Surrey Business Magazine - Issue 33

SURREY

BUSINESS THE OFFICIAL SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 2020

BREXIT Like it or not, it’s coming DMH STALLARD Commercial property MOTORING Lamborghini Huracan EVO HARRODS Corporate Hampers NATWEST Latest PMI stats

KAMALA HARRIS

THE FIRST BLACK, ASIAN FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (PROBABLY)

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CONNECTING PROMOTING SUPPORTING & REPRESENTING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

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D E C E M B E R 2020

CONT ENT S FINANCE

32 36 38 46 55

Funding preparations for Brexit Natwest South East PMI® Tips to get your business booming Where there’s a will, there’s a way Building agility in your business

BUSINESS

TRANSPORT

22 New COVID-19 screening service launches at Gatwick airport

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BIG STORY

24 KAMALA HARRIS The first black, Asian female president of the United States (probably)

BUSINESS RECOVERY

44 Be your own Sherpa

13 The Crown Rises 14 Post UK Transition – are you ready?

15 Does Intuition in Pricing Pay Off? 16 Magnificent Women of Lockdown 18 Surrey Chambers is a gateway organisation for the Kickstart Scheme 19 Surrey police Policing Surrey 56 The future of live 58 Marlin Environmental 66 UK Business Heroes Recognising businesses – one story at a time

CHARITY

EDUCATION

50 The pros & cons of university education

40 Could you remember Rockinghorse this Christmas?

62 Chestnut Tree House making children’s hospice care possible

LEGAL

34 Rethinking your property needs?

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INNOVATION

48 Membership with Sussex Innovation providing real value beyond the workspace

COMPETITION

64 Harrods Hamper Heaven

TECHNOLOGY 52 2020: The year of business transformation

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

MOTORING

68 Lamborghini EVO RWD Spyder 72 Sir Lewis Hamilton

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 Platinum Media Group.

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GOODBYE 2020 At the end of a four week lockdown I am sure many of us expected to go back into Tier 1 with limited restrictions.

However, finding ourselves in Tier 2 has disappointed many of our venues, who will lose a great deal of income alongside their extended supply chain.

For many businesses reviewing all the changes that have happened during the last 8 months this adds further reasons why it is important to work in different ways.

The flexibility of working from home has become a norm for many organisations and we are seeing offices being downsized, not just because of less people but as a response to the new working models. Whilst the furlough extension and self-employed support extension has been a great help to many there are still significant numbers of people who have been left out and we continue to lobby for them to central government. Businesses should still be considering the government backed loans, extended to the end of January 2021.

❛❛ Finding ourselves in Tier 2

has disappointed many of our venues, who will lose a great deal of income alongside their extended supply chain ❜❜

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THE CHANCELLORS SPENDING REVIEW

This spending review comes at a critical time as business communities are fighting for survival in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The launch of the National Infrastructure Strategy is an important step in overcoming the longstanding infrastructure deficit but it’s now time to focus on delivery, which in itself, could be a massive plus for the economy. Measures to help people return to work at this challenging time will help limit longterm unemployment but Government must waste no time in putting these plans into action. Our involvement in the Kickstart scheme could have a huge impact on employment going forward.

KICKSTART SCHEME UPDATE

As a Gateway organisation, Surrey Chambers of Commerce continues to pull together cohorts of businesses who want to take on less than 30 Kickstart placements. As a reminder, this scheme has been set up by the government to support young people who have been badly hit by the events of the last 8 months but also to help employers to take on a fresh

recruit for six months to help get the business back up to speed. We are really delighted that we have now received over 500 requests for roles in just about every sector and every function from 170 local businesses. It is disappointing that it is taking a long time to set this scheme up but once it gets going there will be an amazing number of placements on offer.

UK TRANSITION

As January 1st gets closer, the Surrey Chambers International Trade team gets busier but is also expanding to help meet demand. We welcome Elsa Rizou as she joins our team of four, supporting businesses to prepare for the changes. We have run a number of different events to give businesses the opportunity to ask questions of real specialists in their area. Zoom

enabled us to create virtual rooms covering Regulations and Certification marking, Tax, Food and Drink labelling and packaging, Digital, e-commerce and data protection, Customs, borders, tariffs and documentation and people.

We continue to recommend ALL businesses (not just those involved in international trade) visit www.gov.uk/ transition and use the checker tool to identify areas where their business may be affected and what actions they may need to take to prepare.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a healthy and enjoyable Christmas from all of us here at Surrey Chambers and we look forward to working with you in 2021 to make it the best year ever!!

Best wishes

Louise Punter CEO Surrey Chamber of Commerce

AND WHILE YOU’RE HERE...

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JOIN THE CHAMBER “Surrey Chamb is the co ers of Commer indepen unty’s largest ce busines dent, not-for-p rofit s sup that help port organisati on s b usin connec t locally esses to and glo , nation ball all custom y in order to g y ers, sup ain knowle pliers and dge.”

CAN YOUR BUSINESS AFFORD NOT TO BE A MEMBER OF SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE? Sitting at the heart of the business community, Surrey Chambers of Commerce connects you to opportunities, skills, knowledge and valuable contacts. We can help you grow and develop, by promoting your business, introducing you to new customers, keeping you informed and representing you locally, regionally and nationally

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ith a membership representing businesses of all sizes across every sector of the economy, the Chamber works hard to ensure that the continued prosperity of Surrey takes into account the needs of business, as well as providing a range of high quality services to help businesses to grow and meet new potential customers, including making introductions into over 40 countries.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce is an integral part of the Surrey business support network and alongside its partners offers specialist advice, knowledge and information on a wide range of issues facing local businesses.

We can: Help you to find new customers – raise your profile, increase your brand awareness and generate new business by using our website, publications and database to communicate with thousands of business people.

Connect you to other businesses – we run over 100 events a year that give you the chance to enhance your busi-

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ness network, find new customers and meet like-minded and other successful business people.

Chambers of Commerce who talk directly to government, influencing policy and strategic decisions.

Expand your network overseas – we provide friendly, professional advice and assistance and help you obtain necessary export documentation. Our relationship with 28 accredited overseas British Chambers means we can introduce you to our global network of experts to make your journey much easier.

Support your local community - we are passionate about contributing to the wider community and encourage you to work with us. We support a variety of local initiatives, providing you with the chance to give something back, whilst raising your company profile.

Develop you and your workforce’s knowledge and skills – we run a range of training events throughout the year and can introduce you to a variety of training providers.

Represent you – we believe it is important that you and your business are fairly represented locally, regionally, nationally and, where appropriate, internationally on issues affecting business. We work closely with Surrey County Council, the eleven local borough councils, district and two Local Enterprise Partnerships and we feedback and provide input to the British

Save you money - we can provide you with a variety of discounts designed to save your company money. As well as national deals you will benefit from exclusive discounts offered by other Chamber members. You too can offer a special member to member deal.

Email: sarah.butcher@ surrey-chambers.co.uk Visit: www.surrey-chambers.co.uk Call: 01483 735540

SURREY CHAMBERS EVENT CALENDAR

Christmas Cracker Quiz 8th December | Zoom It's the Most Wonderful TIme of the Year, so join us for a festive filled virtual Christmas quiz as we Step into Christmas. Show off your Christmas knowledge and perhaps learn a few new Christmas facts that you didn't know Last Christmas. So... get your Santa thinking-caps on, grab yourself a mug of hot chocolate and get involved in our Christmas Cracker Quiz.

Surrey Chambers Coffee Morning 5th January | Zoom

Our monthly coffee mornings are the perfect opportunity for members to meet for an hour of casual networking with new faces and old. Also for non-members to join and network with businesses and learn about what the Surrey Chambers can do for you and your business.

Christmas Surrey Social 17th December | Zoom This year has been an odd one for us all, but as we enter the New Year, we can say that we have faced challenges we have never faced before, but we have come out on top. We are joined by the full Chamber team and our Chamber President for an evening of networking as we look back at the year we have had, and what there is to come.

Open 18 Hole Golf Competition 19th January | Hankley Common Golf Club Now in its 25th year, Surrey Chambers Golf Society (SCGS) runs a monthly 18 Hole Stableford competition open to all business people. Join us as a team and entertain your own clients or as a solo player and we will place you in a team to network with other business leaders.

CHAMBERS NE WS and Life Science and will play an ever-increasing role in bringing new jobs and re-skilling opportunities for people in our area.”

As demonstration of that existing strength, the official opening of a major international space technology company in Basingstoke took place recently.

On Thursday November 19th 2020, leading nanosatellite manufacturer, NanoAvionics, marked its new location at the EM3 funded Basing View Enterprise Zone. This is the firm’s first UK base, having already developed a hub in Lithuania and two in the USA.

ENTERPRISE M3 LEP RECEIVES GRANT TO FUEL SPACE CLUSTER GROWTH Space and satellite companies in the Enterprise M3 LEP area will receive a significant boost from the UK Government’s Space Agency with a £70,000 grant to help grow the cluster.

The EM3 network of space and satellite businesses is currently valued at £9 billion and has more than 180 companies engaged in high-tech innovative work, employing more than 3000 local people.

Over the next six months the LEP, local government, industry experts and business leaders will come together to look at how the area can take advantage of the opportunities of the commercial space age, identify current strengths and set a strategy for growing the region’s sector further.

Science Minister, Amanda Solloway MP said: “The UK’s space sector has shown incredible resilience to the coronavirus pandemic and will

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continue to play a key role in our recovery – from creating high quality jobs to finding unique ways to support our NHS. “This funding will arm local leaders up and down the UK with the tools they need to put their local areas at the front of the commercial space race, while refuelling the tank of the UK economy and helping Britain realise its ambitions as a global space superpower.”

Rob Dunford, EM3’s Director of Business Delivery said: “This support for EM3’s Space Cluster from the UK Space Agency is a great opportunity to highlight a real hidden gem of our region with a global reach.

“The EM3 space ecosystem is the focal point for a very strong sector in the wider area and underpins other major priority sectors, like 5G, Immersive Technology, Clean Growth

Robin Sampson, business development manager for NanoAvionics UK and Western Europe, who heads the company’s operations in the UK: “One of the reasons that we’ve doubleddown on our investment in the UK, is that we see the potential to conduct world-class industrial research and development here.

“5G telecoms and IoT technologies are set to play a big part in all of our futures and NanoAvionics is well equipped to support and benefit from the UK’s positioning in this key enabling technology and we look forward to connecting with the 5G Innovation Centre at the University of Surrey.

“Basingstoke is a great location for us because it offers a good and quick connection to other important locations in the UK. And Belvedere House, in the town centre of Basingstoke, offered NanoAvionics a suitable space to install a cleanroom and all the necessary equipment for our nanosatellite production, with an opportunity to scale. I’d particularly like to thank Enterprise M3 for their help in enabling our move.”

NEWS HOW TO PLAN FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES Hakim Fry provide business advisory services, in addition to taxation and accountancy services, to SME businesses in the region.

We are delighted to invite members free access to our very informative mobile app to help you keep up to date with financial aspects of your personal and business life. The app will give you access to key accounting data, in real time, whenever you need it, as well as a suite of powerful calculators. It brings financial tools you use together into one easy to use tool.

To download this free app search for “MyAccountants” in the app store on your mobile device – access code HF798APP. You can also access the app via the links below on your Smartphone or Tablet:

No-one really knows what the next few months will bring. Common sense suggests the current global pandemic is likely to create more challenges for many, while generating “best ever” results for others – it will depend to a very large extent on the sector you happen to operate within.

Pure luck perhaps. And what can you do about that? Well, you can start by taking steps to prepare and protect yourself and your business in the best possible way.

Our number one tip? Make forecasting your friend. The importance of cashflow forecasting can never be over-estimated, but it’s absolutely essential during uncertain times.

Keeping your fingers on the numbers will give you more confidence and peace of mind.

The importance of forecasting Successful business owners are always looking ahead. That’s because it’s the only way to make the best-informed decisions.

Whatever the business you run or the sector you operate within, our advice is that you need to always be looking at least three months ahead – and never has it been so important.

But good forecasting is an equal mix of science and art, no-one knows what the short-term future holds, so having fixed plans and budgets produced and in place for the next 12 months isn’t always practical.

Instead, we recommend you get some peace of mind by scenario planning.

Explore different probabilities and scenarios and then make your decisions accordingly. You’ll sleep better at night once you’ve looked at the right numbers and have a better idea of the best possible plan of action.

To help get you started download our simple 13-week cash flow forecast template and scenario planning template.

And don’t forget we’re always here to help. #leavenobusinessbehind As part of our pledge to support business owners throughout the current challenging conditions, we’re offering free Financial Health Checks – an informal, and completely confidential session with one of our experts to help you take stock and look to the future.

Find out more and book a health check visit www.yourrighthand.co.uk Alternatively call us on 01252 820002 to book your session.

n Click here to download on Android - MyAccountants: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=uk. co.myfirmsapp.one. accountants&hl=en_GB n Click here to download on Apple - MyAccountants: https://itunes.apple. com/us/app/my accountants/id131726 8476?mt=8&ignmpt=uo%3D4 If you would like more information, please contact Nilesh Patel, Partner at Hakim Fry on 01372 748798.

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BUSINESS

NEW MEMBERS

Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies When you join Surrey Chambers of Commerce, your company details automatically get listed on this page alongside fellow new members.

What a fantastic way to let the Surrey Business community know you are out there and ready to get those all-important connections.

Audley Chaucer Solicitors

Tel: 01372 303444 www.audleychaucer.com Contact: John Szepietowski

IT and General Ltd.

Tel: 03303 501525 www.itandgeneral.com Contact: Maria Luigia Assirelli

Sandler Training

Shipping Guides Ltd

White Oak

Tel: 01483 954177 www.surrey.sandler.com Contact: Alex Rodrigues

Tel: 01737 242255 www.portinfo.co.uk Contact: Feargal Hogan

Tel: 07812 485712 www.whiteoakuk.com Contact: James Felton

Gleam Steel Ltd

Stowe Family Law LLP

Ignium Consulting Limited A7

Tel: 01252 870757 www.gleamsteel.com Contact: Fareed Ahmad

Tel: 01483 962128 www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/ oďŹƒces/guildford Contact: Tom Suttill

Tel: 07795 521631 www.igniumconsult.com Contact: Rose Tapper

All new Chamber members are entitled to a one-off 50% discount for a company profile within this magazine. Contact Lesley@platinumpublishing.co.uk for more details If you are looking to join Surrey Chambers, then please do get in touch with either: sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk or tom.woods@surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540. We look forward to hearing from you!

