Portfolio February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

Landlords liabilities Spofforths tiptoe through tax minefields

STRAIGHT TALK

Busting estate agent jargon + FREE golf offer

Classic Modern KITCHENS

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+ ALEX POLIZZI The region’s largest property publication

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Sussex’s original wooden flooring centre For friendly advice contact 01273 423600 99 Trafalgar Road, Portslade, BN41 1GU www.woodenflooringcentre.com FREE PARKING AT BACK OF SHOWROOM

INSIDE 11

Property News

16

Overseas: An amazing Maison

18 22

Calendar: It’s all going on in February

28 34

Talk Money: Making the most of your pension

50

Up My Street: Sarah Hopwood’s secret Shoreham

31

44 47 59 61

Howlett Clarke: Atlantic rowing challenge Estate Agents’ Jargon: Cut it out!

February Collection: Our pick of the best Spofforths: Tackles Landlords’ taxing issues

Interiors: Kitchen special feature Gardening: Can we go out now? ...and the City: Business news and views

For advertising and general enquiries contact Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk

www.portfoliopublications.co.uk 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.

Published by:

Cover: Images © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183.

Helping you find your perfect Hove property Mishon Welton, 94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2EB

MALLORY ROAD, HOVE - GUIDE PRICE £999,999 A truly remarkable, detached contemporary style family home of considerable style and quality, offering beautifully light, spacious and versatile living space over three floors, while standing in lovely large, mature, south facing gardens. As you approach this property, the initial impression is one of understated style and class. Attractive, modern, well maintained and neat and pleasantly located in one of the most favoured locations in Hove Park. On the ground level the main focal point, is the superb, elevated, “L” shaped living room, with exposed oak floors and striking, glass and stainless steel balastrading. A central, large, spiral staircase, leads to the garden level, where the huge well fitted, modern family kitchen/dining room is situated, with its expanse of folding doors opening onto the gardens and quality black “high gloss” units and stainless steel appliances. An office, media room, store room and utility room complete this area of the house! On the first and second floors, there are four double bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, including the second floor master suite with it’s large en-suite wet room.

01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com

LORNA ROAD, HOVE - GUIDE PRICE £675,000 - £700,000 A wonderfully presented and recently refurbished 4 bedroom semi-detached 1930s family home situated in this extremely popular and central Hove location. The property offers lovely, light and spacious accommodation over 3 floors. On the ground floor there is a fabulous open plan through lounge diner with solid oak flooring throughout and a warm and cosy wood burner ideal for those winter nights!

Double French doors lead onto the south facing decked area with steps leading down to the garden. The kitchen is hand built to exacting standards and benefits from a range of integrated appliances. The first floor offers three good sized double bedrooms with feature fire places in two and a modern family bathroom. The second floor has a fabulously presented master with plush carpets and an all important modern and contemporary en-suite. Lorna road is a quiet residential street. An annual street party further highlights the community feel in this sought after and friendly road.

Helping you find your perfect Hove property Mishon Welton, 94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2EB

MIDDLETON AVENUE, HOVE - Offers in excess of £635,000 A quite stunning, 4 bedroom semi-detached family home, providing beautifully presented and appointed living space spanning 2 floors.

As you enter the house you are immediately struck by the impression that this is a “quality” family home, with tasteful and neutral decorations, with a lovely light and airy theme throughout. The spacious entrance hall, leads to a comfortable westerly facing living room, with engineered oak flooring and a feature fireplace. Our clients have converted the garage to create a “snug”, which has multiple purposes for either an office / TV room or children’s play-room, and as an added bonus a downstairs WC. The superb kitchen/dining room is well fitted with modern “high gloss” units and an extensive range of integrated appliances. Bi-folding doors open out on to an extensive decked terrace leading to a level lawned garden. As you ascend to the first floor, the stylish, contemporary theme continues, there are 4 good sized bedrooms, and a modern bathroom. Externally the house enjoys off road parking and is situated in an ideal location, just off Hove seafront and close to the Lagoon.

01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com

PALMEIRA SQUARE, HOVE - Guide Price £550,000 - £575,000 A large two bedroom garden flat, occupying the entire lower floor of this magnificent period building, situated in this sought after location, between Palmeira Square and Hove seafront. This property is in an enviable location, within immediate proximity of all City centre amenities and just a short, pleasant stroll through the lovely garden square grounds, flanked by stunning Regency architecture, to the seafront. The entrance to the property is approached across a good sized front courtyard, which is attractively landscaped, flanked by decorative wrought iron railings and gate. As you enter the flat, you are struck by the extensive, long entrance hallway, which is also used as a dining hall. There are two double bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms and a well fitted and functional modern kitchen. The lounge is at the rear of the flat and opens out to a truly stunning, split level garden which is again, beautifully landscaped, with countless hanging baskets and planted borders. The garden is a lovely space and exudes an air of peace and tranquillity and is the perfect escape from the busy vibrancy of the immediate area.

Citywide sales & lettings 01273 565566 www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

TO LET £2,400 per calendar month Withdean Road, Withdean

Set in a prestigious location with fantastic gardens is this three bedroom detached home with large driveway and garage. Available now.

TO LET £1,995 per calendar month Ovingdean Close, Ovingdean

Stunning four bedroom detached bungalow with master en-suite and bi-doors onto a beautiful garden with detached workshop. Lots of parking.

TO LET £1,550 per calendar month Windmill View, Patcham

Live the modern family life in this outstanding three bedroom home with master bedroom en-suite. Close to the South Downs. Available now.

TO LET £1,195 per calendar month Sussex Court, Hove

Newly refurbished two bedroom spacious apartment situated on the second floor. Near to cricket ground and station. Available now.

TO LET £795 per calendar month Homeleigh, Patcham

Near to all travel networks in and out of the city is this one double bedroom flat in a popular block with modern interior and access to communal gardens.

NEWS

NEWS AWARD-WINNING LETTING AGENT

Property Moves have been awarded the AllAgents award for the Best letting agent in Brighton and Hove for the second year running. They also fought off competition from agents across the South East to be awarded first place in South East region category. AllAgents.co.uk is the UK’s largest customer review website for the property industry. Property Moves commented: “At Property Moves, we believe that customer service is of the highest importance, and reading reviews online gives both tenants and landlords confidence when choosing an agent”.

For further details please call Property Moves on 01273 321333 or read the reviews online www.allagents.co.uk/property-moves

SEARCHES UK LAUNCH MAGAZINE Conveyancing Focus, which launched at the beginning of January 2015, is the first ever magazine from Searches UK and will be published on a quarterly basis by Portfolio Publications.

The new magazine will feature interviews, news, articles and more about trends in the market, new products and interesting QUEEN OF HEARTHS commentary from experts in the www.searchesuk.co.uk Property and Search Industry.

Existing clients will be sent the magazine and copies can be requested by emailing info@searchesuk.co.uk or via Searches UK’s website to download a digital version.

The first edition includes interviews with TV Presenter, Kirsty Allsopp, and Managing Director of Searches UK, Andrew Stenning, articles about Japanese Knotweed, information on Checkaprofessional.com, The Search Code and the forecast changes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Sales & Marketing Director at Searches UK, Lisa Summerton said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch our new magazine. We look forward to hearing our clients’ feedback and hope it will be useful and interesting for them.” www.searchesuk.co.uk

Conveyancing Focus ISSUE 1 | WINTER 2015

By

SEARCHES UK Our people, our services and our vision

WIN MORE CLIENTS

With Buyer Protect

A KNOTTY PROBLEM Managing Japanese Knotweed CPD What’s Changing?

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE HOMESTAYS Unique Home Stays specialise in luxury self-catering accommodation. They select the finest, exclusive, private home stays, both in the UK and overseas, and offer rental only or bespoke packages in these most perfect luxury holiday cottages and privately owned exclusive boutique self-catering homes.

Pictured here, and also on our front cover: Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Montana is perched in a serene hillside location with dramatic vistas over a valley of majestic fir trees, just two miles from Lyme Regis on the Dorset and Devon border. This eco-friendly luxury self-catering lodge was designed by award-winning architects, with first class luxuriating in mind.

Flawless craftsmanship, clean lines and understated elegance combine to flaunt a contemporary Nordic style, setting the scene for a blissful escape. Sleeps up to 10 guests. www.uniquehomestays.com

Interview with Kirsty Allsopp

searches-uk-NEW-v2.indd 1

14/12/2014 14:09

EXPAT MORTGAGE APPROVAL Mortgage approval should not be a struggle British expats if three key steps are taken, says Kevin White, Head of UK Financial Planning at deVere UK. “95 per cent of our clients who live and/or work overseas get a mortgage agreement. Even in today’s tougher mortgage environment, it’s our experience that if expats follow certain criteria, mortgage approval should not be any harder for expatriates than for UK residents. “These criteria include being seen to have both local and international bank accounts that are relatively stable; and hiring the services of an English-speaking public notary or lawyer who can certify documents locally. Expatriates [also] need to be careful that interest rates are in the currency they want the mortgage in and must make sure they are not being charged ‘additional fees’ because of their offshore status. He concludes: “Expats need not be frozen out of the UK property market. I’m confident with the right advice and the following some fundamentals, there is no need for British people living overseas to be left out in the mortgage wilderness.”

The PORTFOLIO team Managing Director: Lynne Edwards 07931 537 588 • lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Production Editor: Fiona McTernan portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com

Business Editor: Maarten Hoffmann 07966 244 046 • maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com

Designer: Sally Wynn portfoliopublications@dollydesigns.co.uk

Interiors Editor: Tara de la Motte tara@sussex-homes.co.uk PORTFOLIO 11

maslen.co.uk

Ewart Street, Brighton

ÂŁ370,000 FREEHOLD

A fantastic 2 bedroom house located in one of Hanover's best and widest roads.

Beautifully presented by the current owner, this property has many highlights including original features, modern kitchen and a lovely walled rear garden.

Energy Rating: D67 Exclusive to Maslen Estate Agents.

Maslen Estate Agents 39 Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 3HQ t:01273 677001 e:lewesroad@maslen.co.uk

LEWES ROAD

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WOODINGDEAN

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HOVE

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FIVEWAYS

NEWS

NEWS NEW PORTAL FOR CONVEYANCING INFORMATION A new portal attempting to speed up and improve the transparency of conveyancing may eventually allow agents to check on the progress of individual sales and chains.

The portal, called Veyo, is a joint venture between the Law Society and IT firm Mastek UK. The first release of the system, at the end of March, will be restricted to conveyancers and their buyer and seller clients. If all the conveyancers in a chain join the system, it means progress can be monitored on where delays are located.

Automatic ‘case management’ systems will be set by the system, meaning it will identify what the next legal steps are in a chain and who needs to take them. Information will be transparent for conveyancers and their direct clients, but all conveyancers, sellers and buyers elsewhere in the chain will have some level of access to monitor progress elsewhere in the chain whilst still maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality.

Read more about this story and more at www.estateageenttoday.co.uk

BIG BROTHER ON GUMTREE The UK’s largest classifieds website, Gumtree.com, is selling 41 items from the Celebrity Big Brother 2015 House, the proceeds of which will go to homeless charity, Crisis UK. The items from the show include a gorgeous red and black dining table, a luxurious, velveteen grey living room sofa, as well as a selection of smaller items, including a small regal dog statuette, a large swirl mirror and glass coffee table, with prices ranging from £15 to £5,000.

The Celebrity Big Brother House items are available for sale like any other product on Gumtree, and those interested simply need to reply to the ad by giving their name and number. Channel 5 will pick a winner at random. For the full inventory of what can be bought from the Celebrity Big Brother House, visit www.gumtree.com/cbb

WE LOVE:

THE POWERCUBE The cute-looking PowerCube allows you to mount multiple power sockets where most convenient. Whether you are in your office, or on the move, make sure you always have power where you need it with the clever and compact Powercube. It can be mounted anywhere up to three metres from a socket. The Powercube has a 1.5 metre cable and five sockets, meaning that you can access power from pretty much any point in a room.

It comes with a twist-and-lock docking station, allowing you to mount it anywhere, and includes two USB ports, so your mobile devices can be charged too.

The 1.5m USB Powercube costs just £15.37 from www.handpickedcollection.com

MARCH 2015 / ISSUE 8

MARCH 2015

THE CITY’S £3M HOME BUYERS Find out who they are

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PORTFOLIO magazine – The one everyone’s talking about PORTFOLIO 13

BEAUTIFUL homes

PERIOD CHARM

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s soon as you arrive at the front gate of this timeless residence you are immediately impressed. The bow-fronted facade has been lovingly restored. A beautiful drawing room on the ground floor is flooded with light and, in our opinion, tastefully decorated. It also has great views of the tree-lined street. The marble fireplace, log burner and carefully renovated sash windows are just a few of the many features. From here, full height doors lead to a dining room. To the back of the house is a wellfitted modern kitchen with quality integrated appliances bestowing a chic combination of modern living and period charm. A split-level flint-walled garden is accessed from both the kitchen and dining room, creating the perfect summer sun trap. The basement is a well-designed, tuckedaway space perfect for laundry and storage.

Upstairs, on the first floor, is a stunning master bedroom, second bedroom and exquisite bathroom. The second floor offers two further bedrooms and a shower room.

Clifton Road, Brighton, BN1 3HP Guide Price: £1,150,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Period features; Four floors; Pretty garden Best Bits: Prestigious location; Conservation area; Spacious Winkworth 32 Church Road Hove BN3 2FN 01273 772175 www.winkworth.co.uk 14  PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFUL homes

AMAZING MAISON

This wonderful 19th century Maison de Maitre, in Laguedoc, South West France is the ultimate rural retreat

B

eautiful ‘maison de maitre’ or gentleman farmer’s residence, built in the 1860s, for sale.

The house stands four-square on top of a hill in rolling countryside, with stunning views in all directions, surrounded by 5 acres of wildflower meadows, with fruit and other decorative trees.

There are 4 double bedrooms, one with children’s or dressing room attached, 3 bathrooms, one en suite, as well as a ‘grandchildren’s dormitory’ – which sleeps any number – shower room attached.

Large sitting and dining rooms, each with huge open fireplaces (plenty of wood in the wood store).

There are further attic rooms and a barn at the back of the house, which could be developed

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to provide spectacular living and entertaining spaces.

There is an additional ‘Maison des Amis’, a one-story building with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open plan living room/ kitchen, with terrace.

“Leisurely lunches in the shade of the chestnut tree, and long dinners under the stars” The ‘Pool with a View’ (5 x 10 metres) has a shaded sitting area and is surrounded by

railings, as required by French law.

The house is approximately three miles from Rabastens, an attractive small market town with 13th century church, and is about one hour from historic Albi and a similar distance from Toulouse and its airport at Blagnac. There are frequent daily EasyJet flights from Gatwick, which take approximately 1 1/2 hours.

The house is a perfect family holiday house as it stands, but would need central heating and some further improvements for all-year-round living.

Offers in the region of €500,000 (approx £397,000).

For more information, images, and to find out more please visit http://lesperelles.info

CALENDAR of events

FEBRUARY Our pick of February events. Turner exhibition, award winning theatre, and other highlights from the month’s events

30 Jan - 7 Feb Arcadia Theatre Royal Brighton Productions and English Touring Theatre’s new touring production of Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece, Arcadia, debuts at the Theatre Royal before touring around the UK. In 19th century rural Derbyshire, secret desires and professional rivalries take hold of the residents of Sidley Park and the daughter of the house, Thomasina, makes a startling discovery well ahead of her time. In the present day, academics Hannah Jarvis and Bernard Nightingale attempt to piece together the fragments of truth that tell her story. Arcadia explores the relationship between past and present as the focus drifts from 1809 to the present day.

First premiered at the National Theatre in 1993, Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia won countless awards, including the 1993 Olivier and 1995 Tony Awards for Best Play.

Theatre Royal, Brighton. For times and prices visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton

10 February

5 February

La Traviata

Gaz Coombes

A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias.

Based on a true story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta. There are many echoes of Verdi’s own life in Traviata, and he threw himself into the music. The highlights include the Brindisi, the best known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta’s haunting aria, Addio Del Passato. Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 7.30pm. www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Firmly established in the hearts of British music lovers, Gaz Coombes releases his second solo album, Matador, in 2015. From flashily whiskered Ivor Novello and BRIT awardwinning pop tearaway to sound-tracking the summer of 2014 with a sublime cover of The Kinks ‘This Time Tomorrow’ for John Lewis, the mega-watt melodic genius responsible for ten Top 20 hits and six Top 20 albums is still staggering British music lovers with his seemingly effortless musical charms.

The Old Market, Hove. www.theoldmarket.com. 7:30pm. £15.00 Photo by Rankin

5th - 14 February: The King’s Speech The West End show that inspired the Oscar-winning film. 1936, and King Edward VIII has abdicated for the love of Wallis Simpson. Bertie, his brother, is crowned King George VI of England. At an office in Harley Street, London, Bertie and his wife Elizabeth are meeting maverick Australian speech therapist and failed actor, Lionel Logue.

With the support of his wife, Bertie and Logue embark on an extraordinary journey to overcome his stammer and deliver the now iconic speech broadcast across the globe to inspire his nation. The King’s Speech is the true and heart-warming story of a man who took this nation through its darkest hour.

Chichester Festival Theatre. For times and prices visit www.cft.org.uk

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CALENDAR of events

8 February

19 - 28 February

The Yardbirds

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

Once described as “the most impressive guitar band in rock music,” and with former members including some of the world’s greatest guitarists (Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page), The Yardbirds are undoubtedly one of the most influential sixties blues rock bands. Formed in 1963, The Yardbirds reformed after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame back in 1992 and have continued their legacy through extensive touring.

The current Yardbirds line-up includes original members Jim McCarty and Top Topham , plus Ben King, Andy Mitchell and David Smale.

