s Nest opened on November 1st 2019. Guests will discover and immerse themselves in the magical habitat of these fascinating species at this ultra-luxury resort in Kinigi, north-west of Rwanda and at the foothills of the Virunga

Volcano range. Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live, with experts estimating that there are only around 780 still in existence. The beautifully designed resort offers 21 bespoke junglechic havens on stilts, surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Contact Go Bespoke for further information.

May holidays

ooking ahead to your holiday allocation in 2020 already? Be prepared for May being a little different next year – the government has shifted the usual May Day Bank Holiday from Monday 4th to Friday 8th May to celebrate VE Day, the 75th Anniversary at the end of the Second World War in Europe. If you were to take from Monday 4th through to Friday 8th May inclusive, you’d be able to grab a lovely nine day getaway, just for four days annual leave!

Business travel

A It’s time to book your… Spa Weekend s the autumn months roll in, it is prime time to start looking into a last minute getaway. The name says it all at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. This is the ultimate 49-room retreat in Montagne de Reims, an architectural masterpiece with panoramic vineyard views and the first destination spa in France’s Champagne region.

Only one and a half hours from Paris, the hotel is perfect for a break indulging in Michelin star

dining, a luxury spa experience, and the chance to sample some of the finest produce of the Champagne region. Gastronomes will enjoy dishes crafted by Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland using only the freshest local ingredients, paired with wines selected by head sommelier Daniel Pires.

ccor’s Fairmont brand has been voted the best in the luxury business travel category, according to Business Travel News. Amongst other things, Fairmont scored top marks for clean and attractive amenities, as well as for its meeting facilities and ﬂexible partnership approach to negotiating rates and penalties, including cancellation terms.

Indian Ocean’s top 30

Prices from 357 Euros per night in a Champagne Junior Suite. Contact Go Bespoke for the latest oﬀers and availability.

onstance Hotels & Resorts has been voted among the best in the Indian Ocean, with six of its seven properties ranking in Condé Nast Traveller’s 30 finest hotels and resorts – including Constance Halaveli and Constance Moofushi in the Maldives and Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius. Committed to delivering exceptional service, the group has also been certified as a Gold Member of Green Globe through its implementation of best sustainable practices and green initiatives since 2013.

Over 13,000 local school children attended the last Big Bang Fair South East, which Gatwick sponsors

Why young talent

is so fundamental to our success How Gatwick is inspiring the next generation to develop career skills for the right job by Paula Aldridge, Community Engagement Manager, Gatwick Airport

y delivering £2.7 billion of economic activity and 71,000 jobs, Gatwick is the region’s single biggest driver of economic growth. It supports one in twelve jobs across the Gatwick Diamond area, and we are very conscious of the huge number of livelihoods that depend on the airport’s continuing success. But this success cannot be taken for granted. We know that every effort must be made to create the right environment and opportunities for growth, on the airport and across the wider region, and that includes developing the education and skills needed by the next generation. I find my role hugely rewarding but I can only make a real difference to the lives of young people by working closely with a wide range of partners, including local schools, colleges, local

authorities, charities and a host of other community-based projects. Broadly our mission is to help the next generation through the airport’s ‘Inform, Inspire, Invest’ education programme, which offers a series of opportunities for young people so that

they can develop new skills, no matter what their background. We look to ‘Inform’ students about the wide range of careers available to them by giving them the information they need and by raising their aspirations. Our Learn Live broadcasts, for example, focus on careers at the airport and let local students tune in to online broadcasts where they can hear from and put questions to our technical experts.

INFORM - Learn Live Gatwick’s online Learn Live broadcasts are designed to encourage local children to take Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects by demonstrating their relevance to a wide range of careers at the airport. Over 50,000 students from over 100 primary and secondary schools have tuned in to the live online broad-

casts since they started in 2017. The broadcasts allow local children to listen to and ask questions of airport specialists who regularly need to use STEM subjects as part of their day to day job. Broadcast have been made by the airport’s air traffic controllers, airfield specialists, biodiversity experts, fire service and engineering apprentices.

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY We also have a focus on ‘Inspiring’ young people – including female students - about the relevance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects in the world of work. And it is not just the airport that needs to attract more people with these skills, the nation does too. According to the government, the UK needs more than 200,000 new engineers alone to meet future demand. One of our most recent programmes is even looking to train teachers so that they are better able to bring engineering-related projects to life in the classroom. The idea being that they, in turn, are then better able to inspire the children they teach.

