Portfolio May 2015

MAY 2015

Nursery times

Keeping up with the Royals

The professionals Parks Residential stands out

Queen of cakes

Mary Berry talks baking and books

Luxury travel + WIN A NIGHT AT THE GRAND HOTEL

&

Fine Regency PROPERTY SPECIAL The region’s largest property publication

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INSIDE Monty Don, page 20

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Property News

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What’s Trending

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Calendar : Out and about in May

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Up My Street in Lancing : Nazish Ahmad

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Social Media : Keep in touch - newsletters

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Talk Money : New tax year – new opportunities

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Howlett Clarke : What general election?

47 50

New Homes : Retiring in Ditchling & Hove Park heaven Cover Story : Regency splendour at The Royal Pavilion

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May Collection : our pick of the best Regency properties

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Shopping – for top tots

56 57 Shopping for tots, page 56

New Homes, page 47

WIN a ‘baby break’ night at The Grand Hotel Interiors: Nurseries - Keeping up with Royals

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Gardening : Finally bursting with colour

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The BIG interview : Queen of Cakes Mary Berry 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 The Royal Pavilion www.brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion

Mary Berry, page 61

65 66 Philip Green, page 92

Cover Story : Luxury Travel feature including : Gorgeous country estates to visit, Indonesian solar eclipse cruise & golf break in Sussex Weald

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Golf Guy : Bunkers. Get me out of here!

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City news

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National news

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Travel, page 66

Career Ladder : Bernard Lodge print-maker & Artists Open House Festival 2015 brochure cover artist

Gatwick Airport : we interview CEO Stewart Wingate

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Business lunch : Finest fish dishes at The Salt Room

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Style : Accessories – it’s the little things

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Uniglobe : HS2 view

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Mercedes SLK250 CDI : Smooth operator

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The Salt Room, page 80

The BIG feature : Philip Green – ragtrade to riches

The PORTFOLIO team Business Editor: Maarten Hoffmann Production Editor: Fiona McTernan 07966 244 046 portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com For advertising and general enquiries contact 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

Chief Sub-Editor and Feature writer: Danny Lenovo portfoliomagazineeditorial@gmail.com

Managing Director: Lynne Edwards 07931 537588 • lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk

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.

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Shirley Drive, Hove BN3Villas, 6NQ Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ950,000 55

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ve purchasers only and should not be relied on as statements of fact. facilities are in good working order. 3. All Measurements are approximate.

www.mishonwelton.com

Woodland Drive, Hove BN3Villas, 6DE Wilbury

Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 - ÂŁ950,000 ÂŁ900,000 54

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A wide, turned oak staircase, lacinia sit amet. lacinia sit amet. leads to a spacious landing and in turn to 4 double bedrooms. The superb master suite, Pellentesque eleifendluxury orci in in dui dui feugiat rhoncus. rhoncus. Nullam Nullam includes a large, bathroom/shower Pellentesque eleifend orci feugiat sodales augue eu ligula semper molestie.

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94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB

Tel: 01273 778 877

New Church Road, Hove BN3Villas, 4EE Wilbury Hove BN3 6SE of Offers in excess ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ750,000 65

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Sed rhoncus sodales augue eu ligula semper molestie. Sed rhoncus with theex. main rear garden enjoying a quam. sunny dapibus Suspendisse eget rhoncus rhoncus tortor. dapibus ex. Suspendisse eget tortor. quam. westerly aspect. The house enjoys plenty Vestibulum at mi id felis sollicitudin tristique vel sed Vestibulum mi id felis sollicitudin vel sed of off roadatparking, includingtristique a detached magna. netus netus et malesuadaat fames ac turpis turpis egestas. magna. malesuada fames egestas. garage withet driveway the ac rear, together, ve purchasers only and should not be relied on as statements of fact. with a double parking bay at the front. facilities are in good working order. 3. All Measurements are approximate.

www.mishonwelton.com

Lawrence Road, Hove BN3Villas, 5QB Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE £499,995 £699,950 5 4

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Etiam faucibus sagittis ex, ut ultricies lectus pharetra. Etiam faucibus sagittis ex, ut ultricies lectus lawned south facing garden. The kitchen, lacinia sit amet. lacinia sit amet. of a good size offers scope for updating.

A wonderful turned staircase leads to the Pellentesque eleifend orci orci in dui dui feugiat feugiat rhoncus.

Nullam first floor providing 4 in good sizedrhoncus. bedrooms Pellentesque eleifend Nullam sodales augue eu ligula semper molestie.

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94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB

Tel: 01273 778 877

Antony Rummins & Graham Jasper

PREMIUM LETTINGS Established since 1992, Parks Residential have been the go-to lettings and management experts in the City, but a recent ‘London’ makeover has launched them into the big time. Lynne Edwards, who has known Graham Jasper, Antony Rummins and their team for over a decade, finds out more…

Graham (Jasper), it’s been a long time since we’ve seen your brand gracing the pages of glossy magazines, and now that we’ve visited your fabulous flagship office here in Queens Road we can see you’ve been busy. What prompted you to modernise your offices just now?

As we were receiving a higher demand from professional applicants for quality properties, it was felt that we needed to review our brand and the office to reflect that change. We realised that the London market was overflowing into Brighton, so it was time to take a fresher approach. Some members of the team had experience in the London market, and overall the brand needed to be brought in line with where we were heading. We’ve been in the same location for many years now and we’re secure in our place in the market and proud of our reputation.

It appears that your office also has had a ‘London’ makeover, as many of our capital’s estate agency offices have the same stunning 12 PORTFOLIO

contemporary feel that you have created. Was that your intention?

Yes, we’ve taken a lot of inspiration from the appearance of some of London’s top agents, and our Lettings Director Antony Rummins brought his experience from a high-profile South Kensington agency. We did our research making the effort to experience the London offices as a customer, and something which really stood out to us was the meet and greet element. We brought that to our office, providing coffee and a reception area, which immediately puts the client at ease. A major priority of ours is to be seen as an approachable agency, with great communication.

So you must feel that investment in updating and improvement of the brand is necessary and beneficial in business?

The market has changed a lot since we first started, over 20 years ago. We pride ourselves on being specialists within the industry, but it’s important to remain current and change with it.

Keeping up to date with a brand appearance is

just one of the ways clients can see that we’ve changed with the market and can give them the most reliable, up-to-date guidance.

Have you made any other investments over the last few years?

Parks feels passionately about training and retraining our staff. A lot of the team are ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) qualified. We regularly update our staff training to keep their knowledge current and customer service up to a high standard. We employed a marketing coordinator as part of Parks approach to make sure that our clients are getting the best from us, ensuring photography, descriptions and individual marketing strategies are tailored to their needs. There’s a high demand for agencies to stand out and be as knowledgeable as possible, and we have been supported along the way by third party companies, such as designers 05 Creative.

Presumably, you feel the actual office is still an essential part of doing business. This must

BUSINESS interview

landlords, or indeed tenants, for that matter?

We’re regulated by ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), which means there are strict codes of conduct, in place to ensure our agency runs at the highest level. Both our landlords and tenants are always reassured by the fact that we have Client Money Protection bonding, to protect our clients’.

It’s interesting to see from your properties and website that you have great photography, which has been a big change to this industry over the last 10 years. I’m pleased to see that you still feel this is important, particularly in the fast-moving letting business, as it must help you showcase quality properties.

Definitely. Professional photography contributes to attracting the right tenants for each property.

Photography works as a great tool to focusing on a property’s key selling points and marketing it in a way which the client would favour.

Parks Residential 107 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XF 01273 202089 www.parksletting.com be one of the best locations in the City, Antony It’s a fantastic location, and since our refurbishment the feedback has been great. The office is definitely eye-catching. It’s ideal being situated right by the station as a lot of our walkin enquiries are current commuters looking to move, which fits our clients’ requirements for professional tenants.

Apart from the office itself, how does Parks differ from other lettings agents?

We specialise solely in letting; we’re not diluted by anything else, so we consider ourselves experts in the field. Since 2004 we’ve been ARLA regulated and embrace the importance of operating under strict codes of conduct, which makes everything fair and consistent for our tenants and landlords. It’s also a benefit in the sense that our staff are informative and have great attention to detail which is vital when communicating with our landlords.

We’ve talked a bit about your staff. How about you, Graham? What roles do you and your Operations Manager, Andy (Hill), play?

As you know, Parks has been my vocation since I started the company in 1992 with just a desk and a phone, and although I have much more help now, I’m still as actively involved today as I was back then. I do find a lot of my time is spent working with our landlords, many of whom have been with us since we started.

Andy Hill has worked in the property business for over 25 years, and his wide knowledge

includes estate agency, land and new homes, customer service, compliance, as well as lettings and property management.

His expertise more recently has been in property management, having led teams for large independent and corporate lettings companies. But he felt that Parks Residential offered the opportunity to join a more proactive, customer focused local company with a clear vision of supplying their clients with high quality advice and service.

I know the industry has changed a lot over the last 20 years, what with internet property portals, changes to marketing, advertising and the introduction of social media. How do you manage to keep up with these new ways of reaching potential landlords and tenants, Antony?

Incorporating the rebrand was not just visual; we were also looking at the terms and methods of marketing. Part of that led to us realising social media plays a very important role.

We now employ someone to maintain and implement a strong social media presence.

Online marketing has changed dramatically over the decade, which is why we have such an emphasis on photography, property description, wording and overall design and layout of our properties.

Andrew Hill

The lettings industry is pretty well regulated, isn’t it?

Are Parks members of any associations, and what does this mean to PORTFOLIO 13

NEWS

NEWS SPENCER & LEIGH OPEN SECOND OFFICE Spencer & Leigh, long-established sales and lettings specialists in Brighton, have now opened a second office, in Portslade Old Village.

This branch will cover all areas of Hove, and specifically Portslade and Mile Oak, which has a thriving residential community. Experienced estate agent James Morris (pictured), who has been with the company for many years, is the Branch Manager, and is ably assisted by Alex Baker, Becky Hawkes and Leanne Hart. Spencer Turner and Leigh Brand, who have built a very successful office in Patcham village, said, “We’re thrilled to be opening a new office after years of looking for the most appropriate location to expand. This lovely area is thriving, with young couples and families, in particular, who choose this area to buy their first and second homes”. Spencer & Leigh, 10 South Street Portslade. 01273 421777. www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

BELVOIR LETTINGS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

ONTHEMARKET.COM PASSES 5,000 OFFICES MILESTONE

Nathan Crombie and Wai Lam have taken over the Belvoir branch, based in Hove. Both have extensive experience in retail management, customer service, and in property rental as landlords. They plan to use their own personal experience to ensure they deliver the service they would want to receive.

Both local boys, brought up and educated locally, Nathan and Wai have extensive local knowledge and will use this, along with a focus on outstanding customer service, to deliver a reliable and consistent service that puts customers at the forefront and gives the best advice to landlords and tenants.

Belvoir Brighton and Hove. 01273 311077. www.belvoirlettings.com

OnTheMarket.com – the major new property website – has announced its membership has grown to more than 5,000 estate and letting agent offices.

OnTheMarket.com launched on January 26th to rival Rightmove and Zoopla and features hundreds of thousands of properties for sale and to rent at all price points across the UK. More and more of its member agents are already advertising their new-tomarket properties exclusively at OnTheMarket.com at least 48 hours in advance of displaying them on any other property portal. After just six weeks from its launch, OnTheMarket.com had already had over two million unique visitors to the website.

OnTheMarket.com is a mutual organisation. As such it is focused solely on providing an outstanding service for property searchers, estate and letting agents and their vendor and landlord clients. www.onthemarket.com

PORTFOLIO OPINION

COUNTRYWIDE LAUNCHES AGENT APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

Although we could all potentially benefit from the taxes raised by Labour’s proposed Mansion Tax, more money could be raised by updating the Council tax bands and ensuring that the wealthiest in the more expensive properties pay more.

This would be a more graduated and equitable solution to achieving a fairer society – at least as far as housing is concerned. Potentially billions of pounds could also be raised for numerous other cash-strapped departments of local government, including local health services. Don’t forget to vote on the 7th May.

Countrywide has launched a new apprenticeship scheme for young people who want a career in the property industry. It gives apprentices training and development over two years to the standard of a Level 3 estate agency qualification. The qualification has been developed by Countrywide and is awarded by City & Guilds.

Once the apprentice has completed the training they gain free membership of the National Association of Estate Agents.

Recruitment is being advertised now, with the first recruits entering the scheme in the summer. The scheme is being trialled for six months in four regions with 20 apprenticeships, increasing to 100 apprentices per year.

Read more about this and other stories at www.estateageenttoday.co.uk

RACING AT BRIGHTON RACECOURSE IS BACK FOR 2015!

Following the winter break in flat horse racing over the turf at Brighton’s exclusive track, this year’s racing is now back with 21st April hosting the season-opening race evening. Set high on the Sussex Downs with stunning views of Brighton and Hove and the English Channel, Brighton Racecourse boasts one of the most unique racecourse settings in the country and hosts 21 flat racing fixtures between April and October.

Diary dates for the 2015 season include: Gentlemen’s Day on 29th May, the three-day Festival of Racing on 5th and 7th August, Frost’s Ladies Day on 6th August and The Family Fun Raceday on Sunday, 23rd August. Other May race days are May 5th and 6th. www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 15

2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL hove@elliottsestateagents.co.uk 01273 773399 2 Queens Parade, Hangleton BN3 8JG hangleton@elliottsestateagents.co.uk 01273 322766 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk Bishops Road, Hove An attractive contemporary styled detached, chalet style residence, transformed into a modern family home by the present owners and occupying one of the largest plots within the Hove Park Area which includes enormous c150’ west aspect rear garden.

• • • • • • • •

Five double bedrooms Three bathrooms/shower rooms Large separate rear lounge Big c150’ west aspect rear garden Forecourt parking to the front New heating system (solar assisted) Feature c34’ family room/ kitchen Newly redecorated

£1,250,000 FREEHOLD Please Respond to Elliotts in Hove 01273 773399

• • • • • • •

Impressive & Extended Semi Detached family home Study / Home Office on the ground floor 5 Bedrooms and 3 bathrooms ( Including 2 x en suites ) 2 Large Reception rooms A well equipped separate kitchen Off street parking for 2 cars and a garage A beautiful level lawned rear garden.

Nevill Avenue, Hove Elliotts HANGLETON are very pleased to offer this very special and versatile family home. With 3 floors of extensive accommodation the house really does lend it self to modern day living with a study or home office on the ground floor. The house is positioned very close indeed to both Blatchington Mill and Hove Park Upper School enhancing the overall appeal to both families and couples alike. Hove Park & Hove Station are also both within a half mile radius too. £545,000 FREEHOLD Please Respond to Elliotts in Hangleton 01273 322766

NEWS

TRENDING STEVE COOGAN IS HAPPYISH Ovingdean resident Steve Coogan’s new satirical comedy-drama TV series HAPPYish has just launched in the US and we can’t wait to see it! Not just because Steve Coogan is one of PORTFOLIO’s favourite local residents, but Coogan just goes from strength to strength and we can’t get enough of him on the big screen or the small screen.

In a role that was initially filled by Philip Seymour Hoffman (who filmed the pilot episode before his death), Coogan plays Thom Payne, a depressed middle-aged man, confronted with a new, younger boss. Thom’s pursuit of happiness is seriously compromised and he finds he must content himself with feeling “happyish.”

The series also stars The West Wing’s Bradley Whitford, and Kathryn Hahn. It airs in the US on April 26, and although there’s no confirmed UK airdate yet, it can only be a matter of time...

WE LOVE:

THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN BOOK The Sustainable Design Book, by Rebecca Proctor, is a guide to environmentally friendly products and best practice in the field of sustainable design. It features 265 of the most exciting new products from designers and studios, including Meike Meijer, Jeongwon Ji and Emiliano Godoy, with icons to demonstrate their eco credentials. Interviews with leading designers, such as Piet Hein Eek, Marjan van Aubel and Sebastian Cox give insight into trends and key techniques used within the industry.

The book explores developments in sustainable materials and contains chapters on furniture, lighting, home accessories and personal accessories.

Rebecca Proctor is an expert on sustainable design and the author of Recycled Home (2012) and1000 New Eco Designs and Where to Find Them (2009) The Sustainable Design Book by Rebecca Proctor is published by Laurence King and available now, RRP £24.95

BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE GEOMETRIC LAMPSHADES Joanna Corney creates architecturally inspired patterns for the home. Her graphic designs comprise a fresh collection that includes wallpaper, interior textiles and accessories. Joanna’s designs have developed from her love of cities and architecture, capturing their detail and beauty within her fine line illustrations. Her most recent range has been inspired by art deco architecture. Beginning with initial drawings of buildings, she then used the motifs and shapes from within those drawings to create her distinct patterns.

Each lampshade is handmade in Joanna’s studio in Hove using screenprinted cotton fabric and are available in a range of sizes.

The ‘Geo’ and ‘Ornamental Wave’ lampshades (pictured) are part of Joanna’s Deco range. Also, check out her lovely Royal Pavilion and Beach Hut cushions and lampshades! www.joannacorney.co.uk Geo Red Lampshade: 20cm Diameter x 20cm Height, £45 Ornamental Wave Mustard Lampshade: 30cm Diameter x 22cm Height, £60

PORTFOLIO - helping YOU stand out from the crowd Available at all estate agents and hundreds of selected outlets across the region

www.portfoliopublications.co.uk PORTFOLIO 17

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Tongdean Place, Hove £2,500,000 Detached executive home in private gated estate. EPC D

Somerhill Avenue, Hove £1,450,000 Six/Seven bedroom detached house with southerly garden. EPC D

Shirley Drive, Hove £1,500,000 Six bedroom detached family home with spacious accommodation.

EPC TBC

Dyke Road Avenue, Brighton £2,950,000 One of Brighton and Hove’s most picturesque family homes. EPC F

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

BEAUTIFUL homes

SEA VIEWS

S

ituated at the end of a quiet turning, in an elevated position overlooking Brighton Marina and the coast, this detached house offers plenty of versatile, bright and spacious accommodation. This is one of just five houses which make up an exclusive close approached via Roedean Crescent. To the front of the house is an attractive lawn and hard standing for parking cars; this also gives access to the detached double garage. To the rear is a full-width terrace leading down to a deep, wide lawn with southerly aspect and attractive views. Inside, five bedrooms and three bathrooms make up the first floor with four reception rooms on the ground floor providing impressive and spacious accommodation.

Roedean Heights, Roedean, Brighton, BN2 5SA Price: £1,500,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Sea-facing rear garden; Four reception rooms; Views to coastline and Marina Best Bits: Versatile accommodation; Double garage and parking; Kitchen/breakfast room overlooking garden Hamptons International 82 Church Road Hove BN3 2EB 01273 230 230 www.hamptons.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 19

CALENDAR of events

MAY May is Festival season in Brighton & Hove and Sussex. Our pick of May events selects some of the Festival highlights from around the county

2 - 24 May

1 - 31 May

Brighton Festival Brighton’s annual celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events takes place in venues both familiar and unusual across Brighton & Hove for three weeks every May. Now in its 49th year, Brighton Festival continues to win critical acclaim for its ambitious and daring programme. As England’s biggest curated mixed arts festival, Brighton Festival attracts some of the most innovative artists and companies (and some of the most adventurous audiences) from the UK and around the world. Novelist Ali Smith is the Festival’s seventh Guest Director and the packed programme includes Laurie Anderson, Margaret Atwood, National Theatre of Scotland, Globe Theatre and many other highlights.

