Platinum Business Magazine - issue 67

THE LARGEST CIRCULATION REGIONAL BUSINESS PUBLICATION IN THE UK

ISSUE 67. JANUARY 2020

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unforgettable travel destinations

Why you must have a PURPOSE

Avoiding SOCIAL MEDIA pitfalls

THE STUNNING

HAIL THE PRESIDENT!

Tamara Roberts

LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR

SUSSEX BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

SUSSEX WINNERS ANNOUNCED

CONTENTS 7

NEWS National, international and local news

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GATWICK DIAMOND BUSINESS AWARDS Book now for the 2020 awards ceremony

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media

DMH STALLARD Avoiding the pitfalls of social

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KRESTON REEVES Would you know how to find your purpose?

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HSBC Andrew Steer on the importance of sponsoring business awards

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COVER STORY Tamara Roberts, CEO of Ridgeview Wine Estate, and recipient of the Sussex Businessperson of 2019 award

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DMH STALLARD Achieving record growth in revenue and talent

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CHARITY NEWS Julia Trevett-Smith on building partnerships with charities

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NATWEST ACCELERATOR Tom Staniford of Gusto

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

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MHA CARPENTER BOX Are you maximising your capital allowance reliefs?

MOTORING Maarten Hoffmann tests himself in a Lamborghini Aventador, and reviews the Mercedes CLA

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NATWEST The latest survey of business confidence

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42

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70 72

47

74

50

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ROCKETMILL How to balance the needs of performance marketing and brand marketing SUSSEX INNOVATION CENTRE A year in the life of SINC

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SUSSEX The winners and highlights of a brilliant night at the 31st annual Sussex Business Awards, plus what it means to win such a prestigious accolade

HEALTH & WELLBEING Health Editor, Tess de Klerk contemplates fasting, and checks into the spa at South Lodge Hotel

BRIGHTON SOCIAL Interview with Kerry Watkins of the city-based social media experts TRAVEL Travel experts Go Bespoke look at the 20 most unforgettable holiday destinations for 2020

NET XP Sonny Cutting looks forward to next year’s B2B events

CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE Social diary of the fabulous Snowman Spectaular event in Brighton

CHAMBER LISTINGS Events planned by your local Chamber ANGER MANAGEMENT Maarten Hoffmann loves parking, hates parking tickets

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SUSSEX SPORTS AWARDS Winners and cheers galore at the Active Sussex awards night

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FOOTBALL Paying tribute to Brighton Powerchair footballer Lewis Hammans

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CYAN A look around The Grand Brighton’s new fine dining room

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GATWICK AIRPORT Connecting people in a net zero world

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HART BROWN Jane Crosby, Partner at the Surrey-based law firm, on sponsoring the Surrey Business Awards

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IoD Teaching old dogs new tricks...

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

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Welcome H ere we are in 2020 and a brand new sparkling year and decade. Made better by the fact that we have a government with an actual working majority and perhaps the business log jam will now be smashed and we can all get down to business as usual. The past few years of indecision and confusion has been highly damaging for business in general and devastating for certain sectors. It is now time to make up for lost ground and surge ahead.

The first Platinum issue of 2020 brings you a wealth of news, views and opinion. DMH Stallard help us avoid the pitfalls of social media, Carpenter Box talks about maximising capital allowance and our Health Editor asks if intermittent fasting actually works – and then pops off to South Lodge for a day in the Spa.

surprise you. His ‘Anger Management’ views on parking charges will probably come as less of a surprise.

So, happy New Year to all our readers and here’s to a riproaring new year.

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.

The Sussex Business Awards are the most important and prestigious awards in the region and we bring you all the runners and riders from the 31st year, held at the Grand in Brighton on December 5th. There are a wealth of deserving winners whose lives will now be changed forever.

@platbusmag Platinum Publishing Group

The Platinum travel section runs through 20 totally unforgettable trips for the new year and Maarten gets his hands on his second Lamborghini of the month. His review might

Maarten Hoffmann – Director

Lesley Alcock

maarten@platinumpublishing.co.uk

Commercial Director

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumpublishing.co.uk

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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Having tomorrow’s conversations, today

Our thinking starts with you With our relationship led service, we look to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by your business. Our focus is always on client service, with open and honest relationships.

Switching to MHA Carpenter Box is easier than you think: we make it hassle-free from start to finish. Get in touch today for a free and informal consultation.

Call: 01903 234094 • Email: info@carpenterbox.com

www.carpenterbox.com

Now, for tomorrow

news

Sussex I

t was extremely sad to hear that the founder and Managing Director of SEA PR, Tracey Allen, died on December 5th, a few days after being taken to hospital for a serious heart condition.

Tracey dedicated her working life to helping others and her PR agency was set up in 2012 in response to a need for an agency that gives a voice to those who work for the greater good.

Her achievements were remarkable.

As a former regional director of Help a Local Child across the South East, Tracey raised over £1m in 8 years for disadvantaged local children.

Tracey had a passion for businesses delivering social good. She helped set up the Brighton Marathon, save Saltdean Lido and had been heavily involved in non-profit organisations including Brighton Fringe, Same Sky, Radio Reverb and the Sussex Com-

Image by Sharon Kilgannon

Tracey Allen – a campaigner for good

Tracey with her mum at the Women Over 50 Film Festival at Depot, Lewes 2018

munity Foundation. She was also the Campaign Manager who implemented the Living Wage across Brighton and Hove, one of the first cities in the UK to take this fair wage leap of faith.

A keen sailor, Tracey was much loved and will be deeply missed.

Her brother Kenton said: “We want something positive to come out

Exciting new seafront food hall will boost local business

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unique, diverse and exciting new eating experience opens on Brighton and Hove’s seafront next summer. The historic Shelter Hall, which has been completely rebuilt, will be home to the city’s first Food Hall, with up to ten independent food businesses offering a wide range of cuisine.

The new Food Hall will be run by Sessions Market, a new ethically driven company bringing together experienced business operators from the restaurant and design worlds.

The scheme also includes public toilets located on the lower promenade, with a new walkway and sea wall. The busy West Street junction is also being remodelled to help people and traffic flow more smoothly.

Never let your fear decide your future BUSINESS WISDOM

of this dreadful news. We want to launch a fund and, hopefully, make it an annual thing to support the charitable organisations which she was a part of, those that don’t get the attention or money they deserve.”

The Total Giving page, named The Tracey Allen Memorial Fund, has been set up in her memory.

Falling down is an accident; staying down is a choice BUSINESS WISDOM

Different generations have much in common

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usinesses looking to attract and retain millennials should focus on their similarities rather than their differences. This was the message to Gatwick business leaders at a recent thought leadership event held by property consultancy, Vail Williams LLP. Generational change experts came together with Vail Williams to provide businesses in the region with insights into Generation Y, the demographic cohort name given to millennials aged 20 to 34. The guests were told that millennials were known for their collaborative nature, social conscience, flexibility and tech savviness.

Vail Williams’ managing partner, Matthew Samuel-Camps, said: “As employers, we need to embrace the strengths of millennials. They are wired differently but, unless we understand what they have to offer, our businesses will not continue to strive and remain successful.”

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BRIGHTON SEAFRONT’S NEWEST ALL-DAY DINING DESTINATION

Open from 11am to 10pm at The Grand Brighton 97-99 Kings Rd, BN1 2FW Reserve a table at cyanbrighton.co.uk

Follow @cyan.brighton

Sussex

news CHRISTMAS VENUES

Ex-Bagelman boss Anthony Prior joins PLATF9RM

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righton & Hove’s largest independent business and coworking community, PLATF9RM, has hired Anthony Prior as its first Commercial Director.

Anthony, who was MD of the city’s Bagelman chain for almost eight years, before which he worked in the underground music scene, running nightclubs such as Audio and Coalition.

PLATF9RM has more than 800 members

Love winning awards

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oveLocalJobs.com has won the Best Regional Jobs Board award at the 2019 National Online Recruitment Awards.

LoveLocalJobs.com promotes a wide variety of opportunities at all levels – working with an array of the region’s best employers including American Express and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust. 2018 saw the creation of the LoveLocalJobs.com Foundation C.I.C to accompany the jobs board, leveraging the positivity, influence and incredible inspiration of

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Victoria was honoured for her work in making public transport more convenient and accessible for everybody.

Last month it received two national awards at the Global Coworking Unconference Conference for its community programme and the design of its dramatically renovated Hove branch.

If everything seems under control you’re not going fast enough BUSINESS WISDOM

Sussex businesses set to grow in 2020

L local businesses and influencers to engage and inspire young people to become the best possible version of themselves they can be.

Victoria’s Buckingham Palace date righton & Hove Buses’ Accessibility and Community Manager Victoria Garcia recently received her MBE from the Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, at Buckingham Palace yesterday (Tuesday) for services to disabled transport users.

across two sites, one in Tower Point near Brighton station, the other in Hove Town Hall. Each houses a blend of beautifully designed coworking spaces and private offices for freelancers, contractors and small businesses.

Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director Martin Harris said, “Victoria’s dedication and passion for her work is widely recognised and celebrated in the city. Her MBE is a clear signal that improved accessibility, which is such a priority across all modes of transport, can only be achieved through real collaboration with customers and with communities. We are all very proud of her.”

Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can BUSINESS WISDOM

ocal business owners are bucking the trend of economic gloom and predicting growth in 2020. Recent research commissioned by The Coastal West Sussex Partnership shows that 67% of business owners in Sussex and the surrounding areas expect their turnover to increase in the next year.

On average, respondents to the Partnership’s survey predicted a 6.3% increase in turnover. Over half (60%) of respondents said their company would grow in 2020 and that figure rises to 73% for respondents in senior management.

Caroline Wood, Director of the Coastal West Sussex Partnership, commented: “Sussex business owners seem tentatively optimistic despite the potential economic turmoil ahead.

We encourage any local SMEs that could benefit from a match-funded grant to help boost their productivity and increase turnover to submit an application to Coast to Capital.” www. coast2capital.org.uk/growth-grant. coastalwestsussex.org.uk/.

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Going for Growth masterclass

Going for Growth masterclass - book your place People talk about Growth in so many ways but what is Growth truly about? Is it financial, is it our people, is it our purpose? How do we drive more sales through the door today, or is real Growth about increasing margins tomorrow?

Join our Going for Growth masterclass designed to help you with your business growth goals. The masterclass will provide you with an insight into our full workshop which helps you to design, build, refresh and renovate your business growth plan based on the foundation of your core business assets.

Topics covered include:

Timings:

• Your brand asset for growth – understand your vision for growth

2:00pm: Registration 2:30pm: Masterclass commences 4:30pm: Masterclass closes

• Understand how to grow your business from the top-down, brand-led as opposed to the bottomup, sales-led • Understand how to make strategic brand choices • Purpose and profit • Explore your business core assets • Explore what you want to be known for and how you want to leave people feeling • What is your business today, tomorrow and in the future?

Date and location: Tuesday 11 February 2020 Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney How to book: To book your place, please contact Rachael Merritt via email at events@krestonreeves.com or visit www.krestonreeves.com/events

For more information about our Growth advisory service or events, please email enquiries@krestonreeves.com or phone Jake Standing on +44 (0)330 124 1399.

national Cheap beer rules

news

ot all doom and gloom on the high street as the JD Wetherspoon national pub chain has announced that it will create 10,000 new jobs as it invests more than £200 million in pubs and hotels over the next four year.

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currently runs 875 pubs and 58 hotels and employs 44,000 staff. Chairman Tim Martin said: “We are especially pleased that a large proportion of the investment will be in smaller towns and cities which have seen a decline in investment in recent years”.

It is to build 60 new pubs and ‘a few’ new hotels, while a further 80 existing pubs across the UK will be doubled or tripled in size. The chain

JD Wetherspoon reported increased profits before tax of £95.4 million on £1.8 billion of revenues in the year ended July 2019.

Sussex fast track

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Sussex live events agency smashed its way into the top 100 fastest growing private companies in Britain in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list.

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory BUSINESS WISDOM

Boom and bust

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our businessmen arrested over the London Capital & Finance (LCF) savings scandal are said to have pocketed almost £20 million in the run-up to its collapse.

LCF, which took £237 million from more than 11,500 investors to plough

into mini-bonds, went bust in January 2019 after the Financial Conduct Authority froze it bank accounts.

In a High Court judgement, Chief Master Matthew Marsh repeated administrators finding that £19.9 million was transferred to Elten Barker, Simon Hume-Kendall, Andy Thompson and Spencer Golding in the six months leading up to LCF’s downfall.

Identity, with its HQ at Westham, reported an average annual sales growth of 46% a year over the past three years, putting it firmly on the prestigious league table of the UK’s private companies with the fastest growing sales. Even more impressively, the events company is on track for another record-breaking year - with sales forecast to grow by well over 100%. Identity’s MD, Michael Gietzen (above), 34, who originally qualified as an accountant, took over his father’s exhibition stand company eight years ago and has since transformed it into an international events agency.

Michael Gietzen said: “This is a terrific achievement. Our local team is exceptional. It is their hard work and immense talent, combined with a massive investment in our facilities that has provided us with the in-house ability to deliver every aspect of a show-stopping event for our clients.

Needless to say, as one the fastest growing companies in Britain we are always on the look out for new talent to join the team.”

You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great BUSINESS WISDOM

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Sussex National RACEDAY

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national When you start seeing you’re worth, you’ll find it harder to be around people who don’t.

news

Massive cash out

BUSINESS WISDOM

Property fund run

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nvestors shaken by the suspension of withdrawals from a leading UK property fund pulled nearly £100m from similar investments in the subsequent two days.

M&G froze withdrawals from its property portfolio fund after it was unable to sell assets fast enough to meet investors’ demands for money. It prompted the biggest day of outflows from other UK property funds of the year on December 12th, according to funds transaction network Calastone.

Investors’ response was described as “understandable”, but those whose money remains in these funds were reminded that property should always be considered as a long-term investment. Withdrawals of £61m on Thursday and £36m on Friday, revealed by the Calastone data, came after a tough year for the sector. M&G blamed its temporary suspension - a decision taken by its official monitor - on “Brexit-related political uncertainty” and diffi culties among retailers.

The M&G Property Portfolio has invested in 91 UK commercial properties - including shopping centres, and other retail and industrial properties - on behalf of UK investors.

There is a difference between giving up and knowing when you have had enough BUSINESS WISDOM

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he founders of Google are leaving their executive roles as heads of the search engine’s parent company, bringing a 20-year reign to an end.

Larry Page and Serge Brin, both only 46, founded the company in a garage in Menlo Park, California whilst students at Stanford university in 1998. Holding company, Alphabet is valued at $877 billion and is the world’s fourth largest public company, after Microsoft, Apple and Amazon. The company will now be headed by long-standing lieutenant Sundar Pichai, 47, who was previously chief executive of Google, will take on all those roles as Alphabet’s chief executive. He owns about 0.1% of Alphabet’s shares.

“I’m excited about Alphabet’s longterm focus on tackling big challenges through technology,” Pichai, who has worked at the company since 2004, said on Twitter. “Thanks to Larry & Sergey, we have a timeless mission, enduring values and a culture of collaboration & exploration – a strong foundation we’ll continue to build on.”

Page and Brin control 51% of the special class of Alphabets voting shares, giving them ultimate control of the company’s future direction. Their fortunes are estimated at $62.7bn and $60.9bn respectively and with their Alphabet shares worth $101bn, life looks set to be pretty good for these young men.

New Governor

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he Bank of England is set to announce the new Governor. The current incumbent, Mark Carney is due to depart on January 31st. Those on the shortlist are: Minouche Shafik, Andrew Bailey, Kevin Warsh, Shriti Vadera, Paul Tucker, Raghuram Rajan, Ben Broadbent and Jon Cunliffe.

