Platinum Business Magazine issue 49 by Platinum Media Group

PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE ISSUE 49. 2018

The Largest Circulation Regional Business Publication in the UK. Focus on

EASTBOURNE

Innovating for 21 years

MIKE HERD Sussex Innovation Centre

WARREN BUFFETT How to be rich AND popular

The Bouyant M&A Market

ART IN THE WORKPLACE

WHY EMOTION MATTERS IN BUSINESS

McLAREN 720s

“Drive this car before you die!”

WWW.PLATINUMPUBLISHING.CO.UK

E NC

ENTER NOW!

RAT B E L

OF EXCELL

FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME AN AWARD WINNING COMPANY

ENTRY DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 6TH 2018 AWARDS CEREMONY THE GRAND BRIGHTON • THURSDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2018 TICKET PRICE £90 • PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE • WWW.SBAWARDS.ORG.UK

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

CATEGORIES ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

sponsored by Mazars COMPANY OF THE YEAR sponsored by Allied Irish Bank LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Coffin Mew START-UP OF THE YEAR sponsored by CountyClean Group BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR sponsored by Gatwick Airport BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD sponsored by HSBC INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by LMS Group SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Red7 TOURIST DESTINATION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Rockinghorse CORPORATE FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR BUSINESS INNOVATION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Sussex Innovation Centre sponsored by University of Sussex CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AWARD sponsored by Vantage Professional Risks PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD sponsorship available EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR sponsorship available FOOD & DRINK DESTINATION OF THE YEAR sponsorship available BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Sussex Chamber of Commerce

To discuss sponsorship opportunities email: sussex@platinumpublishing.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER VISIT: WWW.SBAWARDS.ORG.UK • • • •

Review the categories and determine which are most appropriate for your business. Download the entry template and write your entry ensuring that you address the criteria outlined. Keep each entry to no more than one thousand words over four pages. Save entry as a pdf and submit online.

RULES OF ENTRY • • • •

Entry is open to businesses with a base of operations in Sussex. Each business is permitted to enter a maximum of three award categories. Each entry will be charged £50.00 per entry which covers administration costs. All entries must be submitted by 17:00hrs on September 6th 2018.

21st November 2018 THE ARORA HOTEL, CRAWLEY

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just Meet the Buyers get yourself connected The Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers Programme brings together Buyers and Suppliers to help each other grow their businesses. For Buyers, you will have the opportunity to meet new Suppliers of the products and services you need as well as explore ways to solve your procurement issues.

For Suppliers, you will be able to access the kind of businesses you simply cannot reach elsewhere, with face to face meetings with their procurement professionals.

From June 2018, there will be a programme of free Seminars to help you understand how to engage with Public Sector and large businesses that are seeking new suppliers as well as improve your general sales processes.

t: 01293 813889

e: info@gatwickdiamondmeetthebuyers.com

www.GatwickDiamondMeettheBuyers.com

Sponsored by

@GDMeettheBuyers

Welcome

THE BIG STORY WARREN BUFFETT He is obscenely wealthy, yet it is rare to hear criticism of the Sage of Ohama. How can he be both rich and popular?

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

SHAKE HANDS IN CRETE

FOCUS ON EASTBOURNE

21 YEARS OF INNOVATING

124

MCLAREN 720S

Nik Askaroff says the M&A market is buoyant

With beaches, wineries, private yachts and Bronze Age ruins, Crete is a dream destination for event planners.

Not only does the sun shine more in Eastbourne, it is also a great place to do business

Interview with SINC Executive Director, Mike Herd

Apparently, it is rather fast…

9 16 22 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 43 44 47 48 52 54 57 58 62 64 66 67 68 69 73 76 78 80 83 84 88 92 94 97 99 100 101 103 104 107 108 110 112 113 114 115 116 117 119 120 122 124 126 129 130 132 134 137 139 144 146

Local and National News The Big Story – Warren Buffett NatWest – Business Accelerator Basepoint – Newhaven Carpenter Box – PPI it’s not Kreston Reeves – Floating a business DMH Stallard – News Rix & Kay – Making law easy for you LMS Group – The host with the most CEO Fight Club – Businesses need to get emotional Lloyds Bank – Exporting EMC Corporate Finance – Let the good times roll Adur & Worthing Business Awards Castle Fine Art – Your world, our art White Space – Expert Panel Travel – Shake Hands in Crete Gatwick Airport – going the extra mile Red 7 – Recruit, reward, retain Lewes District Business Awards Eastbourne Profile Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce Gaby Hardwicke – local pedigree, local knowledge Martin Riley Enterprise Shopping Centre GoPlastic Pallets Green Growth Platform Handelsbanken – putting customers first Cooden Tax Consulting – R&D Tax Relief County Clean – environmental evolutionaries RSE Group – Spot the difference Stephen Lloyd, MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon Interview – Steve McGuire, Uni of Sussex Business School Interview – Mike Herd, Director at SINC The Sussex Innovation Centre (SINC) Brighton & Hove Business Awards Sponsor – NatWest Business Women of Excellence Awards Brighton and Hove Buses Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Platinum Sport Introduction Interview – Peter James talks motor sport Brighton & Hove Albion hospitality The Float Spa – up your game by floating Interview – Steven Powell – The Houston Dynamos Cricket is a blast Rugby in Sussex and beyond Active Sussex – Parallel Youth Games When Business meets Sport – Dean Orgill Network my Club When Business meets Sport – Rosemary French Wave – be more active after your holiday A view from the sofa – just a bit of banter? Brighton Summit Restaurant Review – The Ivy Hotel Review – Sea Spray, Brighton Lets’ Do Business – Brighton The Platinum Club Motoring – Mercedes-Benz SL400 Motoring – McLaren 720s Charity News – Chestnut Tree House Chambers Listings Anger Management – The shame of Uber Institute of Directors

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.

PLATINUM PUBLISHING

GROUP

At a glance

Issue 49 - 2018

A word from the Editors We have been banging on for many years that print is alive and well and we will see a massive resurgence soon. Soon is now. Not only has the owner of Wetherspoons recently announced the cessation of all social media and the launch of their own print magazine, but now we have the stunning news that the arbiter of all things digital, Facebook, has just launched its own printed business magazine exclusively in the UK, entitled Grow. We won’t mention that Grow is the name of the cannabis community’s magazine but that said, here we are in the zenith of all things digital, and printed magazines are flying back into vogue. Why? Well, most of us are sick to the back teeth of staring at screens. Phones constantly on, i-pad or laptop in the bag, main computer on the desk, TV at home - we can never get away. The pleasure of sitting with a printed magazine cannot be overestimated in this digital overload world and even Facebook have recognised this fact. So, what will you find in this superb PRINTED magazine that has been with you loyally for over 5 years and is the largest circulation publication of its kind in the UK? The region’s most important and prestigious awards are back with the launch of the Sussex Business Awards 2018. There is nothing like becoming an award winning company and the effect on your peers, clients and staff cannot be overstated. Enter now. And if that is not enough, we have also just launched the Surrey Business Awards 2018. We feature Eastbourne in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce and take a look at why this town is rapidly becoming a major player in the business world. Laurence has been busy with the new Sport section and who knew that author Peter James was a petrol head? Ian has been profiling the Sage of Omaha, Warren Buffett and Maarten has been in possession of a McLaren 720s and as he states it is one of the fastest road cars he has ever driven, you can be assured it is a tad quick. We would also like to apologise to all drivers on the roads of the South East. We launch the 2018 Brighton Summit and there is a special offer for Platinum readers, we take a look at one of the smartest contemporary art galleries in the country in Castle Fine Art and the opportunity for companies to have some incredible art of their walls and Nik Askaroff of EMC Corporate Finance reveals all about the current state of the M&A market in our region. Enjoy the read. This is our largest ever issue and we have increased our print run yet again - print is back, long live print.

Maarten & Ian Platinum Business Magazine June 2018

The Team

Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumpublishing.co.uk

07966 244046

Fiona Graves

Laurence Elphick

Kate Morton

Rose Dykins

Events Director

Head of Sport

Copy Editor

Travel Editor

Amanda Harrington

Poppie Sharman

Amanda Menahem

Steve Elford

James Morrison

Head of Design

Events Manager

Food & Drink Editor

Head of Web Development

Head of Web Design

Photo by www.shootmenow.co.uk

Lesley Alcock Business Development Director

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumpublishing.co.uk

07989 970804

Knowing you. Wherever your business takes you Businesses looking for new markets and suppliers beyond our shores need the support of advisers who are already helping other companies trade internationally. Here at Kreston Reeves, our team can help you with your international ambitions, whether drawing from our experience of other companies who have done the same, or linking in with our Kreston international network. With more than 200 member firms in over 125 countries the Kreston network can help you expand profitably and provides clients like you with access to international advice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wherever your ambitions take you. Call us to find out how we can help. For all your business, tax and wealth needs. Call: +44 (0)330 124 1399 Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

Local News

Local News IKEA in Lancing?

The meeting to decide on a planning application to build 600 new homes and an IKEA superstore at New Monks Farm in Lancing has been announced. Adur District Council’s Planning Committee will sit on July 18th at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Lancing. The meeting, solely to decide the New Monks issue, starts at 7pm. The venue has been switched from the Shoreham Centre to allow more members of the public to observe the debate. In addition to 600 homes and IKEA superstore, the application also includes a new roundabout on the A27, a country park, land for a school and a community hub. It would also see the relocation and expansion of the Withy Patch Gypsy and Traveller site. The residential part of the plan includes 30% affordable homes, which is in line with the recently adopted Adur Local Plan.

“You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong”

Loch on the lists

Signs of safety The Sussex Sign Company has been awarded CHAS accreditation for the second year running, which is considered to be the highest accolade in terms of health and safety credentials. Norman Mayhew, MD of the Portslade-based company, was delighted to report that his business is one of a very few who have achieved the status – on top of Safe Contractor certification. CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is rapidly becoming a construction industry award which improves standards across the whole industry. Norman said, “This demonstrates our commitment to Health and Safety legislation and because CHAS also focuses on reducing duplication, it helps our suppliers and buyers work with us seamlessly.”

Loch Associates Group has been shortlisted for three separate awards. The nominations are: • Best Business (1-25 employees) and Employee of the Year for Julie Nicholds in the Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Awards. • SME Business of the Year in the Brighton and Hove Business Awards. • Director of the Year – SME for Pam Loch in the IOD London & South Director of the Year Awards. Pam says “It’s an honour to see the Loch Associates Group on the shortlist across a range of different business awards. It’s fantastic to see the hard work of the team recognised in this way, and to be listed alongside some fantastic other businesses. The Loch Associates Group provides a range of solutions to help organisations manage and look after their people. This includes employment law, HR, health & safety, wellbeing and mediation services.

Local News

Local News Finding passive job seekers

Richard Collins

A new automated service to help businesses target passive job seekers on Facebook, the first in the world, has been launched by ClickIQ. The AIpowered Automated Talent Attraction Technology automatically manages and attracts the right candidates, taking on the marketing side of recruitment so recruiters don’t have to. The service targets specific candidates on Facebook using location, interests, education, behaviour and qualifications, so businesses can target passive job seekers on a pay-per-click basis. Richard Collins, co-founder of ClickIQ, said: “With around 70 per cent of people describing themselves as passive job seekers, there’s clearly a huge market and it’s exciting to be the first to market in the world.” www.clickiq.co.uk

“Few great men would have got past personnel”

Age Space Sussex finds finance partner

Concierge Wealth Management, the Sussex-based independent financial planning company, has joined Age Space Sussex as its Finance Partner. Age Space Sussex, is the online community dedicated to anyone concerned about, or caring for, ageing parents or relatives. Age Space Founder, Annabel James, developed the website after her mother had a stroke and she found it hard to find information, or to know what to do, for the best to support her Mum’s long stay in hospital and recovery. Annabel said: “Concierge will bring an abundance of expert knowledge to the site to help visitors understand the intricacies of Later Life planning. “When you unexpectedly find yourself responsible for the full or part-time care of an elderly parent or relative, it is a scary time and feeling worried and lost is not unusual. Following my own experience, I created Age Space to help make this difficult and challenging time easier by sourcing and sharing hands-on, useful and localised information to help carers have as much information as possible. www.agespace.org/local/sussex

Leaders round the campfire Forget the boardroom, round a campfire is the place to do business. A Creative Campfire for Leadership and Innovation in the Green Economy will take place in September. Business leaders can help to grow the green economy in Sussex by getting together around a fire, to build a powerful peer network to support each other and create some positive creative energy for transformational change. A special guest to be announced soon. This event is open to any business leader in the cleantech, green or low carbon sectors, or a leader who wishes to reduce their environmental impact. The fire, part of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform events programme, takes place on Thursday September 27th, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm at Stanmer Park For tickets go to: www.go.muonevents.com/ggp-campfires.html

Local News

Thinking of Christmas? The summer has hardly started, but bookings are already open for Christmas joiner parties at British Airways i360 – ideal for small to medium-sized companies or groups who would like the atmosphere of a larger bash. Parties all start with a flight in the observation pod, looking out at the city from 450ft with the option to buy a glass of English sparkling wine to celebrate. Back at ground level, the beach building will be decked with festive lights with tables overlooking Brighton’s iconic West Pier for your three-course meal. The i360 Glitter Ball Christmas Parties are evening events and are available on select dates between November 30th and December 21st. Price: £44pp + VAT including pod flight, three-course meal, tea and coffee, half a bottle of wine and DJ music until late. Christmas Lunch Parties are daytime events and bookable on dates between December 12th and 21st. Price: £30pp + VAT including pod flight, threecourse meal and tea and coffee. Book now at BritishAirwaysi360.com/Christmas Meanwhile the Grand Hotel Brighton has also launched its Christmas parties. Email conference@grandbrighton.co.uk for details.

A Boundless union Boundless has partnered with the UK’s largest civil service trade union, Public Commercial Services Union (PCS), to enhance its membership benefits. Boundless (formerley known as csma) is a headline sponsor of Sussex Cricket and has a long heritage in the civil service. The new partnership known as PCS Plus (powered by Boundless), will give around 200,000 members access to unique benefits, experiences and exclusive savings – all included with their PCS Union membership. The PCS Plus package includes discounts on a range of leisure activities including days out, cinema and theatre trips and UK breaks as well as savings on shopping, travel essentials, motoring and more. www.boundless.co.uk.

“Failure defeats losers, failure inspires winners”

New Basepoint at Chichester A new Chichester business centre, providing affordable accommodation for new or small to medium sized businesses, was officially opened on Thursday June 7th by Gillian Keegan, MP for Chichester. The centre is now home to a wide variety of businesses, including solicitors, web designers, an electrical and lighting company, interior designers, software developers and management consultants. The Enterprise Centre, located in Terminus Road Chichester, has been built by Chichester District Council in order to create jobs and encourage the growth of start-up, small and medium sized businesses in the district. The centre offers 82 units in total, including fully functioning offices, studios and workshops, ranging from 12 to 65 square metres. A variety of business support facilities will also be available, including: a reception, breakout area, bookable meeting rooms, telephony, high speed internet and free parking. Basepoint was chosen by Chichester District Council to manage the centre. Richard Morris, UK CEO of Basepoint, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Chichester District Council on this project as it underpins our shared commitment to supporting small and local businesses. “The Enterprise Centre will be instrumental in providing the flexibility, space and support that local SMEs and start-ups need in order to reach their full growth potential.” www.basepoint.co.uk/locations/chichester

GLITTER BALL

Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects.

Celebrate the festive period in style at our Glitterball Christmas Parties!

ÂŁ45+VAT per person. Book online: BritishAirwaysi360.com/Christmas

National News

National News Females in a Leading Role Leading female development organisation WeAreTheCity. com has released the names of its top 100 female Rising Stars, as part of its annual awards programme. The prestigious Rising Star awards, now in their fourth year, aims to showcase the sheer volume of female talent that exists across our industries and to create role models for the future. WeAreTheCity has built up an alumnus of 400 award winners through its awards in the UK and India and through its TechWomen50 Award. This year’s winners include the British Army’s Ice Maidens, who became the first women to cross Antarctica; Krystal Archer, SuperFoxx, who was one of the first female DJ’s for the Ministry of Sound; and Sophie Ainsworth, Founder of RAiISE (Raising Awareness of Invisible Illnesses in Schools and Education). Over 1,250 entries were judged by a panel of 54 independent judges including Stig Abell, Editor & Publisher of The Times Literary Supplement; Wing Commander Sarah Maskell MBE, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Air Force; and Emma Cusdin, People Director, Aviva Investors. The top five winners for each category will be celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony this month at NewsUK’s headquarters in London. Full details of the winners can be found at risingstars.wearethecity.com.

Dizzy Heights of London A typical single first-time buyer in London will have to save for 17 years to raise enough cash for a 15% deposit on a home. Across England and Wales, the average single firsttime purchaser would need just over 10 years to save up a deposit of that size, according to a report from the estate agent Hamptons International. Its figures provide fresh evidence that saving enough for a deposit is still the biggest barrier to getting on to the property ladder. However, saving enough to put down an initial 5% of the property’s value – which would allow the buyer to take out a 95% mortgage and also to access the government’s help to buy scheme – would take a lot less time: five years and nine months in London, and three years and nine months for England and Wales as a whole. The researchers used Office for National Statistics earnings figures and focused on people in their 20s, reflecting the age of those saving for their first home. They took into account potential pay rises as households move up the career ladder, and assumed wages and house prices would increase in line with Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts.

Brown Bags of the Future Morrisons is reviving traditional brown paper bags for loose fresh fruit and vegetables, in a move it says will prevent 150m small plastic bags from being used every year. The paper bags were rolled out at the end of June and will be in all of the supermarket chain’s 493 stores by the end of the summer. Made from 100% recyclable paper, they have a see-though paper strip to help shoppers and staff identify the produce inside. Customers can now also bring their own containers to Morrisons butchers and fishmongers counters, with the supermarket offering 100 loyalty card points as an incentive. The move is in response to growing public concern about the huge volumes of plastic rubbish. Morrisons was a launch signatory to the UK Plastics Pact, an industry initiative that aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics and avoidable plastic waste.

“The worst part of success is to try to find someone who is happy for you”

Blogger or Blagger? Consumer goods giant Unilever has taken a stand against “influencer marketers” who exaggerate their social media status to earn more money promoting products. Unilever, one of the biggest advertisers in the world, has said it’s calling time on influencers who try to cheat. It wants to see “greater transparency” in the influencer marketing industry, fearing that consumers may no longer trust influencers or the brands that work with them. In a further sign of disenchantment, it seems marketers are now ditching influencers from their marketing strategies, according to UK-based digital content marketing agency, Zazzle Media. The firm, which has 10,000 influencers on its books, found, amazingly, that not a single one of the 10,000 British marketers it surveyed planned to focus on influencers over the next 12 months.

Clients are our business Dedicated to your success DMH Stallard is a full service, award-winning law firm that is passionate about winning and passionate about client care. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not by chance that we have one of the highest levels of repeat business in the industry.

For Business

For You

We make it our business to know your business, delivering results and adding value whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an established market leader or an ambitious start-up.

Working for you and with you, our exceptional personal law service will help you plan, protect and achieve the very best outcomes for you and your family.

Award winning service from a firm who is there for you every step of the way

LONDON

GATWICK

GUILDFORD

BRIGHTON

W W W.DMHSTALLARD.COM

National News

National News Turn up the Heat Audiobooks are more emotionally engaging than TV and film, even if you don’t realise it, according to a landmark new study. The new research from UCL suggests that having a book read to you causes physiological changes including an increased heart rate. During the experiment, scientists had 103 participants of various ages listen to a range of different books, and compared their responses to how they felt when they watched the same scene in a film or TV adaptation. The researchers, led by UCL head of experimental psychology Joseph Devlin, found that there was very strong statistical evidence that the emotional and physiological response was stronger when listening to audiobooks than when watching visual storytelling mediums. Participants’ heart rate was about two beats per minute faster when they were listening to the audiobooks. Their bodies were just under two degrees warmer and their skin was slightly more conductive than when they watched the visual adaptations.

Going Fashion Friendly MPs are to investigate the environmental impact of throwaway “fast fashion” in the UK amid growing concerns that the multi-billion pound industry is wasting valuable resources and contributing to climate change. The inquiry, by the House of Commons environmental audit committee, will explore the carbon impact, resource use and water footprint of clothing throughout its lifecycle and supply chain. The raw materials used to manufacture clothes require land and water, or extraction of fossil fuels, while carbon dioxide is emitted throughout the clothing supply chain and some chemical dyes, finishes and coatings may be toxic. Research has found that plastic microfibres in clothing are released when they are washed, and enter rivers, the ocean and even the food chain. Key to the inquiry is how consumers could be encouraged to buy fewer clothes, reuse clothes and think about how best to dispose of clothes when they are no longer wanted. An estimated 300,000 tonnes of fashion waste goes straight into landfill each year, despite growing efforts to encourage consumers to recycle their worn and unwanted clothing.

“The new source of power is not money in the hands of a few, but information in the hands of many”

Appy Brits

Secrets and Wives

The UK is the leading country for jobs connected to app development across Europe, according to new figures released by Apple. The country employs some 291,000 people contributing to apps which are available in the App Store, with 138,000 of those based in London - the leading European city for the sector. Other British cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford and Bristol are included within the top 30 in Europe.

A quarter of British people are uncertain about their partner’s finances, with new research suggesting huge numbers of people would not know where to look for assets if their other half passed away. According to Direct Line insurance, more than one in five married people have not given their partner their current account number, have denied their husband or wife’s access to their savings details, or have a partner who doesn’t know the details of their pension. About 16% of married people would not give their spouse access to their credit card details. These figures rise even further when including unmarried couples. An estimated 10 million people are unsure of where their partner’s money is banked or invested.

Despite the fears of instability for the UK’s tech sector following the Brexit vote, the number of jobs in the country has increased by a stable 28% since the vote. UK app developers have earned more than £2bn from the App Store since it was created, with global success stories like shopping app ASOS and familyfriendly puzzle game Monument Valley 2. Other popular British apps include the fooddelivery app Deliveroo and language-learning tool Busuu.

A separate study earlier this year by GoCompare found that one in eight people said their partner doesn’t know how much they have in savings and 7% have actively kept it a secret, with women five times more likely than men to keep their savings a secret.

The Big Story

Rich and popular… How does Warren Buffet do it? Profile by Ian Trevett

ancy a spot of lunch with Warren Buffett? It may cost you. In fact it could cost you $3,300,100. That’s the sum paid by an anonymous bidder in June to win a lunch date with The Oracle of Omaha. If that sounds like a lot of money, it should be added that the bidder can bring along seven guests for the meal at the Smith & Wollensky steak house in Manhattan, so it only amounts to $412,512 per person, and it probably includes a glass or two of wine. In any case, it is comparatively cheap compared to previous years - this year’s bid was been exceeded twice in the last six years. The auctions for lunch are designed to raise money for the Glide Foundation, a San Francisco charity for people who are homeless or battling substance abuse, and over the last 19 years the luncheons have raised $29.6 million. Buffett’s fund-raising efforts are legendary, and the bidders are more than happy to contribute to the good causes. But what they really want is to spend time with the 87-yearold who has become the most respected business icon of his generation. Businessmen Guy Spier and Mohnish Pabrai spent $650,100 each in 2007 and they told CNBC, the American business news channel that it was worth every penny. Pabrai said, “I think we would have been willing to pay a lot more than that.” Much of their conversation centred around the importance of integrity, and Buffett

The Big Story asked them both the unforgettable question: “Would you rather be the greatest lover in the world yet be known as the worst, or would you rather be the worst lover and be known as the greatest?” Buffet then said: ‘If you know how to answer that correctly, then you have the right internal yardstick.” (In case you are wondering, the best answer is the first one!) The two businessmen left the lunch starstruck and inspired. And they are not alone.

“There’s one investment that supersedes all others: invest in yourself. Stay healthy on all three planes, mind, body and spirit: eat good food, drink plenty of water, read, and never stop learning.” There is the small matter of Warren Buffet’s company shareholders’ meeting. Tickets for Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders’ meeting are like gold dust. But fear not you can join the 3.1 million people who watched 2017’s meeting being live streamed on Yahoo Business, with highlights being viewed by over 17 million people. The Q&A sessions are watched intensely, when Buffett candidly answers any question that is thrown at him, with proceedings lasting over five hours. The whole event lasts three days with over 12,000 attending what has become known as the ‘Woodstock of Capitalism’. So what is it about this unflashy octogenarian who inspires such love - and so rarely arouses the raging envy you might expect of a man so ridiculously wealthy? There are two key reasons why Buffett is so admired. • Firstly, he is just so damn good at what he does. He almost always chooses the right

companies and he knows what they need to achieve their full potential. • Secondly, he goes about his business in an ethical way and uses his wealth to forward good causes.

The successes of Warren Buffett Warren Buffett is no longer the world’s richest man. He has been overtaken by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg is pushing him close for third place. As of June 20th 2018, Buffet was just $29m ahead of the Facebook founder, which may sound a fair bit of money, but not when you consider both are worth an estimate $81.6billion. One thing is for sure, Buffett is slipping down the billionaire league table - but not because he is losing his touch. Since 2006, Buffett has given 290 million Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares to charities, which according to Bloomberg are worth more than

have no idea.” This long-term approach became his trademark. He has been more than content to earn modest but consistent returns, which compounded into huge returns in the long run. His methods are hardly rocket science (and he is one of the few super billionaires who doesn’t have a space exploration obsession). His investment style focuses on fairly straightforward metrics. In short he buys stocks he thinks are fairly priced and that have a competitive advantage over their peers, and then he keeps them. The Warren Buffett success story really starts in 1956, when he was just 25 years old. He had graduated from Columbia Business School with a Masters in Science and

$50 billion. He can’t give it away fast enough! So how did Buffett accumulate such wealth? Firstly he started early. Unlike many tycoons, he didn’t inherit huge sums, his wealth accumulation came from his own efforts, and he started as a child, buying his first shares at the age of 11. He had three shares in ‘Citi Service preferred stock’ which he bought for $38.25 each. He sold in 1944 at $40, making about $5 profit. But after selling the price climbed rapidly to reach $200 a share. It was a big lesson for the young Buffett. Within four years he had a portfolio worth about $6,000. (Buffett’s fascinating early days as an investor are documented in Maarten Hoffmann’s profile in Issue 9 of PBM, which can be found at www. platinumpublishing.co.uk/ blog/2015/02/warrenbuffett-the-sage-of-omaha.) Buffett had learnt to be patient and he started to hold onto stocks. He has said, “Long term, the stock market is going to be higher, and I’ve written that many times. In terms of what it’s going to do next year or tomorrow, I

The Big Story

Economics and embarked on a short career as an investment salesman and then securities

success would, he believed, be more down to luck than good judgement and he didn’t want

Buffett agreed to the deal. A few weeks later, Warren Buffett received the tender

analyst, but at 25 he decided to make his move. Vintagevalueinvesting.com reports how he formed Buffett Partnership, Ltd with $105,100 and seven limited partners: his mother, sister, aunt, father-in-law, brotherin-law, college roommate and lawyer. He charged no management fee, took 25% of any gains beyond a cumulative 6%, and agreed to personally absorb a percentage of any losses.

to risk other people’s money.

offer in writing, but the tender offer was for only $113⁄8. Buffett later admitted that this lower, undercutting offer made him angry. Instead of selling at the slightly lower price, Buffett decided to buy more of the stock to take control of the company and fire Stanton (which he did). However, this put Buffett in a situation where he was now majority owner of a textile business that was failing.

By 1962 the Buffett Partnership had a value of over $7 million (of which over $1 million belonged to Buffett). He continued to crush the stock market. In 1968 the Buffett Partnership returned 58.8% compared to 7.7% for the Dow – Buffett’s best year ever. Buffett closed the partnership in 1969, largely because he feared that he could not maintain such an incredible run of success. With the changing nature of the markets, any

Of course, he hadn’t lost the Midas Touch but it is typical of the way in which he always acts with a sense of integrity. During the successful years of the Buffett Partnership, Buffett made what he describes as his worst investment by taking the majority shareholding in a traditional textile company called Berkshire Hathaway. Wikipedia reports that in 1962, Warren Buffett began buying stock in Berkshire Hathaway after noticing a pattern in the price direction of its stock whenever the company closed a mill. Eventually, Buffett acknowledged that the textile business was waning and the company’s financial situation was not going to improve. In 1964, the owner Seabury Stanton made an oral tender offer of $11½ per share for the company to buy back Buffett’s shares.

“Would you rather be the greatest lover in the world yet be known as the worst, or would you rather be the worst lover and be known as the greatest?”

It was a rare occurrence of Buffett making a decision through a negative emotion. Buffett kept the name but moved the focus of the business into insurance and it became the holding company for Buffett’s investments. And there were plenty of those. To list the assets of Berkshire Hathaway would take up all the space allocated to this profile. Berkshire owns outright dozens of American companies which most UK readers will have never even heard of, but are all

The Big Story

THE MIDAS TOUCH Some of Buffet’s most lucrative investments

PetroChina In 2002 and 2003, Berkshire bought 1.3% of Chinese oil company PetroChina for $488 million. Some questioned the investment. PetroChina’s oil fields looked tapped out, and the company, with 400,000 employees, was loaded down with costs. At the time, PetroChina had a market cap of $37 billion. Rising oil prices and new discoveries caused PetroChina’s shares to soar. By the time Berkshire sold in 2007, PetroChina’s market cap had reached $275 billion, and Berkshire reaped a $3.6 billion gain.

Wells Fargo Buffett first announced his $290 million investment in Wells Fargo in his 1990 annual letter to shareholders. Bank stocks were being battered by the savings and loan crisis, and Buffett characteristically took advantage of the market turmoil to buy into one of the highest quality banks he could find. That was a good call. Back in 1990, Wells Fargo had a market capitalisation of $2.9 billion. It is now worth over $262 billion (June 22nd 2018).

BNSF Railroad At the time of the deal in 2009, Berkshire’s purchase of Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad was Berkshire’s largest-ever acquisition. Berkshire already owned nearly one-fourth of the company, and it paid $26.71 billion for the rest of it. Including debt, the deal cost Berkshire nearly $36 billion. Estimates vary slightly, but a Bloomberg analysis estimates that BNSF’s current value is more than $93 billion.

See’s Candies Buffett paid $25 million for the family-owned candy company in 1972, and it has returned $1.35 billion to Berkshire since. Even when factoring in the $32 million Berkshire has invested into the business over the years, this is an extraordinary return on investment.

Coca-Cola Warren Buffett’s biggest stock investment win of all time is an excellent example of what he looks for in a “forever stock.” Buffett bought shares of Coca-Cola in 1988 and 30 years later, the stock is up by approximately 1,350% from Buffett’s cost basis. And that doesn’t even include the dividends Berkshire has received over the past three decades. At the current dividend rate, Coca-Cola pays Berkshire $592 million per year.

sizeable concerns on their own. For example it owns Benjamin Moore & Co. (worth an estimated $1bn), ACME Brick Company ($600m) Dairy Queen ($585m), CORT Business Services ($467m), and the list goes on.

“Life is a lottery. I had a 50% chance of being born female with the same IQ and talent, which would have made career options as limited as my sisters. Women have the same potential as men; it is our duty to help them to release it.” Berkshire also has sizeable stakes in American Express, American Airlines, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Apple, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, Mastercard, Visa and Wal-Mart, to name but a few. Berkshire is currently active in over 70 business sectors and employs over 300,000 people. Not bad for someone’s worst ever investment.

And his best sale…

Freddie Mac In 1988, Buffet invested $108 million in Freddie Mac, the giant government-backed mortgage insurance firm, at a split-adjusted $4 a share. Ten years later, Freddie Mac’s shares traded at $70. And then he sold. In 2000, Buffett testified that he had a series of meetings with Freddie Mac’s CEO at the time, Leland Brendsel, in which it was clear to Buffett that Brendsel was unwisely striving for double-digit returns. That spelled trouble to Buffett and, within a year, Berkshire had dumped its entire stake in the company. The rest is history. Freddie Mac and its sister company Fannie Mae bought mortgages from banks, a process known as buying on the secondary market. They packaged these into mortgage-backed securities, and resold them to investors on Wall Street. But it turned out the packages contained high levels of subprime mortgages i.e. mortgages sold to people with no or poor credit histories. The realisation that many of these mortgages would never be paid back almost collapsed the whole banking system. Freddie and Fannie held $168 billion in subprime mortgages, which took them under, prompting a desperate government bail-out. Had Warren Buffett spotted the danger signs in advance? Sources: Stephen Gandel, fortune.com and Matthew Frankel, The Motley Fool

The Big Story 2010. Sandberg spoke of the way that women are held back—and the way women hold themselves back. After viewers around the world shared their own stories of struggle and success, Sandberg wrote a book called Lean In, challenging women to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can do. Buffett is in full agreement: “Look what’s happened over the past 300 years using half our talent. Just imagine what’s gonna happen when we go full blast with 100%.” And then, of course, there is the legendary philanthropy. Another quote from Buffett explains his thinking: “If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%.”

Integrity and Ethics One of Warren Buffett’s much-used phrases is: “If you get to my age in life and nobody thinks well of you, I don’t care how big your bank account is, your life is a disaster.” What other people think seems to matter to Warren Buffett, and he has always placed great emphasis on doing business with integrity. In many ways he has always been light-years ahead of the game. In recent years there has been a lot written about the benefits of mindfulness. Buffett has been practicing this for years, even if he never applied this particular label. He has said, “There’s one investment that supersedes all others: invest in yourself. Stay healthy on all three planes, mind, body and spirit: eat good food, drink plenty of water, read, and never stop learning.” He adds that, “I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think.” Hardly the high-powered, 100-mile-an-hour culture of Wall Street. You could never imagine Buffett declaring that lunch is for wimps. If he is ahead of the game on mindfulness, he is even further ahead on female equality in business. In the 1950s at the University of Nebraska, he set up a course entitled Women and Investing, aimed to get women involved in stocks and shares. The inequality of opportunity has always outraged him and he is quite clear about how much of an advantage he had by being born male: “One of the reasons for my success was that I was only competing with half of the population. Life is a lottery. I had a 50% chance of being born female with the same IQ and talent, which would have made career options as limited as my sisters. Women have the same potential as men; it is our duty to help them to release it.” Warren Buffett is now an active supporter of the Lean In movement which was created after a TEDTalk by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg in

“If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%” CNBC reported that Buffett topped the list for billionaires who gave the most since 2000, an estimated 71% of his fortune. Not content to give away huge sums of his own money, he has applied pressure to his fellow tycoons to do the same. Created in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates, the Giving Pledge came to life in 2010 following a series of conversations with philanthropists around the world about how they could collectively set a new standard of generosity among the ultra-wealthy. The mission statement is: “The Giving Pledge is an effort to help address society’s most pressing problems by inviting the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to commit to giving more than half of their wealth to philanthropy or charitable causes either during their lifetime or in their will.” Starting with 40 American philanthropists, there are now 183 philanthropists from 22 countries who have signed the pledge. With a track record of philanthropy, integrity and an unbeatable ability to spot a good deal, it’s no wonder that businesspeople pledge millions for lunch with Mr Buffet. But there is a catch. There is a strict rule at the lunches. Buffett will discuss anything apart from what he might invest in next. In that case I think I’ll buy a sandwich instead.