Winners of the ‘If I were an Engineer’ schools competition launch and exhibition in Gatwick’s South Terminal

We are also investing in our future workforce in other ways and have an established four-year engineering apalso about more than just those who Around 57% of airport staff live locally. prenticeship and three-year engineerwork at the airport or its wider camIt is important that any future growth ing graduate schemes to pus. Young people across the help young people enter the need to be appropriately “According to the government, region workforce. skilled and trained and the airthe UK needs more than port is keen to do what it can to Last year we had a total of 26 200,000 new engineers alone help them regardless of their apprentices and graduates background. to meet future demand” take part and we are also working with long term unWhile only part of the answer, employed local residents to help get our education and employment proat the airport is sustainable and that them into work with our many retail, grammes will help to give the next genmeans maintaining and, if possible, food and beverage outlets. eration the skills they need to do the increasing this proportion. But it is job – be that on the airport, across the South East or anywhere in the world.

INSPIRE – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Over the last three years, Gatwick has been the headline sponsor of Crawley STEMfest which gives 20,000 local young people the chance to learn about career paths linked to STEM subjects. This culminates with the Big Bang Fair South East, the largest regional event of its kind where over 13,000 young people come to learn about science through activities, shows and workshops. In partnership with the Primary and Secondary Engineer Programmes, Gatwick has also just launched a three-year programme to get kids thinking more about engineering. Teachers from 15 local primary

schools and five local secondary schools near to Gatwick will receive training on ways to bring engineering-related projects to life. Engineers and apprentices from Gatwick will also visit the schools, to help build interest and connections between local young people and engineers in the field.

Mothers and daughters from Millais School visit the airport to learn about engineering

Gatwick is also looking to encourage more women to consider careers in engineering and has been working with Millais all-girls school in Horsham. As part of this partnership, 77 pupils and mothers recently had an exclusive insight into many of the engineering functions at the airport.

EDUCATION

What makes a

great school? by Dominic Mott, Head of Senior School at Hurst College the very best that you are capable of, whatever that ‘best’ might be.

League tables have their place if you are the parent of a highly academic child, looking for them to be schooled amongst a selective cohort of similarly niche students, in an exams-focused environment, where the school has a vested interest in driving up its overall statistics - at any cost. For most parents this simply isn’t what they are signing up for.

I may be attempting to distract from an unremarkable set of results at Hurst, you may wish to put our GCSE statistics (83% at grades 9 - 7) into The Times rankings of independent co-educational schools and you will see where we would have come. A gold star to anyone who emails me with the correct answer! We are even prouder of our Value-added scores, which celebrate the outstanding achievements made by every single one of our pupils and puts us right at the top of the national rankings.

nsurprisingly for an industry For those parents who simply want dedicated to learning - actheir child ‘to do their best’, the only ademic achievement is fremetric on which to judge schools is quently prized as the key factor, but their Value-added data. Put simply, it To return to the initial question, what how can this be measured? Results makes a great school? For sure, in public examinations are “For those parents who parents at Hurst want their chila reasonably good indicator to achieve the very best reof academic achievement, simply want their child ‘to do dren sults of which they are capable at and although exam results do matter, clearly, they aren’t their best’, the only metric GCSE and A-level. However, they also want them to be healthy, hapthe sole metric of a great edon which to judge schools is py, rounded, kind, confident, maucation. ture, independent young adults, their value-added data” ready to go out into the world to How, then, might schools be live successful lives and make a postells you how your child is likely to fare compared against one another so that itive difference to those around them. at our school compared to the grades parents know which school achieves they would achieve if they went to anthe highest grades? A league table That’s definitely not something you other school. that ranks each school by their GCSE can measure by a league table. and A-level results would seem to be a pretty sensible place to start. ‘So far, This data, which is generated by comso good,’ you might be thinking; or perparing GCSE and A-level results to haps, ‘so what’? Please bear with me. standardised national baseline figures, is a far more accurate metric of the quality of teaching and learning in Value what you measure. Measure any given school. It cuts out ruthless what you value. academic selection, hot-housing, and questionable practices such as using What if academic ‘achievement’ isn’t different exam centre numbers to enactually what we want to be measurter less-able pupils or those with speing at all? What if the real metric here cial educational needs. It values the is not the fixed notion of ‘achieveprogress made by every single child, ment’, but instead the journey implied whatever the final outcome. by ‘progress’? Isn’t that what learning is all about? Improving, growing, maFor the sceptics who (wrongly) suspect turing, developing, and striving to do www.hppc.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