Sterling Sterling

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terling has soared after the Conservative Party won an overall majority in the general election. As traders dared to hope that the party’s strong majority would remove uncertainty over Brexit, the currency leapt 2.2% to $1.34, its highest level since May last year. The pound also jumped to a three-and-a-half-year high against

the euro. The BBC’s economics editor, Faisal Islam, said the scale of the Tory victory had calmed the mood of the fi nancial markets. “The most disruptive form of no deal has been taken off the table,” he said. “The market reaction is a reflection not just of the result, but of the fact that a big majority gives the prime minister room for manoeuvre.”

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The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

19th March 2020

Join us for a night of glitz and glam in the Millennium Suite of the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel for a pre-dinner reception hosted by Norwegian, before taking your seat for a sumptuous three course dinner with wine.

Our presenter for the evening will be writer, broadcaster, actor and former MP and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, Gyles Brandreth. Gyles is one of Britain’s most sought-after award ceremony hosts and after-dinner speakers. A star of Celebrity Gogglebox, a veteran of QI and Have I Got News For You, a reporter on The One Show and a regular on Just a Minute, his many books include The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries and two recent best-sellers: The 7 Secrets of Happiness and his celebration of good English, punctuation, spelling and grammar: Have You Eaten Grandma?

This Black Tie event will see the very best of the Gatwick Diamond Business community come together to celebrate the achievements of World-Class businesses in this World-Class region.

6.00pm

Evening starts with Pre-Dinner Reception Sponsored by Norwegian

6.45pm

Take your seats for Dinner

9.30pm

Gyles Brandreth

10.00pm

Presentation of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

11.00pm

After-Show Party

01.00am

Carriages

For more information and to download the booking form, visit:

WWW.GATWICKDIAMONDBUSINESSAWARDS.COM

@GDBIZAWARDS

BUSINESS AWARDS

Book now for the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

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business calendar, offering unrivalled networking opportunities alongside the celebration of business excellence and outstanding entertainment.

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards have become established as the must-attend event in the region’s

For 2020, we are introducing a “Roaring 20s” theme and inviting all who attend to enter into the spirit of that iconic era but with a modern twist!

he Twelfth Annual Gatwick Diamond Business Awards Ceremony will be held on March 19th 2020 at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel.

Presented by Gyles Brandreth, writer, broadcaster and actor, the evening will attract a large and influential business audience (over 600), to celebrate the success of the Gatwick Diamond business community and recognise the finalists and winners in the 16 categories:

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 The Award for Brighter Thinking – Menzies LLP The Award for Developing People – Crawley College Green Business of the Year – Britaniacrest Recycling Ltd Employer of the Year – Search Consultancy Apprentice of the Year – Reigate & Banstead Borough Council The Award for Innovation & Technology – University of Sussex International Business of the Year - Gatwick Diamond Initiative Manufacturing Business of the Year – Kreston Reeves The Award for the Place to Meet – Prowse & Co Professional Services of the Year – Crawley Borough Council The Award for Community Investment – Gatwick Airport Limited Growth Business of the Year – Red River

Headline Sponsors

www.gatwickairport.com/business-community

www.business.natwest.com

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

www.thakeham.com

www.extechcloud.com

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

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Avoiding the pitfalls of

social media

With 3.2 billion users worldwide, the importance of social media – personally and professionally – can’t be underestimated.

Aysha Hussain provides a few reminders about the need for businesses to treat social media activity responsibly consequences, including heavy financial penalties and serious reputational damage.

Katie Hopkins was famously fined £24,000 in damages and allegedly £300,000 in costs after the High Court found that a series of tweets posted in 2015 were defamatory and had caused ‘real and substantial distress but also harm to the claimant’s reputation which was serious’. While these tweets were from a personal account, it could just as easily have been a company that posted such defamatory comments.

What was that?

Most social media platforms encourage their users to share their thoughts.

It should really go without saying, but you need to be aware of the legal implications of posting statements about other individuals or companies, whether from your personal or corporate account. Publishing defamatory content (any statement about a person or company that injures the reputation of that person) on any social media platform can carry significant

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The tip to take away from this example really is to err on the side of caution: unless you are 100% sure of your facts and can easily prove them, refrain from posting statements about others, however tempting. At the very least, make sure that employees with access to the company’s social media accounts are thoroughly briefed on your social media policy. The risk you face is a protracted legal battle and a substantial fine.

Permission to strike a pose?

Businesses should carefully consider what pictures they choose to post, and how they wish them to be used: intentions are essentially irrelevant when it comes to social media, and once something has been posted, control of it is relinquished.

Using a picture in any form on social media without permission or licence will leave your business open to litigation. In a recent case, Getty Images successfully sued a small removals business which had used one of its photographs for breach of copyright.

The business was ordered to pay £2,000 in damages, plus legal costs not an insignificant amount for a small business for naively taking a chance and using the photograph.

Employers also need to remember to seek permission before re-posting any pictures from their employees’ social media accounts; the content on an employee’s personal profile is itself protected by copyright.

LEGAL

YouTube, where copyright infringemark could include a hashtag. HowA recent extreme example from the ments are a constant issue, now have ever bear in mind that this is neither States reinforces the reputational damautomated Content ID systems to straightforward nor cheap. age that can result from using an image monitor for potential copying. without permission. A young woman Some years ago the fast food giant Mchad applied to a marketing agency; deThere is a provision in the law for ‘fair Donald’s used the hashtag #McDStotails of her social media profiles were dealing’ which allows the use of copries to promote a new campaign. Somerequired for the role. She was horrified yright protected material in certain what predictably, it was quickly hijacked to learn later that the company in quesvery limited circumstances, tion had reposted – with “Using a picture in any form on but the Copyright Licensing negative comments - an image of her on its Insta- social media without permission Agency recommends that businesses create a policy gram account. The image or licence will leave your and guidance for employees was of the applicant in a on how to avoid copyright inpool wearing an unusually business open to litigation” fringements. revealing bikini. The story

by Twitter users to publicly share their went viral and the company was forced Our specialist Technology, Media and bad experiences with the company. take down its social media profiles and Telecoms team has broad experience Without control of the hashtag, McDonwebsite because of the backlash. in dealing with issues concerning soald’s were forced to pull an expensive cial media activity. If you need help campaign after just two hours. This re#hashtag with bringing or defending a potential mains a salutary lesson about thinking Hashtags have become a powerful claim, or with establishing an approthrough the consequences of using tool for marketing your business on priate policy for your business, please words or phrases that sound great – but all social media platforms. They may do get in touch. can generate negative feedback when seem like a good marketing move for released into the ether. your business, but without sufficient protection they can be used by others Got the video to your company’s detriment.

Copyright breaches can occur easily without you even being aware of it, So what can you do to protect your and businesses should be particularhashtag? Hashtags are too short to Aysha Hussain is a solicitor in DMH ly cautious of posting video content qualify for copyright protection, so Stallard’s specialist TMT team. She that includes music: without the apyour best bet is to try and register can be contacted on 01273 744207 propriate licence, that can amount to your hashtag as a trade mark; UK or by email at aysha.hussain@ copyright infringement. Many webtrademark law allows a mark to be dmhstallard.com sites and online platforms such as registrable if it is distinctive – and that

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I The world of business is changing.

The pursuit of profit alone is not enough to satisfy business owners, employers, investors and wider society, with the key question facing businesses in the 21st century being ‘what is our purpose’?

Purpose is not a marketing or brand exercise. It has a real impact on profitability and will increase business valuations, as Tim Levey and Lynsey Light explain.

n the Autumn of 2019 Kreston Reeves launched a new dedicated Growth Advisory Service and Growth Business School. The firm is running a series of masterclasses in Sussex, Kent and London that will give businesses an insight into how they can identify, adopt and live a strong corporate purpose and how that can reinvigorate and elevate sales and profitability.

Some businesses have for many years identified and championed a clear and strong purpose – it has stood them apart from their peers and created a strong market position.

Apple, driven by simplicity and design, successfully charges a premium for its products. Patagonia too charges a premium for their outdoor clothing whilst investing to protect the environment and wild landscapes. And on the high street, retailer Lush is changing the way we buy cosmetics by ditching environmentally damaging plastic packaging.

Society demands that businesses of all types look after their employees, take care of the environment, and con-

tribute to the communities in which they operate. And as millennials and Generation Z enter the workplace in increasing numbers, matched with their spending power, businesses with a strong purpose will emerge as clear leaders.

To be successful, however, purpose has to be authentic, resonating with staff and customers, and lived dayin, day-out. It needs to be the golden thread that runs through the DNA of a business.

And those businesses with a strong purpose are seeing valuations increase.

Valuations are increasingly moving away from traditional EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) multiples towards more intangible asset values. Put simply, successful businesses underpinned by a strong purpose are worth more to investors and would-be buyers.

A journey towards purpose There will be many drivers for a business to explore its purpose but we regularly see two common scenarios: businesses wanting to address falling

Purpose creates value 18

BUSINESS SURVEY FINANCE

sales or, particularly in older business, forgetting the reasons why they set up in the first instance. We call this refresh or renovate.

“Society demands that businesses of all types look after their employees, take care of the environment, and contribute to the communities in which they operate”

Kreston Reeves Growth advisory team will lead businesses through a structured programme that will help them identify their purpose, how that then translates into the products or services offered, and any changes that need to be implemented.

The first step in this process will be to clarify core products and services and their benefits. The process gets to the very heart of what drives a business and the buying behaviours of its customers or clients.

It is a top-down approach that starts with purpose which then drives products and services, asking if growth is coming from the right places. For many businesses, it may mean the introduction of new products or services and side-lining others.

And it isn’t a process that businesses should do alone: it is important to

recognise what staff think and believe, and what customers and clients say about the business.

themes covered in the full, two day Going for Growth Brand DNA workshop which is designed to help those businesses wishing to develop their purpose.

The firm’s dedicated Growth advisory team can also work with businesses on valuations and forecasts, business compliance, and through ongoing advisory services helping businesses identify opportunities and barriers to growth.

Purpose is not a quick fix – it takes time to develop a purpose that is credible and long lasting. It is not, however, static.

Just as the demands of society change, businesses must look to constantly refresh their purpose as well. That does not mean that it should change with every fad and whim but it should be tied to the underlying values of the business owners and its customers.

Tim Levey is a Partner and Lynsey Light is a Manager in the Growth Advisory team. They can be reached via www.krestonreeves.com.

How Kreston Reeves can help Businesses are invited to join Kreston Reeves at either of the Going for Growth masterclass events which are being held on 11 February in Sussex and on 25 February in London. The masterclass events will introduce the

For more information or to register to attend one of our Going for Growth masterclass events or workshops, please contact Rachael Merritt in the Kreston Reeves marketing team by emailing events@krestonreeves.com or by visiting www.krestonreeves.com/events

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Are you maximising your Capital Allowance reliefs?

David Crowter, Tax Partner at MHA Carpenter Box, looks at the tax reliefs available to your businesses if you are considering any significant capital projects • The government announced the scrappage of the Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) regime

cant projects or acquiring new plant and machinery, we are able to provide advice in all steps of the process.

• The special rate pool Writing Down Allowance (WDA) will reduce to 8% from 6% from April 2020

Addition of the SBA Another new regime is the Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA), which operates under a similar basis as the now defunct Industrial Buildings Allowance (IBA). This regime provides relief for capital expenditure incurred on all non-residential structural and building works which are not covered under the general plant and machinery allowances. This attracts a 2% writing down allowance on a straight-line basis over 50 years.

All of these have had significant implications for clients of all sectors, and several will be ending within the year.

W

ith deadlines approaching in 2020, it’s never been more important to ensure you’re taking advantage of the available opportunities.

The Manufacturing team at accountancy association MHA release a quarterly series called The Engine; these provide a national outlook on the issues facing the manufacturing market.

An overview Businesses rely on the capital allowances regime to obtain tax relief when purchasing assets. The Autumn 2018 Budget saw big changes in the capital allowances landscape: • The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) was temporarily increased to £1 million • The Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA) was introduced

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Increase in the AIA The government announced a temporary increase in the AIA from £200,000 to £1 million in the Autumn 2018 budget lasting until December 31st 2020. After this, the allowance will revert to £200,000.

Given current uncertainty surrounding the future longevity of the increase, if your business is planning a significant capital project it is best to discuss this with your adviser and carry out the project sooner rather than later. While the government may opt to extend the increase to further encourage growth in British industry, it is worth taking advantage of the opportunities now.

To businesses across the country, the increased AIA is very much welcomed and has accelerated relief for numerous businesses across the UK. As we are unsure of the future of the increased relief, our recommendation to clients at present is to bring forward any large capital projects, and where possible span multiple years to further accelerate and maximise the relief available. As always, if you are considering carrying out any signifi-

FINANCE From an investor’s perspective, this can be a double-edged sword as through claiming the allowance you are reducing the base cost of the building and increasing the potential chargeable gain on disposal. However, from an owner-occupier’s perspective this is something which would normally be unobtainable and a welcome source of relief.

For clients who tend not to relocate frequently this source of relief is very much welcomed and is something which should be discussed with one of our specialists.

individuals on April 5th 2020. This means any expenditure incurred before these dates will qualify, so if you are considering the purchase of new machinery which may contain components which qualify for the accelerated relief it is advisable to speak to us

currently in the special rate pool for periods ending after the dates mentioned above. If a business is planning a significant amount of expenditure on goods that would fall into the special rate pool, and they qualify for AIA, it is worth considering purchasing them prior to the AIA reduction before December 31st 2020.

“...if your business is planning a significant capital project it is best to discuss this with your adviser and carry out the project sooner rather than later”

Abolition of the ECA regime The most significant change to the regime over the coming months is the scrapping of accelerated relief for environmentally beneficial plant and machinery. The ECA provides 100% first year allowances for the purchase of environmentally beneficial assets, or assets which contain environmentally beneficial components.

The relief will cease to exist for companies on March 31st 2020 and

about your purchase and we can provide advice from the outset.

Reduction in the WDA Another change on the horizon that both companies and individuals should be aware of is that the WDA available on items in the special rate pool will be reduced from 8% to 6% as of April 1st 2020 for companies and April 5th 2020 for individuals.

This change will affect all items

Get in touch Capital allowances are a complex area of tax law. Our friendly advisory tax team are able to provide advice on maximising claims on expenditure which qualifies for ECAs, structures and buildings and the timing of plant purchases to obtain the maximum relief available.

For more information, get in touch by calling 01293 227670 or visit www. carpenterbox.com

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Private sector output falls for third month running P

rivate sector business activity across the South East fell for the third consecutive month in November, according to the latest NatWest PMI® data. The decline, albeit marginal, was the second-quickest for over three years, with anecdotal evidence linking the latest setback to weak demand conditions and continued uncertainty. A seventh consecutive reduction in new business was also recorded, alongside a further fall in employment, with the rate of job shedding quickening from October.

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 48.9 in November, down from 49.5 in October, to signal a contraction in private sector output for the third month

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running and marked the longest sequence of deterioration for over a decade. Moreover, the rate of decline was the second-quickest since July 2016. Sector data highlighted a contraction in output for both manufacturing and services, with goods producers reporting the sharper rate of decline.

Business activity was weighed down by a seventh successive fall in order book volumes in November. The latest reduction was linked by panellists to client hesitancy amid continued uncertainty, particularly in relation to Brexit. Notably, the reduction was among the quickest in the current seven-month sequence of decline, albeit only moderate overall.

NatWest serves customers in England, Wales and Western Europe, supporting them with their personal, private, and business banking needs.

NatWest helps customers from opening student accounts, to buying their first home, setting up a business, and saving for retirement.

Key Findings • Further and faster decline in business activity • New business falls for seventh consecutive month • Job shedding continues, and at faster pace

Alongside a wide range of banking services, NatWest offers businesses specialist sector knowledge in areas such as manufacturing and technology, as well as access to specialist entrepreneurial support.

NatWest has been running MoneySense, an impartial financial education programme for 5–18 year-olds, for more than 21 years. By the end of 2018, NatWest will help another 1 million young people to understand and take control of their finances.

Weaker demand conditions also translated into easing capacity pressures in November, with outstanding business falling for a fourteenth consecutive month. That said, the rate of backlog deterioration was the second-slowest for nine months.