TEN WARREN BUFFET INVESTMENT TIPS 1. “Never invest in a business you cannot understand.” 2. “If you aren’t willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes. Put together a portfolio of companies whose aggregate earnings march upward over the years, and so also will the portfolio’s market value.” 3. “It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.” 4. “Our favourite holding period is forever.” 5. “Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.” 6. “Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble.” 7. “Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.” 8. “Rule No. 1 is never lose money. Rule No. 2 is never forget Rule No. 1.” 9. “Successful investing takes time, discipline and patience. No matter how great the talent or effort, some things just take time: You can’t produce a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant.” 10. “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.” Compiled by E. Ellis on warrenbuffet.com

@BAHBA

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Business Accelerator

Focus on Entrepreneurs at NatWest’s Brighton Business Accelerator

SLURPS

Q&A with Susan Gregory, Managing Director

wo out of three1 dogs don’t drink the daily vet recommended 50ml/kg bodyweight2 risking dehydration. Slurps are super-tasty drinks made from all organic, natural ingredients and packed with omega 3 fish oils. They are also great for fussy eaters, active dogs (agility/canicross) or as a delicious low calorie treat.

Tell us about your journey into entrepreneurship? Most of my career has been spent working in [human] food and drink marketing for big corporates such as Nestle and Unilever but I always had an inkling to set up my own business. We have a cat and a dog, both of whom drink very little. When the vet told us they needed to drink more I used my human food background to develop nutritious drinks. Talking to other pet owners, we discovered that there were many cats and dogs with the same predicament. The first Slurps are for dogs. One of the biggest challenges has been to find the right comanufacturer for Slurps. It is true that there isn’t the pool of UK manufacturing options that there were 20 years ago. This makes it increasingly hard for the remaining manufacturers to accommodate smaller runs and also for start-up businesses to find the manufacturing technology necessary for new products. We are delighted to be working with two UK manufacturers - even if it took us over two years to find them.

In five years time what impact will your business have on the world?

contributed to a reduction in the current levels (around 50%) of overweight or obese dogs which in turn would allow dogs to live longer and healthier lives.

What’s your #1 tip for fellow entrepreneurs? Ask everyone everything.

How has the NatWest Accelerator programme helped to accelerate you and your business? We’re held to account by our coaches so we can’t postpone/avoid actions Sharing office space with people in the same boat is invaluable, both for keeping motivated and for sharing ideas and information. The NatWest Accelerator network is incredibly powerful. From legal, export and investment advice through to dragons den style forums and the general ‘knowhow’ of the mentors, it allows us to tap in to a huge knowledge bank that otherwise would be very expensive, time consuming and difficult to access.

What are you most excited about right now? We have just been notified that a national pet food retailer wants to stock Slurps and are getting enquiries from overseas! For a bit of fun, please follow us @slurps4pets and enter our #tongueouttuesday competition on Instagram – every Tuesday!

As humans, we’re all aware of how much we drink but as pet owners, very few people pay much attention to their dog’s liquid intake which is crucial to a dog’s wellbeing

If you are interested in stocking Slurps or for any other information, please see our website www.slurps4pets.co.uk or contact thirsty@slurps4pets.co.uk

If owners gave their dogs lower calorie drink treats such as Slurps instead of calorie dense ‘solid’ treats, it would one step forward in keeping dogs at their perfect weight. We’d be really pleased if we

Sources 1 Slurps research March 2018 2 https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dehydration-in-dogs/

Business Accelerator

Focus on Entrepreneurs at NatWest’s Brighton Business Accelerator

Fitzroy Travel Q&A with Paul Callcutt, Managing Director

t Fitzroy Travel, we create one of a kind adventures to Africa for clients looking to elevate their experiences beyond the ordinary. Be it a privately guided expedition to Africa’s more remote corners, or a refreshing take on a family wildlife safari, each journey is crafted personally and totally unique.

Tell us about your journey into entrepreneurship? Twenty years ago I worked on a conservation project studying wildlife populations in the then rather beleaguered, Kafue National Park in Zambia. This turned out to be the start of a lifelong connection spread across tourism and conservation, the two of which I believe to intrinsically linked. Following an extended period of time managing lodges and guiding privately in Patagonia and Peru, I made my way back to the UK and realised that home is indeed where the heart is after all. Fitzroy was born after working at the sales end of some of Britain’s most reputable tour operators and feeling that things could be done differently.

How does Fitzroy balance the often contradictory term of sustainable tourism? One idea sits at the very heart of what we do - the long term sustainability of tourism. Put quite simply Africa’s ecosystems are under threat, they need to generate for the local economy in order to survive, in order to nurture the people that live in and around them. We fully support a model of low volume, high value tourism which is the only way forward in order to generate the required revenue whilst leaving the lightest possible footprint.

How has the NatWest Accelerator programme helped to accelerate your business? The NatWest Accelerator programme has proven invaluable in terms of focusing the mind on the task at hand, and starting to think a little bigger than I may well have done myself, certainly speeding the process up in terms of considering what Fitzroy can be.

What makes Fitzroy different? Many companies claim to offer a fully tailored service, when it is often anything but, more often than not it is a trip they have sold many times, just with the names changed. I will do everything possible to fully understand the motivations of any client looking to travel to Africa and it makes the world of difference to look over a map together to fully explore the options. It brings us all out from behind our screens which is an increasing rarity in today’s digital world. First-hand knowledge is the best way to cut through the information overload.

What are you most excited about right now? We have been working on an exclusive “Trans-Okavango” safari in Botswana. The idea is very much to simplify the safari experience, to take a step back from luxury for luxury’s sake and create a trip that serves as a reminder of what brought us here in the first place. By mobilising a simple camp and your own professional team, we will make our way from the panhandle in the north of the wider Okavango Delta eco system by canoe, boat and on foot whilst following the seasonal floods south east to the legendary Moremi Game Reserve. In doing so we can connect our guests to one of the world’s most unique eco systems in a way that few others can. It is in sharing experiences like this where we can find the greatest luxury of all.

fitzroy-travel.com

Take your business to greater heights We are Chartered Accountants, Chartered Tax Advisers, Auditors and Business Consultants with a reputation for innovation and excellence. At award-winning MHA Carpenter Box, we believe accountants should do more than just report on how your business is doing. They should help you identify opportunities to improve your business as a whole. This means looking at profit levels and tax efficiency, and supporting you in trying to achieve those ambitions, whatever the size of your business.

Our services include: Audit and advisory • Accountancy and bookkeeping • Business consulting Tax compliance and planning • Wealth management

Get in touch: Gatwick: 01293 227670 • Worthing: 01903 234094 Email: info@carpenterbox.com

www.carpenterbox.com

Business Profile

Basepoint Business Centre - Newhaven By Abbi Burgess, Newhaven Centre Manager

asepoint Business Centres offer a range of high quality, cost effective serviced and managed workspaces including offices, studios and light industrial workshops on flexible terms. We also have on-site serviced meeting rooms available to both in-house licensees and external clients. For those that do not need a physical presence in the centre, or are taking the first steps into business, we also offer mailbox and virtual office options, again these are all available on flexible terms. The Newhaven centre is situated on Denton Island, a short walk from the town centre and within easy access of the train station, bus routes and road and there’s even a regular ferry service to France. The centre itself is a modern building, built in 2007 and extended in 2016 and offers a range of offices and light industrial workshops. Our offices start at 140 sq. ft., perfect for 1-2 people all the way up to our largest space which is 850 sq. Ft. On-site we offer high speed broadband services, VOIP telephone system and on-site fully serviced meeting rooms. Our flexible breakout area gives licensees and visitors a pleasant space to take a break, have an informal meeting or network with like minded business people, and if you here on a Friday morning your likely to find a fresh pot of coffee and biscuits on the go too. We aim to build business communities, which is why we’re such big advocates of networking. We host bi-monthly B2B networking events which are open to the local business community and are completely free to attend. We also play host to regular coffee mornings, charity events and there is normally always cake involved.

What types of businesses benefit from being at Basepoint? Our centres are home to a variety of different businesses, from start-ups to well established companies and anything else in

between. The flexible agreements mean your office can grow with your business, often businesses start in a 1-2 person office and expand within the centre without having to change their address or phone number. We have a broad selection of businesses that call Basepoint home, from mortgage brokers and accountants to e-commerce and creatives, we’re lucky to be surrounded by an inspiring group of individuals.

How long have you been in Newhaven? The centre was purpose built by Lewes District Council, opening it’s doors in November 2007 and since it’s opening Basepoint have managed the site, creating a business community for small and medium sized businesses in Newhaven and the surrounding areas.

Why is Newhaven a good place to do business? Newhaven is a great town with so much potential, the ferry to France is on our doorstep and we have great transport links to Brighton and London, as well as the wonderful views over the South Downs of course. Now, with Newhaven being an Enterprise Zone it is rapidly enjoying economic growth and is a thriving commercial port town with fantastic opportunities for businesses looking to innovate and grow. You can find out more about the Enterprise Zone via their website www.newhavenenterprisezone.com

www.basepoint.co.uk 01273 615250

Finance

PPI it’s not

Getting the most from innovation through Research & Development Tax Incentives David Crowter, Tax Client Service Director at MHA Carpenter Box, has helped many local businesses to successfully claim this valuable government reward for innovation.

nfortunately, claiming R&D Tax

Credits has turned into a minor industry, with hundreds of ‘consultants’ and businesses popping up all over the place. One consequence has been that ‘target’ companies have started to view the whole thing with suspicion as they receive email after email and call after call to secure a meeting – hence the PPI reference. The great shame is that properly done, and for businesses meeting the criteria, R&D Tax Credits are a great financial incentive for businesses that innovate – which is exactly what the Government intends.

“The Government reported in 2017 that manufacturing dominates UK R&D spending, which in 2015 totalled £14.6bn.”

Basically, Research & Development (R&D) Tax Relief is a government-backed Corporation Tax incentive, aimed at stimulating innovation and development in UK industries. Why? Because investing in innovation is good not only for every business, but also for the UK economy as a whole. R&D Tax Relief is perhaps one of the

least understood reliefs, both amongst the companies that might have a claim and also amongst the advisers who might help them make one. But successfully claiming R&D Tax Relief can provide significant cash flow benefits, either by reducing a company’s tax liability or claiming an additional tax repayment (R&D Tax Credits).

in manufacturing are currently claimed for through R&D Tax Relief.

According to HMRC statistics on R&D tax incentives, the total benefit claimed by the industry in 2015/2016 exceeded £900 million. During that year, manufacturing was making up a total of 32% of the total amount claimed, placing it in the top three benefitting industries.

R&D in manufacturing can be found in areas of innovating technologies, which are aimed at increasing the competitive capability of the industry. This would encompass not only the development of new processes, machines or systems, but also improvements of existing ones.

The Government reported in 2017 that manufacturing dominates UK R&D spending, which in 2015 totalled £14.6bn. According to those numbers, only 6% of UK R&D costs

In general, manufacturing is the business of producing developed goods in larger numbers, however many companies also engage in product development. The development of

How does it work? The net benefit of R&D Tax Relief ranges from 9% to 33% of eligible expenditure, depending on the size of the company and whether a profit or loss has been made.

Finance new products or appreciable improvement of existing products would be perhaps the most obvious area to look at for R&D.

“Investing in innovation is good not only for every business, but also for the UK economy as a whole.”

and costs, improvement of work conditions, introduction of new elements or automation of the process and upscaling. If your engineers or technologists encounter failures or technical challenges and issues in the course of their work, or the completion of a project takes longer than projected, this could indicate the presence of qualifying activities. If your technical team spent time improving processes or developing solutions to technical problems, performing feasibility assessments or trying to find solutions through an iterative process of trial and error, this is very likely to qualify.

Untapped potential Examples of R&D in Manufacturing include: Process Appreciably improving manufacturing processes that deliver substantial productivity, quality or environmental benefits, as well as the development of new processes, including new materials, coatings, methods and practices associated with these processes.

Machine Creating or appreciably improving manufacturing equipment that create increased capability (such as accuracy or repeatability), increased capacity (through productivity improvements or cost reduction), or increased environmental efficiency (safety, energy efficiency, environmental impact etc.).

Although almost a third of all R&D Tax Relief claims were from the manufacturing industry in 2015/2016, significant numbers of potentially eligible UK businesses are currently not taking advantage of the opportunity. Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions that stop companies from claiming, and therefore it is important to remember a few key points: • The R&D does not necessarily need to be ground breaking. • If someone else has already achieved a result, your work to get to the same stage can still qualify.

• Work done in other countries or work that has been sub-contracted out can still qualify. The tax incentives available are generous, but the R&D must be thoroughly assessed and claims carefully calculated to ensure they meet HMRC requirements. The requirements are increasing, and each claim is carefully reviewed by HMRC. Therefore, it is important to work with experienced advisers to ensure your claim meets the necessary criteria.

How we can help At MHA Carpenter Box, our Tax Services Group and R&D specialists are well equipped to help businesses identify qualifying expenditure and maximise their claim.

For more information, please contact David Crowter on 01293 227670 or sign up to our monthly newsletter service at www.carpenterbox.com/ newsletter

• Loss making companies without a tax liability can still benefit. • It is not a requirement to own any patents or other IP.

Systems 1. Advances in controls, sensors, networks and other information technologies that improve the quality and productivity of manufacturing cells, lines, systems and facilities. 2. Advances in extended enterprise functions critical to manufacturing, such as quality systems, resource management, supply chain integration and distribution, scheduling and tracking. 3. Technologies that enable integrated and collaborative product and process development, including computer-aided and expert systems for design, tolerancing, process and materials selection, life-cycle cost estimation, rapid prototyping, and tooling. The drive behind the development varies and can include saving energy, water, space or production time, minimising waste, pollution

FUTURE OF BRITISH MANUFACTURING INITIATIVE Along with others such as Lloyds Bank, Innovate UK, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Autodesk, our association MHA is a member of the Future of British Manufacturing Initiative (FOBMI). FOBMI is a collaboration between leading UK industry organisations focused on increasing the competitive advantage of UK Design and Manufacturing companies, by removing the barriers to true productivity and innovation. Learn more about FOMBI at our next METALL (Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology Alliance) event on Thursday 12th July at South Lodge Hotel, Horsham at 8am. We’ll hear how practical collaboration between organisations of all shapes and sizes can improve your productivity with our guest speaker Asif Moghal, Senior Industry Manager at Autodesk. METALL is a free to attend forum for manufacturers and engineers and is sponsored by MHA Carpenter Box, asb law and CBSbutler. For more details and to sign up, visit www.metall.org.uk/events

Finance

Floating a business Thinking of an AIM listing? Here are some practical considerations. By Jack Clipsham, Corporate Finance Partner at Kreston Reeves.

Listing - the best option? There are significantly greater rules and regulations that a Listed Company must comply with, compared to a privately owned company, which have both cost and resource implications. There is also a greater requirement for disclosure and communication with investors and the City generally. Bad news and mistakes can be unfairly amplified and have both immediate effect on the share price and longer term impact on the market’s perception of management and the company. Sometimes it may be better to look for alternative sources of funding (eg: private equity) allowing the company to go through development stages in a more private environment.

“Raising too much unnecessarily dilutes current shareholders and may put off investors who don’t want to invest money just to see it sit in a bank account. ”

Resource and skills? The Initial Public Offering (IPO process) is a potentially lengthy and time consuming one. Don’t let the business suffer by allowing senior and operational management to be distracted from the day to day running of the business. The last thing you need is a downturn in the business just as you’re trying to attract investors. Ensure internal teams have the necessary resource to deal with the increased demands of financial and legal due diligence; preparation of projections and investor presentations; increased PR activity; preparation and verification of Admission documents; review and development of accounting systems, controls and procedures; increased Corporate Governance and Company

Secretarial requirements. Consider taking on board a consultant or Non Executive Director with relevant experience to lead and coordinate the internal IPO process. Set up an internal IPO team to manage the IPO process, protecting operational management as far as possible from being distracted from their day to day responsibilities.

Advisers Key advisers will include a Nominated Advisor (Nomad) as the lead adviser, broker (assuming you are raising money), lawyer, reporting accountant and financial PR company. Choose them carefully depending on their experience and track record of floating companies, their knowledge of your sector, the amount of funding required, how they are likely to gel together as an advisory team. Not

Finance just on the basis of cost – this is a classic case of cheapest fee quote can most definitely end up as a false economy.

Communication is Key There needs to be clear communication amongst the internal team to avoid misunderstandings, matters falling between people, incorrect or incomplete information being passed to the advisers, all of which can add to costs and extend the IPO timetable. Similarly there needs to be open, frank and transparent communication with the advisers, especially the Nomad. It is not unusual for practices to evolve within a privately owned company that may work and be legitimate as such, but which should not continue in a public company environment. The sooner any concerns are raised with your Nomad, the sooner these can be either put to bed or alternative options considered. Such a concern, raised or discovered at the 11th hour can delay timetables, increase costs, or at worst cause the IPO to be aborted.

“The IPO process is not only time consuming but also expensive.”

Managing Costs The IPO process is not only time consuming but also expensive. Rule of thumb suggests 10% of funds raised. Costs can be included within the amount of funds to be raised, but there will be some that will have to be paid out before the funds are received. There are also some that will be payable whether or not the IPO is successful and reasons for a failed IPO may well be beyond the company’s control i.e. market conditions. It is therefore imperative that the company has sufficient available cash to deal with these prior to embarking on the IPO process.

Additional support A good example of outsourcing certain requirements is International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) conversion. As a privately owned company it is likely that accounts will have been audited to UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice

(GAAP), including Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102. For the IPO, Historical Financial Information will be included in the Admission Document in a Short Form Accountant’s report that will be the subject of a fresh audit opinion and must comply with IFRS. IFRS disclosure requirements are technical and can change from time to time.

Timetable Agree a clear timetable with the Nomad early on and ensure all key advisers have bought into it. Add to that timetable internal milestones that will also need to be achieved in order for it to be met. Of course there will be factors beyond your or your advisers’ control, but without something to work to, the timetable will drift, leading to delays in completion and fund raising and potentially adding extra costs.

Cash to be raised Be clear about how much (net of expenses) you want to raise at IPO and how it will be used. Raising too much unnecessarily dilutes current shareholders and may put off investors who don’t want to invest money just to see it sit in a bank account. It is always possible to go back to the market for a second tranche and may even result in a higher valuation assuming milestones promised at the first fund raising have been met.

which could result in investors declining to participate. Use of funds will need to be clearly stated at the investor presentations and investors will want to see these are focused on developing and adding value to the business. This will include repayment of company debt, on the grounds that doing so will strengthen the balance sheet and reduce financing costs. However, investors will be reluctant to see anything more than a small proportion of the IPO proceeds, if any at all, going to existing shareholders. A request for such will lead them to question the commitment of those shareholders to the proposed strategy for developing the company and adding shareholder value. Any desire to “take money off the table” must be discussed early on with your Nomad, but a final thought… if what you are looking for is an exit, then an IPO is not the right option for you.

Jack Clipsham is Corporate Finance Partner at Kreston Reeves and can be reached at jack.clipsham@krestonreeves.com www.krestonreeves.com Tel: 0330 124 1399

Attempting to raise too little can call into question the financial viability of the business in the 12 to 18 months following the IPO,

Legal

Award-winning commercial team grows

op 100 law firm DMH Stallard has welcomed the former Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications at asb law to the firm.

Debbie Venn

Debbie Venn joins DMH Stallard as Partner in the Commercial Team, based in the firm’s Brighton office but working across the South East. Debbie has acted for a variety of quality businesses across the South and in London, and is a recognised travel sector specialist, speaking regularly at ABTA events.

“The DMH Stallard commercial team has seen fast growth over recent years under the leadership of John Yates; Debbie’s joining is a key to us making the next step forward and we anticipate further growth. ”

Debbie said: “Over the last few years DMH Stallard has reinforced its leading role in the South East, working for successful businesses across the area, as well as the region’s entrepreneurs. “I’m particularly pleased to have the opportunity to join the team at a time when they are enjoying such dynamic growth.” In the respected legal ranking guide, Chamber and Partners 2017, Debbie was described as ‘personable, approachable and technically excellent’.

Jonathan Grant

Jonathan Grant, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial at DMH Stallard, said: “Debbie is an outstanding appointment for the firm. The DMH Stallard commercial team has seen fast growth over recent years under the leadership of John Yates; Debbie’s joining is a key to us making the next step

forward and we anticipate further growth. “I worked with Debbie several years ago and I know she will help John advance our general commercial law practice; we are committed to help Debbie meet her career ambitions, allowing us to look after a wider group of clients.” Earlier this year Jonathan Grant was named Corporate Lawyer of the Year 2018 at a top industry event and DMH Stallard won Deal of the Year under £10 million - Abigail Owen, Corporate Partner, advised on the sale of a minority stake in Posturite to the US based Fellowes Group. DMH Stallard has offices in Brighton, Gatwick, Horsham, Guildford and London.

Legal

Local rhino in hottest marathon challenge

he 2018 London Marathon was the hottest on record as soaring temperatures topped 24C for over 40,000 runners, and rhinos.

An incredible 14 rhinos took on the 26.2 mile challenge this year and one of the “crash” included a particularly fine example of the species from Sussex. Will Walsh is a Partner at DMH Stallard and can more normally be found helping corporate clients avoid and resolve employment law issues.

“ The pain during the race is pretty insignificant when you consider the daily risks that the park rangers in Africa take to protect the animals from poachers.”

The super-fit lawyer is no stranger to endurance events, previously taking marathons, triathlons and long-distance swimming events in his stride but, by his own admission, undertaking a stamina-sapping marathon in a boiling hot rhino costume was a physical test like no other he has ever experienced. Will said: “It wasn’t so much the weight of the costume that made the run so difficult, it was the awkwardness of the running position I had to adopt once in it. Visibility was so poor that I could only see as far as the shoes of the runner in front of me, my bent posture was

causing backache before even reaching the start line, having to hold the rhino head still while running destroys the arms and shoulders, not to mention the scorching heat and the fact that they ran out of water for long stretches of the course. “However, all the discomforts and the 5lbs I lost on the day were worth it knowing that the £3,000 I’ve raised so far will help protect this magnificent animal, at a time when three of the remaining five rhino species are facing imminent extinction. “The pain during the race is also pretty insignificant when you consider the daily risks that the park rangers in Africa take to protect the animals from poachers. Over the past decade around 1,000 rangers have lost their lives. One of my schoolmates was killed by poachers two years ago, which was a big reason behind me taking this challenge on.” Last month the last male Northern White Rhino died, leaving just two female rhinos of that species alive. Poaching and the loss of habitat are the two principle reasons why the future of rhinos has reached a crisis point. In just a decade, more than 7,245 rhinos have been lost to poaching in Africa alone, which is more than a quarter of the remaining population in the world. Will added: “There were 64 people running for Save the Rhino on the day, including park rangers from Zambia and Zimbabwe, and together we have raised £107,000 so far. I’d like to thank my colleagues at DMH Stallard, clients and all my other sponsors for their generous support.” Save the Rhino is working to halt the twin threats of poaching and habitat loss so that, by 2036, black rhinos, Sumatran rhinos and Javan rhinos will no longer be classified as critically endangered.

For more information visit www.savetherhino.org If you would like to donate to Will’s fundraising page, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WillWalsh

Legal

Making law easy for you

Richard Cripps, Managing Partner at regional law firm Rix & Kay, talks about what it means to deliver an outstanding client experience and how the firm is using it to differentiate itself from its competitors.

ake a look at any law firm’s website and you will typically see two promises – great lawyers who excel in their field and great client service. For years, law firms have continued to use this apparent winning combination as they look to distinguish themselves in a very crowded market place.

The truth is that law firms have struggled for decades to deliver on this promise. The absolute bottom line is that any credible law firm can deliver technically sound legal advice – it’s what lawyers train for years to do, and the least that anyone would expect when hiring a professional to help them. So what about the other piece of the puzzle? You would think that delivering outstanding client service would be easy enough to achieve but there appears to be no leading light in this regard, despite most law firms claiming that the way they deliver legal services sets them apart. Richard Cripps, Managing Partner at Rix & Kay, has spent the last eighteen months trying to get to the bottom of what really makes up great client service. “My main priority at Rix & Kay is to continue to deliver growth for our business and at the start of 2017, a small team sat down to outline how we might do that. One of the key themes that emerged was of course client service. We always felt we were delivering a good service and actually I think most law firms do this reasonably well. The question was, how could we elevate that to something that might give us a competitive advantage.” Since then, Rix & Kay has been on a journey to understand everything there is to know about client service and the client experience. “We’ve spent a lot of time looking at client service and the reason why so many law firms find this so challenging is because it is simply that. Managing a business with over a hundred employees, spread over multiple offices, and enabling everyone to deliver an outstanding client experience, consistently every time, is a complex task and one that requires solid strategic planning. You can’t just ask everyone to be client focused and expect it to happen.” There’s no doubt that Rix & Kay’s team have done their homework and already have in place the building blocks to allow them to excel in this area. They point to some seriously heavyweight experts in this field including Harvard Business School and the Institute of Customer Service who support their approach.

“The absolute bottom line is that any credible law firm can deliver technically sound legal advice – it’s what lawyers train for years to do.”

Legal

“Making law easy for you is not just a marketing ploy, it is Rix & Kay’s mission.”

Richard Cripps continues to explain: “What we found was that client effort can provide a true measure of how well we perform when delivering our services. What we have done is make that the centre of everything we do here at Rix & Kay. We are calling it making law easy for you.” Of course, Rix & Kay’s making law easy for you proposition runs far deeper than a simple slogan. The firm spent the majority of 2017 gathering feedback from all their people, so they could distil the firm’s culture and identify its core values and behaviours that contribute positively to making law easy for you. This has allowed the proposition to extend internally as well as externally, challenging Rix & Kay’s staff to ensure that everything they do makes it easy for both their clients and each other.

“You would think that delivering outstanding client service would be easy enough to achieve but there appears to be no leading light in this regard.”

“Making law easy for you is based on the values and culture of our business. Asking our people to deliver great client service led to confusion, wasted time and effort. Asking them to ‘make it easy’ has given them a solid foundation for action.” Having spent the best part of a year consulting with staff, Rix & Kay only made their making law easy for you proposition public in March this year. Their new look website incorporates the firm’s making law easy for you promise and outlines their commitments which are both impressive and transparent. Richard Cripps concludes: “Making law easy for you is not just a marketing ploy, it is Rix & Kay’s mission, which we hope will become a key differentiator of our business in the future; as such we are also committed to measuring our performance and making sure that the results are published for everyone to see. We have a long way to go but it’s the only way we can be sure that we continue to improve and deliver making law easy for you.” To satisfy this the firm will be measuring ‘client effort’ - an industry recognised standard for assessing client service. It will do this by seeking feedback from all its clients and publishing the results on the firm’s website under the About us and Making law easy for you pages.

For more information about Rix & Kay and its work around client service, email Richard Cripps at richardcripps@rixandkay.co.uk

Technology

The host with the most Why is a hosted telephony system right for your business? Graham Bush, Commercial Manager at LMS Group gives us his top seven reasons.

uch like IT, business telecoms has taken to the cloud! Gone are the days where you are limited to the amount of simultaneous calls that can be made, or the fact you are bound to your office to make and receive business calls, whilst looking at an outdated PBX on the wall. Nowadays everyone is on the move and the importance to run a business in a flexible and cost-effective manner is vital to SMEs. I have put together seven main reasons why moving your telecoms to a fully hosted VoIP platform will be a breath of fresh air to your business.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you fed up of paying high line rental, high call charges and even higher maintenance fees? If so, a hosted phone system is the right move for you.â&#x20AC;?

1. Continuity - Continuity is one of the most important aspects in business especially around IT and telecoms. As a business telecoms specialist, we know the importance of telecoms and having the right procedures in place in an event of a disaster. In the past you could wait for days for BT Openreach to have a look at a line/broadband issue whilst you are left twiddling your thumbs with no telecoms. With a fully hosted phone system, that

worry can be eliminated straight away. You can setup up procedures so that in an event of a disaster, all your calls are diverted elsewhere such as through to another branch, a set of mobile phones or maybe something simple such as an answering service or mailbox, and all this can be done automatically without you having to do anything. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to suffer from everything coming to a halt whilst you wait on third parties to fix the issue.

2. Cost effective - Are you fed up of paying high line rental, high call charges and even higher maintenance fees? If so, a hosted phone system is the right move for you. Hosted means cloud based, which also means, you no longer have the need to have a big old PBX sitting on a wall in your building. Instead, have the PBX in the cloud. By doing this, you remove the hardware to maintain which results in no maintenance fees. Again, since calls will be running over an internet connection you can reduce your line rental and call

Technology charges. In addition to this, if you have outgrown your current PBX, installing new ISDN lines is an expensive task. Instead, you can have as many extensions as you need with a hosted phone system and all that is needed is an additional extension and a phone. An added bonus is that inter business calls on the same system are free of charge - you don’t have to be charged for calling your own business! 3. Flexibility - A hosted phone system can be as flexible as you need it to be; whether that be tagging calls for multiple departments or business names, voicemail2email, forwarding calls through to remote workers or simply having an interactive voice response to divert calls through to the right people… the list goes on. You are not bound to have your staff in the office, if you have remote workers, they can still have an extension on the system by using a softphone app for their smart phone or a desk phone at their house, whilst still displaying the company number on external calls.

“Nowadays everyone is on the move and the importance to run a business in a flexible and costeffective manner is vital to SMEs.” 4. Scalability - Growing your business can be a stressful time, this added with the additional spend of hardware and delayed timescales can be an unwanted headache. Fortunately adding a new phone and extension to your new hosted system is a stress free and easy task. Just add or remove extensions as and when you need them.

6. Expandability - If you are in the process of moving office, opening further branches or have plans to in the future, you don’t need to worry about the pressure of cancelling/moving lines to accommodate this. With your numbers hosted in the cloud, you can take your phones anywhere you need to as long as there is an internet connection. Alternatively, if you need phones to ring in two branches, this can also be done with a simple hunt group routing so no need for complicated phone systems features. 7. Protection - Like with our IT, we take security very seriously. With telecoms, it’s no different. We will set daily call spend limits on your extensions so that the system cannot be hacked and generate

high call charges thus protecting your business. In the unlikely attempt of a breach the system would be locked down straight away, something that isn’t available with traditional PBX phone systems. At LMS Group we want you to have the best communications at the best price. We will work with you to make sure the system is built bespoke to your needs. We will clearly breakdown any savings to be made through our bill analysis so that you can see exactly where you’re saving money. If you would like to find out more about how we can help your business or if you would like us to carry out a free telecoms audit please contact us by visiting www.lms.group/telephony/ hosted-telephony/

5. Control - Most SMEs like not having to worry about managing their IT or telecoms but if you want to have control over changes to your setup, that’s not a problem either. By logging into a secure URL, you can make changes to the system yourself which means you can keep your support costs down.

CEO

Businesses need to get emotional By Si Conroy, owner of Scarlet Monday

e’ve been tricked!

There we were thinking we were these clever, logical, reasoning creatures who are hijacked now and then by pesky emotions. Little did we realise that we’re actually outand-out emotional creatures. Creatures who have been hijacked by the consciousness we’ve developed over our evolution into believing that we’re clever, logical, reasoning creatures who are hijacked by emotions. Emotions that definitely have no place in business. In fact, our conscious is not in control at all; it interprets a decision we make otherthan-consciously. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences conducted experiments which evidenced our decisions using brain scans up to 7 seconds before we’ve ‘consciously’ decided. Source: Chun Siong Soon, Marcel Brass, Hans-Jochen Heinze & John-Dylan Haynes, “Unconscious Determinants of Free Decisions in the Human Brain.” Nature Neuroscience, April 13th 2008. Think about it. It’s drummed into us from a very early age to manage our emotions. Stop crying, don’t be angry, show more passion… Actually, when you really think about it, even

as adults most of our internal challenges relate to our lack of emotional control. Why are you comfort eating? Why do you drink to quieten the stresses of another busy day? Why are you so envious of the success of [insert name of the latest person who’s sold their business for millions/got the big promotion/seems to be happily married and living the dream].

At least you can now convince yourself it’s not ‘your’ fault? However, something strange happens throughout academia and then going into business. It’s not just that we’re told to manage our emotions. They’re pretty much ignored. We generally don’t hire people based

CEO Fight Club

on an emotional profile we create. We don’t assess them based on their emotions. We don’t train their emotions. And yet we are first and foremost emotional creatures. So why is this? I would argue it’s down to the fairly early stage of business evolution that we’re at now. The 17th century Dutch East India Company is widely recognised as one of the earliest commercial corporate bodies, with some pointing to the Stora Kopparberg mining community in Falun, Sweden, which obtained a charter from King Magnus Eriksson in 1347 (Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Corporation) – in fact Roman law recognised a range of non-commercial corporate entities in the 6th century. When judged against the earliest evidence of stone tool use of our ancestors nearly three million years ago, businesses being around for anywhere between 400 and 1,500 years ago is a 0.5% evolutionary pinprick. Why am I banging on about this? It’s simple really. I would argue that the ‘mechanics’ of running a business are now so accessible – even though increasingly sophisticated/ complex when we consider the plethora of technologies and data – that businesses need to bring in the emotions to get the competitive advantage.

Not only do we need to unleash the passionate, emotional depths of our team members in the creative jobs - arguably one of the few areas where emotions have been permitted in recent decades. We need to get more emotional as leaders as well as stimulating the emotions of all our team members. Just stand back and think about the dots that are there to be connected:

The corporation as a body of people is legally a ‘person’ in its own right. Not bad for an intersubjective reality (something the majority of humans globally hold to be a real thing which doesn’t really exist, a bit like money…). Ignore the slightly mind bending aspect of this point and focus on this: we want businesses to feel like people we know and love. Full of emotions.

People want to work for passionate people who are on a mission to make a dent in the world. Jobs, Branson, Musk are so wellknown because they were, or are, spiky and passionate and human.

I started following Cal Newport’s blog when he was an undergraduate. He’s now a tenured experimental computer science professor at Georgetown. In parallel to his academic studies, he’s focused on the process of gaining knowledge, particularly deep knowledge and has popularised the term ‘Deep Work’. In his latest book of the same name he argues that the only people who will thrive in the future digital world – as well as the owners of capital and businesses – are either the people creative enough to work with intelligent machines or superstars: those who have followed their heart to deeply learn more than others about their craft.