FOLLOW THE SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

@surreychambersofcommerce

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@SurreyChambers

@Surrey Chambers of Commerce

Surrey Chambers of Commerce

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BUSINESS

THE CROWN RISES HMRC preferential status in insolvencies was reinstated on December 1st 2020. Restructuring and insolvency expert Nick Parsk, a director at advisory firm Quantuma, explains what the changes are and the impacts the legislation will have on business owners.

What are the changes?

Currently, when a company goes into an insolvency process like liquidation, the amounts owed to HMRC rank equally with all other unsecured creditors. So, in the event there is a dividend to be paid to creditors from the assets realised in the liquidation, HMRC would share in the dividend paid to all unsecured creditors.

However, from December 1st 2020, the amounts owed to HMRC (for VAT, PAYE, employee NIC and Corporation

Tax) will rank in priority to these other unsecured creditors and also floatingcharge holders. Therefore, if there is any dividend to be paid, HMRC will be paid the amount they are owed first, and anything left will be divided amongst other creditors equally. Floating-charge holders are typically banks, who lend a company funds and secure the lending by registering a charge against the company’s assets. This way, if a company does fail, they receive a dividend from the proceeds of the assets ahead of unsecured creditors.

❛❛ This could have a huge

impact on the lending you have guaranteed ❜❜

What are the impacts to business owners?

If a bank has been granted a charge over the company’s assets to provide a funding facility but the bank has also requested you, as a director, to provide a personal guarantee in relation to any indebtedness, currently you may consider that in the event the company did enter an insolvency process, there may be enough assets to pay-off the bank. However, you may not be aware that from December 1st 2020 the bank will only be paid under their floating charge security after HMRC has been paid all of their arrears! This could have a huge impact on the lending you have guaranteed.

To find out more about how we at Quantuma are able to support businesses during this time, please visit our website at www.quantuma.com/fortitude

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BUSINESS

POST UK TRANSITION ARE YOU READY? As the Transition Period comes to an end on the December 31st 2020, and a new era of procedures, processes, trading, customs and checks on goods moving between the UK and EU countries come into effect, businesses have an increasing amount of questions but very few clear answers or sources of information.

Surrey and Sussex Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Coast to Capital Growth Hub and Better Business for All, recently hosted an incredibly successful two-hour virtual event “Post UK Transition – Are you ready?” with over 100 local businesses.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Surrey Chambers of Commerce is a British Chambers of Commerce accredited issuer of export documentation. You can apply to us for the documentation that you will need for trading internationally.

We are here to help you understand the many regulations surrounding international trade. It is worth noting that Chamber members receive a significant discount on all International Trade documentation. www.surrey-chambers.co.uk/ trade-service/about-us

NEWSFLASH

CUSTOMS DECLARATION TRAINING

Is your business ready for January 1st 2021 and the end of the transition period? Are you a customs agent?

Or does your company use customs agents and intermediaries to help you trade with the EU? If so, you need to know how to meet customs requirements fast and efficiently.

The United Kingdom has already left the European Union but remains in the customs union during this transition period which ends on December 31st 2020. There will be new processes to follow and new forms to complete.

Joined by numerous specialists and experts within their fields each of whom addressed key issues that are vital to maintaining and growing trade and more importantly, ensuring businesses are compliant.

Surrey Chambers has recently recruited an additional International Trade team member to help deliver the increasing demand for Customs declarations.

The topics covered included: n Regulation and certification marking n Tax n Food and Drink labelling, packaging n Digital, e-commerce and data protection nC ustoms, borders and tariffs, documentation (including Customs Declarations) n People

www.surrey-chambers.co.uk/chamber-initiative/chamber-customs If you or your business have questions regarding International Trade please contact export@surrey-chambers.co.uk for further information or visit www.surrey-chambers.co.uk/export-surrey.co.uk

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We are ready – are you?

Our training will highlight what you need to know to be able to accurately complete a simple customs declaration.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT’S INVOLVED

BUSINESS

DOES INTUITION IN PRICING PAY OFF? Sabine Benoit, Professor of Marketing and Iain Watson, Senior Research Fellow, Surrey Business School Would you rather accept a volume cut of 5% in your sales with the price remaining constant, or a price cut of 5% (e.g. in form of a rebate) with the volume being constant? Most retailers intuitively opt for the price cut, believing forgoing that much volume and the related sales transactions seems crazy – whereas small price cuts are common practice and we’ve grown accustomed to them.

However, looking at the actual data a price decrease of 5% usually reduces profit by 50%, whereas a 5% volume reduction usually decreases profit only by 20%. This suggests that following our intuition is poor practice when making pricing decisions. In a recent research project from Surrey Business School the implicit assumptions on which retail managers base their intuitive pricing decisions were compared and analysed, with the results from the data suggest that almost half of the assumptions were wrong!

the price. At the other end of the spectrum, customers that never go into convenience stores cited price level as one of their main reasons to stay away.

Hence, the intuition in this setting is more influenced by the high number of interactions with loyal customers and blends out lower frequency interactions or interactions that do not happen – all of which means the price management decisions of these retailers is biased towards maintaining the current state. Another interesting finding, demonstrating the disregard for the market and customer side of pricing, is that price reductions and sales activities were largely internally driven – leading to potentially foregone profit.

Retailers clearly need to review and change their pricing practices. To leverage full market potential, retail managers need to systematically incorporate all types of customers and potential customers when deciding their pricing.

To enable retailers to leverage the full potential of pricing and increase their profitability we have created a 12-week Professional Retail Price Management course, beginning April 2021. Supported by research, but applied in approach, it will be co-taught by leading academics and pricing practitioners who have helped numerous retailers optimize their pricing and increase their bottom line.

Pricing is too important to leave to intuition.

To find out more, or to register for taster sessions in February and March, contact: mark.simmons@surrey.ac.uk

For example, retail managers in the research group setting (convenience stores with usually high impulse and urgency) believed that consumers have limited price knowledge and care little about the store price level. The reality from the data suggests the picture is more nuanced. The assumption that customers don’t care about the price was true for very loyal customers, who buy at the store frequently; however, customers who only occasionally buy in the store very clearly care about

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BUSINESS

MAGNIFICENT WOMEN OF LOCKDOWN On the evening of November 12th we held a virtual event, where we gathered to recognise some Magnificent Women of Lockdown. We were delighted to be joined by HRH The Countess of Wessex, who has an ongoing interest in supporting women in business as founder and chair of the Women’s Network Forum (WNF). HRH had already supported our national network of chambers by writing a letter of congratulations to all those businesses receiving a UK Business Hero award. The 15 Surrey winners can be seen on page 66.

Over the last 8 months life has been very different for everyone and we have missed meeting up and sharing the wonderful stories that many of our Business Women in Surrey members have regaled us with before.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce worked in conjunction with Mandira’s Kitchen and Silent Pool Distillers to share some collaborative stories from lockdown and recognise some Magnificent Women!

HRH Countess of Wessex

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BUSINESS

Our line-up of speakers shared the highs and lows of their journeys.

Hannah Essex, Co-Director of Communications at the British Chambers of Commerce shared how the British Chambers, along with the Chamber Network, sprung into action to get the best possible support for businesses across the country. As someone who has a job-share at director level, Hannah highlighted how the pandemic impacted her situation.

Mandira’s Kitchen and Silent Pool Distillers to share some collaborative stories from lockdown and recognise some Magnificent Women! ❜❜

❛❛

Mandira Moitra Sarkar with Sophie Best, Founder of Mandira’s kitchen and Head of Finance and Commercial at Silent Pool, shared their experiences of lockdown citing collaboration as the key ingredient for getting through the crisis.

They managed to bring people together very quickly to tackle the situation and demonstrated this in their conversation.

Sally Pritchett, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Something Big showed

that even when you are fighting for the life of your business, there is still room to reach out and help others. Her insights will have helped many others in their businesses and her delivery was, as ever, down to earth and candid.

We thank all those who attended, and to HRH The Countess of Wessex for taking time out of her evening to be present at our event.

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BUSINESS KICK START

SURREY CHAMBERS IS A GATEWAY ORGANISATION FOR THE KICKSTART SCHEME We have already heard from over 500 businesses offering placements

The Kickstart Scheme is a ÂŁ2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality six-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit. The Surrey Chambers of Commerce is working alongside the British Chambers of Commerce and is a recognised gateway orginisation in coordinating business responses.

Businesses of all sizes looking to create quality jobs for young people can apply to create new six-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

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The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. In addition, businesses taking on a Kickstart candidate can apply for ÂŁ1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

To help smaller businesses, employers offering fewer than 30 placements will be asked to make a bid through a gateway orginisation, such as a Chamber of Commerce, who will then bid for 30 or more placements as a combined bid from several businesses. This will make the process easier and less labour intensive to apply for these smaller companies who only want to hire one or two Kickstarters.

The pandemic has caused disruption to many businesses and individuals, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without meaningful employment. Could your organisation benefit from hiring new talent, with financial support from the Government?

If so, in the first instance please provide the following details to kickstart@surreychambers.co.uk

Find out more here: http://bit.ly/kickstart-jobs

POLICING SURREY

SURREY POLICE POLICING SURREY

By Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro

May I start by wishing all readers a merry Christmas holiday and hopefully a happier new year ahead.

I think it fair to say that this time last year none of us could have predicted just how challenging 2020 would turn out to be and how much our daily lives would be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the time of writing, we are waiting to see what the government decide in terms of restrictions during the festive period which is normally a time for people to come together whether that be family, friends or colleagues at the office party.

What is clear is that Christmas is going to feel very different this year for many of us.

From a policing perspective in Surrey, it will be business as usual and our officers and frontline staff will be working around the clock, as they always do, to keep people safe.

Whilst we don’t yet know what the rules are going to be – I am confident that the co-operation and compliance we have seen in Surrey will continue. I am in full support of the Chief Constable’s approach of working with our local communities by engaging, educating and explaining with enforcement used only as a last resort. However the small minority who continue to blatantly disregard the restrictions and put others at risk should expect to face the full force of the powers available to officers.

I have previously voiced my concern that policing these restrictions would put an extra strain on police resources so I

welcomed the news back in October that Surrey Police were being allocated nearly £400,000 from the Home Office in ‘surge funding’ to help.

weeks. I really hope one of the few positives to come out of this pandemic is that the police’s relationship with the public will be strengthened as a result.

This extra money is designed to help increase police patrols in town centres and to ensure that people are complying with Covid-19 rules through increased overtime or other suitable measures. I am pleased to say this funding is now being put to good use in Surrey.

The coming weeks will also see the country gearing up for the exit from the European Union on December 31st. Police forces across the country, including here in Surrey have been planning for this for some time and we will continue to watch closely to see what the implications will be for policing in the future.

So far the response of the vast majority of the public in this county has been excellent and I thank everyone for their continued support and discipline in sticking to the rules. That ongoing co-operation will be absolutely key to making sure our officers can do their job and police by consent over the coming

I know what a difficult year it has been for everyone - particularly those businesses both large and small who have been so impacted. With news of potential vaccination roll-outs on the horizon there is a sense of hope for a happier and more prosperous 2021.

❛❛ I really hope one of the few positives to come

out of this pandemic is that the police’s relationship with the public will be strengthened as a result. ❜❜ 19

INFLUENCERS FORUM ™

The Platinum INFLUENCERS FORUM™ is a round table discussion between experts in the relevant field, hosted by Platinum and transcribed into a major 8/10 page feature within the largest circulation business magazine in the UK. These are fascinating debates that truly inform the readers and help to make future decisions – the correct future decisions.

We have now completed the 2020 series and look forward to the 2021 series of debates with a range of top Influencers from across all sectors.

RECENT EVENTS The Future of Work Forum featured

MIMS DAVIES MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Work and Pensions JULIE KAPSALIS Chair, Coast to Capital LEP and MD of Chichester College Group Dr ZAHIRA JASER Professor of Organisational Behaviour, University of Sussex VICTORIA KERTON Regional Director, NatWest Group DESIREE ANDERSON MD, Crest Coaching and HR HARRY SHERRARD MD, Sherrards Employment Law JONATHAN LEA MD, Jonathan Lea Network MAARTEN HOFFMANN MD, The Platinum Media Group

The Technology Forum featured SCOTT NURSTEN ANDREW HOOKWAY JONATHAN LEA PIPPA ODELL MAARTEN HOFFMANN

CEO, ITHQ MD, Extech Cloud MD, Jonathan Lea Network MD, TVision Technology MD, The Platinum Media Group

FORTHCOMING 2021 FORUMS The Funding for Business Forum

Looking at funding for your business, investments, wealth management, personal investing and much more.

The Online Business Forum

Discussing every element of digital sales, SEO, paid search and what’s new for 2021.

The Legal Forum

Looking at post-pandemic law and how the sector has changed in the face of the ‘new normal’.

Contracts, IP, dispute resolution, employment law and more.

The 21st Century Marketing Forum

Discussing where that precious marketing budget should be spent for maximum ROI and what changes are coming.

The Disruption Forum

How to survive disruption within your sector and how to become a disruptor in the post-pandemic world.

For more information on the Influencers Forum™ and how to get involved, contact lesley@platinumpublishing.co.uk or call her on 07767 613707.

TRANSPORT

NEW COVID-19 SCREENING SERVICE LAUNCHES AT

GATWICK AIRPORT Gatwick Airport and ExpressTest (a division of Cignpost Diagnostics Limited) announce the opening of a brand-new COVID-19 screening centre.

The site, located within the airport’s Long Stay Car Park at the South Terminal, will offer a fast and accurate and lab-analysed PCR swab test.