CHEER

Creative. Engaging. Personal. Corporate gifts that make an impact are those that tell a story. Your story. This season let the experts at Corporate Service at Harrods curate and create unexpected gifts and unforgettable experiences, tailored to leave a lasting impression. THE BELGRAVIA

Delight in a mouth-watering selection of delicacies from the Harrods Food Halls. Packed into a traditional wicker basket, The Belgravia boasts fine wines, a selection of biscuits, jams, chutney, truffles and more. £400

THE HARRODIAN

Our namesake hamper contains everything you need for a festive feast. Enjoy fine wines and spirits, sweet treats, cured meats and tea and coffee, among other memorably delicious products. £2,500

HAMPERS THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS

What better way to celebrate than with a luxurious selection of festive favourites. Dive into a pair of wicker baskets to unearth fine wines and warming spirits, tea and coffee, brandy butter, Christmas pudding and more. £750

THE FOOD HALLS COLLECTION

The Food Halls Collection is hand-picked from the shelves of our famous Harrods Food Halls, this generous hamper includes a delectable assortment of wine and biscuits. Tucked inside a charming Harrods wicker basket, you’ll find luxury coffee, tea, biscuits, jams, honey and chutney alongside a bottle each of red and white wine - the perfect accompaniment to a festive meal. £125

CORPORATE GIFTS With access to some of the world’s most exclusive brands and desirable products across the Harrods store, from exemplary food and wine to high fashion, tech and design, Corporate Service at Harrods will propose gift ideas to suit all briefs and budgets.

PENHALIGON’S PORTRAITS TERRIBLE TEDDY EAU DE PARFUM

Part of the Penhaligon’s Portraits selection, each fragrance with its own story, Teddy lives for the thrill of the chase, ensnaring unsuspecting hearts with top notes of incense, luring them into a heart of leather and leaving a lasting sensation with deeper tones of ambroxan. £188

STOW MINI FIRST CLASS TECH CASE

Creating must-have travel accessories for the organised voyager, Stow’s contemporary, practical pieces are hand-crafted for a lifetime of use. Complete with a power bank for on-the-go charging of your devices, the compartmentalised design offers multiple slip pockets for safely holding your essentials. £305

SEASONAL GIFTS HARRODS BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR

Housed in a beautiful navy blue coffret which will serve as a keepsake for years to come, it’s packed to the rafters with twenty five miniature and full size favourites from our Beauty Halls. Hand-selected by Head of Beauty Mia Collins, the calendar includes everything from 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask to Huda Beauty Demi Matte Mogul Lipstick. £250

DANIEL BOUJU NAPOLÉON GRANDE CHAMPAGNE COGNAC

For more information on 2019 hampers and gifts please call Corporate Service at Harrods on +44 (0)20 7225 5994, email corporate.service@harrods.com or visit harrods.com

Each BoujuCognac is aged for a minimum of five years in Limousin oak casks. The Napolean Grande Champagne Cognac is aged 15 years in new oak barrels, and offers a sweet nose with hints of nuts, dark chocolate and sherry. £65

R E B E C CA

DMH Stalla

LE AN N E CH AN

Knill James ill James advisory firm Kn tancy and business to Senior un t co an ac Ch sed ne an -ba of Le Lewes ce the promotion un no an to ted . is deligh ce Group Audit and Assuran Manager in their for larger unts preparation audits and acco in nts range ses clie r iali he ec , sp ce Leanne rs’ experien travel . With over 20 yea nce brokers to ura corporate clients ins d an ies on compan from constructi emies. agents and acad erienced and anne is highly exp core r commented: “Le le is one of our op pe Partner Sue Foste in ing est ne our clients. Inv ividuals like Lean ind ted a great asset to en tal pleasure to see values, and it’s a ce.” progress and advan

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Leading law firm DMH St allard has m don employ ade a key pa men rtner hire in ing employm t group. Rebecca is reco the Lonent practitio gnised as on ne e of the UK’s related issue rs dealing w leadith a wide ra s. nge of empl oyment Rustom Tata , Chairman of DMH Stal Team, said: lard and He “Thi ad of the Em becca has an s is a significant appo ployment intment for outstanding DM reputation fo class advice r providing he H Stallard. Reand service delivery. To r clients with travel and av gether with first iation sector her knowledg th vide respon e of the sive and com is will further strength en mercially fo our ability to cused empl prooyment law advice.”

