AUGUST 2015
THE BIG CITY PLAN Chalk Architecture investigate
STRIP OFF
Wallpaper and paint Interiors special
Health Matters Cover up in the SUN
Mike Tindall INTERVIEW
Life after rugby
&
Out About Free tickets to the City’s BEST local summer attractions inside
The region’s largest property publication
FREE
INSIDE 5
Calendar, page 22
Property News
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What’s Trending
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Calendar : Out and about in August August Collection : Our pick of homes with pools
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Talk Money : Award winner
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Selling your home : De-clutter
36
Social Media : Targeting your website
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Up My Street : Nick Mosley MD, Brighton & Hove Food Festival
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Auctions : Forthcoming dates
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Property Professionals Lunch : Who’s who
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Howlett Clarke : Justice for all
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Overseas, page 49
Hill House & Home Truths
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28
Chalk Architecture, page 44
Cover story : Chalk Architecture explores the big City plan New Homes : Green Plan Designer Homes Overseas : La Manga, Spain Gardening : Be adventurous ... Continued over For all advertising, editorial and general enquiries contact Managing Director Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk
www.portfoliopublications.co.uk Cover: Image courtesy of Farrow & Ball See page 61
August Collection, page 28
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54 58
Elon Musk, page 92
61 65
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Interiors, page 61
Career Ladder : Mark Buchanan Smith – Churchill Square Centre Director Cover story : Visitors guide – 4 page ticket giveaway to the City’s best holiday attractions Shopping : Picnics and parties Cover story Interiors : Strip off - wallpaper and paint Health : Cover up Cover story Celebrity Interview : Mike Tindall, life after rugby
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Sport : Round up
73 74
Golf : A round with Elliotts
76
Local & National News
82
Business lunch : Pelham House, Lewes
84
Style : Travelling in style
90
Motors : Caterham 270S Delightfully bonkers
92
FREE
Golf guy : Putting for dough Mike Tindall, page 69
The BIG story : Elon Musk, Rocket man
The PORTFOLIO team Managing Director: Lynne Edwards 07931 537588 • lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Business Editor: Maarten Hoffmann Production Editor: Fiona McTernan 07966 244 046 portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com For advertising and general enquiries contact maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Designer: Sally Wynn Interiors Editor: Tara de la Motte www.portfoliopublications.co.uk portfoliopublications@dollydesigns.co.uk tara@sussex-homes.co.uk Cover: Image courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Contributor: Kate Hill
Chief Sub-Editor & Contributing Editor: Daniel Frickelton portfoliomagazineeditorial@gmail.com
Published by: 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.
EXPERT column
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THE HILL HOUSE
eviews are everything, aren’t they? On- or off-screen, what other people say influences the services we use. The sheer inequity of this situation struck me the other day as I observed my neighbour standing behind her window cleaner, helpfully pointing out spots she felt he’d missed. Whilst we clients may use Google to gauge someone’s service (Were they reliable? Did they stick to budget? Did you find them rifling through your knicker drawer?), tradespeople are in a tricky spot. There is no Check-A-Client; they must take us at face value, trusting that we’ll be mostly sane, stick to the plan, let them out of the cellar, and, of course, pay them on time. As a client, I cringe when the builder turns up early, catching me in my 7am glory, worrying that the shock may actually damage them in some way. I yearn to be the woman who, along with her kids, is dressed and ready early, dogs walked and yesterday’s rubble tidied away (NB: Although I envy her, I cannot stand this woman’s smug, self-satisfied smile and feel we could not be friends). I’m a regular tea-maker, and keep the biscuit tin well-stocked.
“Tradespeople are in a tricky spot. There is no Check-A-Client; they must take us at face value” In contrast, my partner tells me tales that put my PJ-related anxieties into perspective. He recently made a long-planned routine visit to an extremely wealthy (and exacting) West London client. Mid-discussion, the client asked to be excused for a second only to reappear moments later in full matador outfit - it was time for his bullfighting lesson. He spent the next hour in the garden with his instructor (who doubled up as the bull), putting his very tight trousers through their paces, whilst my partner looked on. I find myself with some compassion for these brave tradespeople, trusting us not to abuse them, leave them unpaid or run them through with an estoca sword. That is, until the builders make their afternoon brew: Not once have they offered me a cup.
Kate Hill
HOME TRUTHS Dishing the dirt on Dishwashers...
...THAT’S IT, WE’RE THROUGH Source of all too many domestic arguments, and not a few divorces: the dishwasher. Apparently, 40% of couples fight about it. Where should you stack the large items? Where do cups go? How should you order things? And why does washing anything you’ve cooked eggs with in it make glasses smell like wet dog? What do you mean you hadn’t noticed?! Apparently, science now has the answer.
An appliance of science Dishwashers can cause quite a lot of upset. Some people are convinced theirs only works well if large items are stacked at the top. Some like their plates and bowls facing in opposite directions. Others insist on rinsing plates before loading them. They’re all wrong. According to experts in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Birmingham University, the most efficient way to pack your dishwasher is in a circular pattern around the cutlery basket, with carbohydratestained items towards the middle, and protein-stained items towards the outer edges. This is because different types of stain need different treatment from your appliance: the protein needs more detergent, which it will get at the outer edges, and the carbs need the full force of the jets to sort them out. They also found that having plates stacked in size order, facing the same way, helped the dishwasher to work more efficiently.
RINSE OR SCRAPE? Counter-intuitively, you shouldn’t rinse your dishes and bowls before placing them in the appliance; modern dishwashers work best if items are free of debris, but still dirty. Rinsing them only wastes more water. Waiting until it is full to switch it on will also improve performance, and save water. Other tips include: 4 4 4 4 4
Keep glasses from touching anything else and they won’t chip or break Empty the bottom rack first to avoid drips from the top Wash at 60 degrees Don’t overlap bowls and pans Don’t put lead crystal in the dishwasher (the detergent / water combo will dull the surface)
This topic is of such vital importance that appliance manufacturer Bosch have recently launched a tetrisstyle dishwasher stacking game, presumably so we can all practice before we attempt an appropriate load technique. Tetris has also been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce post-traumatic stress and increase grey matter, so it’s a win-win situation.
BEAUTIFUL homes
SMART RENTAL
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his beautifully modernised four-bedroom, two-bathroom detached home boasts modern, neutral décor throughout. Gloriously laid out to accommodate any occasion, the open-plan living space spans across the reception room, dining area and bespoke garden room extension. Offering an open fireplace & wood burning stove, quality oak flooring and large trifold French doors which provide an unspoiled view to an enviable landscaped garden, this is truly a home to show off to your guests. The smart separate kitchen has stylish oak units, high-gloss surfaces and a charming breakfast area. There’s a well-fitted office space tucked away which offers seclusion for work and study. Upon reaching the second floor, there are four good-sized bedrooms, including a spacious master with custom-fitted wardrobes and a tiled en-suite.
Woodland Avenue, Hove, BN3 6BN Price: £2600 PCM Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Private driveway and garage; Generous patio space and entertaining area; High-quality integrated kitchen appliances Best Bits: Truly sought-after Hove location; Magnificent living spaces; Tastefully decorated and styled throughout. Parks Residential 107 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XF. 01273 202089 www.parksletting.com 6 PORTFOLIO
H i gh dow n H ouse
BRIGH TON ROAD | H A SSOC KS Computer generated images are for illustrative purposes only.
STUNNING NEW HOME WITH TRIPLE GARAGE & ANNEXE/OFFICE SPACE IMMACULATE CONTEMPORARY FINISH INSIDE & OUT •
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Individual detached house with 3,689 sq ft of living space set in a secluded location unseen from the road
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Five bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms and a further generous family bathroom all fitted with Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware
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Detached triple garage with additional 411sq ft home office or extra living space above
Master Bedroom suite with dressing room and thoughtfully designed en-suite Bespoke made-to-order German Kitchen fitted with integrated Miele appliances
Open plan Kitchen/Family Room with folding doors onto generous garden with secluded sunken Sun Terrace
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Built-in outdoor Kitchen by Fire Magic surrounded by a spacious patio area for easy outdoor entertaining 7 minute walk to Hassocks Town Centre and mainline station 41 minutes to London Victoria by rail
Close to both superb state and private educational facilities including the prestigious Hurstpierpoint College and Burgess Hill School for Girls and a little further afield, Brighton College, all offering excellent bus links.
Offers in the region of £1,475,000
For more information, please contact Mansell McTaggart:
01273 843377
www.mansellmctaggart.co.uk
T: 01403 214900 www.green-plan.co.uk
W E L O V E ... Worth up to ÂŁ975 when you spend ÂŁ8,000 or more on any of our kitchens. All you have to do is choose the style, colour and what accessories to combine it with - Neptune Hailsham, BN27 1DQ, 01323 849 483, info@neptunehailsham.com
*Free sink base cabinet offer closes 31st August 2015. For full details please ask in-store or visit neptune.com/offers
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Grand Avenue, Hove BN3Villas, 2LF Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE £499,995 £999,950 35
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ilities are in good working order. 3. All Measurements are approximate.
www.mishonwelton.com
Fourth Avenue, Hove BN3Villas, 2PJ Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ1,800,000 54
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text goes here il ium et bay prorepe ALead quiteinmagnificent and Lab substantial, fronted detached period residence of lleste nus venditio. Tem. Ut essuntis dolut et et lleste nus venditio. Tem. Ut essuntis dolut considerable character, occupying a much aut rempores rempores utemquiatet utemquiatet faccus faccus et et aut aut idus idus aut sought after, prime central location, between quundunt quaerci sit assi venda nume num quundunt quaerci sit assi venda nume num Church Road shopping thoroughfare and Hove The large oak panelled et pelseafront. int aute mollit dolorernam fugitiunt ad. reception hallway, gives the impression of a large welcoming and comfortable family Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing home, with understated, class and quality, elit. Praesent Praesent semper sem sapien, sapien, eget eget molestie molestie purus purus elit. retaining a semper wealthsem of original features. There condimentum et. Suspendisse at ex consequat quam are three reception roomsat on the ground condimentum et. Suspendisse ex consequat quam tincidunt blandit. Vivamusarutrum rutrum ante sed venenatis venenatis floor, which include largeante sitting room tincidunt blandit. Vivamus sed and an impressive A welllectus fitted pharetra. Etiam faucibus faucibusdining sagittis room. ex, ut ut ultricies ultricies lectus pharetra. Etiam sagittis ex, office/library or family room, complement lacinia sit sit amet. amet. lacinia the two main rooms offering added flexibility to the living space and a large kitchen/ Pellentesqueroom eleifend orci in in directly dui feugiat feugiaton rhoncus. Nullam breakfast opens to theNullam rear Pellentesque eleifend orci dui rhoncus. sodales augue augue eu ligula semper molestie. molestie. Sed rhoncus garden. The eu four bedrooms are allSed doubles, sodales ligula semper rhoncus including superb master bedroom dapibus ex. ex.aSuspendisse Suspendisse eget rhoncus rhoncus tortor.with quam. dapibus eget tortor. quam. en-suite bath and shower room. The lovely, Vestibulum at at mi mi id id felis felis sollicitudin sollicitudin tristique tristique vel vel sed sed Vestibulum landscaped rear garden takes full advantage magna. netus netus et et malesuada malesuada fames fames ac ac turpis turpis egestas. egestas. magna. of the sunny westerly aspect and the acquisition of such a rarely available home!
94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Tel: 01273 778 877
Portland Place Brighton BN2 1DH Wilbury Villas, Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ1,775,000 5 5
2 3
32
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Modern demands for easily managed, lacinia sit sit amet. amet. lacinia practical and useable outside space are satisfied by a beautiful, courtyard style Pellentesque eleifend orciinfluences in dui dui feugiat feugiatand rhoncus. Nullam garden, with Italian a sunny Pellentesque eleifend orci in rhoncus. Nullam first floor terrace ideal for the seasoned sun sodales augue eu ligula ligula semper molestie. Sed rhoncus rhoncus sodales augue eu semper molestie. Sed worshipper! In all, thiseget is arhoncus hometortor. of great dapibus ex. ex. Suspendisse Suspendisse quam. dapibus eget rhoncus tortor. quam. rarity, deserving of an early and careful Vestibulum at at mi mi id felis felis sollicitudin sollicitudin tristique tristique vel vel sed Vestibulum inspection, to id fully appreciate, what issed a real magna. netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. magna. netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. gem among Regency properties and period urchasers only and shouldin not general. be relied on as statements of fact. homes
ilities are in good working order. 3. All Measurements are approximate.
www.mishonwelton.com
Fourth Avenue, Hove BN3Villas, 2PL Wilbury
Hove BN3 6SEbetween Guide Price’s £499,995 - £575,000 £550,000 5 3
2 1
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text goes here Lab ilapartment ium et prorepe ALead quiteinmagnificent mansion spanning the entire first floor of this dolut lleste nus venditio. Tem. Ut essuntis dolut et et lleste nus venditio. Tem. Ut essuntis impressive red brick Edwardian Villa situated aut rempores rempores utemquiatet utemquiatet faccus faccus et et aut aut idus idus aut in a prime central location within immediate quundunt quaerci sit assi venda nume num quundunt quaerci sit assi venda nume num proximity of all that Hove has to offer. The bright spacious is well et pel and int aute mollit accommodation dolorernam fugitiunt ad. laid out with generously proportioned rooms and retains many original features. The Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing generous hall leads to the westerly facing elit. Praesent Praesent semper sem sapien, eget molestie purus elit. sem purus living room semper featuring asapien, largeeget baymolestie window and condimentum et. Suspendisse at ex consequat quam open fireplace. The well fitted kitchen has condimentum et. Suspendisse at ex consequat quam tinciduntfor blandit. Vivamus rutrum rutrum ante sed venenatis space a breakfast tableante andsed has a large tincidunt blandit. Vivamus venenatis selection of cupboards. All three bedrooms pharetra. Etiam faucibus sagittis ex, ut ultricies lectus pharetra. Etiam faucibus sagittis ex, ut ultricies lectus are well proportioned with the larger two lacinia sit sit amet. amet. lacinia rooms benefiting from fitted wooden wardrobes. Worthy of particular note is the Pellentesque eleifend eleifend orci in dui dui fitted feugiatbathroom rhoncus. Nullam Nullam contemporary andorci newly Pellentesque in feugiat rhoncus. sodales augue eu ligula ligula semper semper molestie. Sed rhoncus rhoncus suite with a separate shower enclosure and sodales augue eu molestie. Sed underfloor heating. This dapibus ex. ex. Suspendisse Suspendisse egetperiod rhoncusresidence tortor. quam. quam. dapibus eget rhoncus tortor. evokes a at sense of calm and tranquillity and Vestibulum at mi id id felis felis sollicitudin sollicitudin tristique vel vel sed Vestibulum mi is complimented by the use tristique of neutralsed and magna. netus netus et et malesuada malesuada fames fames ac ac turpis turpis egestas. egestas. magna. modern tones throughout. The property is being offered with a share in the freehold.
94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Tel: 01273 778 877
PROPERTY news
PROPERTY NEWS MISHON MACKAY LONGEST DAY GOLF CHALLENGE Mishon Mackay Director Marc Cox, Branch Director Steve Neocleous, Colin Metcalfe and Jay Melton-Ball made up an intrepid golf four ball by recently completing 72 holes (yes, 72 holes!), covering a total of 22 miles, in one day golf challenge. They tee’d off at 4 am and finally sank the final putt at 10pm, raising over £1,000 for McMillian Cancer Care. Congratulations, Mark and team. www.mishonmackay.com
BARON ESTATES RAISES £5,000 FOR THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN BRIGHTON Baron Estates have been raising money for Rockinghorse, the Brighton-based charity, which is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, and have raised £5,000. The cheque presentation took place last month at their Hove office. www.baron-estates.com
A better
perspective 14 PORTFOLIO
CHATT ESTATE AGENTS OFFICE OPENING Chatt Estates have just opened at 34 High Street, Ditchling. They market themselves as an ‘unpretentious and friendly new agency with over 15 years experience of selling houses across Sussex. Peter Chatt, formally of Clifford Dann, Hurstpierpoint has expertise in residential sales, investment and development acquisition. He is joined in this venture by Director Alex Santry, Senior Negotiator/Associate Rennick Nelson and Negotiator Susie Beer. You can contact them at 01273 844500. www.chattestates.co.uk
With a breath-taking choice, offices countrywide and an eye for what matters to you, we make moving home more exciting.
01273 772175 | winkworth.co.uk/brighton-hove
PROPERTY news
OAKLEY STRENGTHEN COMMERCIAL AGENCY TEAM Oakley has announced the strengthening of their commercial agency team with the appointment of Leigh Doherty as a Commercial Property Advisor in their head office in Marlborough Place, Brighton. Leigh has joined the commercial team, having previously been involved in the local property market for the last 18 years. He has gained valuable experience across all sectors, including commercial sales and lettings, together with recent residential sales experience, giving him a wide range of expertise. During his career he has successfully acted for numerous private and corporate clients. Leigh commented, “I am delighted to join Oakley and be part of such a forward-thinking and wellestablished company. Oakley has recently rebranded, and this is an exciting time for us, which I am proud to be part of”. Steven Harvey, Commercial Director commented, “Having worked with Leigh in the past, I knew he would be a great asset to the team right from the start and I am delighted that he has joined us.” Leigh has joined one of the largest commercial agency teams in Sussex and works directly alongside Chris Oakley, Steven Harvey, Ben Pettett and Lucy Purvis as part of the front-line commercial agency team. Leigh will be dealing with both leasehold and freehold disposals and acquisitions, while assisting within the continued growth and expansion of the Oakley brand. Leigh Doherty can be contacted on leigh@oakleyproperty.com
Hove £525,000
THE BUDGET In the recent budget, Chancellor George Osborne announced some pretty big changes affecting property. Brownfield sites The Government will make sweeping changes to allow automatic planning permission on many brownfield sites in England in an attempt to boost house-building. Ministers would also get powers to seize disused land, while major housing projects could be fast-tracked, and rules on extensions in London relaxed. Buy-To-Let interest relief Thousands of buy-to-let landlords will see their earnings hit after George Osborne cracked down on mortgage interest tax relief. In a move which will “level the playing field for homebuyers and investors”, according to the Chancellor, the amount landlords can claim as relief will be set at the basic rate of tax – currently 20 per cent. This change will be phased in over a four-year period from April 2017. Currently, landlords can claim tax relief on monthly interest repayments at the top level of tax they pay of 45 per cent. Mortgage interest relief is estimated to cost £6.3billion a year, a Freedom for Information request revealed recently. Non-Dom clampdown Permanent non-dom tax status will be abolished from April 2017, a change which will bring in an additional £1.5bn in annual tax revenue. The reform does not eliminate the tax status, but individuals who have lived in the UK for 15 of the past 20 years will lose the right to claim it. The non-domicile rule allows some wealthy UK residents to limit the tax paid on earnings outside the country.
Hove £485,000
PORTFOLIO 15
Hove £595,000
Hove £350,000
BEAUTIFUL homes
WINKWORTH’S ‘A’ LISTER
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his modern, grand home presents tranquility and luxurious family living at its finest. The entrance hall presents a double-vaulted space with a cantilevered walnut staircase. On the ground floor, a RAKO lighting system and embedded OPUS sound system are two of the many state-of-the-art assets. The kitchen presents a great cooking environment with ‘horse shoe’ breakfast bar with Tom Dixon pendant lights and stone work surface, plus a lounge/seating space and a relaxed eating area with bi-folding doors to a decking dining area. Windows reach from floor to ceiling and feature ‘Mooi’ pendant lights. This impressive space boasts marvellous views from its south-facing aspect, and the sun terrace overlooks the private “Zen” garden to the rear. Upstairs, a generous landing leads to the five bedrooms – all with sea views – and three bathrooms. The master suite is open, bright and airy with a large en suite bathroom with a freestanding bath. French doors from the bedroom and en suite expand onto the roof terrace with wall speakers, OPUS system and a spiral staircase to the garden. There is extensive garage space and off street parking, plus planning permission to extend.
Roedean Crescent, Brighton BN2 Price: £1,750,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3
Why you chose Winkworth; “The Winkworth team are exceptional; everyone puts in 110% throughout the process. It’s a pleasure dealing with a thoroughly professional & enthusiastic group.”