Technology – regardless of its purpose - is rapidly becoming such a ubiquitous enabler that it’s our very human, emotional interface with it that causes some to fly and some to fail. If we don’t love how we interact with a technology in a smartphone-accelerated world it loses vs. tech we love to use. Businesses exist to solve human needs and wants. Take a look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and try and separate the emotions from each level of those needs. Impossible. Those businesses that best understand those needs and wants by best understanding the underlying emotional drivers will win. The corporate blue-grey borgs will die.

So as owners of capital and businesses, what is our primary responsibility? Bring in the emotion, the passion, the creativity and the depth of skill to deliver what your future customers want. Or die.

Ironically, the very etymology of corporation is corpus, meaning body or “body of people”.

Si Conroy specialises in helping business owners remove their blockers to profitable business growth; be they strategy, marketing & sales, people, finance or systems process. Trained at PwC and owner of Scarlet Monday (www.ScarletMonday.com) and www.ConstantMentor.com, Si practices what he preaches across a number of businesses in which he has invested. si@scarletmonday.com

@siconroy

Exporting

Making the most of international demand

Clive Higglesden reports on a Lloyds Bank survey of exporters

lot has been said recently about the fertile exporting environment for UK businesses.

The low value of sterling has made our goods and services more attractive to overseas buyers and our impending departure from the EU is prompting British businesses to look beyond Europe for new trading partners. Recent Government statistics are proving that we’re making the most of growing international demand, too. The Office for National Statistics’ first set of full year figures on Britain’s trade since the Brexit vote reported the value of our exports rose 11.3% to £617bn in 2017.

“Lloyds Bank’s recent update to the Working Capital Index shows that across UK firms there is at least £680bn of cash that is currently tied up in excess working capital.” In particular, exports to non-EU countries increased by 11.6%, which tells us that businesses aren’t afraid of exploring markets further afield.

Our own research at Lloyds Bank has also found that the new year had been good for exporters. A quarter (25%) of exporters we spoke to in our March Business in Britain report said their total exports had gone up over the previous six months. A similar number (24%) expected their total exports to increase over the first six months of 2018 too. Despite these positive figures, a worrying one in four (25%) exporters still haven’t reviewed their trading strategy since we voted to leave the EU. Of those that have, more than half (53%) have decided to focus more on UK opportunities. While there are benefits to focusing on domestic opportunities, these businesses are limiting their potential growth. They are also relying on the performance of the British economy – if it’s doing well and confidence among consumers is high, demand for business’ goods and services will be there. If the economy takes a downturn, however,

businesses will have little other trade to soften the blow. Why are these firms not expanding their international footprint? We carried out a separate survey of more than 2,000 exporters with YouGov last year. It found that, of those firms that said they had exported in the past but not in the previous 12 months, more than a quarter (28%) said the reason for their increased domestic focus was because they had been unable to find further export opportunities.

Have the most up-to-date information to hand We developed our International Trade Portal to tackle this problem and to help firms identify target markets. The portal helps firms prioritise the best overseas opportunities, and provides specific advice on how to avoid the potential pitfalls that come with

Exporting

trading with new countries. Find out more at lloydsbanktrade.com The ability to access support and advice from partners such as the Department for International Trade’s GREAT.gov.uk can also play a key part in a firm’s international trade success. Exporting will always present its challenges but firms should know that help is on hand. To make sure British businesses continue prosper once we leave the EU, we need to be making the most of international demand. Focusing on the following four pillars will help to mitigate potential risks and challenges: 1. Unlock working capital – companies that have strong working capital positions will be better able to weather whatever challenges the future might bring. There are many ways to unlock working capital, including via payment terms renegotiation, stronger credit control, and bank financing. A focused investigation into bottlenecks and solutions can often yield material improvements. Lloyds Bank’s recent update to the Working Capital Index shows that across UK firms there is at least £680bn of cash that is currently tied up in excess working capital.

2. Focus on productivity – Britain lags behind other developed economies such as the US, Korea, Canada and Germany in terms of productivity. If tariffs do start to erode profits, increased productivity will ultimately lead to a lower cost base, helping companies manage the tariff impact and continue to provide competitive pricing. With access to labour a real concern, especially in the service and construction industries, companies should consider how they can drive productivity via automation/new production technologies. 3. Trade with the world, not just the EU – regardless of how the EU negotiations play out, companies should be looking to take advantage of sterling’s depreciation by identifying new markets for their products and services. This will help minimise the impact of any future loss of access to Free Trade Agreements or possible slowdown of growth. New markets deliver new ways of doing business and so, as previously noted, companies should ensure that risk management and working capital is front of mind. Companies also quickly need to consider the implications of any extra tariffs and customs requirements on their

inward supply chain – is it time to switch some key suppliers? 4. Be risk aware – a financial loss can have a huge impact on cash flow. Greater macroeconomic uncertainty could lead to greater client payment delays or failures, and new markets means new risks and ways of doing business. It is therefore important that firms have a resilient risk management strategy in place, especially when starting to look at markets outside of the EU. Companies should be considering the full range of risk mitigation techniques, from letters of credit and guarantees, through to credit insurance and UK Export Finance offerings.

Clive Higglesden is Head of trade and supply chain product at Lloyds Banking Group,

Mergers & Acquisitions

Let the good times roll M

NIK ASKAROFF, CEO of EMC Corporate Finance and three times winner of the South East Dealmaker of the Year Award, assesses the current state of the M&A market

aking predictions about the economy is a mug’s game. I remember the old joke about why God decided to invent economists. The answer? To make weather forecasters feel good!

And is it any wonder when, on the one hand, you have those who would have us believe that we’re heading towards fiscal hell in a handcart caused by Brexit, and on the other, the legions of mainly small and medium sized businesses that are continuing to defy the gloomsters and doomsters by doing rather well.

“The UK is one of the top five investment destinations named by US executives this year, and businesses across Europe are similarly seeking opportunities to snap up British firms while the going is good.”

Employment is at record, levels, pay is gradually easing ahead of inflation, productivity is slowly improving and exports booming thanks to the falling pound. Ok, the day of reckoning viz-a-viz Brexit may still be to come, but for the time being things are holding up pretty well.

That is particularly the case in the M&A market which, so far this year, has been performing out of its skin. Megadeals such as Melrose’s £8bn takeover of GKN and GlaxoSmithKline’s £9.2bn purchase of Swiss competitor Novaris helped the UK market achieve its best opening to a year since 2012. But while these huge transactions have grabbed all the headlines, things have also been buzzing at the lower end of the market.

None of our transactions were big enough to attract the attention of the national media, but they made a huge difference to the lives of the business owners and directors we were representing. Take the sale of Parker Building Supplies as an example. It was recently snapped up by specialist private investment firm Cairngorm Capital Partners LLP in a deal in which we acted as introducers.

already signed off and several more close to completion.

Founded by Tom Parker in 1984, the company has grown to become the South East’s leading independent builders’ merchant with 15 branches across Sussex and Kent, generating revenues of £67m in 2017

In the first quarter, we sat alongside big hitters like PWC and above Investec Bank in Experian’s Top 10 most active dealmakers in the South East.

The deal offered Tom the opportunity to retire knowing that Cairngorm Capital’s unique mix of sectoral expertise and investment skill will enable them to take the business to the

We’ve also had our best start to a year since our formation in 1989 with seven deals

Mergers & Acquisitions

next level and become a leading distributor of building products in the UK. As he said at the time: “Parkers has grown substantially in recent years and has the potential to achieve much more. This is the natural point for me to pass the company to new, trusted custodians who can deliver on its future potential.” It’s a theme we see repeated constantly as more and more business owners come to recognise that the current market represents a rare opportunity to maximise the return on their years of hard work and investment in starting and building their business. That’s because, for once, a number of key factors have come together to create almost perfect conditions for both sellers and buyers. As Steve Krouskos, global vice chair of transaction advisory services at EY says in his quarterly review: “I think it will be a great year, one of the top three if not a record.” So what are the factors that are stimulating the market? For a start, an increasing number of overseas buyers are being attracted to the UK market by the drop in the value of the pound. The UK is one of the top five investment destinations named by US executives this year, and businesses across Europe are similarly seeking opportunities to snap up British firms while the going is good. We have done a large number of crossborder deals over the last 18 months, some of which have been highly complex, and this pattern only shows signs of increasing over the coming months.

Lenders are also much more receptive now to decent propositions. Banks, mezzanine lenders, private equity firms and venture capitalists are all keen to support well-run businesses with high growth potential. PE firms, in particular, are sitting on vast reserves of cash that they are looking to invest in the right vehicles.

With so much going for it, it would be easy to assume that it’s an easy time to be making deals. Wrong! Due diligence, in particular, is taking much longer and is a lot tougher than I’ve previously known it. Lots more deals are falling over at the last hurdle, victims to forensic examination by legal and accountancy advisers.

At the same time, home-grown companies are increasingly deploying capital to make strategic acquisitions rather than sit on cash which, in the present low-interest climate, earns them next to nothing.

As ever, time, patience and a lot of forward planning has to go into preparing a company for sale or making a strategic acquisition. Having the right advisers by your side throughout will certainly help.

They’re all looking for bargains. In the recent Thomson Reuters Dealmakers Sentiment Survey, 48% of UK corporate executives said that acquiring undervalued assets is one of their top three M&A objectives for 2018.

As John Burroughes, MD of Timely Management said after the recent sale of his company to the Ickenham Travel Group PLC: “We simply could not have got here without the help, support and advice of EMC. They have been with us every step of the way through what was, at times, a daunting process.”

But that may be harder to achieve than to believe, given that the global average acquisition multiple equalled an all-time high last year at 14.4 times Ebitda, according to Thomson Reuters. Values are continuing to hold up well this year too, so the bargain hunters may face disappointment while sellers will be laughing all the way to their banks. Just as cross-border dealmaking is increasingly becoming the norm, cross-sector M&A is also becoming more commonplace. According to EY, almost a fifth of global executives see an increase in cross-industry acquisitions to be a hallmark of 2018, fuelled by a need to adopt new technologies and digital capabilities.

So although the conditions are almost as good as I can remember for both sellers and buyers, nothing can be taken for granted. Get the deal right though and the rewards can be life-changing.

EMC is headquartered at Rochester House, Rochester Gardens, Hove BN3 3AW. Tel: 01273 945984. Web: emcltd.co.uk

Traditional values in a changing world Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Education • Healthcare • Heritage • Maintenance

Cheesmur are proud to continue their support and sponsorship of the Lewes Business Awards

Tel: 01273 858600 www.cheesmur.co.uk This is cheesmur colour blue

@CheesmurBuild

Cheesmur Building Contractors

Adur & Worthing Business Awards

Best in business The Adur & Worthing Business Awards have launched! So enter or nominate now and stand out from the crowd in the business world.

his year’s Adur & Worthing Business Awards was launched in style on Wednesday 6th June at The Hummingbird Restaurant, Shoreham Airport. The event, which was held in conjunction with Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce, provided the perfect opportunity for potential entrants to find out about this year’s categories from sponsors and previous winners while networking in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The launch event was proudly sponsored by Sussex Transport who supply a comprehensive range of road haulage, contract lifting, warehousing and logistics services. Now in its eleventh year, the awards have become the feature business event across the area showcasing a thriving business community. Organised under the umbrella of the Adur & Worthing Business Partnership

at the launch to share their success stories, along with top tips and advice on submitting an award-winning entry.

(AWBP) as a not-for-profit organisation, the Adur & Worthing Business Awards are organised by a committee of successful local business people. These include Electronic Temperature Instruments (ETI), JSPC Computer Services, Seagull Travel, Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and Adur & Worthing Council. A panel of previous winners were on hand

Entering the Adur & Worthing Business Awards is a great exercise of evaluation and team building, and of course being shortlisted as a finalist or winning is a massive boost to your PR and the overall morale of your organisation, whilst earning you fantastic positioning within your sector and marketplace for years to come. Businesses are invited to enter the awards which offer eighteen separate categories, all designed to recognise successes and achievements across various industries. To enter or nominate a business, simply visit www.awbawards.com and complete the online entry form.

2018 Award Categories Overall Business of the Year

Lifetime Achievement

Training & Development

Sponsored by Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd

Sponsored by The Martlet Partnership

The award entry deadline is Friday 21st September 2018.

Art

CASTLE FINE ART is the home of contemporary and classic artworks, and the gallery offers a bespoke service for corporate clients

astle Fine Art’s new look Brighton gallery is set to redefine the way you experience, view and buy art.

Located in the heart of The Lanes, Brighton’s number one destination for art has been established in the town for more than six years and sees contemporary meet classic in a gallery setting. Specialising in original works and signed limited editions, Castle Fine Art boasts an extensive collection sure to enchant and inspire. Artworks by cultural icons such as Bob Dylan and Ronnie Wood can be found on gallery walls, alongside pieces from critically acclaimed artists making their mark on today’s art scene.

Discover new art by Stuart McAlpine Miller A collection of graphics by critically acclaimed artist, Stuart McAlpine Miller, has been unveiled at Castle Fine Art.

McAlpine Miller created A Time for Reflection: The Savoy Suite for London’s Savoy Hotel in 2012 and the collection is inspired by some of the hotel’s iconic guests. The original paintings still hang in The Savoy’s Thames Foyer, and now a selection of eight signed, limited-edition prints are available to purchase for the first time. Capturing some of Hollywood’s biggest names, from Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner to Frank Sinatra and Charlie Chaplin, A Time for Reflection: The Savoy Suite sees McAlpine Miller adopt the signature style that has earned him international recognition. Using subtle tones of paint to create the illusion of transparencies in each painting, the artist has sought to celebrate the legacy of each icon and cement the parts they played in modern history. He says: “This series of eight paintings concentrates on two essential elements: the sheer majesty and beauty that is The Savoy, together with the glamour of iconic idols that has been and will continue to be an integral

CASTLE FINE ART BRIGHTON’S SUMMER SOIREE FRIDAY 20TH JULY 6-8:30PM Please join us for an evening of fine art and a sparkling selection of cocktails hand-crafted by mixologists from The Little Wooden Bar Co. You will have the chance to meet figurative artist, Simon Claridge, and view his stunning diamond dust artworks. Simon has created an exclusive original artwork that will be unveiled during the event, so it’s not to be missed! To have your name added to the guest list or find out more about the event, please contact the gallery.

Art

Brighton Photos: © Jim Carey Photography

part of this historic hotel. “The eight subjects not only serve to remind us of an era of great hope and aspirations but also allow us to consider both progress and future achievement. “Having gone through something of a renaissance, The Savoy has continued to achieve a standard which might otherwise be lost in this throwaway society where everything is replaceable. The paintings hope to both remind us of the more important elements behind the character and the opportunities which lie ahead.” Stuart McAlpine Miller has a modern style,

but he is still an admirer of traditional Old Masters such as Caravaggio and Bosch. He nevertheless says he is most influenced by pop art pioneer Andy Warhol, following the cult painter’s ethos that art is ultimately “a throw away thing that has value”. Speaking about the artist, critic Estelle Lovatt said: “Looking at McAlpine Miller’s paintings it’s hard to believe the canvases are painted by hand. He is one of the most creative minds in art today, and he’s established a process that follows no Masters. Creating his own genre – let me call it ‘Supernatural-Realism’.”

The Savoy has long enjoyed an affiliation with the arts, and has earned a renowned artistic pedigree. The hotel began its Artist in Residence program in 1901, with Claude Monet being the first to hold this prestigious title. He famously painted views of the Thames and its iconic bridges from his top floor room, just as Whistler later sketched the scaffolding during The Savoy’s extensive program of refurbishment.

For more information on the new collection A Time For Reflection, please contact the gallery.

HIRE OR BUY ART FOR YOUR BUSINESS Are you looking to find contemporary art to impress your clients or express your own brand identity? Castle Fine Art can offer you a professional hire service tailored for your needs and a personalised approach to discuss preferred genres, styles or colours to suit your business’ environment. Our corporate hire service is tailored for commercial businesses, residential developments, restaurants, hotels and private individuals, offering original paintings, hand signed limited edition prints and sculpture from today’s leading contemporary artists. Contact us now to take full advantage of the benefits we can offer your business. Castle Fine Art is located at 2 Nile Pavilions, Nile Street, The Lanes, Brighton, BN1 1HW Telephone: 01273 761 495 � Email: brighton@castlefineart.com

We are a Brighton based creative agency specialising in design, web and marketing. Founded by three passionate creatives.

whitespace.studio

Creators of the Platinum Publishing Group website

Expert Advice

Expert Panel Steve Elford, Director of Web Development at Whitespace, answers your web design questions

My website seems to take a long time to load up. How can I improve the speed of the site? There are many things that can contribute to a slow loading web page, but in my experience the culprit is most often the use of images that are much bigger than they need to be. Most well made sites will resize your images for you but it is still worth taking a bit of time to optimise your images before you upload them. Images for the web are always RGB and 72dpi (as opposed to print, which uses CMYK at 300dpi). Depending on the context, an average sized image will be between 800 to 1200 pixels wide, but a photo taken straight from a digital camera can be anything up to 7000 - this results in a larger file size and longer loading times. If your image is more than a megabyte, it’s probably a bit too big; if it’s 10mb, it’s way too big!

Secondly, don’t annoy or confuse your visitors. Here are some examples: • Large pop-ups in the middle of the screen asking you to sign up to something or complete a survey before you’ve even read the first sentence. • Videos that autoplay (with sound) • Linking to other websites directly from the main menu. • Clickbait (number 6 will shock you...) • Navigation that takes you round in circles. The best thing is to give your visitors everything they need and show them why they don’t need to leave your site, then provide

an easy call-to-action such as a contact form, call-back request or simple link to your contact page. Provide a site-wide search feature and categorise your content so it is easy to find. If you have a lot of content, show related pages at the end of your articles to keep the reader engaged. Overall, focus on useability. If your visitors have to ‘figure out’ how to use your website, then they won’t stick around.

If you have a question for Steve please email ask@whitespace.studio www.whitespace.studio

We use Photoshop for resizing and cropping, but most computers come bundled with software that can do this, such as Preview on a Mac or Photos on Windows. A great online resource for reducing file size without losing quality is tinypng.com. You can upload up to 20 jpeg or PNG images at a time and it will compress them for you.

How can I encourage people to stay on our website for longer? The first thing is to stop encouraging them to leave! If you link away from your site too readily, then don’t be surprised if your site visitors don’t return. It’s fine to link to other sites but make sure to set the links to open in a new window or tab (this is usually referred to as the ‘target’). This way your site will remain open and they can easily pick up where they left off.

Travel - Crete

Shake Hands in

Crete

Rose Dykins explores the Greek island’s strategies for satisfying today’s travellers and following the trends, including the rise of ‘ego tourism’

Hersonissos Port

id you know that Crete is the centre of the oldest known civilisation in Europe? Food for thought as I douse my bowl of creamy feta salad with fragrant olive oil, and decide whether to spend my afternoon at the beach or by the pool of my resort. In the end, the salty breeze tempts me to the shingly bay of Agia Pelagia village. The barely there waves of the Mediterranean fizz like champagne when they touch the shore. To my right, fishermen repair their yellow frayed nets on a rickety jetty, which the sway of the sea rocks like a cradle. The haphazard volcanic terrain in the background is peppered with forest-like foliage. Perhaps it hasn’t changed much since the days of the Minoan Civilisation

“Back-to-nature, healthorientated, restorative travel experiences are bang on trend right now, and the island has the right DNA to meet these demands.”

(2700-1400 BC), which leaves a remarkable legacy in the Bronze Age archeological site of Knossos – a mere 15-minute drive from Heraklion airport. According to Greek mythology, Knossos is where Theseus fought his way through King Minos’s labyrinth to take on the Minotaur, and where Icarus flew too close to the sun. However, I can’t help but wonder how many tourists spend their holidays basking in the sun along its Crete’s rugged shoreline – as I’m doing now – without knowing that Knossos is even here. Crete’s tourism story begins in the Sixties, when it became a hippy playground for longhaired backpackers who shacked up in the manmade Matala Caves – Joni Mitchell was

Travel - Crete among them, and her hit Carey is inspired by her time there. The following decades saw mainstream tourism transform the island. Couples travelled to explore Chania’s peaceful Venetian-built harbour, and to experience Vai Beach – where the 1981 Bounty chocolate bar advert was filmed – fringed by the largest palm forest in Europe. Around the same time, the rise in Club 18-30 culture saw the peaceful fishing village of Malia transform into one of Europe’s most banging spots for nightlife.

“With beaches, wineries, private yachts and Bronze Age ruins to play with, Crete is a dream destination for creative event planners.”

Today, the island continues to move with the times, and now has an extremely diverse offering for tourism (which accounts for more than 50% of GDP for Crete and its surrounding region). For example, according to Thomas Cook, millennials are forgoing a boozy week of clubbing in favour of “ego tourism” – travel experiences centred around wellbeing and self-care, that help maintain their “digital image”. In light of this, Thomas Cook launched its Cook’s Club this summer, a collection of boutique hotels that cater for this type of traveller – and the first one was set to open in Crete last month in Hersonissos on Crete’s north coast, with 148 rooms, a restaurant offering vegan treats, a pool bar with an allday DJ and a spa coming soon. Wellbeing travellers are an increasingly important demographic for Crete, and to Greece as a whole. According to the Global

Vai Beach Wellness Institute, international wellbeing travel was set to grow by 38% between 2017 and 2020, and over the past few years, Greece has been harnessing the huge potential of this sector. “The development of health and spa tourism in Greece has been rapid,” says Emy Anagnostopoulou, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in London. “In the past year, we have seen a major increase in new hotels and resorts focusing heavily on wellbeing spread all around Greece – from popular and established destinations, to smaller islands and the mainland. With one of the best climates in the world, a unique variety of natural beauty, and one of the healthiest diets in the world, Greece is the ideal destination for wellbeing tourism.” Agritourism, wine tourism and gastrotourism are some other travel trends that Crete is keen to capitalise on. The island’s rich vinification culture and prolific production of crops such as olives, orange, mandarins, tomatoes, courgettes and carob beans both create opportunities to welcome travellers who are seeking to spend time in nature, work the land and enjoy produce

fresh from the soil. The Greek government is currently implementing programmes in Crete to promote the island’s agricultural products, at a cost of €9.5 million, and one way of doing so is to partner hotels with the island’s farms, building mutually beneficial relationships. In terms of hosting meetings and events in Crete, the island has plenty to offer, including safety, affordability, relatively strong flight connections to the airports of Heraklion and Chania, a desirable climate and a worldrevered culinary culture and lifestyle. The upscale resorts and villas dotted across the island are suited to small and medium-sized events and incentives. And with beaches, wineries, private yachts and Bronze Age ruins to play with, Crete is a dream destination for creative event planners. In many ways, Crete’s tourism story mirrors the journey of European destinations as a whole. Back-to-nature, healthorientated, restorative travel experiences are bang on trend right now, and the island has the right DNA to meet these demands. Whatever trend comes next, Crete will take it in its stride, without losing its mythical hum of antiquity.

Balos Bay

Travel - Crete

Where to meet Abaton Island Resort and Spa Opened in April, this sleek five-star resort has a show-stopping spotlit outdoor pool area that makes an impressive setting for a sunset cocktail reception. An all-white, arty design concept runs throughout the six bars restaurants and 152 rooms – almost half of which have their own pool – and there’s also an Elemis spa with milk, ocean and orchid nectar body wraps on the treatment menu.

abaton.gr

Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort and Spa This sprawling family-run resort offers ample opportunity for relaxed outdoor events. It’s possible to host dinners for 1,000 people on the tip of its private peninsula. The air-conditioned conference centre can hold 900 delegates, and sits beside Seasalt and Rosemary restaurant, surrounded by flowers and olive trees, overlooking a pebbly public bay. The resort’s medical and wellness facilities are comprehensive, with packages including “Ageing Well” and a seven day Dukan diet plan.

capsis.com

Where to stay Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas A five-star adults-only retreat along the northeast coast of Crete, Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas is nestled around a private cove with golden sand. It recently gained the Beach House, a new open-air restaurant and lounge with cabanas and a fire pit, serving Eastern-Mediterranean fusion dishes. The 2,500 sqm GOCO spa is home to a resident yoga master from India and a thermal spa suite, said to help with sleep issues, balancing body weight and detoxing.

daioscovecrete.com

Nana Princess Opened in June, Nana Princess is design-led, contemporary and luxurious. The earthy-toned, high-rooms, suites and villas are high-tech, with smart lighting and mirror LCD TVs in the bathrooms. There are three restaurants – one with a Michelin-star chef – and a private sandy beach with gazebos, where free refreshments are served twice daily. The stateof-the-art spa has a hammam, and uses local ingredients in its treatments, such as the Minoan Carob Body Scrub and the King Olive Massage, which uses Cretan olive oil.

nanaprincess.gr

Travel - Crete

What to do Group incentive ideas that showcase Crete’s raw natural beauty and enigmatic history Elafonisi Famous for its stretches of pink and white sandy beaches, this islet just off the southwestern side of Crete is accessible on foot, as the warm waters in between are so shallow. Home to 100 species of plant, the island is a protected area so once you reach it, there are no beach bars in sight.

Knossos The largest Bronze Age archeological site on Crete, Knossos is considered to be the capital of Minoan Crete. Private tours of the epic ruins can be arranged, revealing the mythology surrounding the Palace and the city’s labyrinth-like alleyways.

Catamaran trip to Spinalonga island A former leper colony, the island of Spinalonga to the northeast of Crete is shrouded in mystery. Charter a catamaran for a group so they can enter via the long, low tunnel through a fortress wall, known as Dante’s Gate, and allow a couple of hours to explore the eerie abandoned stone buildings.

Samaria Gorge Set within Samaria National Park in Southern Crete, this eyepopping canyon is one of the longest in Europe at 16km. Allow a full day to complete the hike along it – and only embark on it if you’re in good shape – passing hidden 17th century churches and the abandoned Samaris settlement.

Manousakis Winery Group tours of this beautiful winery’s organically farmed vineyards can be arranged, as well as tastings of its syrah, grenache, muscat and tsikoudia (an aperitif also known as raki).

manousakiswinery. com

Travel

Going the extra mile Putting travellers in charge of their time is one of Gatwick’s main ambitions and the airport has recently implemented world-class facilities to enable passengers to travel safely and securely.

ith over 45 million passengers now passing through the airport each year, Gatwick is now the only airport in the world’s top 20 for passenger growth that has a single runway. This growth has gone hand in hand with increasing levels of passenger service and satisfaction, driven by innovation and investment.

“The new selfboarding technology will identify each passenger and verify that their passport, face and boarding card all match, a process which takes less than 20 seconds.”

To help manage the ever increasing numbers who choose to fly from Gatwick, the airport has an ambition to reduce queue time and put passengers in charge of their time at the airport. Investment in technologies which automate the passenger processing part of travelling through an airport is critical to making this ambition a reality and includes implementing more efficient security processes and bag drop services.

Self-service bag drop An investment of £36m was made in 2015 to create the world’s largest self-service bag drop zone in the North Terminal, which has

enabled Gatwick to handle greater numbers of passengers by increasing peak check-in capacity from 3,000 to 4,350 passengers per hour, with the average bag-drop transaction taking less than two minutes. The North Terminal now has more than 60 self-service bag drop units, with others located in the South Terminal. Five airlines are currently using this selfservice bag drop technology at Gatwick with excellent passenger feedback and a further five airlines due to adopt the technology soon. Self-service bag drop was originally trialled in the South Terminal, proving that queuing times can be significantly shortened by allowing passengers to take charge of their own journey through the airport. The technology enables passengers who have checked in online to take their bags straight to a machine upon arrival at the airport, where they can print their luggage tag, apply it to their bag and load it straight onto Gatwick’s state-of-the-art baggage sorting system. This

means the airport check-in process can be completed in less than two minutes.

Security screening A world-leading new security zone was opened in 2016 as part of the transformation of the North Terminal, following successful implementation of the technology in the South Terminal. The £36 million project formed a major part of the airport’s growth strategy as investment in the state-of-the-art facility has halved the time it takes passengers to pass through security, while maintaining the strictest security measures, and allows Gatwick to screen up to 5,000 passengers per hour. Each of the ten new security lanes has seven ‘loading points’, reducing queue times and increasing the number of passengers able to prepare their belongings for the screening process at any one time. There are also dedicated lanes for premium travellers, families and passengers with reduced mobility.

Travel On entrance to the security area, passengers pass through a set of 17 new e-gates, which also help to reduce the build-up of queues and speed up the process of passing through security.

“Gatwick prides itself on providing innovative solutions to enhance the passenger experience at every touch point.” Biometrics Gatwick has also recently announced the UK’s first trial of end-to-end biometrics - where personal data at the airport’s self-service bag drops will be recognised by new automated self-boarding gates - simplifying and speeding up the process for passengers and reducing the risk of human error. The ambition is for each departure gate to have pre-boarding zones with five entry points, using e-gate technology and biometrics to process passengers.

Gatwick prides itself on providing innovative solutions to enhance the passenger experience at every touch point. Embracing the latest digital enhancements is therefore vital as they will help us to improve our efficiency further, which in turn allows the airport to grow. To enable Gatwick’s digital transformation the airport has just future proofed its entire IT network for the next decade and can now take advantage of new, modern technologies for the benefit of airport users, including more than 250 onsite businesses, 30,000 staff and 45 million annual passengers. It also makes the network more resilient and tolerant to disruption. The airport is also transforming the way information is communicated and will soon connect passengers to intelligent chat bots using Facebook Messenger, Skype, and other popular apps. Other initiatives going live soon include augmented reality wayfinding and superfast Wi-Fi for passengers. Behind the scenes, Gatwick is using machine learning to bolster security and develop passenger journey mapping so gate staff can track late running passengers and send notifications via a range of apps. With the rate of growth the airport has experienced, it is essential Gatwick is able to continue finding more efficient ways of processing passengers through the airport safely and securely.

The trial is being run in partnership with easyJet - Gatwick’s biggest airline - and the new self-boarding technology will identify each passenger and verify that their passport, face and boarding card all match, a process which takes less than 20 seconds. The trial is the first and most extensive of its kind in the UK and will run for at least three months so that around 10,000 passengers take part on easyJet’s 43 Gatwick routes. This range should allow the airport to gather enough meaningful information to be able to spot trends and adapt the technology to ensure the optimum experience for passengers. Gatwick will be looking at how long each interaction takes, what this means for queue times, how it simplifies the passenger journey, how passengers interact with the technology, and how intuitive the process is. The faster, more efficient process also has the potential to improve aircraft departure times.

Self boarding trial in May

The boarding process has traditionally been handled by airline staff, but can now be automated with this unique technology, reducing queue times and freeing up airline staff to assist those who need it most.

Incentive Travel

Recruit, Reward, Retain Great talent is your biggest asset, but staff turnover in the UK is at an all time high and competition for good talent is fierce.

Ian Lucas, founder and CEO of Red7 explains why incentive travel is one of the best strategies an SME can use to recruit, reward and retain great employees.

Villa Nemo, Cap Martinet

t’s one of the biggest challenges faced by businesses: how do you attract top talent and make your company the destination of choice for the best candidates?

Then, once you’ve found your dream employee, how do you make sure they stay with you? Recruitment and retention of staff is one of the toughest - and not to mention costly - challenges an entrepreneur faces. Large corporations know this already and have extensive strategies in place, often led by large talent and development teams. But with the exponential growth of small and mediumsized companies over previous years, SMEs are now realising they have to offer much more

Obonjan Island, Croatia

Incentive Travel than a good salary to really hold on to the best talent. “Organisations need to sharpen their focus on retention in the light of increased recruitment difficulties and competition for talent,” wrote Personnel Today recently. Competition for talent in the UK labour market is more fierce than ever according to a 2017 CIPD survey; turnover in the labour market has increased yet again - currently at 16.5%, up from 14% in 2015. Engagement and retention is equally tough. A survey by Cascade, which asked 447 HR directors their views on the HR landscape for 2018 found that 44% viewed employee engagement as their biggest challenge to overcome, closely followed by 36% who viewed their greatest hurdle as staff retention. Absence management and recruitment came in as the third top concern at 36%. “When employee engagement goes down,” Christoph Williams, talent and performance manager at Sony Europe told HR Magazine at the start of the year, “turnover goes up and retention goes down.” Williams warned that this was in part due to “too much emphasis on efficiency rather than rewarding work”. So what’s the answer? Upping wages rarely works and puts strain on an SME’s bottom line. Countless surveys have revealed that paying employees large sums of money is not enough to keep them happy at work. In today’s working world, the hours are longer, the pressure and stress more intense and digital technology from WhatsApp to Slack means “working 9-5“ is little more than that Dolly Parton song released at time when a

Araldica

job still meant that - way back in 1980. Employees rarely switch off - in 2002 only 10% of employees checked their email outside office hours; now 50% will be working on their their smartphones before they’ve even got out of bed. So we say: get out, far away, from the office. “If we took a holiday,” as the great, wise Madonna sang, “took some time to celebrate; just one day out of life, it would be, it would be so nice.” That’s our view at Red7, where creating great travel experiences is our passion and something we’ve been doing as a business for 21 years. With access to the best airfares and hotel rates, exclusive large capacity deluxe villas and cost effective private jet and private yacht

hire we have long rewarded our own high performers and long-serving employees with “incentive travel” - whether that’s a great holiday, a corporate retreat, or staff party and spa weekend.

“Employees become advocates and ambassadors for your business; telling family, friends and social media followers that your company is a great place to work. ”

Incentives and rewards are well recognised as one of the most effective ways of retaining star performers - with some figures giving up to a 20% ROI from those who receive them. I’m proud to lead a fiercely loyal team and we’ve long rewarded our high performers and long-serving team members with incentive holidays.

The Zen Den on Obonjan Island, Croatia

This year, Red7 sales manager Viki Baines and my Executive Assistant Sadie Ball were whisked off on trips of a lifetime to celebrate their respective 10 year anniversaries at Red7.

Incentive Travel Sadie headed to the coastal paradise of Bentota in Sri Lanka, while Viki relaxed in the Caribbean in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. In 2017, to mark my return to the business after a few years out, I took the entire workforce on an all-expenses trip to Marbella. The team returned refreshed, relaxed and fired up to tackle our new chapter as Red7 expanded its services from bespoke Hen, Stag and Sten holidays to premium leisure travel, a new and improved business travel service and group sports tours. The benefits of incentive travel are countless. First up, you control the budget. Go low cost or high end: a weekend of cocktails, fish and chips, roller disco and rides at Dreamland in Margate can be just as much fun for your staff as a five star getaway to a luxury five star resort in the Caribbean (plus you avoid the jet lag).

“Creating great travel experiences is our passion.”