Brighton Festival takes place from 2nd to 24th May at venues across the city. www.brightonfestival.org

Brighton Festival Fringe Brighton Festival’s not-solittle sister, Brighton Fringe, takes place for four weeks every May to include two bank holidays and the summer half-term break. This vast celebration of all things creative features more than 760 individual events, 175 free events, 3516 performances at 176 venues. Expect inspired programming at Komedia, The Basement and The Warren, amongst others, and The Spiegeltent is back on Steine Gardens!

Fringe City 2015 takes place on 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 16th and 23rd and 24th May, from 1pm to 5pm on New Road, the perfect place to check out what Brighton Fringe is all about and sample some of the programme for free.

Brighton Festival Fringe takes place from 1st-31st May at venues across the city. www.brightonfringe.org

2 - 24 May

2 - 24 May

Artists’ Open Houses Festival

HOUSE Visual Art Festival

For the first four weekends of May, Brighton and Hove’s Artists’ Open Houses Festival throws open its 200 front doors, inviting you inside to see the work of over 1,000 artists and makers. The festival provides a unique opportunity to meet the artists and makers in their studios and homes and to view and buy artwork directly from them.

Showcasing everything from paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and video, to ceramics, glassware, textiles, and jewellery, the Artists’ Open Houses offers something for everyone. Many venues also hold workshops and events, offering you the opportunity to explore your creative side as well. Artists’ Open Houses Festival takes place from 2nd-24th May in artists’ houses and studios across the city. www.aoh.org.uk

Throughout May, HOUSE 2015 presents new work by established and emerging visual artists, sited across the city in domestic, non-traditional and public spaces.

The seventh annual festival is an opportunity to see a diverse range of new projects by international and British artists, exploring this year’s theme of Edge and Shift.

Invited Artist Nathan Coley’s major new work Portraits of Dissension is at The Regency Town House, with You Imagine What You Desire at St Nicholas’ Church. In partnership with Lighthouse and Photoworks there are new installations from Joseph Popper and Amanda Loomes, and Outside In bring an exhibition to Phoenix Brighton’s gallery.

Amongst the highlights, Cinecity’s pop-up cinema will be in a surprising hidden corner of residential Brighton. HOUSE Festival 2015 takes place from 2nd-24th May at venues across the city. www.housefestival.org

From 21 May | Glyndebourne Festival Escape the ordinary this summer and head to Glyndebourne for a Festival of unconquered passions, divided loyalties and political intrigue. Glyndebourne Festival 2015 starts on 21st May with Donizetti’s Poliuto. It continues with Bizet’s Carmen, from 23rd May, Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail, from 13th June and Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia from 5th July. Make an occasion of visiting Glyndebourne: explore the grounds, visit the Archive and Gallery, and always – of course – have a picnic on the lawn during the Festival’s extended interval. Glyndebourne Festival 2015 runs from 21st May to 20th August. Glyndebourne Opera House, Glynde www.glyndebourne.com

20 PORTFOLIO

CALENDAR of events

15 - 25 May Charleston Festival Located in the glorious South Downs in East Sussex, Charleston was, from 1916, the home of Bloomsbury group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Pioneers of early 20th century British art, Bell and Grant created a hub of artistic and intellectual activity.

Home also to Clive Bell and John Maynard Keynes, guests included Virginia Woolf, Roger Fry, Lytton Strachey, T.S. Eliot and E.M. Forster. Charleston is now open to the public and provides the stunning setting for the Festival.

This year’s Festival of literature, art and ideas includes titans of the theatre (Tom Stoppard, Michael Frayn, Richard Eyre), the law (Helena Kennedy, Jeremy Hutchinson, Alan Moses), and the art world (Maggi Hambling, David Gentleman, Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist) as well as Bella Freud, Peter Carey, Colm Toibin, Tom Stoppard, and Monty Don. Charleston Festival 2015 runs from 15th to 25th May Charleston, Firle, Lewes www.charleston.org.uk

21 May Don McLean American singer-songwriter Don McLean has made a huge contribution to the contemporary American songbook. McLean will forever be linked with the iconic single – and album - American Pie, with its irresistibly catchy title track, a complex love story to an America reeling from Vietnam and Watergate, inspired by the death of Buddy Holly, the 8.5 minute track topping the charts for seven weeks and consistently topping polls for ‘Song of the Century’. Other major hits include And I Love You So, covered by Perry Como and Elvis Presley, Vincent, and Wonderful Baby, McLean’s tribute to Fred Astaire, while McLean’s performance of “Empty Chairs,” famously inspired Killing Me Softly With His Song, was a Grammy winner and a huge hit for Roberta Flack, also in 1973. De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, 7pm www.dlwp.com

17 May | Chris Difford Chris Difford, co-founder and member of iconic group Squeeze, performs an intimate acoustic show. As a member of one of London’s best-loved bands, Tillbrook has made a lasting contribution to English music with hits such as Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Labelled With Love, and Tempted. Chris recently celebrated his 60th birthday and for 41 of those years he has been writing with Glenn Tilbrook.

Over the course of a 13 album career with Squeeze, it was clear from the very beginning that Chris has few peers when it comes to smart, pithy lyricism. His ‘kitchen sink-drama’ style has drawn plaudits from fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, 8pm www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

COMING SOON 3 - 5 July Love Supreme Jazz Festival Jazz FM presents The Love Supreme Festival, which returns to Glynde Place in East Sussex this July, featuring a broad selection of international acts and outstanding emerging talent from the worlds of jazz, soul, R&B, pop and beyond.

The line-up features Chaka Khan and Neneh Cherry on the Saturday, Van Morrison and Hugh Masekela on the Sunday, plus many more acts, including Candi Staton, Submotion Orchestra, The Bad Plus Joshua Redman, GoGo Penguin and Ginger Baker.

Love Supreme is the UK’s only major greenfield jazz festival and takes place over the weekend of the 3rd, 4th and 5th July 2015.

Day tickets start at £55 and weekend tickets start at £110.

Camping, Luxury Camping, VIP, Junior & Family options available.

For full details and prices visit www.lovesupremefestival.com.

PORTFOLIO 21

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

Sussex Row, Bristol Gardens, Brighton - £299,950

Brighton Office 01273 685111

Entertain in style on the impressive south facing roof terrace in this fantastic two bedroom duplex which boasts its own street entrance and stylish living space over the first and second floors of this quality development. The property further comprises: 2nd floor main reception room, which opens onto south facing roof terrace, and leads to quality fitted kitchen with integrated AEG appliances, 2 double bedrooms at first floor level, both having built in wardrobe cupboards, and quality modern bathroom/WC. To the rear of the building there is a useful store cupboard, ideal for bikes, etc. Situated close to the green open spaces of East Brighton Park and Brighton Marina with its excellent shopping, leisure and recreational facilities. EPC rating C.

Panorama House, Vale Road, Portslade - Prices Starting from £130,000

Portslade Office 01273 383830

Panorama House is an up to the minute brand new development comprising spacious studios, one and two bedroom apartments and one stunning penthouse. Rising from the original Panorama Travel Head Office building, these forty six desirable homes form a new gated community bearing the latest hallmarks of modern design for contemporary living. Available April 2015.

22 PORTFOLIO

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

Russell Square, Brighton - ÂŁ350,000

Hove Office 01273 778844

Beautiful two double bedroom regency maisonette in picturesque square in the centre of Brighton. This well presented home has the best of both worlds, situated in the most desirable central location yet the square itself is quiet and picturesque with no through traffic. The beach, shops, restaurants and Brighton station are a short walk away. You really do have everything right on your doorstep.. EPC rating D.

Your Local Multi-Award Winning Estate Agent Bronze Sawyer & Co South East Agency of the Year

BEST

BEST

LETTING AGENT in Brighton And Hove

ESTATE AGENT in Brighton And Hove

2014

2014

Winner 2015 GOLD WINNER SOUTH REGION

for

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

sawyerandco.co.uk

for

SAWYER & CO

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

Brighton office now open

UP MY STREET...

...WE SPEAK TO NAZISH AHMAD ABOUT WHERE SHE LIVES AND WHY SHE LOVES IT NAZISH AHMAD HEADS THE RESIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT AT HEALY’S SOLICITORS WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I live on Lancing College Drive. I love the surrounding views of the South Downs, Adur River and the spectacular Lancing College school chapel, built in the 1860s.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOUSE We live in a semi-detached house on the grounds of the school, surrounded by large fields which often have horses grazing. We have plenty of space with three bedrooms and a small outhouse in which we can store bikes. The bikes have enjoyed living in their little home but we are hoping to get them out a lot more now that the weather is improving!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN SUSSEX? I lived in central Brighton for three years and moved to Lancing College last year when my husband started teaching at the college.

WHAT PARKS OR OPEN SPACES ARE THERE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? The best outdoor space is Brighton beach, which is a five-minute walk from my office or a 30-minute walk to Shoreham beach from home.

WHAT ABOUT HISTORICAL OR CULTURAL POINTS OF INTEREST IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? I enjoy walking along the coast, and one day I happened to stumble across Shoreham Fort.

Not many people seem to know about this, but I personally find it historically fascinating as I understand that it is only one of two remaining forts on the southern coast which is pretty much in its original form.

WHERE DO YOU SHOP IN YOUR LOCALE? I work in Brighton so I spend a lot of my time there. There is a great selection of restaurants and bars. I particularly enjoy a cheeky cocktail with my colleagues after work at Be At One. They have happy hour, where you get two cocktails for the price of one. One of my favourite restaurants is

Gars. The food and service is exceptional so I like to entertain clients here or have a relaxing meal with my friends or my husband.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER AREAS OF THE CITY YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN? I would love to live in one of the little houses behind the North Laine. It would be great to be able to wake up, walk out of my front door and be right in the middle of that quintessential Brighton community.

There is a great buzz around that area with Sunday markets, street entertainers and unique shops.

WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE OF THE COUNCIL? I would reduce the cost of public transport and reverse the 20mph speed limits. I don’t get the bus very often but when I do I am always surprised by the cost of a single ticket. I also think money should be invested to fully enforce the 30mph speed limits rather than reducing them to 20mph. The roads in Brighton can be extremely congested - particularly during the sunny weather which attracts many visitors.

WHERE DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE VISITORS? I enjoy taking people for walks along the beach, particularly from Brighton to Hove so they can see how that short stretch changes as you pass through the touristy and lively parts of Brighton beach onto the more peaceful and relaxing parts of Hove beach.

DO YOU EVER HANKER TO LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD? It is my dream/ambition to visit every country in the world during my lifetime. However, from the countries I have visited I would most like to live in Canada. It is a beautiful country with a diverse culture. People from many different countries and all walks of life appear to be extremely well integrated and the crime rates are very low. I also love to ski and snowboard and the Canadian Rockies are perfect for this.

Healy’s, 8-9 Old Steine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EJ T: 01273 685 888 | www.healys.com

PORTFOLIO 24

in association with Sawyer & Co

Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN

Langdale Gardens, Hove

EPC: D

Built circa 1919 a four bedroom detached family home near Hove seafront. The ground floor has a living room with plantation shutters, a modern fitted kitchen open plan to a vaulted dining and family room, a cloakroom and a utility room. Outside the westerly facing rear garden is accessed from the family area and the kitchen. The first floor has three bedrooms– one with en-suite and a bathroom; the second floor has the master bedroom with en-suite.The driveway and garage complete the tour. Considered design and styling give this house a modern twist; what makes this a home, is the textures, tones and flow that connects from the ground floor up to the master suite.

Tel: 01273 739911

Langdale Road, Hove

£1,250,000

EPC: D

Fine and Country are delighted to offer this elegant detached 1920s house in sought after Langdale Road. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, west facing garden, garage and additional off street parking, through lounge, separate comfortable study, newly fitted kitchen and downstairs w.c. This immaculate residence is decorated head to toe in tasteful Farrow and Ball. Simply delightful home.

Tel: 01273 739911

£1,175,000

Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911

maslen.co.uk

Yardley Street, Brighton

ÂŁ475,000 FREEHOLD

A well presented 3 bedroom terraced town house Located in an extremely popular and highly sought after residential area this bright and airy house is considered to be in excellent decorative order throughout.

Benefits include a through sitting/dining room, bathroom and separate shower room, gas central heating and a rear patio/garden. Early inspection highly recommended.

Energy Rating E50 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

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

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his really is a delightful, detached house in a fabulous location.

The house is in a stunning, elevated position in this sought-after residential area and enjoys a generous garden and southerly views to the sea. With a kitchen/breakfast room, a breakfast/ dining area, a separate lounge and dining room, a utility area and a study/bedroom 4, all on the ground floor, this is truly versatile accommodation. Three further bedrooms on the first floor all have southerly views towards the sea. A mainly lawned, very pretty, sunny garden adds to this superb home.

Friar Walk, Brighton, BN1 6NJ Price: ÂŁ850,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Ample living space; Conservatory, Flexible accommodation Best Bits: Large garden; Fantastic views; Popular residential area; Garage Maslen Estate Agents 290 Ditchling Road Brighton BN1 6JF 01273 566777 www.maslen.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  27

SOLD 2014

SOLD 2014

SOLD 2014

SOLD 2014

H I G H VA L U E S A L E S We are delighted to report that in 2014 we sold more superb, high value homes (£1m - £4m) than any other estate agent in the Hove Park area*.

Our reputation of achieving excellent prices for our clients is demonstrated by our success over the last 28 years and in 2014 included the highest price to have been achieved on a house sale in Brighton & Hove to date.

In the first instance if you would like some bespoke advice please contact: Steve Neocleous, Branch Director, on: 01273 829 301 *18 homes sold in this price bracket across the period 09.04.14 - 09.04.15, according to Rightmove’s figures.

M I S H O N M A C K AY. C O M

BEAUTIFUL homes

CLASSICAL STYLE

A

n award-winning architect-designed three-storey detached home at one of the finest addresses in Hove. Approached by a private driveway, the entrance is bathed in natural light, creating the luxury of a three-storey atrium.

The ground floor arrangement features the living room and family room linked by the sun room, a beautiful kitchen with integrated Miele appliances, a utility room and cloakroom. The first floor offers the master suite with en-suite bathroom and private south aspect terrace, a further two double bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms and one with a private terrace. The second floor offers a further two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

The guest/staff accommodation is located above the garage, has its own entrance and comprises a living room, kitchen, mezzanine bedroom and bathroom, ideal for a relative annexe or staff quarters.

The Lanterns, Tongdean Avenue, Hove, BN3 6TN Price: £2,350,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Extras: Swimming pool and terrace; Integral double garage; Separate self-contained annexe Best Bits: Prestigious location; 5000 sq ft of accommodation; Villeroy & Boch bathroom fittings; Smart Home technology Mishon Mackay 170 Church Road HoveBN3 2DJ Tel: 01273 821800 www.mishonmackay.com PORTFOLIO  29

9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove 27 Offices in Sussex 37 Offices in London

KINGFISHER DRIVE, BOLNORE VILLAGE Spacious detached four bedroom family home set over three floors providing plenty of flexible living space situated in a popular location in the sought after Bolnore Village, benefiting from garage and further parking, downstairs cloakroom, lots of storage space, open plan kitchen / dining area with separate lounge, en-suite to master bedroom, balcony and beautiful far reaching views over Bolnore Village.

PRICE £550,000

Haywards Heath Office: 01444 450105

HAMMONDS GARDENS, BURGESS HILL A five bedroom detached house in the highly regarded location of Hammonds Gardens in Burgess Hill, this beautifully presented property is located in close proximity to Burgess Hill Station and all further amenities provided by the town centre.

PRICE: OIEO £715,000

Burgess Hill Office: 01444 232849

HANOVER TERRACE, BRIGHTON This is a wonderful three storey house in the sought after ‘Valley Gardens Conservation area’. The property consists of 4 BEDROOMS, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Rear Patio & Rear Roof Terrace. The property is in very good decorative order throughout & is being offered For Sale with No On-Going Chain.

GUIDE PRICE: £450,000-£475,000

Please call John Dale, Lewes Road Office-01273 677544

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

BEACONSFIELD VILLAS, BRIGHTON This is a lovely period home situated in the heart of the highly sought after Golden Triangle area of Brighton. The house is well placed for local schools, shops as well as Blakers & Preston Parks. The property retains many original features and now provides a comfortable family home of character. The accommodation is arranged over three floors with five bedrooms, bathroom & shower room, a through lounge and a contemporary fitted kitchen/dining room. There is garden to the rear which has useful rear access.

PRICE: ÂŁ749,950 Preston Park office: 01273 508761

Need more

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Having additional traffic visit your site is great, but it won’t pay the bills!

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The app works by providing visitors the opportunity to receive an instant, online valuation of their property. In order to receive the valuation, the visitor is required to submit their contact details before they are presented with a real time valuation of their property. The visitor’s contact details are therefore captured and sent to your negotiators as a lead to contact and

visitors with an instant online valuation of their property for sales or rentals, as well as a Google street view of their property and information about the local area (200 words or so).

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estateagenttoday

SOCIAL media

LEAD THE WAY Craig Vile from Angels Media looks at the importance of client retention

T

his month it’s time to talk about client retention. Increasing your website traffic and interaction with new prospects is undeniably essential, but re-establishing lines of contact with existing and previous clients can prove just as important.

There will be many potential vendors and landlords with whom your sales team may speak and record their details, but after initial conversations, for whatever reason, nothing ends up happening.

Of course, with limited time, the ‘freshest’ clients will take the priority for your sales team. But that means that unless they get in touch with you directly in the future, contact with people whose details you have previously captured will unfortunately be lost.

When you initially speak to them, many prospective vendors or landlords are just ‘testing the water’, so it is a question of what you are doing to keep clients ‘on top of your brand’.

One of the best ways to retain the attention of these potential clients is to send a monthly newsletter to your database of contacts. A newsletter keeps your brand fresh and makes sure that when people are ready to sell or let their property, yours is the first company they think of.

So what are the benefits of sending a monthly newsletter to your database of

contacts? Firstly, it is an opportunity to get tailored and relevant messaging in front of the right people.

What’s more, you can promote featured properties to buyers and tenants while at the same time showing prospective vendors and landlords some of the additional exposure you will be providing them should they choose to use your agency.

“One of the best ways to retain the attention of these potential clients is to send a monthly newsletter to your database of contacts” You can also direct recipients of your newsletter to specific calls to action, like an instant online valuation. As discussed in last month’s article, a call to action is a proven way of making sure you convert traffic into genuine leads.

Another benefit of this type of marketing is the reporting and analytics available from the majority of email newsletter platforms.

Once your newsletter is sent, you can go into the ‘backend’ of the system and see who has opened what, how many times they have opened it and so on.

Most agents have a database of around 5,000 entries. No one can physically service 5,000 clients, and your sales team can only speak to a select few prospects at any one time.

By analysing the stats of an email newsletter send-out, you can identify who the top 50 potential leads are. Who clicked on the ‘How to sell your property’ article, and who read the one about landlords’ void periods? By pinpointing the most active recipients of your newsletter you can strategise who to speak to and indentify who is most likely to be going to market in the near future.