This is the last show ever with the current line-up, a chance to see this seminal sixties band perform live… Ropetackle, Shoreham-by-Sea, 8pm. www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

19 - 21 February Moscow City Ballet Founded by former Bolshoi Ballet soloist and choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, Moscow City Ballet are one of Russia’s most successful touring companies.

The Nutcracker is the perfect introduction to ballet: a fairy-tale ballet, illuminated by Tchaikovsky’s magnificent music. Swan Lake is a signature piece of the MCB repertoire and Moscow City Ballet’s interpretation of the world’s most romantic ballet is magnificently brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s well-loved, haunting score.

The Nutcracker: 19 & 20 February, Swan Lake: 21 February. Theatre Royal, Brighton. www.atgtickets.com/brighton

This moving and thought-provoking production is based on the best-selling novel by John Boyne and brought to the stage by the Children’s Touring Partnership.

Set during World War II, the story is seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and devastating consequences.

Bruno’s friendship with Shmuel takes him from innocence to revelation, revealing the poetic irony that through a child’s eye everyone can appear the same.

Chichester Festival Theatre. For times and prices visit www.cft.org.uk

27 - 28 February Stewart Lee A Room With A Stew. A brand new live show with fresh material in preparation for Stewart’s next BBC2 series of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle. The stand-up comedian, writer, director and musician made his name in the nineties as one half of the comedy duo Lee and Herring.

More recently he co-wrote and co-directed the mock Broadway hit Jerry Springer: The Opera.

Lee is still selling out venues and winning awards, in December 2011 winning British Comedy Awards for best male television comic and best comedy entertainment programme for the series Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.

Dome Concert Hall, 8pm. www.brightondome.org

Until 11 March 2015: Mr. Turner – an exhibition Featuring over 30 pieces on loan from major collections, this show has been inspired by Mike Leigh’s award-winning film, Mr. Turner, filmed in part at Petworth House and Park. Featuring over 30 beautiful works, mostly by - or of - Turner, on loan from major collections including Tate and V&A, plus Turner’s personal possessions, some of which have never been on public display before and props and items of costume from the film, Mr. Turner, as well as the 20 Turner paintings that reside permanently at Petworth House. The Artists’ Studio, used by Turner and other artist guests in the nineteenth century, hosts an exhibition of artwork by the award-winning Mr. Turner actor, Timothy Spall.

Petworth House, Petworth. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house Admission must be pre-booked. £12

PORTFOLIO 19

52 Church Road Hove, BN3 2FN • Tel 01273 778844 113 St. Georges Road, Brighton BN2 1EA • Tel 01273 685111 10 Station Road, Portslade BN41 1GA • Tel 01273 383830

Newtown Road, Hove - £550,000

Hove Office 01273 778844

Sawyer & Co are pleased to offer this beautifully presented Victorian house with garage and off street parking space, situated in this sought after central Hove location offering very easy access to nearby Hove mainline railway station. Hove Park and Hove recreation ground can also be found nearby. Shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars etc in Church Road/George Street and the seafront are also easily accessible. The property itself has spacious accommodation including a double aspect lounge/ dining room, good sized kitchen/ breakfast room and three double bedrooms. There are some lovely period features with cast iron fireplaces in most rooms. Viewing highly recommended. EPC rating D

Denmark Road, Portslade - £325,000

Portslade Office 01273 383830

As part of one of three sets of semi-detached homes on the eastern side of one-way Denmark Road, these 1930s homes are similar in style to homes found in the New Church area of Hove. With a combination of red brick, bay windows and mock Tudor finishes it is typical in style to many built around this time. Both well-proportioned and in excellent condition this is a comfortable family home. EPC rating C

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www.sawyerandco.co.uk

Kingsway, Hove - £285,000

Hove Office 01273 778844

A superb spacious 1 bedroom lower ground floor flat with excellent 83’ (approx) rear garden, situated adjacent to Hove seafront offering easy access to local shopping facilities in nearby Richardson Road. Restaurants, bars, cafe’s, shops can be found in nearby Church Road and George st. Hove mainline railway station with excellent direct links to London and Gatwick is easily accessible . Other parts of the city centre is also within easy reach . EPC rating D

St James Court, Hove - £280,000

Hove Office 01273 778844

Superb 2 bedroom garden level flat with allocated parking and garden/patio. In an enviable position of a corner plot of both wilbury avenue and the drive, this modern light brick two bedroom garden flat is in the perfect location for the commuter or those wanting easy access to central Hove and or the seafront. EPC rating D

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

Brighton office now open

TALK money

YOUR RETIREMENT OPTIONS Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money looks at how to get the most out of your pension

I

f you are approaching retirement you may finally be facing that large pile of pension paperwork you have been filing away for many years. Now is the time for careful planning to make sure you get things right for your retirement income.

Here are just some of the questions that need to be answered: Do you remain with the current provider and take income from them? Do you transfer the funds to another provider who will pay you a higher income? If you do transfer, are there any valuable benefits you could lose?

If you should die after taking your pension, is there a benefit paid to your spouse or dependants? Do you require a guaranteed income for the rest of your life, or would you prefer more flexible terms?

How are pensions becoming more flexible?

In the March 2014 budget the chancellor announced radical changes in how people can access their pension funds.

He announced that as of April 2015 people will be able to access the whole of their pension 22  PORTFOLIO

funds. However, only a certain percentage of our total fund will be tax free. In most cases you will be able to take around 25% of your fund as a tax free cash sum. If you make withdrawals above this amount, they will be taxed as earned income.

To be able to access the funds, you will need your pension funds to be in an income drawdown contract. The tax free cash could be paid out to you at the start and the rest of the fund invested. Withdrawals can then be taken directly from the fund, however these will be taxed. Currently, for most people there is a limit on the amount you can withdraw each year; however, from next April this limit will be lifted.

Many people invest in drawdown contracts to actually preserve their fund rather than purchasing an annuity which would provide a guaranteed income, but would result in the fund being lost. Death benefit options on annuities are also limited. If you were invested in drawdown, currently you leave a lump sum to your spouse but there would

be a 55% tax charge. From next year this charge will be lifted, so the whole fund can be left tax free. This is a very attractive feature of income drawdown going forward.

There are so many ways you can set up your pension, and different arrangements will suit different people. Some people like the guarantees an annuity can bring, whereas others much prefer more flexibility.

If you would like advice on any of the above issues, or other financial matters please call me, Claire Cook, on 01273 224667. I offer independent advice and would be very happy to help. www.talkmoney.co.uk

Talk Money is a trading style of Aspect 8 Ltd, an appointed representative of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount invested.

in association with Sawyer & Co

Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN

French Reformed Church, Brighton

EPC: E

The former French Protestant Church has been lovingly restored by the present owners, and in our view it combines 21st century living whilst remaining true to it’s historical roots. There is a well fitted contemporary kitchen, giving access to a superb roof terrace - the perfect space for outside entertaining. On the lower ground floor an extremely generous sized master bedroom also offers a stunning walk-in wet room. The heart of the church has been arranged as a fantastic open living/dining area with original pulpit. This space can be divided into a further sizeable bedroom with it’s own en-suite shower room if desired. There is also a library/study space on this floor to enjoy. A mezzanine level has been created to present space for yet another impressive bedroom with en-suite bathroom. This is a spectacular conversion of a building with considerable amounts of history. In our opinion there is no other building in Brighton or Hove quite like this... Chain Free.

Tel: 01273 739911

OIEO £1,000,000

Penthouse, Ocean Heights, Roedean

EPC: C

Award Winning Seaview Penthouse! This luxuriously appointed duplex apartment enjoys panoramic views of the Brighton coastline and South Downs countryside. The private spacious roof terrace with 6 person jacuzzi and Bowser & Wilkins sound system and mood lighting leads off the the huge open plan kitchen lounge through a wall of glass bifold doors. Master suite with dressing room, luxury ensuite and further south facing private sun terrace. Underfloor heating, CCTV, Remote controlled LED mood lighting, music system, blinds ... it’s all at your fingertips!

Tel: 01273 739911

£1,275,000

Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911

BEAUTIFUL homes

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BEAUTIFUL homes

SCHOOL HOUSE A

spacious Victorian school house conversion in Brighton’s Kemptown. This converted traditional Sussex flint and red brick Victorian school over four floors is a house of three parts: one part contemporary home, one part annexe with home offices and one part income from its stylish basement flat. Skilfully renovated over the last four years, its sum total is a unique, spacious and welcoming family home. Double-fronted with gothic style arch windows and doorway fronted by black wrought iron railings, it stands out on a road with a mix of Victorian and Georgian terraced housing. Potential remains to re-work and further develop the rear annexe and the top floor to complement your own particular lifestyle and family demands.

The Old School House 39 Chesham Road Brighton BN2 1NB Price: £1,495,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Extras: Suntrap courtyard garden; Formal dining room; Self-contained flat Best Bits: Double height lounge with Mezzanine; Close to sea; Chain free Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FN Tel: 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com PORTFOLIO 25

BEAUTIFUL homes

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BEAUTIFUL homes

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LEGAL matters

“Howlett Clarke is proud to be an official Atlantic Tempest sponsor”

ATLANTIC CROSSING Howlett Clarke are official sponsors of Atlantic Tempest

Q

ualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke has announced that its very own Digital Marketing Assistant, Nick McCulloch, will be taking part in the Atlantic Challenge 2015. Nick will be crossing the Atlantic alongside rowing partner Tom Parker as part of a ‘Pure Pairs’ team Atlantic Tempest.

Howlett Clarke will be supporting the team every step of the way and is proud to be an Official Atlantic Tempest Sponsor.

The Atlantic rowing challenge is described as ‘the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance’ and dates back to 1966, when Sir Chay Blyth rowed from Cape Cod on the North American Coastline all the way to the Irish coast. His epic journey meant a battle against 50ft waves and hurricanes throughout a 92 day passage.

Pamela Austen, Practice Director at Howlett Clarke, said: “The enormity of what Nick is undertaking is breathtaking, and we hope the Atlantic is kind to him and his co-team member, Tom, when 28 PORTFOLIO

they set out on the high seas.”

Their journey will take them 2,600 nautical miles from San Sebastian in La Gomera, to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.

Nick and Tom started their gruelling training regime several months ago as preparations take place to start the race on December 15, 2015. Throughout the course of this year they will be doing all they can to raise money through crowd funding and commercial sponsorship.

Their initial goal is to secure the necessary funding to cover the capital costs of the race and then generate a phenomenal £1m for their chosen charities, The Sussex Beacon, Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal and Barnardo’s.

Pamela added: “Nick and Tom could be set to join an exclusive group of athletes to complete the race; in fact, there are more people to have visited space than completed this challenge.

“It takes a certain kind of person to keep going when faced with blisters, salt rash,

sharks and sleep deprivation; it seems Nick and Tom provide the team with just that. Good luck Atlantic Tempest!”

Be sure to follow Atlantic Tempest’s journey via their website www.atlantic-tempest.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

Nick McCulloch is Digital Marketing Assistant with QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ. 01273 327 272. www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke See more from Howlett Clarke at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk Photo: From Left to Right, Tom Parker, Nick McCulloch

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Lenham Avenue, Brighton £640,000 New build house with integrated garage, three bedrooms and two reception rooms.

Goldstone Villas, Hove £825,000 Four bedroom family house with superb period detailing. EPC E

Palmeira Avenue, Hove £700,000 Three bedroom modern penthouse apartment with terrace. EPC C

Westbrooke, Worthing £840,000 Spacious five bedroom detached house with four reception rooms and a wrap around garden.

Hamptons International Estate Agents Hove Sales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 063

Bognor Brighton Chichester Crawley Crawley Down Eastbourne Felpham Goring

01243 624726 01273 287210 01243 624725 01293 762326 01342 349709 01323 458167 01243 624727 01903 641736

Horsham Country Homes Hove Kemp Town Lancing Littlehampton Midhurst North Bersted

01403 342210 01403 342211 01273 287211 01273 287212 01903 649091 01903 649093 01730 402032 01243 624728

Preston Park Rottingdean Steyning Storrington Worthing Western Road Newhaven Newhaven Lettings

01273 287213 01273 287214 01903 641734 01903 641735 01903 649092 01273 649092 01273 803207 01273 803254

Saltdean 01273 803221 Saltdean Lettings 01273 803275 Peacehaven 01273 803236 Peacehaven Lettings 01273 803307

Incorporating Lampons

MaxiMise the laws of attraction.

We’ll guarantee your property gets the attention it deserves.

Visit one of our branches today EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

We We sell sell more more homes homes to to London London Buyers

•

Sales

kingandchasemore.co.uk

•

Lettings

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Land & New Homes

•

PROPERTY

“It’s quality, not quantity, that matters, and beautiful pictures’

STEP AWAY FROM THE JARGON! There is only one chance to make a first impression, so don’t blow it with meaningless clichés. We call time on estate agents’ jargon

I

t will come as no surprise to estate agents and and other property professionals that Right Move recorded its highest-ever number of page views on Sunday, January 11th.

January is traditionally a busy month for agents as the combination of pent-up demand from pre-Christmas, people making lifestyle changes – and the fact that a record number of couples really do separate after Christmas – all combine to create a huge demand for new homes.

No surprise there for the three new property portals, Houser, OnTheMarket and Lookingforahouse, who all chose to launch in January 2015. How they will fare against the big boys of Right Move and Zoopla remains

to be seen, but what is certain is that there are plenty of buyers out there searching for properties, and it’s a competitive world for our friend, the estate agent.

Property portals – and the huge improvements in estate agents’ own websites – have led to some definite improvements in the promotion and marketing of properties, particularly in the style and quality of photography.

So why are we still reading the same old property blurbs and clichés, even on some great-looking websites? There is no need for some of the frankly odd words and phrases that get (over) used and abused in the name of selling property. Some of them are barely

English. Buying, renting or selling a property is a stressful enough business – there is no need for estate agents to invent their own language!

If you need a new way to say something, don’t invent it, invest in a thesaurus or visit www.thesaurus.com!

At Portfolio we like to think that less is more, and that it’s quality, not quantity, that matters – and beautiful pictures of course. Words are wonderful things, however. Making sure you choose the right ones will help you to convert and impress vendors and buyers So, let’s make 2015 the year for Estate Agent adverts to accurately represent the quality of their product and service…

PORTFOLIO 31

Continued on page 33

BEAUTIFUL homes

32 PORTFOLIO

PROPERTY

GET TO THE POINT...

Below are some of our worst offenders for property waffle, and see the panel on the right for some clichés and what we all know they really mean.

We are all familiar with the saying: ‘You only have one chance to make a first impression” Well, you only have a certain number of words to attract a reader. Don’t blow your chance with these pointless phrases!

A rare opportunity to acquire… An exciting opportunity to purchase… Or our worst offender, always employed when it is already perfectly clear who the agent is (it’s on their advert): (Insert estate agent) is delighted to bring to the market…

Stop it, just stop it. What people really want to know is: the location, the style of house,how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are,

and so on. There is not always a better way of putting things than simply and smartly.

Don’t baffle buyers with an extensive, and over-flowery vocabulary. And do credit them with intelligence, and give them the facts in a straightforward way.

“Do credit buyers with intelligence’ While we are on the subject of vocabulary, buyers are wise to the real meaning of jargon.

The Sunday Times Home & Property recently ran a great Jargon Buster feature. Of course, these examples are tongue in cheek, but they are not far off the mark…

POTENTIAL TO RECONFIGURE: The interior is a total mess; LISTED: A klaxon warning of expense and hassle.

Put the conservation officer on speed dial; BREATHTAKING VIEWS: On a hill; STUNNING ELEVATED POSITION: On a steep hill; IMPRESSIVE: They’re pushing it with the price; SPECTACULAR: They’re really pushing it with the price; VILLAGE LIVING: Probably not for Midsomer Murders fans; IDYLLIC COASTAL LOCATION: Ditto Broadchurch; IN THE HEART OF A PRETTY MARKET TOWN: You’ll be clipping revellers’ vomit from the privet every weekend; IMMACULATELY PRESENTED: No belongings, no kids, no personality. Once you move in, it won’t look like this.

Here are some of the most over-used property phrases - according to some consumer websites - and what they might really mean Here are some from: www.lovemoney.com COMPACT: You can cook the dinner while you’re in the shower without losing sight of the TV. CONVENIENT FOR: `Convenient for local amenities’ usually means it’s not far from the shops - if you have a car. `Convenient for transport links’ tends to mean the house vibrates whenever a bus goes past or that the A2 actually touches the end of the garden.

DECEPTIVELY SPACIOUS: You have been deceived if you consider this spacious.

GOOD USE OF SPACE: There’s no room for the fridge in the kitchen so it’s in the living room while the washing machine is in the bathroom. It might also have something strange like a bedroom leading off another bedroom.

IDEAL FOR INVESTORS: You wouldn’t want to live there yourself but some desperate renters will probably go for it.

NEAR LOCAL NIGHTLIFE: Don’t expect to get to sleep until the clubs have shut and be ready to clear the takeaway wrappers from the front garden each morning.

QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD: Your neighbours

will object to you starting your car before 8am or having more than two visitors at a time.

UP AND COMING AREA: Presently down and out - it can only get better.

VIEWING RECOMMENDED: There’s nothing good to say about it but if you see the inside and use your imagination there’s a slim chance you might like it a little bit.

Some more according to: eMoov.co.uk IDEAL FOR THE FIRST-TIME BUYER OR AS A BUY-TO-LET INVESTMENT: Bad area, worse condition.