Obonjan Island - Music

Obonjan Island - Beach

Obonjan Island - Leisure

Obonjan Island - Star gazing

Obonjan Island - Yoga

HOLIDAY! Red7’s top incentive travel destinations for 2018 Next up: getting out of the office makes employees happy - not only do they return refreshed and more productive (and research bears this out), they become advocates and ambassadors for your business; telling family, friends and social media followers that your company is a great place to work. Time away from your own desk might feel like a waste of working time, but spending time with employees in an inspirational destination helps them understand your company and vision better than during endless meetings or the

Obonjan Island, Croatia

day-to-day office grind.

Ibiza, Spain

The promise of great reward trips promotes healthy competition among staff. It’s not just for employees either. Incentive travel can be a powerful tool for client PR trips, a chance to brainstorm on new business with new contacts. Red7 also helps SMEs by establishing their own Staff Travel Club. This gives employees the ability to pay for their holidays in monthly instalments whilst they are employed by you further increasing the chances of retention. Ultimately, great travel is memorable, it strengthens teams, makes people happy and fulfilled and reminds employees that their hard work is truly worth it.

A great choice for a no-holds barred party weekend: rent a private yacht (great for team bonding) or a luxe villa, Ibiza has stunning scenery, sun, sea, sand, luxe beach clubs and parties at legendary super clubs.

Glamping on Obonjan Island off the west coast of Croatia has the benefit of having everything in one place - making it super practical for groups. Great value and great weather, there’s daily yoga and watersports, a fantastic swimming pool, bars, restaurants and DJs playing once the sun goes down.

Marbella, Spain A great choice for all year round sun - brilliant for a summer trip or for giving staff a lift in the grey British winter. In 2017, Red7 took its employees away on an all-expenses paid holiday to Marbella to enjoy the luxe beach clubs, fresh seafood and sexy sangria. The workforce had a fantastic time and The Sun dubbed me “Britain’s Best Boss”!

Italy Red7 can book your group into fantastic large houses and villas with stunning grounds. With staff and chefs on site, they’re perfect for a corporate retreat.

New York Fire up your team with a trip to the Big Apple, where business never sleeps and work ethic is everything. Our travel technicians will book you on the best flights, meaning you can do a trip to the east coast of the States over a long weekend. For more information on Red7’s bespoke incentive travel programmes for your business, www.red7.co.uk or 01273 872200

Business Awards

The Shortlist 2018 Lewes District Business Awards

of Lewes District’s biggest and best companies and business people have made the shortlist of 11 awards for this year’s Lewes District Business Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the winners will be announced at the Amex Stadium on Thursday 19th July, presented by comedian Simon Evans. Companies appearing twice in the shortlist include Depot, Alistair Fleming Design, Lewes Football Club and SO Sussex. Commenting on this year’s shortlist, Cllr Andy Smith said: “The quality of entries for this year’s awards was unparalleled and I’m extremely proud that so many outstanding businesses reside in Lewes District.

Last year’s winners

“We had a fantastic number of entries from small companies to big businesses which made the judging process as challenging as ever. However, in the end, the judging panel were in agreement and we’re looking forward to announcing the winners at the award ceremony.”

An ideal opportunity to network with the who’s who of Lewes District, the award ceremony will be attended by 300 local businesses people on Thursday 19th July at the Amex Stadium with a sparkling drinks reception followed by a three-course dinner.

The awards are organised by Lewes District Council and sponsored by Allied Irish Bank, Cheesmur Building Contractors, Veolia, Wave Leisure Trust, LEAP, Uniglobe Preferred Travel, Basepoint, RSE Group and Whitespace with Platinum Business Magazine and Viva Lewes as media partners.

Tickets cost £68 (+vat) and can be purchased online - www.lewesdistrictbusinessawards.co.uk. For more information, please contact the award coordinators on lewes@platinumpublishing.co.uk.

LDBA FINALISTS 2018 BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Sponsored by Basepoint • Cleankill Pest Control • Plants4Presents • Richard Soan Roofing Services BEST GREEN BUSINESS Sponsored by Veolia • Depot • King’s Academy Ringmer • Tiny Box Company FOOD & DRINK DESTINATION OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Whitespace • Downsview Dairy Produce Ltd • Foodhaven BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER Sponsored by Platinum Business Magazine • Alexis Dove Jewellery

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY Sponsored by Wave Leisure Trust • Lewes Football Club • The Runaway • So Sussex EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by RSE Group • Fundraising Auctions • Lewes Football Club • Seahaven FM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD Sponsored by Allied Irish Bank • Alistair Fleming Design • Mayo Wynne Baxter • Oakley Property BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Viva Lewes • Carmen Slijpen, Lewes Community Screen

• Alistair Fleming Design • Bake Out

• Richard Light, Fundraising Auctions • Victoria Young, Front Room

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Allied Irish Bank • The Beauty Rooms • Front Room • So Sussex COMPANY OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Cheesmur Building Contractors • Industrial Construction Sussex Ltd • Tomsetts Distribution Ltd • Wilson Wilson & Hancock Opticians TOURIST DESTINATION OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Uniglobe Travel • Branching Out Adventures • Depot • Driftwood Garden East Sussex • Lewes Light Community Interest Company

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Eastbourne It hosts the warm up to Wimbledon, is currently undergoing an extensive regeneration programme, and has happiness at its heart. Eastbourne is coming alive. Words: Kate Morton.

here is something happening in Eastbourne. This once sleepy seaside town known for its faded glamour, crumbling architecture and abundance of pensioners, is having a bit of a revival from its days as a retirement hotspot. There’s a flurry of activity happening in the town from the £85m regeneration of the Arndale Centre, to the Devonshire Quarter - a new cultural, sporting and conference destination which already boasts a major upgrade of world-class tennis facilities at Devonshire Park. Not to mention Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park, a high-end contemporary commercial premises for small, medium and large businesses. And it seems there’s no stopping this East Sussex seaside resort, its vowed to be the ‘UK’s most desirable town within the next five years’, and who’s to question it when it features in

Beachy Head lighthouse

the top 10 of the UK’s happiest towns and according to the Met Office, is one of the UK’s sunniest towns. Its history lies in the Duke of Devonshire, who in 1959 wanted to develop the town from four separate hamlets and so appointed architect Henry Currey to design a street plan, not before sending him to Europe for inspiration, and who then returned to let his creative juices flow across Eastbourne resulting in a mix of Victorian architecture with a hint of the Med. It’s this eclectic mix of old-fashioned allure combined with a coastal charm that’s attracted Hollywood film directors to Eastbourne - Pearl Harbour, Harry Potter, James Bond, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Made in Dagenham and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang were all filmed in parts here. In fact, the

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW • In 1752, a dissertation by Doctor Richard Russell extolled the medicinal benefits of the seaside and in due course, Eastbourne became known as “the Empress of Watering Places”. • Eastbourne hosted it’s first Gay Pride in 2017. This year’s Mardi Gras themed Pride takes place on Saturday July 21st. • The Eastbourne Bandstand (shown below) is said to be ‘the UK’s busiest bandstand’ with space for 1,400 people. Here you’ll find a commemorative plaque to Eastbourne bandsman John Wesley Woodward, who was one of the musicians playing on the Titanic when it tragically sank on April 15th, 1912.

Eastbourne Bandstand

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Eastbourne from the cliffs of Beachy Head

2010 Brighton Rock film was largely filmed in Eastbourne with Eastbourne Pier standing in for Brighton - it was said that Brighton was ‘too modernised’ for filming whilst Eastbourne retained period features and a ‘retro pier’. And it is this ‘retro’ pier that is Eastbourne’s number one tourist attraction. Following the 2014 fire in which the large arcade and saloons were destroyed, the pier has been redesigned into an ‘Open Deck’. During the last three years, and under the new owner, Sheikh Abid Gulzar (who last month acquired Hastings Pier), the pier has undergone extensive renovation including re-painting, a new open deck area and new seating. Here, visitors and residents alike can enjoy afternoon tea, jazz, or good old fashioned fish and chips.

Eastbourne Pier

For the art lovers, move inland and you’ll find Towner Art Gallery (pictured, right) certainly one for your to-do-list. This awardwinning contemporary art gallery and museum is home to UK and international contemporary art and hosts one of the most significant public art collections in the South of England. It draws over 100,000 visitors a year with its works of art (in excess of 5,000 to be precise) by historic, modern and contemporary artists. Since the gallery was established it has received donations of work by significant artists including Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore. The Towner Gallery

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE The scheme is set to include 22 new retail units, restaurants and eight cinema screens.

The Devonshire Quarter ‘A natural place for local people and visitors to enjoy, ensuring the sustainability of the park for future generations.’ Eastbourne Borough Council’s vision to transform the Devonshire Park area of Eastbourne into the UK’s most distinctive, talked about cultural destination, is soon to be a reality. The creation of the town’s new first-class cultural, conference and sporting complex known as The Devonshire Quarter is on schedule for completion in 2019. The scheme - which follows major improvements to the international tennis centre which took place early last year and included extensive enhancements to the courts and a new Player’s Village - includes the refurbishment of Winter Garden, Devonshire Park Theatre and the Congress Theatre, as well as works to a new Welcome Building. The Welcome Building will result in state-of-the-art conference halls, hospitality areas, and a fully accessible entrance to the Congress Theatre and Winter Garden, including lifts to every floor.

The Arndale Regeneration visual

The regeneration of Devonshire Park will result in around 100 additional full-time jobs, an additional £4.6 million spend every year by visitors from a site that already generates £18 million spend in the local economy, plus an economic boost from conference business worth £10 million per year. The final piece of the jigsaw to complete the new cultural quarter will be the construction of a new plaza which will provide an attractive gateway into the theatres, conference facilities and gallery.

The Arndale Regeneration visual

Arndale Centre Extension The Eastbourne Arndale Centre will celebrate the opening of its £85m extension later this year with a new name and a new look. As the doors to the extension open for the first time in the run-up to Christmas 2018, the whole shopping centre will be rebranded as The Beacon. The new name will reflect the growing stature of the town in acting as a beacon for new investments and new developments, as well as a reminder of

Eastbourne’s coastal history and the landmark Beachy Head Lighthouse. Shopping centre owners Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (LGIM Real Assets) agreed a joint venture with a major international partner to invest in the existing Arndale Centre as well as the new extension, with a combined value of £220m. This investment will kickstart the scheme’s £85 million retail and leisure extension, and will see plans to regenerate the town centre further.

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

The Devonshire Quarter Regeneration visual

VISIT Seven Sisters Found at the point where the South Downs meets the sea, the Sisters were created when ancient rivers cut valleys into the chalk thus creating seven peaks, and is part of the Heritage Coast, is an Area of Outstanding Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Beachy Head is the eastern starting point for the Seven Sisters walk and is the highest chalk-sea cliff in the UK, where you can enjoy views across to the red and white striped Beachy Head Lighthouse.

MUST SEE Airbourne Airshow Airbourne Airshow is one of the UK’s largest free airshows and this year celebrates 26 years of airshow excellence. Attracting huge crowds, Eastbourne’s international airshow boasts a two mile flying display along Eastbourne seafront, and features the very best in military and civilian aviation display teams including the Red Arrows, Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This year’s show takes place between August 16th-19th.

DON’T MISS Eastbourne Splash Point Jazz Festival Organised by Splash Point Jazz, the first jazz The Airbourne Airshow festival in the town takes place on Sunday September 30th from 2pm till 10.30pm. Playing host to the cream of British and European jazz, three venues in the historic East of the Pier heritage area will host gigs throughout the day Christ Church Seaside, the iconic Leaf Hall, and The Fishermen’s Club, Royal Parade. In addition to the main festival programme, Leaf Hall will feature an exhibition by renowned jazz photographer Brian O’Connor and a Jazz Lunch will be on offer at the seafront Langham Hotel. Tickets are available to purchase from any Splash Point Jazz Club gigs (see www.splashpointjazz.club), via WeGotTickets.com or at Eastbourne’s Tourist Information Office.

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce Celebrating 125 Years of Trade 1892, and all that… So EXACTLY what has happened to Eastbourne Chamber since its first board meeting in December 1892? Well, after a several years the Company Secretary, Mr Jenkins, was removed for “failing his position” – at one of our more dramatic board meetings. While the reason was not minuted, the following month it was noted that the bank account was in the red to the tune of £4.9s.9p (almost £1,000 in today’s money). A shocking deficit due to unpaid members fees! In 1903 the very first British municipally owned bus company was formed in Eastbourne and joined the Chamber. This was eventually sold to Stagecoach who are still members, and they continue to look after a beautiful old Eastbourne bus built in the 1950’s. It comes out every Christmas to ferry the good people of Eastbourne to do their Christmas shopping in exchange for a small donation to the RNLI.

The Great War During the “European War”, World War One to you and me, the Treasurer Mr Franklyn, was stuck in Switzerland and so a meeting was

called to replace him. At this meeting they debated the deepening war crisis and the affect it was having on visitor numbers. Not only were fewer people holidaying in Eastbourne, they were spending less money when they did. Despite this a relief fund was set up for the Belgian people who had been invaded by Germany and had lost their local produce as it was requisitioned by the German army. The Government sent out a directive to the Chamber telling their members not to trade with ‘alien enemies’ however the board did not understand who this included and did

not want to reduce their customer bank any further. Eventually, after due consideration, it was decided not to trade with anyone with a German sounding name.

“Each year Birds Eye in Eastbourne made 17 million Arctic Rolls, 19 million ice cream sponges, 9 million eclairs, 2 million ice cream doughnuts and 1 million Arctic chocolate logs.” In 1915 the Home Office wrote to the Chamber to ask members to release their staff to join the armed forces. Nearly all male members of staff had already been drafted so a Penny Fund was set up instead to help the sick and wounded. Then, on June 3rd 1915, the Chamber approved Miss Gatliff’s Women’s Labour Movement to free up more men for conscription.

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE World War II On July 3rd 1940 the first air raid rang out in Eastbourne but no targets were hit. Within four days the Luftwaffe got its eye in and two died while 22 were injured in their second bombing raid. Eastbourne was on a direct line from London to Germany and became the most bombed town in the country when German pilots dumped their payloads on the way home. In 1942 bombs hit platform 1 of the railway station as well as the gasworks, Royal Eastbourne Golf Club and Marks & Spencer. The East Wing of the beautiful Cavendish Hotel took a direct hit and was closed to reopen for RAF personnel. In September 1942 the Board debated employing children for the duration of the war and it was decided to employ 14 year olds to deliver newspapers. 15-year-old George Turner became a Royal Messenger, dodging bombs to deliver telegrams to tell people about their loved ones. A tough job. George became President of the Chamber in the 1970’s and will be our Guest of Honour at our 125th Birthday Ball in July to be held at The Cavendish Hotel. In 1943 the Fire Station, Technical Institute, Library and Barclays Bank were destroyed. Bombs dropped without warning while Eastbourne relied on the warning system in Dover. This was quite inadequate and so Eastbourne won its own warning system in 1944. In 1945 the population of 45,000 returned to a ruined town and the clear up began. In total Eastbourne had suffered 112 raids with 671 exploded bombs, 76 unexploded bombs, 28 oil bombs and 4,000 phosphorous and incendiary bombs. The Chamber minutes also recorded 20 machine gun and cannon fire attacks and 21 mines washed ashore, from friends and foe alike. In total the town suffered 1,106 civilian casualties, 172 dead, 443 severely injured, 489 slightly injured and 2 missing. 475 houses were destroyed, 1,000 seriously damaged, 10,000

slightly damaged and 5 aircraft were brought down or crash landed on or near the town. There were also 183 service casualties, 28 dead, 63 severely injured and 92 slightly injured. Eastbourne’s elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings were decimated by German bombs and modern buildings can now be seen filling the gaps that were created.

“After due consideration, it was decided not to trade with anyone with a German sounding name.” Recovery In October 1957, twelve years after the war, the Chamber set to rebuilding the library as it was an eyesore. After much lobbying the council started work in 1960 and the new Library opened in 1964 at a cost of £144,000. In 1959 Birds Eye acquired the Times Food Products Company and began making their iconic Arctic Rolls. Each year they made 17 million Arctic Rolls, 19 million ice cream sponges, 9 million eclairs, 2 million ice cream doughnuts and 1 million Arctic chocolate logs. UK families celebrated the end of rationing and austerity with these highly desirable baked goods. In April 1963 several traders complained to the Chamber that local providers had not been asked to carpet the new Congress Theatre. A resolution was made that in future local traders should be given the opportunity to submit their tenders to the council for any contract of more than £1,000. For this reason when Morrisons was built 50 years later the company committed to the Chamber that they

would use local builders to get the job done. The Arndale Centre was opened on July 2nd 1981 by the Duke of Devonshire but the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce Board were snubbed and not invited! They wrote a formal letter of complaint to the Chief Executive and afterwards the Eastbourne Arndale General Manager joined the Chamber Board to make sure the relationship was strengthened. In 1987 the Birds Eye factory on Lottbridge Drove closed and was replaced by a large Tesco store. Thousands of jobs were lost and the Chamber and Council got together to create the Edeal Enterprise Agency to help those made redundant to find jobs or start their own business venture. The Eastbourne Chamber and Edeal Enterprise Agency continue to work together for the good of their members and the local economy. Eastbourne Chamber is the largest Town Chamber in the South East and helps business people to grow their companies through PR, social media, networking, sharing best practice, coaching, mentoring and lobbying. In 2012 Eastbourne Chamber and Edeal invited all the other Chambers and the Federation of Small Business in East Sussex to work together and speak with one voice. That alliance of chambers became known as ACES and has over 4,000 members representing business people across East Sussex. Since then ACES has met with seven MPs and nine Ministers to push for improved roads, rail and airport expansion in Gatwick.

If you would like to help us celebrate our 125th Birthday Ball on July 14th 2018, call us on 01323 641144. The evening will be very special and will include a Film Festival, Time Machines, Live Entertainment, Virtual Reality and a Sussex Sparkling Reception with award winning Court Garden Fizz from Ditchling.

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Legal pedigree, local knowledge Gaby Hardwicke, Solicitors for Eastbourne, Sussex and beyond

The Gaby Hardwicke Team

Tracing its roots back some 129 years, Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors has a long-standing reputation for the provision of fast, effective legal advice.

he firm’s Eastbourne head office is a hive of activity, purpose-built and housing some 80 of the firm’s 150 staff, it is the largest of the firm’s 5 offices across 4 of the principal East Sussex towns: Eastbourne, Hailsham, Bexhill and Hastings.

Year’ in Corporate INTL’s 2018 Global Awards, the award being presented by the Business Secretary, Greg Clark MP.

In April 2018, the firm marked the opening of its Hailsham office, following the successful merger of a local conveyancing practice into Gaby Hardwicke’s full-service law firm. Later that same month Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors was named regional ‘SME Corporate Acquisitions Law Firm of the

With over 60 lawyers on hand, Gaby Hardwicke clients can rest assured that whatever their legal need, the necessary expertise and legal firepower is at their fingertips when they need it.

Never feel ‘under-lawyered’ again

A 21st Century law firm As one of the largest employers in its territory the firm is proud to have a gender diverse work-force of over 70% female staff and over a third of the firm’s partners are women. Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors has always been a forward-looking and innovative law firm. The firm made legal history as the first law firm to serve a court summons via Facebook, and secured the first reported High Court injunction over the misuse of LinkedIn.

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE June 2018 saw the launch of Gaby Hardwicke’s new, mobile-responsive website, reflecting the way in which businesses and the public use the web. The site includes a corporate video containing stunning dronefootage of the Sussex coastline and the firm’s locations.

GABY HARDWICKE IN NUMBERS • Strength in depth… Over 60 fee-earners

To learn more about Gaby Hardwicke or to make contact visit www.gabyhardwicke.co.uk As an expanding firm Gaby Hardwicke is actively recruiting talented lawyers, particularly those with experience of Private Client work. Prospective candidates should visit www.gabyhardwicke.co.uk/careers

• Stable and established…129 years and counting with almost 150 Staff Greg Clark MP and Mark Williams

“Having the best professional advisers is crucial to the success of any business, and Gaby Hardwicke has provided us with excellent legal representation for more than a decade. The Commercial team have been a match for any opponent we have encountered, including the New York office of one of the Magic Circle law firms.” James King, MD, KHL Group

Services for You Moving House • Wills and Estate Planning Tax and Trust Services • Probate and Estates Powers of Attorney • Personal Injury • Family Law Elderly Affairs Management

Services for Your Business Corporate Transactions • Employment Commercial Agreements & Disputes Intellectual Property • Commercial Property Charity Law • Insolvency

• Local knowledge… 5 offices in 4 of the largest East Sussex towns • Trusted and in demand… over 7,300 new matters in 2017 alone

Eastbourne - 01323 435900 Hailsham - 01323 449552 Bexhill - 01424 735000 Hastings - 01424 457500 www.gabyhardwicke.co.uk info@gabyhardwicke.co.uk

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Growing tech solutions in Eastbourne By Martin Riley

or 10 years now, I’ve been privileged to help develop inspiring tech firm Switchplane - starting life as a team of two in a bedroom, they are now one of the largest tech firms in the south, using big business style technology to create solutions for SMEs across the UK. My colleague Richard Best recently spoke with Directors Tom and Joel Fielder about their journey through our coaching process, and the effect it’s had on their business. Joel: We’d just picked up a couple of big clients but were really struggling with delivery on both projects. Initially, it was all about fire-fighting - Martin helped us to put in some immediate changes and really changed the business overnight.

Tom: We face such different problems now. Problems with the team; how do we energise and train them… it’s not just us sitting behind a keyboard anymore. Joel: It is about the team. Finding new people to join the team has been an incredibly difficult challenge. We’ve had a couple of bad hires but Martin has helped us to refine the recruitment process, and significantly improve our success rate. Having a bigger team means we can resource bigger companies and take on bigger projects.

People don’t have to go to Brighton or do the whole London thing.

If you would like help growing your team or creating plans for your business development call us on 01424 892200. Martin Riley Leadership & Business Development martin@martin-riley.co.uk

Tom: We’re very confident now; our recruitment process is good, we have a good office which helps bring good talent to Eastbourne, which isn’t necessarily the first place people would think they would go for IT.

PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL PLANNING Pensions Investments Tax Planning Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance For Personal and Business

Lower Ground Floor, 31 Hyde Gardens, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4PX • 01323 746698 • info@lawlerdavis.co.uk • www.lawlerdavis.co.uk

Unique independent shopping

Visit Enterprise Shopping Centre Why not take a look at the Enterprise Shopping Centre, situated next to Eastbourne’s Railway Station. Conveniently located in the centre of town with plenty of parking, taxis, buses and trains on our doorstep. Visit Aurelie & Rose for vintage style homeware, personalised presents and cards. Call into VLA; our cosmetics boutique and pop into Twisted Willow and Apres Chocolat for gorgeous ladies fashion and accessories. Visit The Little Bag Shop for every fashionista’s guilty pleasure, Dickies for formal or lounge suit hire or purchase, Pendulum menswear for the perfect shirt in all sizes, jumpers, trousers, jackets, suits and even socks and shoes! Visit the gallery @ The Makery, which offers beautiful handmade jewellery, stunning original artwork; all crafted by local artists and designers. The Enterprise Centre offers everything from hair, nails & beauty to computer sales and repairs, fresh floral bouquets, clock & watch repairs to Yoga, teeth whitening & tattoos, we even have an alterations shop on site. If you need to recharge whilst shopping, we offer plenty of eateries and coffee shops too, everything from a Full English Breakfast to Thai Noodles or Tapas and even a Vegan & Vegetarian café, can be enjoyed all under one big sunny Victorian glass roof. With its eclectic mix of boutique style shops, Enterprise is full of Independent stores offering unique ranges, not often found on the high street!

Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm, Sun 10am - 4pm. With free parking on Sundays too!

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Celebrating 25 years

as the UK’s leading pallet supplier

astbourne-based plastic pallet supplier Goplasticpallets.com has had yet another year of outstanding growth – in a year where plastics recycling has been a hot topic. Managing Director Jim Hardisty is full of enthusiasm and positivity for the year ahead. Not only has the company almost doubled its turnover from the previous year, 2018 also celebrates the company’s 25th year. Goplasticpallets.com has grown from two to 29 members of staff, including a highly knowledgeable sales team. Between them the company’s sales experts boast 100+ years’ experience within the pallet industry, as well as an excellent track record of matching customers with their desired product. Located just off Lottbridge Drove in

Eastbourne, Goplasticpallets.com has two large warehouses which stock some 12,000 plastic pallets and pallet boxes and more than 5,000 small containers, crates and trays.

produce new, reusable plastic pallets and boxes.

With the understandable concern about single use plastics, Goplasticpallets.com has been successfully leading the way in educating customers to invest in using sustainable plastic pallets, pallet boxes and containers. 90% of the company’s plastic pallets and boxes are made from 100% recycled household and business plastic waste; plus at the end of their long use they can be recycled again and again to

Jim commented: “The future of the industry is investment in recycled, reusable, recyclable plastic pallets and boxes. With our strong sales force in place, we will continue to help customers create a sustainable future.”

www.goplasticpallets.com Tel: 01323 744057 Email sales@goplasticpallets.com

Your Local Pallet Partner 25 years’ experience serving UK businesses Located in Eastbourne, we stock the UK’s largest range of 12,000 plastic pallets and pallet boxes and 5,000 small containers.

3 Next day delivery on stock items 3 Different sizes and styles to suit all applications 3 Sustainable solutions – 90% products made in recycled material 3 Expert product advice

+44 (0)1323 744057

goplasticpallets.com

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Green business is thriving in Eastbourne By Robb Cunningham, Project and Communications Manager at the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform

he sunniest town in the UK, a stunning coastline and the home of late polar-explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Eastbourne has plenty to be proud of.

And it’s Sir Ernest’s bold vision, leadership and determination that resonate with Eastbourne’s entrepreneurial spirit. Combine this mindset with the South Downs’ breathtaking landscape, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a network of thriving but environmentally-focused businesses that are combining business success with a commitment to protecting the environment for our future generations. As David Ruddle, Owner of Best of Eastbourne, puts it: “We get excited by seeing local businesses and the community join forces to help protect our environment in Eastbourne. We’ve got community campaigns such as Plastic Free Eastbourne, as well as local businesses doing great things – like the Sheldon B&B’s drive to reduce their plastic usage. An eco-friendly way of life is moving higher

up the agenda, and it’s great to see business responding and taking the lead. We want to see a business community in Eastbourne that is not only thriving, but also helping to protect the wonderful environment we have.”

Members have access to an array of workshops, courses and consultants to provide business and commercialisation support and access to funding, all designed to help build complete business capability.

A connected platform for business growth

Amongst a diverse membership made up of approximately 80% small or micro businesses, the most in-demand areas of support are marketing, business planning, finance and innovation support.

Bringing together the green business community across the South East is the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform. With 1,000 members in its network, the team provides vital information, encouragement and support to businesses wanting to green up their processes and products and to innovate to develop the low carbon/cleantech products and services of the future. Each company has its unique needs, but at the Green Growth Platform, there’s a shared focus on the environment: members are either in the business of developing green-focused products and services, or they’ve joined up as part of efforts to improve the environmental impact of their work.

Money available for growth Through the Green Growth Platform, businesses in Eastbourne and the rest of East Sussex are able to access the European Regional Development Fund’s Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE) programme. LoCASE gives environmentally focused businesses grants of up to £20,000 to help them grow. The programme has two parts to it. The first applies to any type of small to medium sized business, and provides money to fund energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation, lighting and electric or hybrid vehicles.

BIG PLANS

FOR THE FUTURE?

s e n i s u B

h t w Gro Grant

If you’ve got ideas to grow your business but not quite enough cash to make it happen, then a LOCASE Business Growth Grant is just what you’re looking for.

0 0 0 , £20 -free

up to

e l s s ha

MORE GOOD NEWS: WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU APPLY! SO ALL YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IS... Grants are available to small to medium sized enterprises (SME) based in East Sussex* who:

help their customers save energy eg:

plumbing electrical heating & cooling Energy management LED lighting

maintain or Landscaping & arboriculture protect the Recycling & Renewable energy environment Building technologies eg:

Water saving & treatment Pollution control

Call today for a copy of our info pack and get the ball rolling

what does your business need to

GROW? y a d o t pply

01273 641949 LoCASE is an £8.8 million project to drive green business growth across East Sussex, Kent and Essex. It is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Business

Growth

Grant

greengrowthplatform@brighton.ac.uk

Marketing IT & software tools & Equipment Website PLANT & MACHINERY consultancy Product development system Upgrades

www.greengrowthplatform.co.uk

* excludes Brighton & Hove

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

The second part of the programme gives money to businesses that supply low energy or environmentally friendly goods and services (such as A-rated boilers, recycling services, insulation, LED lighting, renewable energy or environmental advice). The money given to these businesses can be used for a range of business development projects. This can include marketing, new equipment, machinery, IT systems and software, and electric or hybrid vehicles. LoCASE money doesn’t have to be paid pack, and gives the business a 40% financial contribution to an eligible project, up to a maximum of £20,000.

Money to boost business marketing The East Sussex green business community has been reaping the benefits of LoCASE, with almost £300,000 been awarded to businesses so far, and Eastbourne has been no exception. One such business is LED-UK, who design, supply and install bespoke LED lighting systems for businesses. LED systems can significantly

reduce energy usage - sometimes by a factor of ten - resulting in lower bills and a lower carbon footprint. LED-UK bring years of installation experience and product knowledge to its customers. They’ve used money from LoCASE to invest in their marketing strategy, website and an exhibition stand. Steve Marshall, Director, said: “LoCASE came at the right time for us. The grant has contributed 40% towards our marketing spend. That is significant input for a small, growing business. We are also benefiting hugely from our Green Growth Platform membership.” Another Eastbourne business that’s taken advantage is OHM Energy. They provide cost effective renewable energy and heating solutions, specialising in plumbing, solar thermal, solar PV and heat pump technology. They’re one of few companies that specialise in the integration of conventional heating and energy systems, with cutting edge, proven renewable energy solutions. They’re also using the grant to money to

contribute towards their marketing, to help them expand into a new market. Mark Riminton, Business Growth Manager at the Green Growth Platform, said: “Marketing can be an ongoing cost for any business, and the opportunity to get a 40% financial contribution in such a key area of the business is too good to turn down. But we’re also seeing businesses in East Sussex getting money for new equipment, business advice and electric vehicles.”

For more information on the Green Growth Platform and the LoCASE business growth programme visit www.greengrowthplatform.co.uk or call the team on 01273 641949. The Low Carbon Across the South East programme has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020. It is a partnership between Kent County Council, East Sussex County Council, Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Thurrock Council and the University of Brighton.

Local relationship banking Handelsbanken has a different perspective from many other banks. We are driven by satisfying our customers, taking a long-term view and investing time to get to know each customer, their needs and ambitions. Handelsbankenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decentralised model is core to its success. Our customers benefit from dealing with people they know; and from swift, clear decisions made in the branch. Our focus is on building long-term customer relationships. This approach has helped us to be ranked top for satisfaction in an independent survey of UK high street banks for personal and business customers, for nine years running (EPSI Rating, 2009-2017).

Founded in 1871, Handelsbanken has over 800 branches in more than 20 countries worldwide, 200 of which are in Great Britain. We have a wide range of services, from mortgages to wealth management for personal customers, and services for businesses including asset and trade finance, invoice discounting and financial planning.

Contact: Neil Hooper - Branch Manager Tel: 01323 736061, Mobile: 07501 509 629 Email: neho02@handelsbanken.co.uk

Ground Floor, Ivy House, Ivy Terrace Eastbourne, BN21 4QU Tel: 01323 736 049 handelsbanken.co.uk/eastbourne The value of any investment and the income from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount originally invested. Handelsbanken Wealth Management is a trading name of Heartwood Wealth Management Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the conduct of investment business, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered Head Office: No.1 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AN. Registered in England Number: 4132340. Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered Office: Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ), 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY. Registered in England and Wales No, BR 000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No, 502007-7862. Head Office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE Bank Profile

Putting Customers first Neil Hooper, Branch Manager at Handelsbanken in Eastbourne on the bank’s unique relationship banking approach and why customer satisfaction really matters. Can you tell us a little about Handelsbanken? Yes! We are a local relationship bank, founded in Sweden 1871. We now have 208 branches across the UK and have been open in Eastbourne since 2016. Our distinctive approach is based on the belief that experienced local bankers are best placed to understand the customers that live, work and trade in their community.

How is Handelsbanken different from other banks? My favourite topic! As a customer at Handelsbanken here in Eastbourne you only ever deal with people you know by name and decisions are made locally by us at the branch. We are free from sales targets so everything that we do stems from our aim to provide the best service that we can to our local customers and build long term relationships with them. My team and I are not only empowered to make the decisions affecting our customers but we are also available to serve their day to day banking needs in person. We really take the time to get to know our customers.

You have won customers satisfaction awards too? Indeed, we have for the ninth year running been rated top for customer satisfaction and loyalty in an independent survey of British bank’s personal and business customers. (source: EPSI, Oct 2017).

Who is your typical customer and what services do you provide? There is no such thing as a typical customer, we do not have minimum salary or deposit requirements despite what some people may think. We look for customers who share our values of prudency, traditional relationship banking and who want a personal long term relationship with their bank here in

Eastbourne. We can offer these customers a full range of both business and personal banking services.

“There is no such thing as a typical customer, we do not have minimum salary or deposit requirements despite what some people may think.” Tell us more about the team in Eastbourne Branch We all live locally and share a significant amount of banking experience.. in fact we recently added this up and between us we have over 120 years (and that’s between four of us – I’ll leave you to do the maths). That Banking

knowledge matched with our local knowledge means we can understand customer’s needs and find solutions for them, taking into account local conditions. We’ve also been very pleased to engage with local professionals and where possible we use these services to complement this and offer a very locally tuned service.

Neil and his team would be delighted to discuss how they can help you with your banking needs. Please contact the team at Ivy House, Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne, BN21 4QU. Telephone 01323 736049 or Email Eastbourne@handelsbanken.co.uk.

For all your Audi needs New and Used Car Sales Servicing Business Users Parts Accessories Eastbourne Audi 2 Edward Road, Willingdon Drove, Eastbourne BN23 8AS 01323 525700

caffyns.co.uk/audi

Calls may be recorded for quality or training purposes. 24194

Volkswagen Eastbourne

Your local dealership - New and Used Car Sales - Servicing - Business Users - Parts - Accessories Caffyns Volkswagen Eastbourne Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne BN23 6PW 01323 647141 www.caffyns.co.uk/volkswagen Calls may be recorded for quality or training purposes. 24194

Your business. Our expertise. New and used car sales Servicing Business vehicles Parts and accessories

74 Volvo Eastbourne Caffyns Calls may be recorded for quality or training purposes. 24194

46 Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne BN23 6PJ

01323 418300 www.caffyns.co.uk/volvo

THE

HISTORY OF

A FA MILY BUSINE S S SINCE 18 65

1865

1965

1892

1990

1903

2003

1914

2015

1933

2018

William Morris Caffyn opened his first shop, long before the motorcar had been invented. Trading as a Gas and Hot Water Fitter, Bell Hanger, Brass Finisher, Tinman and Brazier, the shop was located in Eastbourne’s Meads Road, next door to our current Head Office.