The facility is for air passengers who need a valid, negative COVID-19 test certificate for destinations requiring one. Tests are valid for up to 96 hours before travel. Passengers will still need to check with travel providers that the test meets the specific requirements those destinations may ask for. It will also help those who may simply want extra assurance that they are not

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currently carrying the virus. The facility could also, with any necessar y amendments, satisfy requirements of the Government’s expected “test and release” post-arrival scheme allowing air passengers to reduce quarantine time required after travelling back from certain destinations. Anyone with recognisable COVID-19 symptoms will still need to use an NHS testing facility.

TRANSPORT

Air passengers and any employees based at Gatwick Airport will be charged a subsidised rate of £60 to use the screening service, while it will also be available for the general public for £99.

A group discount is also offered, with up to 30% off for groups of four or more, for those who are having the full priced test.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick Airport, says: “Reducing the spread of COVID-19 is a priority for us alongside giving confidence to so many people who have missed travelling during this difficult year. Our new screening facility is also a convenient service to offer people in the region looking for extra reassurance. We are pleased to be subsidising the price for our passengers and any staff based at Gatwick so they are compliant with current destination requirements that many airlines including easyJet, British Airways and TUI fly to.

“Our industry has been decimated by the pandemic and, while we welcome the anticipated “test and release” scheme from the Government, we want to see an internationally agreed pre-departure testing regime, based on existing risk criteria, to replace the current uncertainty of quarantine and patchwork of testing approaches which currently exists across Europe. A truly international approach would safely open up most of the UK’s travel routes abroad, while also helping to reduce transmission of the virus.”

❛❛ Reducing the spread of COVID-19 is

a priority for us alongside giving confidence to so many people who have missed travelling during this difficult year ❜❜

ExpressTest is delivered using the latest gold standard PCR equipment that is fully CE-IVD certified and manufactured to the highest possible standards, and tests are carried out by specially trained screening practitioners. The lab-analysed test results will be emailed or texted to customers typically the next day, with airline passengers advised to schedule a test 48-96 hours prior to their departure time, as a precaution.

Those who screen negative will be emailed a Fit to Fly certificate that is authorised by a doctor, along with their test result, however passengers will be responsible for checking with their travel provider as to whether this document is accepted before booking the screening service.

Bookings opened on Friday, November 27th, with the first test available on Monday, November 30th. To book a test, people will need to visit www. expresstest.co.uk and select a date and time. Customers will then be sent a QR code which they must bring with them to their appointment, along with their passport or employee ID. Payment will be taken during the booking process.

Opening hours are 8am to 8pm and customers are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to appointments.

www.gatwickairport.com

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BUSINESS

THE FIRST BLACK, ASIAN FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (probably) KAMALA HARRIS Joe Biden will become the 46th President of the United S tates on January 20th 2021 and Kamala Harris will be the Vice-President.

Should many of the pundits be correct in the assertion that Biden will not see out the first four years, whether from age, illness or choice, Kamala Harris will make history in too many ways to count.

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BIG STORY

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BIG STORY

› FAST FACTS BIRTH DATE BIRTH PLACE BIRTH NAME FATHER MOTHER EDUCATION

RELIGION

October 20th 1964 Oakland, California Kamlala Devi Harris Donald Harris, Professor of Economics Shyamala Gopalan Harris, Doctor Howard University, B.A. political science & economics, 1986 University of California, Hastings College of Law, 1989 Baptist

Kamala Harris savoured the moment she became the first woman, and the first black and Asian American, to be vice president-elect, with a very hearty laugh.

In a video posted to her social media she shares the news with Presidentelect Joe Biden: “We did it, we did it Joe. You’re going to be the next president of the United States!” Her words are about him but the history of the moment is hers.

Just over a year ago, as the senator from California hoping to win the Democratic nomination for Presidency, she launched a potent attack on Joe Biden over race during a debate. Many thought it inflicted a serious blow on his ambitions. But by the end of the year her campaign was dead and it was Mr Biden who returned the 56-year-old to the national spotlight by putting her on his ticket.

› TIMELINE 1990-1998 Serves as deputy district attorney for Alameda County, California.

1998 Named managing attorney of the Career Criminal Unit of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

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2004-2011 District attorney of San Francisco.

2011-2016 Attorney general of California.

2009 “Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor’s Plan to Make Us Safer” is published.

January 3, 2017 - Present Serves in the US Senate.

December 5, 2018 Accepts the resignation of Larry Wallace, a senior aide, after accusations of harassment surface from the time that he worked with her at the California Department of Justice.

January 8, 2019 Harris’ memoir, “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey,” and picture book, “Superheroes Are Everywhere,” are published.

January 21, 2019 Announces she is running for president in a video posted to social media at the same time she appears on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

BIG STORY

❛❛ There is never a time in

the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now ❜❜

Kamala dining with Al Sharpton

“It is a big reversal of fortune for Kamala Harris,” says Gil Duran, a communications director for Ms Harris in 2013 and who has critiqued her run for the presidential nomination.

“Many people didn’t think she had the discipline and focus to ascend to a position in the White House so quickly... although people knew she had ambition and star potential. It was always clear that she had the raw talent.” What she has demonstrated from the moment she took the national stage with her pitch for the presidency – is grit.

December 3, 2019 Harris ends her 2020 presidential campaign.

March 8, 2020 Harris endorses Joe Biden for president.

August 11, 2020 Biden names Harris as his running mate, making her the first Black and South Asian American woman to run on a major political party’s presidential ticket.

November 7, 2020 Harris is elected vice president, making her America’s first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president.

Born in Oakland, California, to two immigrant parents – an Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father – her parents divorced when she was five and she was primarily raised by her Hindu single mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a cancer researcher and civil rights activist.

She grew up engaged with her Indian heritage, joining her mother on visits to India, but Ms Harris has said that her mother adopted Oakland’s black culture, immersing her two daughters – Kamala and her younger sister Maya – within it.

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BIG STORY

❛❛ Ms Harris says she’s always

been comfortable with her identity and simply describes herself as an “American” ❜❜

“My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters,” she wrote in her autobiography The Truths We Hold. “She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women.”

Her biracial roots and upbringing mean she embodies, and can engage with, many American identities. Those parts of the country which have seen rapid demographic change, enough change to alter a region’s politics, see an aspirational symbol in her.

But it was her time at Howard University, one of the nation’s pre-eminent historically black colleges and universities, which she has described as among the most formative experiences of her life.

Lita Rosario-Richardson met Kamala

Harris while at Howard in the 1980s when students would gather in the Yard area of the campus to hang out and discuss politics, fashion and gossip.

“I noticed she had a keen sense of argumentation.”

They bonded over an aptitude for energetic debate with campus Republicans, their experience growing up with single mothers, even just both being the Libra star sign. It was a formative era politically too.

“Reagan was president at the time and it was the apartheid era and there was a lot of talk about divestiture with ‘trans Africa” and the Martin Luther King holiday issue,” Ms Rosario-Richardson says.

“We know that, being descendants of enslaved people and people of colour coming out of colonisation, that we

have a special role and having an education gives us a special position in society to help effect change,” she explains – it was a philosophy and a call to action that was part of the university experience Ms Harris lived.

She returned to address students at Howard in 2017 and took them on a journey from the Ferguson race protests of 2014 to the halls of Capitol Hill in just one sentence:

Kamala with husband, Doug Emhoff

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BIG STORY

› FAST FACTS > She is the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants > She grew up attending a black Baptist church and a Hindu temple > Her name comes from the Sanskrit word meaning Lotus Flower

“You students have joined the fight for justice - you protested. From the streets of Ferguson to the halls of the United States Congress, you have lived the words of James Baldwin, ‘There is never a time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now.’

But Ms Harris also operates with ease in predominantly white communities. Her early years included a brief period in Canada. When her mother took a job teaching at McGill University, Ms Harris and her younger sister Maya went with her, attending school in Montreal for five years.

Ms Harris says she’s always been comfortable with her identity and simply describes herself as an “American”.

She told the Washington Post in 2019, that politicians should not have to fit into compartments because of their colour or background. “My point was: I am who I am. I’m good with it. You might need to figure it out, but I’m fine with it,” she said. In 2014, Senator Harris married lawyer Doug Emhoff – now a fixture at her campaign stops – and became stepmother to his two children.

Last year she wrote an article for Elle magazine about the experience of becoming a stepmother and unveiled

the name that would then come to dominate many headlines that followed.

“When Doug and I got married, Cole, Ella, and I agreed that we didn’t like the term ‘stepmom’. Instead they came up with the name ‘Momala’.”

They were portrayed as the epitome of modern American “blended” family, an image the media took to and one that occupied many column inches about how we talk about female politicians.

On becoming vice president-elect, she is unlikely to lose this nickname but many argue she should also be seen and recognised as the descendant of another kind of family and that is the inheritor of generations of black female activists.

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BIG STORY

Momala with stepchildren, Ella and Cole

But from the very earliest, as her friend Ms Rosario-Richardson attests, she showed the skills that allowed her to be one of few women to break through barriers.

“That is what attracted me to get her to join the debate team at Howard University, a fearlessness.”

Wit and humour are part of that armoury. The laugh she greeted the president-elect with, when making that first momentous phone call, was one her friend recognised immediately and intimately.

“It clearly shows her personality, even in the short time she has been on the campaign trail.”

“She has always had that laugh, she has always had a sense of humour too, she had a sense of wit - even in the context of a university debate - to get those points across.”

The ability to deliver zingers to her opponents in live debate was very much part of the momentum behind the start of her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. She wasn’t afraid of confrontation as in this Twitter exchange with Donald Trump Jr last October.

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› FAST FACTS >F irst African-American, first woman and first AsianAmerican to become Attorney General of California >F irst Asian-American Attorney General in history >F irst Indian-American to serve as a Senator

“Why is @KamalaHarris the only person that laughs at her jokes... always way too long and way too hard?” Mr Trump’s son asked.

“You wouldn’t know a joke if one raised you,” she wrote back.

A simple burn on social media, but a popular shorthand for the kind of skills that meant a career in law and politics was a natural fit.

BIG STORY

❛❛ Why is @KamalaHarris the only person that laughs at her jokes... always way to long and way too hard?” Mr Trump’s son asked.

❛❛ You wouldn’t know a joke if one raised you ❜❜ she wrote back

Although her career as a prosecutor is what made her a politician, it brought with it political benefits and risks.

She began work in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and became the district attorney - the top prosecutor – for San Francisco in 2003, before being elected the first woman and the first black person to serve as California’s attorney general, the top lawyer and law enforcement official in America’s most populous state.

She gained a reputation as one of the Democratic Party’s rising stars, using this momentum to propel her election as California’s junior US senator in 2017.

But straddling the line between pleasing left-leaning California Democrats and being a politician for a nation where the left does not decide who gets to be president has been hard.

She gained favour among progressives for her acerbic questioning of the then Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, but as a presidential candidate for the Democratic Party her adept debate performances were not enough to compensate for poorly articulated policies. Walking the fine line between the progressive and moderate wings of

her party, she ended up appealing to neither.

Despite leftward leanings on issues like gay marriage and the death penalty, she faced repeated attacks for not really being progressive enough.

“Kamala is a cop” became a common refrain on the campaign trail. But those same law enforcement credentials proved beneficial on the national stage when Democrats needed to win over more moderate voters and independents.

She was “someone with a law enforcement background, and perceived in her own state as being insufficiently progressive... and trying to project an inauthentic self”, it was stated “that looks very different in a vice presidential slot”.

As the US grapples with an ongoing racial reckoning and there is scrutiny over police brutality, Ms Harris has taken a front row seat, using her sizeable microphone.

On talk shows she calls for changes to police practices across the US, on Twitter she calls for the arrests of the police officers who killed Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African-American woman from Kentucky, and she speaks frequently about the need to dismantle systemic racism.

She has the law enforcement background but she has often said that her identity makes her uniquely suited to represent those on the margins.

Now she has the chance to do just that and from inside the White House.

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FINANCE

FUNDING PREPARATIONS FOR BREXIT After entering a second lockdown, many businesses are reviewing how they would cope with future lockdowns and potential shockwaves from Brexit. By John Walsham Businesses have shown their resilience, and in the past months many have pivoted to source new markets and opportunities despite the challenges they have faced, and will face, in the months to come. Many have reviewed their supply chain to see how they can eradicate or at least minimise the effect of Brexit on their business and its cashflow.

They have asked themselves these questions: n What will be the effect on cashflow if goods or materials take longer to arrive due to being held up at customs?

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n Will my suppliers in the UK and overseas honour their existing terms of trade or instead seek to reduce credit terms?

n As my suppliers look to bolster their own cash reserves what effect will this have on my business? n What effect will potentially longer delivery times have on my cashflow? n Will my customers take even longer to settle their invoices if goods are received late?

It is important that businesses who think Brexit doesn’t affect them still consider the questions above, as your suppliers may heavily rely on goods and services from Europe.

FINANCE Businesses should try to plan for these issues using scenario planning supported by cashflow-forecasting models and work out how they can fund the extra working capital needed. This may be partly achieved by proactively managing their own working capital cycle by reducing debtor days/ increasing creditor days and revisiting their stock holdings. Alternatively, the owners may choose to invest personal cash and/or seek equity investment. An additional and important solution could be to revisit the funding options available for their business.

❛❛ It is important that businesses who think Brexit doesn’t affect them still consider these questions ❜❜

do not ignore the opportunity to make use of the Government loan schemes while they are still available until the end of January 2021. Borrow now interestfree for 12 months to create a ‘war chest’.

Remember you can access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) for asset and invoice finance and you can have more than one CBIL, as long as you do not borrow more than £5m in total. Don’t ignore the opportunity to refinance existing borrowing over longer and better terms together with a capital repayment holiday for at least twelve months.

Don’t be afraid about exploring the options available. If you decide that you want to seek finance, then ensure you can show the lenders the scenarios you have modelled ranging from best to worst case with supporting rationale.

You stand a much greater chance of success with an integrated package of

information which ties together your future balance sheet, profit and loss and cashflow forecast into one concise document which a good accountant can help you produce.

The steps to take to find the best source of funding are firstly to approach your existing lender. They have built a relationship with you over time and have detailed information about how your business and accounts have been managed and they should be focused on their existing customers.