TREMENDOUS SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT: A real blank canvass Derelict A COSY PROPERTY IN A RURAL LOCATION: This property is small and the nearest shop is 20 minutes’ drive away THE PROPERTY HAS MANY CHARACTER FEATURES: The ceilings are extremely low LOW MAINTENANCE REAR GARDEN: The garden is concrete EASY TO MAINTAIN LIVING SPACE: It really is incredibly small CONVENIENTLY LOCATED: Next door to a

busy main road and above a take away CHARACTER: Dilapidated And finally, Ben Wilson, Gocompare.com’s home insurance expert, added a few more CASH BUYERS ONLY: No bank in its right mind would lend on this NO ONWARD CHAIN: Somebody died in there PERFECT FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER: We know you can’t afford to be choosy POPULAR AREA: You’ll be squashed in like sardines PUT YOUR OWN STAMP ON IT: Half-built RENOVATION REQUIRED: Watch your money magically disappear PIED-À-TERRE: Fancy French phrase for cosy QUIRKY: Nothing matches and the doors are four-foot high SOUGHT-AFTER AREA: Ridiculous price Thanks to: www.times.co.uk, www.home.bt.com, www.lovemoney.com, www.yourmoney.com, www.eMoov.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 33

THE collection

THE FEBRUARY COLLECTION This month it’s all about the kitchen. Probably the most important room in the house, it’s the hub of the home, and the centre of family life...

Open plan Bafu House, Steyning Road, Brighton Fabulous three/four bedroom house set in a secluded location just off of Rottingdean High Street within walking distance to the village and beach.

This beautiful modern home has outside parking for several guests. You will just long to entertain in the vast open-plan kitchen, which leads through to a living room with elevated garden views and bi-folding doors which in turn lead to a decked area and a garden with mature trees.

Price: £1,250,000 Fine & Country 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com

34 PORTFOLIO

THE collection

Sea views Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea Fabulous family home with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, has accommodation over three spacious floors. The signature to the house is the lovely kitchen/breakfast room. Stunning and beautifully finished, this leads into a family area, with a doublesided wood burning stove. This, in turn, opens out to the garden.

The home overlooks Shoreham Harbour with lovely views from the upper floors across Shoreham Harbour to the south, and is literally across the road from the beach.

Price: £570,000 Hamptons International 01273 230230 www.hamptons.co.uk

Bright and light Falmer Road, Rottingdean This substantial five-bedroom detached family house boasts a magnificent 42’ kitchen/dining/family room with polished porcelain floor tiles, granite worktops and high gloss units, with access from the dining area onto the rear terrace (ideal for alfresco dining etc) and the landscaped garden…

The 25’ master bedroom has a walk-in dressing room and luxury en-suite with inset television screen. There are four further double bedrooms and a luxury family bathroom and 23’ games room. All rooms are pre-wired for Sky TV.

Guide Price: £700,000 to £750,000 King & Chasemore 01273 796017 www.kingandchasemore.co.uk

Atrium style Crescent Drive South, Brighton This unique property has a lovely Atrium-style entrance. Ceiling speakers are fitted as standard and many other features set this property apart, including the 21’ contemporary fitted kitchen, which features a central island with storage, and double glazed sliding patio doors to rear garden. The pretty lounge also leads out through double glazed sliding patio doors to rear garden.

The house has five bedrooms, two bathrooms (one is en suite) and no chain.

Price: OIEO £490,000 David Maslen Estate Agents 01273 278866 www.maslen.co.uk PORTFOLIO 35

9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove 27 Offices in Sussex 37 Offices in London LANGDALE COURT, KINGSWAY, HOVE This stunning purpose built top floor apartment located on Kingsway, Hove benefits from dual aspect lounge with south facing balcony, un-interrupted direct views to the sea over Hove promenade, separate kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom. The building is located directly on Hove seafront just off Langdale Road and has both passenger lift, stairs and secure entry phone system. EPC E

NEW PRICE £425,000

Drew Bailey, Hove: 01273 820280

BLACKTHORN CLOSE Fox & Sons are delighted to offer this detached bungalow situated in this private residential close in the heart of leafy Withdean. The plot lies just next to the exclusive Withdean Road and land is at a premium. Situated close to Preston Park station within reach of local schools shops and bus services to the city centre and seafront EPC – TBC

PRICE: £699,950

Robert Harding, Preston Park: 01273 508761

LONGMORE, LINKS AVENUE A unique opportunity to acquire this bungalow situated in a tranquil semi rural location on approximately 10 acres of land. With fantastic far-reaching views, this property really has the best of both worlds. The land incorporates 5 ½ paddocks, 2 further scrub paddocks, 9 stables and a row of pigsties that are currently being used as tack rooms. Previously used as a livery, there is a fantastic business opportunity here for the equestrian enthusiast. The property itself comprises 4 bedrooms, lounge with open fireplace, double doors leading to the dining room, family bathroom, separate WC, kitchen and a large utility room. Viewing is strictly by appointment EPC E

Price: £700,000

Emma Gilbert, Peacehaven: 01273 587222

SURRENDEN CRESCENT, PRESTON PARK Four bedroom family home in the popular Surrenden area of Preston Park.

Comprising wide entrance hall, cloakroom/WC, south facing lounge with pleasant aspects over both front and rear gardens, formal dining room with original stained glass door, feature fireplace, French windows leading onto patio and serving hatch to kitchen/breakfast room and study with window to front overlooking the front green.The rear garden is mature and south facing, laid mainly to lawn with side borders and with access to the 31ft garage. Pleasantly situated in this attractive tree-lined road, the property enjoys a convenient location, for all local amenities and has excellent transport links - with fast and frequent rail services to London from nearby Preston Park station EPC - E

Price: offers in excess of £775,000 Robert Harding, Preston Park: 01273 508761

www.rightmove.co.uk www.primelocation.co.uk www.fox-and-sons.co.uk

ASHENGROUND ROAD, HAYWARDS HEATH Substantial detached house situated on over ½ acre plot with its own private road in the centre of Haywards Heath benefits from flexible living accommodation, annexe and further three bedrooms along with numerous outbuildings and heated swimming pool. The property also further benefits from no-onward chain, potential to build a further dwelling subject to planning and detached double garage. EPC - D

Price ÂŁ895,000 Samuel Quick, Haywards Heath 01444 450105

BEAUTIFUL homes

38 PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFUL homes

BRIGHT HOME H

ome & income? Granny/ teenager flat? Or family home? This property has it all... This large (2282 sq ft) classic family home can be found in Kemp Town Village, set just inland from the seafront, between Brighton College and Brighton Pier.

Throughout, the property has been beautifully tended and cared for by the current owners. The accommodation is flexible with an imposing 3-storey maisonette (with four bedrooms) forming the main house, with a self-contained 1-bedroom flat on the lower level.

This gives the future owners options with regard to how best to use the space. Being south facing and very open to the rear, it really is a bright home. Outside there are numerous places to enjoy the sunshine, including a patio garden and several roof terraces.

There is the opportunity to buy the maisonette on its own, with the current owners retaining the lower flat.

St Georges Terrace, Brighton BN2 1JH Price: £900,000 (Whole House)

£650,000 (Maisonette) Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Self-contained 1-bed flat: several roof terraces Best Bits: Spacious, bright accommodation: South-facing patio Fox & Sons 9 Bristol Road Brighton BN2 1AP 01273 688148 kemptown@sequencehome.co.uk www.sequencehome.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 39

BEAUTIFUL homes

40 PORTFOLIO

SOCIAL event

Claire Tobin (Leaders Estate Agents), Andrew Whitehead (Property Consultants UK).

Fiona McTernan (Portfolio Magazine), Tony Pearson (Sussex Surveyors), Jane Wilkinson (Leaders Estate Agents).

The Property Professionals lunch at Pub du Vin, Brighton Following the huge success of the quarterly Property Professionals lunch events of 2014, which raised over £2,000 for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, the first of this year’s lunches took place at Pub du Vin, Brighton, on Thursday, 15th January.

The fabulous 3-course lunch was followed by relevant and interesting speaker, Lee Evans, from Organic Roofs.

The event always offers all attendees plenty of opportunities for some worthwhile networking with the group of property professionals.

The Property Partnership events are organised by Lynne Edwards (Portfolio Magazine), Searches UK in aid of the Rockinghorse children’s charity

Berinder Hothi (Rix & Kay), Andrew Crutchley (Callaways Estate Agents), Sam Leonard (Handelsbanken), Jane Bourn (Rix & Kay).

James Mortimer (TSG Financial), Brian Quinton (Metro Bank), Faye Stenning (Searches UK), Stewart Payne (Handelsbanken).

Andrew Stenning (Searches UK), Lynne Edwards (Portfolio Magazine).

Grant Crossley (Robinson Low Francis), Jo Williams (PDT Solicitors), Tim Cross Field (Oakley Commercial).

For more information on the event and to book your place at the next event on 16th April, contact Melanie@searchesuk.co.uk

Steve Lowry-Smith (SLS Legal Limited), Dean Marson (Square One Financial Planning), Ariana Gee (On The Move), Rebecca Baker (NFU Mutual Insurance).

Lee Evans (Organic Roofs)

PORTFOLIO 41

Up, Up & Away!

Awarded the best LETTING agent in BrIghton & Hove 2 years running.

We were also awarded the best letting branch in the south east.

NEW Landlords wanted To work with the best

best letting agent

best letting BrANCH

2014

2014

in brighton & hove

in the south east

lettings: 01273 321333 | 109 church road hove bn3 2af enquiries@propertymoves.co.uk | www.propertymoves.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL homes

HOVE HAVEN

Lovely four bedroom family home to rent

A

n extremely well-presented house set over three floors, situated close to Hove Park and a short walk to Hove station.The ground floor of the house has a spacious lounge through diner with high ceilings, feature fireplace and beautiful shutters, but it’s the kitchen/diner that provides the real ‘wow’ factor; to compliment this, bi-fold doors lead you to a west-aspect, decked and lawned garden.

Moving through the house to the upper floors, the property boasts four double bedrooms, gas fired central heating and two bathrooms, making an ideal family home. Additional benefits include a separate WC, integrated appliances, built-in sound system and loft room supplying further storage.

Fonthill Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6HD Guide Price: £2100pcm Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Built-in sound system; Bi-fold doors; High ceilings Best Bits: Beautiful kitchen; West-aspect garden; Modern decor Property Moves 109 Church Road, Hove BN3 2AF 01273 321333 www.propertymoves.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 43

TAXING TIMES Jo White from Spofforths Chartered Accountants guides us through the property lettings tax maze

W

hether you’re letting your property or you’re planning to sell it, the opportunity to reduce your tax liability is no doubt at the forefront of your mind. But it’s important to understand the types of expenses and the reasons why they have been incurred before determining whether or not they can be offset against your income.

44 PORTFOLIO

Only revenue expenditure is deductible against any rental income you receive; the most common expenses are agent fees, insurance, accountancy fees, repairs and finance costs.

Generally, it will be easy to determine whether these costs are allowable or not, but there are complications to the rules which may mean the expenditure you can claim is restricted.

Financing costs is one of the areas where the total costs you incur for any one tax year may not represent the reduction available in your profits. Only mortgage interest is allowable as a revenue expense, so where you have a repayment mortgage you will need

to understand the proportion of the monthly mortgage payment you can use in your calculations.

Repair costs are also a complicated area, with general property maintenance costs allowed to be included in your calculations.

But where the repairs could be perceived as improving the property, these costs are likely to be considered capital in nature and so have to be set aside until you sell the property itself.

What constitutes a repair can be difficult to determine and open to interpretation. The general rule is that a like-for-like replacement defines a repair. However, if you have replaced

TAXATION

Photo supplied by Aurora Property www.aurora-epc.com

an item with a significantly improved version then this becomes a capital cost. HM Revenue & Customs provide examples of when costs, potentially capital in nature, can be considered as a repair, even though technology may have moved on since the initial cost was incurred.

For example, even if you have replaced a single-glazed unit with a double-glazed one, providing you have replaced the original with a modern-day equivalent, these costs should still be considered a repair. The same can be said for kitchen units and bathroom suites.

Where you are providing rental properties with some level of furnishing, it may be possible to claim an additional deduction known as a wear and tear allowance. This is equal to ten per cent of the rents you have received on the property less any costs you should not be incurring as a landlord, such as council tax and water rates. This ten per cent deduction represents the general wear and tear of the furniture in your property and is only applicable to properties which are let in a manner whereby the tenant can move in and not have to provide any furniture.

Alternatively, up until April 2013, you were able to claim the full cost of any replacement white goods and moveable furniture in furnished properties against your profits.

This is still possible, although the scale of replacement items is limited to small tools such as utensils, light bulbs and smoke detectors.

You can no longer claim for single replacement items in unfurnished properties, which used to cover white goods or similar, but you can still claim the costs of replacing

a kitchen or bathroom as this falls within the general repairs definition mentioned above.

The timing of expenditure is also important, related to when you decide to let your property.

If the work is being done before you let the property to the first tenant or whilst you are living there, these costs are unlikely to be deductible against any rental income, even if they are revenue costs in nature. However, if the work is being done between tenants, these costs may be allowable in certain circumstances. This rule is not exhaustive but demonstrates the importance of timing.

As you can see, the rules relating to what costs can be offset against your property income can be complicated. In all situations I recommend that you keep all relevant receipts to support any claim being made on your tax return.

Jo White Tax Consultant, Spofforths LLP 01403 253282 www.spofforths.co.uk

“What constitutes a repair can be difficult to determine and open to interpretation, and the general rule is that a like-for-like replacement defines a repair�

PORTFOLIO  45

new homes

Hove Park

FROM £299,500

Kemptown

£500,000 EACH

Denton

FROM £289,950

Upper Beeding

FROM £435,000

One Hove Park offers a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments on the border of Hove Park and Hove recreational ground and a short distance from Hove Station and many local amenities. With modern architecture & stylish contemporary finishes all the apartments are offered with an NHBC warrenty and include a gated parking space & either a balcony, a terrace or garden.

Tidemills offers a selection of contemporary three bedroom town houses in the village of Denton ideally positioned between Newhaven and Seaford. Off road parking for two cars , Solar panels, decked gardens, stunning views and local bus services to Brighton, Lewes & Eastbourne. Show home available to view February 7th and incentives for early reservations.

Prince Regents Place is stunning new contemporary development of nine individual houses with two 3 bedroom homes remaining. These 3 bedroom end of terrace houses offer modern spacious open plan living areas with bi-folding doors to patio/gardens, 3 bedrooms with the master having an en-suite and a separate family bathroom. The houses benefit from secure off road parking space and a 10 year BLP Warranty.

Meadow View offers a selection of luxury four bedroom link detached houses in the village of Upper Beeding positioned between Steyning and Bramber. Beautifully finished with two reception rooms, lawned rear gardens, utility rooms, garages & parking. Available for viewings now.

UP MY STREET... ...WE SPEAK TO SARAH HOPWOOD ABOUT WHERE SHE LIVES AND WHY SHE LOVES IT SARAH HOPWOOD IS AN INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER & BUSINESS CONSULTANT WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I live in Shoreham-by-Sea. My husband, Paul, and I bought our first house here when we were married in 1984. Shoreham caught our eye because of the Adur River and lovely surrounding countryside.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN SUSSEX? My parents moved to Roedean in 1979 combining with my training to be a nurse – mainly in Brighton hospitals. I stayed in nursing digs until 1984.

DESCRIBE YOUR HOUSE BRIEFLY We have lived in our 4 bed semi since 1988, raising both the children here. There is plenty of parking and we now have two working offices here, whilst still being able to retain a full family home. It works very well indeed for us and for our clients.

WHAT PARKS AND SPORTING FACILITIES DO YOU USE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? Buckingham Park is just ‘round the corner – a regular place to walk to, not only for me as a young mum but also for our children as they were gaining independence. There is much to see at Shoreham Airport, plus it lends itself to bike rides and walks.

I have always said Shoreham has everything but a cinema! Paul regularly uses the Wave Leisure swimming pool, and when our son was young you could regularly see us in Buckingham Park cheering Daniel’s every goal, or our family having a picnic under the trees. I have great memories of hurtling through the park on our bikes – all great fun!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR GARDEN? I really love our walled garden, sadly not using it as much as I should. When we moved in 26 years ago it looked like a show garden; however, I am not a budding gardener so it is a shadow of its former self. I keep it to low maintenance.

WHAT HAVE YOU CHANGED ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY SINCE LIVING THERE? There were already three floors when we moved in. Subsequently, my family have had much to do with assisting in enhancing the property, further securing the emotional hold the property has on me. From installing central heating and upgrading bathrooms to tiling to repairing the carport roof; I will always be grateful to my parents and brother – who are sadly no longer here.

DO YOU PREFER TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME, OR DO YOU LIKE EATING OUT LOCALLY? Paul and I really do love being at home. We do entertain but not as much as we should. Donatello’s in Brighton has been our favourite restaurant for special occasions for many years. When we ask each other what we want to do on our birthdays we both usually say, ‘Flicks and Donatello’s’! We really love the simple things.

IF YOU ARE HEADING OUT OF TOWN WHERE DO YOU GO? We love the caravan. We regularly go to Sheepcote Valley by Brighton Marina. Also Littlehampton and Bognor Caravan Club Sites. When we are on site we have both cars so we can still visit clients.

Once the BBQ is lit, or we’re playing golf, we could be anywhere – so it’s just as much fun as driving further away.

SHOREHAM IS GETTING A REPUTATION AS ‘THE NEXT BIG THING’ FOR HOUSE BUYERS, WITH EASY ACCESS TO BOTH BRIGHTON AND LONDON, BUT WHAT ABOUT LOCAL SHOPS? I use the train all the time, to Brighton and London.

Locally, there are some unique outlets, with food currently dominating – including the monthly Farmer’s Market. The Ropetackle put on a great selection of events attracting a wide range of talent and audience.

Sarah Hopwood, professional speaker. 01273 452313. www.sarahhopwood.com

PORTFOLIO 47

Quality

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local & independent

We are local, independent solicitors providing an expert legal service with a personal approach Property

Civil Litigation

• Buying and Selling Property • Re-Mortgages • Freehold Enfranchisement • Lease Extensions • Buying and Selling Investment Properties

• Employment • Debt Recovery • Property • Contentious Probate • Insurance Claims • Fraud Claims to include Defending SOCA Claims • Consumer Law • Neighbour disputes • Dispute Resolution/ Mediation of Claims

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• Wills • Probate and Administration of Estates • Inheritance Tax Planning and Trusts • Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection • Elderly Client Care

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info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411

• Family and Matrimonial • Co Habitation Agreements/Disputes • Civil Partnerships • Pre-nuptial Agreements • Divorce

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For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:

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SHOPPING

KITCHEN PRODUCTS We are loving the trend for bright, fun kitchen accessories.