There are now many different products on the market offering email newsletter facilities and most provide a fantastic service. However, I would advise that you avoid the no-cost models which carry third party logos, because the overall perception and credibility of your agency could be affected.

For further information and advice on how to send a monthly newsletter to your database of contacts, please get in touch on: 0208 663 4963 or craig.vile@angelsmedia.co.uk.

BEAUTIFUL homes

SHORE THING W

ith six/seven bedrooms, plus a separate two-bedroom cottage, this is one of the most highly sought-after properties in Shoreham. Included in the sale and built within the grounds, the modern two-bedroom detached bungalow is an ideal extended family annex.

This generous family house provides versatile and expansive accommodation. Highlights include three reception rooms, a substantial width of house conservatory to the rear, interlinking sitting room/dining room and modern kitchen with centre island with granite work surface.

The well-proportioned bedrooms include a master with an en-suite bathroom and a door leading to bedroom two / possible dressing room to master bedroom. There are further bedrooms over the first and second floors, one with en-suite shower facilities, plus a family bathroom and a loft room.

A private, gated drive offers parking for a number of vehicles with a large, raised, planted area with an evergreen hedge. There is a delightful rear garden with various relaxing areas, planted borders, plus a large covered hot tub.

Buckingham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5UB Price: £1,250,000 Bedrooms: 6/7 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Private, gated drive with parking for several vehicles; fullwidth conservatory Best Bits: Two-bedroom detached bungalow in grounds; hot tub; versatile living Fox & Sons 3 The Vinery, St Marys Road, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 5ZA 01273 461671 www.sequencehome.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 35

magazine helping YOU stand out from the crowd..

“The magazine Brighton & Hove deserves” Bang & Olufsen, Hove

“Stunning”

“A fabulous showcase for our properties”

David Maslen

Next issue out 3rd June

Hamptons-International, Hove

“A GREAT read” David Crosby, Solicitor

Available at all estate agents and hundreds of selected outlets across the region

www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

H ME of the MONTH www.onthemarket.com

...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine

2-bedroom flat for sale St Johns Road, Hove, BN3 2FT

Price: OIEO £425,000 Leasehold

Key features: • • • • • • • • • •

A STUNNING first floor apartment Forming part of this converted STABLE BLOCK Off Hove SEAFRONT Excellent decorative order INDUSTRIAL CHIC and modern CONTEMPORARY LIVING 33’7 x 17’0 OPEN-PLAN LIVING SPACE EXPOSED BRICK WALL FEATURE TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS BATHROOM and EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM Communal bike store

CONTACT AGENT 30c Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF

Tel: 01273 323000 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: • • •

Diret 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

Hillbrow View Two fantastic, high-spec homes in this sought-after, elevated position. These are beautiful homes in a great location with stunning views across the city. Both properties boast stunning views, feature balconies, southerly-facing rear gardens with paved patio and lawn, and parking.

Built to Code Level 4 for sustainability, ensuring energy efficiency – and nominated by LABC as a national awards finalist – this select development of three-/four-bedroom contemporary homes in Withdean is exclusive to Spencer & Leigh. Call now to reserve your personal tour.

House 1: Price: £795,000 | House 2: Price: £850,000

Carden Avenue Fantastic opportunity to buy this site with planning consent for two stunning modern properties.

Planning consent has been granted for the demolition of the current home and the erection of two contemporary styled semi- detached, four bedroom homes, over three floors, with the addition of a basement level.

Full details are available on Brighton & Hove City Councils website, quoting application number BH2014/03938 or, contact Spencer Turner on 01273 565566 for further information.

Price: £799,950

STUNNING NEW HOMES and DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES from Spencer & Leigh

Moderno, Redhill Close, Withdean, Brighton BN1 5FJ Moderno is an exclusive development of 3- and 4-bedroom new homes in Brighton. Located close to beautiful parkland, these high specification new homes are ideally located.

Part exchange is available at Moderno (subject to terms). Two three-storey town houses are available, situated in this private cul-de-sac.

The Dorothy (three bedrooms): Price £550,000, The Lion (four bedrooms): Price £559,995

108 Old London Road, Brighton. Tel: 01273 565566 10 South Street Portslade. Tel: 01273 421777

www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

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savills.co.uk

LEWES CRESCENT, brighton

ROEDEAN CRESCENT, brighton

Elegant and beautifully presented Grade I listed Regency house ø refurbished throughout ø 4 reception rooms ø 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms ø self-contained lower ground floor ø private walled garden & communal grounds

Exclusive private luxury residence ø elevated location with sea views ø penthouse-style master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms, all en suite ø swimming pool ø garage ø Brighton station 3 miles ø EPC=B

Offers in excess of £4 million

Guide £4.5 million

Savills Haywards Heath swwright@savills.com 01444 446003

Savills Haywards Heath swwright@savills.com 01444 446003

TONGDEAN AVENUE, hove

KINGS ROAD, brighton

Contemporary detached house of an award-winning design ø far reaching sea views ø 5 bedrooms (all en suite and 2 with roof top terraces) ø swimming pool ø annexe with roof terrace ø double garage ø garden ø EPC=C

Impressive penthouse apartment with superb sea views ø 3 reception rooms ø south-facing conservatory ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø study/bedroom 4 ø lift access ø secure parking space & additional visitors' parking ø EPC=E

Guide £2.35 million

Guide £975,000 Share of Freehold

Savills Haywards Heath pbuckley@savills.com 01444 446005

Savills Haywards Heath rmann@savills.com 01444 446004

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BEAUTIFUL homes

REGENCY ELEGANCE A

n elegant and beautifully presented Grade I listed townhouse within this exclusive crescent on Brighton seafront, one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country.

With its wonderful position and magnificent sea views, the sale of this property presents an exciting and rare opportunity to acquire one of the few privately owned Grade I listed whole houses in Sussex.

The property has recently been the subject of total refurbishment to the very highest specification. The lower ground floor has the potential to be self-contained, with separate access from the crescent. The six bedrooms are complemented by beautiful reception rooms, courtyard and balconies plus a private Italianate-style 60-foot long walled garden and terrace.

Lying in the centre of the crescent are very well kept private, gated gardens of about 7 acres, known as the ‘Kemp Town Enclosures’ and for exclusive use by the residents of the crescent. The gardens have a tunnel under the main seafront road, providing access to one of the upper promenades.

Lewes Crescent, Brighton, BN2 1GB Price: OIEO £4,000,000 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 5 Extras: Family/cinema room; Walled terrace and garden with store; Access to private communal gardens; Conservatory Best Bits: Grade I Listed; Entire Regency house; Magnificent sea views Savills 37-39 Perrymount Road Haywards Heath RH16 3BN 01444 446000 www.savills.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 41

TALK money

NEW TAX YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money looks at the new opportunities to invest and save

T

he new tax year often brings changes, but this year even more so than most – so what is going on?

NISA INVESTMENTS? We are all now able to invest a further £15,240 into our ISAs, which are now called NISAs. Whether these be cash NISAs or the stocks and shares version, you are able to invest in one or the other, or a combination of the two up to the £15,240 limit. A new rule is that you are able to withdraw money out of your cash NISA and reinvest it later on during the tax year, something you couldn’t previously do. You can also transfer cash NISAs to the stocks and shares version. If you have built up a sizeable pot in your cash NISA, it may be worth considering transferring, especially if your rate has decreased and you have sufficient accessible cash elsewhere. A common misconception is that Stocks and Shares NISAs are high risk. This is not necessarily so; they come in varying risk profiles. It is often the case that you could invest in a low risk portfolio and potentially get a better growth rate than you can achieve in cash, something worth consideration.

42 PORTFOLIO

WHAT ABOUT THE NEW PENSION RULES? The new rules that came into effect on 5th April allow people unlimited access to their pension savings. This is only for pensions which build up a fund, called Money Purchase schemes. Final salary schemes do not offer this facility.

“Many people in the South East will be liable for IHT due to the value of their homes; perhaps this is a way to leave some money tax free.”

If accessing your whole fund sounds too good to be true, then maybe it is. Normally only 25% of your pension fund can be paid to you tax free, the rest will be taxed as if you earned it as income. So, depending on the size of your pension pot, you could end up paying 20%, 40% or even 45% tax on the amount you withdraw.

Withdrawing funds from your pension should be undertaken with caution. If you have other sufficient income, perhaps it could work for you, but often it is better to withdraw the fund

over several tax years to keep the tax as low as possible. Another interesting point: any funds you leave in your pension will be free of inheritance tax, so if you are over the IHT threshold, is it wise to withdraw money from the pension if you have capital elsewhere you could use? By leaving your fund invested you could leave it to your beneficiaries free of inheritance tax, and in some circumstances (on death before age 75) free of income tax too. Many people in the South East will be liable for IHT due to the value of their homes; perhaps this is a way to leave some money tax free.

If you would like to discuss any of the above, or if you need assistance with your pension planning, for independent advice and free initial consultation, please call me, Claire Cook, on 01273 224667. I would be very happy to assist. www.talkmoney.co.uk 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.

solicitors Incorporating Johnson McCabe

local & independent

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

Civil Litigation

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

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

Business • Landlord and Tenant and Commercial Property • Buying and Selling Businesses and Shares • Employment Law • Licensing

Commercial Litigation

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

• Commercial contract/ Consumer Disputes • Director/Shareholders/ Partnership Disputes • Insurance Claims • Construction and Engineering • Commercial Property Disputes • Professional Negligence Claims • Intellectual Property Disputes

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info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411

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

• Road Traffic Accidents • Medical Negligence • Accident at Work and on Construction Site • Fatal Accidents • Structured Settlements

Wills and Trusts

For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:

www.engleharts.co.uk

LEGAL matters

TIME TO MOVE How is the imminent General Election affecting house buyers?

Howlett Clarke on why the answer is optimistic

S

ince the start of the economic recovery QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke has seen a steady increase in property transactions that have continued to keep our team busy throughout the course of 2015.

Having emerged from the winter months and with spring upon us, the public attention has rapidly turned to the battle for 10 Downing Street and what the new government will mean for property buying and selling.

As a conveyancer local to Brighton & Hove, I have learnt to anticipate a certain level of apprehension in the market during this period. However, no one single reason has been uncovered to explain why this trend occurs.

I can understand why many people become apprehensive. It is only natural to feel this way, particularly when making such a long-term commitment during a period of uncertainty.

Plus, with election fever kicking in, not a day passes without another new cure-all policy announced, designed to woo undecided voters.

44 PORTFOLIO

Unfortunately, this cavalcade of party promises causes more confusion than clarity in working out who you will be better off voting for.

“Make the most of what is an ideal time to move home” If you are a first time buyer you are likely to have spent many hours working hard to save up the capital to finally secure your deposit and, in turn, a mortgage. With one eye on the dream property you saw in the estate agent window last week, you may have put your purchase on hold until the election period is over. However, the property market is currently in a stable position and delaying your purchase due to the election would only put you at risk of losing your very own ideal home.

In reality, there should actually be plenty of cause for optimism amongst those looking to move. This year’s pre-election market compares favourably to that of 2010 and provides low interest rates alongside competitive mortgages for all to take advantage of.

In light of this, I would encourage anyone looking to up and move to stay confident and make the most of what is an ideal time to move home.

Katie Holman is a Conveyancing Executive with QualitySolicitors\ Howlett Clarke 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ. 01273 327 272. www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke See more from Howlett Clarke at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

SOCIAL event

THE PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS’ LUNCH AT PUB DU VIN, BRIGHTON Andrea Harding SID Solutions, Dominique Scott Fine & Country

This regular quarterly event has turned what started out as a traditional networking lunch into a fantastically friendly and informal affair. Make no mistake; all the property professionals who come along also get to mingle and network with each other, but with a regular 60+ in attendance it is possible to speak to everyone there, and firm business relationships and friendships are formed. As always, the event spilled over into the lovely bar at the Pub Du Vin, but happily all the PORTFOLIO staff were on their best behaviour!

The lunch was followed by an interesting talk by Paul Addison of DevAssist about the dangers of buying property without fully researching development plans nearby.

Over £500 was raised for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity on the day.

Samantha & Matthew, Matthew Murphy Electrical Services with Chris Mansfield (centre) Davenport Property Investment

Chris Sawyer, Sawyer & Co, Fiona McTernan, PORTFOLIO magazine

The Property professionals events are organized by PORTFOLIO magazine and SearchesUK. For more information and to book your place at the next event in July, contact melanie@searchesuk.co.uk Sam Leonard, Handelsbanken, Andrew Stenning, SearchesUK

Lucy Dawe, Lawton & Dawe Properties Edward Fiddes, Winkworth

“I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for today’s lunch. I really enjoyed it, a nice group of people, and the speaker was excellent. Do let me know when the next one is, I would love to come again.

Thank you so much” Debbie Roberts, The Property Stylist Debbie Roberts, The Property Stylist, Lynne Edwards, PORTFOLIO magazine

Speaker at the event, Paul Addison, DevAssist

PORTFOLIO 45

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

NEW homes

“Being able to enjoy an active lifestyle is one of the biggest attractions for people who live here”

RETIRE IN STYLE The stunning last phase, with pool and spa, is released at St George’s Park retirement village in Ditchling

T

he highly anticipated final phase of apartments has been released at St George’s Park retirement village in Ditchling, East Sussex. The 32 one- and twobedroom homes offer some of the most prestigious apartments available to date. The properties are situated within a stunning period style building known as Purchace Manor, which has been designed to mirror the architecture of the original Victorian building.

The final phase also includes a brand-new leisure centre and health club known as Rafael Court, which is due to open this November.

Featuring a selection of one-bedroom apartments, the state of the art facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, games rooms, therapy rooms, café and hairdressing salon, which will further increase the extensive range of social and recreational facilities. Philip Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at St George’s Park, comments: “We are delighted to release the final phase of

apartments at St George’s Park and are proud to have designed Purchace Manor to recreate the original Victorian building. St George’s Park has been a great success story and people buying homes in the final phase will benefit from the strong community that is already established here. Being able to enjoy an active lifestyle is one of the biggest attractions for people who live here, so all residents will enjoy the addition of the excellent facilities that the new leisure centre will bring. For those looking for an easyto-manage home in their retirement which is safe and secure, with a vast range of activities and social life on the doorstep, St George’s Park ticks all the boxes.”

The forthcoming properties at St Georges Park start at £365,000 for a two-bedroom apartment in Purchase Manor and £310,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Rafael Court.

For further information contact the sales office on 01444 259732 or visit www.stgeorgespark.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 47

HOMES READY SPRING 2015

Parking to all apartments Quality, interior-designed specification 12 year NHBC warranty A short stroll from seafront 8 minute walk from Hove Station Access to myriad sports amenities at Hove Park Recreation Ground, just behind One Hove Park Walk, jog or play tennis at Hove Park, just across the road Walking distance from Church Road and the local restaurants Computer generated images are indicative only. Design, features and specifications of the development and apartments may be subject to change.

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments

NOW AVAILABLE Images of private sale show apartment

SHOW HOME AVAILABLE TO VIEW CALL NOW ON: 01273 964 605 www.onehovepark.com

NEW homes

ONE HOVE PARK Hyde New Homes have now launched One Hove Park’s final phase of luxury penthouses

T

ucked away in a sought-after residential area of Hove, One Hove Park sits on the borders of Hove Park and Hove Recreation Ground. Open green space is second to none with on-site communal gardens and a wildlife corridor designed by award-winning landscape designer Nicholas Dexter. With just two-bedroom properties remaining, Hyde New Homes have recently launched One Hove Park’s final phase of luxury penthouses.

Finished to an extremely high standard, yet at an affordable price, the remaining apartments boast balconies or generouslysized terraces, ensuites to the master bedroom and a Symphony kitchen with Smeg integrated appliances and underfloor heating to the main living areas. The eagerly anticipated penthouses are already 70% sold and have been thoughtfully designed to maximise natural daylight and feature extensive outdoor terraces.

A perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the London life, Hove is a great place to unwind at the end of the working day. With Hove seafront a 23 minute walk from the development and Brighton a little

further along the promenade, a multitude of watersports is to hand, including favourites such as sailing, power boating, wake boarding and windsurfing. Hove town centre is also home to some of the finest restaurants, gastro pubs and independent cafes. Plus, high street stores share the town centre with independent stores and one-off boutiques.

The remaining two-bedroom private sale apartments at One Hove Park start from £365,000 and penthouses start at £499,950.

For further information on the private sale homes please call joint agents Currell New Homes and Oakley Residential on 01273 964605.

Alternatively, visit onehovepark.com.

PORTFOLIO 49

BRIGHTON & Hove

REGENCY RESPLENDENCE From its early days as a fishing village to its transformation at the hands of The Prince Regent, Brighton has witnessed every generation leave its architectural mark. But it is the exotic Royal Pavilion and the crescents and squares of the Regency period which really characterise the spirit of Brighton & Hove

Join today for a membership which lasts all year and comes with some great benefits.

• FREE entry to the Royal Pavilion & Museums • Discount on all events • Discounts in our shops & cafés • Invitations to Private Views • Accompanying children and grandchildren go FREE • A FREE after hours tour of the Royal Pavilion!

Become a member today!

visit pavilionfoundation.org or call 01273 295898

Registered Charity No 275242

Membership from as little as £25 will give you:

BRIGHTON & Hove

T

he mix of seaside and Regency elegance, combined with the stunning architecture that came with it, lie at the foundation of Brighton’s worldwide reputation for elegance and fun.

Technically, the Regency period lasted just 9 years, from 1811 until the death of George III in 1820, although more broadly the term Regency applies to the first thirty years of the 19th Century. The period sits in the middle of the longer Georgian period.

From 1800-1830 George, Prince of Wales, made Brighton the fashionable place it is today and brought the beau monde of the period to his new palace, The Royal Pavilion, which was transformed into its exotic opulence in 1822 by architect John Nash. Actually out of keeping with the rest of the Regency architecture in Brighton & Hove, the Pavilion is one of the most eccentric and lavish buildings in the country, if not the world.

With the Prince of Wales came a pleasureloving high society which rapidly established itself as a royal court second only to London.

Previously the obscure fishing village of Brighthelmstone, Brighton was fast becoming a heady health resort, famed for its rejuvenative sea air and sea water qualities.

A building boom followed, influenced by other distinctive spa towns such as Bath, and the architectural style which evolved became known as Regency. In Brighton & Hove the Regency style survived long after the actual period when the Prince acted as Regent.

Many of the city’s famous squares and crescents were built during this period, as well as familiar districts such as Montpelier.

Hove was significantly developed during the Regency period as well. Brunswick Square and Terrace were both built, designed by Amon Wilds and Charles Busby, demonstrating some of the finest examples of civic design in the country.

Key architectural landmarks during the Regency period include the transformation of the Royal Pavilion by architect John Nash The Royal Pavilion Built as a seaside pleasure palace for George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China, and, for 200 years, John Nash’s extraordinary oriental fantasy, the Royal Pavilion, has been inextricably linked with the identity of Brighton.

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.

The Royal Pavilion grew over 35 years from a simple lodging house to a spectacular oriental palace: In 1787 architect Henry Holland extended the original lodging house into a neoclassical building known as the Marine Pavilion.