I personally believe there will be growth in the financing of stock/debtors in 2021 against the backdrop of delays in debtor payments and subsequently rising average debtor days.

If your existing lender cannot support, then we can support you with producing your funding request and have access to over 100+ prospective lenders via an online funding platform including unsecured finance.

It is the right time for business owners to review their balance sheet and consider where their assets are and how they can leverage against these in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Consider whether there is a better way to fund the future rather than the traditional facilities of an overdraft or a loan.

For example: n Could the business borrow against its stock and/or debtors? Where the business trades B2B an invoice financing facility releasing up to 90% of an invoice value could be a game changer for cashflow. n What plant and machinery does the business own? An asset finance facility using the assets as collateral could release much needed cash into the business or refinance existing agreements on to longer and cheaper funding.

There will undoubtedly be tighter credit policies going forward as the lenders seek to manage their loan books and handle increased loan defaults. Personal Guarantees and supporting bricks and mortar security are likely to be a fundamental requirement for any lending so

You can find out more on our Brexit – information and advisory hub.

Visit www.krestonreeves.com/brexit-support-hub John Walsham, Business Development Consultant at Kreston Reeves E: john.walsham@krestonreeves.com T: +44 (0)330 124 1399

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LEGAL Consumers have embraced online shopping, and many of us are now required to work from home.

So it comes as no surprise that occupiers of commercial property are thinking twice about their requirements.

With their front row seats, property experts Emily Wood and Ben Price reflect on how the pandemic is changing the future of the commercial property market.

RETHINKING YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS? The majority of office occupiers accept that a return to the densely-occupied office of the recent past is unlikely, and most commercial tenants are stepping back to evaluate the need for their larger space, or space providing less amenity.

The common agenda of clients is to reduce or reconfigure portfolios or footprint: they are looking to relocate, co-locate, or re-organise to better suit their “new” needs.

The pandemic itself however does not provide an automatic means of escape from most current lease obligations (see opposite). Understandably, landlords are

reluctant to simply agree that their tenants can walk away from such obligations; as well as the immediate impact on their own income and the value of their investment, the potential for following voids makes it a very unattractive option.

A glimmer of hope for an occupier looking to end a lease may be a break option, and we have certainly seen plenty being exercised. But the timing and conditions to a break are vital for success, and taking professional advice is essential. There is also the possibility of finding an assignee or subtenant to take on surplus space. Any occupier considering

❛❛ A glimmer of hope for an occupier looking to end a lease may be a break option, and we have certainly seen plenty being exercised ❜❜

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their requirements should start with reviewing the options within their current leases.

In terms of outgoings under leases, whilst the business rate holidays have been welcome, the opportunities for occupiers to reduce or suspend their rents during this time are slim. Turnover rents could be the only saving grace for some if trade has been impacted during the pandemic.

Of course a landlord may agree to defer, reduce or even suspend rent for a period to avoid its tenant’s insolvency, or if offered a longer term or other incentive, and that is a conversation worth having; it is critical that any agreements reached are carefully documented.

CLAUSE FOR CELEBRATION?

Let’s look at some of the common clauses/concepts that tenants might look to for relief:

LEGAL › T H E CH A NC E S?

› T H E DE TA I L “FRUSTRATION” A legal concept which applies when a supervening event not provided for in a lease significantly alters the respective positions of the parties, and can be used to bring a lease to an end.

“FORCE MAJEURE” A clause that can allow either party to suspend performance of their obligations or even terminate a lease in certain circumstances. Rare in modern leases.

The bar is very high. Even when restrictions placed on premises because of the pandemic might so easily be considered a serious event, this legal concept is still unlikely to succeed.

Does the wording include the pandemic? Normally designed to cover exceptional events which permanently hinder performance, and whilst the pandemic and closures were unexpected, the disruption is hopefully temporary.

REDUCTION OR SUSPENSION OF RENT Usually provides for the automatic suspension or reduction of rent where there has been damage to, or a destruction of, the premises by an insured risk.

Covid-19 does not cause physical damage or destruction, so these provisions are unlikely to be engaged.

“QUIET ENJOYMENT” OR “DEROGATION FROM GRANT” If a landlord closes a building, tenants may have a claim for breach of these clauses.

If the closure is required by law or in accordance with Government regulations, the landlord may have its defence to any claim.

LOOKING FORWARD TO A FLEXIBLE FUTURE

Most of our clients recognise that a physical property presence will remain important for the future, offering a competitive advantage or to facilitate staff collaboration and learning. Most are retaining or renewing at least some space. But where there is the opportunity, they are looking for more flexibility - through break options (as well as Covid

clauses), and shorter terms, often coupled with contractual rights to renew.

And geographical considerations are no longer focused on town or city centres: working from home has demonstrated that out-of-town ‘hubs’ can work.

When it comes to what landlord services they want most going forward, the focus is on health, wellbeing, and amenity: does the air-con circulate fresh air, do

windows open, is there some outside space?

The property market is not built for speed, and it will take time to move to more flexible and refocused lease terms, but the occupiers’ market is by no means all doom and gloom; our clients are showing resilience and determination to find a way through the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in. The shock of lockdown 1.0 has been replaced with an element of optimism, a belief that things cannot be as bad again.

The future of commercial real estate will most certainly be very different, but bricks and mortar are definitely not a thing of the past.

Emily Wood leads the Real Estate Dispute Resolution team, and Ben Price is a Commercial Property Partner at DMH Stallard.

Contact Emily at emily.wood@dmhstallard.com or by calling 01293 605578; contact Ben at ben.price@dmhstallard.com or by calling 01293 605085. dmhstallard.com

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ECONOMY South East’s private sector grows sharply in October

NATWEST

SOUTH ® EAST PMI › K E Y F I N DI NG S n Further rise in new business, although the pace of expansion softens n Job shedding continues, but slows to eight-month low n Input price pressures sharpen

Latest UK regional PMI ® data from NatWest indicated another sharp improvement in the South East’s private sector. The headline NatWest South East Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the monthon-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – was at 57.1 in October, down from 58.4 in September. The expansion extended the current period of growth to four months, with latest data signalling a substantial improvement in business activity. The pace of expansion eased slightly from the previous survey period, however.

Adjusted for seasonal influences, the New Business Index slipped to its lowest reading since July during the latest survey period, signalling a weaker expansion of new work. Nonetheless, growth remained solid, with October’s improvement extending the current phase of expansion to four months. Firms linked higher inflows of new business to greater demand.

Growth of new business in the South East contrasted with a decline across the UK as a whole.

Firms’ expectations with regards to activity over the next 12 months

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remained positive in October, although eased from the previous survey period.

Anecdotal evidence suggested hopes of stronger client demand, easing restrictions and the passing of COVID-19 in the year ahead.

Both sectors recorded optimism during October, with sentiment much stronger at South East goods producers than at service providers.

Workforce numbers in the South East’s private sector declined again at the start of the quarter, stretching the period of job cuts to nine months. Firms

ECONOMY SOUTH E AST BUSINES S ACTIVIT Y INDE X

sa, >50=growth since previous month 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

2019

Sources: Natwest, IHS Markit

frequently mentioned redundancies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of job shedding softened, but remained marked.

At the sector level, manufacturers drove the overall decline in October, recording a further marked reduction in staffing levels, outpacing the fall seen at services firms.

Private sector firms in the South East recorded a reduction in the level of outstanding business during October, following a rise in September. Panellists reported there was sufficient capacity to clear the number of incomplete orders. That said, the rate of depletion was marginal overall.

Both goods producers and service providers registered a decline in the level of outstanding orders, with the latter recording only a fractional fall.

Cost pressures faced by private sector companies operating in the South East

intensified in the first month of the final quarter. The rate of inflation was the sharpest since July, however posted below the long run series average.

Anecdotal evidence linked the latest rise to higher staffing costs and rising raw material prices.

By comparison, average input costs rose at the UK level and a broadly similar pace as in the South East.

The seasonally adjusted Prices Charged Index posted slightly above the 50.0 neutral value in October, signalling a marginal increase in selling prices at firms in the South East private sector.

Firms reportedly passed on higher costs to customers. Those that noted a decline mentioned discounting efforts to boost sales.

Sector data highlighted a divergence, with an increase in selling prices at manufacturers contrasting with falling services charges.

› C OM M E N T STUART JOHNSTONE

Managing Director, London & South East, Corporate & Commercial Banking “The South East’s private sector maintained growth at the start of the final quarter with a solid uptick recorded in new orders and business activity. With the continued re-opening of businesses, demand conditions improved.

“That said, marked job shedding persisted as firms highlighted sufficient capacity in completing outstanding business. At the same time, rising cases, and growing uncertainty surrounding the global pandemic meant sentiment fell to a four-month low.

“Overall, October data has remained in positive territory, but another lockdown poses a severe threat to firms in the South East and threatens to throw the recovery off course.”

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FINANCE

Sarah Fitzgerald, Business Services Partner at MHA Carpenter Box, offers advice to help you thrive in the ‘new normal’

TIPS TO GET YOUR BUSINESS

BOOMING With 2021 fast approaching, and regional lockdowns still part of the economic landscape, businesses across Sussex continue to trade under extremely challenging conditions.

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However, there are many opportunities for growth and there are plenty of success stories out there. So how do you capitalise on these and become one of the ‘lucky’ businesses thriving through adversity?

FINANCE BELOW, WE PROVIDE OUR TOP TIPS TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING FOR 2021 #1 Stay close to your numbers Without a crystal-clear picture of your business’ financial health, you will not be able to create an effective strategy that will help you weather business challenges. By making the effort to understand your financials, including your revenue, expenses, profits, and cashflow numbers, you will be able to plan accordingly.

Up-to-date management information will also assist in the preparation of forecasts. Regular forecasting will be increasingly important to monitor cashflows and identify any pinch points.

Sensitivity analysis and increased rigour may need to be factored into cashflow models to reflect different short-term scenarios. #2 Improve your cashflow Cashflow is the lifeblood of your business, and ideally, you should be bringing in more income than the amount you are spending to sustain your business.

However, before you can improve your cashflow, you must first ensure that you have accurate financial records and an effective accounting system in place.

Once you have these sorted out, it will be easier for you to take control of your cash position through: n Payments from clients: timely invoicing, chasing payments, and offering to restructure overdue payments n Reduce your expenses by reviewing software subscriptions, as well as renegotiating terms with your suppliers and lenders n Secure financing from government grants and loans, take on investors, or get short-term financing. However, if you are thinking about incurring debt during a recession, we would highly recommend consulting with your accountant or financial adviser first. n Make extra effort in nurturing your relationship with existing customers.

#3 Adapt, don’t recover When business gets disrupted, most businesses focus nearly all their attention on how to recover their old services.

By looking forward, you’ll see that the business environment has moved.

It’s not about hoping that old services become popular again; it’s about adapting old services to make them better, more relevant, and more valuable to consumers today. #4 Stick to strategy When the only constant is change itself, it can be easy to find your business further and further away from your initial objectives and goals. Detailed plans and forecasts are near enough impossible at the moment so strip your strategy back.

Focus on your vision of where you want to be and then build a one-page-plan of how you are going to get there.

The plan should be a guide, not a rule book and stick to what you are good at.

Each adaptation should be to move you back in line with your vision. You should adapt your services and operations, not your strategy. #5 External solutions for internal problems Keep track of what’s going on around you, what looks like it works and what clearly doesn’t. Competitor analysis and product surround tools can be great for identifying opportunities to adapt, but in its simplest form just keep track of what your competitors are doing and don’t be left behind.

❛❛ Before you can

improve your cashflow, you must first ensure that you have accurate financial records and an effective accounting system in place ❜❜ HOW WE CAN SUPPORT OUR CLIENTS

MHA Carpenter Box can provide the guidance to help review your business, provide advice on accessing support and assist with identifying options for cashflow needs.

We can provide support for your business strategy, including preparing forecasts and projections to assist with decision making, and applying for financial support where needed.

For more information, please visit www.carpenterbox.com or call 01903 234094 to get in touch with our friendly team of advisers.

Also, keep an eye on what businesses in other industries are doing. Whilst they might not be directly comparable to you, they might give you ideas which you can adapt and apply.

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CHARITY

COULD YOU REMEMBER

ROCKINGHORSE THIS CHRISTMAS? Rockinghorse launch their 2020 Christmas appeal asking supporters to help them continue to provide vital funding This year has been an incredibly challenging one for Rockinghorse, with over £100,000 of fundraising lost since March due to the cancellation and postponement of virtually all our planned charity events.

Many people are suffering throughout this time but any donation, no matter how big or small, will help to make a real difference and Rockinghorse promise to keep our supporters updated on the difference it makes to children in Sussex.

Despite the challenges facing them, Rockinghorse has continued to work hard to support babies and children across Sussex with life-saving equipment and much needed services.

However, without continued support this will become increasingly difficult in the future, particularly while limits on events and social gatherings are still in place.

Rockinghorse CEO Ryan Heal explains further: “There is no doubt that this year has been one of the toughest we have faced. With so many cancelled fundraising events the amount of money we have been able to raise has been massively reduced.

“We feel indebted to the doctors and nurses at our children’s hospitals who continue to work tirelessly to care for and support their patients, so we are determined to keep going. We are determined to keep raising the funds needed to support them and to make life better for sick and disadvantaged babies, children and young people.”

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Along with donating directly to the charity, there are lots of ways in which you can support Rockinghorse this Christmas whatever your budget. You could choose to buy from their range of Christmas cards available from their website, you could be active and sign up to take part in this year’s virtual Santa Dash, sponsored by Austin Rees, or even get some tasty treats from Piglet’s Pantry using the special ‘rockinghorse20’ discount code to get 20% off and make a donation to Rockinghorse at the same time.

❛❛ With so many Usually the Rockinghorse Christmas campaign focuses on one specific project but there are so many vital projects needing support that this year’s campaign, sponsored by Austin Rees, is asking you to Remember Rockinghorse and help them continue to support as many of these projects as possible.