William Caffyn’s sons, Percy Thomas and Harry Bruce joined the business, sharing their father’s keenness on new developments. Within a few years they had entered the world of an exciting new invention electrical lighting.

Percy and Harry were convinced the motor car had a lasting future in which their business should play a major role so William Caffyn sold the firm to them and they subsequently traded as Caffyn Brothers, converting their premises to hold four cars.

450 Caffyns staff were employed and Caffyns entered into the manufacture of wartime supplies, particularly aircraft parts. During the war 75 SE5A scout planes were made at Marine Parade: these planes were designed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. Caffyns arrived in Hastings and Chailey and the following years saw new branches at Burgess Hill and Uckfield, additional premises in Brighton, Worthing, Tonbridge, Horsham, East Grinstead, Goring and Crowborough.

100 years since William Morris Caffyn opened his first shop. By now the Company’s turnover was around £10m, employing more than 1500 staff and the first business computer was installed.

Introduction of Caffyns’ own credit card, the Caffyns Care Card, for purchases made at forecourts. This was followed by the Privilege Card that was used for repairs, parts and ‘Flexi’ services.

The 100th anniversary of Caffyns’ involvement with the motor car. The Hailsham branch of Lindbrook Audi was purchased making this the second Audi dealership within the Caffyns portfolio.

In 2015, we proudly celebrated 150 years since Caffyns first opened its doors in Eastbourne. Although the business has changed dramatically since then, the same dedication to exceptional customer service still remains.

As a group we have enjoyed many exciting developments over the years and 2018 is no different. We represent six manufacturers and our Used Car Centre is now known as Caffyns Motorstore. Also, our Worthing Audi dealership is relocating to a new, purpose-built location.

75 24194

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Making the most of your R&D Tax Relief claim Simon Bulteel from Cooden Tax Consulting looks at how companies in different industries across the Platinum region could be claiming Research and Development Tax Relief Scheme. A quick definition: The Research and Development Tax Relief Scheme The Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief Scheme was set up in 2000 by the UK government to encourage innovation within the science and technology sectors. The scheme essentially offers businesses a financial incentive through either direct corporation tax savings or redeemable tax credits on several of the costs necessary to the completion of their innovative projects. There are lots of costs that can be included in a claim, some of which are: • Staffing costs • Consumable materials and prototypes • Software used • Heating costs, lighting costs, and other power costs • External workers eg. agency staff, third party staff • Payments to Third Parties - Subcontracted R&D.

Creative Tech: How Brighton has become a creative tech cluster According to Technation in 2017, Brighton now has 12,614 digital jobs and generates an enormous £580 million to the economy. Furthermore, Technation has predicted that Brighton’s digital sector has a 92% growth potential. The fact that Brighton is a digital cluster means that it is a focal point for the industry nationwide. The flocking web developers, app developers, computer game developers and other digital creatives have brought a

significant amount of investment with them, and the industry has great potential for R&D Tax Relief claims. We are now witnessing the expansion of the bubble into Eastbourne and Hastings.

What does this mean in terms of Research and Development Tax Relief?

business and to contribute to the development of the industry as a whole.

Hastings Hotspot: How this seaside town has become a hub for photonic and high and ultra-high vacuum industries

Well, if you’re a creative tech business you could be eligible to claim back Research and Development Tax Relief back on your projects. If you are an investor in one, then you should be making sure that the directors are making your funds go further by claiming.

The gorgeous seaside town of Hastings and the surrounding High Weald of Sussex has become a hotspot for technological innovators in the field of photonic and high and ultrahigh vacuum industries. Tec66 have speculated that 11% of Hastings working population are working within the manufacturing sector which includes companies in the sector.

The aim of the R&D Tax Relief Scheme is to give businesses the incentive and confidence to commit to larger projects to further their

This cluster of tech businesses has been developing since the 1960’s when Vacuum generators (VG), now VG Scienta, was set up

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE in St Leonards. The cluster has quickly grown and now has over seven innovative photonic, high and ultra-high- vacuum businesses that have investors from across the globe.

Are these businesses making the most of their R&D Tax Relief Claims? We often find that although high-tech manufacturing businesses regularly carry out extensive innovation in new product development or product enhancement, they are usually unaware of their eligibility for R&D Tax Relief. Luckily for one of our customers, they investigated their eligibility for R&D Tax Relief and we managed to save them over £240K in tax. This customer undertook their own R&D and were also involved in an Horizon 2020 project through the EU as result we were able to help them claim under both the SME Scheme and the RDEC scheme for these respective projects. Their projects involved the development of industrial x-ray inspection machines, portable systems that combined two camera technologies with a laser range finder and even a covert driving system that used infrared panoramic cameras, what was more interesting is that they had to shelve a number of projects, but even these were eligible. Even if you haven’t claimed, we can look at your two prior years for eligible projects and costs.

Rise of craft brewers and gin producers We’ve seen lots of wonderful breweries crop up in the Sussex area including Long Man Brewery, Gun brewery, Burning Sky Brewery, and many more. All of which have their own distinct taste, which involved lots of R&D to achieve and maintain their development.

R&D Tax Relief isn’t limited to techies and those in white coats, breweries across the UK are also claiming back on their tasty creations. R&D Tax Relief is available for breweries that are creating both alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages, providing that the R&D that they have undertaken has overcome technological or often scientific uncertainty. So the introduction of exotic flavours or when to add flavour or at which temperature, to create the best profile would often involve significant trial and error. We have worked closely with a hop processing business and managed to save them 35K on the design and development costs of a new and additional production process that improved product purity and yield.

Could you be eligible? If you think that your business could be eligible for a R&D Tax Relief claim then get in touch with a member of our team today on 01424 225 345.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TAX RELIEF SPECIALISTS

GET YOUR CASH FROM HMRC

Call COODEN TAX CONSULTING NOW!

Validate your claim,

No Win No Fee

Call us on: 01424 225 345

@CoodenConsults

Office 10

Charter House

Cooden half page February22 2016.indd 1

email us on: info@coodentaxconsulting.co.uk

www.coodentaxconsulting.co.uk

43 St Leonards Road

Bexhill on Sea

East Sussex TN40 1JA 22/02/2016 17:41

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

The environmental evolutionaries of Eastbourne Imogen Lucas asks owners Mike and Debbie Walker about their business’ evolutionary milestones

he award winning environmental support services group operates across the South and London from three sites in Sussex, with four divisions including road sweepers, a waste recycling centre and groundworks and installations. You may have spotted the organisations’ bright yellow tankers on the roads (they’re hard to miss!) which are part of the vast fleet of specialist vehicles that are operated 24/7 by fully qualified and accredited staff all year round. In the early days the business was less visible, as Mike recalls, ”We launched CountyClean Environmental Services Ltd in 2007 as a liquid waste management start-up operating one tanker and Debbie managed customer bookings and all business administration from a small cabin office on a farm just outside of Eastbourne. Since the beginning, we have gone through various evolutionary phases from servicing domestic jobs to taking on more largescale and specialist projects. In the main however, the key to our success has been exceptional customer service and making the most of opportunities when they have arisen. “As well as carrying out work for major

CountyClean’s first tanker remained part of the fleet for a couple of years.

blue chip clients, commercial, industrial and domestic customers, we were at the forefront of highlighting major blockages when we discovered one of the largest fatbergs ever found in a UK sewer which we removed for our client Thames Water.” CountyClean’s reputation has grown and regardless if clients have a pump station that needs servicing, a grease trap emptying or hazardous liquid waste removing – they all have one thing in common, and that is that

they need an efficient and cost-effective solution to their problem before it becomes a much more serious issue. CountyClean Group, Director, Debbie Walker said: “Through our commitment to providing the highest quality of service, we have become one of the South’s fastest growing environmental support services companies within just over a decade. We are so proud of what we have achieved and are grateful to our customers, local communities and our teams.” In turn, the group’s positive work ethic extends to local business communities and charities with high profile networking events and fundraising activities being organised regularly, such as the company’s showcase film launch in February and Debbie’s double sky diving feat in May.

Just some of the specialist vehicles that CountyClean Group now deploys for planned maintenance and emergency response jobs each day.

It’ll definitely be worth keeping your eye on this organisations’ developments as Mike adds: “Our journey over the past decade has of course had its ups and downs – especially

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

CountyClean Group and former Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Pat Hearn proudly presenting over £1,800 to St Wilfrid’s Hospice outside the group’s headquarters at Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park. in the first few years, but I wouldn’t change a thing, as ultimately I believe that without challenges we can’t progress, and I’m proud of what we have created. We are very excited about what the future holds for CountyClean and look forward to exponentially raising our profile throughout the South whilst making significant progress on our national growth aspirations.”

CountyClean is proud to sponsor the Tourist Destination of the Year category for the 2018 Sussex Business Awards. For further information, please visit www.countycleangroup.co.uk.

From left: Debbie and Mike Walker welcome two new Directors in June with Donna Prince as Finance Director and Wayne Holdaway as Strategy and Development Director

We deliver award winning environmental support services 24/7 to commercial, industrial and domestic sites throughout the South. Spill & Flood Response

Pump Services

Liquid Waste

Confined Space Working

Road Sweeper Hire

Waste Recycling

High Pressure Water Jetting

Pipe & Drain Inspections

Groundworks and Civils

Sewage Treatment Plant Services and Installations

01323 741818 / 0800 171 2204 info@countycleangroup.co.uk www.countycleangroup.co.uk

Recruitment

Spot the difference If a recruiter tells you, “We’re different” do NOT believe them By RSE Group’s Managing Director, Mandy Brook.

he world is full of recruiters. There’s never been so many because the jobs market is so active right now! The majority of them will tell you, “We’re different from the rest” or,“We’re passionate about exceeding customer expectation.”

When you meet them for the first time, do they want to talk about you or them? If it’s more about them, just say “Cheerio” without a blink of an eye.

impressed with the positive impact they have had on many of TheBestOf Eastbourne business members helping them secure more staff” We don’t just do recruitment either. We’re here to support you on all your people needs:

It’s just words. Even as recruiters, we recognise there are good and bad recruiters, but it’s quite a challenge knowing who to believe.

When they pitch their fee, check it’s not just hopeful. Challenge them. If they drop their fee by 5% or more immediately, walk away. If they stick to their guns, they’re likely to be doing it considering the resources they’ll need to commit to get the job done properly.

So here’s our top ways to sort out the good from the bad recruiters. This applies whatever side of the fence you stand, candidate or employer:

Ask them about their Privacy Policy. Under the new GDPR legislation, they should be all over it. If they’re not, it’s another sign you need to look elsewhere.

• Outplacement

Go for an independent agency - they’re more about people than process. Big brands are the other way round.

We could tell you how nice we are at the RSE group (we are, well most of us…), or that we’re all about animals (we have seven, yes 7, office dogs), or that we’ve won awards (most recently we won the Best Recruitment Agency, Best Boss and Team of the Year) and people do say nice things about us. For example

But none of that counts if we don’t meet your particular needs as a client or candidate.

Check out their job ads. If they’re well written and not a cut-and-paste, that’s a sign they can be bothered to get the basics right. Check out their social media feeds. You can tell a lot about people when they’re off guard. Read their blogs. That’s where they often tell you what they really think.

David Ruddle, Owner of the Bestof Eastbourne said “In the time that I have worked with the RSE Group, I have been

• Permanent and Temporary Recruitment • Executive Search • Psychometric Assessments

• Leadership and Management Mentoring and Coaching • Wellbeing and Confidence Coaching

Do some research before you commit to any recruitment agency. The time you take to check them out before will pay you back in spades later on. If you want a local and reliable recruitment business, then please feel free to research us. Don’t just take our word for it #practicewhatyoupreach

Award-winning, fresh thinking Chartered Building Surveyors, Property Compliance Consultants & Project Managers with a love for Sussex Gradient was born in 2004 from a shared vision of co-founders Richard Garland (pictured) and Clare Armstrong, who believe that a small firm can provide their clients with the expertise of a large practice, but with a commitment to delivering a personal service and developing strong people relationships. This friendly and effective approach has seen team Gradient attract a Global client base of SMEs, PLCs, Investors, Housing Associations, Property Managers, Emergency Services, London Boroughs, NHS Trusts and Charities who have all experienced the value of what can be achieved by putting people first. Working with clients of all sizes, providing a wide and specialised range of services that help them understand, manage and improve their property. “We don’t just focus our energies on buildings, but on people too – after all, we understand that buildings need to function for the people who live and work in them.”

Construction Project Management • Project Management • Cost Consultancy • Specification and Tendering • Contract Administration • CDM Advice

Asbestos Compliance Consultancy • Asbestos Management Plans, Processes and Procedures • Project Management of Asbestos Surveys and Removal • Compliance and Asbestos Management Audits • Asbestos Awareness Training

Professional Surveying Services • Planned Maintenance Programmes • Landlord’s Approval Reports – License to Alter • Reinstatement Cost Assessment (Fire Insurance Valuations) • Party Wall, Building Surveys & Dilapidations

Our Love for Sussex “We established our business 14 years ago in Eastbourne and in that time have seen major investment in this amazing Town and throughout Sussex. We get great support from the Sussex business community and I am very honoured to be the current President of Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce.”

www.gradientconsultants.com | 01323 738761

the mark of property professionalism worldwide

The ideal venue for Breakfasts, LUNCHes, Evening Meals, Business Meetings, Networking and entertaining

hapter 12

12 High StreeT, Hailsham, BN27 1BJ

01323 351898 | info@chapter12winebar.co.uk | chapter12winebar.co.uk

TO W N

P R O F I L E

EASTBOURNE

Eastbourne

It’s special - and that’s a fact By Stephen Lloyd MP

s Eastbourne and Willingdon’s MP you would expect me to talk up my constituency, so rather than providing subjective statements which may be more a matter of opinion, I will back up the heading above with some key facts about our town. My conclusion will naturally be a blatant appeal to your emotions because, frankly, you need to see what we have to offer for yourself. Unlike virtually every other major seaside resort across the country, Eastbourne is on the receiving end of considerable private investment, £85 million, which has not disappeared into a bottomless pit which sadly, all too often can be the case with public monies; rather it has resulted in a totally regenerated shopping complex in the town centre, including a seven screen cinema along with nine new restaurants. The first phase opens this September. In 2019 we are also launching a £45 million transformation of our current conference facilities, which will deliver state of the art services, alongside the best the UK can offer. Where else is this scale of substantial investment happening, and why Eastbourne? The answer is: not in another seaside town, and the reason is simply that corporate investors have come to recognise Eastbourne has a positive and vibrant financial future. Equally we are home to the most active Chamber of Commerce in the South East, with over 600 members. Business opportunities locally are strong and growing. It’s no surprise to me, as I know our demographics are very different to what some may think. We have, for example, one of the highest proportion of female company directors in the country, and our fastest growing population group is aged 18 - 40. Those who know Eastbourne know it’s a town with a tremendous sense of cohesion. People who live here love the town, and it shows in all the numerous community activities

which take place every week of every year. I know this as I support all of them and attend most! We are also blessed with a wide range of first class schools, across both the state and independent sector, from primary right through secondary. Crucial facts to know when you are making the important decision about where to put down roots. It’s a great place to bring up a family. All this and the South Downs on our doorstep - a gateway to England’s newest National Park - and a beautiful, pristine seafront, set in the friendliest town I’ve ever had the pleasure of living in. Add those important community, family and

investment strands together, and it leads to another key reason why you should consider moving to Eastbourne. The prices of property are considerably lower than neighbouring Brighton and other areas in the south east. So, what’s not to like? Fine schools, great community, a safe environment to bring up your family, stunning new shopping centre along with what will be the newest conference complex in the country; all supported by a highly active and successful Chamber. In short I can report to you, the good readers of Platinum Business Magazine, that if you want to move to a town with a future that’s at ease with itself, then pay us a visit. I promise you’ll not be disappointed.

Interview

A successful mix of business and academia The University of Sussex has a globally respected business school, but many local businesses are unaware of the gem on their doorstep. Now is the time for local as well as international recognition. Steve McGuire, the Head of the University of Sussex Business School, tells Ian Trevett about the school’s impressive growth.

When did the school open? The school was founded in 2009 as a combination of two existing departments, the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and Economics, plus a newly created Business and Management department. I’ve been in the post since March 2015. Today, we have quadrupled in size and we are ranked in the top 50 in the world for two criteria - one is citation rate for academics, and the second is levels of internationalisation. The growth in the school has been dramatic. Our building was delivered in 2012 to house both a law school and a business school but now it’s just us and we’ll get to a point probably sometime next semester where there will be double and triple occupants in all the academic offices. We have about 290 staff in total of which about two-thirds of the academic staff hold non-UK passports, so it’s an exceptionally international school. The school has just under

4,000 students which is mid-size for a UK business school.

Would it be fair to say that the school is one Brighton’s best kept secrets?

“The University of Sussex Business School has quadrupled in size and we are ranked in the top 50 in the world for two criteria.”

I think that’s true and I think it’s something we have to repair. We want to emphasis the Brighton-Victoria corridor and increase local engagement. We’ve done that quite aggressively over the last couple of years but it takes a long time particularly because the University of Brighton has done such a good job of developing local business links.

Business and management studies have the biggest and deepest pool of applicants both globally and nationally. If you don’t have a business school you are missing out on this market.

What is your background - and why did you choose Sussex? I’m a dual British-Canadian citizen now, which is really handy in the current environment! I grew up in Calgary, came over here for my doctorate at Oxford in the early 1990s, met my partner, and I just fell into academic life here. I’ve been here since. My background is actually in political science. I did my PhD on international trade and the politics

Interview Agreement (NAFTA - trilateral trade bloc of Canada, Mexico, and the United States) but he’s finding a lot of American companies are actually in favour, especially in the mid-West where he’s got a strong voter base. The practicalities of going alone are proving quite difficult.

of protectionism, which is very apt today. People hadn’t associated Sussex with business; it always had a somewhat anticapitalist image. But it did have a good reputation in science and technology through SPRU. I was at Bath when Sussex launched the business school and we all thought it was an interesting move. Undoubtedly it worked better than anybody had ever expected. I hadn’t thought about Sussex until I saw the role advertised and then I saw the growth in students and staff, which were absolutely extraordinary.

Living in an age of Trump and Brexit, you’ve got some very relevant areas of expertise in international trade. Do you see a return to protectionism? That’s a difficult question. I didn’t foresee Brexit or Trump, so what do I know? With regards to Brexit, it’s very difficult to unwind economic interdependence. Trump might want put up barriers but it’s not that straightforward. For example, we may not like the North American Free Trade

“I still go out and people say ‘I didn’t know Sussex had a business school.’ The University of Sussex Business School, will sound less like a university faculty and more like a very coherent business school.”

But we clearly haven’t paid enough attention to the distributional effects of globalization, which is a story of technology as well as politics, and we’re paying a certain price for that inattention. I did a short piece for a trade magazine under the banner of UKTPO some months ago and pointed out

Sussex is one of those few British universities that had a genuine reputation outside of the UK and has for decades. Firstly, Nobel Prizes do you a lot of good. Having Nobel Prize winners is a great recruitment strategy for academics - it is the gift that just keeps on giving years after the event. Sussex also had a global reputation in African Studies and Development Studies. I knew the school had done extremely well and I knew of the work of L Alan Winters who is Professor of Economics and Director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO). Working in the same building as Alan is a real pleasure and an honour. Even before UKTPO, he was one of those academics who is very well known at the very highest levels in a number of countries. Alan’s reputation draws people in as does the work of SPRU. And now we are building a reputation of our own due to the quality of the academic work here.

Interview My colleagues back in Canada think we are odd to be walking away from that kind of arrangement which has clearly served us to well.

I believe your particular expertise is in the aircraft industry… I specialised in aircraft and how government subsidies affected high technology industries. There are trade implications if you’re subsidising companies and normally foreign governments don’t like that. I was interested in the effect on the supply chain. I do have familiarity with the airline industry and the broad regulatory structures and I looked at how companies and governments mediate the competing pressures because everybody wants high technology industries but they are prone to government interference.

that the US has long had a trade assistance act, designed as a retraining budget for displaced workers. It’s existed for decades but it’s been progressively starved of cash under successive administrations, including Obama. We’re paying the price now for not investing in those who lose out to globalisation. Tariffs are always a tax on individuals’ buying power. That’s the essential absurdity of protectionism. You try and penalise your trading partner by making it more difficult for your own people to buy things. So you make people poorer. The optimistic scenario for Brexit or a more protectionist Britain is that we would be forced to do more things ourselves and raise our productivity. You can make an argument that European integration has covered up or made it easy for Britain to live with poor productivity. But fundamentally it’s incredibly wasteful. Why should we seek to replicate activities that are done elsewhere if we can do other things better? Brighton is an example, we do creative industries and services extremely well. And we clearly do higher education exceptionally well. Why would we want to create a situation where we cut ourselves off and create incentives for other countries to create competitor industries or sectors?

How will Brexit affect the university directly? By comparison with other countries the

UK university system remains very good and I think it’s actually the government activity around that which worries me far more than Brexit in that respect. As long as we are seen to be in a place where the message is: “Come and do your work and just get on with it”, I think we’ll be okay. I do have concerns about research funding because I see no clear plan as yet to replace those we win through EU programmes. We are a net beneficiary of research funds.

“Having Nobel Prize winners is a great recruitment strategy for academics - it is the gift that just keeps on giving years after the event. Sussex also had a global reputation in African Studies and Development Studies.”

There’s a perfectly sensible public policy case for subsidy. We have historically not done as much as some other countries but you do see it in the aircraft industry, automobiles and pharmaceuticals

Should Gatwick have a second runway? I think a second runway would be great. From my perspective it makes much more sense to do it at Gatwick. Every time I go to Heathrow, I think how much more complicated and costly a new runway will be there. Expansion at Gatwick would be a boon. You’ve got Cathay there now and Qatar has recently taken over some slots from BA. If more airlines start offering services, would really put pressure on Heathrow. That said, I’ve slowly grown to middle age in this country with the same number of runways and I’m reasonably confident I might actually retire and we’ll still have the same number of runways.

How would you describe your MBA offering? Our MBA draws on Sussex’s cutting-edge research and is taught by leading academics and industry experts. In the spirit of the University, we are keen for our MBA students to learn to apply critical and contemporary views to political, economic and social issues, as well as to business challenges. And our MBA students have the opportunity to go on a study visit abroad, for example to Germany or Spain. We also offer company visits and guest lectures within the UK.

Interview

Some of the big employers in the city regularly send us two or three sponsored students. Hastings Direct and Amex have been very supportive of the programme. We have also built relationships to provide placement opportunities for our students. We have improved connections with both big and small companies, and various networks including Gatwick Diamond Business to find placement opportunities. We use the Sussex Innovation Centre very effectively, and we help their Catalyst Programme. Last year we had several placements at Unilever which is testament to the hard work of my team downstairs. In the case of one of our big graduate employers, we’ve gone from not being on their radar to being one of the top 20 in terms of graduate recruitment.

Have you seen a shift away from the classics or philosophical subject to the more vocational? Years and years ago when I was at Oxford I met the Head of Private Banking of a big investment bank who was an alumnus. In his private banking team, the most common degree was Philosophy. Why? Because if you’re a good philosopher you’re taught to think well. They’ll get the numbers. I can tell you any number of these stories over the years. If you’re smart enough to get ancient Greek then you will easily get Excel. I love being in a business school. It’s a great place to be. I love the pragmatism but I also like the fact that we’re at a university where a good education should be very transferable. I wouldn’t want to be part of any broader narrative away from the classics. People make

choices and the folks here have chosen to do degrees - and I’m very proud of them. However, I do accept that the consequence of “getting the decision wrong” are greater than they were in my time. The fact that 20% of all students at Sussex are now in this school is a cultural shift that is quite incredible. And I guess that’s not just Sussex, that’s probably a national trend that people who go to university are looking to study business. The growth of business education at undergraduate level actually predates tuition fees quite extensively. I remember at the Open Days at Bath we started getting parents who would march their kids to the business school, while the kids looking over at history or whatever. We used to say ‘You should go and study whatever you are most interested in”. Many of our students do joint degrees, which gives a more rounded experience.

You have decided to change the name of the school. Why is that? We have to develop a clearer identity. It is true that I still go out and people say “I didn’t know Sussex had a business school.” The University of Sussex Business School, will sound less like a university faculty and more like a very coherent business school. We’re immensely strong in research, which I think is really quite important. And the industrial strategy post-Brexit is going to emphasise commercialization and translation of research, which we already do very well. We also already do very well on public policy thanks to SPRU and economics.

As a business school we offer a level of vertical integration. Many business schools start and stop at the for-profit business, but we have a broad approach. If you’re a company interested in energy we can walk you through the economics of policy-making in incentives around energy pricing, innovation, management of new technologies, marketing and consumer psychology. It’s unusual to have that kind of strength all the way through. Why wouldn’t you want a school that can actually advise you all the way through that chain?

With University of Brighton’s new Business School set to open, we will have two substantial business schools in the same area. Do you see Brighton coming a hub of business school excellence? Absolutely. My expectation is that there’s enough business to go round. Both schools are involved in some joint research programmes.

Do you miss teaching and writing? Yes, I particularly miss undergraduate teaching. I still do a bit of MBA teaching. A good undergraduate class is still one of life’s great joys to teach; they’re the ones you remember because you can work with them for a while. A good MBA class is fantastic too. I do miss the teaching but students need continuity and I just can’t guarantee that now. Maybe one day. I still get to do some research and writing.

www.sussex.ac.uk/bmec/

Interview

Two decades of innovation and growth The Sussex Innovation Centre has been helping ambitious businesses grow for over 21 years. Mike Herd, Executive Director at SINC, has been at the helm since 1997 and has overseen significant expansion over the last few years. Interview by Ian Trevett

ontrary to popular perception there was a time, albeit very briefly, when the Sussex Innovation Centre (SINC) existed without its Executive Director, Mike Herd, though it’s hard to imagine SINC without Mike.

“No, I can’t claim to have started the centre,” replies Mike when I ask. “I came in as the first director. When I joined in February 1997, the centre had been open for about eight months.” Opened in 1996, The Sussex Innovation Centre, is a commercial business centre, nestling on the leafy University of Sussex campus at Falmer. It is a stimulating location for entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative growing companies, offering strategic advice, a willing business support team and, for those who need it, flexible, professional office space.

“I was given a huge amount of freedom by the shareholders. As long as I wasn’t committing fraud or laundering money they were quite happy with what we were doing.”

It is solely owned by the university, but it wasn’t always the case, as Mike recalls: “The original concept evolved in the mid-90s from grouping called the Sussex Academic Corridor, which included the FE college, both universities, and the Brighton and East Sussex councils. The idea was to make better economic use of the land and solve the issue of finding a place for start-ups to go. Brighton was a failing economy at that time, so the question was whether universities be used for greater economic impact? SINC was one of five projects set up by the Sussex Academic Corridor, but we were the only one who carried on.” “A significant proportion of the funding for the SINC development originated from the ‘planning gain’ from ASDA development at Hollingbury, though they were probably never aware of the contribution they made. SeeBoard (now EDF Energy) was a key sponsor

Mike Herd

and supporter from the beginning. The land was provided by the University of Sussex. But the crucial element was creating a project which would be self-sustaining, to avoid creating a centre which would quickly run out of funds. “The key thing was that it was set up to be a business, not a project”, says Mike. “So often projects run out of money and everything stops. There was a fairly open remit in what to do with the building and it was allowed to evolve like a business as opposed to ‘Here’s your business plan, deliver that and then we’ll see what happens’. “When I came in, it was probably an advantage that I knew absolutely nothing about small businesses. I’d come from the oil industry working as a rock physicist. I had spent the previous three or four years working in Eastern Siberia, South America and the Middle East. Not having had a lot of experience in setting up new companies enabled me to to ask direct questions to entrepreneurs such as: ‘What’s stopping you? What do you need to grow this business and how can I help?’

Interview

Destiny Pharma at the London Stock Exchange on the morning of their float in 2017

“I’d made money out of science and I had some knowledge of technical businesses. I created a shop window of technology businesses and then the word started to spread.

“We expect people to want to grow… About 20-25% of those companies move into a high growth phase, and that’s a high percentage. Taking companies that don’t want to grow just clogs up the space.”

of Sussex site? Also we were attracting interest from local investors who wanted to buy us but politically it was very difficult to bring private money into what was essentially a public sector organisation. “Fortunately, the University of Sussex understood the strategic value and how much the university needed to be aligned with business growth. So they took the decision to buy out the other academic partners to simplify our structure and enable us to support the university.” The University of Sussex bought out the academic partners in 2003 and took over 100% ownership in 2008, which had an impact on the centre. Mike recounts the change: “We were asked to apply our model inside the university, not just to companies outside. How could we help commercialise research, and encourage student enterprise and entrepreneurship?” Mike neatly surmises the original model into a three-point plan. “Firstly, you create a building providing a place for people to work, which they can afford.

“Secondly you then provide a community by having like-minded people. That sounds very simple but very few places actually do that. “Thirdly was trying to work out what businesses needed to grow and then going out to find the expertise or the money in order to help them do it. “We’ve built up our experience and have been able to spot where the gaps are. As an example, in the early 2000s, we had a company going through a floatation and another sourcing a big investment, and both had quite amateurish accounts records. They had local accountants but it was such a far way from what investors were looking for. What an accountant provides for a start-up wasn’t suitable for a company that was going for high growth. “I thought that these companies have to pay for bookkeeping, payroll and basic account management. What if we provide that and then added value by teaching them how to use that financial information to understand how to grow the business, and how to do proper forecasting. That’s become a huge success.

“I was given a huge amount of freedom by the shareholders. As long as I wasn’t committing fraud or laundering money they were quite happy with what we were doing. We could generate results in terms of successful businesses being created and do it in a financially self-sustainable way.” The centre soon attracted dynamic young businesses and gained momentum. But this presented its own problems, as Mike explains: “When we looked to grow the business and expand, it started to get more complicated. Would the University of Brighton want to invest in something situated on the University

Sussex Innovation Centre in 1996

Interview we want to see happen. We churn about 30% of the space each year.” And what if a business isn’t showing the inclination to grow? Mike’s reply may be slightly tongue-in-cheek (or maybe it isn’t!): “We keep putting the rents up for people who aren’t doing anything. We limit how much space they can have because we don’t want them to just stay in that space, and we just keep putting pictures of other buildings under their door every morning until they get the hint!”

A startup pitching event at Sussex Innovation Croydon

“In a similar way there was often a lack of management experience and business knowledge, which meant we found it very difficult to attract investors into some of the companies at the time of the dotcom boom. I decided to create corporate networks and recruit customer mentors, enabling the entrepreneurs to become investible. These were things nobody else was doing.”

SINC has established an enviable record of pushing small companies through rapid growth phases. Is the emphasis now on established companies that are looking to grow rather than new start-ups? “We’re very good at helping people start a new business. We’ve got that pretty well sussed. Where I think we can provide far greater value is helping people to grow a business. That the time when most incubators push people out but actually it is a far more complex area when you are looking to build a management team, a scalable business model, and move from a couple of hundred thousand pounds a year to a couple of hundred thousand pounds a month. There’s a massive change in how a business operates and that’s where we try to put a lot of our support resources and help make that transition. “A lot of the success we have had has been in supporting highly complex technology businesses is to find simple solutions. “We want companies to get better valuations for investment so we help them understand and present their financial growth model. We want the companies to grow and employ graduates – so we hire the graduates,

train and resource them and rent them out by the hour until the companies can afford to employ themselves. SINC does accept early-stage start-ups and small businesses looking to grow, but all must have one vital ingredient - ambition.

“The biggest mistake at Croydon was putting a picture of the University of Sussex campus on the wall, where you could see the Amex stadium in the corner. That didn’t go down too well!” “We expect people to want to grow and we deliberately put them in rooms that are slightly too big for them” says Mike. “The first challenge is to prove that the business model and product can work and that there is demand for it, and then how do you take that business and start growing it? About 20-25% of those companies move into a high growth phase, and that’s a high percentage. Taking companies that don’t want to grow just clogs up the space. The ones that are high growth will naturally move on from here which is what

SINC has been expanding its reach over the last few years with a new centre close to East Croydon Station and plans for a base close to Brighton Station. The Croydon initiative begs the obvious question - why would a Sussex initiative want a South London Centre? “There were several reasons for Croydon. One was that we really see the potential of that whole A23/M23 corridor and the way in which we can engage with businesses and help them. An awful lot of businesses have potential clients and business in London, so it provides a stepping stone for companies from Brighton to get into London. From the university perspective it is a very different type of economy that you’re working with in Croydon. Brighton is a fantastic place but there aren’t that many large companies that the university can engage with. “There’s a very big difference between being in a city centre and being on a campus. In Croydon a lot of people will be walking in, using the property in a different way, such as our business lounge. “Of course, some people look at us with complete incredulity saying: ‘But you’re called Sussex. You’re in Croydon’. The biggest mistake was putting a picture of the University of Sussex campus on the wall, where you could see the Amex stadium in the corner. From the upper levels of the Croydon building you can see the Crystal Palace Stadium, so our picture didn’t go down terribly well. But seriously it is about us being in London and trying to make the model work there, and not seeing it as North Sussex “The sectors where the Croydon community have done very well are in software development (notably in virtual and augmented reality), social enterprise and ethical finance.

Interview “At the Sussex centre, by comparison, some of our biggest investments into high growth companies have been in biotech and drug discovery. These sectors benefit from the university environment, with the physical facilities and access to labs.

“There is a lack of space for growing businesses in Brighton who can no longer fit in the incubation hubs. If a company is on a high growth path then they may be doubling in size each year.”

“We are now developing an innovation centre on the biotech side which will be housed in the new life science building on campus, so we will be looking for lab-based companies. People don’t think of Brighton in this area but recently Enterprise Therapeutics have won £19 million funding for their drug discovery area. We had Destiny Pharma who floated in September which was the biggest UK biotech float in 2017.” It may well be the new bio-tech Innovation Centre will open before the mooted new SINC in the centre of Brighton. Opening the new centre has been a frustrating experience as Mile explains: “There was an issue in terms of the main building contractor going bust. The site

Mike in conversation with a founder

The open plan ‘business lounge’ workspace at Sussex Innovation Croydon

is next to steps and the lift going down from the back of the station. The station side is six floors of a new office block which we hope will be the new innovation centre in Brighton and then on the other side is a new hotel. We’re in the final re-negotiations after the delays as to whether we can make that innovation centre there, which is firmly our hope. If not we’ll look elsewhere to create that centre. “There is very much a need for us to be more actively engaged with the Brighton community businesses by being in Brighton. There is a lack of space for growing businesses who can no longer fit in the incubation hubs. If a company is on a high growth path then they may be doubling in size each year. Where do they take a five-year lease, for how much space and how do you manage that? We want to help solve that problem and give more access to our support team. Effectively it is taking the model which has worked in Croydon and applying it back to Brighton.” After 21 years at SINC, the obvious question is what is Mike most proud of? “I’m proud that we have had two floatations, both on the biotech side. One was Genpak back in 2000. Genpak made equipment and reagents for DNA analysis and was bought by biotechnology PLC Genetix Group for £6.5 million prior to the floatation. Secondly Destiny Pharma who floated last year. “The key thing for me is how people change personally and realise their ambition themselves. Sometimes we work with an academic who will then come back and say ‘Actually, I’ve found this whole business side as stimulating and invigorating as my research,’ which is a really satisfying thing. To see technology getting out there and actually solving a problem, that’s huge.