Sarah Turck Winkworth
16 PORTFOLIO
32 Church Road, Hove 01273 772175 www.winkworth.co.uk
NEWS
TRENDING FINALISTS REVEALED IN SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS Sussex food and drink business leaders gathered at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 10th anniversary Big Reveal of this year’s awards finalists at Harveys Brewery in Lewes. BBC Sussex radio presenter Danny Pike announced the Best Sussex Food Producer, Drink Producer, Food/Farm Shop, Farmers’ Market, Eating Experience and Butcher categories. Amongst the finalists were several Brighton businesses: Barfields Butchers, Bramptons Butchers, Archers Butchers and Coggings and Co burger restaurant. Winners and runners-up in all ten categories will go on to receive their trophies on 28 January, 2016, at the awards event hosted by patron Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike, at the Amex Stadium. The ceremony includes a spectacular seven-course Sussex produce banquet produced by Sodexo Prestige. For more information about how to vote for or nominate your favourite, visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz
THE VIRGIN WAY: HOW TO LISTEN, LEARN, LAUGH AND LEAD BY SIR RICHARD BRANSON In September 2012, a YOUGOV poll conducted in Britain found that the person British workers would most like as their manager was Sir Richard Branson. With over 40 years in business, Richard Branson is an inspiring pioneer of humanitarian projects and an iconic business leader. In The Virgin Way: How to Listen, Learn, Laugh and Lead, Richard shares and distils his secrets of leadership and success. Featuring anecdotes from his own business dealings, as well as his observations of many others who have inspired him – from politicians, business leaders, explorers, scientists and philanthropists – Richard reflects on the qualities he feels are essential for success in today’s world. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or head of a Fortune 500 company, this is your guide to being your own CEO (Chief Enabling Officer) and becoming a true leader – not just a boss. Published by Virgin Books, 16th July 2015
GRAND DESIGNS This September, Channel 4’s flagship series Grand Designs returns with seven brand new stories following home builders pursuing their architectural dreams. Designer and writer Kevin McCloud guides us through the trials and tribulations of those obsessively trying to create a unique place to live, often over many months, even years. This series features a modernist villa perched atop a crumbling cliff in Snowdonia, a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired bachelor pad made out of 4 shipping containers in the Northern Irish countryside, and the UKs first amphibious house on a floodplain of the Thames in Buckinghamshire. The series will also feature revisits to some of the series’ previous builds to see what changes have been made and discover whether the reality has lived up to the dream.
WE LOVE: MADELEINE
Looking for smart, stylish, on-trend clothes for grown-up women who want to look good and be taken seriously? Madeleine is the go-to online store for stylish European women. Madeleine offers exclusive high-fashion designs, self-assured business fashion, versatile mix-and-match basics, on-trend accessories and luxurious lingerie. This season’s collection is elegant and fun, with luxe cashmeres, gorgeous evening wear, and office-ready separates. www.madeleine.co.uk Madeleine are offering Portfolio readers a £15 discount on their first order. Just enter PORTFOLIO at the checkout to activate your discount.
NEW EAST ASIAN AND SPANISH FUSION RESTAURANT, SEÑOR BUDDHA 31 July saw the opening of brand-new fusion restaurant Señor Buddha’s Tapas and Wine Bar in Preston Road, Brighton. Señor Buddha has evolved out of proprietor Lee Shipley’s love of creating new and innovative dishes centred on his two favourite cuisines: East Asian and Spanish. Señor Buddha will offer an ever-changing menu of tapas-style dishes, crafted in the restaurant’s open kitchen with a heavy East Asian influence. Dishes include Lee’s signature mountain mutton stew along with confit duck leg with spring onion puree, sherry & hoisin poached plum, octopus tentacles with squid ink caviar and coriander aioli. The wine list has been researched and sourced by Lee to complement the food, and there will be Asian cocktail ice creams. The 20-cover restaurant provides a welcome addition to the newly regenerated London Road area, offering a buzzing atmosphere to share some tapas and enjoy good wine at a reasonable price point. “Great food should be enjoyed by everyone and shouldn’t be elitist,” says Lee. www.senorbuddha.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 17
maslen.co.uk
Hertford Road, Brighton
ÂŁ475,000
FREEHOLD
A delightful 3 bedroom detached house in a popular residential location. Situated near fiveways, the property has been updated to a very high standard with modern kitchen and bathroom. An extension to the side of property provides a utility area and a detached studio room in the garden - currently being used as a music room - is ideal for a multi-purpose workspace or living accommodation. The property also benefits from a garage and is offered with no chain. Energy Rating D60. Maslen Estate Agents 290 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 6JF t:01273 566777 e:fiveways@maslen.co.uk
LEWES ROAD
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WOODINGDEAN
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HOVE
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FIVEWAYS
BEAUTIFUL homes
OUTSTANDING VIEWS
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ew to the market is this beautifully presented four/five-bedroom detached house situated in a prominent position in Woodingdean, offering fantastic views to the sea. As you step into the property, you are immediately welcomed by a generous entrance hallway that expands throughout the ground floor into a spacious, double-aspect lounge, a smart, fitted kitchen following a modern dining area and a separate WC. The office to the front of the property provides diversity for a fifth bedroom if needed, transforming this house into the ideal, accommodating family home. The first floor offers four great-sized bedrooms assembled around a family-sized, modern shower room suite, with one bedroom benefiting from its own en-suite bathroom. Two of four bedrooms profit from built-in wardrobe cupboards, and all reap the benefits of the light and airy feel pervading the property throughout. The stateliness only impresses further as you step out into the rear garden, with a patio seating area for family and friends enjoying the benefit of a surrounding lawn area bordered by luscious greenery comprising trees and hedges, and providing some seclusion.
Falmer Road, Woodingdean, Brighton, BN2 6NA Price: £595,000 Bedrooms: 4/5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: 67’ approx rear garden; Private drive provides off-road parking for multiple vehicles; Close to the Downs; Lovely views to the sea Best Bits: Ground-floor cloakroom; Smart, fitted kitchen; Beautifully presented throughout; Ready to move in Maslen Estate Agents 62-64 Warren Road Woodingdean Brighton, BN2 6BA 01273 278866 www.maslen.co.uk PORTFOLIO 21
CALENDAR of events
AUGUST Our pick of August events features comedy and music legends, the outdoor theatre and the circus!
9 August
27 - 30 August
The Proclaimers
Michael McIntyre
Twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have over the years enjoyed huge successes across the globe, and in April this year released their 10th album, produced by Dave Eringa (Manic Steet Preachers, Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey) on the Cooking Vinyl label. They have carved a niche for themselves where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide as the emotional honesty, political fire, wit and sing-along raucousness of their songs and their extensive touring have enlightened and entertained fans. Their many hits include such classics as Sunshine on Leith, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), Letter From America, I’m on My Way, Life With You, Lets Get Married and more. Theatre Royal, Brighton, 8pm. www.atgtickets.com/brighton
Michael McIntrye returns with his new stand-up show Happy & Glorious. Michael’s previous tour Showtime was the biggestselling comedy tour in the world in 2012, playing to over 640,000. The past few years have been exceptional for Michael. In 2013 he performed internationally, playing to sold-out arenas in South Africa, Dubai, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Most recent personal highlights have included making his debut as a chat show host on The Michael McIntyre’s Chat Show for BBC1. But now Michael is set to return to the stage in what promises to be his biggest and funniest tour yet, with support from Paul Tonkinson. Brighton Centre, 8pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk
23 - 24 August Shoreham Air Show
31 July - 5 September For Services Rendered For men long since returned from World War One, life is still changed forever. Some are struggling with lifechanging injuries, while others are fighting to adapt to a vastly altered working world. It is a place these former heroes have not been prepared for, and where debt, redundancy and depression are constant threats. Life for the women around these returned fighters is just as troubled. Husbands are now hard to find, and, for those desperate for children and family, any man can seem better than none. But this is a solution with troubling, lifelong consequences. This engrossing drama is one of W. Somerset Maugham’s greatest plays. Written in 1932, it confronts the unspoken consequences of war, loss and trauma on one ordinary English family. Minerva Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester. For times and prices visit cft.org.uk
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The Royal Air Forces Association Airshow at Shoreham is one of the premier family airshows in the UK. The airshow regularly attracts the best UK and European display acts to its unique “garden party” atmosphere event each summer. The afternoon flying display will feature strong support from the armed forces as well as exciting aerobatic and emotive historic aircraft displays. On the ground there will be extensive static displays, arena displays, classic cars and trade stalls. The Theme for 2015 is The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Shoreham Airport, Shoreham. www.shorehamairshow.co.uk
15 August Shakedown Festival Shakedown returns to Waterhall in Brighton - with four huge international brands hosting stages: Defected, Hospitality Cirque Du Soul and Supercharged. Now in its fifth year, Shakedown promises to be the definitive music festival on the South Coast for fans of electronic music, and is strictly an 18+ event. Shakedown offers a free shuttle bus both to and from the festival from central Brighton, free of charge for ticket holders. Waterhall, Brighton. www.shakedown.co.uk
CALENDAR of events
14 August - 13 September Brighton’s Big Screen Blockbuster, classic & family movies on Brighton Beach… The UK’s largest beachfront cinema boasts 93 movies over a four-week period with free daytime showings and evening entry from £3. The Big Screen have teamed up with The Chilli Pickle to offer the the Chilli Pickle Movie & Thali Experience for £30, which includes a Chilli Pickle Thali, chilled beer or wine, access to your own private bar area, shaded, covered seating area, plus movie must-haves: ice cream and popcorn. Films include: Brighton Rock (15) on 24th August, 24th & 6th September; Frozen Sing-along (PG) on 14th August, 20th August, 4th September; Quadrophenia (18) on 30th August & 12th September. For full details and programme visit www. brightonsbigscreen.com WIN! VIP tickets to Brighton’s Big Screen and a night in the Ibis Hotel. See our great reader offer on page 54.
11 - 15 August Talking Heads This series of ground-breaking monologues which were originally filmed for television, helped Alan Bennett seal his reputation as the master of observation and brilliant comic phrasing. These are three of the original Talking Heads, at once darkly comic, poignant and uplifting. The pieces include A Cream Cracker Under the Settee, originally nominated for three BAFTA awards, in which Stephanie Cole stars as Doris, a 75 year old widow who is obsessive about tidiness and maintaining her independence. Plus A Chip in the Sugar with Karl Theobald as a devoted son who discovers his aging mother has taken up with an old flame. And A Lady of Letters, with Siobhan Redmond as the acerbic Miss Ruddock, who watches the world from behind her curtains and constantly dashes off letters expressing her ill informed opinions. Theatre Royal, Brighton. For times and prices visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton
Summer theatre with the National Trust Take live entertainment, a picnic and a beautiful setting and you have all the ingredients for a perfect summer evening. The National Trust is hosting a season of outdoor theatre at picturepostcard locations in West Sussex. Enjoy outdoor theatre in the flower-filled gardens at Nymans, or the glorious landscape of Petworth Park.
20 August - 1 September Zippo’s Circus Zippo’s Circus was voted ‘Britain’s Best Circus’ in 2013 and again in 2014 and Britain’s Favourite Circus is back with a brand-new 2015 show. This year’s sparkling production, OMG, features world-renowned musical clowns the Rastellis, the beautiful horses and High School riding of Summer, and human-pyramid acrobats the Zulu Warriors. Hand-balancer Kremena was a gold medal-winning gymnast for her native Bulgaria before turning her talents to the sawdust ring; handsome and daring Salvatore will make hearts beat faster as he flies high in chains. The climax to the show is the nervetingling motorcycle Globe of Terror, with four bikers racing horizontally inside the tiny space while the Globe splits open as they ride. Plus ringmaster Norman Barrett OBE with his budgies. Hove Lawns. For times and prices visit www.zippos.co.uk
WIN ZIPPOS TICKETS! Zippo’s have given us FIVE FAMILY TICKETS, each for 2 adults and 2 children at any performance (subject to availability). For a chance to see this top-quality traditional Big Top show for FREE just send your name, email address, and a contact phone number to arrive no later than Friday 14th August, to competitions.portfoliomagazine.co.uk.
TWELFTH NIGHT Join the Lord Chamberlain’s Men for Shakespeare’s joyous tale of love, longing, mischief and mistaken identity, set in fair Illyria. With identical twins separated by shipwreck, a cross-dressing heroine and everyone in search of love, Twelfth Night is one of the most famous and tangled love stories in literature. This enormously funny, fast-paced production of Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy is performed by an all-male cast in full Elizabethan costume, with traditional music and dance. 16 August, 6.30pm (5.30pm for picnics), Nymans 21 August, 7.30pm (6.30pm for picnics), Petworth House and Park PRIDE & PREJUDICE Will Mrs Bennet manage to offload her numerous daughters in record time? Will Lizzy and Darcy actually get together? Will creepy Mr Collins just go away, please? The literary classic gets the Pantaloons treatment in this hilarious and innovative production. 23 August, 6.30pm (5.30pm for picnics), Nymans For more information and prices, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Or book on 0844 249 1895. Photo Credit: National Trust, David Levenson
PORTFOLIO 23
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
Westbourne Street, Hove - £585,000
Hove Office 01273 778844
An attractive three storey Victorian house situated in this quiet tree lined road close to the seafront. Westbourne Street is ideally placed for everything that Hove has to offer. Various shops, restaurants, cafes, bars etc can be found in nearby Church Road and Portland Road. The seafront is nearby as is Hove mainline railway station. There are very good schools nearby and the city centre is also easily accessible, This is a beautiful home with accommodation arranged over three floors.
Swanborough Drive, Brighton - Offers In excess of £325,000
Brighton Office 01273 685111
Built in 1963 this three bedroom, semi-detached family home sits nestled in the gentle incline that forms the fabric of a sweeping peaceful Drive populated with similar attractive residences. Overlooking the green spaces of East Brighton Park and local nature reserves of Sheepcote Valley and with a stunning combination of hillside and coastal views, this beautifully appointed property presents as an inspired family homestead. Stunningly bright and illuminated due to its east/west facing aspect, the incumbent rooms exude a vibrant energy which, combined with the regularity of proportions, make for a perfect sanctuary. Ready to move in to, but suggesting a blank canvass for some restyling and developing to release the homes true potential, there is an exciting opportunity to place a stamp of individuality onto the property. Currently arranged over two floors and with an expansive feel and effortless flow to the interior, the possibilities are endless - a dream of a home in which to fulfil your dreams. With the marina and all its amenities a stones throw south, a variety of independent local shops a short stroll away and local public transport routes to the city centre and beyond virtually outside the door, this property is a much sought-after prospect. EPC Rating E
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
Crown Road, Shoreham-by-sea - £299,950
Portslade Office 01273 383830
A well maintained and extended three bedroom bungalow with south-facing patio garden. All the essentials are already in place in this semidetached 1950s built home. As well as its full width conservatory to the rear, there’s a spacious master bedroom with en-suite shower room in the converted roof space. Clearly well maintained, its styled in a fresh combination of white walls against contrasting mocha toned carpets throughout. With its own driveway and garage too it’s an overall package that’s sure to be in much demand.
Your Local Multi-Award Winning Estate Agent Bronze Sawyer & Co South East Agency of the Year
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LETTING AGENT in Brighton And Hove
ESTATE AGENT in Brighton And Hove
2014
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Winner 2015 GOLD WINNER SOUTH REGION
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sawyerandco.co.uk www.sawyerandco.co.uk
SAWYER & CO
BEAUTIFUL homes
IMPRESSIVE STYLE
E
xtensive 7-bedroom family home above Hove Park with an impeccable finish. Having started life as a 3-bedroom bungalow, this property has been completely transformed to the impressive family home over three levels that it is today. Double-fronted and detached, it is an extensive home with an abundance of space and generously-sized rooms. Decor is in varying soft neutral tones, with pine flooring on the ground floor and thick-pile beige carpeting from the staircase upwards. The quality finish, from detailed cornicing to solid oak doors and mullioned windows, is evident throughout. This is an extremely spacious and light-filled home that, given its commanding location on rising Tongdean Road, has views over Hove to the sea from every room. EPC rating D.
Tongdean Road, Hove, BN3 6QE Guide Price: £2,500,000 Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 6 Extras: Large double garage and drive; Large conservatory; Six bathrooms/ensuites and downstairs cloakroom Best Bits: Highly sought-after location; Large sunny patio and garden; Farreaching views Fine & Country, 46 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN Tel: 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com/uk/Brighton-and-Hove 26  PORTFOLIO
in association with Sawyer & Co
Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN
Old Fort Road, Shoreham
EPC: D
Superbly located beachside home with 4-bedrooms and a self-contained annexe.The residential area of Shoreham Beach sits on a mile and a half spit of land running between Shoreham Harbour and the sea.Though easily accessed by road via Beach Green or by the new pedestrian footbridge from Shoreham High Street, the area feels far removed from the bustle of town with a tranquillity all of its own. This late 1950’s built spacious home sits on the south side of Fort Road with its secluded rear patio garden and gate straight onto the shingle beach with completely uninterrupted views of the natural seascape. This is tranquil beachside living with an undeniably unique outlook.
Tel: 01273 739911
Rose Cottage,Vine Place, Brighton
£975,000
EPC: D
Beautifully updated 200 year old cottage on a quiet central Brighton twitten. Just up the hill from Brighton’s busy main thoroughfare, this unique home dating back to the early 1800s contradicts expectations in its quiet composure. As part of the Clifton Hill conservation area the cottages history is steeped in the surrounding area and closely linked to the Vine Mill which used to stand nearby, William Vine resided here at Rose Cottage. Fusing original features with modern styling, the clean lines of the spacious rooms have a relaxed elegance yet with an appreciation of the homes heritage. As well as its own sizeable garage it also has both patio and garden. This is a private and secluded property that re-interprets city centre living.
Tel: 01273 739911
£1,375,000
Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911
THE collection
THE AUGUST COLLECTION The ultimate water feature: a swimming pool offers the perfect “wow” factor to these lovely homes – just right for lazy summer days...
Sea views Old Fort Road, Shoreham Beach A spectacular waterfront residence boasting over 4,000 square feet of luxurious, modern living space, situated in a sizeable beachfront plot. This architect-designed contemporary house occupies an imposing location directly on Shoreham Beach, with breath-taking views to sea. This fourbedroom property has been carefully arranged over three floors, all served by a bespoke glass staircase, with only the highest-quality materials being utilised, both internally and externally, to create the ultimate in luxurious beach-front living. To the rear the property has a large decked area along with a fully tiled swimming pool. The gardens are landscaped, with feature lighting throughout.
Price: £1,850,000 Winkworth 01273 772175 www.winkworth.co.uk
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THE collection
Sussex farmhouse Tongdean Road, Hove A very pretty-looking detached home in this sought-after location in Hove. The entrance hall , lounge, study and dining room feature solid wooden flooring and wooden paneling. Beamed ceilings and leaded windows and doors create an “olde worlde” feeling. The spacious kitchen/breakfast room features a Rangemaster cooker and double doors to the rear garden. The master bedroom is a bright and spacious triple-aspect room with an en-suite bathroom. There are four further bedrooms and a modern family bathroom. The beautiful, large rear garden has a paved patio area across the width of the house, plus a lawn with trees, shrubs and flower beds. The enclosed, heated swimming pool is gated for safety.
Price: £1,400,000 Mishon Mackay 01273 821800 | www.mishonmackay.com
Pool with a view Houndean Rise, Lewes This newly-converted, contemporary family home enjoys an elevated position on the outskirts of Lewes. The house boasts three to four bedrooms, an 18ft living room and a stunning kitchen breakfast room, which opens onto the raised, south-facing terrace with its far-reaching views. This, in turn, leads on to the lawned garden and the fantastic outdoor swimming pool. Other highlights include the contemporary kitchen/breakfast room, a family bathroom plus an en-suite, hard-stand parking for 3 cars, stunning views, a south-facing balcony and a lovely south-facing garden & terrace.
Price: £799,500 Oakley Lewes Town & Country Homes 01273 487444 | www.oakleyproperty.com
Hot tub Mackie Avenue, Brighton Imaginatively extended family home has four first-floor bedrooms along with two full bathrooms. A spacious 25’ living room has views over tennis courts and a bowling green, and flows into a double-glazed conservatory. The extended kitchen is well-equipped, with ample space for a full dining table and chairs. There is a fifth bedroom/additional reception room and adjoining contemporary-styled shower room. The master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom and lots of built-in wardrobe storage. The stunning rear garden displays an array of plants and shrubs and a beautiful summer house. A hot tub is discreetly hidden from view.