Finally, private sector firms in the South East remained confident BUSINESS would rise over the coming year. The level of positiveSURVEY sentiment streng was the highest since July.

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

70

60 50 40 30

'01

'03

'05

Sources: NatWest, IHS Markit.

'07

'09

'11

'13

'15

'17

'19

COMMENT

Stuart Johnstone, Managing Director, London & With capacity pressures easing, priSouth East, Corporate & Commercial Banking vate sector firms in the South East continued to cut workforce numbers remained optimistic that activity will during November, as has been the “Private sector activity in the South increase overprivate, the coming year in Nocase in each month since August.

The East contracted for the third month NatWest serves customers in England, Wales and Western Europe, supporting them with their personal, and business banking vember, with expectations climbing rate of job shedding quickened from in a row during November, with the needs. NatWest helps customers from opening student accounts, to buying their first home, setting up a business, and saving for retirement. to a four-month high.”

October and was one of the strongest rate of decline gaining momentum seen over the past decade. to the second-quickest seen for Alongside a wide range of banking services, NatWest offers businesses specialist sector knowledge in areas such as manufacturing over three years. Meanwhile, new and technology, as well as access to specialist entrepreneurial support. business fell at one of the fastest Meanwhile, cost burdens facing prirates financial in the education current seven-month vate sector fi rms in the South East NatWest has been running MoneySense, an impartial programme for 5–18 year-olds, for more than 21 years. By the end of 2018, NatWest will help young people to understand and take control of their finances. sequence of contraction, with panel continued to increase during theanother latest 1 million members linking Brexit uncertainty survey period. Input prices rose solidto client hesitancy. ly overall, although the rate of inflation was the slowest since June 2016.

“At the same time, firms continued to reduce workforce numbers. The Average prices charged by busirate of job shedding quickened from nesses in the South East also rose in October and was among the sharpNovember, as has been the case in est seen over the past ten years. each month for over four years. The increase was only marginal however, Stuart Johnstone and among the slowest in the current “Nevertheless, private sector firms 51-month period of inflation.

Finally, private sector firms in the South East remained confident that output would rise over the coming year. The level of positive sentiment strengthened and was the highest since July.

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.

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Brand v Performance

Matt Andrews, Chief Strategy Officer at RocketMill on how to balance the needs of performance marketing and brand marketing, and why they are best converged

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n March 14th 2019 Campaign Magazine hosted a breakfast briefing in London entitled “Brand v Performance: the marketer’s dilemma”.

This futile debate has been creating lots of hot air in the marketing world for a number of years now and I hope to draw a line under it. It presents marketeers with a binary choice to invest in Performance Marketing which is digital, data driven, precisely targeted and associated with immediate returns on investment, or Brand Marketing which does not create an immediate return on investment, is broad reach delivered through traditional media channels such as television, with ‘wastage’.

around long enough to do so if they can’t deliver sales now.

That’s why we need a new, broader definition of Performance Marketing.

One that accounts for performance in the short-term as well as performance in the long-term. A definition that includes the contribution Brand Marketing makes to overall performance. At RocketMill we call this Total Performance Marketing.

Ultimately, marketing performance comes down to influencing the choices people make about the things

they buy. The purchase decisions our brains make every day are decided by a combination of emotional and rational thinking working together. Neuroscientists have shown that our emotional subconscious drives 95% of our purchase decisions. More often than not the role of our rational conscious thinking is to post rationalise the emotional decisions we’ve already made.

I recently bought some new Beats headphones. I made an immediate emotional decision about the brand I wanted to buy but still spent a week gathering rational reasons to justify my

For marketeers, whose own performance is measured by short-term personal and business KPI’s, when presented with this dilemma, the decision to invest the marketing budget in ‘Performance Marketing’ is pretty straightforward. Marketeers are under pressure to deliver sales now without any real incentive to think about the longer-term picture. Hence, they focus only on short-term goals and become victims of the fallacy of short-termism a mistaken belief that a repeated short-term marketing approach will lead to long-term success.

Pause for a moment. Think about what performance really means.

Performance is the extent to which an investment is profitable. So, ask yourself this, is performance a shortterm sales spike or long-term growth in market share and profit? In reality it needs to be both. A marketeer that has the vision to grow the brand and business in the longer term will not be

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Matt launching RocketMill’s Total Performance strategy for 2020 at Sky HQ

DIGITAL MARKETING BUSINESS SURVEY decision. For marketing to influence my decision it combined emotional and rational communications working together. Emotional Brand and rational Performance marketing are not, as the aforementioned debate suggests, a binary choice. In fact, the opposite is true, they are co-dependant.

Binet & Field’s extensive analysis of the IPA Effectiveness Databank concluded that marketing is at its most effective and efficient when it combines long-term, emotional brand building with short-term, rational, sales activation in an approach that’s been designed to work together. In fact, a combined approach was found to be two and a half times more effective.

Historically, there was a disconnect between Brand and Performance Marketing one delivered through traditional channels, the other through digital channels with no real way of joining them up. In the era of Total Performance Marketing everything is becoming connected, enabling the joining

together of ‘Brand’ and ‘Performance’ marketing like never before. Data & technology has made it possible to connect with audiences across the entire customer journey. When audiences are not actively in-market, we can serve them an emotional Brand Building experience and when they become active and have signalled an intent to purchase, we can serve them more rational communications that give them reasons to buy. Furthermore, as more and more media becomes data driven, we have a wider range of data driven channels to play with, from television to radio and outdoor.

“Let’s focus our energies on mastering the skills to deliver Total Performance Marketing connecting Brand Building and Sales Activation like never before”

At the same time media has become connected by data it has also become more fragmented. Brand Building in a fragmented media landscape, requires fluid ideas that adapt and flow through channels moving away from an over-reliance on linear television. By 2028, 1634s’ linear television viewing is forecast to drop to 45 minutes a day according to media analysts Enders. Over the same period 16-34’s video viewing will rise: 78 minutes will be on YouTube, social video and other online video platforms and 58 minutes on advertising-free platforms such as Netflix. Total Performance Marketing needs to embrace video across channels, in all its forms to build reach and engagement.

Brand Building takes time to kick in but it’s still effective long after the campaign has ended. The effects of Sales Activation are immediate but short lived. It follows that to evaluate Total Performance Marketing, we need to measure short-term and longterm effects.

So, let’s not waste any more time on the Brand v Performance debate.

They are co-dependent and work best together. Instead, let’s focus our energies on mastering the skills to deliver Total Performance Marketing connecting Brand Building and Sales Activation like never before.

RocketMill Ltd t: @RocketMill W: Rocketmill.co.uk T: 01273 916 600

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A Year in the Life of Sussex Innovation

2019 was a big year for Sussex Innovation. There were many successes to celebrate, but also a lot of big changes – with much more big news on the way as they leap into 2020 Our tenants will have already noticed a few of these changes taking shape in the form of social events, redecorating efforts and the much-heralded Friday afternoon beer fridge – but there are much bigger things to come in 2020, more on which below.

Interim CEO, Nigel Lambe

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ur business community hit the ground running at the start of 2019 – literally – as six teams of staff and member companies ran the Brighton Half Marathon and collectively raised over £2,500 for the Sussex Beacon.

In April, our annual student enterprise competition StartUp Sussex announced its latest winners (see photo, top right). English Literature PhD Lana Harper won a prize worth £10,000 for her education app concept Write Now, while Mustafa Khraishi, a BSc Biology graduate, and his co-founder Fergus Morris of Adaptive Diagnostics received the same amount as winners of the Social Impact Prize.

We sadly said goodbye to Mike Herd, our Executive Director of 22 years, in May and welcomed Nigel Lambe (above) who stepped in to lead the organisation from June. Nigel’s appointment has been a catalyst for the team to re-examine the vision, strategy and culture of Sussex Innovation, trying to build on what we already offer for growing businesses across the South East.

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In September, Sussex Innovation launched its new investor network programme, Suss Ventures. Managed by new team member Laurence Grant, Suss Ventures hosted its first-ever pitching event in November to bring together London and South East's high potential start-ups and high-net worth investors.

October was a big month, with successes all round at the 2019 Croy-

don Business Excellence Awards.

Our members Hozah won the Digital, Data and Technology award for their car parking payments technology, while Catalyst Project Manager Eva Poliszczuk was named Enterprising Young Person of the Year, and Sussex Innovation Croydon received the Best Business for Customer Service award.

Another year of StartUp Sussex was also launched in October, with 90 Sussex students and graduates taking part - the most we’ve ever had!

With the halfway-stage pitches taking place as this issue goes to press, we look forward to working with the 10 finalists more intensively in the coming months.

“From 2020 we are partnering with several other business support organisations to deliver an £11m project, designed to drive economic growth in the region”

SUSSEX INNOVATION CENTRE Looking ahead to 2020, we’re excited to start the year and looking forward to launching several big new projects over the coming months. As you’ll have seen in last month’s Platinum Business, we’re searching for motivated and talented people to join our team as Sussex Innovation continues to grow.

And of course, we can’t celebrate our own 2019 news without recognising the many great accomplishments of our members last year: • Ambiental – a global specialist in flood modelling, flood risk, and natural hazard analytics – were acquired by the environmental engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV. The deal will enable Ambiental to accelerate the growth of its flood-related digital services, strengthening its position in the insurance market.

• Enterprise Therapeutics were awarded up to £5.7m of funding under the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Therapeutics Development Award programme. The funding will enable critical clinical research to be undertaken on the company’s latest biopharmaceutical advances.

• Several member companies were on the receiving end of significant investment this year. most recently information security management specialists ISMS.Online, who followed up their participation in Tech

Nation’s cyber security accelerator earlier this year by raising £2m from local investment firm Cow Corner.

• Sports event technology and ticketing company Race Nation drew upon significant investment to launch their free event day app that brings together event participants, spectators and organisers.

• Advanced Material Development received not one but two grants from the UK Defence and Security Accelerator, for nanomaterials R&D in the fields of signature management and nanobarcoding.

• CDO2 were named as one of fifteen SMEs to receive a share of £1.1m from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK in the Technology Developer Accelerator Programme for companies developing low-carbon technologies. They are developing a new generation of electric vehicle battery sensors that can map current flow in individual cells in a battery pack.

Our third centre, near Brighton station, is finally almost ready to open its doors after a long journey to completion. We’re also continuing the refurbishment of its sister sites, with a whole new ‘eating and meeting’ space coming soon to our head office on the University campus.

From 2020 we are partnering with several other business support organisations to deliver an £11m project, designed to drive economic growth in the region. We plan to use our portion of this grant from the European Regional Development Fund to do more of what Sussex is best known for – energising business leaders to found and grow companies with a purpose, addressing the big social challenges of our time.

To do this, we’ll be announcing new initiatives including specialised business bootcamps, accelerator programmes, and hosting an innovation conference with Platinum Events to bring the South East’s disruptors together under one roof. It’s set to be a very busy, very exciting year.

www.info.sinc.co.uk

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SUSSEX

THE WINNERS!

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he best of Sussex commerce was celebrated at the 2019 Sussex Business Awards.

Organised by Platinum Event Management, the awards ceremony, now in its 31st year, is the largest event of its kind and the most prestigious in the region.

Around 500 of the county’s leading businesspeople gathered for the sellout event at The Grand Brighton on December 5th. Guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course dinner and entertainment before the

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awards ceremony, brilliantly hosted by hilarious TV comedian and author, Dominic Holland.

Mike Herd, Chair of Judges, said: “The gala dinner is the night of the year where the community comes together to celebrate business in Sussex. It is a fantastic evening recognising and acknowledging the outstanding work businesses in our region are doing.

I’d like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted finalists of this year’s awards.”

Platinum very much appreciates the support of its 2019 sponsors – HSBC, Gatwick Airport, Allied Irish Bank, University of Sussex Business School, Sussex Innovation Centre, One Research, Peopleforce Technical Recruitment, South East Apprenticeships Ambassador Network, LMS Group, Cloud9 Insight, Global, EMC Corporate Finance, ViiSana, D-RisQ, Sussex Chamber of Commerce, The Gemini Print Group and Harrods Corporate Services.

BUSINESS BUSINESSAWARDS SURVEY

George Clayson (Knill James), Luke Mead (LMS Group) and Emma Lane (Allied Irish Bank)

Managing Director of Platinum, Maarten Hoffmann

Chair of Judges, Mike Herd

Peopleforce Technical Recruitment

Host and compere, Dominic Holland

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CSR Excellence Award, sponsored by ViiSana – Depot Cinema

E-Commerce Business of the Year, sponsored by EMC Corporate Finance – Rockett St George

Professional Services Award, sponsored by D-Risq – Oban International

Not For Profit Business of the Year, sponsored by The Gemini Print Group – Cats Protection

Start-up of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Chamber of Commerce – Anything is Possible

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SUSSEX

BUSINESS BUSINESSAWARDS SURVEY

The Creative Industries Award, sponsored by University of Sussex Business School – Anything Is Possible

Business Innovation of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Innovation Centre – Extech Cloud

Tourist Destination of the Year, sponsored by Gatwick Airport – Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures

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International Business of the Year, sponsored by HSBC – Rayner

Employer of the Year, sponsored by Peopleforce Technical Recruitment – PMW Communications

Best Customer Service, sponsored by Global – The Agora Clinic

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by SE Apprenticeships Ambassador Network – Michael Lowe, Goldstone Primary School

SUSSEX SME Business of the Year, sponsored By LMS Group – Beauty Pro

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BUSINESS BUSINESSAWARDS SURVEY

Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Allied Irish Bank – Paladone

Businessperson of the Year, sponsored by One Research – Tamara Roberts, Ridgeview Wine Estate

Company of the Year, sponsored by Cloud9 Insight – World of Books

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Sussex Business Awards

What does it mean to win?

Rockett St George

WINNER – E-Commerce Business of the Year Please explain what your business does: Rockett St George was established in 2007 by founders, Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, who turned their passion for interiors into an online business. Selling unique, beautiful and quirky items that help create magical and extraordinary interiors, Rockett St George is home to an eclectic mix of treasures which inject charm and personality into any interior design. Now available on the 4th floor at Liberty London, the collection has come to life and customers can browse our products in person.

What do you think impressed the judges about your company?

Everyone at Rockett St George is extremely passionate about what they do, which is abundantly clear to see when

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you come to visit. We work extremely hard year-round running extensive marketing campaigns, hosting customer events, interacting with customers on

our buzzing social media channels and running our successful influencer collaborations throughout the year. We think that our determination and passion shone through and we hope that the judges felt proud to name us as e-commerce business of the year for Sussex.

What does winning the award mean to your business and your staff?

Our company was built from the kitchen table using our founding vision to revitalise the interiors retail market. So winning this award has provided us with a real sense of achievement and an acknowledgement for the past 12 years of hard work that we have put in to make Rockett St George what it is today. The award has also been the best ‘thank you’ that we could pass on to all of our fabulous employees, past and present, who have helped us grow over the years and support us in our vision for the brand.

BUSINESSAWARDS SURVEY BUSINESS Extech Cloud

WINNER – Business Innovation of the Year HIGHLY COMMENDED – Best Customer Service FINALIST – Professional Services Extech Cloud won Business Innovation of the Year, while the judges also gave us a ‘Highly Commended’ for Best Customer Service Award, and we were a finalist in the Professional Services category too. A successful evening for us.

Over the last two years, Extech Cloud have developed the Extech Cloud Methodology. The service digitally transforms organisations by transitioning them to the public cloud, a rev-

olutionary form of cloud computing.

Our ability to provide best-in-class public cloud services means that we can provide clients with four distinct advantages, over classical cloud or IT services: • Cost-savings between 20%-50% • Reduction of cybersecurity instances of up to 60% • 52% reduction in employees who say IT negatively affects their day-to-day work • Monthly OPEX rather than cash-intensive CAPEX The proprietary process runs through seven different stages, which allows Extech Cloud to revolutionise a client’s IT infrastructure to a modern and innovative technology platform.