“To be honest, it’s less about the money. The money will flow if they’re successful; it’s about seeing an idea come to fruition and the growth an innovator has to go through in order to do that. “It’s also been interesting in how the centre and the university has changed over the years. People will often look at a university and say, ‘I tried to work with them 10 years ago and it didn’t work’. Universities have changed in the way that they work and interact with businesses. People need to be very openminded about how they work with the higher education sector to get the most out of it and for everyone to gain. “Also start-ups still need supporting and we still need to develop the ambition, new entrepreneurs and new products and new ideas.” And what about Mike? After two decades is he still as motivated and excited by the role? “Absolutely. Every day I’m dealing with new ideas. What could be more stimulating and invigorating than that? There’s still more to do. We’ve been allowed to build the innovation centre as a business which is resilient and sustainable, has built its own staff and reputation, and pipelined a business. ‘My job has continued to change every year and that’s what makes it fascinating. The university has changed and Brighton as an economy has changed. We’re doing a lot more work with corporates who want to engage with start-ups and early stage businesses to see how these product innovations can be applied and grow more broadly. This is a very exciting area, where we will see substantial growth.”

www.sinc.co.uk

Innovation

SINC launches open Innovation Network The ‘BRAIN’ project is supported by the European Development Fund

he Sussex Innovation Centre, based on the University of Sussex campus, has secured a European Regional Development Fund grant for £600,000 to part-fund the launch of a new open innovation network across the ‘Coast to Capital’ region. BRAIN – the Business Research Academic Innovation Network – will run until 2020, helping innovative local start-ups and researchers to connect and collaborate with the large organisations and corporates based in the region. The partnerships

will be facilitated by the experienced commercialisation team based at Sussex Innovation’s two hubs, on the University campus in Falmer, and in East Croydon. Sussex Innovation will look to build on its existing portfolio of product and service innovations that are currently being developed in the region and further afield, and match these with relevant commercial partners. The Coast to Capital LEP covers Brighton & Hove, Croydon, East Surrey, West Sussex and the Lewes District. “Most large organisations are keen to

develop new ideas, but have no process for bringing in innovations from outside,” said executive director, Mike Herd. “Internal R&D certainly has value, but it tends to be incremental in nature, rather than creating a step change within the business like an entirely new idea can. It’s very hard to dedicate time and resources to more disruptive ideas, because you need to focus on what’s most essential to the business. “The biggest, most successful companies realise this – it’s why initiatives like Google Campus and EDF Blue Lab have started

Innovation to appear – but there are still lots of large businesses that can’t afford to risk that kind of investment. BRAIN will provide a network for those businesses to interact with innovators from outside of their current sector, introducing truly disruptive technologies, products and services.” Partners in the scheme will be expected to participate in a process of collaborative product development – not simply signing retail agreements, but acting as ‘customer mentors’ to help shape the progress of new products and services. As well as making direct introductions, Sussex Innovation will host a series of roundtable discussions and pitch

“Most large organisations are keen to develop new ideas, but have no process for bringing in innovations from outside.”

events, starting in the autumn, to identify areas of opportunity around specific sectors of technology. “Sussex Innovation’s vision for the BRAIN project to grow the local innovation sector through supporting small to medium sized businesses aligns well with the aims of Coast to Capital,” said Jonathan Sharrock, chief executive at Coast to Capital. “It is exciting to think that innovations with a truly global reach could be developed on our doorstep through BRAIN.”

Visit www.sinc.co.uk/brain, or email brain@sinc.co.uk.

CASE STUDY: Plessey Semiconductor Sussex Innovation has a long track record of partnering with large organisations to commercialise new innovations and applied research. Plessey Semiconductor is a UK-based microchip manufacturer. In 2012, the company procured a license to manufacture and market electric potential sensor technology developed by Professor Robert Prance and his team at the University of Sussex. “We’ve worked closely with the team at Sussex Innovation for several years,” said Dr Keith Strickland, the company’s CTO. “When they first came to us they took the time to fully understand our requirements, and were very clear in their explanations of where the technology stood and where it could be applied. The relationship extends beyond your typical licensing deal for IP - we still call on their expertise for things like market research to this day, and we continue to work alongside Professor Prance to develop the technology for several different commercial applications.”

Want to find out more? If you are an innovator looking to connect with corporate partners, or a large organisation looking to access the fundamental innovation happening in Sussex and the South East, contact Sussex Innovation to arrange an exploratory meeting. The Sussex Innovation network comprises an active portfolio of more than 200 innovative technologies, products and services being developed by earlystage start-ups, and researchers from the University of Sussex.

Business Awards

People person Gary Chown, Director of Commercial Banking at NatWest talks to Platinum Business Magazine about why NatWest have chosen to judge the Businessperson of the Year Award at this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BAHBAs.

Why did you want to be involved in the BAHBAs? Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the UK economy and as the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest supporter of SMEs and start ups, NatWest is committed to identifying ways to help and support entrepreneurs. We are determined to help entrepreneurs by making available to them our reach, expertise, knowledge, buildings and infrastructure, finance, mentoring, connectivity and know how. NatWest is delighted to have the opportunity to put its support behind the BAHBAs once again in 2018. Brighton and Hove is home to so many tremendous entrepreneurs and SMEs who have helped create the wonderfully vibrant city we live and work in. It is important that the business community champions the fantastic range and quality of entrepreneurs, SMEs and business start ups that we have here. The BAHBAs create such a buzz in the business community each year and the

The 2018 BAHBAs Judges

opportunity to sponsor one of the awards (Businessperson of the year), and to be involved in the judging, is one not to be missed.

Why did you choose your category? I am honoured to have the opportunity to judge and present the Businessperson of the Year award for 2018. Over the years, Brighton and Hove has continued to be blessed with an impressive array of highly talented individuals that have, and continue to, contribute significantly to the economic wellbeing of the area. It is a fascinating category to assess as it provides great insight into the mindset and skill set of a successful entrepreneur. My hope is always that they share some of the secrets of their success so we can all learn something from them! I have once again been so impressed by the quality and range of the applications for this award. The very high standard made the selection process for the judges very challenging and lead to a number of lively debates.

Business Awards What are your tips for companies entering awards? Having judged the awards in the past, I can’t help but feel that some of the entries would have benefitted from a little more time in the planning stage to ensure the final entry is the best it can be. So my advice is to take the time to plan the content and ensure that there is the right balance of hard facts, data and evidence of your achievements. Individuals and organisations shouldn’t be shy in highlighting their success and what sets them apart from peers. The internet is a great source of information to help you with the format of your entry. You can use it to plan the basis of your entry, the information to include and the achievements to highlight. It is also a good idea to share it with a business peer and ask them to critique it before you finalise and submit the entry.

What are you looking for in the entries? First of all, I am delighted by the significant level of entries again this year. These are the BAHBAs after all. The entries offered such a range of well-presented and informative summaries showcasing the significant contribution that these individuals make to the business community and the economic wellbeing for the region. I find the life story aspects interesting as they help me understand how they started their business journey, the twists and turns along the way and the ‘secret sauce’ that has fuelled their success. It’s always important to understand how they have developed, and continue to develop, themselves in business; grown the capability and engagement of their teams; and contributed to the wider community. This was not the time for them to be coy about their achievements. I wanted to be fully informed and have the complete picture so I could fully consider and judge each entry.

Why are awards important? Business awards can be an overlooked tool in your marketing toolbox. Just being shortlisted can improve brand awareness and promote your business to new customers. Awards celebrate hard work and success and are great PR opportunities. It’s fantastic to be recognised so it’s important to make sure that people know what your business has achieved. Winning a business award can open doors to new contacts and new opportunities. The application process for entering a business award can often force you to look at your business from a different perspective and compare yourself to your competitors. It can help you think differently about how you’re doing things and identify areas for improvement. Awards recognise the hard work and achievements of your employees so winning one can help boost staff morale and increase motivation. Employees are focused on what’s great about the company they work for and want to feel proud to be a part of it. It could also attract new staff who want to be part of a successful business.

Why is Brighton and Hove a good place to do business? Brighton and Hove continues to have a vibrant economy with its mix of well established SMEs and a healthy flow of business start-ups. Most sectors are well represented with leisure and tourism for example, though it is the ‘Silicon Beach’ tag that confirms the city’s standing as a centre of excellence for all things tech related. With a growing population, particularly in the age range of 20 to 44, the city has an enviable pool of talented people working in the area. The universities provide with a consistent flow of new additions as many of the students who come here decide to stay after their studies have been completed. In addition, the city offers an excellent support structure for business through a myriad of organisations including the Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Coast to Capital, Innovation Centre and our own NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator hub to name but a few.

Women in Business

Join the revolution

BWEA is celebrating 100 years of women’s achievements. SPONSORS ON BOARD SO FAR ARE:

PLATINUM PUBLISHING

GROUP

2 If so, enter or nominate NOW!

018 is a special year and a milestone as we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of The Representation of the People Act, when all women over the age of 30 were granted the right to vote. Things for working women have certainly improved albeit slowly The Sussex Business Women over the past 100 years and this Excellence Awards is preparing anniversary serves as a2017 reminder of for a bigger and even more how far we’ve come, however, itexciting event We are already shouldthis also year. underscore how much work still lies ahead. receiving many wonderful email

company and multi award-winning entrepreneur, business lawyer and author of the inspirational bestseller book ‘The Freedom Revolution’, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many talented entries and the hype on social Sussex business women gaining the So this year the Business Women media, and at business networking they deserve. Celebrating Excellence Awards - Sussex Edition wants as many ofrecognition you amazing women as possible to enter the “I am often asked why should awards,isyou know you are worth it. If you don’t enter why not nominate as many of Sussex’s events electric. thethen achievements of successful we enter awards and what enterprising business women that you know, so thatbusiness we can celebrate their achievements. You is or they women across the region are the benefits to me or will in turn help shinethat the light by encouraging the next of women with real-life success Remember ladies, receiving an trulygeneration inspirational” stories. We know that there are so many women who have overcome diversity, women who have stood my business. My reply is accolade for your outstanding work up against the odds, women who have achieved so much, are you one of them or do you know one? that winning a business or achievements brings your successes The Sussex Business Women Women who empower women to participate fully in the economic and business world, across all personal award will raise to light, and builds a positive path for Excellence Awards will take place sectors, has become essential in building stronger economies, achieving greater goals for development your profile, the profile of other women to follow. Women have on the 24th November at the Hilton and sustainability, whilst improving the quality of life for women, the lives of their families and made so much progress in business Brighton Metropole Hotel. your company, enhance your communities across Sussex and further afield. over the years, and these awards reputation, instil trust to your To celebrate the 100 years since women got the vote, The Business Women Excellence Awards has have been designed to highlight and not only revamped its website but has updated all the categories to reflect women in every role. Don’t customers and attract new recognise exceptional miss out ontheir the 2018 awards, be skills one of the 2018 winners - entries and nominations are now open with abusiness, which will ultimately and talents. The awards headline new easy online entry form to help you towards winning an award in this special year. Please visit make you more profitable. sponsor, ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW, is www.businesswomenexcellenceawards.co.uk. In short, it will prove you are one The of the ‘TopWomen 50 Ground-breaking Business Excellence Awards provides its sponsors with a wide variety of sponsorship better than your competitors.” and Innovative Law Firms in the opportunities and superb benefits with a meaningful touch point for your UK and Europe’ (Financial Times). Faiza Shafeek of Carrot Events , organisers of the awards business, allowing you to connect with Penina Shepherd, founder of the other professionals who also value this opportunity to get involved within the heart of the business community and connect directly with the area’s business leaders. We can work together to customise a sponsorship package that will compliment your company’s objectives across the board and optimise both your investment and return. For more information please contact Faiza Shafeek at fs@carroteventsco.uk

Supporting Sponsors

Category Sponsors

Media Partners

Headline Sponsor

Sponsors on board so far this year are:

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact Faiza Shafeek on 01323 461298 / 07540 406685 or email fs@carrotevents.co.uk

businesswomenexcellenceawards.co.uk

For pleasure For business For fun

ONE APP DOES IT ALL

01273 55 55 55 98

www.citycarsbrighton.co.uk

Transport

Moving people in the Sussex economy by Martin Harris, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses

ere at Brighton & Hove Buses we believe that if a city thrives so will its transport system and vice versa.

That’s why we are committed to supporting the Brighton and Hove economy and its people with a raft of special deals for passengers as they travel for work, shopping and pleasure. We offer the 4 Work Saver, where Brighton and Hove employers can sign up and give new staff their first month of travel for free. New starters receive a key card loaded with 28 days of unlimited free travel on all Brighton & Hove bus routes. Best of all, it costs your company nothing.

The first month can be a critical period for new staff: a new commute and a lot to learn while waiting for that first pay packet. After 28 days, we hope they’ll keep catching our buses to work. A number of local employers have already joined, including East Sussex County Council, BA i360, Lloyds Bank, the NHS, Brighton & Hove City Council, BUPA and Albion in the Community.

Contact info@buses.co.uk to give your employees a flying start in their new jobs.

What’s the value of your fare?

day local customer support

3,000

91%

customer satisfaction

596

East & West Sussex Kent Surrey

number of employees Years of service 1,000+

£25,000

night journeys per week

£172m

1,150 drivers EE

travel for homeless people hardship fund for students

80%

passengers get on frequent buses

estimated cost for emission-free buses by 2030

average driver salary

punctuality

great deals for kids

bus stops served across

1,522

85%

66m

increased use of renewable fuels

£1m cost of buying four buses EVERY year to tackle congestion

number of passenger journeys using 430 buses

Economic & Environmental Contribution Our economic contribution to city life is significant. Bus passengers make up 29% of all city centre expenditure nationally and this figure is significantly higher in Brighton and Hove. We support the night-time economy via 596 journeys per week in our city region and we employ more than 1500 people. It’s a busy network. The city has the highest use of buses per head of population of any city outside of London, with 66 million passenger journeys taken a year on 430 buses. We’re joined up too. We work with other city operators, The Big Lemon and Compass Travel, so our mobile phone tickets and smart cards are accepted on all these services. There’s a payback for everyone. KPMG reported that every £1 invested in prioritising buses delivers up to £7 in net economic benefit. That’s a pretty good return by any standard. Our contribution is not just economic. We make family travel affordable with one of the country’s leading discount schemes up to age 18. We also offer student and carers’ discounts, free student hardship tickets and free travel for homeless people travelling to appointments. Environmentally, there’s no doubt buses are a winner. A full double decker bus takes about 75 cars off the road. We’re also at the forefront of low emissions technology, investing millions in nearly emissions-free buses and we’re on track to becoming emissions free by 2030.

To keep up-to-date with our employer initiatives and other news visit buses.co.uk or citybusnews. co.uk or follow me @citybusnews. Martin Harris is Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus and a Director on the Local Enterprise Partnership board.

Rebecca Burns/Freepik.com

Police and Crime Commissioner

Stand up to stalking by Katy Bourne, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner

talking became a criminal offence in 2012 but, six years later, it is still not properly understood. When incidents are reported, police all too often look for a specific offence rather than recognising a pattern of harmful behaviour. The issue is that misconceptions about stalking can undermine the ability of the police and prosecutors to recognise, investigate and prosecute it. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will experience stalking at some stage in their lifetime but, alarmingly, only a fraction of these cases are reported to the police, and many find the response they get unhelpful. My own experience of stalking, over a five year period, led me to seek an injunction against a local man. I was fortunate to have excellent advice and support from colleagues but the relentless harassment and the laborious process to get it to stop was very wearing. It is not surprising that I have huge sympathy for other stalking victims. I fully understand their frustration when it seems like the system doesn’t respond in a compassionate and constructive way. We still need a cultural change to position stalking as an actual crime and not as a nuisance. We most definitely need to train police officers to spot the signs of stalking, and our prosecutors need to understand the range of offences that a stalker can potentially be committing. Three years ago, my office looked into whether there was a compelling need for a specialist service in Sussex to support local victims of stalking. It became clear that a comprehensive response was required so I provided a two-year £92,500 grant (cocommissioned with Sussex Police) to fund a local, specialist service provided by Veritas Justice.

100

Since August last year over 650 police officers and professionals, including 18 prosecutors, have now been trained by Veritas Justice and other specialist stalking organisations. I am really pleased that Sussex Police has acknowledged its training and development needs and senior officers are as committed as I am to ensuring the Force understands stalking. I invested a large part of last year’s precept rise (the amount residents pay in their council tax towards policing) into the police’s Public Protection Unit, and Sussex Police is now better equipped and better trained to recognise and deal with stalking. We also now have in place a multi-agency stalking and harassment governance group. I know that all police forces can, and must, do better. We can all remember when violence between couples was more often dismissed as ‘just a domestic’. It seems to me that as a nation, we have pigeon-holed stalking as a minor problem. Is that because victims are not showing up with bruises and broken bones? What we do know is that we need to raise awareness of stalking with all our statutory

agencies. We need to give victims the confidence to report it and more ways to fight back. Unfortunately, prosecution and imprisonment of stalkers often only comes after the victim has already suffered probably years of frightening and life-inhibiting harassment and abuse. Remember, stalking can be defined if the behaviour is one of the ‘dangerous four’: Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted or Repeated. If you or anyone you know experiences this type of behaviour, please report it to the police. Together we must all stand up to stalking.

For advice and information about stalking and harassment visit www.sussex.police.uk/stalking For support visit www.safespacesussex.org.uk To contact the office please call or email: Tel: 01273 481561 Email: pcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk

When BUSINESS meets SPORT

DEAD INTO MOTOR SPORT

INTERVIEW WITH ACCLAIMED CRIME AUTHOR PETER JAMES

101

102

WELCOME

PLATINUM SPORT

Laurence Elphick Head of Sport

Introduction Welcome to the July edition of Platinum Sport. In between his busy schedule of writing the next exciting instalment of Roy Grace, I caught up with the wonderful author and Sussex resident Peter James to talk about his love for Motor Sport ahead of the Goodwood Festival of Speed (July) and Revival (September). With the news that the football World Cup in 2026 will be held in three countries for the first time (USA, Canada and Mexico), I spoke to the Vice President of MLS side Houston Dynamos, Steven Powell about ‘soccer’ in the States and why the US will continue to attract big name stars over the pond. Talking of football, I’m delighted to be able to announce that GAP Solutions have been named as a new lounge sponsor at the American Express Community Stadium. It’s the former Chandlers lounge which now incorporates the Mullery’s restaurant. After securing the deal for three years, Managing Director, Greg Bradley said, “I am looking forward to continuing our support of Brighton & Hove Albion on a higher platform. I am particularly pleased that the lounge now includes Mullery’s restaurant as Alan (Mullery) is a great ambassador of the club”. Staying with the football theme, last month saw the 10th annual Best of British charity lunch held at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, which raised an incredible £36,500 for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity on the day. The guest speaker was former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton OBE, the most capped player in English history. Look out for the Gatwick Best of British on Friday November 9th, which will see the charismatic Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards speaking about his time at the Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988. Talking of Calgary, that’s where I’m taking my holidays this month to see all the sights and sounds of the Stampede Festival and what the locals describe as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. Chuck in a bit of rodeo, dressing like a cowboy for two weeks together with white water rafting and I’m sure I’ll have plenty to tell you when I get back!

Best of British - with Peter Shilton This month’s Platinum Sport sees another couple of prominent Sussex business people tell us about their particular love of sport in ‘When Business meets Sport’ and I introduce a new regular rugby section very kindly sponsored by our friends at Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP. July sees the start of the T20 season for Sussex plus we build up to the KIA Super League and look ahead to the finals day at Hove in August. In Show jumping news from Hickstead, Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash had his first international win at the All England Jumping Course at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. His victory in the Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard came on the nine-year-old horse Hello Shelby, who jumped a double clear in a time of 35.60sec. The end of this month also sees the start of the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London with England playing their first match against India on July 21st. The host nation will be represented by four players from East Grinstead in Laura Unsworth, Amy Tennant, Ellie Rayer and Takara Haines All in all, another bumper issue of sport for you to enjoy. Have fun and see you next month.

INTERVIEW

Dead into Motor Racing

Acclaimed crime author Peter James tells Laurence Elphick about his love of Motor Sport

When did you first become interested in cars? Almost from the moment I was born, I just loved cars. At about two years of age I fell out of my dad’s car and received 25 stitches in my head. When I was four I remember sitting in dad’s car, a Vanguard and he got out to deliver a Christmas present at a farm - I pulled the hand brake off and rolled into a pond! With the water lapping over the bonnet I remember thinking I wonder if my dad will notice! I also remember my first crash was rolling one of the motorised little cars at Peter Pan’s playground on the seafront. I always wanted to do three things in life; write books, make films and race cars. Right from the age of eight I had a model Mini Cooper S and practiced running it on my desk as if it was Brands Hatch.

What was the first car you bought? A 1929 Rolls Royce Hearse which I brought with a mate from an undertaker in Dorset and we paid £175 for it. We planned to convert it into a camper van and drive around Europe in it. It frightened my mother because it was parked in the drive way and she thought something bad had happened. So, my parents bribed me to get a sports car and I got an MGA 1500 instead. I promptly got two speeding tickets in a month! My father was furious and took the car away from me, so I had to get something more sensible and got a 1275 Mini Cooper S (my father didn’t know the difference!). I promptly got banned from driving six months later after having a burn-up with a friend near

104

PLATINUM SPORT

Guildford. We both got banned from driving for three years for racing on a public highway and dangerous driving. We appealed and got it reduced to eighteen months. My friend had built a Lotus Elan kit car in his garage and two weeks after getting our licences back, he was killed in an accident! I was 21 at the time and that was massively sobering for me. I lost three friends to car crashes by the time I was 21 and a half. This had a big impact on me and ever since then I’ve always driven carefully on the road.

You have a collection of cars at your home in Sussex but what is your most prized one that you couldn’t do without? The one I love the most is the one that

MOTOR RACING probably saved my life when I crashed in 2013. It’s a 1965 BMW 1800 TI/SA and that’s the car I race the most. It’s just fantastic and very robust and I race it at Goodwood in the same class as the Lotus Cortinas which are lighter than the BMW and quicker, but the BMW is much better in the wet. I beat all the Cortinas at Castle Coombe last year in the wet when we came fifth overall. In terms of road cars, I’ve always been an Aston Martin fan and I’ve had several because I love them but they’re never completely reliable. I’ve just recently brought a racing 1964 Mini Cooper S, a bit like the one I had when I was banned.

When did you first get into Motor Racing? Relatively late. I always wanted to race but I couldn’t afford it. And my parents weren’t keen, but I read an article that Paul Newman took it up when he was 50! I told one or two racing friends and not long after my 50th birthday, a mate who runs a Citroen 2CV racing club rang me and said there’s a car for sale and entry to a 24-hour race. He said if I could sort my race licence, I could have that car! I failed the test at the first attempt after scaring the instructor witless when I spun a Lotus Elise at 110mph on Copse corner at Silverstone. But I redid it and passed the day before the race! This was my first race and I remember being absolutely terrified while I was sitting in the pit garage at the beginning, praying that it wouldn’t start because I was so scared! The moment I got out on to the circuit, the adrenaline just kicked in and I just had a smile on my face all the way round. As a writer, I’m never able to switch off from writing even if I go for a run or I’m swimming, playing golf or tennis. I’m always thinking about my next chapter but when I get to a race circuit and I’m racing it’s literally all-consuming with all the practicing and the qualifying, looking at race videos and watching the video from the in-car cameras. So, when I go back home on a Sunday night, my brain is completely refreshed.

Tell me about the crash in your 1965 BMW 1800 TI/SA? It was at Brands Hatch in May 2013. I was co-driving it with Paul Taft who was a former professional racing driver. He put the car on pole and I was trying to defend our position. At the end of the first lap, a Cortina tried to

come around my inside and I closed the gap. Just as I turned into Paddock Hill, I was doing about 95 mph, he should have backed off, but he didn’t, and he clipped the rear of my car. I went sideways, my front wheel caught the inside kerb and the car rolled over four times, bouncing on the roof and I ended up on the gravel towards the bottom of the hill. Weirdly, on the back shelf of the car was my book entitled ‘Dead Man’s Time’ but obviously it wasn’t my time then. I suffered three broken ribs, a bruised spleen and three slipped discs. I also had to have an operation on my right wrist which did affect my writing for a time. Five years on I’ve still got a partly numb foot and have to have physio. It was a life changing experience because it made quite a lot of news and I started getting emails from friends saying they were glad they weren’t reading my obituary. I remember my now ex said to me, “When are you going to stop your stupid racing, you’re an old man now?” That was probably the worst thing she could have said to me because I ended the relationship shortly after that! The great thing about motor racing is that it’s not ageist, I mean there are guys in their eighties still racing and Paul Taft was 79 when he put the car on pole in that race. If you have a passion it keeps you young!

You’re now a regular at the Goodwood Revival every September, tell me what you’re going to be racing this year? I’m going to be racing a 1958 Fiat Abarth 1500c it’s the only one of its kind in the UK and I raced it last year. I love that car, it’s quite small but it’s very quick.

What does the motor racing at Goodwood mean to you? There’s something magical about the Revival. There are crowds of 35-40,000 people. For me it’s partly the nostalgia, I remember going to Goodwood with my dad and always dreaming of doing that, so I guess being in the Revival means I’m living my dream. It’s great with all the old cars, fire engines and shops and the clothes that people wear. For me there is no better organised race in the world!

Do you still have a motor racing dream? A podium finish at the Revival would be my absolute dream. There would be no other race that would make me so happy to get a podium finish!

What’s next for Peter James? Look out for my new stand-alone novel, coming out on October 4th called ‘Absolute Proof’, which I’ve been working on for 30 years! It’s a thriller about what the consequences would be if it was proven beyond doubt that God existed, it’s Derren Brown/Da Vinci code territory. www.peterjames.com

PLATINUM SPORT

105

106

PLATINUM SPORT

HOSPITALITY

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

The Premier League on our doorstep

fter a memorable first season in the Premier League for Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, the American Express Community Stadium will again welcome some of the biggest football clubs in the world during the 2018/19 season starting in August.

A new matchday restaurant and other stadium improvements are underway as Brighton & Hove Albion prepare for the start of another season in the world’s most watched football league. With sell-out crowds across the season, the American Express Community Stadium is the ideal venue to entertain guests and enjoy the perfect matchday experience. Demand for hospitality at Premier League fixtures last season was unprecedented, with the biggest games being sold out within minutes of going on sale. To meet this demand, the club are building a new restaurant ahead of the new season and are increasing the number of multi-game packages available, along with seasonal dinning packages. “We find that businesses enjoy the flexibility use of our hospitality packages, being able to invite key customer to certain games, offering incentives for employees for other matches, or having the flexibility to bring family and friends. Demand for hospitality at the Amex in the Premier League is higher than we ever imagined, and we expect this to continue across next season.” Said Russell Wood, commercial development manager at Brighton & Hove Albion. With Mullery’s, a brand new hospitality restaurant opening ahead of the 2018/19 season - named after former manager and current club ambassador Alan Mullery- the new pitchview restaurant will seat up to 40 people. Situated in the West Stand, the new facility extends Albion’s choice of matchday restaurants to three, joining the popular Goldstone Restaurant and HB’s Restaurant. “We are focused on providing the best matchday hospitality experience, and the addition of Mullery’s will increase the options available to our loyal supporters throughout the season. It’s with great pleasure that we name the restaurant after Alan, and we believe it’s a fitting tribute to one of our national game’s greatest players, managers and ambassadors.” adds Russell. All hospitality packages include premium seating, a threecourse meal and unlimited drinks, providing the perfect venue to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere and to extend your day beyond the final whistle. To book or discuss your hospitality options –

2018/19 Home fixture highlights at a glance: Manchester United (18th August), Tottenham Hotspur (22nd September), West Ham United (6th October), Crystal Palace (4th December) Chelsea (15th December), Arsenal (26th December), Liverpool (12th January), Manchester City (12th May). Please note fixtures subject to change, please visit BrightonAndHoveAlbion. com for latest fixture news. With Brighton & Hove Albion now competing at the highest level in English football across both the men’s and women’s game, we have a host of exciting new partnership and sponsorship opportunities available for the upcoming Premier League and The FA Women’s Super League seasons. Be a part of our success and our growing local and global fanbase. For information on commercial opportunities with Brighton & Hove Albion, contact 01273 878278, email commercial@bhafc.co.uk or visit BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com.

call 01273 878278 OR email hospitality@bhafc.co.uk

PLATINUM SPORT

107

WELL-BEING

TRAINING

Up your game by floating by Camille Pierson, Managing Director of The Float Spa

eam GB and the Australian Institute of Sport regularly use floatation as part of their training regimes to improve their performance. It isn’t just for elite sportspeople though. Lots of people in Brighton and Hove use floatation to improve their sporting performance across every type of sport. Floating completely free from gravity in water saturated with Epsom Salts helps the body in a number of different ways and the escape from the noise and bustle of the outside world helps people’s minds to improve the mental side of their performance.

Reduce the Big Bad DOMS Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is the bane of every exerciser and people who are training for a specific event can find it impedes their training and forces them to adjust their tight schedules or strict routines. Because floating allows the muscles and joints to complete relax, which improves blood flow while flushing away waste products like lactic acid, soreness is reduced and is less likely to creep up on you a few days later when you think you’ve got away with it.

Speedy Recovery Not only does floating help your muscles to recover after a hard workout or training session, it also helps injuries to heal more quickly so you lose less training time. In addition to improved blood flow encouraging healing, Epsom Salts also help to decrease swelling due to their high magnesium content. Relaxing and de-stressing have also been shown to aid recovery.

Energy Boost Floating can also help you to relax and sleep better which improves your performance in pretty much everything you do. Nerves and tension can impede your athletic performance, especially with a big competition,

match or event coming up, so it’s important to be able to relax and sleep properly to be at your best. Even in normal training, floating can boost your energy levels to allow you to maximise your training.

In the Right Mind Set Although floating is widely reported as improving focus which is very useful to high level sportspeople, it is also used more specifically in sport to mentally prepare athletes for their events by aiding visualisation techniques. Some sportspeople have found they can gain an edge over their competitors by using visualisation techniques to mentally rehearse their perfect performance whether it’s their ideal race, flawless technique or best training practice. Research shows that repeated mental practice like this can actually improve performance by increasing confidence and training the mind and body to function in this ideal way. Athletes are encouraged to imagine every little detail of the action including exactly how their body will feel and what their external senses will perceive. Runner Carl Lewis found that if he did this in a floatation tank, his results were even better as the mind is very susceptible to suggestion in the state reached in the tank so the visualisations are more effective. Increased energy, better focus and less stress are also great for business. To improve your athletic and work performance through floatation, call 01273 933 680 to book in your float at The Float Spa.

8 Third Avenue, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2PX www.thefloatspa.co.uk

108

PLATINUM SPORT

109

INTERVIEW

The Crowborough Dynamo Steven Powell spent his childhood watching the Seagulls and Crowborough Athletic. Now he is at the forefront of the resurgence of ‘soccer’ in the US

n the eve of the World Cup in Russia, it was announced that the united bid of Canada, Mexico, and the United States was selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the first time in history, FIFA’s Member Associations voted for three nations to co-host a FIFA World Cup, the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in North America for 32 years. With ‘soccer’ in the States increasing in popularity, we discovered that there is much more to a club in the MLS than just the players and their performances on the pitch. One man who plays a key role in the behindthe-scenes action is CRO and Executive Vice President of the Houston Dynamos, Steven Powell…

The Houston Dynamos play in the Western Conference division of Major League Soccer, tell us more about the Club? The club moved to Houston from San Jose, CA in January 2006 and originally played in an American Football stadium built in the 1930’s and home to University of Houston football. We built and opened our own stadium in the heart of the city centre in May 2012. We average roughly 19,000 fans per game and maintain an elite group of commercial partners including, Budweiser, Heineken, Audi, Ford, Pepsi, Adidas and Subway.

You were raised in Crowborough, how does a boy from Sussex end up working in Major League Soccer in the States? My parents are Londoners who moved to New York City in the late 50’s. My sister and I were born there and then returned to the UK as children where we settled in Crowborough. My journey begun as a schoolboy every weekend attending Albion matches at the Goldstone or watching Crowborough Athletic. I wanted to be a professional footballer or become the next John Motson. Although I did a have a trial with Arsenal as a youngster, I was not to their standard and maintained my dream of becoming a professional broadcaster in the States which I

Platinum Football

sponsored by Gap Solutions

110

Unit B5 Enterprise Estate, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AF Tel: 01273 550050 Email: info@gapsolutions.co.uk PLATINUM SPORT

Web: www.gapsolutions.co.uk

accomplished, and which later led to management roles in the industry before embracing my passion for professional Football which I have worked in for the last 25 years.

You joined Houston in 2006 and are responsible for managing the club’s entire commercial operations including sponsorship, ticket and premium suite sales. How does the club compare to 12 years ago? Our brand is significantly greater than in 2006 because our audience has grown, and Major League Soccer has evolved beyond recognition. The quality of the football on the pitch has improved dramatically. Our current squad includes eight internationals, including one who represented Panama at this year’s World Cup. As we don’t have the luxury of significant TV rights income, we need to self-generate all commercial income through sponsorship, exec boxes and ticketing. We have set a new club record this season in sponsorship income, which represents seven-figure growth.

FOOTBALL You have players like Phillipe Senderos and DaMarcus Beasley in the Dynamos squad. Who’s been the stand out player of the season? Philippe and DaMarcus are an important part of our squad with their experience and leadership. Our highest profile impact player is forward Alberth Ellis. He is a Honduran international that we purchased from Monterrey of Mexico’s top division. Lightning quick and a great eye for goal. He is known as La Pantera as he crawls on the ground on all fours like a panther after scoring. A very entertaining player.

Football in the States took off in 1994 when USA hosted the World Cup, how does it compare in popularity with baseball and American football? Major strides have been made. The younger generation of sports fans are embracing our sport as “their” favourite sport and the multi-cultural growth in the USA has been a great springboard to help this. The younger millennial population of Houston and many other cities has also grown up with a professional soccer league and easy, free access to the Premier League and La Liga. Many of these fans have both a hometown club and overseas club that they support. We have never tried to convert someone who moves to Houston from England to abandon their hometown club, but instead accept us as their new hometown club. This strategy appears to have worked effectively.