Projects like Seaside View Child Development Centre who need funds to pay for specialist toy boxes so they can run their wonderful play sessions virtually to help children with additional support needs. Or Dr Alice Emond, the paediatric clinical psychologist, who helps young cancer patients, and their families manage their emotional wellbeing from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. Or even support to help them make Christmas special for children spending the festive season in hospital.

cancelled fundraising events the amount of money we have been able to raise has been massively reduced ❜❜

To find out more, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk.

Stay up to date with Rockinghorse news, events and projects on the charity’s social media pages: Facebook – rockinghorse.charity Twitter – @Rockinghorse67 Instagram – @rockinghorse67

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1

PROTECTING OUR HEALTH

THE OUTSIDE WILL BE IN!

Firstly, protecting our health has been very important in 2020.

Moving into 2021, menus will include more superfoods like kale, heritage beetroot, antibiotic-free meats, vitamin-packed salads, unrefined sugar and plant-based natural fats. Fruity lower-alcohol cocktails like our citrus and manuka honey collins or our yuzu and spearmint mojito will also be popular.

Far more people will be wanting outdoor events and garden parties. Lots of themes like festivals, full moon and Caribbean beach parties will be popular from spring onwards!

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4

GET READY FOR WEDDINGS

2021 should be the busiest year on record for weddings. Summer won’t be the peak time to celebrate. Weddings will cover spring, autumn, and winter too with amazing seasonal styling!

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SUSTAINABILITY

Plastic reduction will continue building momentum. We’re all more aware of our impact on the world, taking responsibility over what we eat and how it’s packaged. The eco event movement is definitely here to stay.

2020 has undoubtedly not been a good year for events. If you’ve managed to attend even one this year, count yourself lucky!

However, all is not lost as we look towards the future and the resurgence of celebrations that we all hope will come soon. Today, we’re speaking to Gareth Palmer, founder and Executive Chef at Vanilla Bean Catering, based in Surrey.

With plenty of experience in the luxury catering world, Gareth has quite the eye for the latest event trends.

For more information info@vanilla-bean.co.uk www.vanilla-bean.co.uk

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LEARNING FROM VIRTUAL EVENTS

Technology integration into events will be more accessible following so many virtual events.

Look out for video mapping with audio and visual effects to enhance the guest experience even further in 2021.

MORE ADVENTUROUS TASTES

With so much home cooking over the last year, people have explored different flavours and cuisines. I’m pleased to say the event and catering industry needs to get ready to look after more educated diners!

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GET CONNECTED!

Finally, people have a real appetite to celebrate missed occasions. Pushing the boat out to reconnect will be at the top of everyone’s list.

Dare I say it, once it’s safe to do so, people will be hugging on the dance floor and making up for lost time and celebrations! So, even if you’re not usually one for hugs, in 2021 we hope there will be no excuse. After all, events are all about getting together with friends, family, and even colleagues to share the good times. That’s something that we’ve all sorely missed in 2020, but the future looks a whole lot brighter for the events industry and everyone who has supported us during a really tough year.

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BUSINESS FIT AS A BUTCHER’S DOG 94-year old care home resident, Gladys Hope from Basildon, was asked about the benefits of drinking water for long life.

“For better digestion l drink beer.

In case of appetite loss l drink white wine. In case of low blood pressure l drink scotch. When l have a cold l drink Schnapps”.

“But when do you drink water?”

“Oh, l’ve never been that sick, dear,” she replied.

BIZARRE NEWS YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT UP (anything to make us smile)

MADE OF DOSH The Ministry of Defence wrote off £430 million last year over IT and accountancy issues. The MOD stated it was ‘committed to delivering value’. Good gig if you can get it.

AMERICA THE GREAT When American TV networks announced that Joe Biden had won the election, they broadcast far and wide that the UK was obviously delighted with the news as the entire country had let off fireworks after hearing the results. In typical American fashion, they seem to have totally forgotten that on November 5th every year we celebrate the 1605 attempt by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament! You couldn’t make it up.

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ALADDIN

LA FRANÇAIS SONT FOUS

Two men allegedly duped a doctor into buying an ‘Aladdin’s Lamp’ for seven million rupees (£72,600). Dr Laeek Kahn reported to police in India that one of the men rubbed the lamp whilst the other sprang forth dressed as a genie and they were terribly convincing. Dr Dumb will see you now! I wonder how many patients he will have once news gets out?

Parents at a school in Southern France have been ordered to stop throwing their children over the school gates.

The Trillade primary school in Avignon put up notices prohibiting parents from hoisting their sprogs over the 2-metre high gates if they were late due to several injuries.

COMIC SLIP DOG’S DINNER We think of the Vatican as a loving and caring establishment yet when Pope Francis was anointed, a disenchanted female relative in Argentina warned him to ‘get a dog’.

“Every time you eat you should give a piece to him first. If he’s all right then you can carry on eating”.

Officials at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court have said they will not be pursuing several defendants who failed to show up for their scheduled hearings on November 10th. This raised eyebrows down the nick until it was reluctantly revealed the gentlemen in question were Mickey Mouse, Captain Hook and Bugs Bunny.

HM Courts and Tribunals attributed the comic slip to an ‘inputting error’ during a recent IT upgrade.

PETROL HEADS In Beijing, a 26 year-old women got married and divorced 17 times.

Another, 37, married and divorced 28 times. It was not that they were indecisive or picky, just they wanted to drive a car. The right to drive is by number plate ownership and these are awarded by lottery with a 1-in3,120 chance of winning – but for the exception that you can transfer plates to a car-less spouse. These ladies played the field but lost along with another 166 ladies who were all arrested and sent for re-education.

www.platinumpublishing.co.uk

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BUSINESS RECOVERY

Earlier this year, as we all found ourselves frantically readjusting to the global pandemic, Fiona Shafer found herself unconsciously saying to a fellow MDHUB member that they might be minded to “be their own Sherpa”.

BE YOUR OWN

SHERPA Having spent time in Nepal as part of a Sussex-based Charitable project* I was involved with for many years, I have found myself reflecting a lot this year about the incredible resilience of the Nepali after the devastating earthquake of 2015 and how they have been rebuilding their country and communities. 8,857 people lost their lives, 22,000 were injured and 3.5 million people were made homeless. Any climbing on Everest was forbidden during this time and this in particular made me think a lot about the strength and leadership qualities of Sherpas and what sets them apart from others is their determination and strength in the some of the most inhospitable climates on earth.

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Sherpas are known as “the genetically adapted guardian angels of the Himalayas”. Research shows that, generations of Nepali, living at high altitudes has helped them to physically adapt to such extreme altitudes with low oxygen levels and as a result, are far better at harnessing oxygen than us westerners.

They also carry loads for others and let them be the heroes at the end of the day.

Sherpas have very many qualities that we have seen in all of you as Leaders: Herculean strength, they don’t complain, they take great pride in their work, are strategic and have to negotiate an ever changing environment, are self-sacrificing, have sunny dispositions (in the main) and have utmost respect for their environment.

They also run ahead at the end of the day to make the tea for others.

Most Sherpas are also named after days of the week, really very handy given most of us – myself included, have had absolutely no idea what day of the week it is at times this year.

It has made me think about how we have all have been able to adapt so much more than we could ever, ever have imagined in the past seven months, often at times when we have had absolutely no idea what is going on,

BUSINESS RECOVERY this pandemic, protect jobs and have sustainable businesses for the future.

Many of the businesses that have grown this year have very generously given back to charities and individuals in very real need and will continue to do so.

There is a tacit acknowledgement that “this unprecedented adventure“ (as one business owner has decided to reframe this experience) has brought positive opportunities and a whole lot more humility into the way we live and work.

As a team, we have been both humbled and heartened by what we have seen and heard in our workgroups, our coaching, training, and leadership work.

❛❛ Sherpas have

very many qualities that we have seen in all of you as Leaders ❜❜

We have also had some very funny moments as we have begun emerging from the current necessity of the “Gloom of Zoom” into daylight.

So for a little while longer, please keep bringing “all of yourself” to Zoom where you can, and remember that if sitting in front of glass cabinets or wearing glasses, we can all see when you are also checking the cricket scores, share prices and searching for ways to leave the country.

felt physically sick and that we literally could not catch our breath during such an extraordinary year.

But we are all still here. Drawing on that herculean strength and support from one another. Juggling family and work lives, soothing still fearful team members, and doing the very best we can in the unknown. None of this is easy for entrepreneurs who like to have certainty but equally, as entrepreneurs, you are all absolutely brilliant at coming up with solutions.

As one our member’s reflected in our survey this summer: “When you’re thrown into uncertainty, at a pace you didn’t know was possible, where

the direction of travel is unknown and the speed of change is so fast, it’s been incredible to have the knowledge, experience and counsel of MDHUB to steady the resolve and navigate with confidence. Together is definitely stronger!”

We have also seen, and are continuing to see, really encouraging signs of business growth of between 40 – 65% amongst our members in the south east.

We should not be shy and “too British “ about not recognising and sensitively celebrating the innovations that the business community has made and continue to make in order to survive

With the imminent arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, we need hope and inspiration now as we move forward and leave 2020 behind and look forward to a bright 2021. Be more Sherpa. *www.ctascharity.org.uk

If you are interested in finding out more about the MDHUB, please visit www.mdhub.co.uk Email MDHUB Directors: Fiona Shafer: fiona@mdhub.co.uk or Phil Green: phil.green@mdhub.co.uk

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FINANCE

WHERE THERE’S A WILL

THERE’S A WAY This article shines a light on the importance of having a will and keeping it up to date in a ‘socially-distanced’ world.

PMW Trust offers a comprehensive will writing service for new and existing clients and we have seen a significant increase in requests for wills to be reviewed and redrafted, as now more than ever, people seek the peace of mind in knowing that their will is up to date. This increase in demand occurred at a time when some ingenuity was required to deliver our service remotely. Our in-house solicitor, Julie Rowe, has shared some of her recent experiences.

WHEN SHOULD YOU UPDATE YOUR WILL?

Updating a will is often one of those things that we know we have to do, but never quite get around to. If you haven’t reviewed your will in the last five years, even if you haven’t undergone any significant life changes, you should check that it still reflects your wishes and that it hasn’t been affected by any changes in the law. In more recent

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years there have been a number of major changes to inheritance tax laws, which have resulted in the need for many people to review their wills, even if their wishes have not changed. If you have undergone a significant life change, then you should also review your will to ensure that it is still valid and that you have included all intended beneficiaries. Significant life events that might affect your will include (but are not limited to): n marriage n divorce n the arrival of new children or grandchildren n someone named in your will dies before you n your executor dies or is no longer suitable or willing to act.

Ensuring your will is up to date could save your beneficiaries time and money when settling your estate and reduce the likelihood of any family disputes.

WRITING A WILL AND STAYING SAFE

We appreciate that many of those looking to update wills are considered clinically vulnerable and may be nervous about the thought of meeting a solicitor face-to-face. With this in mind, we have been providing virtual consultations or telephone calls to discuss wills and manage all aspects of estate planning, without the need for a meeting in person. For those preferring to meet in person we have also provided socially distanced face-toface meetings.

❛❛ Recently, the law

of wills in England and Wales has been amended to allow remote electronic witnessing of wills ❜❜

FINANCE person, whilst abiding by social distancing rules.

During lockdown we had many clients sign their wills at home and to accommodate witnesses, this procedure was conducted in outside areas, including gardens, patios or garages.

The clients have either asked close friends or accommodating neighbours to assist. We advised that the will should be placed on a table and that the testator should sign with gloves on, using their own pen and with the witnesses two metres away, in line of sight of the wills.

The witnesses could then approach the table once the testator had moved away and counter sign, wearing gloves and using their own pen. Signatures can even be witnessed through windows if any party feels particularly uncomfortable about leaving their homes. If you have friends or neighbours who are also looking to update their wills, you could consider a joint signing event in a garden to reduce unnecessary contact with others. Perhaps accompanied by (your own) glass of prosecco! Once the wills have been signed they can be sent to us so that we can check they have been executed correctly.

Recently, the law of wills in England and Wales has been amended to allow remote electronic witnessing of wills under certain conditions, although it is likely this change will only last for two years. This means that wills can now be witnessed using video-link. The type of software used for the video-link is irrelevant, provided the person signing the will and the witnesses have a clear line of sight of the signature in real-time.

This is a significant shift in the law to allow for more wills to be updated during a time of uncertainty and anxiety.

Julie Rowe BA TEP, Solicitor.

Julie is PMW’s qualified Solicitor and a member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) with extensive experience of creating wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, as well as administering estates and advising on trusts.

While we appreciate for some, virtual witnessing is the only option, we are still encouraging the use of physical witnesses where at all possible, as it is more straightforward and does not involve posting the will to witnesses to sign after the video witnessing. The purpose of the witness is to validate the signature of the testator; they do not need to read the will, which would be difficult to avoid if it is posted to them.

We are always happy to provide advice where needed, to ensure the safest way to meet required legal obligations in

We have also welcomed clients to sign their wills at our office in Esher, where we have put in place significant procedures to abide with social distancing guidelines.

We understand that during these unprecedented and unfamiliar times the knowledge of knowing your will is up to date can provide immense peace of mind. We want you to know that we are here to provide our services in the safest and most suitable way, to suit your requirements and provide you with the comfort of knowing your will is up to date.

If you would like to find out more about our Will Writing Service or any of our probate or estate management services, please do not hesitate to contact Julie Rowe, by emailing Julie. rowe@pmw.co.uk or calling 01372 471550. You can also visit www.pmw.co.uk to find out more information about our other services, including assisting with Lasting Powers of Attorney, Financial Advice and Tax Management.

This article is written on behalf of PMW Trust, a sister company to Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd, based in Esher.

The Company specialises in will writing, probate and all matters associated with estate planning.

The opinions outlined in this article are those of the writer and should not be construed as individual advice.

To find out more about our services please contact PMW by calling 01372 471550 or emailing mail@pmw.co.uk.

PMW Trust is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales.

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INNOVATION Helena Jevons, Head of Sales and Marketing at Sussex Innovation, shares details of how the University of Sussex business incubator has continued to back its community of growing companies through the lockdown

MEMBERSHIP OF SUSSEX INNOVATION

PROVIDING REAL VALUE BEYOND THE WORKSPACE Back in March, none of us were expecting that, come Christmas, we would still be largely working from home with all the challenges that brings to businesses. It’s been a year of huge change, and it’s been wonderful to see the way our business community has pulled together and supported each other through the ups and downs.