From modest villa to magnificent splendour The transformation of the Marine Pavilion into what we know today began in 1815 and took seven years to complete.

George chose architect John Nash, who proposed an Indian style and based many of his ideas on a publication called Oriental Scenery by Thomas and William Daniell.

Work began on the alterations to the western central front, followed by the construction of the Great Kitchen and the two new state rooms – the Music Room and the Banqueting Room - and the entire building, the structure and the elaborate internal decorations, were completed in 1823.

The complex composition of domes, towers and minarets created a romantic exterior. To achieve a picturesque effect the rendered surfaces of the Royal Pavilion were painted to create a unified vision of a building made of Bath stone.

1n 1817 George hired artist-designers Frederick Crace and Robert Jones. Their final schemes for the interiors combined rich and sophisticated decoration with the superb quality of the furniture and furnishings. Thus they created a magnificent and opulent setting for George IV, who was crowned king in 1820.

Regency Resources The Regency Town House is run by The Brunswick Town Charitable Trust to promote knowledge and appreciation of the architectural and social history of the Regency period. www.rth.org.uk The Regency Society is a charitable trust and conservation society; they run regular events and lectures. www.regencysociety.org

A Regency palace with glorious Regency gardens John Nash’s designs also incorporated the great revolution in landscape gardening that began in the 1730s. The palace was soon surrounded by glorious Regency gardens with winding paths and drives interspersed with irregular beds of mixed shrubs and flowers, and neatly kept lawns.

Restoration Restoration of the Royal Pavilion began in the mid 19th century and has been ongoing ever since.

For more information about The Royal Pavilion, its history, opening times and details on how to become a member, visit www.brightonmuseums.org.uk Members enjoy unlimited, free entry as well as exclusive access to private views, special events and much more.

Thanks to The Royal Pavilion www.brightonmuseums.org.uk and Visit Brighton www.visitbrighton.com

PORTFOLIO 51

THE collection

THE MAY COLLECTION Brighton & Hove has some fabulously elegant examples of Regency architecture. From entire townhouses to apartments, we showcase some of the Regency property currently on the market…

Period perfect Arundel Terrace, Brighton Having been retained in the same family for the past 30 years, this Grade I, first floor balcony flat has an abundance of period features and details, complemented by the full length windows from the living room and main bedroom, with access onto the balcony and terrace and superb sea views. The living room has an abundance of period detail and features, including beautiful carved fireplace surround, ceiling cornicing, ceiling rose and the stunning French doors with operational wooden window shutters. The master bedroom has outstanding sea views provided by the full length doors with access onto the balcony and terracing. Adjacent to the kitchen is a good-sized dining room. Residents of Arundel Terrace have the use of the private gardens (Kemp Town Enclosures).

Price: £550,000 Hamptons International 01273 230230 www.hamptons.co.uk

52 PORTFOLIO

THE collection

House and income Lansdowne Place, Hove Stunning Grade II listed Regency townhouse of significant proportions in the Brunswick Town Conservation Area. This beautifully presented entire house represents a rare opportunity to acquire a potential home and income or large family residence. The property comprises a six-bedroom, fourbathroom house and garden along with with a separate self-contained one-bedroom basement flat with its own private patio. This is an ideal base for holiday letting or those seeking a central position, being located on the southern section of Lansdowne Place, just off the main shopping and transport along Western Road and within a few hundred yards of Hove Lawns and seafront. Beautiful bright accommodation and a completely versatile arrangement make this a must-see property.

Price: OIEO £1,450,000 Fox & Sons 01273 820280 www.fox-and-sons.co.uk

Exclusive location Lewes Crescent, Brighton Situated at the top of this beautiful building is this elegant two-bedroom, twobathroom apartment, flooded with natural light and featuring sea views from four out of the six rooms. This superb apartment offers glorious architecture as soon as you walk through the main front door. The sweeping, curved staircase takes you right to the top, and access to the flat is through a further staircase. Views through the two sash windows enable you to look down onto the impressive six acres of manicured lawns of the Kemp Town Enclosures, accessed via exclusive key entry only gates. Stunning fireplaces , spectacular ocean views and stripped wooden floorboards add to the appeal. There is also access to the roof via the apartment, which would make a beautiful roof terrace (STNC).

Mishon Mackay 01273 670067 www.mishonmackay.com

Regal conversion Adelaide Crescent, Hove Superb three-bedroom raised ground floor flat with grand dimensions and wonderful seafront views. Located on the Crescent’s eastern south-facing arm before it starts its sweeping curve, this gorgeous apartment is part of the Brunswick Town Conservation Area. Built just after the Regency era, its Neo-Renaissance attributes of lofty ceilings, tall windows, ornate coving and cornices fuse with contemporary styling. This home centres on its open-plan living space. With subtly discrete areas for lounge, dining room and kitchen, it floods with light from its enviable seafront location. Mixed grey hues and soft whites from Farrow & Ball are complemented by an occasional bold flourish of wallpaper for a modern take on interior decor that works beautifully with the building’s mid-19th Century heritage.

Price: £750,000 Fine & Country 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com PORTFOLIO 53

SHOPPING

CHILD’S PLAY Putting the fun into function, these great ideas for baby and toddlers’ rooms will ensure your nursery is both imaginative and restful… www.johnlewis.com

WELCOME TO THE PALACE Keep your home fit for a King and Queen with the Welcome to the Palace mat from Turtle Mat, a washable home mat that absorbs 95% of moisture. £49.95. www.turtlemat.co.uk

TREETOP BED A brilliant space-saver, with a fitted corner desk underneath and a tree bookcase attached, ideal for storing and displaying books or toys. Kids’ High Sleeper Bed with Desk and Tree Bookcase from Mathy

By Bols, £1,890. www.cuckooland.com

HANGING OUT CHANGING TIME This BabyBeau changing bag is stylish enough to use anytime and can be worn across the body or over the shoulder. Complete with pockets, compartments, changing mat and organiser. BabyBeau Ellie Leather Changing Bag, £199.95. www.johnlewis.com

54 PORTFOLIO

This beautiful pure cotton hanging cradle will soothe and relax newborn babies. The cradle can be suspended from a ceiling, or from a tripod.

A separate tepee play tent converts the tripod into a fun playtime accessory once the cradle is outgrown…

Leander Hanging Baby Cradle, £208; Tripod Stand, £99; Tepee Play Tent, £130. www.cuckooland.com

GROWING ROOM Give your little Prince or Princess a throne to be proud of with these unique wooden high chairs… The chairs are fully adjustable and grow with your child to eventually become a normal adult chair. Leander High Chair, £159. www.cuckooland.com

HANG IT ALL Useful and stylish too, these cute animal wall hooks will add fun and colour to a child’s room. Giraffe & Elephant wall hooks. £9.50. www.marksandspencer.com

FLOWER POWER

SWEET DREAMS

This dual-purpose thermometer takes the guesswork out of getting the temperature right in baby’s bath and bedroom.

Philips Avent Bath and Room Thermometer, £13. www.argos.co.uk

Whether for bedtime or nap time, make sure your baby’s cot is full of soft cotton sheets and colourful, light blankets for the snuggliest sleeptime.

Crib and blankets from a selection starting at £4. www.marksandspencer.com

BABY BATH TIME Bathtime should be fun but also has to be practical. This non-slip baby bath ticks the boxes for having the best bath time.

Baby bath £18.00. Bath toys and squirters from £4. www.marksandspencer.com

BABY BASKET Brightly coloured Moses baskets that can be thoroughly cleaned, and come in multiple colourways. Ideal for babies with allergies, eczema or asthma. Moba Moses Basket with mattress, £99. www.johnlewis.com

SHELF LIFE This triangular shelving unit emulates the tepee style and is a stylish way to display books, toys and other items.

Wood Tepee bookcase, £165. www.cuckooland.com

PORTFOLIO 55

THE GRAND Brighton

GRAND STYLE

WIN a luxury ‘Baby Break’ at The Grand Brighton in our fabulous competition

A

s much as we love our little darlings, taking time out to enjoy quality time with your partner is an essential. Whether, like the Duchess of Cambridge, you are a Mum with another exciting bundle of joy on the way, or new parents who are struggling to remember the last time you slept, had a quiet dinner together or indulged in a little luxury, this prize offers the ultimate tonic for you! The “staycation” is an increasingly popular trend, and should you be the lucky winner, staying locally means you are only a short car journey away, should you be called back for some urgent Mum and Dad duties.

Of course, if you find you can’t bear to be separated from your little one, The Grand will do all they can to make him or her welcome.

ABOUT THE GRAND BRIGHTON

The Grand Brighton is an iconic Victorian hotel standing centre stage on Brighton’s famous seafront. Grand in both size and looks, this magnificent hotel is the epitome of luxury and is steeped in British history. Designed and built in 1864 and recently gaining independent status, The Grand Brighton is a true example of Italian influence in Victorian architecture. From the stunning sweeping spiral staircase and traditional period design to the beautifully designed sea view rooms, sumptuous day spa and the glamour of the AA Rosette awarded GB1 seafood restaurant, the Grand experience really is treating yourself to the best.

THE PRIZE The prize includes: •

A luxury one-night stay in a Grand Collection Sea View Room

•

Full English breakfast

•

Dinner for two in GB1 Seafood Restaurant and Bar

•

VIP access to the spa, including full use of the facilities and a glass of bubbly each

TO ENTER To be in with the chance of winning this stunning prize, tell us: What is the name of the seafood restaurant located at The Grand Brighton?

Please email your answer, along with your name, address and contact number to: competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com Competition Terms and Conditions: Prize includes an overnight stay in a Grand Collection Sea View room, full English breakfast for two, a three course meal up to the value of £80 per couple in GB1, VIP spa entry (use of facilities and glass of bubbles each). Entry deadline 31st May, 2015. The winners will be contacted on 1st June. Prize must be taken between 2nd June and 31st December, 2015 from Sunday to Thursday. Prize non-transferable and non-refundable. Dates are subject to availability and exclude bank holidays and special events. All entrants and guests must be 18 or over. Other terms and conditions may apply.

56 PORTFOLIO

BABY’S FIRST BEDROOM Not all babies can be born into Royalty, but you can still make their first home a palace.

Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte, on creating the perfect nursery for your baby

A nursery should be comfortable, safe and practical as well as being adaptable as a child grows up.

Babies grow quickly, so planning ahead to the future when designing the room will save you money later on. Be flexible with the decoration and furnishings, which will allow changes to reflect the child’s growth and development.

“There are some amazing pieces of nursery furniture available on the market, furniture that is practical, with a timeless elegance and durable quality that will evolve with your child”

THE ROOM The size of the room is important as you will be spending a lot of time feeding and changing the baby in this room.

Before splashing out on lots of furniture work out exactly what you need and where it will go in the room. If the nursery has limited space then you want just the essentials in there, so opt for space-saving practical pieces.

COLOURS AND THEMES Decorating a child’s room offers a great opportunity to experiment with colour pattern and whimsy. This is a perfect time to be really creative with paint, flooring, window treatments and soft furnishings.

When choosing colour, paler tones tend to

58 PORTFOLIO

be calming, are more likely to see children through the years and will make you feel relaxed, too. As the child gets older they will dictate what they want, so an adaptable décor is best.

Pink for girls and blue for boys is the obvious, and more traditiona,l choice. But there are great variations of these two colours, like faded pinks and duck egg blues for more subtle compromise. Pale lavender and dusky greys are also popular colours for children rooms.

For a really unique look, choose the latest paints, from glitter, metallic and magnetic, to blackboard and glow-in-the dark finishes.

Washable wall coverings and paint finishes are important in the nursery, but remember to use paint that is lead-free and non-toxic.

Vinyl matt emulsion can be easily repainted should scuff marks appear.

Wall murals can create a bespoke magical environment for your child. There are themes covering all sorts of delights from woodlands, circuses and even safari. Having a mural is lovely when they are little, but as they get older these themes will be too young.

Therefore consider temporary nursery wall art stickers or posters that can easily be removed as they grow up.

These days there are some very inspirational wallpapers suitable for nurseries, beyond the obvious themes.

Designer’s Guild have imaginative papers created by Quentin Blake, illustrator for Roald Dahl books and Cath Kidston’s retro wallpapers are really charming.

INTERIORS

FURNITURE Today there are some amazing pieces of nursery furniture available on the market, furniture that is practical, with a timeless elegance and durable quality that will evolve with your child.

There are cots that turn into toddler beds and then into a child-sized sofa bed. This type of furniture can be found British-made using traditional woodwork techniques, and so well made that these pieces can be passed down through successive generations. These are, of course, on the expensive side, but there is other nursery furniture that is well made and also far more affordable.

The cot is the first important item in the nursery, but you may need a Moses basket to start with. Babies will sleep – hopefully – between 8 and 18 hours a day, so finding the right bed for them is crucial. There are many options to choose to suit every interior style and budget, from Moses baskets to swinging cribs to cot beds.

Moses baskets are suitable from birth, but as the baby gets bigger you will want a cot.

Whichever one you choose, it is recommended

that the baby is kept in the parents’ room for the first few months.

The mattress should be firm, new, flat and waterproof and should fit snugly into the cot – without any gaps – all the way round.

All nursery furniture needs to be tough if possible, scratch-resistant - and easy to clean. Laminate, plywood or brightly painted furniture can be repainted when wear and tear starts to show. If budget allows, add built-in storage for the best use of space available.

Built-in cupboards with floor to ceiling doors along one wall is a great space saving option.

A child’s bedroom is many things: a place for sleeping, playing, and, as they grow up, it is a place for being creative and learning. So it is good to create areas for all these functions.

Rather than choosing scaled down pieces, buy standard pieces from the outset. This type of furniture offers flexibility and will see your child through the years.

FURNISHINGS When it comes to choosing bedding for the nursery, comfort should be the main consideration. Babies have delicate skin, so

choose gentle organic cotton to give them a restful sleep.

Animal prints are very popular, featuring stags, dogs and rabbits. Other familiar nostalgic themes such as Beatrix Potters’s nursery collection, are perennial favourites for children’s rooms, with fabrics and paper also available in these themes.

Combining different patterns – spots and stripes, for instance, and in a similar colour palette - will all work well together. This is a look that your child shouldn’t outgrow too quickly. Soft furnishings in these patterns work best with neutral walls and carpets.

Finally, help little ones to sleep longer with black-out blinds or curtains that have blackout lining.

Creating a beautiful and practical bedroom for your child that is playful enough for their imaginative little minds, but timeless and adaptable, should see them through as they grow up.

See more interiors ideas at: www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

All carpets, curtains, wallpaper and fabrics pictured are available through Mister Smith Interiors: 23 New Road, Brighton, 01273 605574 and Croft Road, Crowborough, 01892 664152. www.mistersmith.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 59

INTERIORS

INTO THE GARDEN May is one of the loveliest months. The garden is bursting with colour and borders are filled with shrubs and plants. The soil becomes almost invisible with everything growing so rapidly. Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte, shares her tips for the month

Things to do in the garden this month n Continue to hoe the borders to keep weeds under control n From mid-May summer bedding plants like petunias and marigolds can be planted out n Ornamental hedges such as box may be trimmed to retain their shape n Cut the lawn once a week as the grass will be growing rapidly by now n Give the container plants a balanced liquid feed n Inspect your plants for pests and disease and keep under control n Divide crowded perennials like hostas and replant Take a moment to sit, absorb the site and scent and celebrate the May garden as it erupts into colour.

T

his is the month of those splendid fillers like forget-me-nots and honesty. These hardy annuals and biennials are all self-sown and, once firmly established in the garden, require very little attention.

Now that the bad weather is hopefully behind us, it is time to start planting up containers.

Summer means lots of colour and containers provide just that. Terraces, patios, pathways – and even the smallest outside space – can be brought alive with containers. Even in the winter months pots with clipped evergreens like box or

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bay can add colour to your patio.

Container grown plants are so very versatile as they can be placed anywhere in the garden, even within the border for some added interest.

All manner of vessels can be used for planting, providing allowance is made for drainage. The secret of success is to be generous with plant material; let the plants spill out liberally, creating a wonderful display.

When planting, compose a good shape, with the taller plants at the back or centre and a gradual descent to trailing foliage around the

rim of the container. Nasturtiums, periwinkle or trailing rosemary will be perfect as they will soon spill over the sides in profusion.

The ‘instant garden’ is easily attainable with pots. In a town courtyard or on a balcony, containers can become the ‘garden’, and choosing evergreen shrubs can provide a garden all year round. With proper care, the right compost and a suitable pot, just about any shrub can be grown happily in a container.

See more garden ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL homes

THE BERRY METHOD Mary Berry is responsible for sparking the British baking revolution, making ‘soggy bottoms’ a household phrase, and ensuring the next generation know the difference between a spatula and an icing syringe

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CELEBRITY interview

I

f Nigella Lawson is the kitchen goddess, then Mary Berry is the Dame of the bake.

She entered her ninth decade this March, and ever since discovering a talent for cookery during domestic science lessons at school “The first thing I made was a treacle sponge and everybody seemed to enjoy it,” she says modestly – she has flourished in the industry, finding time to publish some 70 cook books.

Now 80 years old, Berry’s life story crams almost more than the years allow. She’s suffered Polio in an isolation ward aged 13, studied the art of food in France, and enjoyed her first taste of culinary success at 22, creating cheese recipes for the Dutch Dairy Bureau. She’s trundled up and down the country presenting Agas, worked as the food editor of magazines, and notched up serious time in front of the camera. The BBC’s Great British Bake Off introduced her a whole new audience, and her firm-but-fair personality have kept her on the nation’s radar ever since.

When she’s not filming, Berry doesn’t simply relax. She’s often at BBC Good Food Shows, demonstrating her recipes alongside Bake Off co-judge, Paul Hollywood. “It’s lovely to share our recipes live with the audience and the BBC Good Food Shows are great for people who are out for a day out. They want a treat and we want to share our recipes with them, we talk to the audiences and for us it’s great – on television you can’t see people, but of course we bring the audience in and they’re there in great numbers.”

She still produces books: her latest tome Absolute Favourites shot to the top of the bestsellers chart upon release in March. Berry says, “it’s a book I’ve been wanting to do for a while. It’s like a greatest hits of my favourite dishes and bakes, and what I love about it is we can all produce one of these, and the contents are different for everyone. Why not give it a try?!”

Berry takes pleasure in her foodie demonstrations and isn’t shy of hard graft.

A working mother in the 70s at a time when many other mothers were staying at home, she credits her impressive career with organisation. “I always found that getting up really early helps, and lots of lists. I had lots of good friends to help me with the children, but it was a difficult time,” she admits.

“The BBC’s Great British Bake Off introduced her to a whole new audience, and her firm-but-fair personality has kept her on the nation’s radar ever since” Berry believes later life can be filled with exciting possibilities. She’d recommend those contemplating retirement, who may be worried they’ll lose their sense of purpose, to take the decision very seriously. “If you just sit back you will have a very unhappy time. You’ve got to take up a sport, help with a charity and plan your retirement, definitely,” she maintains.