How does the MLS compare with the standard of football in the UK over the last 10 years? Highly debated topic which is probably best answered by managers in both leagues. I would suggest that the better MLS clubs would not be out of place in the Championship.

How has attracting players like Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard and more recently Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped to raise the profile of the MLS? David Beckham signing for the LA Galaxy did more to kick start the acceptance of MLS by football fans in the USA than any player before or after him. We beat Galaxy this season complete with Zlatan 3-2 in front of a large crowd and there was definitely more interest because he was playing!

Football fans in the UK see well known players going to play in the States towards the end of their careers. Is attracting players like Kaka, Didier Drogba, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa all about money?

How difficult is it to compete financially with the likes of LA Galaxy in signing the big names? Challenging. We have a very good head coach In Wilmer Cabrera who played in two world cups for Columbia and who has lots of contacts in Central and South America and a VP Technical Director, Matt Jordan who is a former player and is constantly scouring the earth on scouting missions. We don’t typically sign older players but look for players we can develop.

You’ve been quoted as saying “My vision is to one day buy and operate a football league team in England, but my ambition doesn’t really go to the point of the Premier League. My ambition is Championship and below, because I think that’s where they’re more part of a community.” Would you like to elaborate on this? I have an incredible passion for this game and the business of football. I have learned so much about how to build a football club and manage the business in my 25 years in the industry and the fact that I have done a large portion of this in the most competitive market in the planet (USA), I believe makes me highly qualified to run and/or own a football club in England. I have a friendship with Paul Barber at the Albion through his time here in North America running Vancouver and was thrilled when he was hired by the Albion, because he shares my passion and enthusiasm for the game and the industry and he is probably one of the games sharpest and most innovative minds. Matt Turner (The Creative Group / Echo) who is former director of Crawley Town is also a friend of mine and we have enjoyed many great conversations discussing the game and how it can be improved. It’s not good enough simply being a football supporter to be successful in this industry, you need to be a good businessperson. The right opportunity/club will eventually present itself to me and when that times comes, I’m there!

I think you will find more of these types of players choosing to end their careers in the US, than China and other regions of the world. Chinese clubs are probably offering far bigger financial incentives, but frankly the American lifestyle is very attractive for players who are already wealthy and are keen to continue to compete at decent level. David Villa is a good example of that.

Platinum Football

sponsored by Gap Solutions Unit B5 Enterprise Estate, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AF Tel: 01273 550050 Email: info@gapsolutions.co.uk

Web: www.gapsolutions.co.uk

PLATINUM SPORT

111

CRICKET

T20

Cricket is a blast July sees the start of the men’s T20 Vitality Blast competition and the third season of the women’s Kia Super League. 146 with 12 balls to spare in a repeat of the previous year’s final. The final game of the 2017 season also saw the announcement that Viper’s Captain and England player Charlotte Edwards was to retire from cricket. Edwards has been replaced by England star and World Cup winner, Tammy Beaumont after swapping the Surrey Stars for the Southern Vipers. Beaumont will link up with Suzie Bates, the formidable New Zealander who was an Adelaide Strikers team-mate in the Women’s Big Bash League this winter. But she admits there is one superficial problem with her move to the Vipers. “I hate the colour orange,” she said. “That’s something I’m going to have to deal with!”

Men’s T20 In what is regarded by many as the most exciting format, the men’s competition will begin with a repeat of last year’s final as the holders, Nottinghamshire Outlaws take on the Birmingham Bears. Nine teams in separate Northern and Southern Divisions will do battle in the short format of the game to see who will compete in the Finals Day at Edgbaston on September 15th. With the North Division supplying the last five winners, as well as the last four runners-up, a response from the Southern group is long overdue and Sussex Sharks will feel this is a great opportunity with recent Big Bash winners Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie at the helm. Add in to the mix, new overseas signings, Tom Bruce from New Zealand and the world’s second highest ranked T20 bowler, spinner Rashid Khan and your truly really believes the Sharks have a got a strong chance of picking up some silverware which is long overdue in the Hove trophy cabinet. The Sharks’ first home match will see them come up against Surrey Stars on Friday 13th.

Women’s T20 Starting on July 22nd, The Kia Super League (KSL) will see all six teams playing each other twice in a league format. The top three teams qualify for finals day at Hove on August 27th, with the second and third placed sides competing for the chance to face the first placed league winners in the final. Last year saw Western Storm win the second Kia Women’s Super League after an explosive innings from Rachel Priest set up an easy seven-wicket victory over 2016 Champions, Southern Vipers. In front of a 3,500 crowd at Hove, Priest was the tournament’s leading run scorer with 72 off 36 balls as Storm comfortably reached their target of

112

PLATINUM SPORT

Alex Hartley is another high-profile player on the move this season, although in her case leaving the Surrey Stars for Lancashire Thunder represents a homecoming as the 24-year-old is from Blackburn, and her relationship with Lancashire and England Lions wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Davies is an added bonus of the move north. Heading down from Lancashire Thunder to replace Beaumont at Surrey Stars behind the stumps is Sarah Taylor - the best wicketkeeper in the women’s game. Meanwhile Sussex captain, Georgia Adams has moved from the Vipers and will be representing Loughborough Lightning in this year’s competition. Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast, at www. sussexcricket.co.uk

RUGBY

Rugby in Sussex - and beyond

elcome to the new monthly feature on rugby where you will see a selection of high profile interviews with players both past and present, together with regular news about our national teams across the world and, of course, Rugby in Sussex. Thank you to our friends at Rix and Kay Solicitors LLP for

England players Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler plied their early trade in Sussex and the national team occasionally train at Brighton College.

sponsoring this feature and as keen rugby fans their input is going to be invaluable over the coming months. While England have gone from being unbeaten in 18 games under the stewardship of Eddie Jones and looking like world beaters ahead of next year’s World Cup in Japan to no wins in their last six matches (at the time of writing), I’ve decided this month to introduce you to rugby in the county and give you a taster of what is so exciting about all that Sussex rugby has to offer. The first rugby club in Sussex was Brighton, formed in 1868. Following the formation of several other clubs in the 1880s, the Sussex Rugby Football Union was formed in 1883, several years prior to the national organisation of which it is now a constituent part, with the most recent members admitted in 2008. There are currently 42 full member adult clubs affiliated with the Sussex Rugby Football

Worthing Raiders Rugby

Eastbourne RFC Union, most of which have teams at both senior and junior level and are based in East Sussex or West Sussex. Our top teams include Worthing Raiders who are the leading team in the County and compete in the fourth tier of the English rugby union league system; National League 2 South.

A report in 2011 said that more than five million people played rugby in over 117 countries with participation in rugby worldwide increasing 19% since the rugby World Cup in New Zealand the same year. The Sussex RFU website states that over 1800 players now play rugby in Sussex and with the success of the England women’s team, the participation of women in the game is on the increase too. All this makes for an exciting next 12 months at Platinum Sport. I’ll be doing some digging to bring you the latest news and interviews from our top clubs so, if you want me to feature your club, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at at laurence@platinumpublishing.co.uk

Brighton Blues play in London 1 South and in 2009 and 2010 won the Junior and Senior Vase Finals at Twickenham. Nearest rivals Hove play in the same division after they were promoted via the play offs at the end of last season while Haywards Heath play in London 2 South East. Lewes Rugby Football Club runs several rugby teams at various ages and competitive levels with the 1st XV currently playing in the London 3 South East league, and two senior women’s sides, with the Ladies 1st XV currently playing in the Championship 2 South East league. Other teams I plan to feature over the coming months will include Chichester, Eastbourne, East Grinstead and Heathfield. With the new season getting underway in September all the Sussex teams plan to compete across the six leagues in the County and I’ll be doing my best to report on the highlights. And don’t forget

South Africa 42-39 England. Springboks take the lead in three match series

Platinum Rugby

sponsored by Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP With offices in Ashford, Brighton, Seaford, Sevenoaks and Uckfield, please visit www.rixandkay.co.uk and ensure you are supported by a winning team

PLATINUM SPORT

113

COMMUNITY

ACTIVE SUSSEX

Big numbers at Parallel Youth Games

he 13th annual Parallel Youth Games took place at K2 Crawley in May and the event, organised by Active Sussex with support from Freedom Leisure and Crawley Borough Council, saw 450 children trying out a range of sports from street soccer to golf!

The Parallel Youth Games is the only event of its size for disabled children in Sussex and provides a non-competitive mini-Paralympics experience for local children to try out sports and learn new skills such as teamwork and leadership. Among the sports on offer were climbing, swimming, dance, tennis, cricket and boccia! Crawley-based Paralympic Cycling gold medallist and double World Champion Katie-George Dunlevy was on hand to introduce the event and noted the importance of events like this one to show children and young people that a future in sport is possible, “The opportunities that I was given as a child were the start of my journey that led me to where I am today. Days like the Parallel Youth Games show how sport can be a powerful tool for young people to build their confidence and their skills. I hope that other counties will follow Sussex’s lead in the future and organise events such as this one for children with disabilities. More than 70 young leaders aged 13-18 also helped on the day, assisting with the running of sports such as tennis and swimming and coordinating dance routines. All young leaders are given disability awareness training and some plan to go on to study PE and use these skills directly in the future. This event would not be possible without donations made by guests at the annual Sussex Sports Awards and by Crawley Borough Council. Councillor Chris Mullins, Cabinet member for Wellbeing said, “I always have this excellent event in my diary. It’s a great opportunity for children with disabilities to build their confidence while trying out new sports and activities. Having a sports star like Katie-George Dunlevy to introduce the event is a great example to the young people and shows them that the sky’s the limit!” Freedom Leisure provided their Olympic training venue K2 Crawley for the event, which ensured the perfect backdrop for the sports on offer. Managing Director of Freedom Leisure, Ivan Horsfall-Turner said, “We

114

PLATINUM SPORT

are pleased to host the 2018 Parallel Youth Games at K2 Crawley again this year. Supporting active communities and increased participation in sport is at the heart of everything Freedom Leisure does, so we are also delighted that our own Active Communities team plays a crucial part in delivering the event.”

Looking ahead After another successful event, Active Sussex are already looking forward to the 2019 Parallel Youth Games and to welcoming back hundreds of smiling children giving sport and physical activity a go! Speaking about the annual event, Chief Executive Sadie Mason MBE said, “At Active Sussex we aim to inspire young people of all ages and abilities to develop a passion for sport and physical activity. The Parallel Youth Games is fantastic day for competitors, young leaders and coordinators alike as it uses the power of sport to bring people together.” Active Sussex are always looking for opportunities to link up with local businesses to support this wonderful event. Should you be interested in event sponsorship, volunteering or raising donations for this wonderful event then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Chief Executive Sadie Mason MBE (smason@ activesussex.org).

ICE HOCKEY

when BUSINESS meets SPORT

Dean Orgill

Chairman, Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP

“Why Ice Hockey is the ultimate team sport”

Chair of Sussex IoD Dean Orgill is a skater not a fighter!

veteran pro player, Brendan Shannahan, was once asked:

“Is ice hockey hard?” His reported answer was, “I don’t know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while five other guys use clubs to try to kill us, oh yeah, did I mention that this whole time we’re standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is ice hockey hard? I don’t know, you tell me. Next question.” Well, that sums up the professional player’s perspective. For those of us that play what in the UK is called recreational hockey (In North America it is referred to as ‘beer leagues’), we can only dream of playing at that level. But it does give an insight into what makes ice hockey the ultimate team sport. Speed, skill, physicality and also tactical awareness are all vital components. So too is

Guildford Flames in action

the depth of your team. Each team will have three, often four, “lines” of players giving an intensity on each “shift” for each player so that the game is played at full speed by each line for a minute or so and then the next line swaps in. It allows a short time for recovery, so stamina is vital, but it also means that even if you have the best player in the world on your team he will be on the ice for a third (maximum half) of the time. So teams need other players to contribute – even the “grind line” that will be on the ice primarily to thwart the opposition while their own star players recover. The physicality is perhaps legendary, but there are clear codes, and any roughing (fighting) that you may see in clips on YouTube etc will in all likelihood have been by invitation. More importantly the skills involved in the stick handling and especially the skating can be awe-inspiring, particularly to those of us who try to play ourselves, or have enjoyed a leisurely skating session. For spectators the speed of the game can take some “tuning in” to but once you do that you will be hooked. The pace at which the game moves can be mesmerising, with the only breaks coming from off-sides, penalties or a save from the net-minders. Attempts to delay the game result in a two minute penalty, and when the whistle blows the clock stops, to be re-started when the puck is dropped again – so you can be sure that a 60 minute game means 60 minutes of action, real action!

Marian Smerciak

1. What team do you support?

“Guildford Flames (and Detroit Red Wings)” 2. Most memorable match you’ve watched?

“Flames v Bison 2001. Flames 24win streak delivered the title in the final match of the season.” 3. Favourite player?

“Marian Smerciak” 4. Childhood sporting hero?

“Football mad as a kid - so George Best, flawed maybe but definitely a genius.” PLATINUM SPORT

115

NETWORKING

NETWORK MY CLUB

Sell out month for Network My Club!

oth the Network Albion Business Club and Network My Club at Goodwood events were complete sell outs in June.

Over 120 businesses were in attendance at the Amex Stadium in Brighton for the latest Network Albion Business Club event. Guest speaker for June’s networking breakfast was ex Team GB rower turned Practitioner for Complete Coherence, Ruth Walczak! Ruth spoke about how she is using the psychology used in professional sport into the business world, with her current role helping businesses and business people deepen their understanding of themselves in order to aid performance. You can read more at www.networkalbion.co.uk, as well as find details of the next event on Thursday August 2nd. June also saw Network My Club host the inaugural Network My Club at Goodwood event which took place at the Kennels on Goodwood Estate. Over 50 businesses from Sussex and afar were in attendance as guests enjoyed a morning of networking, a buffet breakfast and heard more about the new business club! Network My Club at Goodwood offer members more than just monthly networking events, but exclusive member benefits, which include: two free tickets to a raceday of choice, discount on hospitality, discounted golf membership and much more! Read more, learn about the benefits of joining the group available for your business, as well as details of the next event on Wednesday July 18th at www.nmcgoodwood.co.uk.

UPCOMING NETWORK MY CLUB EVENTS • Network Pompey Business Club Portsmouth Football Club – Thursday 12th July, 8.30am-10.30am • Network Hampshire Business Club Ageas Bowl, Southampton – Friday 13th July, 12.30pm-2.30pm • Network My Club at Goodwood Goodwood Motor Circuit – Wednesday 18th July, 8.30am10.30am • Network Oval Business Club The Kia Oval, London – Thursday 26th July, 12.30pm-2.30pm • Network Albion Business Club Amex Stadium, Brighton - Thursday 2nd August, 8.30am-10.30am To find more information regarding each event and to book your place, visit www.networkmyclub.co.uk.

116

PLATINUM SPORT

CYCLING

when BUSINESS meets SPORT

Rosemary French OBE Executive Director, The Gatwick Diamond Initiative

“Why I enjoy cycling”

Rosemary French loves touring - as long as it’s less than 200 miles a day!

t is about the freedom, the outdoors, the elements, the challenges and the achievements. After cycling round Scotland when I was 16, exams, university and a career got in the way. I did not really cycle again until I was 33 when I joined a racing club in Nottingham. Every weekend we would ride into Derbyshire, up to Matlock, Chatsworth or Chesterfield savouring the speed, the companionship and the beautiful scenery. I had just become the MD of a 100-employee company, subject to an unwelcome takeover and I was finding it stressful. Cycling really helped me forget all my problems, at least temporarily, because I had to concentrate on the road ahead. This was the late 80s and cycling was still perceived as the poor man’s sport. Indeed, I was the only female in the club and I had to wear male outfits because it would still be a few years before the US started to design more feminine attire. This sport is remarkably technical, and my club mates really looked after me. I got so used to having domestiques around that when I met my husband on a charity ride to Paris, I realised I had found a domestique for life!

Chris Hoy

By the turn of the century we turned to touring. We had been used to 60-mile morning rides and back for Sunday lunch. Now we wanted to see the world on a bike and there are so many iconic routes. We could easily average 100 miles a day and still have time to visit a couple of chateaux. We carry as little as possible and depend on our credit cards. We cycled from Surrey to the Mediterranean; we completed LeJog (Lands End to John O’Groats); we married in Hawaii a couple of hours after cycling down the Kilauea Volcano; we cycled the Santiago de Compostela Camino pilgrimage trail and back; the Appalachians and most places in France and Europe. But, as most cyclists will tell you, the challenge is not about distance. It is difficulty. And for me cycling up the two greats, Mont Ventoux where Tommy Simpson died and, the hardest of all the Tour de France climbs, Le Col du Tourmalet, the highest paved mountain pass in the Pyrenees, feature as my proudest moments. Best of all, as I have discovered about cycling in my overweight sixties, is that you do not need to give it up. You just cycle shorter distances and slower. It is truly a sport for life which is why I love it.

1. What’s the furthest I’ve ever cycled?

“200 miles in one day. However, I did not know it was that long. It was only when I was about 70 miles in that I asked my husband about the length of the ride. We did not speak for the remaining 130 miles!” 2. What’s my ideal cycling destination?

“Germany - Cycling is at the heart of the country’s environmentally policies and cyclists are not only respected and provided with fabulously safe cycle routes, but cyclists also have right of way at junctions” 3. Which do I prefer – a mountain bike or road bike?

“Definitely a road bike. I have never liked the idea of getting my precious bikes dirty” 4. Sportsperson I most admire and why?

“Chris Hoy, not just because he is Scottish, and for a female, Joanna Rowsell. As well as her amazing cycling prowess, she became such an inspiration to other alopecia sufferers.”

Mont Ventoux

PLATINUM SPORT

117

HELPING YOU KEEP YOUR TEAM HEALTHY Inspire your company to lead an active lifestyle with Wave’s Corporate Membership. More active out of work = more productive in the office!

MAX MAX MEMBERSHIP

ANNUAL

MEMBERSHIP

Discounted rates for a 12 month commitment to fitness.

Our BEST value package. Prepay for the year and get two months free.

Our rolling month-to-month contract for full flexibility.

NO JOINING FEE!

That’s 14 months of fitness for the price of 12!

£33.75 PER MONTH by direct debit

UP N G I S ! NOW

NO JOINING FEE!

£405 PER ANNUM

Subject to a joining fee of £39.95.

£38.95 PER MONTH by direct debit

All including unlimited gym, swim and classes. Bespoke prices and packages available. For more information go to: waveleisure.co.uk/memberships @WaveLeisure

@TheWaveLeisure

Downs Leisure Centre • Lewes Leisure Centre • Peacehaven Leisure Centre • Ringmer Swimming Pool Seaford Head Swimming Pool • Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre • Shakespeare Hall in Newhaven

118

PLATINUM SPORT

WELL-BEING

HEALTH & FITNESS

Wave’s guide to being more active after your holiday

eing active and eating a healthy diet can be daunting enough normally, but it can be particularly hard after overindulging on a summer break. Here are Wave’s tips on how to be more active after a few too many sangrias on your holiday.

Choosing the right activity When you’re out of your routine, motivating yourself to be more active can be hard. Whether you’re planning on going to the gym, for a swim, or to a class, packing a bag the night before with everything you’ll need will help. You can be more active in hundreds of different ways, so make sure you choose the right one for you. Wave gyms are staffed with teams of fitness and health professionals who are on hand to create goal-specific programmes, making it easy to get started. Group exercise classes can be great for keeping you motivated. Wave runs a variety of classes, like indoor cycling, aqua aerobics, HIIT and fitness pilates – so there is something for everyone!

Swimming is low impact, unlike running, so you can do a cardiovascular work-out without putting stress on your body. It’s also a particularly relaxing form of exercise, so is great if you’re stressed about returning to work.

Fuelling an active lifestyle Fuelling your body with nutritious food is a necessity, so make sure your diet is balanced, with lean proteins (e.g. chicken breast, eggs, soy and yogurt), complex carbohydrates (sweet potato, oats, whole grains and rice) and healthy fats (avocado, oily fish, nuts and cheese). Do not embark on a crash diet! It can be tempting but if you don’t consume enough calories you will feel hungry and be more likely to snack on foods which aren’t as good for you.

Improving mental health Heading back to work after time off can be stressful, meaning being more active isn’t always appealing. However, exercising can help to boost your energy levels by releasing ‘feel good’ endorphins, improving confidence, and norepinephrine – a hormone which helps your brain deal with stress. You don’t have to exercise to exhaustion every

day to improve your mental health. Small changes can make a big impact – research states that just five minutes of activity in a natural green environment (e.g. grassy or treelined) can boost your mood and self-esteem. Going for a stroll on your lunch break may improve your mental health as well as helping to burn more energy in a day. Research shows that getting active on your lunchbreak can also help you to be more productive when you get back to your desk. Sarah Nash, (pictured right) Wave’s Group Exercise Coordinator, has five top tips for improving your day at work: • Prepare nutritious meals at home, and get the whole family involved – it can be great fun! • Ensure you drink plenty of water (at least two litres per day) to help brain function. • Move more on Mondays – research shows you’re 76% more likely to exercise again in the week. • Invest in comfortable gym clothes that make you feel good and encourage you to workout. • Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, at least five nights a week, to feel more awake and refreshed. Has your company signed up to a corporate membership with Wave? Head to www.waveleisure.co.uk/memberships for more information on how your team could benefit from unlimited gym, swim and classes and the chance to tailor a bespoke package suited to you.

PLATINUM SPORT

119

THE VIEW FROM THE SOFA

OPINION

Just a bit of banter? Laurence Elphick asks when does banter cross the line and become abuse?

n cricket it’s probably more pronounced and reported than any other sport. It’s called sledging and is defined as ‘Mental Disintegration’ - the tactic of talking to players on the opposition side (particularly batsmen) with the objective of destroying either their concentration, confidence or selfesteem. Does it cross the line when it becomes personal rather than funny? Everyone’s definition of funny is different; what some may find funny others will find offensive. It happens in rugby, football and most other team sports, and seems to be simply a case of one team seeking to gain an advantage over the other. The abuse from the fans is even worse, and you will always hear someone’s uncensored feelings about the player who wears the opposition colours or the official who is not up to the required level of refereeing! One could argue that they pay their money to watch and they are more than entitled to have an opinion especially if said offending player takes home in a day/week/month (delete where appropriate) more than most people

Eric Cantona’s Kung Fu Kick

earn in a lifetime. True, but personal/family abuse is just taking it too far, isn’t it? The consensus seems to be that as a sportsman you have to be mentally tough enough to handle it. So why do some sports people react so violently?

Remember Eric Cantona’s Kung Fu kick against a Crystal Palace fan who was hurling all kinds of personal insults (pictured above). The Australian cricketer David Warner (how ironic he’s now banned for ball tampering!) reacted by thumping the England player Joe Root in a bar for the unforgivable sin of wearing a joke wig on his chin. Recently in the Test series in South Africa, England Rugby players, Joe Marler and Mike Brown got into an altercation with irate fans at the end of England’s inept display and sixth defeat in a row. I remember at school in the 1980’s, when I went out to bat and while taking my guard of middle and off and feeling confident about my forthcoming innings, one of the fielders from the other team said: “He looks nervous, I bet he’s not as good as he thinks he is…” I was promptly out second ball and I remember thinking that was highly unfair and not very sportsmanlike.

David Warner

120

PLATINUM SPORT

What is unacceptable? Is it regarded as part and parcel of the game now? Absolutely. Has it been going on for years? Definitely. Will it carry on for years to come? Assuredly? Is it acceptable? Probably.

A new concept in bedroom and home storage solutions

Our brand new collection of stylish sliding wardrobes and room dividers are all made to measure.

SLIDING WARDROBES | ROOM DIVIDERS | WALK IN WARDROBES HEADBOARDS | BUILT IN DOCKING STATIONS Call now to book a free design and quotation 01273 550050 or for more information please visit gapsolutions.co.uk UNIT B5, ENTERPRISE BUSINESS ESTATE • CROWHURST ROAD • BRIGHTON BN1 8AF Email: info@gapsolutions.co.uk

121

Brighton Summit

Look up and look forward To this year’s Brighton Summit

f you’re looking for a business event with a big difference, then this is the one for you. The Summit is a low-impact, high-return networking event with like-minded business people, but it is so much more. It’s the most productive and beneficial day out of the office all year, so make sure you put a big red cross against 12th October in your diary and book your ticket now. The day is a heady mix of exciting keynote speakers sharing their views on challenging, timely and inspirational topics; dynamic workshops; and supportive networking. There are plenty of food and drink pitstops throughout the day, provided by some of Brighton’s best foodie businesses.

The theme for the 2018 Summit is ‘Look Up’ After the turbulence of recent years, business owners and entrepreneurs could be forgiven for drawing in their horns, retrenching, looking inwards, and doing everything in their power not to rock the boat.

122

But businesses in and around Brighton are different. There’s a quality that infuses our city and radiates out from its heart: a spirit of optimism, open-mindedness, and opportunity. A spirit that means we zig while others zag,

from SMEs to big business, and this is best expressed as ‘Look Up’. Look Up means finding opportunities where others see problems. It means engaging with

Brighton Summit Brighton Chamber has now announced its first keynote speaker as Katherine Courtney, former CEO of the UK Space Agency. Katherine now provides board level strategic advice, helping innovative tech businesses start strong and scale up. She’s the founder of SpaceSouth, an initiative to grow the South Coast space economy, and PrimarySpace, building STEM engagement for primary schools. Make sure you follow Brighton Chamber on Twitter so you see more information on Katherine’s speech as it’s announced.

SUPPORT FROM THE BRIGHTON BUSINESS COMMUNITY the world – next door, the next community, over the sea – not closing ourselves off. And it means being here now, living in the moment, and not worrying – unduly – about yesterday or tomorrow. As Oscar Wilde wrote: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” The day is designed to celebrate the spirit that propels the city and makes it such a dynamic region in which to do business.

“As Oscar Wilde wrote: ‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.’” Who should go? The Summit is for anyone in and around Brighton who wants to evolve and grow their business. It’s relevant for all kinds of enterprise: from SMEs to start-ups; from multinationals to social enterprises and charities; whether you’re a business owner, a CEO or manager, an entrepreneur or an employee.

What will you get out of it? You’ll get fresh perspective and be inspired to take time out from your work activities to look up and smell the coffee. You’ll find approaches and ways of working that are genuinely new to you, as well as skills and techniques to help your organisation thrive. And if you’re looking for tools and confidence to do things differently or you’re seeking permission to take risks, you’ll find that too.

Special Offer For readers of Platinum Business magazine, there’s a special £10 discount. All you have to do is enter discount code ‘Platinum’ when booking. Date: 12th October 2018 Time: 8.30am-6pm Venue: The Clarendon Centre, 47 New England St, Brighton BN1 4GQ www.brightonsummit.com To book tickets visit http://brightonsummit.com/tickets/

The event would not be the same without support from local organisations. The headline sponsor of this year’s Summit, for the sixth time, is Cardens Accountants. Other event sponsors include Werks Group, Brighton Metropolitan College, Lawton & Dawe, Joosr, Barclays Eagle Labs, EMW Law and Talent4Performance. Reborn are the branding partner (you can see the new Summit branding in these pages); Madison Web Solutions are the website partner; and Gemini Print are the print partners. Chimera Communications and Platinum Business Magazine are the media partners.

PREVIOUS DELEGATES ON THE SUMMIT: “The Summit was amazing, I had so many brilliant conversations and it was a really good way to get my brand more well-known. Thank you to all of you for putting on such a fantastic event!” - Grace Lawless, Managing Director, Veriteam “A slicker, more content laden event could not be found anywhere – indeed it gets better year by year.” - Emma Cleary, Ten2Two Sussex “Speaking at The Brighton Summit last year and subsequently joining the Chamber has allowed me to tap into a network of passionate, highly skilled individuals and organisations. A lot of the people I met at the Summit and afterwards through the Chamber network have become my friends. I very much look forward to attending the Summit this year.” - Daisy Cresswell, Liberty842

123

Restaurant Review

The Ivy in the lanes By Amanda Menahem

The bar at The Ivy

do love a bit of glamour. I recall being taken to the original Ivy back in 2004. And while I can’t recall what I ate, I recall the excitement of being somewhere so ‘famous’. Fast forward over a decade and now the brand has been rolled out to various locations across London and the UK. The Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden became a regular haunt as did the one in Marylebone and also the Kings Road branch. They were always great venues for a quick lunch of nothing too fancy but decent wholesome food, building on the reputation of the original for home ‘comfort’ food. Like all good chains you know what you are getting. There

124

is usually a level of consistency you can rely on not to mention a good standard of service and elegant surroundings. And while this is not special occasion stuff, it’s nevertheless a good pit-stop. It’s also the sort of place you book for dinner when you have friends with differing tastes. The Ivy menu is designed for wide appeal and it certainly achieves that - it’s extensive. So I’ve always been a fan and news of its imminent arrival in Brighton was met with excitement on my part despite being a restaurant owner. For me, its further evidence of the growing appeal of Brighton as a destination and an indication of the growing

food and drink market in the City – and this is good for us all. Brighton has been crying out for a glitzy Bistro and the Brighton Ivy delivers just that. Its main draw is its location and décor. It simply wows you with its vast space, high ceilings and architectural beauty. What it lacks in intimacy it makes up for in glamour. The space is divided into sections, the glamourous bar (the best feature) and a mixture of banquette seating and tables and chairs. I have been three times now and by far the only place to be seated is by the enormous beautiful windows, or at the bar. If you are toward the back of the restaurant it’s a bit devoid of natural light, rendering the space

Restaurant Review garish with bright overhead lighting shining directly above you - unsettling. Twice I have been seated here and had to move. On the night we were invited to review, thankfully we had the best seat in the house, the corner table in the window. A really lovely place to while away the evening. We were served a perfectly chilled glass of house champagne. This is not a given but here it was perfect. Good quality fizz too. I ordered the Arancini as a nibble and Maarten, a bread man, ordered the sourdough. Both were very good. For my starter I ordered the Duck salad with fivespice £7.95. This came as crispy spicy duck with bean-shoots and radish – an Asian style salad with toasted cashews. It was good (though on a repeat visit the dressing was more overpowering and the cashews un-roasted). The duck came in tiny bits that had been crisped. I would have preferred

Crispy duck salad

the duck to be more shredded and soft – it would have balanced better with the crunchiness of the salad and cashews but it was good nevertheless. Maarten’s tomato soup (£5.50) was flavoursome and good value. For mains I chose the roast chicken, it being my favourite thing. It was wonderfully crisped and served with a perfectly good gremolata. Maarten’s shepherd’s pie (£13.75), which he ordered because it’s what the Ivy are famous for (all those rich celebs presumably fed up with fine dining) was described by him as very good but l am not sure it wowed him. It being a shepherd’s pie. Dessert, the signature chocolate bomb, I found unpleasant in its over-sweetness, lack of texture (it’s all one big mush of sweetness in the bowl) and a slightly artificial taste. This was the only duff note in an otherwise very pleasant meal. On my other visits, I have had the smoked salmon, crab dish and the burrata. The former two great, the latter mediocre. Service is efficient. The Ivy has been criticised for being nothing more than an upmarket version of Cote (it being owned and run by the same company) but that’s rather missing the point. Are there other places in Brighton where the food and service is better? Yes of course. But very few have the glamour and comprehensive offering that the Ivy has. The Ivy is not all about the food, it’s about the evening, the environment, the company. The food plays second stage and that’s perfectly fine. Darling, it’s fabulous. Chocolate bombe

125

Hotel Review

Sea Spray Brighton Review by Maarten Hoffmann

righton is probably one of the busiest hotel regions is the South East with a vast swath of B&Bs, guest houses, boutique hotels and large multi-nationals sitting cheek by jowl along the beach front, vying for business. New ones keep popping up and from time to time we take a look at them in our role of media sponsor for the Brighton & Hove Hotel Awards. One such boutique hotel is the Sea Spray in the New Steine, a pretty square just along from the pier in the Kemptown district. This 15-bedroomed hotel is situated in two narrow Regency buildings and is billed as a themed hotel or at least that is what the sign outside stated. I must say that l didn’t see much evidence of a theme in my room although very tastefully decorated l did struggle to locate any theme. There is a long-standing trend in the City to open small boutique hotels to cater for those who don’t want the large slightly corporate and impersonal feel of the big boys and, of course, the price is much more attractive too. The decor is new and fresh, the beds and pillows sumptuous and the bathrooms, although mine was tiny are fully tiled, clean and with oversized shower heads. There is absolutely nothing one could complain about here and for those looking for something different and slightly left field, the Sea Spray would fit that bill perfectly. The staff could not do enough for us and the breakfast room offers a wide range of yummy goods and a great full English. My wife is a gluten free vegetarian and had no problem at all finding what she wanted. If you are a late returner, they give you a key to let yourself in but do make it down for breakfast as it is very good, and unlimited. The old days of grotty bed & breakfast establishments run by some harridan in curlers has long gone and Brighton is now full of great large hotels and fantastic small boutique style properties with something for everyone. If you want a large bar, huge restaurant, spa and concierge parking, then off you go to the Grand but if you are looking for something a little more personal and less expensive, then the Sea Spray is well worth a look. Prices depend of course on time of year and day of week but rooms can be booked from £76 midweek and that is fantastic value for money.

126

Sea Spray Hotel 25-26 New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PD Phone: 01273 680332 Website: www.seaspraybrighton.co.uk

EST IN 1864 UNVEILING IN 2018 #grandmoments

www.grandbrighton.co.uk TheGrandHotelBrighton

@GrandBrighton

@thegrandbrighton

127

Does your company have innovative ambitions to grow? Collaborate with us and we could help you access government funding to take your business to the next level. Our expertise spans advanced engineering, artificial intelligence and data, creative practice, innovation management, and health and life sciences.

PSM Instrumentation worked with university experts to redesign the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intelligent ceramic transmitter. The company generated ÂŁ400k of additional sales during the programme, and is forecasting substantial revenue growth from Far East markets. Picture: Pete Cooper (PSM) and KTP Associate Ayodele Lawal

Let us help you achieve the step change your business needs this year. Contact us for more information at KnowledgeExchange@brighton.ac.uk

128

www.brighton.ac.uk/innovate

Business Expo

They did the business Record visitor numbers for Let’s Do Business Brighton

n June, start-ups and larger corporations alike came together to network and celebrate business success at Falmer’s iconic Amex Stadium at the 2018 Let’s Do Business Brighton Expo. This year’s event was organised for the first time by the Let’s Do Business Group in association with Eastbourne-based full service marketing agency PRG Marketing Communications. The new venue, which is home to Brighton & Hove Albion FC, hosted a packed concourse of exhibitors in the stadium’s West Stand, as well as headline event sponsors Simply Beautiful Print and M-Tech Systems. A diverse range of informative seminars took place on the day, covering everything from social media and marketing, to broadband and business tips.