I’m particularly proud of the way that our consultancy and support teams at Sussex Innovation have responded, continuing to deliver great work for our members and clients while adapting to remote working, unfamiliar technology and asynchronous schedules.

There’s sometimes no substitute for the close relationships you can have while working face to face with start-ups and scale-ups in the real, physical world, and it was great to see some familiar faces from the Sussex Innovation community – from a safe distance of course – during that all-toobrief period when the country started to open back up. We’re remaining open for business and providing a space for those companies who simply can’t keep doing their work from home, but

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our centres are far from their usual busy hive of activity.

Luckily, we have a whole lot more to offer than being simply a space. We’ve been working hard to create meaningful value for businesses across the South East during the second lockdown and have an exciting new offering to support your business at this time.

Become one of our co -working members, and while you can’t physically join us for the moment, you can still access our powerful network remotely, and receive more than $100,000 in benefits.

As an accredited university incubator, we have three exclusive deals with

leading platforms and cloud technology services which you, as a member, can access through us: n Up to $100k Amazon Activate credits, enabling your business to improve your cloud infrastructure through Amazon Web Services and be able to effectively add scale without adding cost at this critical time n Up to $20k Google Cloud for Startups credits, providing access to their Spark package of Cloud and Firebase credit, access to Google engineers and in-depth 1-on-1 architecture reviews n 90% off Hubspot for Startups fees for your fi rst year, enabling you to maximise your marketing communication and touchpoints with your customers, increasing leads and conversions from your CRM data That’s an immediate return of more than $100,000 in benefits for your business, when you become part of our community for around £1,000. If you want to join us and claim one or more of these incredible deals to drive your business forward, you can call me on 07719 305796.

INNOVATION

“AWS provides Uniqodo with a secure scalable cloud infrastructure that enables us to focus our resources more on product development and less on infrastructure management.

Not having to dedicate a lot of resources to infrastructure management helped us launch Uniqodo by delivering our MVP quickly at a much lower cost.

“At the early stages of the business, the $10,000 AWS Activate credit that we received through Sussex Innovation allowed us to upgrade our infrastructure and improve our technology without having to worry about the additional cost incurred for a few months.

Our entire platform is now powered by AWS with plans to incorporate more AWS services in the future.”

Julius Somoye, CTO at Uniqodo

❛❛ Our members can access a full range

of consultancy and coaching products to help address key business challenges ❜❜

If you’re planning to use the next few months to prepare and get your plans in place for 2021, our members can also access a full range of consultancy and coaching products to help address key business challenges: n Strategy: work with our experienced mentors to redefi ne your business model, assess the opportunities and threats in your sector or build out a roadmap to launch a new product n Marketing: reboot your sales plan, audit your social media and content marketing channels, or refi ne your PR tactics with media training and copywriting advice

n Funding: get investment-ready with help building a compelling story, feedback on your pitch deck or suppor t from seasoned grant bid-writers n Research: develop new insights with industry reports, competitor analyses and white papers prepared by our team of market researchers n Finance: navigate risk and get on top of your cashflow with plans from our scale-up accountancy team to maximise your financial position for the year ahead.

These products are available part or fully-funded to qualifying businesses through our partnership with the European Regional Development Fund visit www.sinc.co.uk/products to find out more.

Sussex Innovation has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediary body Greater London Authority) is the managing authority for the ERDF. Established by the European Union, the ERDF helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation and businesses, create jobs and regenerate local communities.

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EDUCATION

The pros & cons of

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION Has your teen been re-evaluating going to university in the wake of the pandemic?

At this time of year, thousands of A-Level students across the country are making decisions on university courses and institutions, and whether university is even right for the next stage of their life. For many, university may not be the right choice. To help pupils with their considerations, MyTutor (https://www. mytutor.co.uk), the UK’s leading tutoring platform, have launched a careers ebook.

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WHY UNIVERSITY MIGHT BE THE RIGHT CHOICE

n P upils have the chance to study a subject (or subjects they’re passionate about); n They can make friends for life; n They get 3-4 years to try out different career options; n Long-term, a degree could help financially. In 2019, 66% of graduates were employed in high-skilled roles, compared to 24% of non-graduates and on average are £115,000 better off than those who do not go to university (after taxes and student loans).

EDUCATION WHY UNIVERSITY MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT CHOICE

n Lots of employers today don’t ask for a degree as a must-have; n S tudents can go straight into work, getting a few years ahead of graduates; n No student debt! Universities cost £9000 a year for UK and EU students, which graduates pay off over several decades. On average, students are £40,000 in debt by the time they leave university; n 1 in 5 graduates would be better off financially if they hadn’t gone to university.

If teens are still debating, the UCAS website is a good source of information on some other options that are out there. If students are interested in going to university but are yet to make their mind up, have a look at the list of degree subjects on the same site. There are lots of subjects that are not taught in schools which might spark their passion.

❛❛ UK parents are

increasingly worried about the impact of school closures on their teens’ long-term career prospects ❜❜

APPRENTICESHIPS

Another viable choice to continue learning, without the backdrop of university, is to explore apprenticeship options. MyTutor teamed up with WhiteHat to help teens learn more.

An apprenticeship is a great way to combine education and on-the-job learning. They are normally 15-18 months long, during which time an apprentice works full time for a business. They will spend 20% of their time training as they work to earn a qualification, while earning a salary and applying what they’ve learnt to their day-to-day role. They’ll also meet people they can learn from and make valuable connections in the industry.

With an apprenticeship, teens can: n S tudy a profession rather than a subject, learning practical skills and knowledge they will use in their career; n G row a network of professionals from day one; n Learn with the support of a community of other apprentices; n Learn from people at all stages of their career; n There is no need to relocate –teens can find one near home if desired; n Hands-on learning, rather than going to lectures.

Bertie Hubbard, Co-Founder and CEO of MyTutor, comments on the need for support through the UCAS process: “UK parents are increasingly worried about the impact of school closures on their teens’ long-term career prospects.

Teens have also missed out on months of UCAS prep with their teachers, and packing the process into the Autumn term gives them less time to get ready than previous cohorts. As a result, many teens fear they’ll have to lower their university choices, and their career ambitions as a result.

At MyTutor, our tutors are subject experts from UK unis and they have up-to-date curriculum and exam knowledge. Being just a few years older they can explain things in a way that teens really understand. In one -to - one lessons they guide teens through the curriculum and train them in exam technique so they can get the best grades in retakes and mocks. And because they’re at university, they also help with UCAS applications and double up as role models and mentors, all in one.”

More information can be read in MyTutor’s World of Work ebook, available on their website: https://m.mytutor.co.uk/ the-world-of-work-ebook

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TECHNOLOGY

2020:

THE YEAR OF BUSINESS

TRANSFORMATION Platinum is delighted to announce our new resident tech expert, Scott Nursten, who will be writing a ‘plain English’ IT column throughout 2021. With IT having become such an enormously important subject thanks to covid, Scott will sort the wheat from the chaff to assist you in getting ahead of the curve and staying safe. We sat down with Scott to fully understand his company, ITHQ.

When ITHQ launched in January of this year, a global pandemic was not part of the plan. While challenges have been plenty, cyber, cloud, digital working and data solutions are now in greater demand than ever before. A new normal requires a new way of looking at IT. Enter ITHQ.

}Tell us about your tech background and how you started in business As soon as I got my hands on a computer, I was hooked. I left high school at 15 and became a systems admin for Data Control & Systems, the first Internet Service Provider in Zimbabwe. It was my uncle’s business.

When he sold it in 2000, I used my earnings to come to the UK and launch S2S. My brother and I grew this business – a Cisco Gold Partner, also in Crawley – until 2007, when we sold it to NG Bailey.

❛❛ Do you have a ransomware budget, then?’ Because you’re going to need one ❜❜

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}You have particular skills in cyber security. How did that interest first get sparked?

I learned how to code when I was 13 and then, as greenhorn techies do, I dabbled in hacking. Nothing serious; I did wangle some free phone calls courtesy of a well-known insurance company before I was caught.

Thankfully, I found the business of keeping hackers out far more interesting and if you want to keep your network secure from hackers, employ a reformed hacker. Over the years I’ve accumulated some of the most senior certifications in security including my CISSP, which is equivalent to a master’s degree.

Working with cutting edge partners means we learn continually about the latest cyber threats. This intelligence helps us to better educate our clients and sharpens our solutions. With an estimated 350,000 pieces of new malware released every day, we need to stay on our toes.

TECHNOLOGY

}You say 2020 has changed business for the better. This is surprising. Care to elaborate?

It’s been tough, there’s no doubt. Never has ‘sink or swim’ felt more relevant.

As a technologist, however, seeing businesses embrace digital transformation faster, more effectively and creatively, has been exciting.

McKinsey published a survey in October that shows years of tech change has happened in just a few months, which ties in with what we’ve seen. Staying competitive in this new world requires new strategies and practices and staying open to change as we go.

Simple example: video meetings.

RingCentral, Zoom or Teams meetings have become completely normal for everyone. Whereas this time last year, physical meetings were preferred.

We’ve all benefitted from saved travel time and cost, cleaner air and emptier roads. Even online meeting fatigue has its positives, because it makes us think twice about whether a meeting is necessary in the first place.

The business continuity benefits of cloud infrastructure and SaaS are now obvious. But again, it’s the pain points that have thrown more interesting issues into the spotlight. Firewalls for example – we all work outside them now so security must be viewed differently. With critical data all stored in the cloud and on endpoints, it’s clear we need layers of defence.

The most positive change for me is seeing mindsets shift. Businesses are breaking free of the old technology paradigms and starting to understand that there are new ways available to solve problems such as password management, user access to applications and endpoint protection.

COVID-19 has forced businesses to see the massive potential in tech and given us the perfect remote working testing ground.

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TECHNOLOGY

❛❛ With an estimated

350,000 pieces of new malware released every day, we need to stay on our toes ❜❜

} What’s allowed the ‘swimmers’ to swim, rather than sink, in your view?

For me, the difference is very clear.

Businesses that solve problems using technology effectively and efficiently are the winners. Identifying a clear need and asking the right questions of your IT team; this is the way to direct your research and reach the best solution fast.

Too often I see tech used because it’s what a business has always used, or it’s a name known to the decision-maker, despite it perhaps no longer being the best choice. It’s important to choose tech to solve problems as they arise and not get blinded by the instantly recognisable.

} Let’s come back to cyber security.

What should be top of the list to protect businesses from the 350,000 pieces of new malware you mentioned?

Top of the list is that security should be a board-level discussion point rather than an afterthought. Cybercriminals have moved much faster than businesses have during the pandemic.

Travelex was effectively put out of business by a single attack and this was a billion dollar business.

I said earlier that knowing the right questions to ask is a big part of getting tech right. To businesses that have invested in remote solutions with no security budget, I ask this: ‘Do you have a ransomware budget, then?’ Because you’re going to need one.

Most of our partners are Gartner or Forrester Wave Leaders, for example, some are record breakers in terms of performance: all of them are innovators.

They outperform legacy vendors but if leaders are closed to the new, it is their businesses that suffer. In a world where things have moved years ahead in months, this can be dangerous.

❛❛ Over the years I’ve

accumulated some of the most senior certifications in security including my CISSP, which is equivalent to a master’s degree ❜❜ For more information: E: transform@ithq.pro www.ithq.pro

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FINANCE

By Dan Morgan, Managing Partner, Haines Watts Esher

BUILDING AGILITY IN YOUR BUSINESS

Agility within your business begins at the top and being an agile leader is a skill that can be learned over time. It can be a tough transition as it involves stepping out of your comfort zone and accepting failures as an inevitable part of business. Most people’s natural reaction is to avoid failure at all cost but this can hinder progress and inhibit innovation. Without a willingness to take risks you can’t experiment or innovate. This limits your businesses long term ability to respond to change and adapt and you ultimately render your business unsustainable.

One example of a business adapting to unexpected circumstances is G-Tech who are most well-known for creating the world’s first cordless vacuum. When the founder received a call from the government’s chief commercial officer during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, they moved from producing vacuums to ventilators overnight to support hospital demand. He began working on the project on Sunday morning and by Thursday his team were operating efficiently and meeting the basic specification.

ENCOURAGE NEW IDEAS

Businesses who are able to adapt quickly and respond to new conditions, typically have a culture in which they advocate new ways of thinking and experimentation. This environment doesn’t just happen, it’s driven by the behaviour of leaders and managers. Create an environment in which your people are encouraged to challenge established practices, try new ways of working or contribute new ideas. Embed a process to explore these. Fostering this type of environment enables you to launch new products and services more quickly – and is key to securing competitive advantage.

as a cost-saving measure but businesses should now look to tech as a way of modernising processes and ultimately a way of creating competitive advantage. It used to be risky for businesses to experiment with new technologies however, the climate has changed and customers are more forgiving for new initiatives not being faultless immediately. Businesses should take advantage of this shift in their client’s behaviour and experiment more with utilising additional tech in their business, if they don’t they’ll end up being left behind. It’s also important to remember that businesses that spend money on developing new processes or systems can be eligible for R&D tax relief.

TECHNOLOGY DRIVES CHANGE

There has been a shift to embrace new technology at pace over the last months, however, this has been out of necessity rather than a strategic move. New technology is often seen

The ability to adapt to market-changes rapidly and flexibly is when you know that your business is agile. The future will never be certain and we as business owners must plan for the unexpected.

Working to build flexibility into every area of your operations is the only way a business can remain sustainable over a long period of time.

For more information: www.hwca.com/accountants-esher/ T: 020 8549 5137 E: esher@hwca.com

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BUSINESS There is no doubt that the world as we know it has changed.

Live experiences are currently on hold and all around us we are seeing brands and consumers switch to virtual

The future

OF LIVE

At YBrighton we are here to support businesses with virtual, hybrid or live (safe and secure) campaigns and experiences in and around Brighton. From brand development, campaign planning and execution, to planning and managing your conference or team

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event we are here to support you in bringing your brand to life in 2021 and beyond.