Having achieved so much, Berry would encourage anyone to follow their dream, adding that retirement may even give you more time to pursue it. “But you’ve certainly got to keep active,” she warns, “and the best form of keeping active is walking. If you possibly can, get out there in the fresh air, go and help people, be part of your village or your area, look after your neighbours. But don’t just watch television!”

Born in 1935, Berry grew up in the war years when rations were tight, and she now likes to be a little indulgent. She can’t share a ‘slimming secret’, she insists, but instead relies on the timeless advice of “everything in moderation.”

“If I’ve eaten lots and lots of cakes the day before - because I love tasting them - the next day I’m fairly frugal and sensible and it’s salads and soups,” she explains. And despite her relatively newfound celebrity status, Berry still enjoys growing and eating vegetables from her own garden. “We grow what we eat so if I were making a quiche I’d put leeks in and perhaps some lamb’s cress, if I’m making casserole we’ll use our own carrots. It’s a matter of using things that we’ve got.”

After all, The Bake Off may pride itself on exotic, delicate and expertly crafted bakes, but when it comes to main dishes, Berry truly values initiative in the kitchen. “Someone who is a good cook will go into the fridge and say, ‘ah, there are a few potatoes, some carrots, I’ve got a pint of milk and some sausages.’ They’ll make a lovely vegetable bake and serve it with sausages. It’s using what you’ve got and spreading things out. A good cook is able to gather the ingredients that are around her and use them wisely.” Throughout her career, Berry has taken that mantra above and beyond.

Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites Hardcover is published by BBC books, RRP £25

PORTFOLIO 63

OVERSEAS

INVESTING DOWNTOWN PCG Invest announce that they have been given exclusive rights to market Highland Park Residences, a brand-new development of converted warehouse apartments in downtown Detroit, Michigan, USA

P

CG are working closely with DeAndre

partnerships with savvy investors and investment

Highland Park, and the new M1 rail project station

Windom, Mayor of Highland Park, to

advocates such as PCG Invest will make the

will be next to this outstanding new development

promote this development, Highland Park is

difference as we move forward”, says Mayor

of studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments in a

one of Michigan’s historic cities and only 3 miles

Windom, who is working hard to revitalise this

converted warehouse.

from downtown Detroit, one of the fastest growing

historic area, once the home of Chrysler and other

areas in the USA.

motor giants.

“We are honoured that Mayor Windom has chosen to work exclusively with us on this project.

Highland Park is the perfect work, live and play

With Buy to Let Properties from only $40,000

There is a real buzz about the area, and we are

city, and with billions of dollars being invested in

for a brand-new, fully-fitted apartment with rents

offering you an opportunity to get in early on one of

infrastructure, housing, jobs, transport links and

from $450 p/m to $950 p/m, giving an average

the most exciting new real estate deals this year.

the arts it is becoming a magnet for entrepreneurs,

12% NET return, the apartments are a fraction of

You can be part of the growth and transformation

businesses and cultural organisations from all

the cost of similar properties in downtown Detroit

of this city, and with prices a fraction of the cost of

over the USA.

that sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

similar properties in downtown Detroit, this is an

Highland Park Residences comprise 39 newly-

With only 25% down, 55% in January 2016,

converted warehouse apartments priced from

then 20% paid over 2 years by guaranteed rental

$40,000 for fully tenanted properties.

income, this is your chance to invest in one of

“We are very excited about what the future

CEO of PCG Invest.

Web: www.pcginvest.co.uk

fastest growing areas in the USA.

holds for our historic area, and we believe that

opportunity not to be missed”, says Darren Brown,

Downtown Detroit is only 3.3 miles from

Email: enquiries@pcginvest.co.uk

Join Chestnut Tree House in their exclusive marquee at Cowdray Park Polo Club, the Home of British Polo, for The St. Regis International Cup

ENGLAND vs THE AMERICAS Saturday 16th May

11.45am - 6.00pm

Full Hospitality Package including: sparkling wine, delicious 3 course lunch served with a choice of wine, afternoon tea and cakes, all served in our private marquee in a prime pitch-side location overlooking the stunning Cowdray Ruins.

Tickets priced at £175 per person or £1,750 for a table of 10

For further information or to book a table, please contact: Juliette Macpherson, Fundraising Development Manager, Chestnut Tree House, Dover Lane, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PX T: 01903 871836 | E: juliette.macpherson@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk Registered Charity Number. 256789

Kindly supported by Sponsored by

CAREER LADDER This month we speak to BERNARD LODGE about his career in graphics and printmaking.

BERNARD LODGE is a printmaker and cover artist for the May 2015 Artists’ Open Houses brochure HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST? I’ve been a professional artist for fifty five years.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EVER JOB? I applied for a post at BBC TV in 1960. I was keen for that post as it was a ‘moving’ medium, and I had grown up in the moving picture business because my father had been a cinema projectionist, and later a cinema manager.

DID YOU TAKE A TRADITIONAL ROUTE INTO YOUR CAREER? I had studied at the Royal College of Art, which had a certain prestige, but the technical training was poor. So, although I was keen to make moving graphics, I was without any training. The other designers were equally untrained, but we somehow invented a language of TV graphics.

YOU FAMOUSLY WORKED ON THE EARLY DOCTOR WHO TITLE SEQUENCES IN THE EARLY DAYS OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS. The slim reputation I have, is tied into a sequence in which I was involved for Doctor Who. The programme is very famous, so anyone connected with it shares some of that fame, and I went on to work on the titles for a further four versions. In the field of graphics I’m referred to as the ‘designer,’ but the first sequence was built on the technical expertise of the BBC technicians, especially Ben Palmer. I spent fourteen years at the BBC, and covered a huge range of programmes, building up skills and trickery.

WE ALSO ASSOCIATE YOU WITH THE WORK YOU DID ON HOLLYWOOD SCI FI MOVIES BLADE RUNNER AND ALIEN. HOW WAS THAT EXPERIENCE? When I left the BBC, I managed to freelance, getting work on the film Alien. I then set up Lodge Cheesman Productions, and I then worked on another Ridley Scott production, Bladerunner. In that film there’s a sequence where the hero puts a small photo into a monitor and is able to move around it in an impossible way. I did everything that’s on the screen in that sequence.

YOUR CAREER DEVELOPED FROM COMPUTER GRAPHICS TO TRADITIONAL ARTFORMS. HOW DID THIS TRANSITION COME ABOUT? For the seven years of Lodge Cheesman Productions and the next five years when I worked for the Moving Picture Company, I designed a bit of everything, some good, some bad, and we were working with the strange technology of Computer Graphics, which was still in its infancy. But I was getting bored. I went to evening classes at Morley College, where I studied etching and woodcutting and started making a children’s book.

books, producing twelve in total. For artwork, I cut the images in wood or lino, and this process now began to take me over.

HAS YOUR SUSSEX SETTING INFLUENCED YOUR WORK? When we moved down near to Brighton, I set up a studio for my large Victorian printing press and devoted myself to making prints of images cut into wood or lino.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? What do I most enjoy about the work I do now?

Well, it starts very roughly. A pencil scribble, then maybe I transfer the scribble to my Mac. Play around with it, squeeze the proportions. Then trace it down onto plywood. When it’s cut and I take the first print of the image, and if it looks right, that’s the moment I enjoy. www.bernardlodge.moonfruit.com

YOUR WIFE (MAUREEN ROFFEY) IS A SUCCESSFUL ILLUSTRATOR OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS. DID YOU WORK TOGETHER? My wife had been a successful illustrater of children’s books for many years so she was a great help when I started making my own. I spent the next ten years on illustrating and writing

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DAYS out

CONTEMPORARY CRAFT The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show takes place at Parham House in Storrington on the 6th to 7th June, and we have 10 pairs of tickets to give away!

P

arham House is rated as one of England’s top twenty houses; it is set in an ancient deer park near Storrington, with breathtaking views towards the Sussex Downs.

In the Elizabethan house, visitors can see the Great Hall with its portraits and furnishings dating from Tudor times, while at the top of the house there is the magnificent Long Gallery, the third largest in the country.

For those interested in needlework there is an outstanding collection of embroidery and tapestry.

There is also a four-acre walled garden with

spectacular herbaceous borders, ornamental vegetable garden, orchard and 1920s Wendy House.

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show is sited in a large marquee in the Pleasure Grounds adjacent to the house. Here members of the Sussex Guild, plus a few selected guest exhibitors, will be exhibiting and selling their fine crafts.

Coffees, light lunches and afternoon teas are served in the former Tudor kitchen, drinks and snacks are on sale at The Mower Shed, and there is a picnic area in the grounds for those

wishing to bring their own refreshments.

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show and Parham House and Gardens are open to the public between 10.30am and 5pm for both days of the show.

Admission to the Sussex Guild show and the Parham gardens is £8.00, and, for an additional £2.00, visitors will be able to look around the House.

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show, Parham House & Gardens, Storrington, near Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 4HS. June 6th & 7th. www.parhaminsussex.co.uk

JAZZING IT UP Enjoy spring with Ashdown Park Hotel’s jazz afternoon tea on the lawns, all set in the stunning Ashdown Forest.

O

n Monday, 25th May luxury Sussex retreat Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is inviting guests to enjoy delicious afternoon tea and marvellous live music during their jazz afternoon tea on the lawns event.

From 2pm guests will be treated to the hotel’s award-winning afternoon tea while overlooking the stunning 186 acre estate, including the charming lake and beautiful woodland.

While enjoying a classic afternoon tea menu featuring homemade sandwiches, a selection of indulgent cakes and pastries and fresh tea and coffee, guests will also be treated to live music,

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courtesy of the hotel’s resident band.

As well as live musical entertainment, lawn games will be available for families, and a special Winnie the Pooh afternoon tea menu is on offer for Ashdown Park Hotel’s younger guests.

Ben Booker, General Manager at Ashdown Park Hotel & County Club, commented: “We are renowned for both our afternoon tea menus and our beautiful grounds, which is why we have decided to combine the two. Our resident jazz band is exceptional and families are sure to have a fun afternoon.”

The Jazz Afternoon Tea on the Lawns at Ashdown Park Hotel costs £29.50 per person or £55 for two people. Children under the age of 14 are half price. All guests will need to bring their own outdoor chairs. To book, please call 01342 824988 or for more information, visit www.ashdownpark.com.

Set in the beautiful location of Ashdown Forest (the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories), Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club offers a slice of luxury in the heart of East Sussex. www.ashdownpark.com

INDONESIAN CRUISE

TRAVEL

Join a beautiful Indonesian cruise on a traditional wooden Phinisi, dive in Raja Ampat and witness the astonishing Total Solar Eclipse!

O

n the 20th March, 2015 Brighton got to see a partial eclipse through overcast skies… On the 9th March 2016 you could see the full totality in a tropical paradise and witness the full glory of this celestial event.

Total Discoveries, a company formed by Dive Options, Vifa Holiday and under the guidance from of the Swiss astronomer Slim Hamdani from CosmoStory, one exceptional trip on three handpicked luxury vessels.

Every cruise brings a unique experience to this wonderful journey. These 9-day cruises

set sail to Raja Ampat, in the centre of the coral triangle and one the best dive & snorkel locations in the world. Raja Ampat is known for its remote beaches, astonishing seascapes, jam-packed with marine life, stunning coral, beautiful mangroves and birds’ paradise, hiding on seldom-visited remote tropical islands.

During this luxury cruise there is the chance to visit the Atlas Pearl and Perfume pearl farm, where they cultivate the pearls used in their Embraced collection, and witness the exotic

dance of the birds of paradise as they show off their unique plumage to your marvelling eye.

The boats themselves represent unrivalled comfort, providing luxurious features from your cabin to the gourmet cuisine. Indulge and pamper yourself with on-board massages, fabulous diving and a total solar eclipse, a once in a lifetime experience.

For full details of the cruises visit the website www.total-discoveries.com

DREAMING OF DALE HILL Set in over 350 acres of grounds, high on the Sussex Weald, Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Complex boasts two challenging golf courses plus the first-class facilities of a four-star hotel. We sent GolfGuy to investigate‌

A

s we neared Dale Hill in the beautiful Sussex Weald the weather was already looking unreliable, a combo of late March winds and early April showers.

Hope nevertheless does spring eternal for intrepid golfers, and we hoped for gradual improvement as we teed it up on the first of the Old Course, the shorter (but no less interesting) of the two layouts at Dale Hill. By

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the time we had finished - and parred - the first two holes the rain had become persistent, but we were simply having too much fun to quit.

This is a truly entertaining golf course, with a wide spectrum of open, spacious holes, tight, tree-lined tracks and just enough challenging hazards and approach shots to keep you keen, all set in spectacular Sussex Wealden countryside. When you walk off the eighteenth

soaked to the skin but still smiling, you know you have played a wonderful course.

The clubhouse bar menu offered a wide assortment of lunchtime favourites and good beers. Portions were generous, service fast and friendly, and the buzz from the surprisingly large number of other patrons created a warm, welcoming space. We were clearly not the only golf crazies out on a wet, blustery day.

TRAVEL

We were worrying a bit about our sodden kit as we had a mid-morning tee time on the Ian Woosnam course the following day, but the friendly, attentive staff at hotel reception were unfazed. They chucked our gear into a secure drying room for the night. Sorted.

Or semper paratus, as the American Marine Corps say. Our first-floor Executive Room with furnished balcony overlooked the eighteenth fairway and green, was spacious, tastefully decorated and, crucially, had a great bed for recharging ourselves and plenty of power points for recharging diverse batteries. And that panoramic view of the eighteenth...sigh.

We were enjoying an evening drink in the comfortable bar/lounge as the restaurant staff took our dinner orders. We were escorted to the dining room when our starters were ready and enjoyed a well-prepared meal of mainly local ingredients, graciously served on tables with proper linen. There was plenty of space

between the tables, allowing for an intimate dining experience. Delicious food, expertly prepared and professionally served.

“Whatever the result, you will never forget the experience!”

The gents in the starting hut next morning were facilitating a large group of ladies playing a tournament on the Ian Woosnam course.

They found us on the putting green and told us that we might be delayed a bit and that play might be a bit slow in front of us due to the tournament. As it happened, we went off a few minutes earlier than planned and at no point in our subsequent round did we feel that we were kept waiting unduly on the tees. The course marshall was very visible throughout the day and kept things moving along at a good pace.

This alone is testament to a quality course, managed by people who know what we golfers want and who know what they are doing. Well done, boys!

The Ian Woosnam designed course is the longer of the two tracks, weighing in at 6,512 yds off the tips, with a par of 71. There will be few surprises here for anyone familiar with Woosies golfing career and style. There are challenges galore, enough to keep you salivating, but not so many that it all just becomes hard work. The famous 16th is a fine example. This steeply uphill par three is embraced by forest, guarded by a large, deep bunker front right, and can be reached with a well-struck mid-to-long iron by a proper golfer, or with a fairway wood/hybrid by most of the rest of us. Whatever the result, you will never forget the experience! And that really does sum up the Dale Hill experience for us.

The resort also has a heated indoor pool, sauna and gym which we didn’t have time to sample. I guess we’ll just have to go back again!

Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 7DQ. 01580 200112 www.dalehill.co.uk

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GOLFGUY...

BUNKER BUFOON Continuing our new page of golf tips…This month: It’s all about the bunker shot and how to ace it every time

GolfGuy writes: So here we are again, waking up to bright mornings with nest-building birds chirping manically in all the new Spring growth in the gardens. On the golf courses, the fairways are miraculously recovering from the ravages of a wet winter, there is new growth on the greens that will soon need mowing, and our hearts are bursting with optimism. My approach shot to a tricky par-four green, meanwhile, has come up short in a demanding greenside bunker.

I step gingerly, bravely, into the bunker, the elixir of Spring hope and affirmation thrumming

through my veins. I turn to my trusty old “Gary Player” method: wedge aiming at the flagstick with opened face, feet aiming a bit left, wide stance, ball forward. An early wrist cock in my take-away helps me keep my stroke quite steep. I nevertheless “skull” the ball on my first attempt, sending it over the back of the green where even the crows don’t go. My second effort removes a spade-full of sand, but the ball has hit the bank of the bunker and rolled pathetically back to its original position, more or less. Strike three ends six feet from the pin. I

sink it, joylessly, for a double bogey six. Clearly, the “Player Method” works... sometimes. But there has got to be a better way to get out of bunkers every time, even if they don’t all end up within ten feet of the hole. The last time I asked a Pro about bunker strategy I was told the best strategy is to avoid going in them in the first place. You can’t fault the logic of that, so I guess I’m looking for a back-up strategy to use when logic fails.

GolfGuy

GOLF

The Golf Pro replies: The bunker shot is far easier than you think. However, rather than adopting an open club face/open stance, this shot should be played like every other shot . In this way you will be using the correct loft and bounce as designed into the club originally. By taking an open-face approach you are showing the leading edge to the ball, causing a higher tariff shot and resulting in many ‘thinned’ shots.

In general, try to apply the following approach:

bunker backswing

bunker follow through longer than backswing

•

• • • • •

Take the appropriate club to clear the lip of the bunker (only open the stance and clubface if more loft is required to clear the lip) Dig your feet in to gauge the depth and consistency of sand Make the swing length appropriate to the amount of sand needed to take Strike down on the ball taking sand before impact Make sure the follow through completes to where you envisaged Force + Sand = ball out of bunker

Controlling the length is dependent on the above. Remember to commit to the follow-through length.

How much sand to take is another frequently asked question (in all cases sand must still be taken):

bunker impact position

bunker normal stance

In a bunker with solid (not much) sand, play the shot like a chip shot. This is down to the fact that the sand will not take anything ‘off’ of the shot and the ball will react the same way as it would do from a very tight lie on a fairway. Therefore, the swing will be shorter in length. On the other hand, a bunker with plenty of sand will need a much larger swing to get the club head to travel through the (heavy) sand.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me on: lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

Bring this article with you to Mid Sussex Golf Club, and when you pay for a round, another player can go free.

bunker shot with stance open (possible thin!)

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

PORTFOLIO 71

CITY news

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

PLANS TO EXPAND The Rivervale Contract Hire firm based in Portslade since 2004 seem to have outgrown their site. Planning permission has been submitted for the company to expand onto derelict land beside their existing car showroom in Victoria Road for the use of their expanding car leasing and hire business. The site has been vacant since a fire destroyed the previous building. B&H Council Planning Committee will rule on the application from the Portslade Town Hall which just happens to be right next to the proposed site therefore the planners should have no problem with their knowledge of the location. The report to the Planning Committee recommends granting approval.

HORSE HILL, TEXAS Billions of barrels of oil have been discovered at a site near Gatwick Airport in West Sussex that could controversially become Britain’s Texas.As much as 158million barrels of oil per square mile could lie underground, according to UK Oil & Gas Investments, the small oil explorer which has been drilling at the Horse Hill site.

The find is one of the biggest in recent years and the firm’s chief executive Stephen Sanderson said: ‘Based on what we’ve found here, we’re looking at between 50 and 100billion barrels of oil in place in the ground.’ He estimated that 3 to 15 per cent of the oil could be recovered, which could mean anything between 1.5 and 15billion barrels. By comparison, the North Sea has produced about 45billion barrels in 40 years.

Oil has been produced onshore in the Home Counties for decades.