To date, Extech Cloud have successfully delivered over 100 cloud migra-

tions of this type. Nigel Lambe, Interim Chief Executive at Sussex Innovation Centre, and category judge said: “This year’s winner took the brave decision to refocus its business model well in advance of the marketplace and is now positioned as a market leader in Sussex and beyond.”

Andrew Hookway, Managing Director, commented: “The team deserve this accolade. They have deployed some wonderful and innovative solutions for our customers who are benefiting from the powerful technology that’s available through public cloud. Without the smooth process the team have implemented, we wouldn’t have been able to deliver over 100 successful digital transformations.”

Paladone

WINNER – Large Business of the Year

Born in Brighton and oozing creativity from every pore, Paladone knows what makes an awesome gift. We are hard wired into the fiercest entertainment LEGENDS and coolest trends and are on a mission to create the most compulsive, most original, most eco-friendly, most “must have” gifts on the planet.

We are hell bent on making the world a better place and won’t be happy until

we make everything we do better for the environment, better for people, and better for the planet. Paladone has invested heavily into Breakdown Plastic – an organic additive that helps plastic decompose at landfill without affecting either its structural integrity or the recyclability of the product. We were the first to bring biodegradable plastic to the gift industry and we’re not afraid to shout about it.

Our obsession with making the world a better place doesn’t stop at our green initiative. Back at HQ, staff wellbeing is our number one priority.

We wouldn’t be the UK’s top gift supplier

without putting our people first. Paladone’s support system is what holds up our fantastic culture.

Achieving recognition for the incredible work the Paladone tribe does every day is amazing. The judges’ enthusiasm for our eco efforts has reinforced that we are heading in the right direction. We all know growth is tough, but this award shows that we can work through the pressure as one epic team prepared to celebrate this success to its fullest!

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BUSINESS AWARDS The Agora Clinic

WINNER – Best Customer Service What do we do?

We are the largest Fertility Clinic In Sussex and provide both NHS and privately funded treatments. Our vision is to empower the freedom of reproductive choice by creating families with expert personalised treatment and state of the art technology, in a boutique and compassionate environment. We believe everyone has the right to have a family and our pledge is to ensure people understand their fertility options at every stage of their life.

Our Founder and Medical Director, Dr Carole Gilling Smith, believes that every adult and adolescent, should be educated about their reproductive health to ensure they have every possible chance of conceiving a child at a time in their lives that it is right for them. The judges saw how everyone in the team shares her vision and lives the Agora’s values of wisdom, honesty and compassion.

What does winning the Award mean to your business and staff?

This award is the perfect complement

What do you think impressed the judges about your company The passion for what we do which is not just delivering an exceptional level of emotional and physical care to our patients but also giving back to the entire community through our fertility education programs.

to the Agora ranking first in London and the South East for IVF success rates across all ages, as recently published by the industry’s regulator, the HFEA. The Clinic has long been renowned for providing exceptional patient care every step of the way through its deep understanding of the huge stress fertility treatment can cause. Having this recognised by a team of external judges not personally involved, has made it even more real… we feel very proud.

Every single member of the team feels inspired and energised that their hard work has been recognised in this way.

Oban International

WINNER – Professional Services HIGHLY COMMENDED – International Business of the Year FINALIST – SME Business of the Year Please explain what Oban International does?

Oban International is a digital marketing agency which specialises in international growth. We help brands get a better digital marketing performance from existing markets and expand into new markets. Everything we do is based on one single-minded thought: the idea that local in-market insights are essential to identifying the biggest international digital marketing opportunities and avoid the costliest mistakes. Our services include multilingual SEO, Paid Search, Paid Social, Content, Research and Strategy.

What do you think impressed the judges about Oban International?

Our commitment to helping businesses succeed internationally. Oban has a unique network of LIMEs (Local

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In-Market Experts) around the world, made up of 450+ marketing professionals across 80+ markets and 70+ languages. Collectively, LIMEs offer a breadth and depth of marketing experience in a range of sectors, markets and disciplines.

Together with our teams of digital marketing experts in our Brighton HQ, Oban can help businesses improve their digital marketing performance in any market. With a mix of outstanding customer service, strong quality assurance processes and excellent business management, we have a track record since 2002 of doing exactly that, for brands as diverse as AXA, BBC World Service, Big Bus Tours, First State Investments, Jo Malone London, Kaspersky and Montblanc.

What does it mean to Oban International to win this award?

Sussex is home to over 75,000 businesses and Oban is very proud to be one of them. Among a range of innovative, progressive, successful businesses, we are delighted that the Sussex Business Awards have recognised and endorsed our contribution.

FINANCE

Celebrating INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

HSBC UK sponsored the International Business of the Year category at the 2019 Sussex Business Awards. Andrew Steer, Head of Business Banking for Sussex & Surrey, states why the awards are so important to business in the South East the International Business of the Year Award for the sixth consecutive year, is involved in the event.

T

he applications have been reviewed, the judging completed, the finalists shortlisted and the winner announced at the recent Awards ceremony at The Grand Brighton. Huge congratulations to all the finalists, MRL Consulting Group, Oban International, PVL (UK) and of course, to the International Business of the Year winner, Rayner.

The Sussex Business Awards, now in their 31st year, are all about celebrating local business, large and small, and provide a great opportunity for companies to boost their profile, grow their network of contacts and help to put Sussex on the map as one of the best places to do business in the South East.

Andrew Steer, Head of Business Banking Sussex & Surrey for HSBC UK, explains why the bank, which sponsored

“HSBC UK is proud to continue to support local businesses and communities by connecting them to opportunities and helping them thrive locally, nationally and internationally,” he said.

“The bank serves customers worldwide, from 4000 offices in 70 countries and territories across the globe, and as one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations with access to most of the world’s trade corridors, is perfectly placed to help businesses in Sussex access these opportunities.

“Sponsoring the Sussex Business Awards’ International Business of the Year is another fantastic opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to working with local businesses to help them realise their hopes, dreams and ambitions for international growth.”

HSBC UK serves businesses ranging from SMEs, focusing primarily on their

domestic and international markets, through to large corporates operating globally in different territories. Whether it is working capital, term loans, trade finance or payments and cash management solutions, HSBC UK can provide the tools and expertise businesses need to thrive as well as access to a geographical network covering nearly all of global trade and capital flows.

Explaining why the bank continues to sponsor this international category Andrew said: “I am passionate about supporting SME businesses and believe that they play a vital role in not only their own local economy and communities, but also the overall success of the UK economy.

“The bank has also recently launched its £200m SME Lending Fund in Sussex for 2019/20 giving business the knowledge that HSBC UK are very much looking forward to helping existing and new customers in Sussex to grow, create jobs and fulfil their ambitions, whether that be locally, nationally or internationally.

“Thank you to all those businesses that entered the category, well done to those that were shortlisted as finalists and of course, congratulations to the winner, Rayner!”

If your business has growth aspirations and you would like to discuss the SME Lending Fund then feel free to contact Andrew at: andrew.steer@hsbc.com

Andrew Steer (centre) with the Rayner team, the winners of the International Business of the Year at the 2019 Sussex Business Awards (see p28-33)

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Tamara Roberts: The Sussex Businessperson of the Year Ridgeview Wine Estate will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year.

Kate Morton meets the CEO, the First Lady of English Sparkling Wine, Tamara Roberts

I

t was only a matter of days following my interview with Ridgeview Wine Estate’s CEO Tamara Roberts, that her 2020 International Presidency with the International Wine & Spirit Competition was announced. Not only is this the first time that an English wine producer has been appointed as President, but it’s the first time that a female has been selected for this highly regarded role – a testament to the rising global status of the English wine industry and most importantly, testament that females are becoming trailblazers in an industry which, for so many years, has been dominated by the opposite sex.

Rewind a few days and I met with Tamara on a cold autumn day at Ridgeview Wine Estate, the vineyard where the award-winning English sparkling wine is produced.

Situated at the foot of the South Downs, the estate is secludedly

CEO and now a President, yet she’s calm, collected and oozes a glowing charm. You can instantly sense she is methodical, a vital skill, I’m sure, required when pursuing a career in wine production.

tucked away just outside Ditchling, the quintessential East Sussex village, and is surrounded by stunning English countryside – flame-tipped trees, snowy dots of grazing sheep and crisp rolling landscapes. On arrival, you can’t help but notice the grandeur of the estate, the smart charcoal-panelled outbuildings clearly hold an abundance of skill and magic. And beyond these, you can’t miss the acres and acres of luscious grape-bearing vines – 20 acres to be precise – as far the eye can see.

Tamara greets me with enthusiasm.

She’s an extremely busy lady; she’s a

Ridgeview was the brainchild of Tamara’s parents. With entrepreneurialism at their heart having run their own successful computer business in the 1980s, Mike and Chris Roberts had a revelation. Tamara recalls: “At the time there was a small inkling that something was going on in the wine industry. There were glimmers of new things starting here with Nyetimber who were successfully growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and I think that my father cottoned onto something special. That, along with his massive love for the Champagne region – it was his favourite wine region, he adored the wine and knew vast amounts about it – it was then that the penny dropped.”

“They were taking on Champagne, not Cava or Prosecco – but Champagne”

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BUSINESS THE BIGSURVEY STORY

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In the early 1990s Mike and Chris purchased Ridegview. Originally a sheep farm, the Roberts planted over 20 acres of planted vines – Tamara notes this is small in comparison – and focussed on their sparkling new venture.

She continues: “The ambition of my father and mother right from the very beginning was that the wine would be of the highest quality and compete at the top level of the sparkling wine category. They were taking on Champagne, not Cava or Prosecco but Champagne.”

Roll on 25 years, and they were absolutely right. With its unique climate and soil, England is pretty much the only other region in the world that has the ability to compete against the likes of Champagne because of its perfect wine-making climate.

us was in 2005 when our 2002 Vintage won an International Wine and Spirits trophy - then in 2010 we won Top English Sparkling at the Decanter World Wine Awards. We were in a top 10 category amongst world wines and we beat them all, Champagne too, in a blind taste test. There are certain moments in your life that you won’t forget

In her role at Ridgeview she has overseen the growth of production from 25k bottles per annum to 400k bottles, and is responsible for the day to day running of the business. With 30 employees and a capacity to produce one million bottles on site, Tamara’s background in finance has certainly given her an edge when it comes to understanding growth, profitability and production, and of course having a nose for good wine helps.

“There are subconscious gender differences going on and you have to manage that but at the same time I don’t want to pretend to be a man”

“From the research my father did, he had the knowledge of the climate but he also took a calculated risk. You can only be proven right by what you produce in the future.

“We immediately won a gold medal in a domestic wine competition and then the trade starting coming to us very early on with the likes of Direct Wines and Waitrose who were all knowledgable about wine, and intrigued by us.

“One of the biggest door openers for

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the Year at the 2019 Sussex Business Awards as well as Sussex Business Woman of the Year in 2017.

and that was one of them. It moved us from a slightly niche ‘cottage’ industry into a world-class industry.”

Joining Ridgeview as General Manager in 2004, Tamara become CEO in 2014. She has won numerous awards including Sussex Businessperson of

The success of Ridgeview is most certainly down to free will, determination and a whole lot of passion and love thrown in. Sadly though as a woman in wine, Tamara is in a category so tiny, that she is few and far between. With a strong desire to bring females in the industry further into the spotlight, is it an unusual career for a woman to be in?

“It is fairly rare to see a woman head a wine brand but we certainly aren’t unique – we’ve got Sam Linter, Managing Director and Head Winemaker at Bolney – but unfortunately there are very few women on the commercial side of things and that’s disheartening. However, when I look at the industry as a whole, there are lots of female wine makers coming

THE BIG STORY as you don’t quite fit in. There are subconscious gender differences going on but you have to manage that and at the same time I don’t want to pretend to be a man!”

through. With that comes a lot of media attention and that’s a great thing.”

Tamara continues: “To be fair it is an unusual career as it is quite practical.

I still feel in the industry as a whole there is a lack of encouragement and perhaps ambition to take on these roles. Maybe it’s a fear of failure. But it is a lonely place being a CEO, you are on your own making a lot of hard decisions. If you are on your own in the gender profile it is even more lonely

Have you suffered from sexism? “It’s happened to me a number of times and from other women too which I find very strange. I often think, ‘why do I have to sit and justify my position?’

There are certain guys who find it very difficult to make eye contact with a woman in a meeting; for example I will be out with my husband at an event and people will direct questions to him rather than me. I can’t quite understand the reasoning behind it, perhaps it’s a slight fear. At one particular business meeting, a guy referred to my husband as the CEO and turned to me and said; ‘and you must do the marketing’?”

Is it changing? “Yes, there is another side to it. I sit on two boards, the Wine and Spirits Trade Association and Wines GB, and I get respect from those. I don’t feel like I’m the token woman there.

“My father was way ahead of his time with his attitude towards women in the workplace. There was no gender specific roles, my mum was very entrepreneurial. I grew up in that environment and then naturally you take it on yourself. We have to encourage mutual respect. We are all human beings after all. Some of us have better skills than others regardless of whether we are male or female.”

Tamara continues: “But in the last five to ten years I have seen much more of a collaborative approach in and around business. We talk about successes more and encourage flexibility for both male and female employees.

But sadly there is definitely a fear of failure out there; I’m not sure what would change it… perhaps politics?”

Tamara’s journey is inspiring, extraordinary and encouraging. Championing women in business, she certainly deserves all of her successes. Looking back in history, in 1805 Barbe-Nicole Clicquot was the first woman to run a Champagne house, taking the helm at a time when women in France couldn’t hold a bank account, let alone run a Champagne house. However, Barbe-Nicole grew the business into an international empire, driven by passion and determination and ‘President’ Tamara, an effervescent female CEO, is too making her mark on the international sparkling wine scene. We raise our glass to you!

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Intermittent fasting

does it work?

Health Editor Tess de Klerk explores the pros and cons of this latest health craze

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ou might have noticed the buzz around the practice of intermittent fasting. Everyone from the fitness guru Ben Greenfield to Jennifer Aniston can’t seem to praise the practice enough but what does it entail, is it safe and does it work?

myriad of advantages a healthy BMI brings but proven benefits include increased energy levels, reduced inflammation, reduced leptin levels which can lead to an increase in testosterone in men, an increase in cell detoxification, and perhaps the most excit-

to understand the bodily process.

When we eat the body transforms food into glycogen, which is stored in the liver. During times of fasting, glycogen reserves are lowered. When glycogen/energy reserves reach a certain low, the body responds by releasing fat cells into the bloodstream. These fat cells are now converted into energy, for the body and brain, in a process known as ketosis. Fundamentally the body switches to ‘survival mode’ and uses body fat to survive.

“We may have gotten so used to frequent eating to ensure optimal amounts of nutrients pertinent for health, that it might be hard to grasp why fasting works”

Let me start by expelling the notion that fasting is starving. I for one shudder at the idea of struggling through 24 hours without sustenance and it simply prompts me to add Camembert to my grocery list! The good news is that the benefits of intermittent fasting start kicking in after abstaining for 12 hours. Yes, this can simply mean not eating after 8pm and having breakfast after 8am. Do-able.

The most obvious use of intermittent fasting relates to weight loss and the

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ing discovery of all, protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

We may have gotten so used to frequent eating to ensure optimal amounts of nutrients pertinent for health, that it might be hard to grasp why fasting works. It can be helpful

Studies have shown an increase of up to 60% of energy converted from fat in people who fasted between 12-24 hours, with the biggest change occurring after fasting for 18 hours. It is obvious that burning fat reserves for energy will go a long way in losing weight but in the brain ketones also trigger the release of BDNF, which

BUSINESS SURVEY HEALTH & WELLBEING

helps strengthen and build neurons and neural connections in areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

One of the most impressive studies has shown an increase of ketone production significantly improving the memory of people with early signs of dementia.