Price: £599,950 Spencer & Leigh. 01273 565566 | www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
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VISIT OUR AWARD-WINNING HOVE SHOWROOM for a stunning range of kitchen displays, furniture, worktops and appliances. The Kitchen Store offers a bespoke consultancy service to help you choose your dream kitchen. For friendly advice and inspired kitchen ideas take a closer look or call us today.
Showroom: 130 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7BD Tel: 01273 95 77 78 Or visit our Lancing showroom | www.thekitchenstore.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL homes
BEACH LIVING
B
Arundel Drive East, Brighton, BN2 8SL
eautifully-styled 4-bedroom 50’s detached family home with sea views for modern beach living. The South Downs National Park surrounds Saltdean, and the Oval Park Green, with its Grade 1 listed iconic Lido, is at the heart of this area. This exceptional, re-modelled house faces directly onto the park, and with its open sea views to the south and just a two-minute walk to the beach via the nearby underpass, this property is the perfect blend of city, country and coastal living. On the eastern side of the valley, this elevated, detached 50’s property has been recently re-structured by its current interior-designer owners. Although the home offers modern luxury, the vendors have been inspired by the surrounding 30’s-50’s local architecture in remodelling the interior and exterior, offering unique touches. The focus is on softer tones and textures, a natural colour palette of chalky hues that create a light breezy atmosphere, allowing a seamless connection between the home and garden. With a spacious, open dining area on the ground floor, a large informal kitchen has been created for entertaining, with a casual seating area opening onto a landscaped garden and outdoor atelier. This luxurious home is perfect for relaxed social living.
Price: £925,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Extras: Garage and off-road parking; Four bathrooms/en-suites; Garden studio Best Bits: Wonderful open views; Secluded patio; Beautiful finish Fine & Country, 46 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN Tel: 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com/uk/Brightonand-Hove
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TALK money
“Our new Client Wealth Platform allows people access to detailed information on their whole financial situation”
HOVE AWARD-WINNING IFA Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money on being part of a multi-award-winning IFA
A
t Talk Money we are proud to be part of the award winning IFA Aspect 8. We have recently won the coveted national award of Adviser Firm of the Year at the Money Marketing Financial Services awards. From the hundreds of entries in various categories, shortlists are created. The companies are then interviewed face to face by a panel of industry experts, they are asked about how their business is structured, their advice processes, their systems and their achievements over the past year – they are scrutinised and eventually a winner is chosen. Out of five shortlisted companies in our category, I am proud to say that our company won. At Talk Money we pride ourselves on our state of the art client systems which allow us to manage people’s money pro-actively. Our new Client Wealth Platform allows people access to detailed information on their whole financial situation. It includes graphs of performance and access to fact sheets on
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individual funds. Correspondence is scanned to the system which can be viewed at the touch of a button. Gone are the days of losing track, piles of paper and an annual statement, you can view your finances at your leisure in as much detail as you like. The system gives you a central hub where you can view everything in one place, helping you keep in touch with your finances in an easy and structured way. If you have investments or pensions perhaps you have dealt with several different life companies in the past. If you have many different plans it can be easy to lose track. It is difficult to see the overall risk level you are taking and get a clear picture. If you take advice and it is recommended to stay with your current plans, these can be incorporated onto the system. Many providers automatically update us with values online so your plan values can be updated weekly. An overall risk level can be assessed to ensure you are not taking too much, or even too little, risk with your funds.
Most people approach an independent financial adviser at a time where their life changes, such as inheriting money or retirement. Why not make a review anyway? This will ensure your finances are working for you and that you are invested in the most appropriate and tax efficient way. This will make the most of what you have both now and in the future. If you would like independent advice and a free initial consultation from an awardwinning, firm please call me, Claire Cook, on 01273 224667, or visit: www.talkmoney.co.uk I would be very happy to assist. Talk Money is a trading style of Aspect 8 Ltd, which is 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. See more from Talk Money at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL hove@elliottsestateagents.co.uk 01273 773399
www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk Also in Hangleton
Vine Place, Central Brighton Fabulous city centre cottage, steeped in local history, tucked away and beautifully secluded with the further advantage of a large garage and separate access to the rear, located in Brighton’s prestigious Clifton Conservation Area within a few hundred yards of the City Centre’s Churchill Square, Lanes and short walk to the station.
• • • • • • • •
Historic Grade II building Private & secluded plot Rear garage/workshop Four bedrooms Delightful cottage style gardens Enormous charm & character Constructed c1800 Clifton Conservation Area
PRICE £1,375,000
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Favoured south/westerly aspect rear garden Double garage and driveway parking Five first floor bedrooms Two bathrooms (one en-suite) 3 Reception rooms Large eat-in size kitchen Double glazed/Gfch Prestigious location
Wayland Heights, Brighton Imposing Colonial style detached residence situated in the corner of a tucked away cul-de-sac, spacious accommodation and many features, offered with no ongoing chain, prestigious Withdean district.
PRICE £899,950
PROPERTY feature
KEEP IT CLEAN! Minimise your clutter and make your home a blank canvas to maximise the selling price you can achieve. Our top tips for de-cluttering: PREPARING TO SELL It is helpful to look at your home and see it through a potential buyer’s eyes. You will want to make your home as attractive as you can, and tackling small maintenance jobs, clearing and de-cluttering will help you to get the best price you can for your home. The Nationwide have some simple advice for how to approach this. KERB APPEAL First impressions count, so do all you can to pull those viewers in. Make sure it is obvious how they enter your home: clear pathways, tidy the garden or parking area, make sure the number or name is prominent and that the doorbell work. A few tubs with flowers are a big plus point, and you can take them with you when you move. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS Get all those niggling jobs done! They needn’t cost a lot of money, just a little time. Clean out your guttering, re-grout tiles, replace light bulbs, fix dripping taps, polish floors, oil creaky hinges… whatever it needs, so viewers get the impression of a well-loved and maintained home.
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DE-CLUTTER You might be surprised at how much ‘clutter’ you have. Think about how much cleaner, tidier and bigger your home would look if it wasn’t there! So, be ruthless and get into the garage, loft, shed, under the stairs, all the cupboards and kitchen units! When you are finished it should be obvious what each room is for. For example, the junk room will now be a tidy office. TIPS FOR DE-CLUTTERING: • For items you cannot bear to part with, you can pack them up and store them, preferably elsewhere. • You might even want to consider renting storage space for bigger items of furniture. (See panel). • Use online auction sites such as eBay or hold a garage/car boot sale to get rid of any saleable items. Cash in on your clutter. • Charity shops welcome donations and many will collect. • Recycle as much as possible – could family or friends use anything you no longer need? • For the remainder, take to your local recycling area and only skip or bin things responsibly as a last resort.
CLEAN AND TIDY Now that you have de-cluttered, a really good clean is required. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bathroom; make them sparkle. Move furniture, wipe down walls, get into corners, wash windows inside and out, and dust and polish everywhere. Make sure everything is spotless – even the oven! DE-PERSONALISE You want viewers to immediately picture themselves living in your home, so ‘you’ need to move out, by removing personal items such as CDs, DVDs, toys and the like. Viewers prefer a blank canvas they can stamp their own personality on; so, if re-decorating, go neutral with a fresh coat of cream or white paint. Consider buying new ‘neutral’ coloured towels and shower curtains, and if you intend to have new bedding or cushion covers when you move, you might want to invest in them now. VIEW SHOW HOMES These give you a good idea of how to present and market a house and show you what you might be competing with! TIP: Doing these things before you attempt to sell your home can increase how much your home is worth and how much you put it on the market for.
Thanks to www.nationwide.co.uk | www.bigyellow.co.uk | www.housesellingtips.co.uk
“You want viewers to immediately picture themselves living in your home, so ‘you’ need to move out”
DE-CLUTTER YOUR HOME TIPS AND TRICKS If you are in the process of selling your house, why not de-clutter your home to make it appear more spacious? By de-cluttering your home, potential buyers will be able to see the space available, enabling a faster decision to be made. House Selling Tips (www. housesellingtips.co.uk) state it is a proven fact that a cluttered house is much harder to sell than a minimalistic, uncluttered house. If you’re not sure where to start de-cluttering your home, check out these tips and tricks from Big Yellow Storage:
123-125 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 1TJ
01273 232 232 property@austingray.co.uk www.austingray.co.uk
1. THE LIVING ROOM This is usually the first room that buyers will go into. According to the Daily Telegraph, it takes just 8 seconds for people to decide if they will buy a house or not, so you need to ensure this room makes a good impression. Freshen up your living room, give it a lick of paint and organise your clutter. Think about what’s stacked up on the coffee table; does your pile of Vogue magazines really need to be there? 2. THE BEDROOM Now we come onto the area that only you and your partner should ever see! Phil Spencer, property expert and presenter for Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location and Relocation, Relocation argues not only the importance of de-cluttering your bedroom, but also the importance of depersonalising the space. Potential buyers need to picture themselves living in your house, so store away photographs, posters and beauty products. Allow potential buyers to imagine their belongings in your house. 3. THE SPARE ROOM This room is usually where things go that you don’t necessarily use anymore but which you don’t want to throw away. Maybe it’s an old sofa or a chest of draws that’s too good to get rid of. Things are expensive. You can’t just throw them away, they may fit perfectly in your new home! If this sounds like you, why not hire a storage room? Allow buyers’ imaginations to run wild by letting them see all of the space available.
For advice with the sale of YOUR property contact Graham Farthing
4. THE GARAGE Give your garage a much needed clear out and allow potential buyers see how much space they have to work with. Remember, many people see the garage space as another room, so don’t just hide it away. 5. SPRING CLEAN No one wants to buy a dirty house, and none of us want to live in a dirty house, but dirt, dust and grime will build up on every surface and item. Thorough cleaning will help to sell your house, so work room by room and don’t underestimate the size of this task. Even the smallest property will take the best part of a day. Larger properties can take 2 to 3 days. If you’re trying to fit in with a busy work schedule, it can help to completely finish each room one at a time, starting with the least used rooms first. Curtains, sofas, rugs and carpets will all need deep-cleaning, so consider getting professionals in to do some, if not all, of the cleaning. Your Estate Agent will be able to make recommendations. 6. STORE IT If you need more space to move things out of your house while selling, consider storage. A Storage Room from Big Yellow Self Storage costs from £7 a day to rent, while you could be adding £1000’s to your potential value by de-cluttering.
Hill Top £995,000
TARGETING YOUR WEBSITE
Craig Vile from Angels Media on why a targeted website is the key to securing new vendors and landlords
O
ne thing I have noticed while working closely with estate agents over the past few years is that many are failing to target their websites at their intended target market. As we know, one of an agent’s key objectives will always be to secure new vendors and landlords, increasing property stock – and your website should reflect this. Are you luring in prospective vendors and landlords by showing them exactly what you can offer them? Your website should ultimately function as a ‘lead magnet’ for the people who are responsible for the majority of your income. In the case of too many agents’ websites, unfortunately, this is not happening. Instead, it’s all centred around buyers through ‘property of the week’ and ‘property search’ features. These features are still important, but they shouldn’t be at the forefront of your website. As we know, these days the majority of agents’ buyer enquiries are generated from the main portals, Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket. When it comes to vendors and landlords, however, it works the other way around – this is why your website is so important. If a potential client wants to research your agency, their first port of call will be your website. When they arrive, though,they won’t be a
prospective client for long if there is not enough to keep them there. The notion of converting this traffic and enticing prospects is known as a ‘call to action’. If you don’t provide one of these, potential clients who do visit your site will swiftly be off to another competitor, traffic bounced elsewhere. And that’s where agents are missing a trick, losing out on potential, profitable business. Importantly, vendors and landlords will still want to see how their property is going to be marketed on your website; it is getting the mix, however, that really is the key.
“If a potential client wants to research your agency, their first port of call will be your website. ” Lots of agents have large monthly marketing spends on newspaper adverts, leaflet drops and so on. But if your website isn’t targeted effectively, you just won’t get as many leads. Your website is, and should be, viewed as a
shop window that is open 24/7 to capture data. Having a ‘call to action’ in a prominent position on your website will enable you to attract the attention of your desired target audience. One way of ensuring this and making sure that vendor and landlord traffic sticks is utilising an instant online valuation tool. These visitors may not want to be bombarded with sales calls, but they most certainly will want to know how much their property is worth. Let’s face it, property prices are a bit of a national talking point and the instant nature of an online valuation has become increasingly popular. An online valuation is by no means designed to replace a real-life valuation carried out by an agent, far from that. The whole idea is to secure an agency more valuations. A lead magnet like an instant valuation captures the prospect’s contact details, allowing your sales team to get in touch and offer them your services. The whole purpose of the exercise is to give you the opportunity to speak to more people who were interested in your services in the first place. For further advice on how to generate more leads for your agency and enhance your digital marketing strategy, please get in touch on: 0208 663 4963 or craig.vile@angelsmedia.co.uk.
UP MY STREET...
...THIS MONTH WE SPEAK TO NICK MOSLEY ABOUT WHERE HE LIVES AND WHY HE LOVES IT NICK MOSLEY IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE BRIGHTON & HOVE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I live on Marine Parade on Kemp Town seafront. I awake every morning to sea views and there’s always plenty going on in the area, particularly around St Georges Road. I have a top-floor flat in a very beautiful Regency house. My lounge has a curved frontage, which affords a stunning view of the seafront from Brighton Pier to the marina. On the whole, my style is modern and minimal (apart from my back bedroom, which is currently home to random food festival stuff – the door is firmly closed!). HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BRIGHTON? II think I’ve been here just over 10 years. WHERE DO YOU SHOP IN YOUR LOCALE? There are some great places locally – Butlers Wine Cellar, The Ginger Dog, Real Patisserie, Metrodeco, The Hand in Hand, Drakes, The Plotting Parlour, Brighton Rocks, Boho Gelato, AguaDulce, Terre à Terre… I could go on. DO YOU COMMUTE TO WORK OR REGULARLY TRAVEL FOR WORK AT ALL? I work from home a couple of days a week, but the rest of the time I’m off on my bike to endless meetings about food events and wider gastronomic tourism. Currently, we’re planning the Guernsey International Food Festival in the Channel Islands for September, so I’m over there talking – and eating! – about twice a month, and I’ve been travelling all over the world with the festival’s International Chef Exchange. We visited Vancouver and Las Vegas earlier this year, with The Hague and St Lucia planned for the coming months. WHAT HAVE YOU CHANGED ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY SINCE MOVING IN? I was lucky enough to buy at the right time and the flat was fully refurbished. Other than the general wear and tear of the seafront, I’ve plans to refurbish both bathrooms this year, and I’ll be talking to Nutshell Construction about that. ARE THERE ANY OTHER AREAS OF THE CITY YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN? My sister recently bought a lovely house in Portslade. I’d consider moving that way as you definitely get more bang for your buck, but it would
Photo credit: Julia Claxton
be a long way to stumble home after a night out in Brighton. WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE OF THE COUNCIL? I best not comment. I can already feel my blood pressure rising. DO YOU PREFER TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME, OR DO YOU LIKE EATING OUT LOCALLY? I rarely cook at home; in fact, I can count the occasions in the past year on one hand. Somewhat a curse of the job that I’m eating out at least once a day… thank god for the cycling! WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE CLIENTS/HAVE A BUSINESS LUNCH? On the whole, Hotel du Vin is my ‘office’. They’ve been huge supporters of the food festival and many of the staff are now good friends. It offers the right balance of effortlessness and professionalism… and, of course, one of the best cocktail bars in the city. For lunches out in Sussex I’d always choose Jeremy’s Restaurant at Borde Hill Gardens. Everything about it is stunning, and they do an express business lunch for £18, which you can pre-order in the morning so dishes are timed to the guest, not the kitchen. IF YOU ARE HEADING OUT OF TOWN WHERE DO YOU GO? I’m over in Lewes a lot at the moment; we’re leading a new project to build the £6 million South Downs Wine & Spirit Centre there. Its a really exciting project featuring an interpretation centre, bar, restaurant, retail, gin distillery, event space, cellarage and luxury accommodation, that will help put our award-winning wine industry on the international map. DO YOU EVER HANKER TO LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD? I’m taking a sabbatical over the winter to visit friends in Canada and Australia, then I’m off to discover myself in Vietnam. Lets see how I feel on my return…
The Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival returns from 26th to 31st August. Visit www.brightonfoodfestival.com
Photo credit: Julia Claxton
Photo credit: Julia Claxton
Photo credit: Julia Claxton
AUCTIONS
MAKING A BID Upcoming auction dates for commercial and residential property across Sussex
B
uying at auction is no longer the preserve of developers, and buying at auction can be attractive to residential buyers for a number of reasons. Obviously, you hope to get a bargain. But you also hope to avoid the conventional – potentially drawn-out - process of house buying. At auction this process is condensed into a matter of minutes, not months. You become the owner of the property the moment the hammer falls. Most auction websites will contain useful information for buyers. Consult,as well, the guide from the BBC’s website before you attend your first auction: www.bbc.co.uk/homes/property/buying_auction1.shtml Remember, it is vital to do your research. Make sure you have your finance in place, view properties and details carefully and carry out relevant searches. And, finally, do remember that buying at auction is a binding commitment.
UPCOMING AUCTION DATES LOCALLY INCLUDE: Austin Gray Auctions 24th September 2015, Clarendon Church, Clarendon Villas, Hove, 2.30pm 19th November 2015, Clarendon Church, Clarendon Villas, Hove, 2.30pm www.austingray.co.uk Parons Son & Basley Auctions 9th September 2015 The Dining Suite, The Spen Cama Pavilion at the Sussex County Cricket Ground in Eaton Road, Hove, 11am. www.psandb.co.uk Fox & Sons Auctions 6th August 2015, The MacDonald Botley Park Hotel, Southampton, 1pm 17th September 2015, The MacDonald Botley Park Hotel, Southampton, 1pm 29th October 2015, The MacDonald Botley Park Hotel, Southampton, 1pm 10th December 2015, The MacDonald Botley Park Hotel, Southampton, 1pm www.sequencehome.co.uk Clive Emson 17th September 2015, The Hilton Brighton Metropole, 11am 6th November 2015, The Hilton Brighton Metropole, 11am 15th December 2015, The Hilton Brighton Metropole, 11am www.cliveemson.co.uk Allsop Residential Auctions 16th & 17th September 2015, online 28th & 29th October 2015, online 16th & 17th December 2015, online www.auction.co.uk
38 PORTFOLIO
Nick Muston FRICS, Auction Manager at Austin Gray Auctions, reports from Austin Gray’s July Auction “At our July Auction the sale total was13 out of 14 lots sold, representing a 93% success rate. The sale total was £3m. The highest-price lot was 19 Nizells Avenue, Hove, which sold for £890,000 off a guide price of £850,000 to £875,000. This was the property’s first time on the open market in over 50 years and it was in need of complete refurbishment and modernisation. “Another interesting lot was Swift Sports in Grand Parade, Brighton, which has been trading as a sports shop since the early 1960s – and, prior to that, was purchased by the owner’s family for £500 in 1950. It was put up for sale by the owner due to retirement and sailed way past pre-auction expectations to achieve £325,000 against a pre-sale estimate of £250,000 to £270,000.”
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We’re On The Market: Your Local On The Market Agents
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h me OnTheMarket.com is the new, simple way to search hundreds of thousands of properties. More and more estate and letting agents are moving all their properties from other sites to OnTheMarket.com and are advertising them exclusively with us first. So, for a head start in the hunt for properties you won’t find anywhere else, search OnTheMarket.com.
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SOCIAL event
The Property Professionals’ lunch at Pub du Vin, Brighton
Gez Wilmot, Davenport Property Investment
Andrew Stenning & Kirstie Prodger Searches UK, Rob Desbruslais, Desbruslais Surveyors
The summer Property Professionals’ lunch took place at the Pub Du Vin at the end of July, and, as usual, there was a great turnout. The event also marked the occasion of PORTFOLIO magazine’s first birthday and all the guests celebrated with a Pimms cocktail and a few glasses of wine. SearchesUK staff were out in force, heavily promoting their fantastic magazine, Conveyancing Focus! The event raised over £420 for Rockinghorse Childrens’ Charity and CEO Ryan Heal was there to let us know that we are on target to raise over £2,000 from this regular lunch event in 2015. The donor for the charity prize draw was Matthew Murphy Electrical Services, who kindly donated a “Show and Stay” gift voucher worth over £400 for the event, including two tickets to a top West End shown and an overnight stay in a top London hotel with return train travel. Chris Mansfield from Davenport Property Investment was the guest speaker. www.davenport-wealth.com The Property Professionals events are organized by PORTFOLIO
Steve Neucleous, Mishon Mackay
Gemma Warrenne, Metro Bank
magazine and SearchesUK.