To help you when thinking about what 2021 will bring, here are some key trends we forecast for the year ahead.

BUSINESS

❛❛ The Consumer

and Customer journey is going to jump between Live and Digital more than ever before ❜❜

#1 There will be a true collaboration between physical and digital Now more than ever real-life and virtual worlds need to work together. We will see more hybrid events in 2021 with a smaller live audience coming together and a virtual broadcast for wider participation. The consumer and customer journey is going to jump between live and digital more than ever before, so we need to ensure we craft it with this in mind. We can seamlessly link the two worlds, for example through the creation of a virtual Brighton city treasure hunt or by transitioning a live retail event into a virtual one, using our digital platform. If you could do with some guidance in planning an experience or creative campaign YBrighton is here to help you.

#2 Content is king Engaging, attention-grabbing content has never been more important to stand out. At YBrighton we are experts at taking your objective and key message and creating a piece of content to bring your narrative to life. With Producers, Editors and our experienced creative team, all in-house, we can create engaging content to tell your story. #3 Live for a small audience – broadcast to the many With mass experiences off the cards for now, we predict a shift in more brands and businesses using smaller events to create content for broader digital audiences. If you are thinking about creating an event in 2021 to reach a broader audience we’d be happy to explore some options with you.

#4 Live will be back The desire for real life human experiences has never been stronger. We truly believe live events and experiences will be back stronger than ever before when it is safe to do so.

At YBrighton we are here to help you bring your brand to life. While live is on hold we have developed our own virtual platform to help clients link the online to the offline. We’d love to help you develop your experiences for 2021. Just drop us a line for an initial chat.

YBrighton Telephone: 07825773160 Email: louisa@ybrighton.co.uk Visit: www.ybrighton.co.uk

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BUSINESS

MARLIN ENVIRONMENTAL James Neno

Richard Neno

Brothers James and Richard Neno purchased the company, headquartered in Chichester, from their father Alan in 2018, to carry on the family business. Marlin Environmental Services is a truly family-run business established in July 2003, combining more than 30 years of experience serving specialised segments of the marine and related industrial markets.

Formed to harness the vast experience of its directors and managers, to fill gaps identified in the industry, their goals then were as they are now - to provide their customers with a professional and cost-effective service at sites and locations across the UK and

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Have you ever asked yourself the question – how do aircraft carriers clean out their bilge tanks? Probably not but the answer is they don’t - they call Marlin Environmental Services.

beyond. To survive in the competitive marine sector, they recognised they had to diversify and fill as many market gaps as possible, and they certainly achieved that goal.

Quite apart from the services such as tank and bilge cleaning, exhaust clearing, ultra sonic cleaning, vapour blasting and waste management with a fleet of eight vacuum tankers offering a capacity of 100,000 litres, they also recognised the need for total health and safety compliance, achieving UKAS standards 9001, 14001 and 18001 and full IOSH training. This satisfied the needs of their largest client, the Ministry of Defence.

Then they were hit with the pandemic and had another major job on their hands. To survive, they split the business in two parts and ran two shift patterns of 14 days each, thus allowing

BUSINESS the second team to be isolating whilst the first team was hard at work. This allowed them to fulfil all their obligations and to keep their entire team on full pay, and fulfil all clients’ needs. Like all forward-looking companies, they then set about expanding.

They recently purchased a new industrial unit of 13,000 sq.ft containing work shop and offices, invested in three new vacuum tankers therefore allowing them to work on the aircraft carriers, a major new paint booth and a new 3-tonne crane – and this really is just the tip of the iceberg of what they have achieved in such a short time.

Now they have to deal with Brexit and the highly probable parts supply chain issue. The answer their clients have come to expect from Marlin was swift and effective. They invested in 3D printing technology and plan to ‘print’ many of the required parts.

And it doesn’t stop there. They also care for leisure vessels along the

❛❛ This satisfied

the needs of their largest client, the Ministry of Defence ❜❜

entire south coast, merchant marine vessel maintenance for companies such as BAE, Babcock, Carnival Cruises, Brittany Ferries and many more and an entire safety training division. Working on multi-million pound boats with highly sophisticated equipment and dangerous chemicals is something they take very seriously and now train all manner of teams for these taxing jobs.

Getting through the pandemic has been a challenge for just about every sector across the UK and it takes two main components to achieve this – forward-thinking Directors who see it as a challenge to adjust and expand their services and a highly supportive bank. They were fortunate in the latter to have David

Gre enough , S enior C ommercial Manager for NatWest in West Sussex on their side.

James stated: ‘We are always looking into different areas to ensure our business is robust and efficient, even in the face of the pandemic and Brexit, and we really could not have done it without David and the team at NatWest. Not only did they assist my brother and l with the purchase of the company from my Dad but they got us through the worst of the pandemic. We could not have done it without them’.

Marlin is a significant success story at a time when they seem to be few and far between and if you had never given a thought to how they clean the tanks of aircraft carriers, you might now.

Marlin Environmental Services Head office: Unit 4A, Chichester Marina, PO20 7EJ Tel: 01243 513657 Web: www.marlinsvs.co.uk Mail: info@marlinsvs.co.uk Portsmouth 3/231A 5B East of 3 basin, Her Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, PO1 3NJ Plymouth Unit 5, Scott Business Park Beacon Park Road, PL2 2PB

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PEST CONTROL Residents living in flats on the outskirts of London are celebrating after predator birds helped to remove hundreds of pigeons that were making people’s lives a misery.

BIRDS OF PREY MAKE PIGEONS TAKE FLIGHT forward to seeing what the situation will be like in six months to a year’s time.”

Cleankill surveyor Mark Hobbs added: “The residents have been thanking us for what we have done. The work had changed their lives and they can now enjoy where they live and do simple things like open their windows. It is hugely satisfying to have been able to help people in this way.”

When Cleankill Pest Control carried out a survey of the property, the company’s surveyor found a very serious pigeon problem that was creating a health hazard. There were nests in bushes, pigeon mess on walls, balconies and walkways, fly problems, nasty odours and hundreds of birds roosting on rooftops. Residents were unable to use their balconies and or the communal gardens safely and the problem was getting worse.

As soon as the hawks, Rooster and Reginald, started visiting there was an immediate reduction in bird numbers.

Work then started to clean up the pigeon mess from the area, sanitise, and remove any nests and eggs. Flower beds were mostly covered with dressing and new shrubs were planted and well spaced so they couldn’t be used as hiding spaces by the birds.

Investigations found that pigeons were being fed at the pond opposite and then flying over to roost on the apartment buildings.

In a matter of weeks, the site has been transformed. Residents can enjoy their balconies and hang out their washing, while children can now play in the open spaces without risking contracting diseases.

The solution was to bring in Cleankill’s Harris Hawks to scare the birds away.

Other recommendations included landscaping work to remove the low-level bushes that offered harbourage for the birds and an ideal nesting place.

A spokesperson for the company that manages the site said: “Since Cleankill started working at the site we have seen a significant improvement and there should be a real, long-term benefit for the residents. We’re really looking

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Cleankill Technician and bird handler Alan Day added: “The pigeons had literally taken over the site. It was horrendous especially the smell. The conditions were perfect for the birds to multiply - people were feeding them and the birds had lots of places to hide.

Since the residents have stopped feeding the birds and we’ve been visiting with the hawks the difference is incredible.

“I am so pleased we have been able to help. Using predator birds is a natural method of pest control and very effective. The bonus is that people really love seeing them on site and are so grateful for what we have achieved.”

The hawks will now be visiting the site three times a week to make sure the pigeons do not return.

If you have pest bird problem and would like expert advice contact Cleankill www.cleankill.co.uk

Planning for your future Financial clarity in an uncertain world 2020 has presented challenges for every one of us, resulting in many people reflecting on their personal circumstances and plans for their future.

Our nationwide survey explored the personal finances, priorities for retirement (including longer term planning) and threats to financial security of over 1000 people.

Download your copy of the report, along with guidance and personal finance actions from our tax, financial planning and legal experts at www.krestonreeves.com/planningforyourfuture

Guiding you to a brighter future Call: +44 (0)330 124 1399 Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com

2020/ 21 report

CHARITY We know how challenging this year has been for everyone and we are so grateful for the amazing support you continue to offer to local charities like Chestnut Tree House. We recently caught up with Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice to see what is going on and find out how you and your colleagues can support them this Christmas time.

CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE

MAKING CHILDREN’S HOSPICE CARE POSSIBLE When the pandemic struck, Chestnut Tree House had to respond really quickly.

Their aim throughout the pandemic, as always, has been to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum and where possible, maintain all services and activity to ensure that they can support the children and families who need hospice care, whilst also continuing to raise the funds they need to sustain these services.

Unfortunately, in March, the hospice had to close their doors to all but urgent and end-of-life care in accordance with government guidelines. The team continued to support families in different ways, and by August, the hospice was able to re-open for short breaks, something that was helpful to families who have been shielding at home for months.

The hospice has also recently introduced family annexe days, giving families the chance to spend some precious time together in a dedicated area of Chestnut Tree House to play games, get messy with arts and crafts, or simply spend some time away from home. Times are still tough, but Chestnut Tree House are feeling really encouraged that they

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are working out new ways to support children and families.

It currently costs over £4.6 million each year to provide all the care services offered by Chestnut Tree House. Families are never charged for their care and less than 9p in every pound is funded by the

government, so they rely heavily on the generosity, help and support of the people of Sussex.

Chestnut Tree House couldn’t do this without the support of people like you. Thank you. You make children’s hospice care possible.

CHARITY A LETTER FOR YOU In the new year, Owen went downhill quickly. So Chestnut Tree House became our home, and for almost six weeks we were given the most precious time to step back from medication and focus on us, our family.

We hear from a parent who will be part of a fundraising campaign to support Chestnut Tree House over the Christmas period.

Dear friend, My daughter Esther and I spotted a robin in the garden yesterday, and it was a very special moment. For us, it means that Christmas must be just around the corner… and it also gave us a chance to talk about Owen, Esther’s big brother.

He used to love watching the garden with her, hoping to see one of Santa’s robins.

Sadly, Owen isn’t with us this Christmas.

He died of a brain tumour four years ago, when he was just seven years old.

But by talking about him and sharing our memories, Owen will always be part of our family life.

Christmas is still a difficult time for us. I remember our last one with Owen – we always knew it was going to be our last.

My husband and I were desperately trying to keep the ship afloat, but in reality we were sinking badly. Meeting Lucy, our Chestnut Tree House nurse, changed all of that.

As a local charity, Chestnut Tree House depends on the amazing generosity of people like you. Please will you send a gift of £10 today to help more families who could be facing their last Christmas together? This Christmas, after a year of uncertainty and disruption, we need donations more than ever. To donate online, please visit www.chestnut-treehouse.org.uk/snowmanappeal With love and best wishes for a very happy, peaceful Christmas to you and your family.

Gemma

❛❛ For almost six weeks we were given the most precious time to step back from medication, and focus on us, our family ❜❜

SUPPORT CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE THIS CHRISTMAS As well as donating to Chestnut Tree House’s Christmas appeal, there are so many more ways to support your local children’s hospice this year with your colleagues!

REINDEER FUN

Get together virtually for some Reindeer Fun! Maybe a reindeer cake break or a festive business brunch! Get your team together and spread some festive cheer, what Reindeer activity will you take on this year?

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS

Don’t forget to send your colleagues a Christmas card. You can browse the new 2020 range of Chestnut Tree House Christmas cards on our website!

LOTTERY

Play our Lottery and help change local children’s lives this Christmas. From just £1 a week you could win £1,000 every week, which would mean Christmas presents for everyone!

Visit chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/ christmas to get involved now Registered Charity Number 256789

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HAMPER HEAVEN As an exceptional year draws to a close, finding an impactful way to say “thank-you” is more important to companies than ever. With the festive season more likely to be celebrated at home, what better way to recognise the contribution of colleagues and show appreciation to loyal clients than with a Harrods Christmas Hamper. The 2020 selection has something for everyone from delicious confectionery, tins of loose-leaf tea, jarred condiments, and exquisite wine and Champagne. Hampers are beautifully presented in elegant baskets or gift boxes and guaranteed to elevate everyone’s Christmas.

Harrods Corporate Service will select the perfect hamper from the iconic Food Halls, arrange a personal message and organise delivery to multiple addresses both within the U.K. and internationally.

THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE HAMPER, £250

Brimming with essential treats for the festive season including the famous Christmas pudding, mince pies, red and white wine alongside Blanc de Blanc Champagne to celebrate the season.

THE FOOD HALL COLLECTION, £150

A curated homage to our vast selection, this hamper comprises of a crowd-pleasing line-up of epicurean delights including wines, teas, sweet and savoury biscuits and marmalades.

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THE SHARING HAMPER, £150

Encased in the signature wicker basket, this hamper showcases a selection of drinks and snacks to suit every taste from a variety of teas and coffees to sweet and savoury indulgent treats.

THE VEGAN HAMPER, £125

An array of delectable treats is included in this hamper with a selection of coffee, hot chocolate, black and herbal teas, Turkish delight, creamy fondants and fruity preserves.

HARRODS CHRISTMAS

DISTINGUISHED DOZEN WINE HAMPER, £350

12 bottles of wine specially selected by the in-house wine buyer to showcase the very best that the Harrods Wine Rooms have to offer. Enjoy the beautiful contrast between bottles of rich Rioja and celebratory Champagne.

SUPREME CHRISTMAS HAMPER, £1250

Superior provenance is at the heart of the Supreme Christmas hamper, presented in a pair of traditional wicker baskets.

The generous selection of charcuterie, cheese, chutney and more is complemented by Champagne, gin and fine wines – along with festive mince pies and a Christmas pudding – all carefully sourced from around the world.

CHRISTMAS EVE HAMPER, £600

Encasing a vast array of sweet and savoury delights, the Christmas Eve hamper curates a mouth-watering selection of food and drink from our famous Food Halls. Find cured meats, cheese, biscuits, tea and coffee, fine wines and cognac are all tucked away into two traditional wicker baskets.