Here is our edit of pieces to brighten up mealtimes SERVE IT KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Rosetta Platter - £10.00 Rosetta Food Cover - £15.00 Cardinal Small Blue Glass Tumbler £4.00 Sunbury 16 Piece Cutlery Set - £24.00 Atkinson Blue Swirl Side Plate - £4.00 Atkinson Blue Swirl Dinnerplate - £5.00 Amarelo Yellow Lid Bottle - £6.00 Atkinson Blue Swirl Cereal Bowl - £4.00

All items Habitat www.habitat.co.uk or visit the all-new mini-Habitat at Homebase in Old Shoreham Road.

A store within a store staffed with knowledgeable Habitat staff , and the largest mini-Habitat outside London.

It’s all in the presentation, and this gorgeous bowl does the job in style. Tova Orange Footed Bowl £15.00 from Habitat. www.habitat.co.uk

TRAY TIME Pretty and practical. You’ll feel like Spring is already here with this lovely tray. Mimosa Melamine Large Flower Tray £12.00 from Habitat. www.habitat.co.uk

EGG CUP BOILERS Get your whites and yolks just the way you like them with the Eiko Egg Cup Boilers. Eiko hooks to the side of the pan to prevent cracking and doubles up as an egg cup! £9.95. cuckooland.com

Portfolio readers can save 10% on all Easter Gifts with code EASTER10.

Use the code at checkout.

CHOP IT Give up on the garlic crusher and try this Chef ‘n Garlic Zoom garlic chopper from John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com. £10.00

FLOWER POWER Bright, bold, Marimekko Unikko Tea towels, £29.50 for set of two from John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com

50 PORTFOLIO

SMASH IT AND CUT IT Joseph Joseph always inspire with their fun and functional kitchen tools. Smasher Potato Masher (£11.00) and Scoot Pizza Wheel (£12.00) available from John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com

LOVE IT! Serve dinner in style on Valentine’s Day with Le Creuset Heart Ramekin (£9.60) and Heart Dish with Lid (£17.00) John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com

COLOUR WHEEL Match your mood with Pantone Mugs in every colour. What’s your Pantone number? £10.00. Heals. www.heals.co.uk

FRESH AND FRUITY Squeezers aren’t just for lemons. Enjoy perfectly fresh OJ with this Orange Squeezer from Marks & Spencer. £8.00 www.marksandspencer.com

ESPRESSO TIME

MIX IT UP Update your mixing bowls with this stacking set. Botanical Mixing Bowls from Marks & Spencer. £19.50 www.marksandspencer.com

Make your coffeee break a bit more stylish with this traditional Bialetti Fiammetta Red Espresso Maker 3 Cup, £38.00. Heals. www.heals.co.uk

UNDER GLASS

WEATHER DIARY Painterly watercolours look great against bold tableware Marimekko.

Weather Diary collection available at Heals. www.heals.co.uk

Perfect for cakes or cheese.

Keep it fresh and looking good with this Conran Glass Cloche from Marks & Spencer. £25.00 www.marksandspencer.com

BLOSSOMING LAMP It may be cold outside, but you can bring spring into your home with the Open Up Lamp – an ingenious lampshade that opens up when the light is turned on, and closes up when it is switched off. Designed exclusively by the Science Museum’s Inventor-inResidence Mark Champkins!

Open Up Lamp £60.00 www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk/home/ living/open_up_lamp

PORTFOLIO 51

es

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INTERIORS

DESIGN INTERIORS The kitchen is the centre of our modern homes, and when planning a new kitchen there is a lot to consider. A beautiful, quality kitchen will also add value to your property.

Design Interiors is simply the best place to find your perfect kitchen. They have a vast knowledge and understanding of the range of styles available – from cool and contemporary to the more traditional and classic, and, most importantly, they will listen to your requirements and work with you to make your dream kitchen a reality.

With an extensive portfolio of finished products and satisfied customers, Design Interiors will undertake the full design and installation process for you.

Visit a Design Interiors showroom in Brighon & Hove or Haywards Heath for inspiration, and to view the quality and design specifications in a spacious and relaxed environment.

Design Interiors | Home Design Specialists | Tel: 01273 206016 | Web: www.design-interiors.com PORTFOLIO  53

Ocean Kitchen Aquarium created by Dutch Designer Robert Kolenik

STYLISH

KITCHENS Kitchens have never been more sophisticated, practical or innovative.

Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte, looks at the current trends

T

oday kitchens have ‘grown-up’ and have become more open-plan. The kitchen is now the main living area in most homes with space for eating, relaxing, entertaining, even working, as well as a place for the preparation of food.

With all this in mind kitchen manufacturers have built kitchens that are aesthetically pleasing, practical and fitted to accommodate all your needs.

As the kitchen is the most central room in a home, planning is essential. This room has to meet many diverse demands so look to local kitchen companies who offer a planning and designing service. Find a designer who understands your needs and can provide the style you require, whether it is a traditional kitchen or a high-tech and minimalist kitchen.

Creating a mood board is a good idea: Gathering ideas from magazines, books and websites will help you identify colours, materials and the type of appliance you may want in your kitchen. Designing the perfect kitchen is a challenge, the key to success is in the preparation.

Whatever type of kitchen you choose, it has to work efficiently, which means the three vital areas - the wet zone (the sink), the cooking 56 PORTFOLIO

zone and the refrigeration zone - must all be within easy reach of one another, with adequate work space in-between. A good floor plan is essential for multi-functional kitchens, providing specific areas for seating, eating and food preparation.

Cabinetry Out of all the elements that make up a kitchen, the cabinets have the greatest effect on its style.

This year we will see a lot more coloured cabinetry, but if colour is not for you then consider ‘black,’ as this is the new “it” colour.

Black cabinets will definitely add a touch of sophistication and glamour to your kitchen.

Vibrant colours like mustard yellows, scarlet, royal blues and dirty pinks will be

used to inject energy into kitchen cabinetry. So, for a ‘sleek and chic’ kitchen lean towards an injection of colour.

The natural wood kitchen is still popular today, but for a modern twist wood is painted and stained. Current trends dictate a mix of fitted and free-standing units for relaxed living, but if you opt for fitted units then choose cabinetry with varying depths and heights to add interest.

Worktops When planning a kitchen, completing the look with the right worktop, both in terms of style and material, is of great importance.

Worktops bear the brunt of domestic activities and have to accommodate everything from children’s homework to the preparation

INTERIORS

“Kitchens have never been more sophisticated, practical or innovative” of food and must therefore be robust and practical. There is a large range of materials available for worktops and most are hard wearing and elegant.

Wood worktops are warm and are the most sustainable option available on the market as they are a renewable source. This type of worktop needs looking after, so it is best suited to soft-use areas, whereas harder surfaces like granite or corian are good for areas where there is a lot of food preparation.

Natural stone is another option, and popular today for its practicality. Food can be prepared on stone worktops directly as long as these worktops are sealed when installed.

If budget allows there are work surfaces that will roll back to create a bar or eating area, and they can even roll over the sink and hob to conceal appliances.

Appliances Todays kitchen is as much about detailing, materials and finishes as it is about features such as clever appliances, wine coolers, inbuilt chopping boards, waste disposal and concealed power points.

Induction hobs are popular in the modern kitchen as these offer a faster and more energy-efficient method of cooking with instant control. These hobs are a safe choice if

there are young children in the home, as they are not a source of direct heat.

Another increasingly important appliance is a down draft extractor concealed behind the hob. The extractor will rise during cooking and can double as a splash-back.

The open-plan kitchen allows room for entertainment technology. Televisions can be integrated within units or even below worktops on a pop-up mechanism.

The latest ovens, dishwashers and refrigeration systems are making life easier for us. All built to save time, money and energy.

Fixtures and Fittings Kitchen manufacturers are coming up with a range of smart fixtures and fittings for the modern kitchen. Cabinet handles, taps and light fixtures come in copper, rose gold as well as brushed steel and pewter. These metallics will bring style and elegance to the kitchen.

Kitchens have never been more sophisticated, practical or innovative, and with the latest developments you can create an amazing kitchen, should space and funds allow. A kitchen that provides room for both cooking and entertaining.

See more ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

“The kitchen is now the main living area in most homes, with space for eating, relaxing, entertaining, even working” PORTFOLIO 57

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INTERIORS

INTO THE GARDEN February allows the gardener to prepare for the season ahead with spring just around the corner. Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte, gets into the garden

Things to do in the garden this month n Cut back summer flowering clematis to ensure fast growth in the new season. n Prune climbing roses by cutting to an outward pointing bud for maximum growth and to reduce disease by allowing air to freely circulate. n Move any shrubs that may have grown too big for their positions. n Feed shrubs using a slow release fertiliser. n To prevent wind damage, keep climbers well tied and stake if necessary. n If the grass is dry and weather is mild, give the lawn its first cut, but set the lawn mower blades high.

February allows the gardener to prepare for the season ahead with spring just around the corner and the garden slowly coming to life.

W

ith spring slowly approaching, this is one of the busiest times in the garden. For the gardener it is also a most satisfying time with the garden slowly coming to life. The once bare winter garden is now alight with dwarf iris, tulips, drifts of crocus, snowdrops and the beautiful camellia.

Trees, hedges and shrubs also begin to bud everywhere in our gardens and countryside.

February can be changeable and frosts can still be a problem, so beware of rash planting.

Bear in mind the changeable weather and do not plant anything that is tender — this

is better left until late spring. Instead, start sowing seeds indoors in the greenhouse.

Bedding plants like “impatience,” violas and pansies can be sown indoors now in trays or plugs. These then can be planted outside towards the end of march. If you are a keen vegetable gardener, this is a good time to sow beetroot, broad beans, summer and autumn cabbage, carrots and kale.

If the weather stops you from going outside, there are plenty of jobs to do in your potting shed, to have everything in place for the new season. Use this time to service the lawn

mower and oil and sharpen tools. This is a good time to make a list of supplies such as fertilisers, seed and potting compost and anything else you will be needing for the months ahead.

Now is the moment to plan changes and think of new ideas, seek inspiration from gardening books and magazines. Perhaps a new planting scheme or reshaping the borders and maybe adding a water feature. Planning changes can be exciting and will ensure your garden takes on a unique and personal style.

See more ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 59

NEXT MONTH OUT 2ND MARCH Make sure you pick up YOUR copy of PORTFOLIO magazine.

The LARGEST LOCAL property and business publication in the region.

MARCH 2015 / ISSUE 8

MARCH 2015

£3M THE CITY’S RS HOME BUYEare

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The most ‘Beautiful Homes’ in the City and beyond Local business interviews Fascinating features Stunning interiors Informative City section Celebrity interviews

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PORTFOLIO

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Nuisance or

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If you’d like us to feature your local business in the next issue of PORTFOLIO or would like to enquire about our amazing advertising offers, contact me now.

Lynne Edwards 07931 537588 | lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

‘PORTFOLIO magazine – the one everyone’s talking about’

...AND

THE CITY

62

Tony Blair: The BIG interview

70

Business news from around our city

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Top national news stories

76

Secret Sussex: Let’s Race

78 84

Suited and booted: How to dress for business Business Lunch: Fine dining at Graze

88

Motoring: Mercedes C-Class Estate is a class act

90

Brighton & Hove Hoteliers Awards 2014

93

Career Ladder: Chris Gape, Director at Cobb PR

94

Golf Guy: Bending it like Lee Trevino

96

Alex Polizzi: The ferocious fixer

Business Editor Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244 046

BEAUTIFUL homes

“There’s this notion that I want to be a billionaire with a yacht. I don’t!

I am never going to be a part of the super-rich”

62 PORTFOLIO

CELEBRITY interview

TONY BLAIR CRIMINAL, MYTH OR LEGEND? Interview by Maarten Hoffmann

T

ony Blair has always been a bit a conundrum. Superb presentation skills, a great PR man and an extraordinary ability to connect with the electorate. He also managed to keep a foot in both camps with the ‘New Labour’ vision that carried the Labour die-hards along whilst taking the wind out of the Tories’ sails, often being dubbed ‘the heir to Thatcher’. He bridged the traditional party divide so well that he went on to rule for ten years.

So why does he find himself lambasted from almost every corner of the media scrum as a grubby money-chasing charlatan, and in the more bullish media arenas, as a war criminal with the blood of thousands on his hands?

Teflon Tony still manages to shrug off these barbs and to continue making pots of filthy lucre around the world, to avoid probing questions and stall the Chilcot enquiry to the point that some wonder if we will ever see it. It is a peculiarly British disease in that we resent people who make it; people who succeed are often deemed to have some awful character flaw and need to be taken down a peg or two. Globally, Blair is highly respected as a statesman and deal maker extraordinaire.

But here at home we resent any politician, and certainly a Labour politician, who goes on to fame and fortune, expecting them to leave office and devote themselves to saving endangered bats or playing golf.

Blair was still a young man when he left office, and shouldn’t we be proud of a British politician who is so widely acclaimed around the world? Why on earth shouldn’t he be entitled to make money whilst he’s at it? Look in the mirror and say you wouldn’t do the same thing given the chance!

“Whatever criticisms people have of me, they’ve seldom thought of me as politically stupid” The stumbling block is, of course, Iraq and George W Bush. That and the disgraceful spin that dogged the latter days of his tenure and Labour’s inability to carry through on a raft of manifesto promises.

Anthony Charles Lynton Blair was born on

May 6th, 1953 in Edinburgh. He attended Fette College, a prestigious independent school in Edinburgh, during which time he met Charlie Falconer, whom he later appointed Lord Chancellor.

Apparently, the young Blair modelled himself on Mick Jagger, but his teachers were unimpressed, stating that ‘he was a complete pain in the backside [and that they were] pleased to see the back of him’. As a student, he attempted to find fame as a guitarist with his band Ugly Rumours before reading Jurisprudence at Oxford and graduating with a second-class Honours B.A. In 1975, he became a member of Lincoln’s Inn, enrolled as a pupil barrister, where he met his future wife, Cherie Booth.

Lincoln’s Inn was founded by Derry Irvine, who went on to become Blair’s first Lord Chancellor. Blair joined the Labour Party shortly after Oxford in 1975, and in 1982 suffered his only election loss in his 25- year political career, when he failed selection to represent Beaconsfield, which was as safe a Tory seat as could be found.

Although known for his centrism in politics, he revealed in a letter written to then Labour leader Michael Foot that he had come to socialism through Marxism and considered himself firmly on the left, in stark contrast to his later leanings of Labour lite.

Finally, in 1983, he won his first seat of PORTFOLIO 63

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EF434_315 (01/15)

“I’m not holding my breath for the call from Putin. It won’t come, so let me not either praise or insult”

Sedgefield, and in his maiden speech in the House of Commons on 6 July, 1983, Blair stated, “I am a socialist, not through reading a textbook that has caught my intellectual fancy, nor through unthinking tradition, but because I believe that, at its best, socialism corresponds most closely to an existence that is both rational and moral. It stands for cooperation, not confrontation; for fellowship, not fear.

It stands for equality. The Labour Party is declared in its constitution to be a democratic socialist party rather than a social democratic party.”

Once elected, Blair’s political ascent was rapid. He received his first front-bench appointment in 1984 as assistant Treasury spokesman. In May 1985, he appeared on BBC’s Question Time, arguing that the Conservative Government’s Public Order White Paper was a threat to civil liberties and demanded an inquiry into the Bank of England’s decision to rescue the collapsed Johnson Matthey Bank in October 1985 - ironic when we see what happened with the banks in 2009.

In 1987, he stood for election to the Shadow Cabinet, receiving 71 votes. When Kinnock resigned after a Conservative landslide in the 1992 election, Blair became Shadow Home Secretary under John Smith and finally become party leader in 1994.

His ascent to the top seat of power came on winning the general election in 1997 and is still the youngest person to become Prime Minister since 1812. He won the 1997, 2001 and 2005 elections and is the Labour Party’s longest serving PM. In his first six years in office Blair sent British Troops into battle five times, more than any Prime Minster in British history. If we ignore Kosovo in 1991 and Sierra Leone in 2000 as these were limited offensives, we are left with his two major world changing policy decisions – invading Iraq twice, in 1998 and 2003, and Afghanistan in 2001.

His reputation took a severe battering when he aligned himself with the foreign policies of George Bush and engaged in the so-called ‘War on Terror’, following the twin towers tragedy in 2001. Based on the adage that every civilian killed creates ten terrorists, one might view that the awful position the world finds itself in now, with raging Islamic terrorism, was created by the actions of Bush and Blair.

139 of his own MP’s opposed the war, 100,000 people marched through London, and playwright Harold Pinter and Malaysian Prime Minter Mahathir Mohammad were the first of many to denounce Blair as a war criminal.

Significantly, this debacle also sowed the seeds of New Labour spin, orchestrated by

Alastair Campbell and Peter Mandelson, and fully supported by Blair’s great fiend at the time, Rupert Murdoch.

It is easy to pass judgement with the benefit of hindsight, but history shows that bombing such shadowy terrorist organisations has never worked. It only serves to fuel hatred and resentment and drive the general population to the terrorist view point. Bush had a different agenda in being seen to avenge 911, and in what some might say is typical US foreign policy, lashing out blindly without actually knowing who the perpetrators were. Al Qaeda was frightening, but in its current incarnation as ISIS is truly terrifying, and few would argue that the roots of such barbarism were sown in the invasion of Iraqi and Afghanistan.