The next Property Professionals Lunch event is Thursday, 15th October. To book your place email melanie@searchesuk.co.uk.
Sam Elsby, Smoover
Chris Mansfield Davenport Property Investment, Lynne Edwards Portfolio magazine
42 PORTFOLIO
Photo Credits: www.patrickkneath.com
LEGAL matters
“Everyone has the same legal rights to make arrangements regarding their family”
JUSTICE FOR ALL? Do we have a two-tier legal system? Howlett Clarke on why justice should be accessible
M
ichael Gove recently made his first speech as the Justice Secretary. He took the opportunity to describe a twotier legal system that provides a gold-plated service for the rich but, for the rest of us, a disorganised system creaking at the seams. As a family lawyer I have witnessed a twotier legal system for many years, even with legal aid. What we have now is one legal system that is only available to those who can access legal advice because they have money, are able to get a loan or are one of the few still eligible for legal aid. As a result, there are huge numbers of people who simply can’t get any advice and are, in effect, unable to get access to the family courts. I see people every day who are shocked that, despite the fact that they earn very little or are in receipt of benefits, they cannot get legal aid, not even for initial advice, let alone to take a case to court. For example, if you are a father on a low income whose ex-partner refuses to go to mediation and you want to see your children, there are limited options, and already many people have to rely on lawyers working for free. The need is too great and lawyers working for
free (pro bono) cannot fill the gap. Everyone has the same legal rights to make arrangements regarding their family, and those with less money should have the ability to resolve any issues with good quality legal advice in the same courts as the rest of us. This obviously costs money but in the planning stage it also takes a commitment to human rights, the common good and justice in the widest sense of the word. Without legal aid children will not see both their parents and mothers will not get their proper share of the family assets. If you need legal advice, please contact Fiona Connah at Howlett Clarke. Fiona will provide the professional and friendly guidance you need and explain your options and eligibility for funding. Fiona Connah is an Associate Solicitor at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ 01273 327272 www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke
Fiona Connah
QualitySolicitors
Howlett
Clarke
are
proud to announce that we have now acquired PB Law in Southwick.
This
important expansion brings a wealth of legal experience to the sunny shores of Southwick as we settle into life in Adur. Warren Robertson, Partner at Howlett Clarke, said: “This acquisition is an exciting venture for the Partners & staff of Howlett Clarke and adds another chapter to our firm’s rich heritage. As a local resident in Shoreham, alongside many of our staff, expanding into Southwick with PB Law presented the perfect fit. We are now looking forward to Howlett Clarke becoming a part of the local community in Adur as we expand across Sussex’s Western Coast” Watch out for more news about this acquisition in the local media and on our website at: www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke
See more from Howlett Clarke at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk PORTFOLIO 43
FUTURE BRIGHTON – THE “BIG CITY” PLAN
The first of our features from Paul Nicholson at Chalk Architecture, looking at the planning of the city and beyond
P
aul Nicholson is a Chartered Architect with over 15 years of experience across the retail, hospitality, commercial office and luxury interior sectors. As a Co-founder and Director of Chalk, his role in developing the business post the 2007 downturn has brought him into contact with many of the city’s key institutions & individuals. “We understood very quickly that to have a successful business it wasn’t enough to just be good at design; we had to be in a position to make projects happen by connecting people together. Often we’d suggest a tie-up to a client that they had not previously considered and which then led to a new, dynamic variation to their business model.” In this series of articles Paul will explore how the cityscape of Brighton & Hove is going to be reshaped over the coming short, medium and long terms. Some of the proposed developments you may love, some you may not.
The core objective of the pieces is to reveal a few things not widely known, get people talking and create some fruitful connections between ideas and populus. Brighton is a seductive place: “It’s always sunny in Brighton” is a regular refrain heard by those not lucky enough to live here. That must also refer to an outlook or disposition, as we all know during the winter months, when the southwesterly is pumping, it is definitely not sunny. Although, who doesn’t love walking along the promenade in a bracing wind, wrapped up in warm togs, watching the mighty waves pummel the shingle beach? We are a city of paradoxes, but symbiotic paradoxes of harmony and conflict at the same time. We love its independence, we love the rebelliousness, we love the history, we love being by the sea. We hate the London commute, we rage at the traffic and the parking, we are baffled by the story of
the West Pier. We love it the way that it is. Therein lies the rub. Brighton & Hove is a city under pressure; change is needed, and it is coming. We are a linear metropolis (perhaps I’m over-egging the metropolis bit a touch, but I’m a futurist at heart) sandwiched between the South Downs and the sea. We need to build more housing, more schools and improve the city’s transport connectivity. Businesses are screaming for better office space suitable for start-ups and SMEs. We have to create more employment opportunities for our young people, we need a greater diversity in our retail offer to attract more visitors and encourage them to spend more. Construction work underpins the economic stability of the city, from the small loft conversions to the huge multi-millionpound developments. Count the tower cranes and you get a feel for how well the city is doing economically.
Proud supporters of The House That Zac Built, building sustainable housing for disadvantaged families in rural Tanzania
Change can be divisive, but I actually think we in Brighton are going to be rather good at change. That is, if we do not sleep walk into the Brighton of the future. Are you surprised by how big the i360 is? Even at this early stage as it rises up from its high-tech cradle it dominates the aspect of the seafront from both directions. Like it or loathe it, it is an impressive piece of engineered design. It requires a singular vision to conceive of something like the i360. To conceive and then deliver it reveals an iron will to succeed. To propose something so iconoclastic against the backdrop of a historic city is staggering. The i360 is the wake-up call for Brightonians. Are you aware of the creation of The Greater Brighton Economic Board? The city has been interconnected to its surrounding geographical partners; we are not simply Brighton, Hove and Kemp Town in the minds of the strategists. This board brings together the City Region’s five local Authorities: Adur District Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, Lewes District Council, Mid Sussex District Council, Worthing Borough Council, two universities, four further education colleges, three business partnerships, the local enterprise partnership and the national park authority as a formally constituted partnership. (www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/ press-release/greater-brighton-economic-board)
“Brighton & Hove is a city under pressure; change is needed and it is coming” This is a big idea and reveals that there are further big ideas coming. These ideas require joined-up thinking that ties the region’s playmakers together. A newsworthy contender that could top this list is the co-redevelopment of the Brighton Centre and Black Rock. Brighton Centre will become a new retail quarter connecting into the back of Churchill Square Shopping Centre; Black Rock, the giant sand pit next to the Marina, would host a new conference facility and hotel complex, kick starting the re-imagination of the now defunct Madeira Drive and on to the Marina. We all need to be pro-active and participate in the debate of how to design our built environment. A precise analysis and questioning of proposals is required. Nothing should be taken for granted. At Chalk we create a stand-alone blog for each of our major development proposals (see www. chalkplanning.com) in tandem with a surge in posts to our Twitter accounts and Facebook page. Thus, we endeavour to communicate with as many people as possible what our intentions are. Debate has been constructive, colourful and has also impacted in a positive way on the design. Brand Brighton could do with a more effective platform for the tabling of the big development proposals, a “place” for debate. We’ve been pushing this for many years and have developed various ideas for how to create it, which we will explore in a further article. In the interim the combination of Twitter and Facebook offers us a viable short-term forum.
CHALK ARCHITECTURE: WHO WE ARE Chalk Architecture is a multi-disciplinary design practice creating innovative and successful Interior, Architecture and Branding Design solutions for clients based in the UK, Ireland, France & the Far East. Working closely with local and international collaborators, the Chalk team provide a client-focused service and are dedicated to delivering creative and dynamic designs for hospitality, retail and residential projects, large or small. Chalk Architecture has worked with some of Brighton’s most inspirational entrepreneurs, developing unique branded retail and hospitality experiences: Small Batch Coffee Roasters, The Hare & Hounds, The Seven Stars & Bagelman, to name a few. Chalk provides their specialist “total design” solutions to clients from the UK to France and China. Excelling in Interior Architecture, they were short-listed for the coveted Building Design Magazine, Interior Architect of the Year Award in 2014. Not limited to interiors, they are engaged as architects by myhotel to extend their facility on Jubilee Street and are currently involved in developing designs for a brace of exciting new mixed-use schemes in Brighton.
PAUL NICHOLSON Paul is an RIBA Chartered Architect, qualifying as a registered architect at Kingston University in 2000. Having worked with and carried out projects for Professor Roloef Uyten Bogaardt in Cape Town, Patrick Lynch Architects and Project Orange Architects in London, Paul formed Chalk architecture with his colleague Damon Webb in 2008, combining architectural, interior design and graphics skills to provide a total design solution for hospitality and retail sector clients. A keen endurance sports enthusiast, Paul raises money for local charities, having run the 2014 & 2015 Brighton Marathons for the Rocking Horse Appeal, and is due to run the Brighton and London Marathons in 2016. https://m.facebook.com/ChalkArchitecture
Find out more about what amazing work Zac and his team are doing at www.thehousethatzacbuilt.org
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NEW homes
“Individual, desirable homes with the best of contemporary styling and fitting and innovative elegance and luxury”
DESIRABLE HOMES Imaginatively designed homes from Greenplan Designer Homes, who combine practical needs with elegant luxury to create individual homes with the best of contemporary styling
G
reenplan Designer Homes are a privately-owned Sussex-based company specialising in small-scale developments in select locations. The latest development at Brighton Road, Hassocks brings to the market two individual and distinctive family homes designed to create contemporary living space in a secluded, yet well-connected location. Set in spacious plots situated close to the border of Hassocks & Hurstpierpoint and only a short ten-minute walk to Hassocks mainline station, these unique homes offer a host of highly luxurious features, which make them a special place to live. The area is well served by local schools, including an extensive choice of both state and independent educational facilities. Each home boasts a stunning Alno fitted kitchen, complete with Silestone worktops and Miele cooking appliances. Bathrooms are fitted with Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware with Kelly Hoppen designed taps, while the whole home audio is controlled via a Control4 integration
system. For those who work from home, above each triple garage is a home office with kitchen area and shower room all linked back to the main house for everyday convenience. Founder and Managing Director Rob Burnham said, “These two homes demonstrate the progression of the business as a whole over the last six years, reflecting the latest in designs and innovation while embracing the requirements of a family home. Our commitment to providing homes which are recognised as being of the highest calibre drives our desire to continually improve, offering our buyers the most positive of experiences. “Stackley House and Highdown House blend contemporary living with softening of some of the hard edges which are associated with new homes, and the long, private, gated entrance drive down to them supports this. It really is an ideal blend of being connected to Brighton and London and being totally private and secluded at the same time; we’re delighted as
the project nears completion.” The company’s homes are designed with flair and a strong sense of individuality which recognize and reflect both the practical needs and indulgent desires of its customers. Irrespective of the size and scale of Greenplan Designer Homes developments, their objective is to create individual, desirable homes with the best of contemporary styling and fitting with innovative elegance and luxury. The company is currently seeking planning for a bespoke development in Surrenden Crescent, Brighton, providing well-sized family homes in one of the city’s most desirable roads.
For more information on any of the company’s developments, call 01403 214900 or visit: www.green-plan.co.uk PORTFOLIO 47
H ME of the MONTH www.onthemarket.com
...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine
4 bedroom terraced house for sale Hampstead Road, Brighton
Price: £599,950
Key features: • • • • • • • •
Victorian terraced house Wealth of original features Two tiered garden Beautifully refurbished Four double bedrooms Patio, terrace and lawn Polished wooden floors Open plan reception rooms
CONTACT AGENT John Hoole - Brighton 214 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 5AA
Tel: 01273 555115 FREE VALUATION
Making Moving a Pleasure If you are buying or selling your property, Healys offers an unrivalled legal service. In order that your matter proceeds smoothly we offer the following as standard to our clients: • • •
Direct dial to your Solicitor No hidden charges Competitive fees
We would be delighted to provide you with a free personal quotation. Please contact one of our team on: 01273 669139 or email: property@healys.com or visit www.healys.com and complete our online quotation form.
8/9 Old Steine Brighton BN1 1EJ
OVERSEAS
“With breath-taking views over the Mar Menor and the national park, which rolls out beyond the resort boundaries”
LA MANGA CLUB
As the tennis and golf seasons get underway, La Manga Club tempts sports lovers with two new residential communities
F
or all the aspiring Andy Murrays and Rory McIlroys out there, La Manga Club in Spain is the perfect place to call home as the tennis and golf seasons get underway. Second-home investors at the award-winning resort not only have the chance to own some of the region’s most contemporary properties but are also invited to enjoy three 18-hole golf courses and 28 tennis courts, not to mention an array of additional facilities. Over the years, La Manga Club has played host to a variety of sporting greats, including Seve Ballesteros, Greg Rusedski, the Barcelona and Real Madrid football teams and the Spanish and English national football squads, all of which have enjoyed the resort’s outstanding sports and wellness offering. For those dreaming of a place in the sun which allows them to brush up on their sporting techniques at the same time, two newlylaunched residential communities at the heart of the resort offer everything that aspiring sportsmen and women could dream of. The Buganvillas community is positioned very close to the tennis courts, restaurants and shops and all properties come complete with Sports Rights ,which extend discounted fees to fitness-loving owners. It will comprise ten plots which can either be purchased as custom built villas or as land plots, which
range from 500-900sqm. On a separate site of more than 27,000sqm sits Las Acacias, a tranquil enclave that will feature 29 plots. Each site has ample space for swimming pools and 3-4 bedroom villas with the option for spacious basements. Those investors seeking assistance with the construction of their property can opt to use La Manga Club’s resident management team and architects to ensure seamless delivery of their dream property. Also recently released are two rare plots that have just become available. With breathtaking views over the Mar Menor and the national park, which rolls out beyond the resort boundaries, these vast, 2,000sqm plots have been aligned with the very latest modern design to offer two exceptional six-bedroom, six-bathroom villas. Ideal for those seeking the very latest in high tech finishes and modern architecture, the properties make the perfect homes for entertaining large groups of friends or family, thanks to their Jacuzzis, infinity pools, large terraces, open-plan living areas and cinema rooms. On their doorsteps, owners will find 20 clay tennis courts, four hard courts, four artificial grass courts, three 18-hole golf courses, a golf practice centre, a Leadbetter Golf Academy, eight natural grass FIFA-standard-sized
soccer pitches, a junior football academy, boules and padel courts, as well as cricket, rugby, volley ball, and triathlon facilities. The resort also has over 15 restaurants and bars, a 5* hotel, 4* apart hotel, indoor and outdoor pools, an expansive, 2000sqm spa and fitness centre and a rustic beach. Testament to the calibre of La Manga’s sporting facilities are a number of recent accolades, including being named‘Best Golf Resort in Spain’ at the 2014 World Golf Awards and 2015 Today’s Golfer Travel Awards and the announcement that La Manga Club is an official resort partner of Tennis Europe until 2017. It is also an LTA overseas training base and has played host to prestigious events such as Davis Cup matches, the Fed Cup and ATP tournaments. Founded in 1972, La Manga Club is just a short flight away from London, and with 300 days of sunshine promised each year, there’ll be no need to call off a game because of the weather. Prices: Buganvillas. Plots from €230,000. Custom villas from €550,000 Las Acacias. Plots from €220,000 New Plots Total cost for plot and custom villa €2,500,000 www.lamangaclub.com
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BEAUTIFUL homes
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INTERIORS
INTO THE GARDEN Small can be beautiful! Make the most of your outdoor space and get adventurous with planting, says Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte
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e are now approaching the end of summer, and August is one of the loveliest months in the garden, which should now be filled with wonderful fragrance and colour. Although it is nearly the end of summer, there is still much to be done in our gardens as well as plenty of enjoyment to be had from our outside space. No matter how small a garden you have, size need never stop you achieving a stylish outdoor space. Lack of space does not mean lack of options, and with a bit of imaginative planting and the use of a few design tricks, you can make use of every corner of your garden. This year, at the RHS Hampton Court Palace flower show, there were a number of small gardens that were truly inspirational in showing how much can be achieved in a limited space. These gardens showed lots of flexible design and planting ideas to inspire and transform our outdoor living area into a visual feast. As well as design ideas, the show offered the opportunity to buy many of the plants, flowers and garden accessories. A great show to visit next year if you didn’t get a chance this year. When designing a small garden it is best to keep the design simple without over complicating. Think about the style of garden
you would like. Keep your colour palette simple, and by using soft colours you can create a calm space. Colour can manipulate the space. Strong colours like reds and oranges will make the space smaller, while blue shades will recede and push the boundaries of the garden back. Use hot colours near the house for dramatic effect and cooler colours towards the end of the garden to make it seem further away. Vertical space is invaluable in a small garden, so make good use of this space by adding climbers to walls and fences. Climbers take up very little ground space but will create great impact and also give height. Obelisks and wigwams also add height to borders, so use these to train beautifully scented sweet peas and clematis up them. Wall-mounted containers are great for trailing plants, to create a whole wall of greenery. Containers of all sorts are essential in a small garden as they give the flexibility to shift your garden around as much as you wish. Use pots to bring flowering plants into the limelight, and for a bit of impact plant up a dramatic architectural plant in a large decorative pot so that the eye is immediately drawn to it as you enter the garden.
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Geranium Cransbill: These are suitable for both sun and shade and will often flower again if they are cut back. Dicentra bleeding heart: Easy-to-grow perennial, in sun or shade, and has arching stems that hold the blooms. Lavender ‘Munstead’: A compact plant that is highly scented. Good to grow in pots and for edging borders. Box: This evergreen will provide yearround structure and will be suitable for containers too. Cynara Cardunculus: A plant for architectural interest that will make a statement in your garden with its wonderful silver foliage. Clematis: Even the smallest garden has room for a clematis, and this is good for walls, fences and obelisks. Jasmine Trachelospermum: A musthave climber which is evergreen and has sweetly scented white flowers.
With good ideas and careful planning it is possible to create a small garden that is as practical as it is beautiful to enjoy.