MOVERS & SHAKERS

K E M BLE p N IC O L E bl ishing Grou

ional ted internat ntly appoin their ce re to s er ha ag Man oup blishing Gr Commercial Foreign Rights Pu as e um bl in m at Pl in e Ke of sional Nicol working with her a wealth experience sales profes d brings with er 20 years’ e ov ol ic ith N W , . ry agement an st team an du m in t ng ec hi oj is pr t, publ developmen sales in the ss ne si bu e in th knowledge ors. l sales sect the Platinum internationa be joining ch delighted to timely laun e am th “I ith w d: e, d mente exciting tim look forwar I an . Nicole com en ch su om W at d e for Group ss Magazin mmunity an Publishing ne co si ss Bu ne w si bu , the ne -makers.” within our ge ps an of Dynamic hi ch ns d tio an new rela preneurs to forging female entre successful celebrating

Platinum Pu

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N IC K P OY N E

BDM Voice Lt

Nick Poyner ha s joined BDM Voice Ltd as Sa a senior role les Director. Fo at Focus Grou p, Nick is a hig rmerly in within the telec hly regarded oms sector. W professional ith over 21 ye be putting his ars’ experienc skills into grea e, Nick will t effect from business grow day one, spea th at BDM Voice rheading . BDM’s service s include hig h quality voice solutions for all , data and ca types and sizes ll recording of organisation is to understan . Ultimately, Ni d the needs of ck’s role his clients, he smoothly and lping their busin efficiently. esses run

The latest business appointments and promotions across the business world; see who’s doing what and where, including those ones to watch How do you cut through the white noise of recruitment? You lower the volume. At Harvey John, recruitment is far from a transactional service. It’s about fostering long-term partnerships within our core markets. Quality over quantity. Specialising in Accountancy, Tax, and Legal since 2004, Harvey John are an international recruitment firm with two offices in the heart of Brighton and a team of 15 individual skill-sets, each united by a shared vision of how recruitment should be. By immersing ourselves in every corner of these markets, we maintain an incredibly niche expertise, enabling us to simplify the most complex of searches. And whether that assignment takes us across Sussex, London, Europe, Asia, or the Americas, our deep sector knowledge - paired with our multi-faceted methodology means that we provide local solutions on a global scale. And so, by lowering the volume, we strip ourselves from unnecessary pressures and, in turn, become a trusted partner to companies worldwide. Contact us Tel: 01273 820808 Email: info@harveyjohn.com www.harveyjohn.com

M IC H E L L

Cloud9 In

sight

E M CW H IN

N IE

Cloud9 Insi gh Director. R t has recently appo inted Miche esponsible lle for deliver Michelle y of all thei McWhinnie as Deliv brings ov er er y r Dynamic projects ac 20 years s 36 of experie ross indust nce implem 5 projects, ries using Sage and now Dynam va enting CR M ics. Her ab rious technologies her genuin incl ility to build e caring st yle of cust strong rela uding SAP, with grow omer focu tionships and be the an s allows th best they can be. ose she w d orks Commerci ally focu sed, with understand ing she is exceptiona clients sh able to br l busine e works w ss proc ing a wea ess ith to help lth of know technologi them impl es to impr ledge to the ove busine ement ap business propriate ss perform growth. cl oud ance and enable profi table