Fasting is not necessarily the only way to boost ketone production, as cut-

ting back on carbohydrates and increasing intake of healthy fats can have a similar effect. However, research has shown that the ketogenic diet (low-carb, high-fat intake) increases ketones fourfold whereas fasting shows an increase of up to twenty fold.

In other words, fasting intermittent-

ly for periods of 12-24 hours can be beneficial for the health of many but it is not for everyone. Fasting is contraindicated for expectant mothers, youths, the elderly, and anyone with any medical condition should consult their health care provider first.

One might also be concerned about dealing with that ‘hangry’ monster hidden inside many of us! That destructive force spawned by hunger but I can report that by the second day of my experimental fasting, hunger seemed to fade away, I felt quite calm and did not feel the need to eat until 12pm. It is early days but thus far, in my case, intermittent fasting has, mercifully, not been as arduous as I expected.

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DIP INTO...

THE LAP OF LUXURY

A countryside hideaway boasting a cuttingedge spa, Tess de Klerk spends a day unwinding at The Spa at South Lodge Hotel

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admit that I struggled to contain my glee when I received an invite from the lovely Sara to review The Spa at South Lodge Hotel. I then had to remind myself to temper my expectations as these things rarely live up to the purported hype but I am pleased to report that this hype is well deserved!

South Lodge Hotel can rightly be proud of their award-winning, stateof-the-art spa which opened its doors last year.

Set into the natural contours of the breathtaking Sussex Downs, the oak clad premises meld seamlessly with their surroundings, with floor to ceiling windows throughout the thermal suite, a gym and an indoor infinity pool. Never have I had such a breathtaking view whilst enjoying a sauna!

Amongst others, The Spa features a steaming outdoor hydrotherapy pool.

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Yes, an outdoor pool hot enough to comfortably laze in during even the coldest of winter days. Oh, and did I mention the spectacular, ever-present views? With these facilities, one gains the benefits of spending time in nature whilst indulging in the lap of luxury. But just in case you might feel the desire to plunge further, there is a beautiful 18m wild swimming pond on the grounds.

My morning flew by in a jasmine-scented haze of decadence and I reluctantly made my way to Botanika for a spot of lunch. My reluctance quickly disappeared as I sat in the beautiful restaurant, spoilt for choice. Head chef Jonathan Spiers has created a Mediterranean influenced menu using the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients. Although not vegetarian, the menu features a plethora of plant-based plates with something special for all dietary preferences.

I was served a perfect dish of seabass with Jerusalem artichoke, samphire and a black garlic dressing only to be topped off by the lightest, creamiest of cheesecakes. Aaah, all in a day’s work...

Next, I was led to the calming treatment rooms. The Spa at South Lodge offers a wide range of body, face, nail and hair treatments in their treatment rooms, mud room and Ridgeview Beauty Bar. All their treatments use luxurious brand products, carefully selected for their company philosophies and results-driven properties. I opted for the Bamboo massage and my therapist, Dawn, clearly knows her stuff!

She found areas of deeply seated tension I hadn’t realised I had and she deftly massaged me into utter bliss.

After a refreshing drink of juice blended with herbal elixirs, it was time for

HEALTH & WELLBEING

“She found areas of deeply seated tension I hadn’t realised I had and she deftly massaged me into utter bliss...” my treatment at the luxury clinic, Aesthetic Collective. The clinic offers the latest in non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic treatments performed by skilled medical practitioners and therapists. I was curious to try the relatively new, no downtime Byonik pulse-triggered laser treatment as it seemed the ideal accompaniment to my luxury spa day. I have not often come across a technologically advanced treatment after which I can pop straight back to the steam room. Still, I expected discomfort during treatment, as it is more often than not with laser, but I can attest that it felt like any other relaxing facial but with super-charged results.

All in all The Spa at South Lodge Hotel is superb and I walked away from the beautiful premises feeling radiant and revitalised. www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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t’s challenging to achieve a healthy work-life balance, especially when juggling 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 in 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 has developed an unhealthy

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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.”

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

INTERVIEW

Keeping it social

Ian Trevett meets Kerry Watkins, the Founder and MD of Social Brighton, who is on a mission to help people unleash the full potential of social media

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question I like to ask in an interview is: What is your elevator pitch? Kerry Watkins immediately launches into a well-prepared and upbeat mini-speech which starts, “There are 3.5 billion social media users in the world, with 9% yearon-year growth. There are 1.6 billion people logging into Facebook every day, half a billion people using Instagram Stories every day. The new boy TikTok has already gained 500 million

users, and was the most downloaded app in the US last year.”

The volume of users on social media is staggering, and it is no wonder that almost every business, large or small, is tweeting, posting and engaging like crazy. But how many have a genuine plan on how to convert the activity into customers or advocates? Do they know why they are posting content and whether or not it has any effect?

Back in 2010, Kerry instantly recognised the potential of the platforms.

Then working as an Operations Manager in hospitality, she recalls, “It was clear to me that social media was going to be a game changer in terms of marketing and communicating, particularly in the hospitality sector at that time, full of young people and early adopters. And this was exciting - these were our customers and advances in tech were changing the way

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that people communicated, discovered events and shared information.

“I saw a huge opportunity to embrace social media. Not only to promote the businesses I looked after more effectively but also to engage in two way communication with our customers using the channels they were spending all their time on.

“The result was an ambitious social media strategy, shaving tens of thousands off the expenses line, an engaged audience and our organisation getting ahead of the game at an early stage in terms of digital.”

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As well as disrupting the approach of the business, Kerry started her own social media blog, and Social Brighton was born. The blog quickly attracted attention and Kerry realised that she was able to help other businesses take advantage of social media.

that gives you a different perspective.

I remember opening my laptop one Monday morning and fighting back tears because I was so stressed. I was working for a group of middle-aged male directors and I had a completely different outlook to them.”

Striking out In 2014, she reached a crisis point in her career, which many female entrepreneurs with families will recognise and identify with.

With a five-year-old daughter to look after, she took the plunge and Social Brighton became a full-time business.

“I was travelling a lot to London when my daughter was young,” says Kerry.

“There’s something about having kids

Despite a bout of Imposter Syndrome, Kerry’s drive came from her resolute faith in the possibilities that social media presented. She says, “What was really exciting about social media, and I

INTERVIEW still think is very exciting, is the way it gives individuals a voice. We are all self publishers. We can share opinions and messages globally in an instant. And whilst there are risks that come with this, there are also huge opportunities.”

“My mission was to empower businesses to implement a coherent social strategy. It’s not just about putting content out there. It is essential to set clear goals, otherwise you have no clear objectives and no way to measure how effective your campaign has been. Social is really more a communications channel than a marketing tool. If you think about who your target customer is and what they're interested in, you going to stop them scrolling past your posts. Your content should be more aligned to them rather than just talking about yourself.

ented team of creatives, Social Brighton is firmly established as the go-to business for social media marketing and training. Five years on, Kerry has no regrets, “I still love what I do and I love being able to come into the office and work with a brilliant team. We're still small, but I think the people that I work with is very important and I'm really lucky to find our particular team of people who are just great at what they do.

“I’m keen to work on more social impact projects, particularly around gender equality. I've worked on four or five different global projects with gender equality objectives in developing countries.

“For instance, the aim of one project was to improve health care and education for women who live in the slums of Kenya. We’ve managed campaigns to challenge social norms in certain African countries where violence against women is the norm. We’ve delivered global advertising campaigns for a charity called The Girl Effect, which tries to improve confidence and opportunities for women. These projects really give me job satisfaction and represent to me the good that social media can do.

“Kerry’s drive came from her resolute faith in the possibilities that social media presented”

“We deliver training and coaching and we also encourage businesses to look at their culture, so that it's not just a marketing person who works remotely doing the social media. We have also developed an agency side of the business, particularly in paid social which is more complex than organic social, but the emphasis is always to help businesses deliver results through social.

“We have to be creative and excellent communicators but also act as data analysts.”

Dropping overnight from a decent salary to zero was a big risk, but it was a gamble that paid off. Now based in Hove’s Platf9rm with a young and tal-

“I see my role as leading and developing these young people in their 20s.

I'm trying to develop them all to make myself not so needed in the business in the future. I want them to treat it as if it was their business.”

Making a difference For Kerry, creating a business has no value unless it has a purpose, as she explains, “I want to offer good employment with a work/life balance (we recently implemented a four-day week!) as well as to try and help businesses use social media more responsibly.

“Businesses have a responsibility to make the digital space a positive place for our children. My daughter will be a teenager soon and I don't want her going on to Instagram, seeing things that aren't real, seeking validation through engagement or seeing things that negatively impact her mental health.

“We organised a conference in October 2019 called ‘Grow19 - Make Marketing Mean Something!’ which we're going to run annually. Over 100 people came along who were interested in how to become more responsible and ethical marketers; something I really wanted to develop as the heart of our business. We're going to continue doing these kinds of annual conferences and events. It’s all about using social for good whether we’re businesses or individuals - and making the digital space a positive and progressive place to be for all.” www.socialbrighton.com @social_brighton

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TWENTY UNFORGETTABLE TRIPS FOR 2020

In this first issue of the new year, Go Bespoke brings you its Top 20 exciting ideas and experiences for your travel wish list

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t looks like 2020 is shaping up to be an intriguing time to travel and this year’s major trends will shed light on lots of unsung locations and reveal new aspects to some old favourites. Broaden your personal horizons, learn a new skill, get under a destination’s skin – there is also a mass awareness of climate change which will play a vital role in steering our future travel decisions.

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Experience the Aurora Borealis from new floating hotel and spa retreat, Arctic Bath, in Swedish Lapland. This bucket list spectacle is best viewed during the months of August to March. The hotel has just six cabins and there is a big focus on health and wellness plus enjoy dogsledding, visiting the Storforsen Nature Reserve or going on a moose safari.

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Trek to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, a spectacular undertaking which ranks among the greatest outdoor challenges on the planet.

Recommended months to climb are July to October and December to February.

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BUSINESS SURVEY TRAVEL

3

Spend a few days relaxing at the new Mandarin Oriental on Lake Como before heading into Milan for a special private viewing and dinner beneath Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’.

4

Go on a Maldivian adventure to Kanuhura, a five star luxury family-friendly retreat. Kids under 12 go free and can take part in many fun experiences including creating pirate costumes and boarding their very own ‘pirate ship’ to dig for treasure on one of Kanuhura’s two deserted islands.

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Book a trip to Abu Dhabi for some winter sun and go kayaking around The Louvre on Saadiyat Island.

Thrill-seekers will love this paragliding experience at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman. Soar with the birds 960 feet above sea level, soaking up the beautiful views of the Al Hajar mountains and the Gulf of Oman, before descending onto Zighy beach below.

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7

Stay in comfort without compromising on your ethics at the UK’s first 100% vegan hotel, Saorsa 1875, in Perthshire. It’s the perfect antidote to the frantic pace of modern living with eleven bedrooms individually styled with calming linens and antique furnishings. The restaurant is completely plant-based, showcasing local, seasonal and foraged produce.

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Marrakech will be the first African Capital of Culture in 2020, awarded thanks to its substantial haul of architectural, artistic and cultural legacy. And where better to stay than the iconic Royal Mansour, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with two new sensational restaurants – Sesamo and The Nest. >>

Go on an eight-day cooking course in Goa where you will get to grips with cooking fish, rice, coconut, vegetables and the local fruit kokum. You will also visit market and tea plantations and a spice garden.

10

Sail the vibrant waters of Indonesia to Komodo National Park and the Raja Ampat islands on Amandira, a two-masted traditional Phinisi vessel handcrafted by the Konjo tribe.

The ship can accommodate up to ten guests.

11

Try out the world’s first multi-sensory virtual reality experience, ‘The Vessel’ at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina in Hawaii.

The Vessel offers customised journeys using advanced therapeutic technology, such as Deep Space and Zen Garden, that help ‘reset’ your brain to achieve a more relaxed state of mind.

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12

Embark on a one-of-a-kind global adventure aboard the custom-designed Four Seasons Private Jet. Book the World of Adventures trip, departing in May 2020 which spans 8 countries and 24 unforgettable days; meditate at sunset over Petite Anse Bay, see endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, learn to salsa in Bogotá, and much more!

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

Gatwick brings global trade opportunities closer

We’re more than just an airport

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Edge, said to be the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor observation deck, is set to launch in New York on March 11th, with a record-setting height of 1,131 feet and views extending up to 80 miles plus a champagne bar operated by London-based Rhubarb Hospitality Group. Stay at the new Aman hotel opening in the heart of Manhattan within the grandeur of the iconic Crown Building.

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Another big movement this year is the rise of the ski safari. At Eleven Experience’s Chalet Pelerin and new Chalet Hibou in underthe-radar French village Le Miroir, it’s possible to glide through seven resorts in as many days, from Val d’Isère and Tignes to the charmingly old-school Sainte Foy, and heli-ski across the Italian border.

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2020 will mark the launch of Crystal Endeavour, Crystal Cruises’ first custom-built expedition ship in August. It will have naturalists and expedition leaders Boris Wise and Eva Molin Westerholm overseeing as many as 22 expert guides. The ship will accommodate just 200 guests, with butlers on hand, Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, mud rooms and a full-service spa.

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Bordering a protected nature reserve, the new Six Senses Kitzbuehel Alps is the first sustainable luxury hotel and residences in the Austrian Alps. With full ski-in, ski-out access, the resort is nestled in an evergreen forest, just five minutes above the village of Jochberg.

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Explore the highlights of the American South on a tailor-made selfdrive holiday. Visit Nashville, the home of American country music, for a private, backstage tour of the Ryman auditorium. Hear candid stories about stars like Johnny Cash who graced the stage and tour dressing rooms, getting a closer look at rare vintage photos and priceless memorabilia.

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BUSINESS SURVEY TRAVEL

18

Shaped endearingly like a mythical creature’s head on the island of Borneo, Sabah is home to some of the most spectacular natural marvels to be found in this part of the world.

Nature enthusiasts and adventureseekers from across the globe come here to bask in sun-soaked pristine coasts, explore undersea creatures of world-renowned scuba diving sites, scale to the top of Borneo’s highest peak, and venture deep into tropical rainforests brimming with rich biodiversity of plant and animal life.

20

Dive into one of Switzerland’s oldest traditions with an authentic Alpine cheese-making experience at The Chedi in Andermatt. You’ll press your own wheel of artisanal cheese and have it posted to you once it’s matured a few months later.

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Enjoy a thrilling helicopter journey over the Alps before indulging in a Heli picnic on top of Mont Blanc, hosted by your own personal sommelier.

Go Bespoke is delighted to offer Platinum readers £500 off their first booking*. Quote ‘Platinum’ when making your enquiry. *Ts & Cs apply offer valid on bookings over £5,000.

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Travel SNIPPETS

LEGAL

Amangiri’s new camp

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tah hotel Amangiri, part of the Aman group, has added ten one and two bedroom tented suites with private pools, as part of the Camp Sarika. Opening in April, Camp Sakira will have its own pavilion and restaurants, as well as two spa suites, a swimming pool and a jacuzzi. It is a 30-minute hike or five minute drive from Amangiri itself. The brand has also launched its own private jet using a 12-passenger Bombardier Global 5000.

Electric planes

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mission-free flying sounds like an unattainable fantasy but the reality is that it’s just around the corner. Rolls-Royce is planning to launch a test flight of its debut electric plane, ACCEL, in 2020, which is capable of flying at 300mph (compared with a Boeing 787 that typically flies at 560mph).

Dubai EXPO

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orld Expo 2020 in Dubai will be the largest event ever staged in the Arab world, welcoming 190 participating countries and millions of visitors during its six-month run, which begins in October. Expo

Nomadic hotels

Meanwhile, Airbus’s experimental electric E-Fan X aircraft is set to take off in 2021. Israel’s Eviation intends for its commercial allelectric plane Alice to take to the skies in 2022, and Easyjet has partnered with Wright Electric with the aim of having a fleet of electric planes by 2030.