See more garden ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 51
CAREER LADDER This month we speak to Mark Buchanan Smith about his role as Centre Director at Churchill Square
WELCOME BACK – ISN’T THIS A RETURN TO CHURCHILL SQUARE FOR YOU, MARK? Yes I have previously been Assistant Centre Director here, but have spent the last eight years with Hammerson, one of the leading retail property specialists, a total of 14 years in the retail industry. WHAT’S CHANGED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN AWAY? The leasing of the centre has gone from strength to strength; some of the brands we now have are fantastic, such as Apple, Top Shop, Bershka and Smiggle. This allows us to compete with our regional competitors. I’ve been working on some of the best shopping centres in the country and hope to bring some of what I have learned to Churchill Square to help drive the centre forward. YOU MUST HAVE SEEN A LOT OF CHANGES GENERALLY IN THE INDUSTRY OVER THE LAST 14 YEARS? Yes. Of course, online shopping has impacted the traditional way we shop, but it is now proven that “clicks & bricks” can complement each other. The technology coming in the future for both stores and shopping centres is very exciting for the consumer. Customer services has been recognised as vitally important for omni-channel retailing, and although services have improved, we still have work to do to join everything up. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU, MARK? A walk around the centre first thing to ensure standards are correct, meet with my colleagues who help me run the centre, catch up with the retailers, see what’s happening in both the retail and retail property industries, meet with city stakeholders and answer loads of emails…
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BEING IN CHURCHILL SQUARE EVERY DAY PROBABLY SOUNDS IDYLLIC TO SOME OF OUR FEMALE READERS, BUT SERIOUSLY, IT MUST BE A HARD JOB. Being right in the heart of the city is a brilliant and varied place to be and the shops are always buzzing with activity. There are always so many ‘seasons’ in retail, it’s never a dull moment. Brighton is a great City to work in, and being back in my home city again is fantastic. DO YOU MANAGE TIME TO NETWORK IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY? Networking is very important, because I’ve just started this new role. Plus, I help represent Churchill Square within the city, and by networking with other city stakeholders and working together we can hopefully continue to promote Brighton & Hove as a great retail and leisure destination. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT? Outside of my own career successes, then I’d have to say being a dad to my two girls. IF YOU WEREN’T IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING? Running a well-designed “Beach Café” on a great beach on the south coast. Cooking for the public, and also having different small events such as showing classic films on an old projector, a summer kids’ club, reading them stories and taster evenings where we sampled food, drink and music from around the globe. YOU MUST NEED TO WIND DOWN, SO WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME AS AN ANTIDOTE TO THE JOB? I like spending time at home in Middleton-on Sea with the family – being a dad keeps me quite busy and I love to cook.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO THIS PROFESSION, MARK? General retail experience is always a good start, and then progress into property management and, above all, enjoy the journey! Churchill Square Brighton’s Shopping Centre www.churchillsquare.com 01273 327428
“It is now proven that “clicks & bricks” can complement each other. The technology coming in the future for both stores and shopping centres is very exciting for the consumer”
Autumn/Winter 2015 Interior/Homewares at Churchill Square Shopping Centre
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ake the transition from summer to autumn easier to bear with these stylish interior pieces from stores in Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Brighton. With over 80 stores, including Zara Home, Debenhams, Tiger, BHS, Lakeland, and Next, there’s something for everyone, whatever look you want to achieve in your home
LAKELAND: BHS: Bucket Chair £299 and Holly Willoughby for Home Pressed Metallic Glass Candle Jar, £15
Slate Serving Platter £19.99 and OXO Good-Grips Cold-Brew Coffee Maker £44.99
NEXT: Cream Set of 2 Rope Baskets, £40 and Embroidered Geo Cushion in Grey (also available in teal), £18
ZARA HOME: Metal nest of tables (set of 2) £99 and Pineapple Lamp £99.99
DEBENHAMS: Star, by Julien MacDonald, Black glitter flecks vase £38 and RJR.John Rocha Silver coralshaped bowl £55
OPENING TIMES Monday to Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday & Saturday 9am - 7pm Sunday 11am - 5pm
Click and collect: If items are not available to purchase in store, they can be ordered online to collect in the store
www.churchillsquare.com
SUMMER IN THE CITY
Goodies and giveaways from visitor attractions, places of interest, and events from Brighton & Hove and beyond
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s Brighton & Hove comes alive with visitors and tourists, this is also a time when residents can thoroughly enjoy our beautiful city. The beach comes into its own and is the venue of choice to enjoy a relaxed Sundowner, even for those not yet on holiday. Above all, Brighton is the best place in the world for a staycation. Here we feature some of the best attractions and cultural events from Brighton & Hove and beyond. Make the most of the unique situation between the sea and the Sussex Downs by Breezing Up To The Downs on the open top number 77 bus to Devil’s Dyke. Watch Quadrophenia on the big screen on the beach with a beer and popcorn. Whatever you do, enjoy summer in our city…
WIN!
two BIG SCREEN tickets and a night in HOTEL IBIS
Brighton’s Big Screen announces its return for 2015 with a movie line-up jam packed with blockbuster, classic and family movies. The much-loved open air cinema event will return to Brighton beachfront from 14th August to 13th September 2015. The gigantic 40sqm, 8mm screen will showcase three movies per day, including: Interstellar, The Goonies, Frozen Sing-Along, Guardians of the Galaxy, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Quadrophenia and Blade Runner. Situated on Brighton Beach next to Brighton Pier and the Brighton Wheel, Brighton’s Big Screen 2015 will include a new contemporary-style beach bar and pop-up restaurants, including the award-winning Brighton restaurant, The Chilli Pickle. Brighton’s Big Screen. www.brightonsbigscreen.com
WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH BRIGHTON’S BIG SCREEN TO GIVE AWAY A PAIR OF PREMIUM TICKETS TO WATCH BACK TO THE FUTURE, FOLLOWED BY A NIGHT’S STAY AT THE HOTEL IBIS, BRIGHTON CITY CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2015. This year marks the 30th anniversary of ‘Back to the Future’ so power up your deLorean, recharge your flux capacitor and we’ll see you on the beach! For a full line-up of films and to check out this year’s new swanky Bar head down to Brighton Beach, next to Brighton Pier from 14th August to 13th September 2015 and pre book tickets at: www.brightonsbigscreen.com To enter, email your name and address to :competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th with BIG SCREEN in the subject line.
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FEATURE
WIN!
a family ticket for four people for the Young Chekhov mini-season at CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
Young Chekhov: The Birth of a Genius Three plays. 23 Actors. 50 roles. Chichester Festival Theatre’s Young Chekhov trilogy is set to be a truly unique theatrical event. Lucy Briers, Pip Carter, Peter Egan, Brian Pettifer, Nina Sosanya and Olivia Vinall are just a few of the distinguished names who will be joining Anna Chancellor, James McArdle and Samuel West in the 23-strong ensemble company. Between them, the ensemble will play around 50 parts in total. Each of the three plays can be seen as a single performance or they can be enjoyed as one event, either over different days or as one intense theatrical experience on Trilogy Days. This season-within-a-season is anchored by a trio of talent – Chekhov himself, playwright David Hare, and director Jonathan Kent. These three plays, written when Anton Chekhov was young, offer a new perspective on the dramatist, revealing a youthful anger and romanticism that is very different to his mature, more familiar work. Chichester Festival Theatre. cft.org.uk
THE FAMILY TICKET IS FOR ALL OF THE PERFORMANCES ON THE TRILOGY DAY ON SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER: PLATONOV AT 10.30AM, IVANOV AT 3PM, THE SEAGULL AT 7.30PM To enter, email your name and address to: competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th with CHEKHOV in the subject line.
WIN!
tickets for four people to the Women’s Ashes match on Friday, 28th August Sussex County Cricket Club will once again be offering first-class cricket by the sea this August. The BrightonandHoveJobs. com County Ground, based in Hove, will play host to two Royal London One-Day Cup Matches and will also be hosting an international ashes fixtures as the England Women and Australian Women lock horns on Friday, 28th August. Visit www.sussexcricket.co.uk for full details of this and future fixtures
WE HAVE A FAMILY TICKET TO GIVE AWAY TO THE WOMEN’S ASHES MATCH ON FRIDAY, 28TH AUGUST. For a chance to win, just send your name and address to: competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th and tell us who the England Women’s Team are playing on 28th August.
WIN!
a family ticket to SEA LIFE Brighton
Situated right on the seafront next to Brighton’s iconic Brighton Pier, SEA LIFE Brighton is the world’s oldest operating aquarium and provides a fascinating insight into life below the waves. Get up close and personal with aquatic dinosaurs and ancient creatures with the newest installation, Jurassic Seas, with state-of-the-art technology tanks. SEA LIFE Brighton is open every day apart from Christmas Day. Open for admissions between 10am and 5pm, closing at 6pm. Sealife Centre, Brighton. www.visitsealife.com/brighton THE FAMILY TICKET ALLOWS ENTRY TO TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN. To enter, email your name and address to: competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th with SEA LIFE CENTRE in the subject line.
WIN!
tickets for four people to THE ROYAL PAVILION
For 200 years, John Nash’s extraordinary oriental fantasy, the Royal Pavilion, has been inextricably linked with the identity of Brighton. It has provoked controversy, inspired fervent adulation and, throughout its colourful history, become one of the most instantly identifiable architectural images in the world. It takes its unique character from the man for whom it was built, George IV, and its magnificent interior is a reflection of his personality and the arts of Regency England. It was conceived as a monument to style, finesse, technological excellence and, above all, pleasure. It remains unequalled in its colossal ambition and glorious sense of joie de vivre. The Royal Pavilion makes for a fantastic day out and there is plenty for adults and children to enjoy. See it for FREE as a member. For more information about visiting and opening times, please visit brightonmuseums.org.uk WE HAVE A SET OF FOUR TICKETS FOR THE ROYAL PAVILION. For a chance to win, just send your name and address to competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th and tell us who the Royal Pavilion was built for.
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FEATURE
WIN!
a VIP family ticket to the opening night of CRUSH
The sizzling, brand-new musical comedy CRUSH is set in Dame Dorothea Dosserdale School for Girls, a 1960s boarding school with a proud tradition of free expression. But when a deeply conservative new Headmistress turns out to be a tyrant with strict Victorian values, it’s a crushing blow. With lashings of charm and toe-tapping tunes, new musical CRUSH is a coming of age romp that celebrates schoolgirl friendships and fighting for what you believe in! Prepare for riotous routines and hockey sticks as the girls battle to save the school – and find true love – in this smashing musical comedy. Rosemary Ashe plays Miss Bleacher, Sara Crowe plays Miss Austin and Kirsty Malpass plays Miss Givings. CRUSH is written by Maureen Chadwick, whose TV credentials include Waterloo Road and Footballers’ Wives.. Theatre Royal Brighton, 22 –26 September - www.atgtickets.com/brighton THE PRIZE IS 4 TICKETS (TWO ADULTS, TWO CHILDREN) IN A BOX, PLUS HOSPITALITY AT THE THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMANCE ON TUESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER AT 7.30PM. To enter, email your name and address to competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th with CRUSH in the subject line.
WIN!
a £100 CHURCHILL SQUARE Gift Card With a fab new flagship Topshop store and a brand-new Office store just about to open, Churchill Square is going from strength to strength. There are excellent homes and interiors stores to choose from, too (see page 53 for some great interiors ideas from Zara Home, Lakeland, Debenhams and BHS). www.churchillsquare.com
WE HAVE A £100 CHURCHILL SQUARE GIFT CARD TO GIVE AWAY TO ONE LUCKY WINNER. To enter, email your name and address to: competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th and tell us the name of Churchill Square’s Department store.
SHOPPING
PICNIC PERFECT Whether you are picnicking at home, or on the beach, everything tastes better outdoors. Style your outdoor feast picture perfect with our picks below www.marksandspencer.com
PRETTY PLATE Bright melamine plates make for colourful picnics. John Lewis Summer Palm Floral Side Plate, £6. www.johnlewis.com
PACK IT UP You don’t have to be a basket case! Put your back in it with this neat Core Blue Picnic Rucksack from Marks & Spencer. £45.00. www.marksandspencer.com
POCKET BLANKET A LOT OF BOTTLE Cheap and very cheerful. These re-usable plastic water bottle come in super bright green or pink from Tiger, £2.00 each. www.tigerstores.co.uk
Pocket friendly, outdoor blanket weighs just 98 grams and is both ultra-durable and lightweight. Matador outdoor blanket £24.00. www.bearandbear.com
DOUBLE DECKER Enjoy a welldeserved break in the Allotment Vegetables Double Deckchair from In Spaces. Handmade in the UK. £200. www.inspaces.co.uk
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ON THE GRILL Put the sizzle into summer with a bright and portable barbeque. Landmann Piccolino Portable BBQ from Homebase, £34.99. www.homebase.co.uk
PUT THE FLAGS OUT SITTING COMFORTABLY Pretty deck chairs that are designed to blend in with your garden not clash with it. £69.00 from Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer.com
Use it in the garden or take it to the park, bunting turns a picnic into a party… Stripey bunting £4.99 from Homebase. www.homebase.co.uk
COVER UP Keep your picnic safe from sticky fingers and other pests! Pop Up Food Cover from Tiger, £2.00 each. www.tigerstores.co.uk
CUTE FRUIT Ensure your strawberry slices are Instagramworthy with this Strawberry Slicer from Tiger, £2.00 each. www.tigerstores.co.uk
MAKE THE MOST OF THE SUMMER WITH CARLUCCIO’S PICNICS!
BENTO BOX Perfect for portable picnics! This awardwinning Bento box is masterfully minimalist. £25.00. www.bearandbear.com
Italians do it best when it comes to al fresco dining so pick up one of Carluccio’s’ perfectly prepared picnics on the way to your chosen sun-filled spot this summer. Priced at £45, each picnic includes generous portions of fresh, summery dishes and is assembled each morning by Carluccio’s chefs, and comes in a fab Al Fresco cool bag. Equally ideal at Glyndebourne, in the park or on the beach, Carcluccio’s picnics can be pre-ordered up to 24hrs in advance from your nearest Carluccio’s. Pictured: The Classic: SERVES TWO. £45 www.carluccios.com/picnics
DRINK UP Home-made lemonade? Serve it up with a slice of the sun in this Palm Tree Jug, £12.50 from Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer.com
JEWEL COLOURS Bright, bold and pleasingly chunky. Pols Potten, handmade glass tumblers and bowls from £4. www.johnlewis.com
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Custom Printed
Wallpaper PRINTED TO ANY ROOM SIZE FOR YOUR OFFICE I SHOP I WORKPLACE I HOME
t: 01273 778570 sales@brighton.prontaprint.com www.brighton.prontaprint.com
WONDER WALL Turn your walls into works of art with the many contemporary and traditional wallpaper designs and paint finishes available. Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte on making your walls beautiful
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uring the 18th century, London and Paris became a hub for wallpaper production. Each of these cities had studios that created bespoke papers for the homes of the elite. However, as time went on and manufacturing techniques improved, the English and French design styles became mixed. New, more efficient block-printing production lines meant that paper could be made in long lengths – rolls rather than singular sheets - and so, wallpaper became more affordable and easier to acquire. This resulted in the first big boom in wallpaper usage around the world.
Farrow & Ball Hove 01273 774640 www.farrow-ball.com
Mister Smith Interiors www.mistersmith.co.uk
ARCHIVES RE-VISITED Many wallpaper designs have drawn inspiration from their archive collections to create stunningly beautiful, contemporary wallpapers suitable for today’s interiors. Damaskpatterned wallpaper has made a comeback, with a contemporary twist, and the delicate look of ‘chinoserie’ is ever fashionable. Chinoserie works well in today’s bohemian interiors, or for a feminine touch on a feature wall in a bedroom, or to add full-blown classical grandeur to a formal room. Many of these designs have been re-worked and beautifully re-coloured from archives for current tastes. Shower enclosures and wet rooms SHINE ON Metallic wallpapers are very popular at present. These remain best-sellers. Metallic papers come in distressed and in highly polished ranges of metallic finishes, adding a touch of glamour and opulence to a room. BOTANICAL GARDENS Nature-inspired wall
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coverings
featuring
magpies and other creatures of flight within leafy branches and blossoms are all at the heart of our urge to decorate our homes by bringing the outside in. Trees, foliage and flowers in all forms are popular in today’s wallpaper designs. These nature- inspired designs are easy to live with and look good against traditional or modern furniture designs.
“Wallpaper designs have been re-worked and beautifully recoloured from archives for current tastes” COLOUR AND TEXTURE Plain-textured wall coverings, popular in the ‘50s and ‘60s, have made a resurgence, and these papers have been produced to look like woven fabric, stone, plaster or even concrete.
This type of textured paper works well in a modern, minimal home with clean lines, high ceilings, large windows and plain surfaces. Faux-textured papers that are simulated to look like brick walls, wood or even metal with a 3-D effect are bold, dynamic choices for an ultramodern interior. IN THE ABSTRACT Bold abstracts and geometric-patterned papers can be dramatic and make a real statement. Although a popular choice today, this type of pattern is probably best kept for one feature wall as all-over would be rather overpowering. DIGITAL DESIGNS Popular today are wall coverings with quirky images. There is a wide choice available in many eclectic designs, with papers that contain images of bookshelves, antique suitcases and even wine crates, and if these fail to interest you, then you can go ahead and create your own wallpaper. With the power of digital printing, your creation will be produced for you ready to hang on your wall.
FARROW & BALL ON THE COVER
WHY PAINT? Paint is the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to give a room an instant makeover. “Painting everything white” is the ultimate quick fix to instantly make a room or a house appear lighter, brighter and even bigger. With minimal preparation time, even a DIY paint job will cover imperfections, pull together features or freshen up a tired interior.
There are also companies that offer as a service adapting a paper to suit your scheme, and they can even recreate archived designs or tailor more recent patterns to suit your project. This service is highly bespoke and will be costly. TRY A MURAL For a touch of luxury, and for a show-stopping feature that will enhance any decor, choose a mural wallpaper. Designs can range from panoramic vistas to decorative chinoiserie and other ornate motifs. This type of wall covering is highly suitable for rooms without a view or just for covering an accent wall as a dramatic feature. Panoramic scenes that completely cover, edge to edge and floor to ceiling, make a stunning focal point for a room. A low ceiling can be made to feel taller with clever use of scenic paper. A wall covering of this nature is costly, but the result is amazing.
Whether you are looking for modern paper inspired by the past, or for a more traditional paper, there is a wall covering to suit every need, from smart stripes and stunning damasks to elegant botanical prints or whimsical schemes and bold geometrics. The choice is endless. Wallpaper will create an affordable touch of luxury in any home, so be inspired by the many designs available today as there is something for every interior taste and style. See more interiors ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
ON-TREND The paint industry has had a makeover of its own over the past decade with specialist companies providing historically accurate and fashion-forward and architecturally pleasing colours and finishes as well as formulating new products that cut down on VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which the Environmental Protection Agency warns may have adverse health effects. Traditionally, homeowners had a choice between waterbased and oil-based paints, but because they tend to have higher VOC levels, the current trend is for alternatives to traditional oil-based gloss. Farrow & Ball recently phased out its oil-based paints altogether. ACCENTS Subtle use of colour can be used to draw attention to a feature, or even disguise a feature. Don’t be tempted to use too many colours though, say Farrow & Ball, as you may distract from the very thing you are trying to enhance. For a sophisticated look in a neutral room if you paint a feature a shade or two darker than the wall colour you will subtly draw attention to the detail. If your features are more functional, like a radiator, then you may prefer for these to disappear, the best way to do this is to paint them in the same colour as the walls. GET HELP Do enlist the help of a professional to make sure your painting is pristine. It will be worth it!
We design, create and install bespoke furniture to commercial, domestic and retail sectors.
Web site: www.redjoinery.com Twitter: @redjoinery Tel: 01273 463799 Mob: 07970274626
HEALTH
HEALTH MATTERS
Sun, sea and SPF. Dr Catherine Swann on sun damage: how to avoid it and what can be done about it
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he south coast is surely the place to be in an English summer, at least when the sun is shining. Most of us know that too much sun is bad for our skin. But how much is too much? Is there such a thing as too little? And what can you do about skin that is already damaged? WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SAY? Exposure to the UVA and UVB radiation found in sunlight is related to premature ageing, eye damage, and skin cancers. But exposure to UVB also helps our bodies make up to 90% of the vitamin D we need for healthy, strong bones. Recent draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (nice.org.uk) highlights the importance of understanding both the risks and benefits of sunlight exposure. Happily, the British Association of Dermatologists (www. bad.org) have developed both a ‘skindex’ (http://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file. ashx?id=2307&itemtype=document) to help you identify your skin type, and a worldwide UV exposure app (http://www.bad.org.uk/forthe-public/sun-awareness-campaign/worlduv-app) to help people understand their risk. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU? If you have fair or red hair, fair skin, more than 50 moles, a family history of skin cancer, or a job that takes you outside, you could be at increased risk of sun-related problems. Patches of uneven pigmentation, changes in skin texture, and skin that feels prickly or irritated after sun exposure can all be signs of sun damage. More serious problems can be
indicated by moles that change in size, shape and texture, or by new skin growths that itch or bleed – MacMillan’s website has an excellent guide to signs and symptoms: (http://www. macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/ skin-cancer/diagnosing/how-cancers-arediagnosed/signs-and-symptoms/signssymptoms-skin-cancer.html). Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include having darker skin, little or no exposure to natural light (for example, if you work nights, are house-bound or cover your skin for cultural reasons), and being over 65. Signs and symptoms can be harder to spot: fatigue, weakness and bone pain can sometimes indicate mild to moderate deficiency. If you have any concerns about sun-related damage or vitamin D deficiency, talk to your GP. TAKE ACTION NICE recommend staying out of direct sun between 11-3 in summer, using protective clothing and liberally applied sunscreen (with at least 4 star UVA protection, and ideally factor 30) to help protect from damage. Fairskinned people only need 10-15 minutes of direct sun to make enough vitamin D, although darker-skinned people need longer (the darker your skin, the longer you need – Hispanic or mixed race skins may need 15-20 minutes, and darker skin may need longer still). Many private clinics and hospitals offer a mole check and removal service, although if symptoms indicate there is a problem, you can expect to be referred to a specialist fairly quickly within the NHS – within 2 weeks if symptoms might indicate cancer.
There are a range of cosmetic treatments available locally and nationally through private clinics to reduce the appearance of milder sun damage, including laser, peel and dermabrasion procedures. These have varying degrees of effectiveness, and you should do your homework before selecting a treatment. Whichever service provider you choose should be registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk). Discuss your condition and any recommended treatment with a clinician before signing up for anything, ask them to explain why they recommend a particular treatment and what you can realistically expect. But prevention is better than cure: know your risks, be sensible in the sun and avoid burning – it will make those afternoons at the beach so much nicer!