Christopher Hope of the Telegraph recently asked Blair if the war has taken a toll on him, and he replied “Saddam Hussein was 20 times worse that Syria’s President Assad and it will take a generation to make Iraq safe.” Asked whether he minded if people called him a liar and a war criminal, he replied “People still abuse me over Iraq. The fact is yes there are people who will be very abusive, by the way I walk down the street and by the way I won an election in 2005 after Iraq. However, it remains extremely divisive and very difficult.

I have long since given up trying to persuade PORTFOLIO 65

people it was the right decision”. He added: “In a sense what I’ve tried to persuade people of now is to understand what a complex and difficult decision it was. Because I think if we don’t understand that, we won’t take the right decision about a series of these problems that will arise over that next few years.

“You’ve got one in Syria right now, you’ve got one in Iran to come, and the issue is how do you make the world a safer place? The question is supposing I’d taken the opposite decision. Sometimes what happens in politics, unfortunately these things get mixed up with allegations, deceit, lying and so on but in the end sometimes you come to a decision where whichever decision you take the consequences are difficult and the choices ugly.”

With estimates of 100,000 civilians, and 179 British soldiers, killed since 2003, Mr Blair conceded that the price of the Iraq war had been “very, very high”.

But he added: “Think of the price that people paid before Saddam was removed. Think of the Iran-Iraq war in which there were one million casualties, hundreds of thousands of young conscript Iranians, who were killed, many of them by the use of chemical weapons.

Chemical weapon attacks on his own people, the Kurds. People oppressed, deprived of their rights, tortured and killed on a daily basis year

66 PORTFOLIO

on year on year…”

Asked if Iraq was “safer today”, he said: “No I wouldn’t say that. But what I would say it is safer, in my view, as a result of getting rid of Saddam. In other words I think we are in the middle of this struggle, it’s going to take a generation, it’s going to be very arduous

“I have a lot of energy. I feel extremely fit.

There’s no way I’m going to retire and play golf” and difficult. But we are making a mistake, a profound error, if we think we can stay out of that struggle because we are going to be affected by it whether we like it or not.”

Sir Menzies Campbell, the former LibDem leader, accused Mr Blair of being defensive.

He said: “The fact remains that he made two cardinal errors. First, by allying himself too closely to the policies of George W Bush,

and second by ignoring the fact that Bush’s objective of regime change was contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and illegal. Ten years on, it is almost impossible to find anyone in this country or even in the United States who is willing to support the military action against Saddam Hussein.”

One further Iraq related battle he still has on his hands, and some say could be the undoing of him, is the long-awaited Chilcot Enquiry into the 2001 invasion. Stalled as it awaits agreement on the papers it can or cannot see relating to contact between the White House and Downing Street, there are very active forces at play determined to keep such papers from the public. This only fuels rumours that there is something to hide. A cross-party group of MP’s is about to try to force a Commons vote to compel Sir John Chilcot to publish by the end of February. The report is finished but is awaiting a response to warning letters he sent out to those that will face criticism. Norman Baker MP (Lib Dem, Lewes) recently stated “It is outrageous that the report has not yet been published. We need it in the public domain before the election and we need to know who is holding it up and why.” Some might say this is a sad end to the reputation of a man that was rightfully lauded for his achievements that convinced the electorate to vote for him

CELEBRITY interview

three times and dragged the Labour Party out of the dark ages.

Nothing Blair does now can remove him from this shadow. His entrepreneurial activities since leaving office attract nothing but opprobrium as he keenly tries to explain that his business dealings are not as lucrative as everyone thinks. In a wide-ranging interview with Vanity Fair, the former Prime Minister also cites Henry Kissinger as a role model.

Kissinger is hated by many on the left because of his part in the covert bombing of Cambodia but Blair looks to his longevity rather than his policies.

“One of the things people are going to have to get used to is that you are going to get leaders leaving office in their early 50s,” Blair says. “I have a lot of energy. I feel extremely

fit. There’s no way I’m going to retire and play golf. You look at someone like Henry Kissinger.

He’s 91 and he’s still going strong. I love that.

Or Shimon Peres - these are my role models.”

Blair, who has built a global business network since leaving Downing Street, defends his financial dealings, describing his involvement in countries around the world as not work for hire but work that can change the character of countries.

Denying there was any conflict of interest in the work he does, he says of Tony Blair Associates: “We have incredibly strict rules”.

He has been involved in giving advice to governments in Kazakhstan and Mongolia, among others.

Asked by Vanity Fair’s veteran correspondent Sarah Ellison if there was anyone he would not

work for, such as the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, Blair smiled and switched the topic to Kazakhstan.

Later in the interview he says: “I’m not holding my breath for the call from Putin.”

Asked again what he would do if Putin called, he said: “It won’t come, so let me not either praise or insult.”

There has been a lot of speculation about Blair’s wealth. Earlier this year, he scoffed at reports he was worth over £100m and said it was less than £20m. The Vanity Fair interview further refines that.

One of his staff - described as a “Blair spokesperson” - said his net worth is “roughly equal to what he has given away”, which Vanity Fair estimated at £10m.

But this number does not include Blair’s

“I have long since given up trying to persuade people it was the right decision. Think of the price that people paid before Saddam was removed” PORTFOLIO 67

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CELEBRITY interview

“At school, he was a complete pain in the backside and we were pleased to see the back of him”

portfolio of properties, which include a mansion in Buckinghamshire and six homes in London, which estimates put at much more than £10m.

Asked about Iraq, the most divisive issue of his premiership, Blair expresses resentment at the damage done to his reputation. “People say: ‘Why should you listen to him?’ because of Iraq. And I keep saying: ‘That’s why you should listen to me,’” he says.

“Because I’ve been through this in government, and since leaving office I’ve been studying it the whole time. One thing that is quite interesting to me is how poor western governments are at the moment – and I don’t exempt mine from this– how poor they are at understanding what’s going on in the world.”

His view of the world is more sophisticated now, he adds. “I mean, I find my own understanding of the Middle East, but also further afield, just so much more sophisticated and deep now than the understanding I had in government, even with all that infrastructure – the intelligence services and foreign office and so on.”

Asked about the criticism he faces, particularly in Britain, Blair says it is overstated. “First of all, you know, I actually did win three elections, not lose them.

I won the last election with a majority, even after Iraq.

“Whatever criticisms people have of me, they’ve seldom thought of me as politically stupid. I have always been a centrist politician and I remain a centrist politician. And the centre, in my view, still has the true governing constituency of the country but not the governing constituency of the media.

“The right don’t like it because l used to win elections, and the left don’t like it because they think l sold out … It’s multiplied because of the legacy of Iraq.”

But then Blair doesn’t help himself. He fell out with Murdoch over the supposed affair with Murdoch’s wife, Wendi Deng; continues unabated to buy up real estate across the world; has recently implied that Ed Milliband cannot win the next election and then retreated from it when cornered; still obstructs Sir John Chilcot; has now involved Alastair Campbell in the Kazakhstan gravy train; has a wife who has her foot permanently in her mouth and generally deals with unsavoury despotic regimes. He states, of course, that money raised from his private business ventures, directed through Tony Blair Associates and his Firerush Ventures companies, goes to fund his philanthropic work, which a cynic might feel is a tad disingenuous. Earlier this year, former US National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski told the FT that he had a “visceral contempt” for Blair on account of his moralising and money-making since leaving office.

Further bile was vented recently when the Save the Children charity awarded him a Global Legacy Award in New York.

So we arrive back at the enigma that is Tony Blair: visceral contempt from some quarters, considerable statesman-like respect from others, complacency from yet more.

I feel that Blair genuinely thought he was doing the right thing by going to war, and let’s remember, before one is too quick on claiming he was Bush’s poodle, that the first invasion was under Bill Clinton, who was, in the first instance, none too keen on war at all. Blair is still a young man, and of course he is fully entitled to make money and do with it what he will, as indeed we all are. His efforts as an integral member of the Middle East Quartet, that is working to find a solution to the Israeli/Palestine dilemma are admirable, and let us not forget that it was Great Britain that started that debacle with the 1917 Balfour Declaration and the 1947 UN Partition Plan that carved up Palestine and implanted the Israeli State into one of the most hostile Arab regions on the planet. The fact that the Palestine situation has not been resolved should bring shame on us all.

As l write this, the news is showing images of slaughter in Paris and US war ships are entering the Gulf again with troop ships and enough weapons to start a third world war and Russia is being forced into bankruptcy– the world has become a terrifyingly dangerous place, and laying that all at the door of one Anthony Blair, is naïve in the extreme.

PORTFOLIO 69

CITY news

CITY NEWS Please note these are the personal views of our City Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

SUSSEX PROFESSIONAL WINS NATIONAL PR AWARD A PR professional at Brighton-based PR agency, Midnight Communications, has scooped a top national award. Senior account executive, Jessica Beales, was named Freshest Young PR Professional at the Fresh:PR awards staged in Manchester last week.

Midnight has a strong tradition of winning awards, having earned more than 50 in its 20-year history. In fact, this is the 10th consecutive year a member of the Midnight team has been a winner or a finalist in a PR competition to recognise excellence in the Under-30s age band.

Commenting on her achievement, Jessica said: “Becoming the Fresh Award’s Freshest Young Professional is a huge honour. I am very lucky to have found a career that I love, and everyone at Midnight Communications has encouraged and supported me - and helped my development from day one. If you want to try something new here, you can, and this has enabled me to build my skill set and lead a diverse range of projects.”

Caraline Brown, Managing Director at Midnight, said: “I could not be more proud to see Jessica maintain our winning tradition and collect this very well-deserved honour. Her success is testament not only to her ambition and outstanding communication skills but also to the superb training that Midnight offers.”

As well as bringing home a string of awards over the years, staff who began their careers at Midnight have gone on to lead three of the UK’s leading PR companies as well as forming many offshoot agencies of their own.

BAXTER AND THE BEEHIVE LEADING Sussex solicitors, Mayo Wynne Baxter, has further expanded this week (January 5), taking an office at The Beehive, the original terminal building at Gatwick airport.

The Beehive opened in 1936, when it was the world’s first fullyintegrated airport building, and is considered a nationally and internationally important example of airport terminal design. The Beehive is now part of City Place, one of the commercial hubs of the Gatwick Diamond.

This brand-new office follows the acquisition of Stuckey Carr & Co in 2014, Forest Row firm PR Vince in October 2013 and Allen Ticehurst in East Grinstead during 2012.

Mayo Wynne Baxter now has nine offices in Sussex, including longestablished bases in Eastbourne, Seaford, Lewes, and Brighton.

LUKE WRIGHT BENEFIT YEAR Key members of the Brighton business community have been recruited to support Sussex and England cricketer Luke Wright in his 2015 Benefit Year. The business leaders will be organising a host of fundraising events in Sussex and London. The events will support three great charities and encourage more children and young adults to get involved in cricket.

Nik Askaroff, of EMC, chairs the benefit committee. He is joined by Tim Cobb of Cobb PR, Barry Carden of Cardens Accountants, Simon Maguire of Hotel du Vin, Jon Filby, Deputy Chair of Sussex County Cricket Club, Andrew Crumpton of Baker Bennett Ltd, and Natasha Askaroff, Michael Gibbs and Ryan Smith from EMC. The launch event takes place at The Grand Hotel in Brighton on Friday, March 6. Special guest speaker will be former Ashes Captain Andrew Strauss OBE, joined by Brighton comedian Stephen Grant and host ex-England bowler Ed Giddins.

The luncheon is expected to be a “sell-out” and tickets are now on sale via info@lukewrightbenefit2015.co.uk or by calling 01273 945984.

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CITY news

“Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first”

NEW BOARD MEMBER An award winning HR Director has been appointed to the board of Coast to Capital, the local enterprise partnership for Brighton and Hove, Lewes, London Borough of Croydon, the Gatwick Diamond and West Sussex.

Amanda Menahem is the HR Director for Hastings Insurance Services Ltd., one of the largest employers on the South Coast. Amanda joined the company as HR Director in March 2009 having held a number of senior HR management roles. In 2014, she and her team were awarded the 2014 HR Excellence Award for the most effective recruitment strategy, beating off competition from national and globally recognised companies such as River Island and McDonald’s Restaurants.

Amanda is a Sussex resident and a graduate of the University of Sussex and has a keen interest in local matters. She leads on a number of initiatives with both universities in Brighton to create mutually beneficial learning and employment opportunities.

Amanda has a First Class Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Sussex and started her career in recruitment and training within the retail sector.

Speaking on her appointment, Amanda said: “I look forward to working with the Coast to Capital team and partners to help create a deliverable skills strategy for the area in order to contribute to its economic growth and job creation drive. To achieve sustainable growth, the area’s businesses will need to attract and retain the very best talent.”

WRAPPED UP BY OCTOPUS EMC Corporate Finance has completed the sale of Lewes illustrated publisher Ilex Press to the Octopus Publishing Group. The deal means that Ilex now becomes an imprint of Octopus alongside other internationally-known names such as Hamlyn, Cassell Illustrated and Mitchell Beazley.

Ilex is best known for its expertise in photography and the visual media, producing illustrated reference titles on creativity and popular culture.

Its list includes titles by photographer Michael Freeman, author of The Photographer’s Eye and The Complete Guide to Digital Photography, and the 2013 Christmas hit The 1000 Dot to Dot Book by Thomas Pavitte.

Alastair Campbell, who co-founded the company in 2000 with Peter Bridgewater and Jenny Manstead, is retiring, but there will be no other redundancies, with all Ilex creative publishing staff transferring to London.

Peter Bridgewater said: I would like to thank Nik Askaroff and his hard working team at EMC Corporate Finance for all the work they put in to ensure negotiations stayed on track and the deal seen through to a successful conclusion.”

SUSSEX ENTERPRISE RE-BRANDS Sussex Enterprise, the largest business membership organisation in East and West Sussex, has been formally renamed as ‘Sussex Chamber of Commerce’ in conjunction with the national network, The British Chambers of Commerce.

The company has undergone a total brand review since dynamic new CEO Ana Christie took the reins, propelling themselves into 2015 with a contemporary and bold new vision. Sussex Chamber of Commerce will focus on easy-to-understand, clear and consistent messaging, which will help improve the economic regional environment.

Creative Pod, an award winning Sussex and Surrey-based, design-led Print, Marketing and Design agency, managed the rebrand in conjunction with Sussex Enterprise.

PORTFOLIO 71

CITY news

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out”

THE WORTHING WEEKENDER Ambitious plans to hold a huge music festival at Shoreham Airport have been given a boost when the council granted the organisers a premises licence. Adur District Council have granted the licence after two public committee hearings. Committee Chairman Councillor David Simmons said: “This is the most significant licensing application to come before the Council in the nine years that I’ve been a member.

“In coming to our decision, the Members sitting on the Committee took time to hear the full range of representations from the community, considering these in conjunction with our powers and remit under the Licensing Act and the conditions and mitigations put forward by the applicant.

“It must be remembered that this is an application under the Licensing Act 2003 for a premises license to authorise the provision of alcohol, late night refreshment and entertainment as part of a two day event.

“This was not an application seeking permission to hold events - this is not a matter that falls under this committee’s remit.

“There are 92 conditions accompanying our decision, conditions which are expressly designed to answer concerns raised by the community and protect local residents from as much disruption as possible.

“I am confident that these conditions, together with the goodwill shown

by SJM Ltd, will help all parties to deliver a safe, enjoyable event that adds something different to the local events scene.”

The attendee numbers have been pegged at 35,000 and the event must finish by 1am. This is an exciting new event that will bring much needed revenue into the area.

i360 PROGRESS Construction of Brighton’s i360 is well underway on Brighton beach and off site in Holland, France and Australia. Eleanor Harris, CEO of Brighton i360, said: “It has been a long, hard road to get us to this point. When the architects David Marks and Julia Barfield dreamt up the i360, none of us imagined we would be faced by a global financial crisis and it would take us eight years to get to this point. But we had a shared vision and sheer determination to bring this engineering wonder – the world’s tallest moving observation tower and ‘son of the London Eye’ – to reality in Brighton.

“If 2014 was all about moving from concept to reality, 2015 is about moving from the ground up into the sky – our tower will become a very real presence on the Brighton seafront this year, and we can’t wait.”

Eleanor gave a full interview to Portfolio, which we will bring you next month.

208,000 NEW HOMES IN SUSSEX Whether we like it or not, a new homes building target for England alone has been set for 230,000 new homes each year for the next 20 years.

That’s nearly five million new homes. (Vince Cable is pushing for the number to be increased to six million.) We are about to see enormous changes to our towns, villages and countryside. If the lower figure is divided equally between the 48 ceremonial counties in England, it will equate to approximately 104,000 new homes in each county, or 208,000 new homes across East and West Sussex. But in reality, we know the number of new homes will not be divided equally across northern and southern counties.

Demand for new homes is many times higher in the South East. Employment is higher, profits for house builders are much higher and Sussex is officially the UK’s sunniest county! There is more space in Sussex than in the Home Counties, yet it is still commuting distance from London, so a disproportionate amount of these new homes will be built in East and West Sussex. By looking at the size of our counties, we can easily see that anything close to the projected figures will have a phenomenal impact on all of us. These new residents will need jobs – expansion of Gatwick anyone?

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CITY news

“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm”

WELL DONE BRIGHTON Economic growth in Brighton and Hove is outpacing the rest of the country by a country mile. The economy expanded by 5% in 2013 compared to 3% regionally and nationally, official figures show.

The value of goods and services produced per capita went up by 3.75%, while the national figure was 2.5% and the South East 2%. The top sectors driving growth were production, which increased by nearly 20% - or £55 million.

Information technology grew by 15.5%, adding £55 million to the economy.

Public administration, education and health rose by 7.2%, boosting the city by £96 million. Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the economic development and culture committee, said: “This is very encouraging.

National studies have identified Brighton and Hove as having potential to lead the way out of recession because of its strengths in the high-tech industries of the future. “The council and neighbouring authorities are busy trying to encourage that through initiatives like the City Deal. The signs are that we’re as attractive to businesses as we are to tourists.”