There are currently around a dozen oil production sites across the Weald, which spans Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

Last year, a report for the government by the British Geological Survey estimated that the region may have shale oil resources in the range of 2.2-to-8.5billion barrels, with a central estimate of 4.4billion barrels of oil. However a number of industry experts have expressed scepticism about the size of this find and it is not the first time the area has experienced hype over a potential oil and gas find. UKOG also stated that it is not intending to use fracking, which involves pumping water, sand and chemicals into rocks at high pressure to liberate the oil and gas trapped within.

As the Government now seems to own all the land under our homes, our region will not benefit one iota from this find but if it proves to be a real, then I sense a battle coming.

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A LARGE CHUNK OF BRIGHTON HAS JUST COME UP FOR SALE FOR ‘ONLY’ £50 MILLION The Hanningtons Estate comprises the freehold to 1.32 acres of offices, 41 residential units and 30 retail units along with a range of potential development opportunities in North Street. The sale is a result of the failed West Register property portfolio, valued at £3 billion, that has been amassed

by RBS following six years of business insolvencies.

The portfolio is one of the largest to come to market in Brighton for many years and includes the old Hanningtons department store, Huntingdon House, a 12,000 sq. ft. office building and 4,500 sq. ft. of offices in Brighton Place.

Planning has already been granted to build in Hanningtons Lane with 13 new retail units, seven residential units and over 4000 sq. ft. of offices above.

Ed Allison-Wright, of Brighton property company Centurion Group, said: “Centurion has been working closely with RBS since acquisition of the neighbouring Brighton Square Portfolio in early 2012 and we are very proud to have successfully negotiated two fantastic development schemes on both of our respective ownerships, but under one regeneration scheme master plan.

We look forward to working closely with the lucky prospective new owners when the estate sells. There is still work to be done to enhance the overall benefit that this asset can bring to all of us locally, and those visiting Brighton and Hove.”

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is marketing the estate with agents KLM.

CITY news

“Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember- the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you”

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN LEWES Developers have submitted plans for a major development of 416 new homes, flood defences, public areas and business workspace. Santon North Street and Lewes District Council jointly filed the planning application to the South Downs National Park Authority to regenerate the North Street and Phoenix Industrial Estate area of Lewes. The North Street Quarter proposes 40% of the homes will be affordable homes. It aims to bolster town flood defences, develop riverside public spaces and build 140,000 sq ft of flexible workspace.

Rob Blackman, leader of Lewes District Council, said: “We want to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood which is designed to reflect and complement the character and industrial heritage of Lewes while delivering benefits to people on this rather hidden and isolated brownfield site.”

The Santon Group, which jointly owns the land with the council, said the development was sympathetic to its setting next to the River Ouse.

Construction is mooted to create 100 full-time jobs and £150 million of investment into Lewes and the South Downs National Park. Lewes Councillor and Chairman of Lewes Community Land Trust John Stockdale welcomed the submission. He said “A £150million investment, more than 400 homes with 165,000 of them affordable housing, will make a substantial

NEW BRIGHTON LINE Chancellor George Osborne announced recently that he would consider a second Brighton line if the Conservatives are voted back into office on May 7th. Osborne said that the plan would ease congestion and offer faster journeys to London from Seaford and Newhaven.

However, former home office minister Norman Baker hit out at the chancellor’s pledge. He said: “Saying he is backing something weeks before the election is frankly a desperate attempt to get some votes. Tories are spraying money and promises around as they are losing the election.”

Mr Baker said while he supported the objective of a second Brighton main line, he feels the reopening of the Lewes to Uckfield line would provide a “cheaper and more realistic” alternative to easing pressure on the route.

Mr Baker has been campaigning for 25 years to get the Lewes to Uckfield stretch reopened.

There was also talk, yet again, of £2.4 billion being made available to upgrade the dreadful western end of the A27 but as this has been discussed by successive governments for over 30 years, we should perhaps not hold our breath.

contribution to the life of the town.”

PORTFOLIO 73

NATIONAL news

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

THE GAGGED UNGAGGED Corporations intent on blunting the whistleblower reforms embodied in the Dodd-Frank Act have long been muzzling their employees with non-disclosure agreements. Restrictive confidentiality agreements are nothing but corporate censorship - and it needs to end in Europe and the US. People working in big financial services industries need to be able to alert the public, and the courts, to questionable practices. The US act was designed to address the fraud that contributed to the massive financial meltdown experienced in Europe, the United States and the rest of the world.

It’s thanks to whistleblowers that we learned about illegal activity at Enron, Bernie Madoff’s offices and Swiss banks like UBS and HSBC, resulting in the collection of billions of dollars in sanctions.

Numerous British companies have developed broadly worded non-disclosure agreements that restrict the release of confidential information to the company’s legal department as a condition of employment, though the exact number is unknown. When leaving the company, employees who have threatened to file a whistleblower claim were also forced to accept non-disclosure requirements as a condition of a settlement or before they could obtain a severance payment after they were fired or laid off. These agreements explicitly prohibit employees from communicating with anyone except attorneys hired by the company.

GENDER EQUALITY Sue O’Brien OBE, CEO of Norman Broadbent, the executive search firm, comments on Lord Davies’ Women on Boards Annual Report 2015: “The doubling in the number of women on FTSE 100 boards since 2011 represents a great step forward in achieving gender equality in the workplace. As the 2015 Cranfield Female FTSE Board Report confirms today, Britain’s top boardrooms are set to meet Lord Davies’ 25% women on boards target this year. However, there is still much work to be done.

“Equality will come through nurturing talented women in the earlier stages of their career; boards must work on counteracting the loss of females in the executive pipeline and invest in female staff at chair and executive level. Equality won’t come by forcing companies to put women into executive and non-executive roles; instead, this makes the appointments come across as tokenism. The great progress Lord Davies’ report shows must not be put in jeopardy through artificial mechanisms.

“Ultimately, all firms need to realise that diversity is not only a key component of good corporate governance, but also of successful business. Every board needs to have the right balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge. The key here is to be brave and ambitious. If firms aim high in this process and appoint those who are most able to add value to the company, business success will follow.”

74 PORTFOLIO

SMALL AMENDMENT BIG IMPACT The government has sanctioned a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill to ‘activate’ section 78 of the Equality Act 2010.

This means that private sector employers with 250 or more employees will be required to publish gender pay gap information, revealing the differences in the pay of male and female employees in their organisation. Noncompliance will amount to an offence leading to the imposition of a fine of up to £5,000 and/or enforcement action to ensure compliance. The changes will be introduced no later than 12 months after the passing of the Act. A late amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill will have a big effect on big business. Employers of 250 or more employees are to be required to publish their gender pay gap information, publically revealing the differences between the pay of male and female employees in their organisation. New regulations to activate section 78 of the Equality Act are to be introduced within 12 months of the Bill becoming law, as a result of the Conservatives giving in to pressure from Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs to force large employers to do more to eliminate the gender pay gap, which currently stands at 9.4% for full time employees and almost 40% for part timers.

NATIONAL news

“Litigation is the basic legal right which guarantees every corporation its decade in court”

LINKED-IN MYTHS DEBUNKED Ever wondered what prospective employers value when looking at a LinkedIn profile? According to new research, it’s not a person’s number of connections, recommendations or their clever contributions to groups, but the description which really matters.

The independent study was conducted among 100 HR heads of some of the UK’s leading employers on behalf of Norrie Johnston Recruitment. When asked to score the various elements that make up a candidate’s LinkedIn profile, the description comes out top, followed by endorsements for skills and expertise, which in turn are more important than recommendations. HR heads are more likely to judge a candidate based on the groups they join rather than their photograph. However, those spending a lot of time contributing to groups be warned: the things you say once you’re a group member don’t appear to matter. While HR heads place limited value on many of the elements that make up a profile and few (8%) believe all that they see, the research suggests having a LinkedIn presence – especially a good description - is still valuable.

PROSPERITY PLAN

PENSION SPLASH Much has been made of the possible effects of the new rules allowing folk to take their pension pot in a lump sum without the need for an annuity, with even the Chancellor stating that pensioners can splash out on a Lamborghini if they so wish. Now the experts from the car trade ‘Bible’, Glass’s Guide, are predicting that with hundreds of thousands of older people predicted to draw a tax-free lump sum out of their pension pot, some of this money will inevitably be spent on cars Cars ranging from classic convertibles to brand new superminis could be the target of older people who “treat” themselves, using cash released following revised pension rules that come into effect this week.

Rob Donaldson, Car Editor, said: “There is really no precedent for this, so it is difficult to forecast the exact effect that it will have on the new and used car sector, but it seems likely that a proportion of older people will use the new rules to treat themselves.

“The kind of deals that might be made could range from someone buying an expensive new car as their ‘last’ car through to others splashing out on an old MG or classic Jaguar for some summer fun. This could then provide a boost for dealers, especially in areas where a lot of pensioners live.

“We are certainly not saying that the streets of Eastbourne will suddenly be lined with Aston Martins, but there is every reason to expect an increase in business for some dealers which will be quite welcome as we head into the traditional summer slowdown.”

Rob added that these sales would buck the current market trend towards leasing as they would be, by their nature, cash sales. He said: “Clearly, the older generation are much less likely to favour leasing anyway and, by the nature of the purchase, these are cash reserves that they feel they can afford to spend.”

Lloyds Banking Group has committed to supporting an additional 5000 businesses to trade internationally over the next three years as part of the Group’s 2015 Helping Britain Prosper Plan.

Providing support to UK businesses so that they can realise their ambitions to begin exporting and attracting international businesses to invest into the UK is essential to long term economic growth and it is for this reason that this is a new target within Lloyds Banking Group’s 2015 Helping Britain Prosper Plan.

Support will include helping businesses with an export strategy, delivering regional workshops for businesses considering exporting, providing assistance to investors to set up bank accounts in the UK and offering advice and solutions relating to working capital and foreign exchange risk management.

Lloyds Bank currently supports 70,000 clients to trade internationally, and this new target follows the bank’s recent announcement of a strategic partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to help UK businesses export and attract inward investment into the UK from overseas.

The strategic partnership will offer insight and introductions for exporters looking at new markets and support inward infrastructure investments into the UK by helping international investors leverage the Bank’s extensive expertise of the UK market.

Ed Smith, Managing Director, Global Transaction Banking, Lloyds Banking Group said: “We know that businesses often have concerns about trading abroad and we have already made steps to assist in this journey through our recent partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), which will aim to support global cross-sector trade and inbound investment into the UK while co-ordinating work in key markets such as Asia.”

PORTFOLIO 75

Your Chartered Accountants www.lucrafts.co.uk

THE RUNWAY TO SUCCESS As Chief Executive of Gatwick Airport, Stewart Wingate, awaits a decision on whether his campaign for a second runway at Gatwick Airport has been successful, Ian Trevett and Maarten Hoffmann profile the man behind the campaign

To start, a simple question: Why is there such a lot of fuss over a strip of tarmac?

“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK to get a new runway for London and the South East. The last time one was opened was back in the 1950s, built in the 1940s, so we’ve had 70 years of inactivity. In that time

we’ve been very well served by the runways that we inherited, and you’ve seen this network of airports with not only Heathrow but also Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, London City, and recently Southend, serve us very well.

We’ve become the best-connected city in the world today, bar none. We are in an exceptional

position at this point in time. For me, when you look at this strip of concrete, it’s really about how we as the UK identify the future trends of aviation and keep ourselves at the forefront of global connectivity”.

BUSINESS profile

“We will double-decker the M23 roundabout to Gatwick so you no longer have a traffic light system, and you’ll never have a situation of the cars backing up onto the M23”

Once Cameron came to power, having publicly declared his unequivocal veto of Heathrow’s plans, was there a point at which Gatwick suddenly realised they could actually take on Heathrow?

“When the Gatwick job became available, the shareholders told me they were going to take Gatwick out of the BAA stable and be absolutely focused on making this their big prize airport asset. The idea was to look at the airport business, increase the capital

78 PORTFOLIO

investment in the airport, correct the service levels by working with our teams, and get out and market the airport and the region, and the key characteristics of the airport in terms of excellent access, particularly in and out of London by rail to drive passenger volumes. And that’s what we did. We just focused on that.

When the new Government came in, there was a very clear steer at that point in time;

says, ‘Which other city in the world is actually contemplating building a runway that points right at the population centre? You’re going to be flying over a city of eight million people today but 10 million by the end of the decade. Why on earth would you do that? This is politically toxic.’

London is quite unique in that regard.

“I don’t think the report will be kicked into touch. There is a real need in the South East.

when it came to aviation, it was better, not bigger. And that, of course, was the agenda that we were engaged in at the time. As the years went by, up to October 2012, we had a bit of wind in our sails. We were investing about £250 million a year in those early years. Our confidence levels were starting to grow and the growth in passenger numbers meant there was an increasing need for a new runway”.

We are full and Heathrow are full. We’ve grown from 31 million passengers to an estimated 40 million passengers this year; we might get another five million passengers out of the single runway. But we’re already in a league of our own in terms of the utilisation of a single runway. My belief is that there is a recognition now across the political parties – hence the formation of the commission – that the time for action has come. Something has to be done, and we are by far the fastest runway to be delivered when we compare ourselves to Heathrow”.

The final decision rests with the Government.

Does the result of the election have an impact?

Could a new administration kick it into the long grass?

“I think that when you look at it politically, no matter which one of those two parties is in power, the most deliverable option for any political party has to be Gatwick. If you listen to some of the comments that the mayor, Boris Johnson, has made over the last two years, they pretty much hit the issue right on. He

From a worst-case scenario, if you were to lose the decision, what would be the impact for Gatwick?

“I get asked this question a lot, and increasingly more so as we get towards the finishing line.

If we win, then my belief is that, firstly, our European network will thrive, which is by far the biggest part of the market, and it’s the

BUSINESS profile

low-cost carriers where the growth is coming from. It’s EasyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair and others. They’re the airlines which have the incremental aeroplane orders placed with Boeing and Airbus. We’re ideally poised to meet this demand because we will have low airport charges even with the second runway, and very fast turnaround facilities.

Secondly, we would also get the connectivity of the long-haul routes, and we will see a return of the long-haul flying, notably back across to the North Americas. That’s what I hear in our backyard that people want. We want the emerging economies, but we also want the North American routes. So that’s the prize. On the flip side, people say, ‘But if you lose, what happens?’ So, my heartfelt position on that is that if we lose, what actually happens is that we get the Davies report gathering dust on a shelf along with the other three or four reports that have been written over the last 30 or 40 years. And unfortunately we’ll not actually get any additional capacity, because Heathrow is just politically toxic, and ultimately will not be delivered. That’s my belief”.

Back in1979, there was a 40-year agreement not to build a second runway here. Would this impact on any expansion plans?

“The 1979 agreement basically says you can’t put a spade in the ground until, I think, August 2019. We said we have no intention of doing

that, because we need to get the planning permission. We’re not prohibited from getting all of the planning permissions and being ready so that in 2020 we can start the construction.

So we will keep our promises. Heathrow said on the building of T5 that there would be no third runway. We had EC Harris, who are one of the country’s leading construction consultants, do a piece of work looking at the likelihood of Heathrow being ready for 2025. The probability they attached to that was zero”.

With regards to access, do you think that Network Rail and the roads can deliver?

“Definitely. Let me deal with the roads first of all. I think if you look at roads, some of the big schemes have either been delivered recently or are planned to be delivered imminently. We need the free-flow crossing through the Dartford Crossing. That’s happening as we speak.

Then we need the widening of the M25 on the southern section, so the Sevenoaks to Godstone part opened last year. The plans are in place to do the Godstone past Reigate section, with a 24/7 four-lane motorway. And then, before the end of the decade, the Highways Agency will do likewise on the section of the M23 down to Gatwick. So that’s really important.

We’ve put to one side a fund of about £800 million out of our £7.8 billion programme, which is all targeted at transport link improvements.

We will double-decker the M23 roundabout to

Gatwick, so you no longer have a traffic light system, and you’ll never have a situation of the cars backing up onto the M23. If you’re going southbound, you go over the fly-over and into the airport. If you want to go southbound from the airport, you go under the fly-over, and if you want to go northbound, you just turn left as you do today. The Highways Agency supports us and says not only do those schemes mean that you’ll be ready for 2020, but you will actually be right the way through to the 2040s. They are big schemes.

From a rail perspective, we’ve seen all the station improvements going in, and some of them are still going in as we speak. We have stations which are now ready for 12-car trains, and that’s really important. When you look at the timetabling benefits that Govia, the new operator, will bring, having combined Thameslink, First Capital Connect and Southern, then we should expect to see a doubling of the seat capacity of trains going through the station by 2018. By the end of the decade you should see a train leaving in the direction of London once every two-and-a-half minutes. So it’s quite phenomenal what is happening on rail.

And that’s happening whether or not we get the second runway”.

The Airports Commission report, chaired

by Sir Howard Davies, is due to report to the Government in the Summer 2015 and we expect a decision by the Autumn of 2015 at the latest.

PORTFOLIO 79

THE SALT ROOM

Maarten Hoffmann samples the delights of the decor, food and the great view

“I loved the sound of their Taste of the Pier dish.

I know what goes on under that pier and did not really have any burning desire to taste it, but wow!�

BUSINESS lunch

B

righton has long been known for its great variety of vibrant restaurants. Some come and go, some shut up shop in a heartbeat and some stand the test of time. The Coal Shed is one such establishment.

Tucked away in the Lanes, it has a reputation for great steaks, great service and a great vibe. The owner, Raz Helalat, has grown in confidence, stuck his neck out again and taken over the old 106 Bar at the Hilton Metropole, right on the seafront, with 340 rooms atop and a view to die for.

The Salt Room is the antithesis of the Coal Shed, as its main attraction is what comes out of the briny over the road. Fish is the order of the day, and when you say that, then by George your fish had better be good. Now this’ll make you laugh – I don’t eat fish! I know, who’d have thought? A restaurant critic who doesn’t eat fish. The reasons are complicated and I will attempt to explain them one day This is the reason I always take a crew with me, so that everyone else can relay their views on the fish and I can rampage across the rest of the menu.

So, in tow today we have Lynne and Fiona from Portfolio. Plus Ian, my partner in Platinum Business Magazine. We were seated in what is a great location, and they have done a very good job on the décor - subtle but there if you look, and the gorgeous ladies serving us made the occasion all the better.

The set lunch menu is £12.50 for two courses and £15.00 for three, and they all went with the set, apart from me, and my 3-courses came to £48.50, of which the fillet steak comprised £27.50.

The grilled mackerel with tartare, apple and miso, Ian assured me, was scrumptious. Lynne’s cured salmon, miso, crème fraiche, burnt cucumber and truffle really was a glorious sight, but I cannot convey her opinion as she refused to speak and just sort of glazed over. I ordered the pork rillettes with pear, beer chutney and toast. Great presentation, with the well-seasoned pork in an old fashioned jar, sea salted melba style toast and a totally brilliant beer chutney that I could have carried on eating all afternoon.

Oh, this is going well, and I am quite excited about the main course.

Our table was at the window overlooking the terrace that fronts the sea. Well, the main road first but then the sea.

Lynne’s spiced monkfish with pickled cauliflower, yogurt and ginger and Fiona’s mussels with lemongrass, chilli, coriander and lime were both superb in terms of taste and presentation with the lemongrass really complimenting the flavour of the mussels. Then I totally lost the plot and laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face.