Dr Catherine Swann Senior partner at Evidence into Practice Associates, a research and delivery organisation specialising in health, care and community.
www.eipa.co.uk PORTFOLIO 65
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MAGIC MIKE
Portfolio finds out what former English Ruby Captain Mike Tindall is up to away from the rugby field
H
e might be officially retired, but former English Ruby Captain Mike Tindall shows no signs of slowing down. This July he completed a quadrathron, which saw Tindall and his team tackle a 1.35km swim, followed by a 24km run, an 11km kayak course and a 54km bicycle stretch, raising money for Mary’s Meals and Mercy Corps.
Tindall also acts as a patron for Rugby For Heroes, a charity which works to help those making the transition from the military back into civilian life. “At the moment we’re trying to launch a course to get ex-servicemen and women into coaching,” he explains. “But what we do at the same time is raise money to put into our charity partners, like the On Course foundation… everything is geared towards helping ex-military people find their way in civilian life, getting them back to work and feeling connected with their families again.” Rugby has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the military, and Tindall acknowledges that the two camps seem to live by the same rules. “We’ve always done training camps at army bases, we’ve always had that strong link. Help
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For Heroes has always had that strong link with rugby, and I think that the leadership, the team bonding, the work ethic, all these things really
“There is a genuine expectation that England can go on and do really well” do overlap in both fields.” It’s not only the hard graft, but the team mentality: “having a laugh in adversity, when you’re hurt or you’re going
through bad times, we have the same sort of sense of humour as those guys do, and I think that’s why we get on so well,” he says. Aside from quadrathon training, Tindall has been keeping up his fitness levels for use in all his other physical endeavours. Married to Zara Phillips, granddaughter of the Queen, Tindall raised eyebrows when he said yes to reality TV shows The Jump and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. “For me to do them, they had to have the element of a challenge,” he explains, saying each series had a skill to offer. “For The Jump, I’d always wanted to learn how to snowboard. So for them to take me away and teach me how to snowboard was a huge appeal. But on the other side there was also that competition element to it. And that off-piste fun element as well!” While
CELEBRITY interview
“I was lucky enough to get all the caps that I did and have such great memories in an England shirt, a Bath shirt and a Gloucester shirt ”
Tindall didn’t leave The Jump victorious – “I’ve been lucky in the past at winning finals. But I can’t win any outside of rugby, unfortunately!” – he relished the challenge. Reflecting back on his career, overachiever Tindall admits there are professional targets he narrowly missed, but he’s not a man of regrets. Being on a Lions trip, for example, would have been a career highlight. “I was close in 2005 but my injury just didn’t sort out. I had an injury in 2001. But it was nice to play for the Barbarians against the Lions, it appeased that a little bit and at least I got to play against them, even if I didn’t get to play for them. “I missed a few games for England and I could have got near 100 caps, but I don’t think about that. I was lucky enough to get all the
caps that I did and have such great memories in an England shirt, a Bath shirt and a Gloucester shirt.” If there was anything he would change? “I had a lot of success internationally, but not really with my club. And club rugby is really close to my heart, you’re playing with all of your mates, so it was always a shame that we didn’t win a few more with a club.” Tindall will always be grateful for Bath, the launch pad for his professional career. “They took a chance on a few of us out of the England Under 18 school group, and there were some incredible players there when I joined - Guscott, de Glanville, Catt - so it was not easy to break in. They made you learn the hard way, those old guys. Something that’s missing a bit nowadays! They made you earn your stripes and it sculpted
me into the player I became. You can’t ever forget that. The fans were brilliant and I had eight great years there.” That said, “After nine years at Gloucester, I would probably say that now they are my club,” he reflects. With the World Cup this year, Tindall might be loyal to two clubs, but this competition is all about patriotism. “There is a genuine expectation that [England] can go on and do really well,” he says, adding that the home support will be brilliant. Tindall modestly refers to himself as “just a fan and a casual local player of a weekend,” these days, but the English rugby legend is also venturing into punditry. Joining fellow rugby greats Matt Dawson and Jeremy Guscott, in the coveted post-pro occupation, Tindall finds himself in good company.
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SPORT
SPORT AND THE CITY
Portfolio rounds up local and national sporting events for the next month and looks ahead to the city hosting two Rugby World Cup games in September
RUGBY
GRAND PRIX
The Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off on 18th September at Twickenham. Host cities will be spread all over England - the North, Midlands, South, West and London – making this a genuinely pan-England event. Thirteen venues have been confirmed, twelve of which are based in England. On the 19th September the tour comes to The Amex Community Stadium, Brighton, which hosts South Africa v. Japan on 19th September and Samoa v. USA on 20th September. www.rugbyworldcup.com
The British Grand prix took place at Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton completed a hat-trick of British Grand Prix titles from pole, but had to fight off an early surge from both Williams drivers, before a perfectly-timed tyre switch in the rain saw him hold off Nico Rosberg in the final stages. After the Japanese Suzuka Circuit – the drivers’ favourite – in July, the next stop will be Formula 1 Shell Grand Prix from Belgium, taking place 21st23rd August. www.formula1.com
WIN
CRICKET
Sussex County Cricket Club will once again be offering first-class cricket by the sea this August. The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground, based in Hove, will play host to two Royal London One-Day Cup Matches and will also be hosting an international Ashes fixture as the England Women and Australian Women lock horns on Friday 28th August. We have a family ticket to give away to the Women’s Ashes match on Friday, 28th August. For a chance to win, just send your name and address to competitions.porfoliomagazine@gmail.com by August 14th and tell us who the England Women’s Team are playing on 28th August. www.sussexcricket.co.uk
RACING The popular Frost’s Ladies’ Day returns to Brighton Racecourse on August 7th. This meeting also hosts the Brighton Challenge Cup, which was won last year by Barwick, who was trained locally in West Sussex in the hands of top apprentice Cam Hardie. Don’t forget to get your best summer outfits ready for the chance to win our Best-Dressed Lady competition, kindly sponsored by James Ross Jewellers. Why not keep the party going after racing at the Thistle Hotel in Brighton? Don’t forget that children under 18 enter for FREE! www.brightonracecourse.co.uk
GOLF Severe weather delayed play at St. Andrews, Fife, on day three of The Open Championships, and the final day’s play finally took place on Monday 20th July. After an exciting close finish at ‘the home of golf’, it then took an additional 4 holes for Zac Johnson to emerge the victor by beating his two play-off partners to take the prestigious title.
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FOOTBALL The national league season starts again on 8th August, and our own Brighton & Hove Albion first fixture kicks off on 7th August, 7.45pm, against Nottingham Forest FC. www.seagulls.co.uk
GOLF
A ROUND WITH… ELLIOTTS Portfolio’s Lynne Edwards has a round of golf at Mid Sussex Golf Club with Brian Huggins and Kevin Weatherill from Elliotts estate agents
I
t wasn’t perfect golfing weather, and neither was the golf always pretty, but a recent game with Brian and Kevin was still great fun. Our hosts, Mid Sussex Golf Club, helpfully suggested we tee off on the 10th due to a large seniors’ group ahead of our 9.16 tee time. The par 5 10th hole is stroke index 5, so we were off to a challenging start. It’s probably worth pointing out to those unfamiliar with Mid Sussex Golf Club that, although not the longest or hardest course in Sussex, it defends itself with its rough , which is knee-high in many places, and some strategically placed, girl-unfriendly bunkers!
Brian managed to find this rough on the 10th and, fortunately, also his ball, while Kevin scored a creditable 5. I had also finally parred this tricky hole for the first time ever, having hit the green in regulation and avoiding the stream running through the final 3rd of the fairway. After feeling a little nervous at playing golf for the first time with my old colleagues, I relaxed after also parring the 11th and started enjoying myself. Dodging the summer showers gave us the chance to chat about the healthy state of the local property market, and, in particular, their own success. Elliotts has recently celebrated their 22nd anniversary and Brian’s and Kevin’s 13th as partners of this respected agency. They have consistently been one of the topperforming agencies and opened their 2nd office in Hangleton three years ago. This addition now complements the services they provide from their established Church Road branch, and neither Kevin nor Brian has ruled out further expansion in the future.
Both Kevin and Brian are keen golfers and support many local charity events, playing off handicaps of 10 and 26, respectively. Having only played at Mid Sussex once before, they soon discovered the tricky greens and variety of water hazards. Kevin made a great birdie on our 14th (5th) hole, and both Brian and I parred the same hole, so we decided to quit while we were ahead, particularly as another wave of rain showers was looming. As official scorer, I announced over a great lunch that Kev and I had tied, but a post-match email exchange with Kevin suggested I had inadvertently given us joint points when in fact he had won by at least one. Note to self: Don’t think you’re just having a friendly game of golf with these estate agents on these pages! See Elliotts properties on page 33 If you have enough balls to join Lynne for a game, email her at: lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk With thanks to Mid Sussex Golf Club. www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 73
GOLFGUY...
PUTT FOR DOUGH Continuing our page of golf tips…This month: Can carpet putting improve your putting accuracy?
GolfGuy writes: About a dozen years ago my beloved motherin-law (requiescat in pace) gave me one of those putting practice devices designed for home use, undoubtedly in the vain hope that I would become a better husband to her daughter. The jury is still out on whether or not the use of this tool has improved my putting, but I have literally worn out the original and have plumbed the depths of my own pocket to acquire a much fancier, horseshoeshaped one, which now constitutes a safety hazard on my living room carpet. I have since complemented my training aids with a pair of long fiberglass alignment rods. My putting devices have become my friends. They entertain me when commercial messages interrupt the golf on Sky; they
entertain my friends (and their children), who can’t resist having a go when they spot my lowtech putting set-up. They have even followed me into the Nuffield private hospital when I needed something more riveting than a book to help me through the long pre-and post-op hours when nothing much was happening. You would not believe how many Consultant Surgeons – complete strangers to me – halted in mid-stride at my open door when they saw me practising my putting and asked if they could have a go. Despite all the obvious, universal interest in my modest putting studio, scorn is heaped on me by family members and fellow golfers for my steadfast belief that putting on carpets can in any way improve putting performance in
“real” life – that is, on an actual putting green. As a corollary, these same people generally believe that putting can’t be learnt: you either can or you can’t. The old adage “Drive for show and putt for dough” underscores the importance of the little flat stick in our overall performance. Most of us can’t just drop everything we’re doing – such as earning a living – and head for the nearest putting green for a couple of hours of practice. Putting on home carpets would seem to me to be at least better than nothing. Are there any drills that are suitable for carpet putting, and can putting be improved by practice at all?
GolfGuy
GOLF The Golf Pro replies:
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Using a putting cup on the carpet at home is great practice, but it will only hone one thing – your technique. It will not enable you to judge pace or read greens. You can have the best stroke in the world, but if you start the ball on the wrong line or don’t hit it hard enough, it will still not go in. I have listed below three areas where you can save shots on the course with just the putter. The first is hitting and aiming straight, and this can be done at home, as seen below. Green reading and pace control must be done on the putting green to get the most out of the practice. Aiming and Hitting Straight • Set a gate for the putter head, using upright objects (salt and pepper pots), and use two knives for alignment (Pic 1). • Set a smaller gate for the ball 45-60cm in front of the putter gate and directly in line. Focus on keeping the putter face square and sending the ball through the middle of the ball gate. Send the ball a reasonable distance, 2-3m in front (pic 2). Pay attention to whether the balls roll through the middle of the gate and adjust as necessary. To increase difficulty, make the ball gate smaller or move it further away, as long as the surface is flat. • Practice regularly for 10-20 minutes to check and maintain the consistency of your aim. ENJOY! Green Reading Clock face entry point: Visualize the hole as a clock face with six o’clock always in a direct line between your ball and the centre of the hole. Putts that break to the right will generally enter the hole between nine and six o’clock. Putts that break to the left will generally enter the hole between three and six o’clock. Be specific about what time the ball will enter the hole based on the slope. Two ways to choose the start line: 1. The ‘time’ the ball will enter the hole is not the aim line, unless it is a straight putt at six o’clock. Having established the entry point, make sure you aim the putter face high enough up the slope so it will not miss low of the entry point. This will ensure the ball is breaking toward the entry point, and not away from it, as it loses speed. 2. Imagine rolling a straight putt to the hole at six o’clock with the correct speed to hole
it. Whatever distance the ball would miss low is the distance you must aim the putter on the high side. For example, if you think the ball will miss three inches on the low side of the hole, your aim point will be three inches to the high side of the hole. Distance control How to practice well: Practice technique in designated practice times when preparing to play (on the day). Trust your technique and try to get the pace of the greens for the day. Distance control is the most important thing on long putts and causes more dropped shots than working on holing an eight- to12-footer (ironically, what you will be left with if you don’t get the pace). To improve consistency of stroke, putt three balls from the same distance in to a nice cluster so that you are repeating the same stroke. This allows you to get both the pace and a consistent stroke. Understand that professionals miss 50% of eightfoot putts, the difference being that they almost never three-putt from that range as amateurs often do. Two exercises for pace control: Repetition For a smooth stroke tempo, the time frame for your back stroke and through stroke should match in a “same time back, same time through” manner. With no target in particular, you should rehearse a stroke which is big enough to feel some momentum (somewhere around the right foot) and send a ball out to wherever it finishes. The challenge is to roll the next two balls out to the same point, matching the same length of stroke to the same tempo. Controlling the pace Use a distance ladder with five levels so you can feel the progression in stroke length going up and down, and then, time permitting, five levels at random. You cannot move onto the next level until they have completed each previous level. Levels in the ladder should be three feet apart, with the start point ten feet from the first level (pic 3). With these drills, ten minutes before you play, it is possible to save around six strokes per round. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at: lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk
With thanks to our golfing expert, Lee Andrews, PGA Golf Professional, Mid Sussex Golf Club www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk
th wi olf e l tic x G ay ar sse ou p r s e hi Su y g t Mid hen noth e. n i Br to nd w d, a o fre u n yo b, a rou an g u a l r c75 CPORTFOLIO for laye p
CITY news
CITY NEWS SOHO REGENERATION London-based Soho House is working with the Brighton Seafront Regeneration group and has come back with a revamped design for the derelict terraces area above the Sealife Centre after original plans were withdrawn earlier this year following concerns from residents. Planning Consultant Ian Coomber, who has joined the project, said the new design took its stylistic cues from the nearby Van Alen and De La Warr buildings. He said the new plans had taken residents’ concerns over the loss of seafront views into consideration. Madeira Drive has been at the centre of debate during The Argus Newspaper’s Seafront 2020 campaign, which is calling for a joined-up approach to ensuring our region prospers. The revived development would follow other new multi-million-pound projects for the area, including the “Bondi Beach” swimming pool complex and the overhaul of the Volk’s Railway.“Soho House is expanding into New York and Miami, so Brighton will be in good company,” said Mr Coomber.
THE SWEDISH TOUCH
EBAY PILOT FOR CRAWLEY Online auction firm eBay has announced a new pilot ‘drop-off’ service at two Argos stores in Crawley. Local eBay sellers will be able to drop off a sold item at an Argos store and have it shipped directly to their buyer. With a fixed delivery price and high street locations, the new service aims to make life easier for sellers by taking the tasks of packaging and posting off their hands. The service is priced to compete with traditional shipping methods and takes away the hassle of working out postage costs and queueing to drop off an item. Tanya Lawler, eBay’s UK vice president, said: “We’re leading the way in giving people convenience when they shop online, so it makes perfect sense to extend this to when they sell online, too. “When we launched ‘Click & Collect at Argos’ we shook up the industry by allowing smaller sellers and their customers to take advantage of extra convenience and efficiency. Now, by expanding our partnership, we’re using our expertise to make life easier – and selling smoother – for individuals too.” Crawley is one of just four UK towns selected to take part in this pilot. The new service is available now at Argos stores in Kingsgate, RH10 1EN, and County Oak Retail Park, RH11 7XN.
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A new branch of Swedish bank, Handelsbanken, opened earlier this year in Hove. Handelsbanken is a full-service, decentralised bank which prides itself on its strong customer relations and autonomous management, with no targets or bonuses for staff. The new Hove branch retains a Swedish touch, with a prudent refurbishment of the three-floor, Grade II listed building on Church Road. Manager Simon Nicholson said: “Several things attracted me to working in Hove, such as the fact the bank doesn’t have targets or pay bonuses, and people in the branch actually make decisions. When we talk to customers they tell us that’s what they want, and when you talk to bankers, they want the same thing. We’ve been running the bank like this for 40 years. It’s harder for larger banks to do, but it has to change.” He continued, “Although we’re Swedish, we describe ourselves as a local-relationship bank with traditional values. We are local people working in Hove and making all the decisions here; it’s a local banking model.” For the past 43 years Handelsbanken has had higher profitability than the average for its competitors. In the UK, it has been ranked number one for customer satisfaction and loyalty for the last six years. The bank has a profit-sharing system called the Oktogonen foundation, which distributes profits to top staff when they turn 60. Every employee, from the most junior to the most senior, gets the same allocation, which is based on whether the bank outperforms its rivals.
CITY news
VIDEO DOME Brighton Dome has launched new video tours of its facilities and surroundings as well as filmed testimonials, which are now available to view. For the third year running, Brighton Dome collaborated with the University of Sussex to produce two of the videos. A brief was provided to Media Studies students, who presented pitches in small teams to a panel. The two final pieces were then chosen to be placed on the Brighton Dome website and were shown to the whole year of Media Studies students. Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival commented: “We were delighted to work with the University of Sussex again this year. We are extremely proud of the final videos and would like to urge everyone to go online and take a look. They truly encapsulate the reasons why so many companies across the UK and further afield are booking their events at Brighton Dome.” http://brightondome.org/venue_hire/our_venues/videos.
BRIGHTON & HOVE COUNCIL DROPS OPPOSITION TO UNIVERSITY’S PLANS FOR 4,000 STUDENT HOMES Brighton & Hove City Council has dropped its opposition to plans by Sussex University to build more than 4,000 homes on its Falmer campus. The council said that the decision was taken after receiving legal advice in light of information presented during the planning appeal public inquiry currently taking place in Brighton. The university said: “We welcome Brighton & Hove City Council’s decision to withdraw its reasons for refusal.” The 4,000 homes, along with classroom and laboratory buildings, formed part of the university’s masterplan. Concerns were expressed by councillors about the university’s growing student numbers and the effect that this was having on Brighton’s housing problems. Opponents said that there would still be a rise in the number needing a place to live off campus. Significant details of the masterplan, including the layout and design of new buildings, are still expected to come before the council’s Planning Committee.
CRACKDOWN COMING ON TRAVELLER CAMPS ACROSS BRIGHTON & HOVE A crackdown is coming on traveller camps in parks and public spaces across Brighton and Hove, thanks to new legal powers. Brighton & Hove City Council is to carry out a consultation on the use of “public spaces protection orders”. The orders were created as a way of tackling anti-social behaviour. Council leader Warren Morgan said: “Brighton & Hove is a tolerant and welcoming city. But it is not somewhere people can expect to behave in ways that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of residents. “Public space protection orders (PSPOs) were introduced by the government in October last year to give councils more powers to reduce anti-social behaviour in specified locations. We are looking at piloting these orders for an initial three-month period at sensitive sites, including parks and some areas of the seafront, where anti-social behaviour is known to be an issue.” A report to the council’s Policy and Resources Committee said: “A number of parks, areas of the seafront and privately owned land are frequently occupied by people sleeping in caravans, vehicles or tents.