He added: “But we must remember that these growth figures do not tell us how increased wealth is distributed. “Making sure that the economy is as inclusive as possible, offering opportunities to all, continues to be our goal.”

Tony Mernagh, executive director of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said: “It doesn`t surprise me in the least that Brighton has performed so well. “Our productivity has been increasing at a phenomenal rate since the 1990s, albeit from a low start. “We have the key ingredient to economic success – a fantastically creative and well qualified workforce thanks to our two universities, the fourth best qualified in the UK.”

GOVE VISIT With just 118 days to the General Election, Clarence Mitchell, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion, welcomed Michael Gove, the Conservative Chief Whip, to the city. Meeting him with local Conservative Members and activists in Hove, Clarence said: “I warmly welcome Michael to Brighton and Hove and I am very grateful for his support for my campaign. Michael is one of the most radical, forward thinking Ministers we have had in years.

“Michael’s recent record as Secretary of State for Education, driving up standards in our schools and championing best practice teaching methods, is exemplary and proves he isn’t shy of doing the right thing. He can be proud of his achievements in the face of often vociferous opposition. “Michael and I are also both former newspaper correspondents, so I was very pleased to welcome a fellow journalist to the city.” In Brighton and Hove, under Michael’s expert leadership in 2014, the percentage of city pupils achieving the benchmark five GCSE passes, including Maths and English, with grades of A* to C rose again, going up to 62 per cent from 56 per cent the previous year. In 2011 the figure was 53 per cent.

DMH STALLARD MERGER Leading South East law firm DMH Stallard has merged with Guildford firm, AWB Partnership, effective 1 January 2015. The new law firm is called DMH Stallard and has a total of 53 partners. The merger further strengthens DMH Stallard’s presence across the South East, adding to the firm’s existing offices in the City of London, Gatwick, Brighton and Farnham.

All of AWB’s existing 37-strong team, including seven partners, are retained and remain servicing clients from their offices in central Guildford. Over the next 12 months, DMH Stallard intends to re-locate its presence in Farnham and the current AWB office into one new Guildford office.

Richard Pollins, Managing Partner of DMH Stallard, led the deal. He says: “I’m delighted to announce that our merger with AWB Partnership is now complete. A merger with a high-quality firm in Guildford has always been part of DMH Stallard’s long-term growth strategy.

“The newly-expanded firm allows us to service our growing client base in the region. It also supports our private client practice, which is significantly boosted by AWB’s tremendous reputation in this area and one which I am sure we will build upon further as one firm.”

Richard Middlehurst, managing partner of AWB Partnership, says: “We are absolutely delighted to have completed this merger with DMH Stallard.

Their stature and reputation in the market is well-established and will provide the platform we need to offer a very compelling service to our clients.“

PORTFOLIO 73

NATIONAL news

NATIONAL NEWS Please note these are the personal views of our City Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

WHAT GLASS CEILING? The gender pay gap has long been a subject for debate, and although the gender pay gap in traditional 9-5 jobs still exists, figures released by PeoplePerHour, an online marketplace for freelancers, today suggest that women moving online into freelancing are bridging the gap and even out-earning their male counterparts.

Women are winning 58% of online work advertised, with an average hourly rate of £22.43 when freelancing. In comparison, men earn an average of £21.57, almost a pound less than women per hour.

The findings show that the highest paid profession listed for both men and women was mobile app development, with women earning more than men at £37 per hour as opposed to £35 per hour for men. Brighton, Bournemouth and Milton Keynes are found to be female freelancer earning hotspots.

A NEW APPROACH Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work in West London is home to 8,000 employees from 45 of the world’s best-known brands: Aker, Ericsson, ESPN, Foxtons, Paramount Pictures, Pepsico, Starbucks, and the Walt Disney Company, among others.

At Chiswick Park office workers (or “guests” as they are referred to) can get all their dry cleaning, shoe repairs, get their groceries delivered, car and bike maintenance taken care of by a concierge service. They can learn to play the guitar or join a sports league in their lunch hour, learn a language in one of the many evening classes, or listen to an inspiring speech from Sir David Attenborough. I could go on, but a look at this one-minute video clip gives you a better flavour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiRcLBotHtY All a gimmick? The philosophy behind Chiswick Park is based on the premise that people who enjoy work do better work. It attracts a range of tenants by offering an enhanced working environment and embracing the idea that a happy workforce is a more productive workforce.

Graham White is the new Chief Executive, joining Chiswick Park from Center Parcs, has a background in the service industry. Graham provides a keen insight into the importance of employee well-being and providing an environment which allows them to prosper and perform to their highest standards.

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NATIONAL news

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business” PENSION OUTLOOK Only 45% of new pensioners will be entitled to the full, new, flat-rate state pension in the first five years of the system, government figures show.

The new state pension, aimed at simplifying the system, will see a single payment of about £150 made to new pensioners from April 2016. New figures suggest that two million people will not get the full amount.

However, the government has stressed that they will be no worse off than under the current means-tested system.

The new flat-rate state pension was unveiled two years ago by the government, and was promised to be a fairer system. This only applies to new retirees from April 2016, rather than the 11 million people who already receive the state pension.

A freedom of information request submitted by investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown reveals that 45% of those retiring between 2016 and 2020 will get the full amount.

Some with a private or workplace pension provision are contracted out of some of the state second pension, which is being integrated into the new flat-rate state pension. This means they will receive a lower amount.

After April 2017, people will also have to work longer, making 35 years’ worth of National Insurance (NI) contributions, rather than the current 30, to qualify for the full pension.

CYBER SECURITY The reports that Samsung Electronics has approached BlackBerry gave the ailing smartphone maker’s stock a huge boost.

Any deal is far from done and BlackBerry denies it, but the possibility does raise the question: Why would Samsung want to acquire BlackBerry? Yes, the Korean conglomerate would get a robust suite of patents, BlackBerry’s powerful (though unloved) new mobile platform, and a history of highly respected hardware design.

Still, there is really only one reason the Canadian phonemaker is attractive to Samsung right now: security. And technological and cyber security is the colossal new growth market.

SMALL BUSINESS LEADS Small businesses have reported the highest rise in annual income since the turn of the century. At the end of last year, an analysis of the current accounts of banks’ small business customers (generating a turnover of under £5m) showed that income levels were up 8% on 2013.

Since 2000, revenue levels have risen 20%, the Small Business Income Index showed.

According to the banks, small business income recovered to its pre-recession peak in 2013, but 2014 saw unprecedented business activity.

Businesses associated with property, both in construction and management, generated the largest proportion of revenue growth, accounting for more than a third of small business customers’ income growth in 2014.

ENTREPRENEURS RULE THE WORLD UK entrepreneurs created a record number of new businesses in 2014, with London and Birmingham responsible for the majority of new start-ups.

Research from national enterprise campaign StartUp Britain, which is run by the Centre for Entrepreneurs think tank, shows that 581,173 businesses were registered with Companies House last year. This beats the previous all-time high of 526,446 in 2013, up from 484,224 start-ups formed in 2012.

Unsurprisingly, London was the top performer in the UK, the capital’s budding entrepreneurs creating 184,671 businesses, with Brighton at 4, Guildford at 17 and Portsmouth at 19.

PORTFOLIO 75

BUSINESS profile

LET’S RACE

Lets Race have the first commercially available Formula 1 simulators in the country Business Editor. Maarten Hoffmann gets a taste for speed…

C

o-incidence can be a wonderful thing.

Whilst in possession of the F-Type Jaguar, as reviewed in this issue, l was invited to Lets Race in Horley to sample their wares. Lets Race have the first commercially available Formula 1 simulators in the country, and that was an offer that could not be refused.

The setup is very well designed, with their purpose-built building including everything the petrol head could possibly want. And you don’t need to be a petrol head, as their busiest sector is that of companies visiting to enjoy a team building or incentive day out, challenging each other in wheel to wheel duels over just about every F1 circuit there is.

The USP here is that these are real simulators. Not the type to be found at amusement arcades, but the real thing, as used by many an F1 driver to learn the intricacies of a given track. After the professional briefing, the racers are shown into the darkened simulator room; that immediately gets the nerves going, as you see the 10 simulators all lined up and awaiting their drivers, along with

76 PORTFOLIO

“The USP here is that these are real simulators. Not the type to be found at amusement arcades, but the real thing, as used by many an F1 driver to learn the intricacies of a given track”

a raised seating area for spectators.

As with the real thing, you have to remove the steering wheel before slipping deep into the belly of the car, there to be faced with an HD wrap around screen. No helpful on-screen guides here as you are expected to remember the layout of the track from the briefing. The lights dim further and the race marshal calls all racers to attention for the qualifying laps.

The lights run through the reds until green shows and we are off. The engines scream, the wheels spin and the simulated crowd in the grandstand flash past as you race into the first corner at 130mph, hit the anchors and spin off into the crowd, no doubt killing a clutch of them, were this the real thing. This is not easy and really takes a bit of time to get the hang of, but after 5 qualifying laps, it starts to come together and you quickly learn not to brake when turning. The steering wheel is not straight. All too quickly, the qualy laps are over and by some hand of unbelievable fate, I am second on the grid.

We then gather in the briefing room to look at

BUSINESS profile

“It really does make you realise that F1 drivers are supreme athletes” the telemetry details, which are professionally printed out for each racer, and the marshal goes through the problems of where you are breaking too early, which apex has been missed and in my case, how many people l killed on the first corner. A quick drink at the fully stocked café and bar and we are back into the sim room for the duel to the death.

After 20 laps l am exhausted, with burning arm muscles and a throbbing head from the laser like focus required to get the best out of the drive. I end up in 3rd place, and feeling a bit of a twit, l have to stand on the podium for pictures and begrudging applause from my fellow racers.

After my heart has stopped racing and the burning in my arms abates, it really does make you realise that F1 drivers are supreme athletes, as not only are they doing it for real, with the possibility of death at any moment, but they race for 2 hours non-stop. No wonder their work out routine is so intense and the likes of Jensen Button is a highly acclaimed triathlon competitor.

Lets Race is a brilliant concept and one that is catching on rapidly. For a company to either reward their staff with a fun day out, Christmas party or as a team building exercise, l am not sure it can be beaten. The Lets Race team will tailor make the event to suit company requirements, and the building is superbly designed, with a Scalextric challenge, a children’s area with smaller simulators, a podium for the first three and fully licenced bar serving food and a range of drinks. The staff are cheerful and very professional, and all of them have spent hours on the machines, setting the fastest laps – lap times, I should add, that I got nowhere near.

If you don’t want to go there, they have a great full size simulator on wheels that they can take to any event or party, which, I am reliably informed, is usually the highlight of the evening for all those who have a go.

I have already booked to go back for the PBM annual bash but, and don’t tell them this, l am going to pop back a few times on the QT to master the track before we go. Cheat, moi?

59 Brighton Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7HJ www.letsrace.co.uk Tel: 01293 826800

PORTFOLIO 77

STYLE

SUITS YOU Most of us recognise that the way we dress says more about us than any words can ever convey. But how do you define a style that works for you, and dress with polish and confidence, while taking into account business dress codes? Our new style columnist, Samantha Wilding from Style & Grace, will be showing us how, with tips every month on how to dress to impress . Samantha is also available for private consultations to address specific needs.

Buying a suit should be easy, right? It is, but only if you follow some golden rules.

Samantha Wilding gives the lowdown on cut, cloth and colour

D

esigner Pierre Cardin once said, ‘I can go all over the world with just three outfits: a blue blazer and grey flannel trousers, a grey flannel suit, and black tie.’ All are, of course, variations on the suit, which became the ubiquitous ‘uniform’ for many men in the twentieth century.

The twenty-first century is arguably more casual, and this relaxed approach has crept into suit wearing too. So many men wear badly fitting, scruffy suits – I’m sure Mr Cardin would despair. This is ironic, given the fact that men take more care about how they look and recognise that their clothes are a vital aspect of their ‘brand’.

Let’s get back to looking sharp, gentlemen. In this article, I am going to remind you what to consider when buying a suit, the key elements and the most common mistakes. My aim isn’t to encourage you to instantly revamp your wardrobe, but inspire you to invest in it.

The suit as we know it today began to take shape at the end of the 19th century, when riding jackets and waistcoats became shorter to accommodate city dressing, and darker colours began to dominate. By the end of the 1930s, the three-piece suit (jacket, trousers and waistcoat) had become the accepted daily wear of office workers in Britain. This hasn’t altered much, and remains the basis of the modern suit.

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CUT, CLOTH, COLOUR When buying a suit (bespoke, made to measure or ready to wear), consider when, where and how often you will wear it. Will you wear it every day, or just to the occasional meeting?

Do you commute? Do you sit at a desk or do a lot of standing and presenting? Answering these questions will help you determine the cut, colour and cloth most appropriate for you.

The cut is the basic pattern regarded as the standard by tailors and manufacturers.

“My aim isn’t to encourage you to instantly revamp your wardrobe, but inspire you to invest in it” It is better to buy a well cut suit in a lesser fabric than vice versa. Above all, the cut should look ‘natural’, allowing movement and suiting your measurements. The fit, on the other hand, is about overall body allowance. The classic fit

has an extra four inches all over to allow room for comfort and movement. The contemporary slim fit, popular at the moment, is cut narrowly all over, but be careful of being too ‘modish’ as it will date the suit.

A medium weight cloth (12-13 ounces) is sensible for a suit you can wear most of the year. A tailor will advise choosing a cloth as heavy as you can bear as it hangs better, but keep your personal preferences and purpose in mind. Of course, today’s suits are made of much lighter weight fabric than in the past, when offices were heated only by coal fires, or not at all.

Wool is by far the best cloth for suits. The ‘super number’, as in ‘super 150’, denotes the fineness of the individual fibres (much like the thread count in sheets). The finer the wool, the rarer it is, so high ‘supers’ – 180 and above – are very expensive. Whatever the number, the cloth should have strength and structure, what tailors call ‘guts’. Most ready to wear suits are plain weave or worsted wool (smooth and tightly woven). Flannel and tweed (also from wool) are popular at the moment.

Many men, particularly those working in finance, law, business or politics, choose traditional colours: blues and greys. Again, think of building your suit wardrobe – start with the basics in block (plain) colour, then move on to different textures and patterns.

STYLE

Avoid black, however – it looks too funereal.

If you choose the darker, more conservative colours, a bespoke lining is a great way to express your individuality and liven things up.

At Gresham Blake, for example, you can design your own lining (see box for details).

COMMON MISTAKES The most common mistake is poor fit, with many men opting for jackets and trousers that are too big. Is this because our obsession with ‘comfort’ has crept into our psyches to such an extent that everyone automatically goes up a size or two? Know your true size, and stick to it! Remember the tailor’s mantra: balance and harmony are the keys to a well-fitting suit that allows the wearer to look ‘natural’.

TROUSERS ARE TOO LONG: Balance is the objective: the bottom of the trouser should be balanced with your shoe size, leaving the front third of the shoe uncovered (unless you have very large feet). Braces make fitting trousers much easier as they keep them hanging properly, and have the added advantage of elongating your legs.

SLEEVE LENGTH: Shirts with sleeves that are too short and jacket sleeves that are too long are common mistakes. The cuffs should cover the wrist, just touching the base of the thumb, and at least 1cm of the shirt cuff should show.

JACKET IS TOO BIG: The jacket’s shoulder pads should square with your shoulders; if they droop or leave dents, the jacket is too big.

The fit of the jacket collar depends on a wellfitting shirt.

WOMEN BUY YOUR SUIT: Guys, get a grip. Care about what you wear and go and find your own clothes (see the box below). Your wife or girlfriend cannot try on or be fitted for a suit for you. As I said, your clothes are part of your brand. And you care about your brand, don’t you?

Keep in mind that a good wardrobe (with the suit as a central element) is built over a number of years - a bit like decorating your house or building your business. It is a personal process and should result in a style that is uniquely yours.

Retailers and tailors in Sussex and beyond: • Gresham Blake, Brighton and London – bespoke, made to measure and ready to wear • Paul Clark in Lewes – ready to wear, plus accessories and toiletries • Hugh Rae in Lewes – great tweed Jackets • Crosby’s of Seaford – geared to the older man but a treasure trove of good stuff • Woodies, Brighton – bespoke tailoring and ready to wear •

Samantha Wilding Tel: 07833 084864 Email: Samantha@styleandgrace.eu Website: www.styleandgrace.eu Twitter: @alwayschicUK

Marks and Spencer and Moss Bros (nationwide and online) – both are regenerating their menswear and revamping their image

• Designer range at Debenhams (nationwide and online) – particularly Patrick Grant

PORTFOLIO 79

The widest-read business publication in the South East

ISSUE 8 . 2015

WHERE WERE THE BUSINESS VOICES?

PLATINUM Did Sir Howard Davies hear the full story at the airport expansion hearing?

WHERE TO INVEST IN 2015 Skerritts look into the crystal ball

Plus: Business Funding Guide International Trade Legal Issues Accountancy Wealth Management Business Travel Chamber News Business Style Editorial Opinion Networking Motoring

PLATINUM OUT NOW

CREATING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Coast to Capital LEP partners with PBM

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS With key Business and Academic Leaders NatWest DMH Stallard University of Sussex Hurst College

THE BIG STORY

TONY BLAIR

CRIMINAL, MYTH OR LEGEND?

READ ALL PAST ISSUES AT WWW.PLATINUMBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

BRIGHTON chambers

2014 IN NUMBERS Abby Moreton, Membership Manager at Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce, looks back at some of the networking, training and social events events of 2014 2014 was a very busy year at the Chamber. We grew in all sorts of ways, expanding our team and packing our events calendar. I’ve had a look back at the events we did last year to try to pick out my favourites. It’s been a tricky task: there are so many to choose from.

I love our monthly breakfasts at Carluccio’s – the food is delicious and everyone is in such a good mood because it’s Friday. And our carefully chosen inspirational speakers make sure we all go away feeling good and ready to face the day. We usually sell out, with 80 businesses attending every month. It’s one to book early.