They brought Fiona a finger bowl accompanied by a saucer with two white discs in the centre. I was at this point tucking into my fabulous 200g Black Angus fillet steak with a smooth béarnaise sauce and salt baked potatoes when I noticed this little piece of theatre occurring. What on earth were they? The charming waitress arrived with a teapot of hot water and proceeded to pour the water over these odd things. Well, blow me down – they suddenly started to grow and expand upwards like manic earworms, and the event took me so much by surprise that I lost it. Turns out they were the hand towels for the mussels, but the performance was the oddest I have seen in a while and I had to ask them to repeat it several times, and it got funnier each time.

As I attempted to gain control, Ian tucked into his black bream, purple potatoes, pickled cockles and samphire, and although he said the flavour was superb, the colouring on the plate was a little off-putting as the purple merged with the juices and created a murky purple goo. This is one time when I advised him not to eat with his eyes.

With order restored, we ventured into the pudding menu and I loved the sound of their Taste of the Pier dish.

I know what goes on under that pier and did not really have any burning desire to taste it, but wow!

What arrived was a long board with two sticks standing upright, wrapped in rhubarb candy floss, two small hand-made 99 cones with an array of pebbles, stones and rocks dotted around. These turned out to be salt caramel, rum and coconut marshmallows, petit ring doughnuts and pebbles made from honeycomb. It was not only a treat for the eyes but the flavours were sublime. The rhubarb really came through in the candy floss, which was odd but sensational, and the assorted stones and pebbles were all different, all superbly made and all gone in a flash as my accompanying horde laid waste to my pudding.

When you dine out as much as I do, you are seldom taken aback, but this was one of the most original desserts I have ever experienced and wrapped up a great meal in a great location with great service.

I would heartily recommend The Salt Room.

The Salt Room 106 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2FA T: 01273 929488 W: www.saltroom-restaurant.co.uk PORTFOLIO 81

STYLE

THE DEVIL IS INDEED IN THE DETAIL….

Accessories have the power to transform your whole look. Samantha Wilding explains how details contribute to the creation of a coherent style, adding colour, texture and individuality

MEN: MORE OPTIONS THAN YOU THINK Accessories add much-needed colour, texture and personality to otherwise conservative clothing. I would go so far as to assert that adding carefully chosen accessories to a gentleman’s business or casual look can have more of an impact for a man than for his female counterparts, as he has fewer overall outfit options. At first glance, you may think that there are limited accessories to choose from. I would disagree. Let’s take a closer look.

shirt, go for a completely contrasting tie (a solid colour, or even a contrasting pattern). The stronger the contrast, the greater the impact.

Newsreader Jon Snow lifts his overall look with bright ties and socks; they have become his immediately identifiable ‘trademark’.

I spent the morning at Simon Clarke’s Brighton boutique recently, and the team there told me that tie clips are also big sellers. They are another small way to add an element of individuality (and old-school elegance) to your overall look.

Watches are an obvious starting point. Even in these days of gadgetry, an elegant watch speaks volumes about a man. It’s worthwhile having more than one: a watch for daily business wear, a dress watch and a sporty version for weekends.

Wallets, although not often on display, can add pizzazz as you pay for your morning latte. Paul Smith and Aspinal of London make leather wallets with iconic British designs – union jacks and classic Minis – to liven things up a bit.

Socks (plain, striped or spotted) are an easy way to add colour and fun without undermining your professional credentials. Braces are another way to add interest – but you must be comfortable wearing them or you will not be able to pull off this look successfully !

When selecting your accessories, choose carefully. Remember to invest in a few simple pieces that work with a number of items in your wardrobe.

The cufflinks market has exploded, and there are so many designs and materials to choose from. You can choose cufflinks that reflect your personal interests, hobbies and passions: horses, anchors, propellors, playing cards, etc.

One of Coco Chanel’s most famous (and probably most ignored) pieces of advice was this: ‘before leaving the house, remove one accessory’. So many women either wear too many and end up looking fussy and overdone, or not enough, and so look bland and lacking in any individual style. Focus is the key to success. Pick your point of focus and let it shine, whether that is your statement necklace,

When considering ties and belts, it’s always best to go for contrast, so that at least one element stands out. If you’re wearing a striped 82 PORTFOLIO

WOMEN: LISTEN TO COCO

your fedora hat or your chandelier earrings.

Heed Madame Chanel’s words, as it’s usually a rogue accessory that is the offender when you’re not sure if you’ve got it quite right.

Scarves are underrated in this country (which is always a surprise to me, given our unpredictable weather). They add instant polish and ‘je ne sais quoi’ to a casual outfit of jeans and simple cashmere knit, for example, but also add panache to a white work shirt or dark suit. Buy silk wherever possible, and consider the dominant colours in your wardrobe, as you want one that works with a number of pieces. When wearing a scarf, keep earrings and other jewellery to a minimum to avoid elements fighting for attention.

Turning to jewellery, an elegant watch and a pair of diamond stud earrings will take any well-dressed woman a long way. It’s also very modern to mix gold, silver and rose gold; don’t be afraid to combine and layer your pieces (without going overboard).

Brooches are often overlooked and can add a fun vintage vibe to hats, scarves or cardigans.

Hats can make a stunning statement, but people tend to either be a ‘hat person’ or not (I am, by the way). If you want to give them a try, bring a friend and take photos to find the shape and height that works for you. Please, please avoid pastel-coloured stiff straw hats (the bane of wedding season), which look frumpy and are instantly ageing.

Belts can lift an otherwise plain outfit; think of a ponyskin belt with jeans and a shirt, or a

STYLE

“Before leaving the house, remove one accessory” Coco Chanel chain belt with a black, fluid shift dress. A monochrome suit for the office is instantly transformed by a skinny belt in a bright colour.

Turning to hosiery, nude matte tights or stockings are essential as we move from spring through to summer. And no shine, please – you are not a showgirl, and they make legs look heavier. Invest in the best: Wolford Naked 8’s are fantastic, sheer and transparent, with a sandal toe. If you do go barelegged, exfoliate, moisturise and give your skin some help; MAC face and body foundation is great for this.

Both men and women can also add individuality through other accessories and small leathers, for example pens, notebooks, glasses cases and business card holders. All of these details say something about you and contribute to your ‘bigger picture’.

Photo credit: Simon Carter

www.styleandgrace.eu @alwayschicUK

TIMELESS ACCESSORIES WOMEN: • diamond or pearl stud earrings • a silk scarf (Hermes is, of course, the ultimate…)

BOTH: • an elegant watch • a Smythson notebook or passport holder • a Mont Blanc pen • Aspinal of London business card holders or iPad cases

Photo credit: Simon Carter PORTFOLIO 83

The widest-read business publication in the South East

ISSUE 11 . 2015

OUT PLATINUM NOW THE BIG INTERVIEW

STEWART WINGATE

PLATINUM

ANGER MANAGEMENT Bursting at the seams

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

THE BIG STORY

PHILIP GREEN’S OFF-SHORE EMPIRE

READ ALL PAST ISSUES AT WWW.PLATINUMBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

NETWORKING

WELL NETWORKED Make the most of your networking events. Sarah Hopwood, Business Transition expert, offers some advice

S

o there I was, engaged in a great conversation with another business owner – then the interruption. Someone felt it quite acceptable to push their business card at each of us (with a smile) to then ask if they could have our cards in turn. I politely said I didn’t want their card at this point in time as I didn’t know them. Their reply was, “Well, can I have yours then, please?”, to which I tactfully said ‘No’. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen too often, but why are people still getting this networking business so wrong?

If you ever want to know what someone really thinks, look at the position of his or her feet. Our feet will always point to where you want to be.

With this in mind, never interrupt people when their feet are pointing towards each other – they are deep in rapport, so really won’t thank you!

How can we network effectively?

First and foremost, seek to understand before being understood. Quite often, when we are supposed to be listening we are actually preparing to speak …or, in an argument, we are ‘re-loading our guns!’

Remember, God gave you two ears and one mouth – use them in proportion.

Get your database ready, but remember: walking back to the office with a fist full of new cards is not good networking, it is simply collecting a fist full of cards.

Slay some limiting beliefs: • Selling is done by the marketing department (we are all selling) • Networking is a waste of time • I can’t sell • I am hopeless at networking • Salespeople are born that way • Good sales people are interesting extroverts • Build it, and punters will come (they won’t!)

How we communicate: There are two schools of thought about badge placement: a) wear on left as we always look across diagonally b) wear on right because badges worn on left are masked during a handshake. If your badge is magnetic then I highly recommend you always wear it away from the heart. Approach odd-numbered groups and don’t get stuck - maybe say “Excuse me….” or break rapport by moving your feet or breaking eye contact. Ask and listen (don’t tell). Also, depending on where you network, many prefer to be asked about other things rather than work.Nurture this, as people buy people ahead of any service or product. Good networking is all about building long-term relationships, and those who just try to sell most often fail. Therefore, sending a different person every time to the same event is not a wise decision.

Make the most of your networking events. Sarah Hopwood, Business Transition expert, offers some advice

Identify the right group: Groups such as The Platinum Club professionally host each event and therefore you have a friend working for you in the room. Not only do they make introductions throughout the evening (so you don’t have to) and just mention ahead of time that there is a specific person you would like to meet and it happens as if by magic.

Be strategic: Identify why you are attending and what outcomes you hope to achieve. Then decide which of your products or services you are going to promote that day; overwhelming people will just cause confusion – and people can’t buy a foggy picture.

Prepare properly: Look at the list of attendees in advance and note everyone you know so you can say hello. Never,

I say never, ignore existing clients or advocates as you seek new contacts. Treat every event as an opportunity to build relationships whereby you are interested to get to know the guests.

Golden rules: Learn names fast and remember that you are the front window to your business. So don’t sell; instead, ask “How can I help this person?”

Event crimes: DO NOT • Turn up without notice or not cancel in advance if unable to attend when registered. This is remembered by the organiser, who is very well-connected, and you might not get an invite the next month • Arrive late / leave early • Make a poor first impression – I recall only remembering how someone ate their food at one event …pastry round the mouth • Talk to colleagues • Drink too much • Ignore competitors • Dominate conversations • Fail to follow up Working your contact programme: This is easier than you think. It can be as simple as asking how they are, or sending a gift to email marketing. Words of encouragement mean a lot, so think about it and keep alert for opportunities.

Good luck, and go for it; I very much look forward to meeting you on the circuit soon! www.sarahhopwood.com

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TRANSPORT

“Great leadership is the key to high level business performance and success”

LET’S TALK TRAINS

John Burroughes, Managing Director of UNIGLOBE Preferred Travel, on why a new railway revolution matters

High speed rail travel

86 PORTFOLIO

TRANSPORT

D

on’t think, “Trains...this is going to be boring.” Actually, it is a frightening indictment of the state of transport in this country.

After the recent House of Lords report saying the financial case for HS2 has not been made, the political battle lines are once again beginning to take shape. Although there is general cross-party support for HS2, there are various factions in each party who are against this proposal, and certainly a large number in the House of Lords. One can’t help wondering how many of these public-spirited representatives might own land and/ or properties that may adjoin or be affected by the progress this country so desperately needs.

As a nation we look on with affectionate pity as the trainspotting anorak brigade assemble at weekends to compare notes. We seem completely unable to let go of the nostalgia of steam. Add that to the traditional UK approach to progress, ‘not in my backyard’ and ‘let’s form a committee, lodge a protest and immediately set up a petition’, and middle-England Victor Meldrew lives on.

40 years ago a railway revolution took place in the UK when the InterCity 125 came into service. Everybody stood back in amazement and patted themselves on the back for a job well done.

A few years have passed since then; other things have changed, like the removal of slammed door carriages and the loss of the much loved buffet car, which was a whole independent social structure of its own. One thing, however, that hasn’t changed is that the railways are still controlled by ATOC, which stands for the Association of Train Operating Companies, or, as I’ve heard it called, Another Train Obstacle to Commerce.

Set up after privatisation in 1993, the ATOC’s mission is to bring together all train companies to preserve and enhance the benefits for passengers of Britain’s national rail network.

One has to wonder whether the organisation as a whole ever receives an appraisal on whether it meets its objectives.

High-speed rail arrived in the UK with the opening in 2003 of the first part of HS1, which is the 67-mile rail link between London and the Channel Tunnel. Back then China had barely left the station.

Over a decade on, Britain still has only the same 67-mile stretch of track, but China has built itself the longest high-speed network in the world.

At more than 7,450 miles in total, it is well over double the length of the European and Japanese networks combined. So if you want to get a sense of what the future of rail travel could look like, China might be a good place to start. Even through Europe, thousands of miles of high-speed rail track have been built through France, Spain and Germany, who have invested heavily in new lines capable of operating at over 170 mph.

It really is laughable, when you consider the pace at which some other countries develop, that HS2 Ltd was set up by the Labour government in 2009, the construction phase between London and Birmingham was approved in January 2012, with construction due to begin in 2017 and a predicted opening date of 2026, if the project went ahead today.

Crossrail, HS2 and HS3 will undoubtedly not be popular for people who live close to the construction or will be inconvenienced by the development. Indeed, this has always been the case throughout history. But with our roads at bursting point, our runways oversubscribed and our rail network not capable of coping with today’s traffic, yet alone the predicted growth over the next 10 years, we have to get a grip and take bold visionary decisions..

I will leave you this month to reflect on a recent survey of business travellers who

“As a nation we look on with affectionate pity as the trainspotting anorak brigade assemble at weekends to compare notes” regularly travel by train on business. The survey found that 80% of business rail travellers typically worked through a large portion of a 50 miles plus rail journey, but they lacked the tools to assist them to be fully productive.

The results of the survey crystallise five key areas requiring government attention: • Government investment in wi-fi connectivity on all rolling stock covering mainline routes; • The provision of free and reliable wi-fi connectivity and the space for business travellers to be productive as a key criteria when assessing any future rail franchise bids; • Collaboration between government, network rail and operators to ensure mainline stations are environments where the business traveller is able to work effectively and efficiently; • Prioritising removal of mobile non-spots from mainline rail routes in the first year of the next Parliament; • HS2 should be connected to HS1 and Heathrow airport in order to increase accessibility to international markets throughout the UK and minimise the number of times business travellers change trains during long rail journeys.

And finally on the laft is a picture of what high-speed rail travel could look like, running at speeds up to 250mph, this could be our bold new world of rail travel, but only if we want it enough. When we look back at the pioneering visionaries such as Shackleton, Stevenson and the Wright brothers, we have to ask ourselves some difficult questions and decide, is this the future we all want? www.uniglobepreferred.co.uk

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MOTORING review

SMOOTH OPERATOR Business Editor, Maarten Hoffmann, investigates the style, luxury and speed of the Mercedes-Benz SLK250

I

have always been a fan of the SL Mercedes models as they are full of style, luxury and, best of all, speed. Therefore, the compact version of the SL, the SLK, is an interesting review as when I spot them on the street, from the front I instantly think SL until it pulls alongside and you see the shortened length dictates the SLK. It’s very pretty, but until now l have never driven one.

Let’s start with the power plant range. The four petrol engines are a very diverse bunch: 1.8s, 3.5V6 and the gorgeous 5.5V8. The V6 and V8 are strong units that will pull you up the road at quite a lick, although I do find the 1.8s a little underpowered and short on performance. Like the BMW Z4 1.8, I find them a tad disappointing, but they sell well enough, proving that, for many, the looks are more important than the get up and go. It is a bold move from one of the world’s leading manufacturers, who for the first time have dropped a diesel engine into the range which is impressive in terms of stats, such as 56.5mpg from a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder, but I am not a huge fan of the usual diesel rattle on start-up, and with the mandatory stop/start on all models, you will be hearing this more often that you might have thought. But putting my prejudices aside, it is a very impressive engine with great pulling power and more than enough to satisfy.

Refinement has always been the hot spot for Mercedes as they do it very well, and the SLK does not disappoint. The cabin is spacious, very well laid out and comes with lots of standard goodies, such as A/C, alloys, Bluetooth and a balletic powered roof, and the list of optional extras makes you salivate just a touch. The boot space is a respectable size and the cabin has quite a few storage areas, and, as

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with all two-seater convertibles, taller drivers might find the tops of their heads in the wind stream when the roof is down, although at 6’1” it didn’t bother me in the slightest. The drop top is very well insulated, meaning that at speed you don’t suffer the whine and whistle found in many of its rivals, and the Airscarf wafts warm air onto the back of your neck, which can be rather sensual.

It will come as little surprise to my regular readers that I love front engine, rear wheel drive as it makes a car very ‘chuckable’ and really offers feeling through the steering wheel, and the SLK’s multi-link suspension, all-round passive dampers, coil springs and a clever little dashboard switch marked Sport that allows the driver to sharpen up the steering and a torque vectoring system that allows the car to activate any of the brakes individually to aid cornering are all clever stuff.

The AMG versions also get a 10mm suspension drop that feels like cornering on rails.

A novelty I found that I am now fully convinced of is the ‘vario roof’, which is a sunroof in the convertible top. “Daft!”, I hear you say, but it really does lighten up the cabin and is a stroke of genius.

So what competition does the SLK have to deal with? The Porsche Boxster and the BMW Z4 are the obvious contenders. For my money, the Boxster will always leave you feeling silly when a 911 pulls up alongside and makes you realise you bought the wrong car, while the Z4 is ageing and is not as spacious or as wellbuilt.

According to a report from motors.co.uk, the SLK was the best-selling convertible in the UK in the past quarter. The SLK it is then.

“Putting my prejudices aside, it is a very impressive engine with great pulling power and more than enough to satisfy”

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PHILIP GREEN Ragtrade to Riches Maarten Hoffmann profiles the high street fashion mogul who ripped up the rule book and took over the high street

P

hilip Green is best known as the high street fashion mogul who ripped up the traditional rule book and took over half the high street with his ownership of the Arcadia Group that comprises Topshop, Topman, Burton, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, British Home Stores, Evans, Outfit and Miss Selfridge.

But, of course, this is not the case. Green doesn’t own the company at all as within 24 hours of purchasing Arcadia, he had ‘sold’ the company to his wife, Tina Green, who, co-incidentally, lives in Monaco and is therefore not subject to UK taxation. How terribly convenient, and what faith Sir Philip must have in the loyalty of his dear wife!

Sir Philip Nigel Ross Green was born in 1952 in South London to a successful Jewish propertydeveloper father, joining his older sister Elizabeth in a comfortable middle-class home. At the age of nine he was sent to the now closed Jewish boarding school Carmel College in Oxfordshire, where he was studying at the time that his father suddenly died of a heart attack, leaving Green to inherit his father’s company at the age of 12. Being a naturally sharp and savvy trader, he left school aged 15 and did a spell as a shoe importer before borrowing £20,000, and launching a business buying cheap jeans from the Far East and selling them on to retailers in London at a considerable margin.

This was to be the foundation stone of the Arcadia Group: buy ‘em low and flog ‘em high. In 1979, Green purchased, at rock-bottom prices, the entire remaining stock of ten fashion designers who had gone into receivership, had the lot dry cleaned and wrapped in polythene to make it look new, and then purchased a shop in which to sell them direct to the public. He sold out in seven days and realised the public’s appetite for a fashion bargain – flogging schmutter to the masses.