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CITY news
COFFIN MEW STRENGTHENS ITS BRIGHTON COMMERCIAL LAW TEAM Brighton law firm Coffin Mew has strengthened its Commercial team with the appointment of Mark O’Halloran. He joined the firm in June 2015 as a Partner and Head of its Commercial Services team. Mark is an experienced commercial lawyer, having joined from Crawley-based stevensdrake, where he was a Partner and head of its media and technology practice. Miles Brown, Coffin Mew’s Managing Partner, adds: “We are excited by Mark’s decision to join the firm and to head up our expanding Commercial team. He has a terrific reputation and a strong understanding of the media and technology sectors. He will be a real asset to both the firm and to its clients.” Coffin Mew was established 125 years ago and currently has 140 lawyers, professional advisers and business staff across five offices – Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton, Gosport and London. www.coffinmew.co.uk
EXCELLING IN SUSSEX Entries for the 27th Sussex Business Awards are now open to any company trading in the county. There are 16 trophies to be won, including the prestigious Company Of The Year, Best International Company, Innovation and Best Customer Service. For the second year Mike Herd, Executive Director of Sussex Innovation Centre, will chair the judging panel. He said: “The beauty of these awards is that, no matter who takes the accolades, we can all join together to celebrate business success in this remarkable county.” Companies have until Wednesday, September 9th to prepare their submissions. For more information visit: www.sussexbizawards.org.uk
VIDEO WARNS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF THE SEA IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE A set of YouTube videos commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Council gives a graphic warning about the dangers of the sea in Brighton and Hove. The first of three short films focuses on one of three types of people who are most at risk on the beach – small children. Another group targeted by the educational films are children and teenagers playing chicken when the sea is rough. The third at-risk group are people who have been drinking, especially those in the 18 to 25 age range. The council said: “The mix of alcohol and sea swimming is the most deadly of cocktails, with cold water acting as a shock to the system. Anything below 15 degC is defined as cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement. Brighton’s reputation as a party city, along with day- and nighttime drinking, also creates the additional hazard of seafront users entering the water after consuming alcohol. This is one of the biggest factors when we look at drowning incidents across the UK, especially within the male age group from 18 to 25 years old.” Four people have already died in the sea in Brighton this year.
THE BATTLE RAGES ON GATWICK bosses are launching a formal challenge over the Airports Commission inquiry, which they claim was “heavily biased” in favour of rival Heathrow. They claim that the report significantly underestimated the number of passengers who will fly out of the airport in future years. The Sir Howard Davies commission used statistics from the Department for Transport, which estimated 40 million people would use Gatwick by 2024. However, airport bosses claim they will see that number this year. CEO Stewart Wingate’s team have also questioned the “flawed” assumption that most long-haul traffic will use an expanded Heathrow instead of the Sussex airport. They are also expected to challenge the commission over allegations that it played down the environmental and noise impact of the Heathrow proposal.
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CITY news
BRIGHTON MARINA HAS HUGE POTENTIAL TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP
MORE VISITORS TO EAST SUSSEX IN 2014 AS UK ENJOYS A RECORD TOURISM YEAR International tourists spent £344 million visiting East Sussex last year, up 10 per cent from 2013, while 754,000 visits were made to the county in 2014, up 12 per cent from 2013, a new analysis has revealed. Tourism Minister Tracey Crouch welcomed the latest figures and pledged to work closely with the industry to help further strengthen tourism across the country. She said: “East Sussex offers a great and varied mix of sights and experiences. It’s fantastic that so many tourists visited the county in 2014. “Competition for global travellers has never been higher, which is why we must not be complacent and continue to invest and support the UK’s tourism offer. I look forward to working closely with the tourism sector to champion the best of Britain as part of our long-term economic plan and see places like East Sussex continue to enjoy a growing tourism industry.” The UK welcomed record numbers of tourists in 2014, with 34.4 million people visiting our shores, spending a record £21.8 billion in destinations across the country.
The current project to double the population of Brighton Marina is just the start of redevelopment plans, the scheme’s developer has said. Two nine-storey towers are currently being built at the Marina as the first phase of a £250 million scheme to add 853 homes, restaurants, offices, a new lifeboat station and a floating yacht club. However, Andrew Goodall, from Brunswick Developments, said the Marina had the potential for a further £250 million overhaul to house up to 1,000 more residents. Building work, bringing together a plan that has been 15 years in the making, has involved the first two towers shooting up to five storeys, with new floors to be constructed at a rate of one a fortnight. The first completions are expected in October, ready for full occupancy by July 2016. Mr Goodall said he was delighted at the progress and is extremely positive about the impact the future development of the Marina could have to help Brighton & Hove’s housing need and support the East Brighton area.
CAMPAIGNERS WARN THE DOWNS MAY BE FRACKED Campaigners have warned that the South Downs National Park could be at risk if the Government lets energy companies drill underneath it. Directors from the RSPB, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts England have joined together in urging energy secretary Amber Rudd, who is also MP for Hastings and Rye, to rethink the idea. Ministers previously agreed to a ban on fracking in protected areas but are this week expected to outline laws allowing the controversial practice to tunnel beneath them on condition that drilling rigs are situated just outside the boundaries. The opposition say that drilling rigs even outside the boundaries of sensitive sites would “harm their tranquillity and people’s enjoyment of them”. They said: “While we welcome the Government’s previous commitment to rule out fracking in particularly sensitive areas, we believe drilling beneath these areas should also be explicitly ruled out.”
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NATIONAL news
NATIONAL NEWS MILLENNIALS RULE A new generation of entrepreneurial young people total 15 percent of all undergraduates, and they are planning to start their own companies after graduating. Many undergraduates already operate their own businesses while studying. Over 52,000 students currently run their own enterprises, in industries ranging from events promotion to software development and clothing design. The Millennials - or those born between 1980 and 2000 - are entrepreneurial, ambitious, confident in their own abilities and fiercely independent. Of those graduates planning to start their own businesses, 45% stated they were driven by the desire to be their own boss. Twenty-seven per cent believe they will earn more money by starting their own enterprises than they could by working for someone else. A worry over suitable job opportunities has motivated a further nineteen per cent to contemplate starting their own companies. Given the billion dollar valuations of Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook and Larry Page’s and Sergey Brin’s Google, which were both started while the founders were at university, it is little wonder undergraduates are inspired to set out on their own. Those studying Creative Arts & Design courses at university are more likely than any other student to start their own businesses, with full 26% planning to start their own companies upon graduation. Those studying STEM subjects such as engineering, science and maths are the least likely (12%) of all the university disciplines surveyed to consider starting their own enterprises upon graduation.
NATIONS PLAN TO BATTLE CLIMATE CHANGE Crop failures, extreme heat waves and rising sea levels could be so harmful that governments will examine even small chances of the most severe impacts, according to a study by 60 experts from 11 nations. “When we think about keeping our country safe, we always consider the worstcase scenarios,” British Foreign Office Minister Joyce Anelay said in a statement. “That is what guides our policies on nuclear non-proliferation, counter-terrorism and conflict prevention. We have to think about climate change the same way,” she said. Almost 200 governments will meet in Paris in December to try to work out a global deal to slow climate change. Governments have long been at odds as to how to present the risks of climate change, partly because some voters doubt the scientific findings that global warming is man-made. Spending on national security or health is less controversial. The report said the world was not on track to limit greenhouse gas emissions to keep temperatures within a U.N. goal of two degrees Celsius (3.6 F) above preindustrial times.
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THE BORROWERS Loan applications have taken off since the election. Households borrowed an additional £2.1bn in secured loans in May, compared with £1.7bn in April. The relatively strong figure is up from an average of £1.9bn a month in 2014, £1.1bn a month in 2013, and £0.9bn a month in 2012. Meanwhile, the demand for credit by small businesses surged in the three months to June, registering the first sharp rise in a year. Banks also said they are increasingly willing to approve loans to SMEs. A net balance of 26.6 per cent of banks – that is, the percentage of lenders reporting rising loan approval levels, minus the proportion reporting falling levels - said they approved a greater proportion of SME loan applications in the second quarter of the year compared with the first quarter, the fastest increase in lending for five years. “It is also encouraging to see that default rates fell across all sectors in the second quarter – on mortgage borrowing, unsecured consumer credit and on corporate lending, especially for small businesses,” said Howard Archer, Chief Economist at HIS Global Insight. “This is clearly a reflection of recent, sustained, healthy UK growth, as well as the help to consumer finances coming from negligible inflation, rising earnings growth and higher employment.”
NATIONAL news
EU GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION The EU wants to reform data protection and cut red tape for businesses across Europe by bringing in a ‘one-stop shop’ single set of rules. In the future each company will have one single Data Protection Authority (DPA) to report to, generally reflecting where its headquarters are based. The rules will be the same for everyone across Europe. The regulation also aims to protect the rights of European citizens to have more control over their personal data. Businesses across the UK are in danger of underestimating the huge changes that lie ahead in data protection, according to a survey which revealed that one in five aren’t even aware of the forthcoming regulation. The regulation requires companies with more than 250 employees to appoint a Data Protection Officer. Smaller companies which hold more than 5,000 personal data records will have the same requirement. For many it may be more sensible to outsource this post, although the financial implications of the new regulation will also be a concern. Citizens will have the right to view their data and ask for it to be edited. The ‘right to erasure’, which has already struck Google, will add further complications as companies will be expected to find and edit large amounts of data quickly - within 72 hours – and will need to establish processes enabling applicants to make data requests. The threat of data breaches will no longer be the exclusive concern of data controllers, but of data processors as well. Penalties for companies deliberately or negligently breaching the regulation may include fines of up to 100m Euros or five per cent of global turnover.
ROYAL MINT COIN MARKS BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL DAY As the 75th Battle of Britain Memorial Day takes place
to
commemorate
one of the turning points of the Second World War, The Royal Mint has released a range of limited-edition precious metal coins to mark the anniversary of the conflict in the skies. In the July of 1940 Britain faced the threat of invasion and it fell to a group of nearly 3,000 brave young pilots and their crews to defend the country and battle for control of the skies. More than 500 were killed, one in six of those who fought, but Britain held strong and by October it was clear that Hitler’s plans would not be possible - The Battle of Britain had been won. The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain 2015 UK 50p features a design by Gary Breeze and is expected to enter general circulation later this year in recognition of the commemorations. It is available from www.royalmint.com in limited-edition mintages as a Silver Proof Coin, Silver Proof Piedfort Coin or as a Gold Proof Coin, and in a highly collectable Brilliant Uncirculated finish.
DISCLOSURE FOR DIVERSITY Getting more women into the boardrooms of publicly listed companies, changing the status quo, was always going to be a Herculean task. While the government’s February 2011 initiative to deal with the under-representation of women at the top of business evolved into a four year “carrot and stick” approach, yielding some considerable success, it may now have hit a wall of resistance to change. Not only do 31% of businesses responding to the twice-yearly FTICSA Boardroom Bellwether survey report that they will not meet the target set by Lord Davies of 25% women on boards by the end of 2015, 63% of those same companies have no plans to do so in the short, medium or long-term. This is the most pessimistic result for the drive for greater gender diversity since December 2012. A report from New Financial, the think tank and forum focusing on better capital markets, says diversity disclosure could be an important step towards improving diversity in European capital markets. “Disclosure is important as a statement of intent – to acknowledge that the capital markets industry is starting from a difficult position but wants to change, is capable of change, and how it plans to make those changes, without waiting to be told what to do by regulators,” it says. “Greater diversity disclosure is linked to increased diversity. We found a positive correlation between disclosure and female representation on boards, which is an example of a desirable diversity outcome,” says the report. On the plus side, it finds that diversity is becoming a standard feature of annual reporting for the capital markets industry, with 90% of the sample mentioning diversity and 77% publishing hard numbers about workforce diversity.
POST OFFICE APPOINT NEW CEO Tim Parker, dubbed “The Prince Of Darkness” for his willingness to swing the axe in halving the AA’s 7000-strong workforce, is to become the new Chairman of the Post Office as the organisation struggles to overhaul its branch network and keep up with the times. Mr Parker, currently Chairman of luggage firm Samsonite and the National Trust, will be charged with ensuring that the Post Office can be sustainable while also delivering on the Government’s commitment to secure the future of 3,000 rural branches. Taking over from Alice Perkins, Mr Parker will officially take up his post on October 1st. PORTFOLIO 81
“Too much will always be better than not enough, but it can leave one feeling guilty for wasting food or leave you no room for pudding”
PELHAM HOUSE
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Maarten Hoffmann samples the little gem of Lewes...
BUSINESS lunch
P
elham House in Lewes is a little gem tucked away in St Andrews Lane and has stood on this site since 1579 when local MP and lawyer George Goring demolished the original house and built what stands in front of me today. George’s grandson, George III, threw his fortune into the Royalist cause and went bust, and the house and land were bought for £500 by the Sheriff of Sussex in 1650. The name we now know came with the Pelham family, who purchased the house in 1653, and there it remained for the next 150 years. After a period of ownership by the council, it was purchased in 2004 by a group of four families, who opened up the beautiful building and its grounds as a hotel and restaurant. The 31 boutique-style rooms are well equipped and appointed, with a few enjoying views across the South Downs National Park. The Pelham House restaurant focuses on a simple menu, using high-quality seasonal produce sourced from Lewes and the surrounding area. Chef Oliver Pink has created a menu that should have something for everyone. Priced at £19.50 for two and £25 for three courses, the value is certainly there. We sat in the elaborately panelled dining room with views over the gardens, a very nice place to be, with good space between the tables. I started with the chicken liver parfait with onion marmalade and warm toast slices, which was full of flavour, although I would
have liked the toast slightly better done as when I piled the parfait on board, it drooped, making it slightly more difficult to eat. Lynne ordered the smoked salmon with fennel slaw and lemon vinaigrette, which was fresh as a daisy, with the fennel slaw an interesting addition.
“Although the weather was not kind, I can only imagine how lovely this location is in the summer with glorious gardens and a great new cocktail and mocktail range.” My marinated supreme of chicken with garlic leaf fondant potato and wild mushroom jus was very succulent, with the potatoes diced and packed into a neat ring and then fried. They had a great taste, with the garlic really coming through, and the jus was excellent. Lynne certainly got her money’s worth as her fresh green asparagus tips arrived piled high with
wild mushrooms, soft poached egg and truffle hollandaise. Perfectly cooked asparagus and a great taste combo with the egg and truffle, but there really was too much on the plate. Too much will always be better than not enough, but it can leave one feeling guilty for wasting food or leave you no room for pudding. Lynne had no problem there, of course, and dived right into the menu, coming away with a selection of sorbets and ice-cream, and as I could just about squeeze in something, I went for the layered chocolate delice with rhubarb sorbet and a sweet berry compote that was delicious, and a combination that really made the dish sing. The sorbet was contained in a chocolate cup that gave that bite of hard chocolate with the moist Delice... Delice-ious! A very good lunch, with attentive service and a lovely location. Although the weather was not kind, I can only imagine how lovely this location is in the summer with glorious gardens and a great new cocktail and mocktail range. I can imagine revisiting, sitting in the garden and working my way through the cocktail menu. It would be rude not to.
PELHAM HOUSE St Andrews Lane, Lewes BN7 1UW T: 01273 488600 E: reception@pelhamhouse.com W: www.pelhamhouse.com
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STYLE
TRAVEL IN STYLE Samantha Wilding on how to travel in comfort while looking smart and elegant
T
ravel
is
glamorous
only
in
retrospect. So said Paul Theroux, noted American novelist and travel
writer, and I believe he makes a valid point. Long gone are the days of beautiful leather trunks being loaded (by other people) onto boats and trains, while passengers got on with the pressing business of pre-dinner cocktails in the dining car or lounge. I think boats and trains are inherently romantic, but most of us travel by plane these days, whether for business or pleasure.
Budget airlines, plastic food,
cattle herding through security and the hell of economy do not make for a glamorous or romantic experience, no matter how many glasses of champagne you’ve consumed beforehand in Terminal 5. DRESS FOR THE JOURNEY Furthermore, looking effortlessly elegant en route has become more of a challenge. People used to dress to board their BOAC flight (or steam ship or train), but no one seems to
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bother these days. Baggy t-shirts, sweatpants (the horror) and flip-flops are too often the norm. Many of you travel extensively for business, and I’m sure you want to arrive at your destination looking smart, elegant and refreshed - as if you hadn’t travelled at all. How do you achieve this in our fast-moving, casual age? Firstly, start as you mean to go on. Arrive at the airport looking the part, whether in business dress or smart casual. This does wonders for the level of service you receive, and for potential upgrades. Gentlemen: if you are in a business suit and carrying hand luggage, pack a spare shirt and socks in your hand luggage; changing into these before landing will make you feel fresher. If you are dressed casually, keep the emphasis on ‘smart’. Choose dark jeans or crisp chinos, with a shirt and blazer (or coordinating jumper if you prefer). Another trick is to wear a clean, crisp t-shirt under your jacket or blazer to travel in before changing into a shirt when you land. Be aware, though, that not all airlines have hooks on the seats to hang your jacket or blazer.
Wear shoes that you can get out of easily (loafers are ideal) to minimise delays and fuss at security. And remember my mantra about the details: they matter. An elegant briefcase or messenger bag makes a great statement, along with a smart passport holder, wallet and watch. Ladies: keep it simple and streamlined. For business, a suit or dress with a coordinating scarf (planes are always cold) are good options. If you are travelling casually, keep it tonal – dark jeans and a navy cashmere jumper, or tones of camel and grey, are always elegant. Team these with contrasting accessories (red shoes and bag, for example) that will also work with the outfits you’ve packed. A word on shoes: again, wear shoes you can slip out of easily, such as ballet flats or loafers. If you choose heels, keep them at a mid-height; you’ll be walking miles of corridors at the airport, and your feet will swell on the plane.
STYLE
PACKING WELL IS AN ART I think packing well is an art. You want to pack your clothes so that they arrive at your destination relatively crease-free, and also know that you’ve got everything you need. Taking a capsule approach to your packing will help to ensure that everything works together and keeps you looking sharp. Here are some of my packing secrets… •
•
•
•
•
Check the weather. It sounds obvious, but many people forget to do this, particularly if it’s a short trip Consider the culture. If you’re heading to the Middle or Far East, for example, check with your company or host about any particular clothing etiquette you need to consider Plan ahead. People think I’m mad, but I always create a list (whether for business or pleasure) of what I plan to take, at least a week before. It gives me time to get any dry cleaning or shoe re-heeling done, as well as giving me a record in case my hold luggage goes astray Roll with it. Roll socks and ties and pack them inside your shoes. When you arrive, hang your ties and steam them in the bathroom (don’t iron them) Label inside and out. Label your luggage with your name and phone number (not your address) both outside and inside (sometimes labels get lost…)
•
•
Carry your valuables. Make sure you carry anything valuable, including jewellery and medication, in your hand luggage Check before you travel. Some airlines are looking at changing their rules on hand luggage this year, so do check before you go.
Buck the prevailing trend when you travel and make an effort to look sharp. You never know who you’ll run into in the lounge or sit next to on the plane. And who knows, it may even result in an upgrade!
FEEL GREAT, LOOK GREAT • Carry your toothbrush with you. Brushing before disembarking will help you feel refreshed, no matter how short the flight • Wear sunglasses – a lifesaver if you’re travelling on the red eye… • Don’t wear white or linen while you travel. It will get grubby or crease like mad– you’ll look a mess at the other end! • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Believe me, you will feel less bloated and dehydrated. Drink lots of water instead • Don’t eat airline food! (I swear by this one). I stock up on salad, fruit and yogurt before I board and graze through the flight • Wear items that you will also wear on your trip. Make use of hotel services like the trouser press, or steam clothes in the bathroom for a quick refresh
“looking effortlessly elegant en route has become more of a challenge” SMART TRAVEL ACCESSORIES • A portable steam brush removes creases, freshens clothing and is much kinder to fabric than ironing • Dust bags for shoes and small accessories, and layers of tissue paper to keep shirts and delicates crease-free • A portable weighing scale can help you avoid excess baggage charges • Small bags to help keep laundry separate • Small bottles (100ml or less) for any liquids or cosmetics you want to carry with you
www.styleandgrace.eu | @alwayschicUK
THE MATCHMAKER Could old-fashioned matchmaking and dating come back into vogue? We talk to Tara McDonell about putting the personal back into dating
T
oday’s singletons seem to be addicted to the internet when seeking their next partner, even though we are assaulted on an almost weekly basis with horror stories of lies, deceit and fraud along with, I am sure, many matches made in heaven. Matchmaking is as old as time, and in some cultures the role of the matchmaker was quite professionalised. The Ashkenazi Jewish shadchan and the Hindu astrologer were often thought to be essential advisors, who also helped in finding the right spouses as they had links to and a relationship of good faith with the families. In cultures where arranged marriages were the rule, the astrologer often claimed that the stars sanctified matches that both parents approved of, making it quite difficult for the possibly hesitant children to easily object – and also making it easy for the astrologer to collect his fee.