The Big Debates always create a stir, often tackling important topics such as the Living Wage, or whether to ban cars in Brighton. But I also like our ‘just for fun’ events. We’ve been behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal, had an after-hours tour of Brighton’s Victorian sewers and learned the secrets behind Harvey’s at their brewery tour.

Whether you like networking, training or social events there are plenty of ways to get involved. Here’s our 2014 in numbers.

MEMBERSHIP • In 2014 we welcomed over 150 new members, including a hospital, a locksmith, a gym, a garden designer, chauffeurs, business coaches, a bank and many other experts you can call on when you need them.

EVENTS • We delivered 98 events, including socials, pop-up breakfasts, behind-the-scenes, our annual Summit and Big Debates. 42 were training workshops with over 200 attendees • In total, our events attracted over 2000 attendees.

BUSINESS SUPPORT • Earlier in 2014 we designed and delivered 14 Ride the Wave business support events, attracting over 600 businesses. A new series has just started which is running to March 2015. Keep an eye on the calendar for details of the workshops.

• We recruited 70 volunteer mentors for the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) scheme, helping 500 business start-ups.

• We provided online and telephone support throughout the year, dealing with over 3000 enquires from businesses.

ONLINE • We have over 9000 followers on Twitter.

• We have over 2200 members in our Chamber LinkedIn group.

• We’ve uploaded 120 news items for members and 163 blog posts about our members.

• We’ve received 30,000 unique visits to our website.

AND ALSO • We’ve employed Laura Evans as our Business Support Navigator.

Laura helps businesses, social enterprises and charities to find the right advice and support (supported by the Regional Growth Fund).

• We’ve recruited more than 180 local businesses for the Living Wage Campaign in Brighton & Hove, now in its third year.

• We’ve provided a successful platform for Construction Voice. You’ll see even more specialist events this year.

• We’ve supported a wide variety of strategic meetings to improve business in the city.

• We’ve worked with 60 of our members who are volunteering their time and expertise to help the Chamber to continue to develop and grow.

To find out more about Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce visit www.businessinbrighton.org.uk or call 01273 719097.

Make 2015 the year you get involved.

Photos by Simon Callaghan Photography and Brighton Togs

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BEAUTIFUL homes We believe that effective networking is all about relationship building in a relaxed and informal environment and The Platinum Club provides the ideal platform for companies both large and small, to come together for an enjoyable evening in the luxurious surroundings of The Grand Hotel Brighton.

“ ”

Don’t just take our word for it, here is what some of our members have to say

Let me tell you that the Platinum Club “ is no ordinary networking club. For anyone who is tired of run-of-the-mill networking events I would suggest you try the Platinum Club.

John Healy – Healy’s LLP

”

The Platinum Club is all that networking should be, but so “ rarely is. Newcomers need never feel nervous as the evenings are hosted in impeccable style and all are made welcome with effortless introductions to useful new contacts. If you attend only one networking event, make sure it’s the Platinum Club!

Sophia Lee-Spencer, CEO, Callisto Associates

”

The platinum club has proved an excellent forum to network “ with good calibre business contacts, many of which have led to both opportunities and friendships. It’s always an enjoyable and high quality event. This is down to the rigour with which it is managed, run and hosted. It’s one of the highlights of my Amanda Menahem - Hastings Direct business calendar!

”

We have recently become members of The Platinum Club “ where we have met great people and even gained new clients already. I would highly recommend The Platinum Club if you are looking to meet new businesses, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Becky Sharp – Harvey John Recruitment

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I would recommend the Platinum Club “ as a fantastic way to meet new contacts in a relaxed evening of networking with a great location! Good spread of Companies and make you feel at home!

Tony Rice – Coulsdon Audi

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The Platinum Club is undoubtedly one “ of the most prestigious networking groups I have attended. The meetings are vibrant and positive and we leave the events with a spring in our step, pleased we made the commitment to attend.

Denise Buchan – Classic Consulting

”

Platinum events are always so well “ organised and attended by the right people.” Keith Jackman – Mercedes-Benz

Call: 07966 244046 • e-mail: info@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk • web: www.theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk

SOCIAL event

Clarence Mitchell (The Conservative Party), Sam Leonard (Handelsbanken),

Becky Sharp (Sharp Insight), Dave Bone (Barebones Communications).

Michael Wilkins (Allied Irish Bank), Chris Sparkes (Baker Tilly), Gemma King (Vivid Marketing), Chris Lind (Shore Events).

A Christmas surprise for Louise Walden of Big Beach Marketing

The Platinum Business Club, The Grand Hotel, Brighton The Platinum Club met just before Christmas for the final hurrah of 2014 and there was much hilarity as Alex Walsh, a startlingly good close-up magician, mingled unbeknownst to the guests and live jazz from the incomparable Matt vanKan soothed the year away. But 2015 is here and watch this space for the announcement of the all new Platinum Club in the Gatwick Diamond, launching in the Spring.

For more information on joining the most dynamic networking group in Sussex, contact info@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk or call 07966 244046

Amanda Menahem (Hastings Direct), Roy Whitehouse (WIS International).

Daisy Fitsimmons and Katie Gibson (Pier Recruitment), Samantha Wilding (Style&Grace) and photo-bomber Hoffmann.

Samantha Wilding (Style&Grace), Alan Trace (Extech).

Surprise!

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BUSINESS lunch

GRAZE RESTAURANT City Editor, Maarten Hoffmann, relishes lunch at Graze Restaurant

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n the Prince Regent’s day, Brighton, or Brighthelm as it was known, was always about culinary decadence. Dinner parties at the Royal Pavilion often lasted all night and the Prince’s personal chef, Antonin Careme, would be tasked with producing platter after platter of the world’s finest bounty.

Graze in Hove is like Lilliput. I felt giant in this mini-Pavilion full of decadent and slightly camp objets d’art, grand mini-chandeliers, flock wallpaper and quirky paintings. I thought the wrought iron fireplace under the pass, converted to a wine rack, was a neat touch, and then my eyes drifted onto the kitchen, which is the reason we are here.

Modern British cooking. Well, that conjures up a myriad of thoughts, and you feel that an establishment branding itself in this way is either hiding their fare under an anonymous catch-all,

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or have defined the term.

I was dining with our Copy Editor, Dan, and we nervously peeked at the menu. They have three offerings: the short, the set and the Chef’s tasting menu – which presents seven courses for £55. If time had allowed, that’s where we would have ventured, but we plumped for the short menu.

All three menus are a set price; therefore I cannot list prices per dish, but the short menu was only £20 for 3 courses.

For starters, Dan ordered the braised oxtail, ragout of girolles and crispy shallots and I chose pickled cherry tomatoes, ricotta, herbs and confit lemon. While waiting, we were served an amuse bouche that had all the hallmarks of a pretentious little time-filler, until I tried it, and instantly regretted those sarcastic thoughts.

A tiny roll of chicken ballontine, stuffed with

charred leeks, courgettes, soft brie, chicken gel (I don’t know either!), and a red pepper parfait that was absolutely gorgeous. I was tempted to order a large dish for the main course.

Lovely presentation in deep wide bowls, and into the fray we ventured. I am not mad about ricotta, but this combo was excellent, and the pickled tomatoes were a revelation. I shot a forkful into Dan’s mouth and his face lit up as if he’d stuck his finger in a socket. With approving grunts, he then polished off the oxtail and looked up in anticipation. What an excellent start, and not long to wait for his main choice of roast hake, wild mushrooms, kale and red wine jus, and mine of slow roast pork belly, colcannon and quince.

At this point Dan attempted to justify his editorial existence at Portfolio Towers by stating, with a contented smile, that his dish

BUSINESS lunch

Graze Restaurant 43 Western Road Hove BN3 1JD 01273 823707 www.graze-restaurant.co.uk

“I shot a forkful into Dan’s mouth and his face lit up as if he’d stuck his finger in a socket.

With approving grunts, he then polished off the oxtail and looked up in anticipation” was unctuous. Now, I write for a living, and I won’t have some Yank springing a new ‘English’ word on me, so immediately looked it up: unctuous; unc.tu.ous – excessively flattering; ingratiating; oily. Therefore, I feel he was ‘being’ unctuous rather than the ‘dish’ being unctuous.

Just thought I would point that out! Them folk from the Colonies ain’t what they used to be!

I digress. We have established Dan’s thoughts – and onto my pork belly. Presentation was excellent, and the colcannon superb, but I would have liked more meat. Crispy top and beautifully cooked, but only the tiniest slither of pork – and to me it is the combination of crispy top and fatty layer attached to a healthy seam of pork that makes the dish. But under the guise of reputable reporting, we also ordered fermented garlic Gnocchi on the side and the quite horriblesounding ‘hand-cut fat dripping chips’ – tasted

great but I think a new moniker might be in order.

I knew I shouldn’t have turned to chat with the polite and knowledgeable waiter, Matthew, as when I looked back, Dan was demolishing the gnocchi as if he was going for the Wisconsin gnocchi-eating championship! I managed to rescue the remaining lonely morsel from his manic grasp, and what a delight it was, with the slightest hint of garlic.

A sated calm descended over the table as we sat back – and, as I often do, marvelled at the dedication and obsessive nature of chefs who labour tirelessly over the intricacies of flavour.

Most of us are obsessive about something, and thank heaven for talented chefs such as Adrian Hawkins, who presides in the Graze kitchen. And he wasn’t finished yet.

Pudding was whisked to the table and we were presented with artichoke chiboust with

vanilla ice cream and a pear tart that I couldn’t find on the menu anywhere. The chiboust had the faintest tone of artichoke, and, odd as it sounds, it really worked – but the pear tart was an absolute triumph, presented with delicately arranged strips of pickled pear and a scattering of tiny flowers and green leaves, with a dollop of rich ice cream mounted atop a mini Vesuvius of crumble.

It was one of the best pear tarts I have ever tasted. Bravo Adrian.

Graze carries two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence and is listed in the Michelin and the Good Food Guides. I would suggest you pop along there tout de suite.

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INTERVIEW

CREATING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE We talk to Tim Qates, Chairman of Coast to Capital, the region’s Local Enterprise Partnership about his role and his ambitions

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ighly experienced and influential business leader Tim Wates was appointed Chairman of the region’s Local Enterprise Partnership in May 2014.

Tim wears many hats in a variety of roles following a career with Cazenove & Co. in the City of London. These include being Chairman of the Wates Group Family Council, the Family Shareholders Forum, a shareholder and Director of two small companies and a trustee Director of the ‘Clink,’ which successfully rehabilitates prisoners through training in fine dining restaurants in prisons. In addition, Tim is also a UK Trade Ambassador for the Government.

A family man with four children, Tim finds time to enjoy good food and fine wine and works off any overindulgences with a weekly game of indoor soccer most Saturdays near his home in Surrey.

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AFTER SEVEN MONTHS AS CHAIRMAN OF COAST TO CAPITAL, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LEP? I was pleased to be asked to fill the role vacated

by John Peel, OBE when he stepped down in May, and the first six months have flown by.

During that time I’ve met with a wide range of business people, and the Board’s support has helped to make my transition from ViceChairman to Chairman a smooth process.

In recent months, we have made significant progress in driving forward economic growth plans for our region. Last summer, the Government announced its decision to back our Growth Deal and invest £202m across our region. As a result, some 14,000 jobs, 4,000 new homes and 190,000 square metres of employment space will be delivered over a sixyear period.

We also welcomed the Autumn Statement confirmation of funding for local transport schemes, including Gatwick Airport Railway

Station and the A27. Coast to Capital has worked hard to present a strong business case to Government, arguing that LEP monies should be used to support these important projects.

Our Coast to Capital Business Growth Scheme has been successful too. It’s very much about job creation. More than 300 new jobs will be created from the grants awarded by the Coast to Capital Business Growth Grant scheme in 2014. Some 37 businesses from across the local enterprise partnership’s region, including Brighton and Hove, Croydon, Gatwick Diamond, Lewes and West Sussex, were this year awarded a slice of £2.14m for projects to help them expand.

Our region has much potential for future growth and we must do all we can to ensure it continues to compete effectively with the prosperous regions of Europe. I am looking forward to seeing us make further progress during 2015.

INTERVIEW

“Promoting our region as a forward-looking centre for innovation is becoming increasingly important as we continue to encourage inward investment and build our relationships” WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE LEP? Promoting our region as a forward-looking centre for innovation is becoming increasingly important as we continue to encourage inward investment and build our relationships with national stakeholders ahead of the next round of growth negotiations and after next year’s general election.

The key ambition for me and fellow board members is that Coast to Capital will be recognised as one of the best-performing LEPs in the country.

WHY IS INNOVATION SO IMPORTANT FOR OUR REGION? Ongoing innovation is key to creating and sustaining long-term competitive advantage.

Creativity, ambition and international outlook are also important, and in recent months I’ve been delighted to meet many innovative companies whose achievements demonstrate our modern local economy.

Many of our region’s businesses already have a strong track record, and we need to replicate their successes and raise the bar across all sectors. This means giving people a helping hand to succeed and encouraging companies to invest in their futures and create the jobs of tomorrow.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU SEE AS A PRIORITY FOR COAST TO CAPITAL? We need to continue to help businesses by pursuing avenues to influence a better, connected region, not least by playing a role in assisting the development of our transport network and digital infrastructure.

I was delighted when our bid for Brighton to be home to one of three Digital Catapult Centres in the UK was successful. As a result, from March we will have a state-of-the-art hub for some of the country’s most innovative digital companies and entrepreneurs. This wouldn’t

have happened without the LEP driving the bid and, in particular, the expertise provided by Phil Jones, Coast to Capital Board Director.

However, it’s not just about our cities. With Government support, we will also seek to assist rural businesses disadvantaged by location by enabling them to be reliably connected to world markets.

“I was delighted when our bid for Brighton to be home to one of three Digital Catapult Centres in the UK was successful” On the employment front, Coast to Capital has an ambition to maximise skills and resources within communities, and, by working with employers and colleges, we hope to assist the creation of new pathways into work for young people and routes back to the workforce for the unemployed.

HOW IS COAST TO CAPITAL GEARING UP FOR THE YEARS AHEAD? The country relies on our region as one of the largest contributors to the national economy outside of Central London, and, with the continued support of the Government and of our business and public sector partners, Coast to Capital will successfully meet this challenge.

We have an excellent Board with a great mix of public sector and education leaders and a good range of business people – from senior leaders in blue chip companies to entrepreneurs. We also benefit from a talented

Executive Committee whose members bring strong commercial and entrepreneurial expertise to management of the day-to-day affairs of the LEP. Vice-Chairman Steve Allen founded, achieved venture capital funding for and sold a sustainable local business, and he certainly understands the challenges faced by ambitious entrepreneurs, whilst Daryl Gayler, Regional Director, Corporate & Commercial Banking South East at the Royal Bank of Scotland, advises corporates with turnovers of up to £500 million on a daily basis. Our Chief Executive, Ron Crank, also brings a wealth of public and private sector experience.

With the benefit of this leadership team, combined with the Government’s increasing emphasis on the LEPs as the key vehicle for driving economic growth locally, I am very excited about leading the Coast to Capital LEP. FINALLY, IN 2014 YOU WERE MADE A UK BUSINESS AMBASSADOR. WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL? I was very pleased to be appointed by the Prime Minister to join a group of high-profile business leaders who assist UK companies to create opportunities to attract inward investment into the UK. UK construction and infrastructure have much to offer, and, as a UK Business Ambassador, I will aim to help maximise overseas investment into the UK and also encourage export opportunities for the sector. This is highly complementary to the international ambitions of Coast to Capital.

Discover more about the activities of Coast to Capital LEP and how to get involved by visiting www.coast2capital.org.uk

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MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ESTATE

A CLASS ACT Business Editor, Maarten Hoffmann, is impressed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

M

ercedes have always been quite good at estates. I recall an E-Class estate l once owned that was my kids’ favourite car, based purely on the fact that the two jump seats in the boot faced backwards.

Much to the horror of other drivers, I am quite sure, they made faces and signs at anyone who had the misfortune to be behind me. Sadly, Mercedes don’t do this anymore, and you can’t help thinking that the Chairman of the company had to put up with this once too often when he was driving!

As with all Mercs, the interior trim and quality shine through, making the cabin a thoroughly nice place to be. Entry level SE models come equipped with leather seats, climate, cruise and 16” alloy wheels. Personally, I would plump for the Sport, with 17” alloys, heated seats, LED lights, lowered suspension and a generally up-graded trim. Of course, l would actually yearn for the AMG version, but I am trying to be sensible here.

The Mercedes Bluetec engine range is very impressive and swift enough, and if you really must buy a diesel (see Anger Management, issue 8), they don’t suffer from a lack of guts at low revs. Even the C220 has a lot to give and won’t run out of puff. The C250 will give you an extra shove but is quite a price increase over the 220 or entry level 200.

To make this feel like a Merc of old, you really should order the optional Airmatic suspension, which ensures that this car can be driven to Meribel for skiing with little fuss and in fabulous comfort. For an extra £895, this thing will drive like a limo. It’s a clever mix of

town shopper and motorway diva. Against the Audi A4 Avant and the BMW 3-Series Touring, I would go for the C-Class every time – there is a style to Mercs that is tough to replicate. The Jaguar ZF Sportbrake is close, but the pedigree of the Mercedes shines through, and the resale value will far better. It’s more expensive than the 3-Series Touring, but the interior knocks it out of the park.

Its boot space is not at the top of the league, but the rear seats are flat and wide and they fold down at the touch of a button. It was more than enough for me.

As with all premium cars today, the heart is controlled by a knob and a screen. If you are new to the car (that’s me, every seven days), this can be mightily confusing, but sit and work at it for 20 minutes and it all comes clear. Drive this car every day and it becomes intuitive very quickly, and shortcut buttons are a godsend. You know by now I do love my toys, and you absolutely must order the head-up display that projects speed and satnav onto the windscreen. You don’t need it till you use it, then you can’t do without it.