VW Touraeg By Maarten Hoffmann

his is VW’s new flagship and the most technologicallyadvanced car to come out of Wolfsburg in quite a while. This is the third generation of the model and it should now be seen as a premium SUV for the road. The MLB frame uses the same architecture as the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Uras, meaning that there is aluminium suspension. The majority of the body is also aluminium along with weight saving all along the production line. It works. Where the previous model was a tad pedestrian, this new model is sharper, more refined and a much better drive. It is bigger but lighter, and as weight has always been the enemy of speed, this is a very good thing. The load space has increased too and it will swallow everything you throw at it. The interior is a good place to be and has been invaded with all the latest tech wizardry, and the dual screen display looks great and works even

better. It includes Night Vision to detect humans and animals in the dark utilising a thermal imaging camera, lane assist that l hate in all cars, fourwheel steering and a head-up display that should be fitted to all cars as it is magical and aids safety with your eyes never leaving the windscreen. The drive is greatly improved and you will barely notice you’re driving nearly two tonnes of high riding car as the adjustable anti-roll bars, active roll stabilisation and the active all-wheel steering do all the magic for you. The V6 diesels produce either 228bhp or 282bhp, and in the future we will see a 335bhp V6 petrol and a mighty 4.0litre V8 turbo pumping out 415bhp. It is alleged that we might eventually see a 362bhp plug-in hybrid. All of this on-road wonder will inevitably compromise its off-road ability as although it has permanent four-wheel drive and a centre diff-lock, there is no rear locking diff so there will be a fair amount of wheel spinning when in a puddle. It offers four modes - snow,

sand, gravel, and expert – so it will make a decent fist of it but l would decline the offer of a true off-road experience as you might also need a tow truck. To be fair, it is as good off-road as most of its rivals, though that is simply not where you or l will ever use it. This is the model’s most impressive makeover to date and it has been totally modernised. Spec it up and this is a tech powerhouse that will impress even its rivals. The VW badge might historically have been seen as a cut-price Audi but no more. The new Touareg stands tall alone and is a very impressive beast.

TECH STUFF Model tested: Touareg R-Line Engine: Engine 3.0-litre V6 Power: 286bhp Speed: 0-62 6.2 seconds Top: 146mph Economy: 42.8mpg Price from: £53,800

MOTORING ➤

After a long and tear-soaked farewell to the stalwart Defender, it was all for nothing as rather than killing it, they have produced a new version of this champion off-road car.

➤ I know most of us will never own one but l couldn’t resist a glimpse at the latest Lamborghini hybrid supercar. 807 horsepower and 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds. Oh, it’s also £1.7 million and the entire limited production run has sold out.

FRANKFURT Motor Show

I felt the need to pop over to Germany to view all the new metal on show at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Here’s a few of my highlights... by Maarten Hoffmann ➤

Volkswagen jumped on the bandwagon of allnew electric or hybrid cars with this little ID, an all-electric hatchback. It ‘could’ do 341 miles on a single charge and there’s an electric range of VW Microbuses coming soon too.

➤

There has long been debate over whether electric or hydrogen would be our next fuel. The only problem with hydrogen is stopping it exploding in a crash but it would appear that has been solved by BMW.

➤

Hyundai have been in the electric car revolution for a while but here is their latest offering with a space-age interior that would look right at home in the Jetsons.

DYNAMIC MAGAZINE LAUNCH

THE BIG LAUNCH A

fter much anticipation, Dynamic, the Business Magazine for Women, was launched at the Women in Business (WIB) Expo at Farnborough International Conference Centre. The reaction was overwhelming, with thousands of magazines flying off the Dynamic stand. Our team could hardly keep up! The first issue features an exclusive interview with serial entrepreneur (and WIB headline speaker) Baroness Michelle Mone, along with profiles of many of the region’s inspirational businesswomen. Almost exclusively written by women, the new magazine offers a new perspective on finance, marketing, PR, travel, law, motoring, fashion and education. The magazine is designed to inspire and empower and to campaign - and in the first issue we launch our campaign for genuine flexible working with a six-step manifesto. Don’t miss out on the UK’s most exciting new business publication. Subscribe at www.platinumpublishing.co.uk/ subscribe/ Get involved - email dynamic@platinumpublishing.co.uk

Subscribe now to receive your copy of Dynamic Magazine email: dynamic@platinumpublishing.co.uk

SUSSEX FINALISTS REVEALED T

he shortlist for the 31st annual Sussex Business Awards has been announced and hundreds of applicants have been whittled down to 65 finalists. Representatives from 21 towns across the county make the shortlist and 2019 is set to be a hot contest to receive one or more of the prestigious sixteen trophies. Entries were judged by an independent panel of judges including representatives

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