BUSINESS interview

Green has been called a spiv, a brawler and a former barrow boy – all claims made by his rivals, who have seen their market share and profits slide whilst Green saunters up the high street buying anything he fancies and turning it into a huge success. There were cheers from the cheap seats when his bid for Marks & Spencer was rebuffed, and he was told what to do with his £9bn bid. Green is not establishment and is therefore not deemed to be ‘one of them’. So miffed was he by his treatment over the M&S bid that he allegedly punched arch-rival, Stuart Rose, and then passed him his mobile phone so his wife could have a go at him too.

In interviews, he doesn’t play the game with the usual plutocratic, my-time-is pricelessyour-time-is-worthless exhibitionism. Nor do you get a minute to ask questions; rather, he speaks, and you had better be listening as he ain’t going to say it twice. He recently turfed an entire Channel 4 crew out of his office when presenter Jon Snow pointed his finger at him.

In a recent Guardian interview with reporter Sally Vincent, he offered an insight into his childhood: “‘Let’s give it a whirl,’ he said, taking off his jacket and folding back gleaming white cuffs to reveal a watch with which you could circumnavigate the globe and wipe out the national debt of Africa.

“In short, sharp, staccato bites, he does it his way. Tells you. His way. How he did it. His way.

If a modest interjection amuses him, he’ll take it up before tossing it aside. Otherwise, he goes silent for a count of about four seconds, and then continues as though nothing happened.

At one point he rudely interrupted himself.

‘Gemma!’ he bawled. ‘Can you bring me a cup of tea, darling’ - then, as an afterthought, ‘D’you want anything? No? Right, cheap round.’”

“I think I understand where the risks lie in our business and where the potential potholes are in the road.

When I am driving my car down the street I try not to go down the potholes” This off-the-cuff cockney banter has always fed into the Establishment’s sniffy attitude, but while they were in their London clubs, and, on weekends, at country shoots,

complaining about this upstart, Green was busy beating them all at the their own game in the high street, and now owns more of the capital’s prime real estate than the Duke of Westminster. And the Duke owns 300 acres of Mayfair and Belgravia!

When his father died, his mum carried on the businesses. “She’s a go-getter,” he said. “Still is.

Ring her up and she’s on the other line to her solicitor, telling him do this, do that. She’s still got the properties she had 45 years ago. Still does all her own books at 85 years of age. Back then, she let me help out in the shops and garages.

She opened a self-service petrol station and I’d work in the forecourt on weekends and school holidays, wiping windscreens and topping up oil and stuff like that. The punters would tip me, sixpence, two bob, half a crown. Half a crown,” he says with a nostalgic smile. “Remember them? Nice heavy coin, that. Saturdays I could make as much as five pounds. Pocket money?

What’s pocket money? Having money given to you? No way”.

He earned what he got. At school there were two sorts of boys: those who wanted to stay on and those who wanted to get away. He was the second kind. “Things have changed; we’re in different times now, light years away.

Education’s high up on the agenda, you know?

Everybody pushing to get their kids in university.

Living standards have changed, values have changed, and the value of money has changed.”

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BUSINESS interview Philip Green got his wish and went out to work when he was 16. “Obviously,” he said, “I was never going to be a scholar.” He laid an emphasis on the “obviously” that is both preemptive and pragmatic.

And what of his early shoe trading days?

“They were what you might call old money shoes. One-ninety nine, two-ninety nine, mostly imported from China and Taiwan. We were one of the first to do business in the Far East.

“Eventually, after about four years, I was allowed to sell. Talk about how things have changed! In those days, they used to set up in hotels. This was in the Mount Royal Hotel,

above the Cumberland at Marble Arch. All the importers and buyers would check in for the annual shoe exhibitions. I was standing there and this guy came in and picked up one of our shoes. He liked it. How much is it? I said one ninety-nine. What’s the price of 40,000 pairs?

I said I’d look into it, belted over to the boss.

Which is he? I pointed him out. No, he said, he’s got long hair, he can’t be serious. I knew the guy came from a big group so I said, right, I’m going to get that order. He bet me five pounds that I couldn’t and gave me a deadline. So off I went.

“They wanted them wrapped in a special way, special box, special this, special that,

what didn’t they want. I said yes, yes, I’d see to all that, and the weeks went by and the deadline was coming up, so I’m chasing, chasing, dadadada, and I get the order, on the nail. I ran all the way up the five flights, up to the top of our building, slapped it down, said ‘there’s your order’. And he got this oldfashioned leather wallet out of his back pocket, and every note was like it had been ironed. Got the note out, feeling it to make sure it was just the one and handed me the five quid. That was my first order. Anyway, eight weeks later there had been so much aggravation about what they wanted and didn’t want, the whole thing got cancelled. So he called me and said ‘when you’re passing, call in and give me my fiver back.’ Still, he trained me up ...”

When he is asked if his Fast East importing is exploitation, you can expect to be tossed unceremoniously out of the nearest window, but he pauses and says: “Have you ever been to Hong Kong? It’s very fast moving, Hong Kong. Very fast. Very quick. Nobody goes to sleep. They work 17 hours a day and nobody’s tired. Hong Kong. Very built up. You wouldn’t imagine it. Every inch built up, cram full of people. All working. What’s your definition of exploitation? Would you go out and pay twice as much for something you could get three doors away at half the price? What Hong Kong and Taiwan were then, the whole of China is today, and China is the fastest growing country in the world. They’ve got the endeavour. That’s why. Is that exploitation, using the workforce of a billion people who want to make produce for the rest of the world?

“Now we have Vietnam and Eastern Europe.

I’ve just helped one of my suppliers build a factory in Vietnam. So what are we doing, are we providing the expertise in these places to help people work or are we exploiting them?

It’s a marketplace and I’m concerned to buy the best products I can in the marketplace we’re in. We’re not looking to exploit, but we are looking to be quick on our feet.” He makes quite a compelling case.

He looked about himself for inspiration to clinch his argument, picked up a small bottle of mineral water (in Arcadia, everyone seems to be sip-sip-sipping mineral water all day long) and declared, “If someone offered me 50,000 bottles of this at the right price, I’d buy them.

I’d buy anything. Old stocks, discontinued lines, cancelled orders. At the right price. Now let’s get on or we’ll be here all day.”

About his first foray into the London high street, Green tells the Guardian of the 10 designer gear outlets going out of business: “The stock was up for grabs. Thirty-five grand’s worth at retail. In like Flynn. I said,

BUSINESS interview

‘I’ll give you Xp in the pound. Deliver it to my warehouse.’” Then he went to have a look at it.

“It didn’t look all that bad to me,” he said, “so I sent it all to the dry cleaners, got it put on nice satin hangers and polythened it up so it looked brand new. Then I thought, why sell it on for a few quid more? Sammy Stewart was retiring, I heard, so I bought his place off him. 41 Conduit Street. Did rather well ...”

Now it’s 1981. He bought a place in Bond Street. “I buy companies like this,” he said. And spares no detail. “I went to see this guy, Friday afternoon. Said I understand you want to sell your shop. He said, er, well, yes. I said what you want for it? He said 75 grand. I said Monday morning. Boom-boom - 75 for his lease, 75 for his stock, sight unseen. Go round Monday afternoon, exchange contracts. Then the phone rings. Guy says he understands my shop’s for sale. I say he’s made a mistake. Then some other guy phones up. I said not interested.

Keeps ringing. Right? Seven and a half grand deposit at this point. I say, ‘You want to give me 250 grand for it tomorrow afternoon, you can buy it. Take your client round to my lawyer.’ So he did, he bought it. But, I said, you can’t have it for six weeks. Done. Boom-boom.

“Next morning we’re up and running. I only opened the shop in the evenings. Five till eight.

By appointment. When people think ... hmmm?

They come along. I got my money back within a week. Sold the lot. So I phoned this bloke I bought

it off - nice man - and said, have you got any more stock? And he said come to Milan. So I chartered a plane. Leather goods. Some of these designers, they’ve got stock for years. Warehouses big as old aeroplane hangars, full of it. I said how many

“Things have changed; we’re in different times now, light years away.

Education’s high up on the agenda, you know? Everybody pushing to get their kids in university” pieces are there. He said 20,000. I bought the lot.

Must have shipped four, five trailers. We filled this shop, floor to ceiling, put up these great big posters and had them queueing all down Bond Street. Wasn’t popular with the rest of the street, but what could they do?”

But this was small beer. The tension is building for the big one. Green draws another long, thin fag from the packet and prepares to

enjoy himself. How he made his first million.

“Guy comes to see me, Thursday morning.

He’s got an import business. Jeans. Gone broke, receivers in, dadadada. He’s owed a million quid. Got about 400,000 pairs of jeans.

Wants 935 grand. I called my bank, said it’s got to be done tomorrow night. Next day they say OK. I say good, we’ve got to get to Bristol, pick you up at four. Chartered a helicopter. Off we go, banker, lawyer and me. Spend all night negotiating to buy this company. Five in the morning, one point one million, all done. Not allowed to start the helicopter up after that.

Too noisy that time of the morning. Middle of nowhere, pitch black, police car comes by, gives us a lift to the train station, quick kip on a bench, caught the milk train back to London.

“Monday morning we’re up and running.

We’d bought various people who owed money, so we go and see one of them. In Devon, it was. Said we’d like to collect our 250,000 quid. We had a little debate and he signed 10 post-dated cheques. As we’re leaving, he said, just en passant, he wished he could sell his business in three days flat. I didn’t even know what he did. Found out, called him up next morning. Said was that a joke? Went to see him in Slough. Big building. He had 65 shops, concessions at Debenhams. He wanted four million quid. Have a look at his books. Didn’t seem to add up right. Got my accountant to do a bit of a recce. Turned out he owed the bank PORTFOLIO 95

BUSINESS interview three and a half million and his suppliers three and a half million. He’s bankrupt. They’re losing 70,000 a week. Can’t pay the staff. Call him up on the Tuesday, say there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is I’ll buy it.

The bad news is you’re broke. Said I’d take an option for 65,000 followed by another 435 if I get round the bend in six months. He said we’re done and Green is barely pausing for breath.

“I went to see the bank, said the business is broke but I think I can fix it. I’ll give you 100,000 as a gesture of goodwill towards your three and a half million if you freeze the debt for six months. Done. Then I had a look at the business.

I could see what had happened. The usual. Same issues you see today. Bad buying, no discipline, no control, old stock, indecision, time-wasting, corporate thinking. I flew to Paris, shopped the shops, three suitcases of merchandise, went to Hong Kong, got it all copied, flew in, restocked the shops, got all the creditors reflowed, and got the business back to breaking even in four months.

“Out of the sky the phone rings. These people want to buy me up. I said no, I just bought it.

Don’t want to sell. They went on. And on. I said all right, come and see me. Said look, I want 10 million for it. They said how D’you make that out?

I said, well, basically I don’t want to sell, so if you pay me what it’s not worth I’ll sell it. Now I’ve got a deadline with the bank for February 26, 1985 and I end up selling the business on the 25th for seven million. Went down to the bank in Curzon Street, said what do I owe you? They said dunno, er, 3 million 430 thousand pounds, I said right, there’s your cheque. Slapped it down. Done.” He cracked his palms together, his eyes bright with remembered relish. “So,” he said. “Can be done is my motto!”

As we all pause for breath, you’ve got to admire the chutzpah of the guy. And money can breed money. Start with a million, a great plan and a great mind and the second million is a tad easier. But the self-made billionaires of this world all have the same can-do, no-bullshit attitude and they graft every hour in the day. It requires laser focus concentration, a work ethic that puts most of us to shame, and luck. But not any old luck. They prove time and time again that you have to energetically put yourself in the way of the stream of luck flowing past - and then know what to do with it when you get it.

Luck breeds luck.

“Money can breed money. Start with a million, a great plan and a great mind and the second million is a tad easier” Now that Green has made it, and made it big, he doesn’t skimp on the luxuries of life. Forbes rate him 310th in the world ranking of richest people with £4.1 billion, but that is surely only the tip of the iceberg. With everything based in Monaco, there is no knowing the depth of the well. There is at least enough to fly a private £20 million Gulfstream G550, sun worship on his superyacht, the £32 million, 208ft ‘Lionheart,’ moored in paradise, and host zillion dollar parties with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

For his son’s bar mitzvah in 2005, he spent £4 million on a three-day party with Andrea Bocelli and Rihanna and then another £5 million on a wildly extravagant soiree at Madame Tussauds with Simon Cowell, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones and One Direction performing, all for a nephew.

For his 55th, he flew 100 guests 8500 miles in a fleet of private jets to the ultra-exclusive Four Seasons Landaagiraavaru Resort, an eco-spa on a private island in the Indian Ocean.

He’s not short of an opinion or two on politics either, quelle surprise, and makes the point that the way government is run is part of the problem. That it should be run like a company: “If you’ve got an annual spend of £700bn and you accept that a percentage of that money has to protect certain services – health, troops, policing, education – within that there has to be an amount that you spend like you would in a traditional business. The Government hasn’t even got central procurement. Imagine if I let my 2,500 store managers buy the stock individually. That would be a good idea wouldn’t it?” he says.

In August 2010, Green was asked by the recently elected Prime Minister, David Cameron, to carry out a review of government spending and procurement. Green’s summary report, Efficiency Review, by Sir Philip Green, published in October 2010, alleged significant failings in government procurement processes, which was largely ignored by the civil service.

One of the big myths about Sir Philip is that he is a risk-taker. Because he deals in big sums, is a tough negotiator, has a gruff manner and has made a fortune, people assume he takes chances. In fact he is an old-school conservative operator with a remarkably quick brain and access to the right people and vast

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BEAUTIFUL homes

capital. “It is a considered approach. I am not a guesser, I am a thinker,” he says.

“You might think ‘why am l worried about one store?’ Well, that store might be the first stage of 50, you know what I mean? I am prepared to go and micro-manage these stores down to the hangers.”

He pauses. “I think I understand where the risks lie in our business and where the potential potholes are in the road. When I am driving my car down the street I try not to go down the potholes.”

The one claim that must rankle is that of tax avoidance. Green became the target of activist group UK Uncut for alleged corporate tax avoidance. The group targeted Green specifically as a government advisor.

Taveta Investments, the company used to acquire Arcadia in 2002, is in the name of Green’s wife, Tina Green, a Monaco resident, resulting in a significantly lower tax liability than the £150 million that would be payable if a UK resident owned the company. When Green paid his family £1.2 billion in 2005, it was paid for by a loan taken out by Arcadia, cutting Arcadia’s corporation tax as interest charges on the loan were offset against profits. Under British law, all perfectly legal.

Nor is he too keen on questions about his finances, as the Guardian’s correspondent found out following such a question. Green responded to the publication’s queries on the subject with a string of expletive-laden outbursts about the Guardian’s financial editor, Paul Murphy. Green said: “He can’t read English. Mind you, he is a f****** Irishman.” He later apologised to the Irish, but not Mr. Murphy, after customers threatened to boycott his stores.

Whether fuelled by a guilty conscience or a 98 PORTFOLIO

philanthropic tendency, his work for charity is undeniable. In 1980, he founded the Kahn Charitable Trust with a vision of ‘putting lost smiles back on the faces of less privileged people across the globe’.

“Winning’s better than losing. Happy’s better than sad” Touched in 2007 by the loss of Madeleine McCann in Portugal, he donated £250,000 for information and gave the McCann’s free use of his private jet. The concentrated campaign to find the little girl was handled by Brighton Pavilion candidate, Clarence Mitchell In 2010, Green donated £465,000 for new beds at the Royal Marsden cancer hospital, after his wife Tina’s mother died there. He also spent more than £150,000 for an Alexander McQueen dress at Naomi Campbell’s Fashion for Relief charity event.

In the same year, Green donated £100,000 to the Evening Standard’s Dispossessed Fund which aims to support London’s poorest people.

Interestingly, he was reportedly the BBC’s first choice to front The Apprentice, however, at that time in 2004, he was too busy with Arcadia’s attempted takeover of Marks & Spencer, and Lord Sugar was retained. It was recently reported that he had sold BHS to a shell company called Retail Acquisitions, a little known group of investors led by ex-racing driver Dominic Chappell for £1. In fact, one of the Green family businesses companies based in Jersey received £70m from the BHS property

deal and there is still the matter of the BHS pension fund that has a deficit of £100m.

“You’ve got to enjoy life”, he said. He lives in Monte Carlo. Full time. He commutes to work and keeps a suite at the Dorchester with his daughter Cloe. He takes 10 weeks off a year and it’s not a bad formula, that. He relaxes with the wife and kids. Swimming, cycling, tennis, ping-pong, sailing, whatever. Yes, they’ve got a yacht. They’re keen boaters. And ping-pong’s a favourite. He plays to win, none of that nonsense about letting the kiddies win. As with everything he does, he does his best and he likes to come out on top. So far he has made rather a good fist of it.

“Winning’s better than losing. Happy’s better than sad”.

Philip and Tina Green

LOOKERS MERCEDES-BENZ BUSINESS FLEET

HELPING YOUR BUSINESS GROW Whatever your business needs, you can trust our experienced and professional approach at Lookers Mercedes-Benz to help you arrange your business vehicles. Whether you require a fleet of cars for your business or a single car, our knowledgeable corporate team can help find the best solution for you.

We feature a great range of Mercedes-Benz finance options for businesses, so you won’t need to worry about how to balance your cashflow. Choose from the broad range of cars on offer at our comfortable showrooms, which allow you the space and time you need to make the best decision regarding your vehicles. We know how important efficiency and emissions are to your business too, so ask our team for details on any of our models.

All our servicing and aftercare services are available to our corporate clients. From MOTs to manufacturer-standard paintwork repairs, our experienced team will help you find a solution to your business needs.

Lookers Mercedes-Benz Fleet team is available via telephone, email, or alternatively you can visit us in person at our Brighton or Maidstone showrooms to discuss how we can help you.

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

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RETIREMENT VILLAGE | DITCHLING COMMON | EAST SUSSEX

Final phase now released The final phase of this award-winning retirement village set in the heart of the beautiful South Downs has now been released. Occupying a premium location within the village, Rafael Court and Purchace Manor offer a range of one and two bedroom apartments, many with feature arch windows, high ceilings and great views.

St George’s Park is now an established retirement village with 270 residents and world class amenities which will shortly include the residents-only leisure club with 14m swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, café, games room, hobbies room, fitness room, gym, therapy room, hair dressing salon and laundrette.

Demand is expected to be high, so if you’re looking for a retirement setting that’s second to none, or you are perhaps looking on behalf of an older relative, don’t delay – call or visit us today!

EXTENSIVE LEISURE FACILITIES* | SHOP | LIBRARY | RESTAURANT | TREATMENT ROOMS | 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SUPPORT | CAR POOL | 250 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS | HAIRDRESSERS | MINI BUS SERVICE | SECURED BY DESIGN SECURITY | BOWLING GREEN *SOME FACILITIES DUE IN LATER PHASES

One bedroom apartments from

Two bedroom apartments from

£310,000 £440,000

For more information about our award winning Retirement Village call Eileen, Mark or Judith on

Or please visit our website

01444 259 732

WWW.STGEORGESPARK.CO.UK