You really can fall in love with this car. It quickly becomes like a very comfortable pair of shoes.

The seriously quick AMG is not here yet, but if you have a couple of quid knocking about, order the C250 AMG Line variant, which you will never get bored of. It will be all the above and much more. Audi limit their warranty to 60,000 miles, whereas Mercedes offer three years and unlimited mileage. That’s a sign of supreme confidence.

TECHNICAL STUFF: Model: C220SE Bluetec Engine: 2.0 litre Performance: 0-60mph 7.7 secs Top Speed: 145mph Economy: 65.7mpg Price: £30,980

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“You really can fall in love with this car. It quickly becomes like a very comfortable pair of shoes”

Mercedes-Benz of Gatwick

Mercedes-Benz of Eastbourne

Mercedes-Benz of Brighton

Mercedes-Benz of Tonbridge

Mercedes-Benz of Ashford

Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone

CONTACT: MERCEDES-BENZ OF GATWICK, EASTBOURNE, BRIGHTON, TONBRIDGE, ASHFORD AND MAIDSTONE ON 0844 659 7503

HOTEL Awards

STAY THE NIGHT

The Brighton and Hove Hoteliers Awards 2014

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t a glitzy awards ceremony at the Hilton Brighton Metropole hoteliers and hotel staff celebrated the contribution made

by Brighton and Hove hotels and B&Bs to the local economy.The event was organised by Jeremy Ogden from the Brighton and Hove Hoteliers Association (BHHA), the Hilton Brighton Metropole and The Grand Hotel.

As organisers, the Metropole and the Grand decided not to enter the awards.

It was an overdue opportunity to salute those who work in a hard-working sector which is vital to the success of the city.

The General Managers of the hotels,

Cleanliness Award Winner My Hotel Sponsored by Brighton Visitor and City Cars Finalists: Drakes, The Cavalaire Warmest Welcome Winner The Cavalaire Sponsored by City College Brighton and Hove Finalists: Artist Residence, Blanch House Unsung Hero Award Winner Sam Patterson from Hotel Du Vin Sponsored by Rockinghorse and The Argus Appeal Finalists: Rae Davies from Jurys Inn, Andrei Mila from Strawberry Fields

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AndrewMosley and Howard Lewis, commented: “We are immensely proud of what the BHHA have achieved, with the support of the Hilton and The Grand, in putting the event on last night, and hope that the event will now go on to even greater success.

“The event itself was a fantastic occasion, celebrating our business across the city, from the smallest guesthouse to the largest hotels.

“We had over 300 attendees, many of whom were local corporate businesses from whom we have had great feedback. It is always a real benefit for hotels to be able to connect with these businesses, and we are grateful to them

for coming.

“We are also grateful to the sponsors and judges who helped so much in supporting the event, worked with us to ensure the event’s success and put a lot of effort into making sure that the judging process was fair and thorough.

“The message we are keen to send from these awards is that there is a real energy amongst the hotels and guest house community to consistently raise the bar in terms of standards for our customers, and in doing so to ensure that we are doing all we can to encourage business and leisure trade to the city.”

Ambassador for Customer Experience Award Winner Blanch House Sponsored by Platinum Business Magazine Finalists: My Hotel, Jerome Pesenti from The Thistle Best Initiative Award Winner Jurys inn Sponsored by Brighton i360 Finalists: Lime House, The Old Ship Outstanding Personality Award Winner Arif Said - Nineteen Sponsored by Juice FM Finalists: Ken Eunson from The Thistle, Gillian Lindfield Butler from The Old Ship Hotel

Charity and Community Award Winner Jurys Inn Sponsored by Brighton Supplies Finalists: My Hotel, Strawberry Fields Best Breakfast Award Winner Artist Residence Sponsored by Southern Water Finalists: Granville Hotel, Paskins Property of The Year Award Winner Hotel Una Sponsored by Visit Brighton Finalists: Artists Residence, Drakes

SOCIAL event

Amherst Hotel

Hilton Brighton Metropole

Strawberry Fields

The Brighton and Hove Hotelier Awards 2014 Jurys Inn

The finest hotels and guesthouses in Brighton and Hove gathered at the Hilton Brighton Metropole in November to celebrate hospitality in the city.

The event was organised by Metropole and The Grand, along with the Brighton and Hove Hoteliers Association.

Holiday Inn

Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton, Howard Lewis, Hilton Brighton Metropole

Paskins

Guy Hilton, Hilton Gatwick Airport and guests

Paula Seager & Lynne Edwards

Neil Kirby, Nicki & Geoff Loader

Smart Training

Think Social

Andrew Mosley, The Grand Hotel & guests

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LET’S talk

WISE WORDS We talk to Clarence Mitchell, who gives us his Conservative view in this month’s column

C

larence Mitchell was selected as the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion in July 2013. He will be fighting to unseat the UK’s only Green MP, Caroline Lucas, at the 2015 General Election. Previously a journalist, he had a 20 year career as a BBC on-air News Correspondent, followed by a period as a senior Civil Servant in the Cabinet Office before moving into public relations in 2007. He lives in Brighton.

WHY DOES IT MATTER? A simple question but one often overlooked in the rush to voice instant opinion or pass judgement. When I was a BBC News Correspondent, the best editors would send reporters out of the door on a breaking story with the injunction to “tell people why it matters” ringing in their ears. It made for considered, human reporting that connected with the audience so much more directly than mere fact recital. The same applies in politics.

Any politician seeking to earn public trust must explain why they and their policies actually matter to people in the real world, rather than simply mouthing party platitudes which are instantly dismissed as empty rhetoric. Why, for instance, does the return of common sense Conservatism to Brighton matter? Because the Green experiment of the last few years has failed dismally through its disastrous, ideologically driven, but administratively naïve, period in office, often sustained by an instinctively high taxing, high spending Labour Party. Brighton should no longer be the city of protest with a powerless, lone voice MP at its heart. Rather, it should be once again the city of prosperity, progress and pride. That’s why.

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SHOW YOU GIVE A DAMN When a communications crisis hits, threatening personal or corporate reputation, the key to gaining breathing space in the 24/7 fully-on, social media world is to do just that: show you actually do give a damn. The days of the brusque corporate or individual “no comment” are now long gone. No longer can you directly control the narrative around any given situation, but you can influence it if you intervene swiftly. And show you actually, genuinely, care. If something has gone wrong don’t be afraid to say so and, where legally

“Brighton should no longer be the city of protest with a powerless, lone voice MP at its heart” possible, apologise. You then need to explain what is being done to rectify things. People are understanding of accident or disaster. They detest attempts to shift blame, dissemble or avoid responsibility. The media, rightly, are even less forgiving. As you’ll find out. Fast.

CHECK, CHECK AND, YES, CHECK AGAIN. For those in the public eye or, indeed, anyone communicating with the public, accuracy is all.

Before that political statement or news release is given to the media, before that highly crafted speech is made, before that late night email,

tweet or Facebook post is fired off, check it, check it and, yes, check it again. Your political opponents, business rivals and journalists will be only too happy to remind you in full social media technicolour of your permanently available transgressions. They will enjoy it. You won’t.

STAY POSITIVE AND KEEP IT CLEAN Politics is the battle of ideas and philosophies.

Or, to paraphrase Clausewitz’s famous dictum, the continuation of war by other means. The differences between left and right are real enough and discernible, never more so, in fact, than at the forthcoming General Election, where the Conservative and Labour platforms are now distinctly different, given Ed Miliband’s overt shift to the left. But to many people, those nuances aren’t obvious and politicians are still seen as “all the same”, childishly hostile towards each other, endlessly negative and allegedly “in it for themselves”. This dramatic loss of public trust and voter disengagement is a real failure of our political system and one that must be overcome by future Parliamentarians if public faith in our democratic process is to be restored, especially amongst the young.

All campaigning should be positive, offering opponents respect for honestly held views, no matter how vehemently they may be opposed.

Debates should be won by the power of argument, not abuse. It’s not naïve to say it.

My campaign will be clean. Here’s to the other side agreeing.

VOTE CONSERVATIVE You know it makes sense. clarence@clarence4pavilion.com

CAREER LADDER This month we speak to Chris Gape about his career journey

Chris Gape is a Director at Cobb PR We speak to Chris about where he works and why he loves it HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE PR BUSINESS? About 16 years. I started my PR career working in-house in local government communications before running my own agency for four years, and following that took up my current role at Cobb PR. WHAT SORT OF COMPANIES DO YOU REPRESENT? It’s one of the big attractions of working at Cobb that we help clients from so many different sectors. We look after large corporates, numerous SMEs, various public and third sector organisations and several utilities. It’s never dull and I’m lucky to work at a senior level with decision makers who recognise the importance and value of planned internal and external communications.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EVER JOB? I gave the police force a go when I was 19.

My father was a chief police officer and at the time I thought it made sense for me too.

After my training I was posted to Brighton and while I enjoyed many elements and met some great people, I decided to give dad the disappointing news that I wouldn’t ever make Chief Superintendent like he did. He took it surprisingly well. Being a police officer is more than a career choice, it’s a way of life

and I wasn’t ready for that sort of day to day commitment.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK FOR YOU? Kicks off in the office about 8am with the first coffee of the day, overnight emails are purged and crack on before the phones start ringing.

That’s where the ‘typical day’ ends and anything can happen thereafter. We provide a press office service for several large organisations so we will always have media enquiries to handle alongside our proactive and planned work.

HOW IMPORTANT IS NETWORKING FOR YOU? It’s very important. I have a good mentor in this area. Tim Cobb is the best networker I’ve ever met. I’m a mere novice compared to him. Networking is so often misunderstood and badly conducted by even the most senior business people. It’s not their fault, it’s just that they haven’t ever been coached into how to do it properly. If you find yourself at a networking event chatting in a corner with someone you know well, you’re probably wasting an opportunity. Talk to Tim for some coaching.

WHAT DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? From aged 5 to 10 I had my eye on the number 9 shirt for Liverpool, 10 to 16 I thought I might make it playing cricket for Sussex and 16 to 19 I

wanted to be a pro golfer. While I struck out on all three, Sussex County Cricket Club is one of my clients and I work with some great people over at Hove, not on the pitch but not far away!

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO YOUR PROFESSION? A professional qualification that I would highly recommend for anyone keen to progress in PR is the Diploma in Public Relations. It is offered by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and it made a big difference to the direction of my career. Most importantly, it provides a deeper understanding of strategic communication and how it is fundamentally important to any successful organisation.

Cobb PR Eastbourne: 01323 416999 Brighton: 01273 208913 www.cobbpr.com

PORTFOLIO 93

GOLFGUY...

TREVINO HE AIN’T Continuing our new page of golf tips… This month: Get a grip and lose the slice!

GolfGuy writes: If you were lucky enough to be a golf fan in early ‘seventies America, you were often transfixed by the duels between golfing legends Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino. Lee (nice name!) was Jack’s main source of aggravation in those glorious days. Within a mere 20 days of magical golf in 1971, Trevino became the first pro golfer to consecutively win the US Open, The Canadian Open and the The Open. What used to impress me most about Lee was the way he could hit a power fade at will, much as

Bubba Watson does now. As with Bubba, Lee’s go-to shot was the fade.

One of my golfing buddies bears the nickname “Westie”, a reference to his tendency to aim west when he wants his tee shot to go east. Bafflingly, the further west he aims, the farther east the ball seems to go. As yet another doomed ball arcs away from him and slices towards the OB jungle, his pleading eyes beg me for some small piece of advice. Now, as much as I love to give unsolicited advice (and

hate to receive it), I haven’t a clue what to tell him, except to find a sport that uses a smaller club and a larger ball. Tennis comes to mind.

Is it his grip, his set-up, the swing plane? All of the above? Trevino he ain’t, but enthusiastic he is. Any qualified advice would be much appreciated.

GolfGuy

GOLF The Golf Pro replies: It is a known fact that a vast majority of golfers slice the ball (move the ball from left to right). The more you aim left, the more you swing across the ball, making the spin even greater from left to right. The only way to cure this habit fully is to see your PGA pro, but there are a few pointers you can give to ‘Westie’ to help him on his way.

poor grip

1.

good grip

2.

The grip Most golfers are right handed and tend to force the right hand more on top of the club, pushing the left hand off the club (pic 1). Try to make sure that the left thumb is slightly favouring the right side. Pinch the thumb and forefinger together- the left hand should feel more on top of the club- and as a check point you should see between 2 and 3 knuckles on your left hand (pic 2) Alignment Many golfers will aim left with their set up. This encourages the club to swing across the ball rather than follow the ball-totarget line. If the club travels from out to in to strike the ball, it will impart left-to-right spin on the ball (Pic 3).

poor set up

3.

good set up

4.

Swing Path If the Alignment is correct you will have a greater chance of attacking the ball from the inside and reducing the amount of left-to-right spin you put on the ball. To help achieve this on the course, try to feel that at the top of the backswing your left arm is across your chest and on the downswing you are trying to hit from the inside of the ball, corresponding to 7 to 1 on a clock face (pic 4 and 5).

In summary: • Make sure your grip is correct.

• Align correctly, making sure your shoulders do not point too far left • Make swings that feel flatter (more rounded) If you want to get rid of the slice on the course, don’t aim your body left. Aim straight and make the clubface point left.

Let me know how it goes!! Whatever the result my number is 01273 846567

angle of attack

5.

With thanks to our golfing expert, Lee Andrews, PGA Golf Professional, Mid Sussex Golf Club www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER FOR PORTFOLIO READERS Free round of golf for one on production of this article at Mid Sussex Golf Club until end of February. Monthly trial memberships also available to sample this warm and friendly club. To book a tee time or enquire please contact Lee Andrews at lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 95

CELEBRITY interview

POLIZZI’S PERSPECTIVE The ferocious Fixer, Alex Polizzi, shares her thoughts on success and sexism in the hospitality industry and beyond

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CELEBRITY interview

T

he viewing public will be aware of Alex Polizzi’s dual television personas: that of the formidable Hotel Inspector, terrifying hotel owners with her forthright feedback, and The Fixer, tasked with saving small businesses from the brink of bankruptcy.

Off screen, however, Polizzi is a far more approachable figure. Welcoming Portfolio into her Mayfair offices, she calls everyone ‘dahling’ in the same perfectly posh, charismatic manner that has made her a star on screen. She may be carving out a splendid television career, but Polizzi remains, at the core, one of the most respected figures in the hotel industry, a business expert, and investor in Miller’s Bespoke Bakery – her husband’s high profile, top flight catering operation.

We meet today at Rocco Forte HQ; the luxury hotel group is chaired by Polizzi’s uncle, Sir Rocco Forte. The Forte family have been in the business of hospitality since before WWII, and initially, Polizzi’s parents tried to discourage her from getting involved. “They knew that the hotel industry is a hard life. It is incredibly long hours; the work impacts dramatically on your personal life, because when everyone else is partying, you are the one running the party,” she says, wryly.

Ignoring her family’s advice, and refusing to be cushioned by their financial security, Polizzi started out “as a lowly waiter, on the management training course at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. I trained on the job – I never wanted to be an office

“Polizzi has made a name for herself as a stickler for the highest possible standards of hospitality”

person. I like being on the ground, in the thick of it.” Working her way up the career ladder the ‘proper’ way, she was mentored

by Wolfgang Kruger, the Food and Beverage Director of Mandarin Oriental. Thinking back, she says: “I believe that he set me up very well for almost every single job I’ve done subsequently, because he was very organised, very calm, methodical, and had an amazing eye for detail – he missed nothing!” A trait that will no doubt sound familiar to viewers of The Hotel Inspector, where Polizzi leaves no pillow unturned.

In fact, Polizzi has made such a name for herself as a stickler for the highest possible standards of hospitality, that one day she hopes to pass on that wisdom to the next generation. “I’ve always loved the idea of setting up a Centre of Excellence for the hospitality industry, which I don’t think currently exists in the UK - but that would involve me stopping working,” she smiles, as if that were an inconceivable concept.

“I’m not a workaholic, though; I love working, but I also take a lot of holidays, because the working week is full on and my children don’t see enough of me, so to compensate for that, I spend a lot of time on holiday with them. Work for me is a pleasure and it doesn’t really feel like work, so it is just the impact that it has on the people around you that you have to be careful of,” she warns.

Aged just six and two, Polizzi’s daughter Olga and son Rocco are a long way off taking their first Saturday jobs – perhaps in one of the eleven Rocco Forte hotels and resorts across Europe – but if they do

CELEBRITY interview

decide to follow in their mother’s footsteps, she has some thoughts about whether it is easier for women or men to survive the industry. “It’s harder for women than men in business, at my level, at any level,” she says. “I’m a feminist, and I would say that life is still harder for women. If nothing else, consider that it is women who bear children: something which involves at least a FEW days out of the office, if one is anything other than the most hard-nosed businesswoman, and every career break has an impact.”

“Sexual harassment also still exists, to an extraordinary degree,” she continues.

“I’m long in the tooth and it doesn’t happen to me anymore, but certainly when I was younger it was a constant in my life. I will tell my daughter something that no-one said to me, which is: if someone who you really don’t want to makes a verbal pass at you, you decline, but the minute someone lays an unwanted hand on you, you whack them!

Whether they are a client or another member of staff…”

In family and in business, Polizzi is equal parts fierce, forthright, caring and

contemplative. “The only real career guidance I’m ever going to give my children is ‘find out what you want to do and do it’ because I don’t care what they do; my husband left school when he was 15 and has been very successful. You have to find something that you enjoy, that you are good at, because you are going to be doing it a long time. You should be able to do that with a song in your heart and a smile on your face. Otherwise what is the point to life?”

“You have to find something that you enjoy, that you are good at, because you are going to be doing it a long time” The second part of Alex Polizzi - The Fixer, Series 4 will air on BBC 2 in early 2015

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