Director of event organisers PRG Marketing Communications. The packed Juice FM pre show breakfast proved a hit with exhibition-goers and the post show networking event saw visitors enjoy raising a toast to a successful day. After the show, attendees enjoyed winding down with a glass of something, while watching Russia beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the first game of the 2018 World Cup in the Sussex Skills Solutions Lounge. This year saw a record number of visitors pre-register for the event, and despite the rain, footfall at the venue was incredibly high, with both visitors and exhibitors in good spirits.

Speakers included Stuart Taylor from M-Tech Solutions, Kerry Watkins from Social Brighton

Also new for this year’s expo was the Enterprise Zone, sponsored by Barclays Eagle Labs. The zone saw a number of business support services come together to offer free one-to-one business support sessions and

Ltd, Martin Riley of Martin Riley Leadership & Business Development, Ollie Sloan from Creative Bloom and Simon Groves, Managing

advice. New entrepreneurs and established business owners alike were able to discuss business finance, growth and mentoring

with experts from around the Sussex region. Businesses in attendance included the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform, Business East Sussex, Locate East Sussex, Keep+, Sussex Chamber of Commerce and Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce. The Let’s Do Business Group and PRG Marketing Communications would like to thank all of this year’s event sponsors and supporters, as well as all who contributed to make this year’s only Let’s Do Business expo a success, including the team at Platinum Business Magazine. You can keep up to date with all the latest expo news by visiting letsdobusiness.org.

To find out more about the Let’s Do Business Group please visit www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk or to find out more about PRG Marketing Communications please visit www.prgltd.co.uk

129

Platinum Club

sky-high Platinum Club away-day event took place at the British Airways i360 in Brighton in June in glorious weather. 120 business leaders met for Champagne and CanapĂŠs at 450ft and then retired to the Terrace on the beach. The brand new McLaren 570S, valued at ÂŁ200,000 was a great raffle attraction or a really badly parked car. The Platinum Club is now in its 10th year as the leading premiere networking forum in the South East based at The Grand Hotel. Limited memberships are available, dependant on sector, and for more information please mail: info@platinumpublishing.co.uk

The brilliant Platinum Team

Alan Harbor (Director, Lloyds Bank), Rosemary French OBE (Executive Director, Gatwick Diamond Initiative), David Rawlance (Director, Lloyds Bank)

Chris Whippy & Richard Spofforth (Partners, Kreston Reeves)

David Sheppard (Chairman, Sussex Chamber of Commerce), Tracey & Derek Evans (Directors, Juno Wealth)

Gemma King (Managing Director, Vivid Marketing) and Katie Gibson (Managing Director, Pier Recruitment)

130

Bruce Hayter (Managing Partner, Rix & Kay), Jim May (Vice President, Sussex Cricket Club), Graham Prince (Director, Neva Consultants)

Maarten Hoffmann (Managing Director, The Platinum Group), Andrew Stenning (Director, Clearline Recruitment)

Heidi Rush (HR Smart), James Johnson (Managing Director, Picture Books Films), Lisa Seymour (Director, Made by Spoken)

Emma Lane from Allied Irish Bank won the Platinum Raffle - a new McLaren 570s

Flo Powell (Director, Midnight Communications), Maarten, Alex Hankinson (Director, Midnight Communications), Lynne East (Managing Director, Lynne East PR)

Platinum Club

Gemma King (Managing Director, Vivid Marketing), Steve Bax (Executive Director, British Airways i360), Fiona Graves (Head of Events, Platinum), Victoria Bell (Director, Grand Aesthetics), Ian Lucas (Managing Director, Client Prive & Red 7)

Katie Proctor (Account Manager, Heart), Steve Bax (Executive Director, British Airways i360), Jaffer Lokhandvala (Managing Director, E-mpower.it), Lena Koskela (Marketing Director, British Airways i360)

Lesley Alcock (Platinum Development Director), Maarten and Fiona Graves (Platinum Head of Events) A thorn between two roses

John Burroughes (Managing Director, Uniglobe Travel), Zoe Rudling (Partner, RSM UK), Fiona Graves (Head of Events, Platinum Event Management)

Kerry Turner & Jeremy Ornellas (Directors, Blanch House), Emma Lane (Director, Allied Irish Bank), John Burroughes (Managing Director, Uniglobe Travel)

Richard Hopton (Business Development, Hilton Hotel), Victoria Bell ( Director, Grand Aesthetics)

Jim May (Vice President, Sussex Cricket Club), Rob Andrew (CEO, Sussex Cricket Club and Rugby Legend), Maarten Hoffmann (Managing Director, The Platinum Group), Daryl Gayler (Regional Director, Nat West)

Platinum Head of Sport, Laurence Elphickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new company car (not)

Oh John - Mandy will see these you know!

131

Motoring

The legacy continued by Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

he Mercedes-Benz SL models have been with us for over 60 years and stands as a beacon of style, elegance and panache. As Mercedes boss Dr Zetsche once remarked: “There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models, but there are only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them”. You’d be hard pressed to disagree with the good Doctor, because there’s no denying the place Mercedes-Benz’s iconic GT holds in the history of, well, iconic GTs. It’s been many a year since l drove an SL so l was delighted when it arrived on my drive. It had a lot to follow as the McLaren 720s was still awaiting collection when it arrived and having spent a week with that monster, l feared for the review of the SL. But fear not as the new SL400 is as good as ever and as stylish a drive as you will ever find. You still have the effortless waft that is expected without rubbing it in people’s noses as it retains that slightly low-key impact. The recipe is quite simple; two seats, folding metal hard-top, front engine, rear-wheel drive and oodles of style. The new model is lighter than ever with an aluminium intensive construction resulting in a weight of only 1685kg and more efficient engines therefore it is faster and more efficient than its predecessor.

132

The original 1954 300SL All SL’s are pretty fast if you hit the Axminster, with the 400 hitting 60 in 4.9 seconds and the monster SL65 AMG reaching it in 4.0 seconds aided by its 621bhp 6-litre V12. The beauty of this car is that it does all this calmly and serenely with not so much as a dribble from the dry martini you might be sipping at the time. Inside, it is all as expected. The best build quality you will ever find, the Airscarf blows warm air onto the back of your next when the roof is down, and supreme leather seats that cosset you in such a way that a journey of 1000 miles would fly past in a jiffy. This new model’s width has grown by 57mm leaving you a surprising distance from your passenger and they have managed to squeeze storage cubby holes in everywhere. My entry level SL400 comes equipped 17” alloys,

Motoring

sports suspension, an aggressive body kit, LED headlights and a sunroof in the fold away roof. The seamless 9G-Tronic Plus gearbox works away quietly and the suspension makes you feel totally isolated from the outside world. If the standard gearbox mode is not up your street, then the Sport mode will tighten things up considerably and shorten the changes but the Sport plus mode is far too ferocious for this style of car and is best left alone. It also comes with the funky Curve Tilt Function that was originally seen on the S-Class Coupe. The system means that the chassis with active suspension now enables the car to lean inwards by up to 2.5 degrees in bends, in a similar manner to motorbikes.

“It also comes with the funky Curve Tilt Function that was originally seen on the S-Class Coupe.”

So often we see classic, timeless car designs totally ruined when they attempt to restyle the model but here we have a car that is every bit as good, if not better, than its predecessors

and after six decades, it looks like we enter the 7th decade secure in the knowledge that one of the most stylish cars on sale today is going strong. I am often asked what l drive as my personal car as if this might give folk some guidance on what car to buy. For the past 15 years l have driven Mercedes as, personally, l feel it is one of the finest cars on the planet. My current S-Class is a marvel of superlatives and as l only use it for less than 400 miles a year, it might also be one of the lowest mileage S-Class models in the country but l won’t be selling it anytime soon – unless l am offered a deal on the SL of course.

TECH STUFF Model tested: SL400 AMG Line Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8 Power: 367bhp Performance: 0-60mph 4.9 seconds Top speed: 155mph Economy: 36.7mpg combined Price: £76,955

Slyfield Industrial Estate, Moorfield Rd, Guildford GU1 1RU 01483 654000 www.mercedes-benzofguildford.co.uk

Motoring

The big Mac by Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

t is long established that Britain lost its motoring industry many years ago when the likes of British Leyland were producing absolute garbage vehicles and the Germans started producing world class vehicles. The final nail in the coffin came when we sold Rolls Royce to BMW and that, it seemed, was the end of that. But no, here we have a world class manufacturer based in Surrey producing stunning cars that will compete with the best and, in most cases, totally trounce them. Step up McLaren and this gorgeous specimen that currently sits on my drive - the McLaren 720s. The 720s replaces the 650s and is generally considered to be the most important car in

134

the company’s history. Not only does it carry a hefty price tag but it enters the lion’s den in terms of competition with the likes of the Ferrari 488GTB and the Lamborghini Huracan for company.

“It is all a triumph of design and, in my opinion, there is no more handsome car on the road today.”

Let’s start with the exterior styling. Stunning is the only word that comes to mind and it is that type of car that just makes you want to stare at it (or lick it) - all day long. The sweeping curves, the air ducts that are now in the doors channelling air into the engines radiators, the beautiful rear spoiler that rises majestically and then angrily flips up into an air brake when chucking the anchors out at speed and the twin exhaust pipes that are moulded into the rear bodywork. It is all a triumph of design and, in my opinion, there is no more handsome car on the road today. Under that svelte body is a 4-litre twinturbocharged V8 producing 710bhp, or 720PS hence the name. 710bhp is a good deal of power in anyone’s book and weighing in at

Motoring 1420kg, this is a ballistic missile just waiting to deliver you directly to the police cells. Connect this marvel to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the chassis control system which removes the need for anti-roll bars by hydraulically interlinking the dampers and you have everything you would ever need. Then we have the theatrical dihedral doors that take a bit of heft to get going but once on their way, rise majestically upward to 80 degrees and ease egress and, in the average high street, certainly get you noticed. In fact, this is one of the drawbacks of this car in that you can rarely get near it to depart as you first need to part the sea of folk ogling the damn thing. The reaction is quite illuminating. Either thumbs up and appreciating stares of shock and awe or disgust and fingers stuck up at your temerity in driving such a beast. As to the numbers, they are all pretty amazing: 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, 0-124 in 7.8 and 0-186 in 21.8. Stopping from 124mph takes just 4.6 seconds and 117m making the stopping distances in the Highway Code look Dickensian. The 0-60 number is a little disingenuous as it is not a constant smooth progression. Off the line, the first few tenths

feel a tad sluggish, if you can use that word for a car like this, although the twin turbos are ultra-low inertia, twin scroll jobs that spool up much faster to reduce lag and sharpen throttle response but get to 30mph and all bloody hell breaks loose as the turbos let rip. There is nothing that can beat this car in that range as it is truly awe inspiring and the best fun you can have with your clothes on.

“Stopping from 124mph takes just 4.6 seconds and 117m making the stopping distances in the Highway Code look Dickensian.” All of this sits in a carbon fibre tub dubbed Monocage ll. The chassis structure now incorporates an upper structure and

windscreen surround, so it’s even more rigid than the 650. There’s an enhanced centre of gravity, thanks to the engine being mounted 150mm lower than before. A ‘visible monocage’ that exposes the material on the inside of the A-pillar is a £3990 option. The cowl is also lower: like the magnificent 570, the 720S gets closer to serving up the jet fighter sensation than anything else on the road, and its all-round vision is unrivalled. The all-glass cockpit isn’t just pretty, it means you can traverse our City’s roads without taking out any pensioners or showing yourself up by clipping the kerb and looking a twat. The steering feel is off the scale and gives you that true go kart vibe - one twitch and you have turned a corner whether you meant to or not. This offers you peerless control and allows a dart and weave that is sensational in its accuracy. It possesses the sort of high speed balance and stability that indicates a total mastery of the art of aerodynamics. Seems like a car for the occasional blast? You would be wrong. Once you dial everything down to placid, this car can be driven every day with ease but again, you would have to get used to the constant stares, kids with their cameras

135

Motoring out and other drivers darting out of your way - not from politeness but so that they can get behind you to see your rear end. Hit the track, turn all life-saving dials off and you are faced with a ballistically fast supercar with a chassis so superbly balanced that it defies physics.

In Track mode, you then have the option of the new Variable Drift Control which will see you steering out of the side window most of the time and your bank manager having a fit over the cost of the new tyres required. So lets have a look at the alleged competition. Frankly, it beats the pants off both the Ferrari and the Lambo in just about every arena:

Huracan

Ferrari

McLaren

0-60 mph:

2.9

3.0

2.8

Top Speed:

201

205

212

Horsepower:

602

661

710

And so it goes on in just about every area. Our little British manufacturer from Woking has soundly beaten all its competition into a cocked hat. Niggles, well there will always be a few. Following rain, open the dihedral doors and it dribbles onto your seat. The Satnav and infotainment set-up is not exactly the most advanced on the market and then there is the sound! It just does not sound right for its stunning looks. OK, they have reworked the harmonics of the new exhaust system so that it pumps more volume into the cabin via twin vents mounted between the seats but it still doesn’t quite hit the mark. Finally, l had racing seats fitted into my review car but with no facility to adjust the height, l felt far too low in the seat and had to resort to sitting on a cushion and at 6’1”, this was a surprise.

“This is a ballistic missile just waiting to deliver you directly to the police cells.” That said, this is one of the finest and fastest road legal supercars l have ever driven and when you consider that l drive on average 104 cars per year, this is an accolade that l sincerely wish to repeat in the future but sadly, l think l might have reached the pinnacle. If you can afford it, buy it. If you find someone to rent one to you, rent it. Failing everything else, steal one but whatever you do, drive this car before you die.

TECH STUFF: Model tested: McLaren 720s Engine: 4-litre, twin turbo V8 Power: 710bhp Performance: 0-60-mph 2.8 seconds Top Speed: 212mph Economy: 10.7mpg combined Price from: £218,020

136

Charity News

Walk, run or take a leap

irst opened in 2003, Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for Sussex and South East Hampshire, caring for children with life-shortening conditions and their families. There are lots of different ways for individuals and businesses to support Chestnut Tree House, including an action-packed events calendar, which includes

something for everyone. In September alone, supporters can choose from a 10k run, an overnight running relay and even an exclusive abseil at Arundel Castle. So make Chestnut Tree House’s 15th birthday the year for making every moment count.

LITTLEHAMPTON 10K Last year, a record-breaking 1,450 people took part in the Littlehampton 10k, raising around £50,000 for Chestnut Tree House. In 2018, as both the hospice and the event itself mark 15 years of being part of the local community, Chestnut Tree House is seeking runners to sign up and get involved. Taking place on Sunday 9th September on Littlehampton beach promenade, the 10k route passes through residential Littlehampton, Rustington and Mewsbrook Park. The run attracts a variety of participants every year, from individuals and groups of friends to corporate groups and running clubs. From keen runners pushing for a personal best to people taking part in fancy dress, it is an event for both experienced and first-time runners.

Registration costs £18 per person. Find out more at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/10k.

RAGNAR RELAY For a running challenge with a difference, sign up to take part in the 170 mile Reebok Ragnar White Cliffs Relay. Over September 22nd and 23rd, teams of 10 will start off in Maidstone, following the south coast through the night on a route through Faversham, Ramsgate, Dover, Folkstone, Rye, and Hastings, before coming to the finish line in Brighton. Each team mate will take turns to run three times, with each 3-11 mile length varying in difficulty. Registration for the Reebok Ragnar White Cliffs is free, while each runner must pledge to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. This means that each team will be able to donate £1000 towards the work of Chestnut Tree House. Teams can find out more and apply for a charity place with Chestnut Tree House at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/Ragnar.

ARUNDEL CASTLE ABSEIL Whether you’re an adventure seeker or adrenaline junkie, now is the time to channel your inner superhero and test your nerve as Chestnut Tree House is thrilled to be offering an exclusive opportunity to abseil 180ft down the iconic Bake House Tower at Arundel Castle. This very special fundraising event will be held on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September 2018 and places are very limited (Saturday is almost sold out). It costs just £25 to register, and each participant is being set the challenge of raising a minimum sponsorship amount of £285 which will cover Chestnut Tree House’s care costs for one hour. If you think you can raise even more than this, then why not set yourself the challenge of raising £570 to cover two hours of all Chestnut Tree House’s care costs?

Find out more and register at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/arundelabseil.

Feeling inspired? For details of all upcoming events, and to find out how you and your business can support Chestnut Tree House, visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk, email corporate@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk or call 01903 871846 or 01323 725095.

137

OUR SERVICES

TAKE IT EASY BETTER LIFE BETTER BUSINESS BETTER DECISIONS BETTER ANALYSIS

Cloud Accounting

Accounting

Payroll

Tax Planning

BookKeeping

Audit

enquiries@hsc.uk.net 01273 324 163 hilton sharp & clarke chartered accountants

www.hsc.uk.net

BETTER DATA

Brighton and Haywards Heath

SPECIAL EDUCATION FEATURE In The September issue of Platinum Business Magazine To get involved email Lesley@platinumpublishing.co.uk

138

Chambers Listings

Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce CONSTRUCTION VOICE LUNCH WITH GEOFF RAW Date: Tuesday 10th July Time: 12pm-2.30pm Venue: The Salt Room, 106 Kings Road, Brighton Price: £55 Join us for a delicious two-course lunch with wine, plus tea and coffee, and hear from Geoff Raw, Chief Executive at Brighton & Hove City Council.

BITE-SIZED LEARNING: STANDOUT CREATIVITY FOR BUSINESS Date: Thursday 12th July Time: 9:30am-11:30am Venue: 1st Central County Ground, Eaton Rd, Hove Price: £44-£54 Do you want to communicate better with your audiences? In this session, you will learn to think more creatively to create communications that win people’s attention.

THE ‘HOPEFUL’ POP-UP BREAKFAST Date: Tuesday 17th July Time: 9am-11am Venue: Browns Brighton, 3-4 Duke Street, Brighton Price: £20 Enjoy a mid-morning breakfast and networking session with speaker Hope Powell CBE, manager of the women’s Brighton & Hove Albion team.

FORAGING SUMMER SOCIAL Date: Wednesday 25th July Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Venue: Stanmer Park, Lewes Road, Brighton Price: £25 Join the team from School of the Wild on a summer foraging walk and learn to identify delicious wild plants that are edible and grow freely all around us. At the end of the walk we’ll make something tasty from our harvest that you can eat.

BITE-SIZED LEARNING: HOW TO BLOG LIKE A PRO Date: Tuesday 31st July Time: 9:30am-11:30am Venue: PLATF9RM, Tower Point, 44 North Road, Brighton Price: £44-£54 How do you make your content matter? Discover what makes good content and how to create blogs with measurable results with Sophie Turton. T: 01273 719097 E: events@businessinbrighton.org.uk W: www.businessinbrighton.org.uk/events

Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT WITH DRINKS AND CANAPÉS Date: Thursday 5th July Time: Approximately 6.30pm - please visit www.chichestercci.org.uk for exact timing Venue: Crouchers Restaurant, Bar & Country Hotel, Birdham Road, Chichester In partnership with CCCI, Crouchers Restaurant, Bar & Country Hotel would like to invite you to network with fellow local businesses to celebrate the opening of their new luxury self-catering accommodation.

NETWORKING CHAMBER MONTHLY MEETING Date: Monday 9th July Time: 6pm-8.15pm Venue: Chichester Community Development Trust, Community Hall, Donegall Avenue, Roussillon Park, Chichester Price: FREE Join us at our regular networking Chamber monthly meeting which includes a presentation.

THE CHICHESTER BUSINESS BREAKFAST IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHICHESTER COLLEGE Date: Wednesday 11th July Time: 7.30am-9am Venue: Chichester College Price: Members £12.00 | Non-members £13.50 This monthly breakfast (including a full English) provides a friendly, relaxed and informative environment for local businesses to network and improve their business profile locally, with a guest speaker.

“DROP IN FOR DRINKS WEDNESDAY” Date: Wednesday 18th July Time: From 5pm Venue: Chichester Harbour Hotel A great opportunity to relax after work and meet fellow members in an informal environment.

SPEED NETWORKING WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS! Date: Wednesday 1st August Time: 12pm-2.30pm Venue: Hilton Avisford Park Hotel Price: Members £24 | Non-members - £30. Includes a buffet lunch. CCCI in conjunction with Worthing & Adur, Bognor Regis, Brighton, and Sussex Chamber of Commerces invites companies to explore new opportunities and contacts, using a fun and innovative format of seated 3-way speed networking. All places for events must be booked via the CCCI website. For more information visit www.chichestercci.org.uk T: 01243 531765 E: office@chichestercci.org.uk W: www.chichestercci.org.uk

139

Chambers Listings

Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce & Industry EDEAL FIRST FRIDAY BUSINESS NETWORKING Date: Friday 6th July Time: 12pm Venue: The Cavendish Hotel, 38 Grand Parade, Eastbourne Price: Free to attend The First Friday Network is a monthly free to attend business networking event. An informal gathering in a welcoming environment where people feel relaxed and are free to present a 60 second elevator pitch. Our guest speaker this month will be Amy Semark from All Things Art.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST Date: Tuesday 17th July Time: 7am Venue: The View Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne Price: £10 Breakfast meeting with David Kerr from Kerr Consulting. A choice of full English or Continental breakfast and an opportunity to network.

BIKE NIGHT ORGANISED BY EDEAL ENTERPRISE AGENCY Date: Wednesday 25th July Time: 6pm Location: Terminus Road, Eastbourne Bikers from across the region are invited to attend from 6pm as the seafront end of Terminus Road is closed off to normal traffic. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy live music and a bite to eat in some of the best restaurants in town. The event is sponsored by Shaw Harley Davidson and Swintons.

125 ANNIVERSARY BALL Date: Saturday 14th July Time: 7pm Venue: The Cavendish Hotel, 38 Grand Parade, Eastbourne We have been working with partners, including Media Attention and Drop Dead Films, to bring you a special event to showcase the last 125 years of the Chamber and the next 125 years! Along with a delicious three-course meal, we will have a sparkling Sussex wine reception, live music and entertainment, virtual reality pods and even a time machine!

Sussex Chamber of Commerce & Industry CONNECT WITH SUSSEX CHAMBER – NON-MEMBERS ONLY Date: Wednesday 11th July Time: 3pm-5pm Venue: The Crow & Gate, Crowborough Price: Free Meet one of our Membership Executive Team members and explore the benefits of membership.

CONSTRUCTION FORUM Date: Thursday 12th July Time: 7:45am-10:30am Venue: East Sussex National Hotel, Uckfield Price: £25 Members £35 I Non-members (prices exclude VAT) Mike Chewter , Head of Project & Property Management at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, will provide an overview of projects and opportunities for those in the construction trade.

CYBER SECURITY – “SHUTTING THE STABLE DOOR BEFORE THE HORSE BOLTS” Date: Tuesday 17th July Time: 8am-10:30am Venue: East Sussex National Hotel, Uckfield Price: £25 Members I £35 Non-members (prices exclude VAT) The continuing and growing cyber security threat poses significant risk to businesses of all sizes across Sussex. Maintain your focus on the protection necessary to safeguard your day to day operations.

EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR AT THE AMEX STADIUM Date: Thursday 19th July Time: 8am-11am Venue: Brighton and Hove Albion Football Stadium, Brighton Price: £15 for members and non-members (prices exclude VAT) We are bringing you this event in conjunction with our chosen charity Chailey Heritage Foundation. We have a limited number of tickets for an exclusive behind the scenes tour at the Amex.

AIRBOURNE LUNCH

BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING WITH NEWHAVEN CHAMBER

Date: Friday 17th August Time: 12pm-5pm Venue: The View Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne Price: £45 for a three-course carvery One of our most popular annual events - enjoy a drink on arrival, a three-course carvery lunch and amazing air displays, all from the comfort of The View Hotel with access to the roof terrace.

Date: Wednesday 25th July Time: 7am-8:30am Venue: Peacehaven Golf and Social Club, Newhaven Price: £9.50 for members and non-members (prices exclude VAT) In association with Newhaven Chamber of Commerce this event will offer you an opportunity to meet new businesses, grow your connections and widen your own network of customers and suppliers.

T: 01323 641144 E: info@eastbournechamber.co.uk W: www.eastbourneunltd.co.uk/events-networking/

T: 01444 259259 E: info@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk W: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

140

Direct Mail Made Easy! Do you send out brochures, flyers, leaflets, letters or packets to your customers? If you do, you need Mailing Expert! Delivering Communications Letters are amazing. They lift hearts, inspire dreams and fuel desire. A letter spends quality time with your customer. Mailing Expert helps bring letters to life so your message is clearly heard. Whether it's one or two letters, hundreds of packets or magazines or a mailing campaign for thousands there's lots of special postage rates that are designed to save you money. As a member of the Direct Marketing Association and with over 60 years industry experience, Mailing Expert has in-depth knowledge of all the Royal Mail special deals. Customers choose us to help them get the best postage rates.

Customers We are Mailing Expert. We deliver smiles. We work with fabulous people and help them build powerful mailing campaigns that make incredible things happen. We love working with everyone; from sole traders to multinationals we create letters, leaflets, packets and parcels that build brands and spark delight.

Budgets Our customers trust us to find the best postal rates for their mailing campaign. We know a thing or two about weights and packaging, data cleansing and data management. If you have a budget of between £25 to £250,000 we are ideally placed to help you maximise your buying power.

Print • Data • Mail • Email • Design • Leaflet Distribution tel: 01825 98 30 33 fax: 01825 98 30 34 email: info@mailingexpert.co.uk web: mailingexpert.co.uk 6 Horsted Square, Bellbrook Business Park, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1QG

141

Sunday 2nd September 2018 Sponsored by:

Sixteen teams of four battle it out to become the champions!

Secure your place in this fun, exhilarating charity event with action packed activities. Prepare to get wet!

ÂŁ300 per team - Corporate Package Hove Lagoon Watersports Kingsway, Hove, BN3 4LX

For more information email rosie@starrtrust.com Or call 01273 715882

Raising money for young people in Sussex

142

starrtrust.com

rockinghorse.org.uk

Chambers Listings

Worthing Chamber of Commerce & Industry DROP IN DRINKS AND NETWORKING Date: Wednesday 11th July Time: 5pm–7pm Price: Free An informal drop in networking event to start the summer as you mean to go on!

Awards & Expos BAHBAS Date: Saturday 14th July Venue: Hilton Brighton Metropole www.bahba.co.uk Proud sponsor of

CHAMBER HUB Date: Friday 13th July Time: 12:30pm-2:30pm 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.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST Date: Friday 20th July Time: 7:30am-9am Price: Members £14 + VAT I Non-members £19 + VAT Come along for some informal networking, and meet and mingle over a full English breakfast - a good way to start your day!

CHICHESTER BUSINESS EXPO Date: Thursday 19th July Venue: Chichester College www.netxp.co.uk/events/chichester-expo

LEWES DISTRICT BUSINESS AWARDS Date: Thursday 19th July Venue: AMEX Stadium www.lewesdistrictbusinessawards.co.uk

SPEED NETWORKING WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS Date: Wednesday 1st August Time: 12pm-2:30pm Price: Members £24 I Non-members £30 includes buffet lunch Join members from Chambers of Worthing and Adur, Bognor Regis, Sussex, Brighton & Hove and Chichester, to bring together companies from all sectors to enable them to explore new business opportunities and provide many new contacts using an innovative format.

BRIGHTON BUSINESS EXPO Date: Thursday 11th October Venue: Brighton Racecourse www.b2bexpos.co.uk/brighton

CHAMBER HUB Date: Friday 10th August Time: 12:30pm-2:30pm Venue: Impulse Leisure, Lancing, Price: Free Spend your lunchtime enjoying some informal networking with likeminded business people. Chamber Hub is a well-established, popular networking event which attracts a vast selection of local businesses.

SUSSEX BUSINESS AWARDS Date: Thursday 29th November Venue: Grand Hotel Brighton www.sbawards.org.uk

T: 01903 203484 E: info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk W: www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

143

Anger Management

ANGER MANAGEMENT

The shame of Uber

by Maarten Hoffmann

he app based taxi firm Uber is currently fighting the ban on its cars operating in London. It is also fighting bans in Brighton, York and Reading. Before you think it is perfectly safe for your daughters, mothers and sisters to use this cut price service, read on. Secretly, Uber have been investigating over 2,500 of its drivers for serious offences such as rape, sexual assault, stalking and dangerous driving. It has also emerged Uber conducted medical checks and sight tests for at least 800 would-be drivers over the internet using Skype, rather than a physical examination. The shocking thing here, quite apart from the fact that the company feels it is perfectly acceptable for these offences to take place, is that they did not see fit to report any of them

144

to the police. Having checked the criminal code, it clearly states that any such company must report such crimes to the police, by law. But of course, Uber see themselves as above the law and decided to conduct internal enquiries.

“Uber ignored or covered up misconduct on a far wider scale than we ever suspected”

In a ‘strictly confidential’ letter to Helen Chapman, Transport for London’s (TfL) general manager for taxi and private hire, dated May 25th, Tom Elvidge, Uber’s UK general manager, says 1,148 London-license Uber drivers had been accused of “category A” offences such as sexual incidents, stalking and dangerous driving. Uber also investigated 1,402 drivers who had been the subject of repeated complaints for low-level misbehaviour, such as discriminatory comments and inappropriate interpersonal conduct towards passengers. The letter said that Uber had banned 451 drivers as a result of the forced review. It had reported 58 previously undisclosed crimes against passengers to police. The review uncovered more than 120 other crimes against passengers by London Uber drivers

Anger Management In a disgraceful and shoddy late effort to appease the authorities, the company have reported 58 previously undisclosed crimes against passengers to police. Elvidge said Uber was ‘considering’ whether to report some of the others and at least 14 “typically minor common assault cases” were “too historic to bother reporting”.

“It has also emerged Uber conducted medical checks and sight tests for at least 800 would-be drivers over the internet using Skype, rather than a physical examination.” This is an absolute bloody disgrace. Imagine if these offences were committed against a member of your family? Would it be acceptable for the company to make the decision on whether to report it based on their need to protect their reputation? Of course, the victim is free to report any such crimes but in the case where they might be too ashamed or frightened to report it, it MUST be incumbent on the company to immediately report it.

“Now we discover that Uber knew about, but failed to report, hundreds of crimes”

Uber’s corner cutting on Health & Safety is also laughable. They send their potential new drivers a sight test card, with rows of letters diminishing in size, along with a 1.5m length of string to show them how far to place it from their eyes. They were then supposed to read the letters into a video camera, trusting them not to cheat and look at the card first. Give me a break. If this were not so serious it would be a joke. Take the ban on their cabs in Brighton. So respectful are they of the country’s laws that they simply ship in cars from Portsmouth and run around the City, not only jeopardising the residents but putting all the local taxi drivers out of business. We bring our children up, especially our daughters of which l have three, not to talk to strangers and certainly not to get into a car with a stranger no matter what the driver says and yet we seem perfectly happy for them to get into the back on an unregistered taxi

“So, the question begs – would you be happy to allow your daughter to travel in an Uber?” with a half blind driver who has undergone no criminal checks, safe in the knowledge that if he does commit a crime against your daughter, the company employing him will do their level best to cover it up! So, the question begs – would you be happy to allow your daughter to travel in an Uber? If your answer is yes then l worry for your sanity for the saving a few quid and if, god forbid, something does happen, you will have absolutely no one to blame but yourself.

“Uber ignored or covered up misconduct on a far wider scale than we ever suspected”, said Steve McNamara, general secretary of the License Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA), which represents London’s black cab operators. “The original police protest was about 9 crimes. Now we discover that Uber knew about, but failed to report, hundreds of crimes”.

145

Institute of Directors

Changing places

he “spark” for the musings in this month’s column came from seeing a social media post of a group of lorry-drivers on a cycling course, which they were undertaking to improve their understanding of the cyclists’ perspective of the road. It set me thinking on two aspects. One perhaps something of a hobby-horse and the other of more direct practical business relevance. Firstly it is, of course, wholly misleading to see people categorised as “cyclists”, “motorists”, “motorcyclists”, “runners” or “pedestrians”, particularly when these terms are then followed up with generalisations slanted to a pre-existing viewpoint. Ultimately they/we are all just people. Perhaps things might just improve marginally, but perceptibly, for everyone if we could all treat each other with a little more respect and consideration accordingly, whichever guise we ourselves happen to be in at the time. I occupy all of those roles at one point or another, and whilst I have seen examples of dangerous, appalling and ridiculous behaviour from people in each of the categories, that does not mean that every other person will behave

By Dean Orgill, Chair of Sussex IoD and Chairman of Mayo Wynne Baxter www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk www.iod.com

in that same way (or even similar) on every occasion.

customers want from it, or what they think of it, would it? Would it?

I have also seen genuine compassion, care and assistance for strangers offered by people in each of the categories and would prefer to view everyone as having that capacity, rather than damning a whole group of people based on some bitter experiences.

Experiencing your business from the viewpoint of your reception/switchboard person, or the IT help-desk, for example, lets you see the business as it interacts with people both externally and within the business itself. Alternatively why not try approaching it from the perspective of one of those new apprentices that HR have just persuaded you to take on to utilise your pot from the Apprenticeship Levy before you lose those funds to the government?

Secondly, from a workplace perspective, how many of us would benefit from “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes” and exchanging roles with a colleague or an employee in order to be able to really understand their role and their contribution to the business? The concept of “bosses” experiencing the “shop floor” has occasionally been in vogue. For that reason the concepts involved might perhaps be easily dismissed as just being a fashion trend, and not having a great deal of value. But surely appreciating another perspective must be likely to add to your own understanding. Hopefully having learned lessons first-hand, performance can be adapted and improved as a result. After all, no business aiming for success would try to do so without understanding what its clients or

Any of these roles, and others you can no doubt envisage, can allow to see things from the practical perspective “on the ground”, and not just the management accounts and the balance sheet view as seen from the helicopter.

JUST A THOUGHT Which role in your business would provide the best practical understanding of it?

146

A change is as good as a rest Looking for a flexible, relaxed workspace with all the business benefits included?

VIRTUAL OFFICES

EASY IN EASY OUT TERMS

24/7 SECURE ACCESS

RELAXED & FRIENDLY

Then Basepoint Business Centres are your perfect destination Flexible Workspace: We offer a wide range of quality and cost-effective managed offices on contract terms suitable for Start-ups to SMEs. Virtual Office Packages: Not ready to take the next step? Then we can provide you with a professional business address and a space to meet with clients without the overhead cost of an office.

Find out more and contact your nearest Centre today Crawley

01293 817717

Haywards Heath

01444 849250

Offices | Flexi-Space | Virtual Office | Meeting Rooms

Unique workspaces for your business

111_Bus_direction_FP_AD_mar18_ftp.indd 1

Shoreham

01273 467500

Newhaven

01273 615250

basepoint.co.uk

147 20/03/2018