“Our objectives are to put the personal touch back into dating and strive to keep people safe” Things have moved on and matchmaking is back in vogue, none more so than with South Downs Introductions, founded by ex-police detective Tara McDonnell. PBM met up with Tara and asked her how it came about. “I set the company up due to my experiences with online dating in my 30s, when I was single. I found that some people lied about their age,
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weight, height and even their marital status. I put being single down to my career choice. I served as a police detective for 10 years and shift work made meeting single men difficult. The thought of putting my picture on the internet for all to see, including those I may have arrested, was horrifying. I eventually met my partner off-line through our love of sailing and have been together now for seven years. I left the police to attend university and study law and found that matchmaking agencies in the area were few and far between, and so expensive that they became prohibitive.” On-line dating fraud is ever-growing as singles turn to the ease of the online route, but such fraud rose by 33% in 2015 to a staggering £34 million, with one woman losing an eye-watering £800k. “Fraudsters, adept at grooming techniques, prey on the vulnerable; 68% are women and the rest are men. I saw there were even more sinister issues when a female suffered a brutal sexual assault and beating from a man she met on a well-known online dating site. Our objectives are to put the personal touch back into dating and strive to keep people safe. I meet everyone in person and I ensure they are who they say they are. I really get to know my clients and I am using my skills as a trained and certified matchmaker, and as an ex-detective, to put compatible, busy, professional people together, and it works. My testimonials are evidence of that. My clients put a lot of trust and faith in me. I work with some wonderful, inspirational people who have some marvellous life stories and some equally poignant ones. Honesty is my policy, and if I believe that I cannot assist someone, I will say so in a tactful way. “I would rather turn down a client than take their money and have a sleepless night.
SECRET Sussex
I am entering the UK Dating Awards 2015 as Best Newcomer to the industry. My company also provides bespoke, relaxed, no-pressure singles events, which include sailing taster days, wine tastings in elegant venues and summer barbecues.” It seems quaintly old-fashioned that dating agencies and matchmakers are back in fashion, but as with so many things online, there is no substitute for meeting face-to-face, and the technological age can be a curse as well as a blessing. As our professional lives get busier, it becomes ever more difficult to meet a new partner outside of one’s own workplace. Help is certainly needed, and with the on-line route presenting an unknown quantity, the key is to locate a firm that is professional and does what is says on the can, and South Downs Introductions certainly seem to be at the top of the tree. Who better to match you up and keep you safe than a law student and ex-police detective such as Tara McDonnell?
Tara McDonell
“The thought of putting my picture on the internet for all to see, including those I may have arrested, was horrifying”
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PC
THE P L AT I N U M CLUB BRIGHTON | GATWICK
The Platinum Club, the region’s leading networking forum, has continued its expansion with events held at the Grand Hotel, Brighton and the Hilton Hotel, Gatwick. Platinum evenings are unstructured, relaxing and primarily social events with an eclectic mix of business leaders from a wide spectrum of sectors. All events are hosted and relevant introductions are made throughout the evening. Fine Champagne and hand-made canapés complete an effective and highly enjoyable evening of diverse news, views, opinion and a wealth of new contacts. There are many more benefits to membership. Membership is limited to four members per business sector and for more information about joining the Platinum Club,
please contact info@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk or call 07966 244046
Call: 07966 244046 • e-mail: maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com • web: www.theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk
Lookers Mercedes-Benz Business Solutions
Surprisingly Affordable New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
E 220 BlueTEC AMG Night Edition Auto Just £254+VAT per month* Representative Finance Example: Mercedes-Benz E 220 BlueTEC AMG Night Edition Estate Auto: Monthly Payment (Excl. VAT)* £254.00 Advanced Payment (Excl. VAT)* £2,286.00 Payment Profile 9+23 Annual Mileage 10,000
For more details, visit www.lookers.co.uk/mercedes-benz
Mercedes-Benz of Brighton Victoria Road, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex BN411DY 01273 426 728 Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9YN 01622 623 711
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the E-Class. range: urban 19.9(14.2)-70.6(4.0), extra urban 35.3(8.0)-76.4(3.7), combined 27.7(10.2)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions 237-107 g/km.
*Business users only. Contract hire agreement. Advance payment applies. All payments subject to VAT at 20%. Finance based on a Contract Hire agreement, 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable. Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the contract duration. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. No ownership option. Orders/credit approvals on selected E-Class Estate models between 1 July and 30 September 2015, registered by 31 December 2015. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. 58541
MOTORING review
DELIGHTFULLY BONKERS Business Editor, Maarten Hoffmann, finds something to smile about with the Caterham 270S
I
can list on two hands the cars I have never driven. Then, like buses, two come along at the same time. Tesla, which I will review next month, and a car I have only ever driven on a track at Palmer Sport – the Caterham. Caterham have been producing slightly insane cars since 1957, and the name comes from their location in Caterham, Surrey. But no more. Following a developer getting his grubby hands on their iconic Surrey site, they have hauled themselves down the M23 to Crawley and now boast a great looking centre in Fleming Road, Crawley. The first thing they have done is to simplify the range, replacing all the confusing names with simple tags: now we have the 270, 360, 420 and the satanic monster 620R. It is not often I say this, but I was quite pleased when I was given the 270S, as it poured non-stop with rain while it was in my possession, and the 620 in the rain is not something I am that keen to experience. This is a car stripped to the basics. No mod cons, no bleeps and chimes every two minutes, no traction control, just an engine, two seats and four wheels, and it really took me back to the old days of driving by the seat of your pants, knowing you can lose it on any corner if not alert, and the iconic man and machine feeling. It’s really a go-kart for the road and more fun than you can shake a stick at. Is it a road car? Not really, save for those sunny Sundays or insane track days. While I had it I went about my normal business of meetings, events and dining reviews, and, with the roof up, getting in and out of it is a young man’s game, or for those with a competent chiropractor. When you first sink into the little tyke, you notice it is very compact, and not an inch has been wasted. I hit the button and fired her up and was assaulted by the roar emanating from the massive side exhaust, which, as my arse was an inch from the ground, sounded like Armageddon. No finesse required here. The Caterham requires driving, which is something today’s driver is not really used to. We sit back and let the technology take over and just point and squirt these days. Don’t try that with the Caterham or it will bite you. It is not overly happy poodling along, stopping at meetings, unloading magazines and parking, but get it on a winding country road and you realise what this car is all about. It sings through the gears and constantly screams at you, ‘Let’s go faster, you pussy!’The steering is absurdly accurate and direct, the low ride height makes 60 feels like 160 and all those hedges that you are used to peering over at on-coming
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traffic disappear and you are on your own an inch or two off the deck. It begs you to stab it through the close ratio 6 gears and take corners faster and faster. In the dry, it won’t let go and the power-to-weight ratio is just glorious, but in the wet you will be seeing the back end beside you more often than not, unless you drive like a vicar. They have pulled every horse out of the 1.6 Ford Sigma engine, with 0-60 coming in 5 seconds and a top speed of 122mph, which feels like 300mph hour with the roof and side screens off. Or, for the slightly unhinged, have a look at the 620R with a 2.0 litre Ford Duratec plant that will propel you to 60 in 2.79 seconds, which, I hasten to point out, is faster than a Lambo Murcielago, McLaren 12C and a Ferrari 458! It just makes you laugh with the joy of actually driving a car rather than just piloting it. It makes you smile when you walk up to it, smile when you slide aboard and chuckle when you fire it up. These are not motoring emotions we feel very often anymore, and I miss them. Every Caterham is hand-built to order, or, if you are the hands-on type, save yourself a packet and order it in kit form. They deliver all the parts and, one can only guess, an instruction manual that makes the one from IKEA look like child’s play. There are endless variants and options and you could just keep ticking boxes and come out with a bill for £50,000, but let the professionals at Caterham learn what you are looking for and then take their advice on what you need. You will end up with one of the funkiest, fastest and most furious cars on the road. Then stick it in the garage and get it out for sunny Sunday blasts and look up track days where you can really let it rip. Having driven the older 7 Superlight on track, this is its natural home. It will slide around corners and rip off the line like no other. Naturally, Caterham run their own track days, and that is certainly the place to start. If you don’t know whether you really want to buy one, go to one of their track days and drive their car. Now that’s a test drive from heaven. Ever fancied being a racing driver? They have that covered, too, with their Academy that has run for 20 years and takes complete novices into full-on races. You pay the money and they supply the car and all the technical support in the pits. More details on that overleaf. The Caterham is slightly bonkers, but in a very good way, and with a starting price of only £20,000 it is cheapest supercar on the planet, and it’s British through and through. It will most likely prove the best £20,000 you ever spent.
MOTORING review
“It makes you smile when you walk up to it, smile when you slide aboard and chuckle when you fire it up”
TECHNICAL STUFF: Model tested: 270S Engine: 1.6 Ford Sigma 135bhp Performance: 0-60mph 5.0 secs Top Speed: 122mph Price from: £19,995 As tested: £24,635
ELON MUSK THE ROCKET MAN
Maarten Hoffmann profiles Canadian-American entrepreneur, innovator and business magnate Elon Musk
W
ho is Elon Musk? This is a question that has been asked ad infinitum, and I am not sure that anyone has ever got close to the answer. What he does is a matter of public record, and if he gets his way, and he usually does, you will not be able to escape his brands over the next decade. Elon Musk is the man who couldn’t quite understand why it was such
a bother to telephone retailers and quote long numbers over the phone to make a purchase, so he fixed that problem with a little start-up called PayPal. Then he failed to understand why cities were choked with fumes and the cancer rate was so high, so he created a ground-breaking electric car called the Tesla. Then he heard that it cost NASA a billion dollars to launch
a single rocket to the International Space Station, so he rang them and offered to do it for $60 million. Oh, how they laughed – until they arrived at his James Bond villainesque operations centre in Silicon Valley and, within two hours, came away gob-smacked and clutching his signed contract to take over NASA’s launch operation for the next 12 missions.
BUSINESS interview
Elon was born in 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa to a Canadian mother and South African father of British descent, who was an electromechanical engineer. He was the typical child genius, and at the age of 10 discovered computers with the Commodore VIC-20 and proceeded to teach himself to programme. At 12, he had developed a computer game called Blastar and then promptly sold it for $500. Here was the first taste of what he was capable of. Life in South Africa was not a happy one, with his parents’ divorce and being severely bullied at school. He was once hospitalised after a gang threw him down a flight of stairs and then beat him until he blacked out. At the age of 17, he knew he had to get to the USA to realise his fledgling dreams, and, thanks to his Canadian-born mother, he moved to Canada in 1989 and obtained citizenship as a step towards the US. This also conveniently meant he just avoided his SA military service and enrolled into Queens University in Ontario before using an educational transfer to the University of Pennsylvania. Whilst there, he and fellow student Adeo Ressi bought a 10-bedroom frat house and turned it into a nightclub. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, he transferred to California to begin his PhD in Applied Physics at Stanford University, but left after only two days, as his drive to create was irresistible, and he began his mission to conquer the worlds of the internet, renewable energy and outer space. In 2002, he finally became a US citizen. Following his fist taste of entrepreneurial ventures with Blastar, he joined with his
brother Kimbal, and together they started a web software company called Zip2, with a £28,000 loan from their father. Zip2 was like a primitive combination of Yelp and Google Maps, long before anything like either of those existed. The brothers had no money, slept in the office and showered at the YMCA, and Elon, their lead programmer, sat obsessively at his computer, working around the clock. In 1995, it was hard to convince businesses that the internet was important - many told them that advertising on the internet sounded like “the dumbest thing they had ever heard of” - but, eventually, they began
to rack up customers and the company grew. It was the apex of the 90s internet boom, startup companies were being snatched up left and right, and within three short years the company was sold to Compaq for $307 million in cash and $34 million in stock. Elon Musk was only 24 years old. Not one to sit still for long, the same year he founded X.com, an online financial services payment company, and, following a merger or two, this became PayPal, which he subsequently sold to eBay for $1.5 billion, making him eligible for the title of the world’s youngest billionaire.
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In college, he thought about what he wanted to do with his life, using as his starting point the question, “What will most affect the future of humanity?” The answer he came up with was a list of five things: “the internet, sustainable energy, space exploration, in particular the permanent extension of life beyond Earth, artificial intelligence and reprogramming the human genetic code.” Modest goals, then! Now with a secure financial platform from which to launch, he turned his attention to electricity and space. He is totally incapable of understanding why governments are not taking climate change seriously. On renewable energy he said: “If you’re in nonrenewables, it’s like you’re stuck in a room where the oxygen is gradually depleting, and then outside, it’s not. So you want to get out of that room. And I think that those that get out of the room sooner will be better off. You could power the entire United States with about 150 to 200 square kilometres of solar panels, the entire United States! Take a corner of Utah… there’s not much going on there, I’ve been there. There’s not even radio stations. So his first mission is to rid the world of the internal combustion engine, and rather than just preach on the subject, he got up and did something about it with the invention of the Tesla Motor Company. The electric car is not a new invention, as an electric car held the land speed record in
1901, but they have always come packaged with problems: lack of range, the time to recharge and the habit of latter-day car manufacturers, thinking we all want to be the Jetsons, of designing them to look space-age and futuristic. Most of them look ridiculous and are all but useless in everyday use.
“When we were trying to bring the character of genius billionaire Tony Stark to the big screen in Iron Man, I had no idea how to make him seem real. Robert Downey Jr. said, ‘We need to sit down with Elon Musk’” Invoking the name of Nikola Tesla, the famous Serbian engineer and physicist who studied under Thomas Edison and was credited with the design of alternating current
and the modern electrical supply system, Elon purchased a 370-acre disused General Motors factory in 2010 in Fremont, California, and so began his dream of the electric car revolution. The first model was the Tesla Roadster, based on the Lotus Elise, and it stunned the automotive world to the point of total disbelief. With a range of 244 miles on a single charge - thanks to his use of compact lithiumion battery cells and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds! - we have the first electric car that will outperform just about every petrol driven supercar on the planet, and looks like a normal sports car but without the weight burden of an engine, gearbox, gas tank or exhaust pipe. The fact that he could do this with battery power alone spurred the industry to get involved, and most major manufacturers today offer an electric option. But they are all still missing the point, as the best-selling electric cars are actually hybrids that have the electric motor sitting next to a noisy and highly polluting diesel engine that charges the batteries, and a range of only 60 miles. Elon will have none of this, and Tesla is the first company to develop an electric car from scratch with no petrol engine option available, and with a range of up to 311 miles. Recognition came in 2006 when he was presented with the Global Green product design award for the Roadster, presented by Mikhail Gorbachev.
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“So there we have the neat package of government ensuring its own backside is safe by destroying a man who was genuinely trying to raise the editorial standards of the state broadcaster”
Elon does not mince his words, and when asked about the success of the Roadster, his response is typically flamboyant: “We really wanted to break the mould, to show that electric cars aren’t just glorified milk floats. This is the fastest-accelerating four-door production car in the world. That’s one hell of a milk float. I had thought the big car companies would be coming out with electric cars sooner. Crazy thing is, it’s now seven years since we unveiled the Roadster, and yet there’s still not a single car for sale without a Tesla badge that has a 250-mile range. That’s mind blowing.” With his point proven, he now needed to invest every dime he had to get into production with a mass-market family car, despite the countless critics saying that he was mad and would go bust, he very nearly did. Having pumped millions into the company, he needed investment and went hunting. His series A and B rounds of funding brought in $13 million, and he personally led series
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“Crazy thing is, it’s now seven years since we unveiled the Roadster, and yet there’s still not a single car for sale without a Tesla badge that has a 311-mile range. That’s mind blowing”
C, that secured investment from prominent entrepreneurs such as Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, former eBay president Jeff Skoll, Hyatt heir Nick Pritzker, the VC firms Draper Fisher Jurveston, Capricorn Management and the Bay Area Equity Fund, managed by JPMorgan Chase. The fourth series, in 2007, added another $45m and brought the total investment to over $105m. With the bandwagon rolling, the big boys got involved, and in 2009 Germany’s Daimler AG, parent company of Mercedes-Benz, acquired an equity stake of 10% for £50m, and in July of that year, it was announced that Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Investments had bought 40% of Daimler’s stake. The final chunk required came from a US Government interest-bearing loan of $465m. Tesla repaid this loan in full in 2013, becoming the first-ever manufacturer to do so, with loans to Ford and Nissan still outstanding. Tesla was born, and the current model, the
BUSINESS interview
Tesla S, went into production, and, as if to stick a finger up at his critics, it is a stupendous success that will transform everyone’s lives and the future of planet earth. If you are in any doubt, please read my review on page 60. And, perhaps even more startling, he does not believe in patents, and has left the car with an open source patent to encourage other companies to use his technology to advance their electric programmes. Here is a man with a real passion to change the way we do things. “Open sourcing the patents does have the advantage of making Tesla a more attractive place for the world’s best engineers to work,” he insists. “And it builds goodwill, which I believe will be important. I only own 30% of the company. They can fire me if they want. I’ve got nothing against profit, I don’t think it’s an evil word. But if we have a choice between short-term profit and scaling the business, the latter makes much more sense. So I’ve come to the conclusion we need to be a lot more active in building our own cars. Maybe if we start taking market share away from other companies that’ll get them a lot more interested.” That market share is within his grasp, as the S models have just covered 1 billion miles around the world along with an ever-
“Elon Musk is the man who couldn’t quite understand why it was such a bother to telephone retailers and quote long numbers over the phone to make a purchase, so he fixed that problem with a little start-up called PayPal”
expanding chain of Superchargers across the world that will give the car a half charge of 170 miles in only 20 minutes – and it’s totally free. Elon noted that “at least one major car company” is already taking advantage of Tesla’s open patents. Any guesses? Mercedes would be my call, but I’m not putting any money on it. Not content with conquering the entire world with his electric car, he is also the CEO of Space X. Ironically for a man who is trying to make the world a better place, he is also determined to leave it at every opportunity, with the goal of creating the technologies that will enable humanity to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars with the use of fully and rapidly reusable rockets. It has developed the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles, both of which were designed from conception to eventually become reusable, and the Dragon spacecraft which is flown into orbit by the Falcon 9 launch vehicle to supply the International Space Station with cargo. A manned version of Dragon is in development. Like so many young billionaires, our own Richard Branson included, the ultimate goal is the exploration and eventual colonisation of other planets. The ultimate achievement for the men who have everything. Like Branson’s Virgin Galactic crash in October
2014 that killed the pilot, Space X has had its problems. Only recently, the launch of the Falcon 9 on June 28th from the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral was perfect until 2 minutes and 19 seconds later, when it blew itself to smithereens. Fortunately, it was only carrying cargo and no life was lost, but it just goes to show what a herculean task space exploration is and why it is so attractive to hugely successful overachievers with bottomless pockets. But let’s face it, if it was easy they wouldn’t be the slightest bit interested and we would all be doing it. NASA Astronaut Ron Garan offered the following: “The lessons learned from the failure will save lives down the road when Dragon launches live crew.” He’s right, of course. But it’s still difficult to get swept up
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in the excitement of space travel, only to be confronted with an explosive reminder of how far away the future remains. If you wanted to bet which billionaire will get there first, bet against Elon at your peril and only wager what you can afford to lose. Even Richard Branson seems to be hedging his bets: “Whatever sceptics have said can’t be done, Elon has gone out and made real. Remember in the 1990s, when we would call strangers and give them our credit card numbers? Elon dreamed up a little thing called PayPal. His Tesla Motors and SolarCity companies are making a clean, renewable-energy future a reality. His Space X programme is reopening space for exploration…it’s a paradox that Elon is working to improve our planet at the same time he’s building spacecraft to help us leave it.” In his spare time he is the CEO of SolarCity, a company supplying electrical power to residential homes from solar power and is already the number one provider of solar power in California, with 10,000 employees and a new customer in the US switching to SolarCity every 3 minutes. This is not only a stunning conversion rate of folk in the developed world shutting off from the traditional national grid, but with 1.4 billion people in the world having no electricity supply at all, SolarCity intends to bring solar power to homes, schools and hospitals across the third world. Then there’s Powerwall and Hyperloop and... well, you get the point. His nickname might as well be the Duracell Bunny as he is not stopping any time soon. It has long been rumoured that the Iron Man and Avengers character played
by Robert Downey Jr., Tony Stark from the movie franchise, was based on Elon Musk. The Director, Jon Favreau, and Robert Downey Jr. noted: “When we were trying to bring the character of genius billionaire Tony Stark to the big screen in Iron Man, I had no idea how to make him seem real. Robert Downey Jr. said, ‘We need to sit down with Elon Musk.”
“His Space X programme is reopening space for exploration… it’s a paradox that Elon is working to improve our planet at the same time he’s building spacecraft to help us leave it” At 44, with over $13 billion in the bank, driving forward some of the most radical and successful companies the industrial age has ever witnessed, married to a stunning British actress, Talulah Riley, with five perfect sons….I question whether I am more tempted to kneel and prostrate myself at his feet or hit him with a house brick out of sheer covetousness.
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