2020 aspires to create a meaningful legacy that will benefit generations to come, both locally and globally, spanning everything from innovations and architecture to friendships and business opportunities.

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nspired by the rootless essence of camping, 700,000 Heures is setting a trend for nomadic hotels that move around the world. Emerging in a different location every six months, it temporarily transforms extravagant private homes, transferring staff and a collection of more than 100 trunks that open out into bars, benches and sinks so guests can sup and sleep under the stars wherever they choose.

From April to November 2020, it will take over two sites in Japan – a temple in Koyasan and a traditional house in Ine, a fishing village near Amanohashidate.

Virgin goes south

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irgin Atlantic launches its first ever flight to South America in 2020, starting a daily service to Sao Paulo on a Boeing 787-9 beginning March 29th, in partnership with Brazilian airline GOL.

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FOOD & DRINK

Into the blue

Cyan, Brighton’s newest seafront restaurant opens at The Grand Brighton

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n exciting new restaurant has launched in Brighton offering an all-day dining experience in one of the most loved hotels in the town. Cyan, which has replaced GB1 at The Grand Brighton, opened its doors in November and offers an all day dining experience with a varied menu of nibbles, small plates and sharing platters.

head chef, Kirk Johnson. Kirk, has over 30 years’ experience working in country house hotels and Royal Ascot, and has trained under the watchful eye of Michael Caines MBE. He said:

With a big emphasis on local products, Cyan aims to use only the best and freshest locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Suppliers such as Great British Charcuterie, B&N Fish and Trenchmore Farm are on board, but it doesn’t just stop at the food. Cyan’s sustainability interest is also reflected in the restaurant design with bespoke marbled artwork pieces made from recycled plastic waste by local artists, Weez & Merl.

Joining the award-winning team is

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While the restaurant has had a contemporary redesign some aspects which made GB1 unique have remained. The 155-year old marble columns are still a central point and continue to be surrounded by a circular bar.

However the bar has been reworked to provide an area for remote workers to settle down in during the day and for groups of friends to be entertained with an interactive dining experience by night.

Pedro Watson, restaurant manager at Cyan, added: “We are extremely excited to launch Cyan at The Grand Brighton and believe it will breathe a fresh lease of life into Brighton’s dining offering. We want people to feel comfortable and relaxed, whether they are grabbing brunch, wanting a place to work with a coffee or a fun and vibrant atmosphere to share dinner and an organic glass of wine with friends.

The restaurant’s food and drink menu is inspired by culture, heritage and travel. Its chefs blend locally sourced produce with a handpicked selection of seasonal, unique and high quality ingredients from around the world to design new and unexpected combinations to create a medley of tastes, textures and flavours.

Cyan aims to provide an interactive and welcoming atmosphere where guests can drink an extensive selection of organic wines by the glass, enjoy watching the bar tender’s flair while making cocktails complete with a selection of garnishes from the in-restaurant micro-herb fridge or see their food being prepared in front of their eyes with live cooking and homemade charcuterie.

eaters, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans.”

“We’re also bringing theatre to the dinner table with interactive dining experiences, live cooking with our chefs and a flair to drinks with our specially designed micro-herb refrigerator ready for any finishing touches.”

“The restaurant seats 80, and with 15 to 20 ever changing dishes we certainly have an exciting challenge on our hands, but we’re looking forward to keeping things interesting for our diners with a variety of options for meat

Cyan’s knowledgeable, fun and engaging team is looking forward to welcoming you into the restaurant soon for an unforgettable dining experience.

To keep on top of all the latest news follow @cyan.brighton on Instagram and to book please email bookings@ cyanbrighton.co.uk

TRAVEL

Connecting people...

By Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport, London

cord on sustainability. By purchasing renewable electricity and by having a strong focus on energy efficiency, we have become carbon neutral and our ground-based facilities are already half way to net zero.

We have pledged to be a carbon net zero airport by 2050 so we will have to keep this momentum going and increase public transport use and encourage the transition to electric vehicles.

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any airports across the world are managing two competing tensions by looking for ways to meet increasing passenger demand for connectivity, while ensuring that any growth is also sustainable.

In the UK, the Government has asked the country’s airports to explore how they might grow by making best use of existing airport runways. At Gatwick, we are taking this forward by seeking planning permission to bring our existing Northern Runway into routine use to deliver incremental growth.

Aviation however is global in nature and any solution to reduce the sector’s carbon emissions must also be global. In partnership with other industry players, airports can use their influence to promote an ambitious long-term, global approach to reduce aircraft emissions.

Government action will be key and can be a catalyst. Carefully thought out policies must be developed across the globe that encourage the necessary market innovations, investment and international cooperation.

Before stepping down, former Prime Minister, Theresa May, legislated for the UK to become carbon net zero by 2050. This is undoubtedly one of the most important challenges we face as a nation – and as a planet - and it is one that all industries, including aviation, must solve together.

If this all happens, the future of aviation can be very different from today.

It can be cleaner, quieter and smarter.

Competition and consumer purchasing power will help to drive this change. We are already seeing innovation in this space, with BA about to start offsetting carbon emissions on domestic flights and easyJet doing the same on all its flights already.

At Gatwick we have a strong track re-

Gatwick’s aircraft fleet is already fuel

efficient. And as an industry, I am positive that we can move forward with hybrid and then electric engine technology for European flights. People across our industry are optimistic this can be done and easyJet and Airbus have just joined forces to analyse the opportunities and challenges surrounding hybrid and electric aircraft.

Long-haul will be harder and some carriers are currently looking at carbon recapture, which involves converting carbon into ethanol and mixing it into airplane fuel. A Virgin Atlantic aircraft recently landed at Gatwick having flown using carbon recapture and recycling technology for the first time on a commercial flight.

The flight was a landmark moment and, as Richard Branson said on arrival, it helped to ‘demonstrate the art of the possible’. Other new technologies and innovations will of course be needed if the ambitious, but important net zero 2050 target is to be met.

I believe that net zero carbon emissions for aviation are within reach by 2050. Growth and sustainability do not need to be mutually exclusive challenges. With significant innovation, investment – and of course ambition - it is possible for both to be accommodated in a net zero world.

www.gatwickairport.com

...in a net zero world 59

A passion for start-ups Jane Crosby, Partner and Employment Law expert at Hart Brown Solicitors, on judging the Start-Up of the Year Award at the 2019 Surrey Business Awards

A

s part of our year-long centenary celebrations, Hart Brown Solicitors decided to sponsor the ‘Start-Up of the Year’ category at the 2019 Surrey Business Awards.

It was my first time judging an award and I wanted to make sure every applicant had a fair opportunity of winning the title. I was involved in the judging process with Nigel Maud, our Chief Operating Officer who knows how to run a successful, longstanding legal practice in Surrey. We had to judge a diverse range of businesses, all with one thing in common: an unwavering belief and passion for what they do.

While all the paper applications made interesting reading, a handful of companies really stood out and we would like to thank all the business owners who took the time to meet us.

Bill Palmer and Jon Murrell of Consentricare have a great idea with their mobile app for elderly care and I am looking forward to watching their future success.

We visited as many companies as possible and whittled the list down to four finalists: Consentricare Ltd, Securium Ltd, My Busy Bots and Teresa Weller Hair Art. While all the companies who entered the awards should be praised for making an enormous effort, these four finalists stood out for us. I remember going into a small café, and meeting two women who had set up a business from home and I didn’t really know what to expect. I left feeling that these two women, Candice and Leanne of My Busy Bots, had created a really brilliant concept and they both really cared about what they were doing with their idea.

Our winner was Securium Ltd, and its CEO Dr Anna Vartapetiance showcases the best of the talent and innovation that Surrey has to offer. Her cyber intelligence business will help keep children safe and I remember Anna saying: “If I can help one child my business will be a success”. Anna’s quiet determination is impressive and she is certainly not to be underestimated.

I wish all of our four finalists, and all of the other applicants who took the time to enter the awards, great success in their new ventures and I am sure they will be contenders for the category ‘Company of the Year’ in a few years’ time.

Likewise, the enthusiasm of Teresa and Gid of Teresa Weller Hair Art is infectious and I can see why their hairdressing business is going to achieve great things in Dorking. They really want to make women feel special about how they look.

As commercial lawyers, we are used to advising start-up businesses, but it is important to remember that these businesses are living and breathing enterprises. We can, of course, advise people in writing about what is best for their businesses, but when we take the time to meeting business owners at their place of work we get the perfect opportunity to understand the practical reality of how that business works.

After much deliberation, Nigel and I came to an agreement about the companies we wanted to visit in order to learn more about how they operated.

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Jane Crosby with Anna Vartapetiance, CEO of Securium

www.hartbrown.co.uk

LEGAL

DMH Stallard achieves record growth

in revenue and talent After a year of record revenue and profit, and significant arrivals, there’s plenty to celebrate, and to look forward to, at this leading south east law firm

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ichard Pollins, Managing Partner of DMH Stallard, has every reason to be optimistic; the firm’s reputation and continued growth in the region has resulted in record revenues of £30million.

“Recent lateral hires have strengthened the firm in important areas and enhanced the leadership in our key business centres,” said Richard. “Traditionally strong in property and corporate, we aim to be the quality firm for entrepreneurs and family businesses.

The work we do for individuals - from estate planning to family matters – is also growing strongly.”

Rebecca Thornley-Gibson joined the London employment group from City firm, Ince. Previously she was head of the employment team at asb law.

Rustom Tata, Chairman of DMH Stallard and Head of the Employment team, said: “Rebecca has an outstanding reputation in the travel and aviation sectors. The high quality advice and service she gives to clients makes her a genuine ‘go to’ lawyer; she is a very welcome new member of our specialist team.”

The firm is looking to invest in Guildford for future growth and the office has been strengthened by the arrival of partners Helen Mead (Corporate) and Samantha Jago (Family) Samantha joined from rhw solicitors where she was one of the firm’s managing partners and an accomplished mediator. Richard Pollins said: “An exceptional solicitor in her field, Saman-

tha is a terrific addition to an already unrivalled team of family lawyers specialising in complex matters for individuals and business owners.”

Helen Mead joined the expanding regional M&A team last spring from asb law, where she was head of corporate.

Jonathan Grant, Partner and Head of Corporate, said: “Helen has already completed the sale of Chandlers Building Supplies since she arrived, one of the stand-out deals in the region in 2019; with Kate Norgett, Helen’s appointment allows us to build a strong corporate team in Guildford, and to boost a solid senior leadership team.”

Ian Greenfield, formerly head of asb law’s commercial property team, has also joined the firm’s Brighton office.

Richard added: “Ian’s appointment is yet more evidence of how we continue to attract the highest calibre people; we anticipate many more senior appointments like this in 2020.

Rebecca Thornley-Gibson

Helen Mead

“Creating a relaxed and modern workplace where people can thrive is a central part of our culture; a focus on the wellbeing of our staff has been a positive factor in our successful recruitment strategy. Amanda Smith, Head of HR and Learning and Development since January, plays a key role in how the firm is developing culturally and has been instrumental in securing these and many more appointments.”

Samantha Jago

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CHARITY NEWS

Should you choose a charity of the year?

With a New Year beginning businesses often choose their charity partner for the year. Julia Trevett-Smith, Communications Coordinator at Kangaroos, believes it is even better to build longer-term partnerships

I

t is heart-warming to see more and more businesses link up with charities, and really take their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously. At this time of year, many businesses will choose a charity of the year, which is a great idea. However, it may be even better to form a long-term partnership with a charity, so the bonds between the charity and the business become even stronger.

Businesses play a vital role in helping charities survive, but it is not just the charity that benefits. Consumers and employees expect the businesses they buy from, and work for, to be doing more. Giving back to the local community is no longer a nice-to-have in business, it’s essential for business success. It has a positive impact on customer loyalty, staff retention, attracting talent and importantly for business it is an effective lever for increased productivity and profit.

At Kangaroos, we rely on funding so we can organise inclusive social and leisure activities for children and young adults with learning disabilities and additional needs. It is great news for our community when a business chooses us as their charity of the year.

But we would love to build up even stronger links with businesses.

A business really connects with a charity when staff get involved with volunteering and start to understand the incredible impact their fund-raising efforts have on people’s lives. The more you engage with a charity the more passionate you are about the charity’s work.

From a charity’s point of view, there is

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often a need to forward plan for longterm projects. A report by New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) says that “70% of donations from corporates are small and short-term.” The report states that these short-term relationships do not help charities to develop long-term projects that can have a more sustainable impact.

Short-term relationships make it incredibly difficult for charities to plan ahead. When there’s a funding gap to fill, longer term projects are much harder to get off the ground and sustain. Imagine if your business was constantly losing important clients.

You wouldn’t be managing growth plans, you’d be fighting to keep the business afloat.

Businesses have an opportunity to play a part in creating an outward looking society we are proud to live in.

Long-term partnerships with a charity are the right thing to do.

www.kangaroos.org.uk Julia Trevett-Smith is a Communications Coordinator at Kangaroos, a Sussex-based charity providing clubs, activities and trips out to young people with learning difficulties.

BUSINESS GROWTH

NatWest Accelerator Entrepreneur of the Month – December 2019 Tom Staniford, Founder of Gusto fun, whilst pushing the team’s craft and skills to an almost biblical level.

If everyone who joins the team enjoys coming to work as much as I have for the last nine years, then mission accomplished.

Out of this comes killer creative and more invigorated relationships with clients.

Tell us about yourself I grew up with a very entrepreneurial dad who ran a corporate video production company (amongst other things).

I worked there for one year until I decided to go freelance in 2010 with hopes to carve out a more creative video path... and at the same time chase a career in music.

After seven years, a handful of tours and albums, the music came to a natural end as my video business started to outgrow me. Since being able to thrust 100% of my effort into the business, I’ve made a new band of film makers and creatives. We call ourselves Gusto.film What does Gusto do?

Gusto.film is an independent video production company with a focus on sparking kinship between brands and their audiences. We do that firstly by sparking kinship between ourselves and the brands by getting real chummy.

What have been the highlights so far?

The biggest highlight has been building my dream team; it’s like a second band. It took a year of sporadic recruiting and a tonne of learning but we’re now in a very sturdy position to attract new business and take existing businesses up a notch.

What tools, techniques or resources have you found useful?

Industry podcasts have had a huge impact on expanding my knowledge of our industry and how others run their businesses. I didn’t have formal training and I haven’t really had a “proper job” before starting my business so listening to what other people do has been a rather crucial fascination of mine. I also lean on a handful of great mentors, including my dad.

What advice would you share with other budding entrepreneurs?

Find an amazing piece of project management software to unscramble your mind into! It doesn’t exist unless you write it down. It’s a bit like ‘photo or not real’.

Another highlight is the type of clients that we’ve attracted in the last couple of years. I’m a musician by heart and for some unknown reason, totally unintentionally, we’re now working with two of the biggest guitar and keyboard brands on the planet.

Organising your ideas, prospects, inspiration, processes, documents etc into a colour coded, single login piece of software is quite literally life changing. It’ll transform your business. We use Clickup!

What have been the biggest challenges?

It continues to be a huge challenge to not get sucked into doing the actual work, rather than running the business. Maybe that’ll change when we have enough budget to employ another senior creative but for now it’s 60% Work / 25% Management Admin / 15% Evolving Gusto. But that’s better than before, so I’m chuffed.

Gusto.film

We work with lots of different shapes and sizes of company from Fender and Unilever to local SMEs and personal brands.

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.

My vision for Gusto is to create a place of work that’s creatively fulfilling and

To find out more about the Accelerator hub, email BrightonAccelerator@natwest.com

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TO M WIL L

Shoreham

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Af ter 21 years at his previou s firm Max Po Dan Lyons, Ja llock has colla mes Hawley an borated with d the team at Agency to crea Brighton Acco te Eightfold Pr mmodation oper ty.

Max will be Director of th e Commercia Disposals an l Agency, de d Acquisition aling with of all types whilst Dan an of commercia d James will l Proper ty, co nt residential let inue to expand tings and man operations on agement portf their olio.