THE BOXING DAY HAMPER, £500

A truly festive collection, the Boxing Day hamper is filled to the brim with Christmas pudding, luxury Christmas crackers, mince pies and fine wines among many more sweet treats and preserves. This bountiful selection makes for the perfect afterdinner spread to be enjoyed with your nearest and dearest, raising a glass – or even a cup of fine tea – to precious family time.

For more information on the complete 2020 Harrods Hamper collection, please call Harrods Corporate Service on +44 (0)20 7225 5994, email corporate.service@harrods.com or visit www.harrods.com/christmashampers

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BUSINESS

UK BUSINESS HEROES RECOGNISING BUSINESSES ONE STORY AT A TIME Surrey Chambers of Commerce are proud to recognise Business Heroes across Surrey through the British Chambers of Commerce UK Business Heroes Awards.

The British Chambers launched the campaign to recognise the incredible work that UK businesses are doing, in the most challenging of years. We’re pleased to say that we’ve received some fantastic stories about businesses and individuals.

SALLY FENTON

Excel Office Cleaning

SARAH GOBRAN & MATT PINCHES

MANDIRA SAKAR

CLIVE STONE

MAARTEN HOFFMANN

STEVE COBURN

Oakleaf Enterprise

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We’re paying tribute to them and recognising their contributions by giving them our UK Business Heroes stamp which demonstrates that that they have gone the extra mile to support their local community during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Guildford Shakespeare Company

Platinum Publishing

Mandira’s Kitchen

Projectfive

FINANCE

ROBERT CULL

HARVEY OCKRIM

DARREN MACASKILL

STUART MCONIE

SALLY PRITCHETT

STEVE PAGE

NICKY YATES

JARMILA & DAVID YU

Redbox

Semmco

JAMES MORRIS Trafalgar Marquees

Satelliet UK

Something BigÂ

Woodhaven Space

Silent Pool

Surrey Drive

YUnique Marketing

A huge congratulations to all the business heroes 67

MOTORING

LAMBORGHINI

EVO RWD SPYDER

By Maarten Hoffmann, Senior Motoring Editor

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MOTORING I review over 52 cars per year, all delivered direct from the manufacturers so keen are they to be featured within the pages of this august publication.

Obviously, as a dedicated petrol head, l am quite keen when the supercars arrive, and Lamborghini rarely fail me.

Mother Nature on the other hand can be a horror. As was the case when the new Huracan EVO RWD Spyder arrived as the clue is in the name – RWD – Rear Wheel Drive.

In this hardcore model they have done away with the Audi inspired Quattro system – designed to keep the car on the road and the driver alive. The barnstorming 610bhp engine is direct drive

through to the rear wheels only. Mother Nature threw a curveball by ushering in a major storm with permanent driving rain and 70mph winds forcing me to spend much of the week looking through the side window on every corner. Blimey, it was fun.

I reviewed the Quattro Huracan last year and it is a great car – totally barking but great fun. Much of this delight is supplied by the 4x4 system that allows you to pretend to be a mad expert racer but actually, your gran could drive it.

Take away the 4x4 system and all hell breaks loose and you need to really drive the car – just like the old days.

I liked the old days.

The 610bhp engine with 413lb ft of torque drives the rear wheels via a seven-speed duel-clutch transmission, and the little blips through the box are an engineering joy. The lack of 4x4 does slightly dampen the 0-62 timing but 3.3 seconds is hardly sluggish, and it will still hit 201mph, if you have the cojones to do that. You also lose the four-wheel steering and the torque vectoring but you also lose weight and, as weight is the enemy of performance, all good news.

You still get the three driving modes – Strada, Sport and Corsa (road, sport and track) and l tend to drive everywhere in Sport as the noise is sensational, the pick up off the line is earth shattering and you need to be a certified mental patient to drive anywhere in Track mode – except on the track.

This is the slightly deranged cousin of the Audi R8 but if the R8 is your dear old Mum, the Huracan RWD is the bonkers cousin who’s always in trouble, always up to mischief and will end up getting nicked.

Inside the difference is stark, The EVO is every bit Lamborghini and offers you Italian theatre – from the windscreen stretching over the front axle, the low slung seating position and the crazy hexagonal detail everywhere you look.

Then you flip the red fighter jet starter button and the earth moves before the

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MOTORING

TECH STUFF MODEL TESTED: Huracan EVO RWD Spyder ENGINE: 5.2-litre V10 POWER: 602 bhp SPEED: 0-62mph 3.3 seconds TOP: 201 mph ECONOMY: 20.5 mpg combined PRICE FROM: £164,400 car does. The massive V10 5.2-litre power plant sits right behind your head and you feel a permanent, and rather sexy, hum until you open the taps – then it is the Charge of the Light Brigade all over again. Charging horses frothing at the mouth, murderous soldiers aboard, screaming with bloodlust and waving their razor sharp sabres at all and sundry.

Now that would be under normal, dry conditions and not, as previously explained, that week’s horrendous conditions. In the driving rain, getting that power down is next to impossible, with the rear weaving back and forth as if waving to the car behind whilst l wrestle to keep it vaguely on a straight line. It finally bites some dry tarmac, l open up and here we go again. Open up on a slight bend and you are facing the other way in an instant – much to the shock of the driver behind you and the whiplashed face of your passenger.

Then comes a challenge l feel must be conquered – the roundabout. Or to be more precise, getting round the roundabout without steering through the side

window. Why oh why do they not fit windscreen wipers on the passenger window as it really would make sense as that is my field of vision.

I can attest to the fact that on the east side of the Crawley Town football stadium roundabout is a house with a rather lovely garden; on the roundabout at Pease Pottage above the M23 they have started cutting back the trees; and why oh why on the Ovingdean roundabout has St Dunstan’s Home for Blind Ex-Servicemen got the best views in Brighton?

You see, the point is you see so much more going sideways around such roundabouts and that includes the frozen petrified terror on my girlfriend’s face – err, sorry, ex-girlfriend! We will not mention the roundabout on the A27 at Worthing...

It stopped raining for an hour and this thing grips like nothing l have ever driven. As for the acceleration, it feels as though l could look back and see the tarmac rippled.

❛❛ Charging horses

frothing at the mouth, murderous soldiers aboard, screaming with bloodlust and waving their razor sharp sabres at all and sundry. ❜❜

There are, of course, a few oddities. Left in Strada and the gearbox in auto the car will happily change up itself, but cruise through a roundabout and squeeze the power and you get nothing; the engine down at 1000rpm and the gearbox in seventh. Why does it not change down? This might have been designed by the chap who chose the colour combo – baby blue body, red roof and dark brown seats – really, l thought the Italians were renowned for their taste and style. Still, the choice of colours is yours and there are many.

This is a pure drivers’ car and it makes no compromise. Without the Quattro system, is shaves 33kg off the weight and nearly £34,000 off the price. The balance of the car is superb, the steering magically precise and the cornering power (in the dry) legendary.

P LAT I N U M

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Having said all that, if l owned a race track this would undeniably be the car for me but for all other purposes, l would pay the extra and keep the Quattro system as in the wet, it is close to undriveable. But god, did l smile, laugh and hoot.

NE V ER MIS S A N I S S U E O F THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN

NOV | DEC 2020 #7

REACHING FURTHER SUPPORTING THE FEMALE ECONOMY

BALANCING FEMALE LEADERSHIP

BLISS YOGA PART TWO OF THE SERIES

NEXT ISSUE OUT January 2021

GIRL TORQUE REVIEW OF THE AUDI SQ7 X X X X X X X

THE RISE OF

COV E R

STORY

TH E FEM A LE BILLIONA IR E

Although money is not the be-all and end-all, it is a marker of success within many women doing incrediblebusiness. There are jobs that will never make them rich, whether it be for the good of the community, charity work or research but here we take a look at the rise of the female billionaires.

It is recorded that there are 234 female billionaires in the world with half from the US, but Europe and China are well represented.

Although it is mainly men that are impressed by such numbers, it is a stark reminder to them that women are just as capable in this area as men - given the chance.

We throw the word billionaire around in a cavalier fashion these days but just think about that for a moment.

It is a thousand million.

A million is quite a large amount of money to have but a thousand of them is somewhat inconceivable to many, including me.

And of course, the more you have the more you make as in normal times,

THE BIG STORY

just sitting there it makes for itself through investmentsmoney . If it was left in the bank even at today’s ridiculous interest rates, it would earn £40m a year.

Many of the ladies listed inherited their fortune but it will be what they do with it that will count. It affords them the opportunity to really make a difference and, one would hope, that they progress the advance of women’s rights and create opportunitie s for women to succeed outside of men.

THE TOP TEN LIST

FEMALE BILLIONAIRES

8

RMENT EMPOW E FEMALE

Victoria Cleverley NatWest

REACHING FURTHER

G SU PPORTIN A LE THE FEMY ECONOM

role is to division. My and Staff in the Markets be a trusted I am Chief of CEO and to the Markets’ partner with am thrilled respected advisor. helping others succeed and does succeed I am driven by my role really is realised – function that or value this trait one when . There is no hear the role when others succeed– which is why we often division is I do the what s ensure describe role is to long-term catch all’. My ntly, creating being called ‘a and most importa rs and communities effective, efficient for all our custome in a critical sustainable value most. As Chief of Staff I am dots us - I connect the when they need leadership navigate that it has position to help that we do and the impact society in work economies and between the importantly, the on the firm and which we operate.

WH Y REACHING FURTHER?

of transuse the power both Our aim is to ions to enable formational connect development. By business personal and providing sharing insight, ging a bringing and models and encoura ing access to role h, we are support one bank approac creating the to thrive and senior women sustainable growth. conditions for

9

Laila Page NatWest

across ing purpose ible for embedd out her CEO setting I am respons g our new this year.

NatWest, followin a purpose led bank earlier help people, strategy to become n potential, and that is to champio I firmly believe Our purpose es to thrive – value families and business to play in creating a genuine role journey have our we of ng bank as a just at the beginni job is to create for society. We’re and my hold purpose led for this to take to become truly within the bank building the environment which involves listening, ng modelli thrive, role and really the great also highlighting es. capability and day by my colleagu that I see every

gh en to thrive throu g senior wom s to drive We are supportin al connection transformation the power of nt ess developme sustainable busin

by 21%. ce out perform , diversity experien cultural diversity support only does this For ethnic and d of out difference. Not it drives 33% likelihoo us collectively, there was a still, and motivate ment and better in performance. business develop . see improvements decision making Whilst we can is some es more creative balance, there brilliant initiativ the tackling gender There are many ly empower s already to go to genuine opportunity is e-led network way employe ment and e y. The WHAT IS IT? learning, develop ed female econom is an initiativ reports. in NatWest for recent research Reaching Further100 senior women and we are privileg clear from two Services with and connecting, in Financial involving about the bank, an organisation The Women outlined ip e from across to work for Oliver Wyman area. with influenc in many leadersh nity 2020 report by ed by their businessbegun phenomenal women CFO downwards. revenue opportu each nominat and a potential missed billion from better has already roles, from CEO $700 Reaching Further s, tackle amounting to The 2019 banks resource as customers. action to leverage the E serving women es, and take d a £250 billion SO WHY CREAT ER? identifie and mutual challeng rs if Review FURTH our custome REACHING there is a material Rose nity for the UK economy es to better serve grow the business. opportu and We all know scaled up business drive longand to communities targeted started banks lly for women targeted is specifica opportunity ance by as men. With Reaching Further who have influence tional perform at the same rate outcomes n and term organisa focused on both at senior women the attractio go further ment, interventions g reason that to increasing both business develop and providin for the simple balance g of personal and n of women that Reachin greater diversity g women retentio believe ic those achievin ly in econom nities for we genuine have an rising female ey’s more opportu can and does internally, and need to be senior roles. McKinsthat that Further not only externally, we to progress into on the women empowerment diversity showed incredible impact help drive gender, research on but will also targeted. more diverse It it supports, that we can support rm development. companies with We firmly believe y, through the ethnicity outperfo . sustainable business imaginations econom culture and diversity the female s thinking, sparks different. don’t support l connections. that stretche ies mationa ies quite compan ng power of transfor influence found that compan and creates somethi women with The research gender to Bringing senior quartile for create the platform a in the top together we can to make to collaborate enable them

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MOTORING

❛❛ The greatest

sportsman the country has ever produced ❜❜ Rio Ferdinand

SIR LEWIS HAMILTON The most decorated British sports person in history Lewis Hamilton delivered high drama and high emotion for the spectacle of a coronation worthy of one of the greatest champions Formula One has ever produced. His victory at the Turkish Grand Prix sealed the championship and his seventh title. With it Hamilton has achieved what was once thought i m p o s s i b l e , m atc h i n g M i c h a e l Schumacher’s record tally and in doing so becoming the most successful F1 driver of all time.

He could not have achieved it in greater style than with the panache and mastery he produced at Istanbul Park in what can rightly be described as a champion’s drive.

Head in his hands and in tears as he sat in his car after the race, even the world champion for whom winning has become commonplace seemed to struggle to take in this moment.

❛❛ As a sportsperson he’s one of the

most successful in the history of the country. He’s an amazing driver ❜❜ Sir Andy Murray

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❛❛ He is the best

of our generation ❜❜

Sebastian Vettel (Four times champion) Hamilton admitted he found it hard to comprehend just how far the boy who had grown up on a council estate in Stevenage had come. “I am almost lost for words,” he said. “We dreamed of this when I was young. It is so important for kids to see this, and don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t achieve something. Dream the impossible. You have got to chase it and never give up.”

Now 35, Hamilton has been chasing his dreams in F1 for 14 seasons. His father Anthony, worked three jobs to fund the 6 year-old’s karting dreams.

Schumacher’s records were thought to be untouchable but Hamilton has not only matched one and beaten others, he is also in a great position to set new benchmarks way beyond the German’s tallies. He has already surpassed the German’s records of race wins and pole positions with 94 and 97 respectively.

The racer, wor th an estimated £250million, will be knighted in the New Year’s Honours List and is, by all experts standards, the finest racing driver the world has ever produced.

MOTORING

Lewis with his proud Dad

❛❛ What an achievement.

Nico Rosberg with Hamilton

Our greatest sportsperson ❜❜

Gary Lineker

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