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

SA R A H M

RocketMill

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nge of indu stries. digital B2B In joining RocketMill , Sarah’s managem excellent ent skills communic have alre are met an ation and ady ensu d their ex project red pectations the growin are exceed that clients object g Client Le ives ed. Sarah adership says, “Sar is a key hi team - repo ah’s Accou re in rting to B nt An inquis ianca May itive, talent Management skills who rival most ed and hi Leadership ghly motiv in the indu team.” ated addi stry. tion to th e Client

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Lamborghini Aventador

Following on from my review of the mighty Huracan Evo last month, they were kind enough to drop the top of the range Aventador onto the drive and it would be churlish to refuse, so here is the story of my second Lambo week. By Maarten Hoffmann

I

t is difficult to see where the relationship exists between the original Lamborghini tractor factory and today’s supercars, but it all comes down to the fierce rivalry between Ferruccio Lamborghini and Enzo Ferrari.

With his love of racing fast cars firmly established, Ferruccio purchased a Ferrari and realised that it was not perfect and had the temerity to tell Enzo, who told him that he did not need advice from a tractor maker – and there the rivalry began.

Totally beautiful but as they say – ‘never meet your heroes’ and that was the case for the Countach 40 years ago as it was total pig to drive. So will this hero disappoint?

There is little doubt that it is stunning to look at – dramatic styling that swivels heads wherever it goes with its massive air intakes in front of the rear wheels and the last of the great V12 engines. This is an entirely new car with carbon fibre monocoque, 6.5-litre

of course, but then what do you expect and you soon learn to trust the reversing camera. The same applies to the ride on our wonderful British roads as your fillings will get a great workout and any loose ones will be found in the footwell but do not make the mistake of trying to pick them up whilst driving as this monster needs your undivided attention.

The colossal engine bolted inches from the back of your head has a sound like angels gargling nails but it is all sound and little of anything else as this is a total pig to drive. Fast? Yes of course it is and will swivel your eyeballs but driving today is 5% fast and 95% traffic, parking and cruising at speeds under 40mph.

It will take you gloriously to 60mph in 2.9 seconds and 100mph in under 6.5 in a shrieking crescendo, so it has that covered but as for the remaining 95% of your driving time, it is exhausting.

“The colossal engine bolted inches from the back of your head has a sound like angels gargling nails”

Ferruccio was determined to produce a car that solved the problems he encountered (and hammer Ferrari) and here we are today, with two of the most important supercar manufacturers. Although no longer in original hands with Lamborghini being owned by Audi, and Ferrari by Fiat, they both survive as top of the range sexy supercars.

The Aventador harks back to the old supercar days of the Countach poster most boys had on their walls.

Ferruccio Lambor

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ghini

V12, robotised seven-speed box and electronically controlled differential.

The scissor doors also make a statement and tend to produce blood from the back of your head if you are not very careful getting out of it but they do look dramatic of course. And that is what this is all about – drama, theatre and a statement – look at me l have made it and can afford an iconic masterpiece such as this.

The interior is a sight to behold with drama everywhere, from the fighter jet starter button to the white and blue leather inserts in the seats. A tad of disappointment with the Audi A4 SatNav and Audi key but looking past that it is a superb place to be.

Poor vis out of the back

The gearbox comes nowhere close to being acceptable as it cannot creep, therefore crawling along in traffic is no fun and the automatic function is

BUSINESS MOTORING SURVEY

jerky and slow and will not allow it to smoothly creep along. It constantly wants you to boot it and, although l am always up for that, the 500 cars in front of me on the M25 would not agree. Of the modes available, Strada (road) is far too ponderous and in Corsa (track), the gear changes are totally savage – enough to actually hurt. Therefore, Sport it is but in manual only and with no on-the-floor gearstick, it is paddle shift only.

As far as the chassis goes, it was obviously never tested on British roads as the ride is dreadful. The faster you go, the better it gets but how many

times can you go fast on modern European roads? The steering is superb and magically direct and the traction astounding but it cannot detract from the gearbox and the ride.

There are unquestionably some superb elements to this car – the speed, the steering, the brakes and the pure drama of the whole thing but that is vastly outweighed by the problems – the gearbox and the ride – simply dreadful. Don’t get me wrong, Lambo are making some great cars such as the Huracan and the Urus – both fantastic motors but the Aventador l am afraid misses the 21st century mark of

cars you can actually drive and enjoy with a modicum of surety that you will make it home in one piece, not shaking with exhaustion and with most of your fillings.

TECH STUFF Model tested: LP 700 Engine: 6.5-litre V12 Power: 740bhp Speed: 0-62 2.9 seconds Top: 217mph Economy: 17.7mpg combined Price from: £260,040

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Mercedes CLA

by Maarten Hoffmann

T

he CLA Shooting Brake is the fifth model in their compact range, all underpinned by the platform of the A-Class hatchback.

Shooting Brake – estate to you and l.

It offers a great combo of style, space and affordability in the sector and the likes of Audi and BMW are left playing catch-up. Although this is a compact car, they have made a great fist of making it feel much bigger. It is longer than the previous generation C-Class and longer than most of its rivals. Interior space is great with 495 litres with the rear seats up and 1354 with them down and that is a very good chunk of load space.

The CLA comes with a choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and a 2.1-litre diesel engine and you can order it with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch auto box and the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, which sends torque to the back axle via a rear mounted multi-plate clutch when it deems necessary. All clever stuff but then you would expect nothing else from Mercedes.

I have to admit that regardless of the fact that it sold like hotcakes, l never liked the CLS. All that swooping nose to tail just left me confused as to whether it was coming or going but the CLA, although it has similar lines, it is less dramatic and therefore less like the shell of a tortoise. It’s a good looking car.

carefully designed to match the colour lines and it is all very harmonious.

around with us and here, there is room for all.

As regular readers know, l am a great fan of the Audi all-singing, all-dancing dashboards and, equally, l am a great fan of the Mercedes auto gear changer. It’s on the stalk on the right side of the steering column just like it was back in the day. It’s out of the way and just takes a very simple flick of the finger to switch from forward to

The one thing that drives me potty is over complication and Merc are masters at this. I am sure that once you own the car and spend the time to work it all out, this might not apply but the infotainment system in so confusing to those relatively new to it such as new car owners, hire car clients etc.

The large central screen is great and is touch sensitive but then there is a pad on the centre console that you can direct with the touch of your finger but doing that safely whilst trying to keep any eye on the road is overcomplicated. The controls on the steering wheel are also overly complex as an array of buttons does various things based on where you touch them. All very smart but come on guys, other cars allow the same function with half the complication.

“The CLA is one of those rare cars that does not benefit very much from the extras list”

Inside it is all as it should be. Cosy, warm and lit up like the 4th of July.

There are strip lights all around and they can be colour changed at will and as much as l would like to hate them, l don’t. They just look very cool, offering a very cosy feeling to the interior. The seats are great but they are all manual, which I guess helps keep the sticker price down. The air vents have been

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reverse and does away with any hump in the centre, thus giving more room for cubbyholes for all that ‘stuff’ that we seem to carry around in our cars. I should point out that l am the master of not carrying ‘stuff’ as with changing cars every seven days, l am neat and compact although my bag is a disaster zone. Anyway, the point is that we carry an increasing amount of crap

On the road, it is all calm and correct.

BUSINESS MOTORING SURVEY

Shooting Brake “All clever stuff but then you would expect nothing else from Mercedes”

The 2.0-litre engine sounded too small to please me on paper but not at all.

It is pretty rapid and very smooth and l would find it tough to justify the extra money for a larger engine - and these are not words that fall from my lips easily – especially as l still have the Lamborghini on the driveway right behind the CLA! The damping is quite

gentle, just as it should be for a bias towards refinement, and allows its wheels plenty of vertical travel when absorbing bigger lumps and bumps in the road without disturbing the body too much. Body roll is distantly present in the handling mix but doesn’t prevent the car from steering crisply and cornering with poise.

The CLA is one of those rare cars that does not benefit very much from the extras list. Bigger wheels, bigger engine – none of it improves the car as the base model is already so well sorted that it should not be played with and isn’t that the point – any new car should, but rarely does, come in its best party frock as standard. (the Mercedes FD is currently having a heart attack!)

The CLA Shooting Brake is a very well rounded car that l would challenge you not to be content with right out of the gate. Stuttgart done good.

TECH STUFF Model tested: CLA 220 4Matic Engine: 1,991 cc Power: 184bhp Speed: 0-62 7.8 seconds Top: 140mph Economy: 58.9mpg combined Price from: £28,640

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BUSINESS EXPO

Happy New Year from Net XP

Sussex-based B2B events company, Network Xpress, celebrates a successful year of game-themed expos

I

n March 2019, Net XP held the East Sussex Marketing Expo at the East Sussex National near Uckfield. With some snow on the ground, us Brits soldiered on to make sure the weather was nothing more than a conversation for small talk.

The Tiger’s Pen An avid fan of the BBC programmes Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice, events director Sonny Cutting combined his brand, business background and a love for tigers together in a perfect fit for businesses. The Tiger’s Pen was designed for start-ups looking for investment with ‘Tigers’ on hand to guide, advise and invest. Thus far, The Tiger’s Pen has helped six businesses flourish, and in 2020, investment is increasing. The initial £500 capital investment is being boosted to £5000 for start-ups to pitch their ideas; with new investor Tigers joining this year.

Both the Director’s Hub and the Tiger’s Pen were rolled out at the September expo and were instant successes.

With the key events, connections and ideas, 2019 was busy for Net XP and the new year doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.

bridges and connections. Designed to share and collaborate on growth, problems, and solutions, it is a place of inspiration and innovative thinking.

In June we adventured to Bognor Regis and hosted the West Sussex Tech Expo at Butlins. An exciting venue and expo, we even had Pinks Vintage Ice Cream giving out free 99s from their Mrs Whippy van on the forecourt of the show. Guests and exhibitors enjoyed the whole experience – the game theme was tennis and we all got a ‘slice’ of the action.

In September, Net XP headed to the South of England Showground, Ardingly for its flagship B2B event experience with a football theme and a ‘Beat The Goalie’ live game. Along with all of this, Net XP created two new additions to the brand: The Director’s Hub The Director’s Hub is a peer to peer business growth network offering exclusive think tanks as a way of building

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Expo exhibitors, Freedom Works and Near 2 Me

BEE PART OF THE BIZ BUZZ Worthing Town Hall

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Matt Hunt

Jake Moore

exhibitor stands Explore local opportunities

Digital Masterclass

Breakfast Power Hour Enjoy some networking over a hearty breakfast

Free business support From business experts in various fields and industries

New skills for the digital world

Meet the buyers

New for 2020

Innovation Zone Innovative companies with ‘hands on’ exhibits

FREE ENTRY

From local larger companies and Adur & Worthing Council

Lunch Box

MasterChef Champion

Pitch Restaurant Worthing

Dragons’ Den star

The Great British Porridge Co

HackedIn via LinkedIn Cyber Security Specialist

...network and mingle

#betterbiz2020

Don’t miss out – register now! www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk SHOW ORGANISER

SHOW PARTNER

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Branding & Design: yoohoocreative.com

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Kenny Tutt

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

At the show...

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Thurs 13th February • 10am - 4pm

A Winter Wonder

C

harity Patrons Peter Andre and Jodie Kidd, and Vice President Sally Gunnell were among the 535 guests who attended Chestnut Tree House’s fundraising ball, The Snowman Spectacular, on Saturday November 30th at the Hilton Brighton Metropole. £404,665 was raised on the night to support local children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Rosemarie Finley, Chestnut Tree House CEO

Chestnut Tree House Staff & Volunteers

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Inspired by Raymond Briggs’s classic picture book, The Snowman™, the 12th annual fundraising ball for Chestnut Tree House was hosted by BBC Sussex presenters, Allison Ferns and Danny Pike.

Guests were invited to become part of the story of Chestnut Tree House and The Snowman – to enjoy a night of friendship, fun, and creating

Peter Andre, Adam & Trina Beckett

memories to treasure. Activities on the night included the Spectacular Auction, an online auction, and a Christmas Gift Grotto, and prize draws.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the heartfelt speech by Trina Beckett, who explained what Chestnut Tree House’s care and support means to her and her family.

Kerry & Jenny Mayo

CHARITY NEWS

Isobel & Nick Muston

Michelle & Matt Turner

Daisy & Jon Gilham-Hills, Beth & Adam Streeter

Debi & Robbie Raggio

Sascha & Johanna Koehler

Marcella Whittingdale

Joe Bates, Jodie Kidd, Kenny & Lucy Tutt

Sue Addis & Sally Gunnell

Gemini Print

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chambers listings Pitch and present in the virtual world

Brighton Chamber

www.brightonchamber.co.uk

How curiosity can help you be more effective, innovative and successful Date: Thursday 9th January Time: 9.30am-11.30am Venue: The 1st Central County Ground, Eaton Road, Hove Learn how to expand your curiosity and understand how creative thinking can benefit individuals and teams.

Slo-mo Networking Date: Wednesday 15th January Time: 9am–11am Venue: Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Road, Brighton Join us for Slo-mo networking, it’s a perfect way to build your network efficiently.

Behind the Scenes: Palmeira Mansions, Hove (members only) Date: Thursday 16th January Time: 5.45pm-7.30pm Venue: Palmeira Mansions, 33 Palmeira Mansions, Church Road, Hove Join the Chamber for another ever popular Behind the Scenes tour, this time with a rather grand feel at Palmeira Mansions.

Date: Tuesday 21st January Time: 9.30am-11.30am Venue: The Projects, 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton Take part in this two-hour workshop and go away with increased confidence and lots of new ways to approach a presentation, speech or pitch.

The Business Jet Engine® - business planning made simple!

Date: Thursday 23rd January Time: 9.30am–11.30am Venue: NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator, 149 Preston Road, Brighton Join us for a Bite-sized session all about scoring your business, identifying priority areas and creating a simple plan of action for getting things done.

The ‘Work-life balance’ Breakfast Date: Friday 24th January Time: 7.45am-9.30am Venue: Carluccio’s, 1 Jubilee Street, Brighton Anita Drozd is a woman dedicated to food. Join us to hear her journey from fine-dining chef to founder of YouJuice.

Construction Voice: Ethics or Economics Date: Wednesday 29th January Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm Venue: Platf9rm Hove, Hove Town Hall, Church Road, Hove This event will bring together a panel of experts from all sides of the

construction industry to debate the case for a revolution in our approach to tackling climate change.

Chichester Chamber of Commerce

www.chichestercci.org.uk

The Chichester Business Breakfast in conjunction with Chichester College Date: Wednesday 8th January Time: 7.30am-9am Venue: Chichester College, Westgate Fields, Chichester Price: Members: £13.50 Non-members: £15.00 This monthly breakfast provides a friendly, relaxed and informative environment for local businesses to network and improve their business profile locally, with a guest speaker.

Chamber Monthly Members Meeting Date: Monday 13th January Time: 6pm-8pm Venue: Chichester Harbour Hotel, North Street, Chichester Price: FREE | Non-member We start the new year with our first meeting of 2020. With drinks and nibbles on arrival, there will be a guest speaker and our monthly Chamber items.

Members’ Networking Social – Rume2 Chichester Date: Tuesday 21st January Time: 6pm-7.30pm Venue: Rume2, Sussex House, 12 Crane Street, Chichester Price: FREE to members only - booking required For our January networking evening we will be the guests of Rume2 as they approach their first birthday. Rume2 is a co-working space in central Chichester and they have organised some networking with a twist.

The Power of LinkedIn – A Chichester Chamber/ NatWest Collaboration Hove Town Hall

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Date: Tuesday 28th January Time: 8.45am-12pm Venue: Chichester College, Westgate

Fields, Chichester Price: FREE – booking required NatWest & Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) Collaboration invites you to this complimentary event hosted by Luv4 Marketing.

All places for events must be booked via www.chichestercci.org.uk

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Business Networking Breakfast – Mental Health & Wellbeing at Work Date: Wednesday 22nd January Time: 8am-10:30am Venue: Crowne Plaza Felbridge Price: Members: £20+ vat Non-members: £40+ vat Anna Golawski from Stratus Coaching will be speaking about the role of Mental Health & Wellbeing at Work.

Business Networking Lunch – Championing Female Entrepreneurs Date: Tuesday 28th January Time: 12pm-2:30pm Venue: Brighton Racecourse Price: Members: £25 + vat Non-members: £50+ vat The UK has one of the most vibrant entrepreneurial communities in the world, but only one in three of our entrepreneurs is female - we need to be more ambitious and find ways to unlock the huge untapped potential. Our guest speaker is Vicky Stevens, Coast to Capital Banker in Residence.

Business Networking Lunch – A New Approach to Procurement Date: Wednesday 12th February Time: 12pm-2:30pm Venue: Chichester (TBC) Our speaker Ros Thompson from Quills Group will take you through a new process in procurement.

Worthing Town Hall

Business Networking Breakfast – Improving your Credit Control Legally Date: Wednesday 26th February Time: 8am-10:30am Venue: Bannatynes Hotel, Hastings Price: Members: £20+ vat Non-members: £40+ vat

Networking Breakfast with expert panel Date: Friday 24th January Time: 7.30am-9am Venue: TBC Price: Members: £14+ vat Non-members: £18+ vat

Understand key legal principles that may affect how you do business, take simple practical steps and learn from other businesses. Our guest speaker is Dean Orgill, Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter.

Kick off 2020 by hearing from a panel of experts covering topics including marketing, goal setting, time management and sourcing funding. The panel will share their experiences and give top tips to better prepare you for 2020.

Explore Membership

Chamber Hub

Date: Monthly Venue: Various locations around Sussex Price: Free: non-members only

Date: Friday 7th February Time: 12.30pm-2pm Venue: Impulse Leisure, Lancing Price: Free

Come along to one of our Explore events to find out more about joining the largest membership organisation in Sussex.

Spend your lunchtime enjoying some informal networking with like-minded business people. Chamber Hub is a well-established, popular networking event which attracts a vast selection of local businesses.

Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce

www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Chamber Hub Date: Friday 10th January Time: 12.30pm-2pm Venue: Impulse Leisure, Lancing Price: FREE Spend your lunchtime enjoying some informal networking with like-minded business people. Chamber Hub is a well-established, popular networking event which attracts a vast selection of local businesses.

Better Business Show Date: Thursday 13th February Time: 10am-4pm Venue: Worthing Town Hall & Assembly Rooms, Chapel Road, Worthing Price: Free This event is a must in the 2020 business calendar for all businesses in Worthing & Adur, both large and small. Don’t miss out on visiting over 90 stands, attending the digital masterclasses as well as hearing from our keynote speakers.

For bookings please visit www. worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

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SICK AS A PARROT

By Maarten Hoffmann

I

s it just me that is constantly amazed by being absolutely ripped off by all regional councils when it comes to parking charges? It’s not just the cost of parking but what happens to those millions.

Parking charges are about to reach £1 billion, cash raked in by councils across the UK with absolutely no rule on what happens to this cash. Not only do sky high parking charges damage town centres, do great harm to the already diminishing high street retailers and discourage tourists but motorists are being used as a ‘cash cow’ by councils who fail to balance their budgets.

In any private business, said managers of councils would be fired and replaced with someone who is capable of doing the job and balance the budget. Stealing money from motorists to cover the shortfall is not the answer.

Of the top ten councils who make the money, nine are in London such as Westminster £72.1m, Kensington & Chelsea £36m and Camden £28.3m.

The only council outside of London in the ‘shame list’ is Brighton & Hove at number five. This was ahead of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - which merge their parking operations - at £13.7 million, and Bristol at £12.5 million. Even the entire City of Birmingham only makes £11.1m.

Little old Brighton raked in £24m in 2018 and if you look at the third world roads that we are forced to drive on, you might ask where the hell is this money going? The roads across the city are in a shocking state and only when a pothole is the size of an

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extinct volcano will a truck turn up and pour something in that will last a few weeks. They have already worked out that it is cheaper to pay out the occasional claim for a damaged car than actually fix the bloody roads – and then they make that as difficult as possible. If this vast pot of ‘stolen’ cash was spent on actually fixing the roads, upon which we cash cows drive, we might not make so many complaints

but it does not. It gets swallowed into the coffers to cover the fact that they cannot balance their books.

David Tredinnick MP, whose private members bill ensuring parking charges could be waived by councils to boost town centres became law in 2017, said that authorities needed to be careful not to use motorists as cash cows. The Tory MP for Bosworth said

ANGER MANAGEMENT he would “welcome a review” of the charges, adding “I think where fines are being imposed in circumstances which are unnecessary or unfair or suspicious then I do think that needs to be reviewed. I have no doubt that some councils see this as additional revenue and are punishing motorists.”

His concerns have been echoed by Gordon Millward, from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who has said that councils “are cutting their noses off to spite their faces when they try to fill revenue gaps with parking charges”. English councils have estimated a £913 million surplus from parking for 2019/20 which is the money made from charges, residents’ permits and penalties once running costs have been taken into account.

However, Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s transport spokesman, insisted that “councils are on the side of motorists and shoppers”.

He said: “They have to strike a balance when setting parking policy, both onstreet and off-street, to make sure that there are spaces available for residents, high streets are kept vibrant and traffic is kept moving. Councils don’t make profit on parking charges.

Any income raised through on-street parking charges is spent on running parking services and any surplus is only spent on essential transport projects, such as tackling our national £9 billion roads repair backlog and other transport projects that benefit high streets and local economies.”

The backlog in road repairs is reported to be £12 billion (not £9b) across the country and climbing at an astonishing rate and yet such little money is placed into this fund that the deficit grows bigger every day as we are ripped off, every day.

Councils long-term view seems to be as long as they are in office and not for the long-term good of the city that pays their salary, therefore the high street will continue its decline (loss of business rates), tourists will stop visiting (loss of VAT and related local business rates) and people will move away to where the jobs are (loss of council tax, property stamp duty and ALL local services) and the destruction of the city itself.

“Of the top ten councils who make the money, nine are in London”

If there was a crime of lying to the general public, Mr Tett would currently be residing at Her Majesty’s Pleasure for the rest of his natural life. The above statement is utter rubbish as we can all see when we drive the roads of the UK. The UK roads have never been in such a shocking state of disrepair just as councils are making an increasing amount of cash – 32% increase over the last four years. Where is it all going?

The RAC’s Steve Gooding said: “These large leaps in profit will astonish many motorists. Local authority parking has become big business. The turnover and profit that many councils are seeing would be the envy of many high street retailers. It is exactly these struggling firms that councils must ensure they are not killing off by pricing drivers out of towns and cities.”

Utter, total and complete madness and l for one have had enough. I am now fighting every single ticket l receive and of the last three, all three have been dropped before court and waived. Join me and make a difference – when is enough enough?

ANGER MANAGEMENT

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The curtain comes down with a celebration of Sussex Superheroes Winners of the Sussex Sports Awards 2019 have been revealed

A

t a glittering ceremony at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, finalists and sporting stars gathered to hear who had won the hotly contested 12 award categories, and two additional inspirational awards, after last year’s event received a record-breaking number of nominations from across the county.

ain clinch the gold from the mighty Americans at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, inspired and motivated the 350+ audience with tales of his glittering sports career and presenter Danny Pike.

The star runner, who will probably always be remembered for helping Brit-

“Winning a Sussex Sports Award is known to have helped propel teams

Isabelle Everest

Images: Paul Terry / Stephen Lawrence

The black-tie event, organised by Active Sussex, was themed #SussexSuperheroes and the memorable evening was hosted by legendary GB athletics star Kriss Akabusi MBE (below).

Sadie Mason MBE, Active Sussex Chief Executive, said: “This year was the hardest round of nominations that we have ever had to judge, so to have come out on top of such a competitive and quality field of nominees speaks volumes about what these winners have achieved.”

and individuals onto to even bigger things, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for all the winners. I’d like to also congratulate all those nominated for an award and wish everyone luck in their future sporting and physical activity endeavours.”

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SPORTS AWARDS 2019 Winners Active Champion Award Sian Fletcher (The Ferring walking group) Inspiring Sussex Award David Cumming (Swimming)

Active Sussex Team

Bryony Pitman

University of Brighton Young Volunteer of the Year McKenzie Howell (University of Brighton Netball Club) Platinum Publishing Group Young Sports Personality of the Year Bryony Pitman (Archery) Quality Start Active Primary School of the Year Little Common School

Brighter Outlook (Albion in the Community)

Worthing College Under-19 Netball Team

Everyone Active Community Impact Award Brighter Outlook (Albion in the Community) Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP Team of the Year Worthing College Under-19 Netball Team Southern Combination Football League Coach of the Year Marie Pickering (The Rowans Gym)

Whitehawk Football Club

Sian Fletcher

Sussex Sports Awards 2019 Media The Sussex Sports Awards 2019 highlights and individual winner videos are available to view by visiting the Active Sussex YouTube channel.

Sponsorship opportunities: Sussex Sports Awards 2020 The glitzy annual Sussex Sports Awards is a night not to be missed by anyone involved in Sussex sport and physical activity.

Sponsoring an award not only helps celebrate and promote the county’s sporting success stories, it also creates deep links amongst Sussex sports stars of the future and local business communities.

If you would like to be involved with next year’s event, including sponsorship, please contact Ed Bartram, Active Sussex’s Event Officer: E: ebartram@activesussex.org / T: 01273 644103.

Sussex County FA Volunteer of the Year Ricky Perrin (Sussex Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club) Active Sussex Club of the Year Whitehawk Football Club (Brighton) Active Sussex Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Isabelle Everest (Judo) Freedom Leisure Sports Personality of the Year Ian Richards (Athletics) BBC Sussex Unsung Hero Award Keith Soane (Broadbridge Heath Football Club) Wave Leisure Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award Sandy Fell (Education)

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SPORT | FOOTBALL

Seated power

Alan Wares of The Albion Roar pays tribute to Lewis Hammans, a Brighton & Hove Albion Powerchair footballer, and all-time leading goalscorer

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Last month, Brighton’s all-time leading goalscorer, Lewis Hammans sadly passed away at the age of 20. He never played for the men’s senior team; instead he turned out for six seasons for the Albion’s Powerchair Football (BHAPFC) team, amassing 170 goals along the way. Not even Glenn Murray could ever hope to aspire to that tally for the Seagulls.

Watching powerchair football is something to behold. Each player – there are four on each team – has a motorised

Lewis Hammans, with his father Chris, was presented with a special shirt by the club after scoring his 100th goal

wheelchair of a given type and standard. Speeding is NOT allowed. To pass or shoot, they... how can I put this?

They ‘flip’, pinball-style, the ball towards the goal or to their team-mates by spinning the chair left or right within its own circumference. What it’s not is a bumper-car demolition derby. And Lewis was a master.

Image: BHAFC/Stuart Batchelor

I had a go once. It’s impossible. However, if you get a chance to watch powerchair football, do.

Images: Paul Hazlewood, Club Photographer, Brighton & Hove Albion

Image: BHAFC/Bennett Dean

f any person, of any given gender or physical ability is deemed worthy of wearing the stripes for Brighton & Hove Albion FC, it is enough for them to be considered a ‘Brighton player’.

For many years, with Lewis banging them in for fun, often assisted by former captain, now West Bromwich and England’s Matt Francis, BHAPFC were one of the top four sides in the

country. Indeed, Matt and the Albion’s Gregg Baxter represented England in the 2019 Euros in Finland back in the summer, coming away with the title of ‘European Champions’. In addition, Matt recently received his England cap after representing his country at the 2017 World Cup in Florida.

Such has been the investment in the past from Albion In The Community towards all forms of football, Lewis was afforded a respectful and heartfelt send-off from the club on the way to his final resting place.

We will all miss Lewis, his red mist on the pitch, and the smile wide enough to light 1,000 rooms when he scored.

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UPCOMING BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION FIXTURES

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PREMIER LEAGUE at The Amex Stadium

Sat 18 Jan – Aston Villa Sat 8 Feb – Watford Sat 29 Feb – Crystal Palace Sat 14 Mar – Arsenal

BARCLAYS WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE at The People’s Pension Stadium, Crawley

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Sun 5 Jan – Liverpool Sun 12 Jan – Arsenal Wed 12 Feb – Manchester United

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To book your hospitality at upcoming fi xtures, please visit www.BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com or call the hospitality team on 01273 878 278 or email hospitality@brightonandhovealbion.com

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INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

Old dogs?

By Dean Orgill, Chair of Sussex IoD and Chairman of Mayo Wynne Baxter (It is of course worth bearing in mind that this applies to the successes or failures of others and not just our own.) Similarly we learn more from those who challenge us than from those who agree with us, even if the challenge process means that we firm up on our own view after it has been subject to greater critical analysis.

“I

t’s what you learn after you know it all that counts”, is a maxim that I have seen attributed to various people when reading about the subject of education or learning. I do not know who can claim to be the original author, but I do know that I agree with the idea that it expresses so neatly.

Many of us will have been through various education systems and to varying degrees learned the basics of our trade or profession, or have worked our way through to formal qualifications. The knowledge acquired along the way is often invaluable. However, when we come to put that knowledge into practice arguably that is when we really begin to learn. At that point we begin to add knowledge and experience to the learning that we have acquired to enable us to apply it.

For myself, in both my legal career and my management roles, I do not think that I will ever stop learning, nor do I believe that I should do so. Even after we have applied several years’ worth of practical wisdom to our academic learning I would say that we should never stop taking on fresh perspectives and skills.

I have often commented about learning more from failures than successes, though both can teach us something if we analyse them appropriately.

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I like to bear in mind that, “Learning is not compulsory… neither is survival” (W. Edward Deming). That thought encapsulates for me the fundamental need to keep learning, to keep picking up fresh knowledge and to challenge what you already know in order to be able to take yourself, and your business, forward as our customers and our environments continually change.

As that evolution happens we will need to evolve ourselves. We will need to learn new skills. How we carry out many of the basic tasks in our roles has changed over a number of years and will continue to change. Take a

moment to think how your daily routine has changed over the last few years, then (if you can) the last five years, or ten years. Did you accept that change willingly or reluctantly, and would you approach it differently next time? Perhaps you should consider how you will best embrace the next set of changes that you will face, because one thing that is certain is that further changes will come. Therefore it would be foolhardy not to prepare as positively as possible. Start to identify those new skills and disciplines, those new ways of thinking, that you will need and begin to learn them now.

Just a thought What is the most important lesson you have ever learned?

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk www.iod.com

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

A L B I O N v A S TO N V I L L A Saturday 18 January

M A T C H D AY H O S P I TA L I T Y AT T H E A M E X

A L B I O N v WAT F O R D Saturday 8 February

A L B I O N v C R Y S TA L PA L A C E Saturday 29 February

ALBION v ARSENAL Saturday 14 March

ALBION v MAN UTD Saturday 4 April

B R I G H TO N & H OV E A L B I O N ’ S WO R L D - C L ASS A M E R I C A N

ALBION v LIVERPOOL Saturday 18 April

E X P R E S S C O M M U N I T Y S TA D I U M I S T H E P E R F E C T V E N U E T O WAT C H P R E M I E R L E AG U E F O OT B A L L .

With three matchday restaurants to choose from, all offer premium seating and an unrivalled atmosphere in the build-up to the match.

Hospitality packages at the Amex include: • Premium seating

• Three-course meal

• Inclusive drinks

• Tea and coffee at half-time and full time

• A drink and snacks on arrival

• Matchday programme

For more information on hospitality at the Amex, please call the hospitality team on 01273 878 278 or email hospitality@brightonandhovealbion.com

ALBION v MAN CITY Saturday 25 April

A L B I O N v N E WC AST L E Saturday 9 May

To view all Albion’s upcoming fixtures visit BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com

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