Portfolio Magazine October 2015

OCTOBER 2015

007 fever

Spectre, the car, the spy story, the interview with Daniel Craig

Business lunch with a twist at

Terre à Terre

SHOW-STOPPING HOMES from the City’s best agencies

TRAVEL

A weekend in Wiltshire

Live the high life at

Brighton Marina

&

Warmth Colour 25 pages of Inspired interiors ideas

The region’s LARGEST property publication

FREE

Make yourself at home Give your home a heart and soul where cooking is a joy and the welcome always warm Henley kitchen lovingly handcrafted in solid oak; Charcoal eggshell £42 for 2.5L; Badminton framed prints £68 each; Alderney hurricane from £35; Bowsley salad bowl £22 & jug from £22; Hanley candlestick from £25

Create your own designs at neptune.com Neptune Hailsham, BN27 1DQ, 01323 849 483, info@neptunehailsham.com

INSIDE 5

6 Richard Alston, page 20

Luxury waterside living, page 6

COVER STORY : Luxury waterside living at Brighton Marina

12

Property news from around the City

15

What’s trending

16

Talk Money : Making your pension work for you

20 28 26

Calendar : Out and about in October Howlett Clarke : Moving on up The Kitchen Store : Award winning local success story

34

Buying a home : Your essential viewing checklist

46

Overseas : Celeb spotting in Mallorca

48

Career Ladder : Amy Richardson Associate Solicitor at Coffin Mew LLP

50

Chalk Architecture : The High Street

53 The Kitchen Store, page 28

Hill House & Home Truths

Gardening : Autumn colour in Sussex

58

Benchmark : Glass House - bring the outside in

60

The October Collection : The best period apartments ... Continued over

For all advertising, editorial and general enquiries contact Lynne Edwards, Managing Director

07931 537588

lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

Subscribe to our newsletter Cover: image courtesy of www.theBIGrugstore.com See page 15

Gardening, page 53

Interiors, page 71

62

UK property focus : The Cotswolds

64

Shopping : Must-have kitchen accessories

67

Up My Street : Clare Topham interior designer

69

Concreate : The latest flooring trend

71 77 75

Health : A senior moment COVER STORY celebrity interview : Craig... Daniel Craig

80

Travel : A weekend in Wiltshire

82 84

Golf guy : Balls up

90 92 96

Business Lunch, page 90

COVER STORY Interiors : Colour scheming

100

Local and National News Business lunch : A Terre Ă Terre treat

Daniel Craig, page 77

Style : Bag that look Motors : Jeep Cherokee The BIG BOND story : 7 page special on the car, the spies, and the gadgets

The PORTFOLIO team Managing Director: Lynne Edwards 07931 537588 • lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Chief Sub-Editor & Features Editor: Production Editor: Fiona McTernan Daniel Frickelton portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com For advertising and general enquiries contact portfoliomagazineeditorial@gmail.com Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Interiors Editor: Tara de la Motte Designer: Sally Wynn www.portfoliopublications.co.uk tara@sussex-homes.co.uk portfoliopublications@dollydesigns.co.uk Cover: Image courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Contributor: Kate Hill

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

Published by: All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

EXPERT column

HOME TRUTHS

THE HILL HOUSE

N

ever mind re-marriage, the real triumph of hope over experience surely lies in the trust we place in builders and their timelines. As our four-month renovation project reaches the one-year mark, I may be sounding a little jaded.

Like a marriage, in the beginning it was all perfect: Work on the attic and roof was completed (largely) on time and slightly under budget.

Filled with post-honeymoon optimism, we embarked upon phase two - and that’s where the problems started.

“We embarked upon phase two. And that’s where the problems started” As a February start date moved to May, we began to get cold feet.

Half a ton of leftover materials from phase one was discovered on our flat roof. The garden was wrecked with cement. Walls leaked, plants died, items vanished, workers failed to show up - and so in August, we needed time apart. Kids, partner and I shook off the dust and headed off to Italy, leaving the house bare of render but with firm assurances that work would start the next day. And did it? Well, what do you think?

Our trial separation coincided with what must have been the wettest August weeks in years. And the poor Hill house stood there, naked and shivering, scaffold tower unused, bare bricks sucking in the water. We returned tanned and happy to a damp and unchanged house. We still had no render. We still had no plaster. But we were doing pretty well for mouldy plasterboard: House abuse was surely grounds for divorce.

It’s not like we haven’t tried. We’ve talked and negotiated and pulled out every trick in the book to make it work. He’s a nice enough man.

But the unexplained absences, and the unanswered calls – Brighton being as busy as it is, I think he’s got someone else… If not two or three someones. I’m not even sure that Relate could get us back on track.

So now its back to work and back to school, and time for some marriage guidance. The builder has a final chance to change his ways – but I’m keeping an eye out for someone else, just in case.

Kate Hill

For me? Oh, how lovely!

Everybody loves a bunch of flowers. From £1 daffodils to dozens of prize-winning roses, a few blooms will cheer even the grumpiest soul. Quick, put them in water before they wilt.

OH, THEY’LL BE FINE ON THE SIDE FOR A MINUTE Don’t do that! Flowers start to wilt the moment they are cut, as air moves into water-conducting tissues and plugs the cells. That’s why it’s a good idea to remove an inch or so of stem when you place flowers in water, and why you should pop them in a vase right away. In fact, its best if you cut the stems under water, to stop any air getting back in. Don’t forget to add the preservative!

That doesn’t make a bit of difference – I’ve put it in the bin Well get it out again! Contrary to popular belief, adding sugar, aspirin or pennies to water will not make flowers last longer. On the whole, those little sachets of preservatives that come with the flowers can make a difference, though. According to expert horticulturalist Mary Myer at the University of Minnesota, they contain a mixture of carbohydrate (food for the blooms), acidifier (our water is quite alkaline and shortens flower life), a respiratory inhibitor (slows down bloom decay) and something to deal with micro-organisms – don’t put it in your tea by mistake. Give it to the flowers, and they will thank you.

THEY LOOK LOVELY ON THE TABLE... or shall I put them by the window?

There are lots of other things you can do to extend the life of your flowers. Heat and drafts will shorten their lifespan, so keep them in a cool, sheltered spot (not above the radiator).

Position them away from your fruit bowl, as apples produce ethylene gas which shortens the life of blooms. And never put daffodils in a mixed bouquet – their stems secrete a substance that harms other flowers.

PORTFOLIO 5

NEW homes

WATERSIDE LIVING The monumental residential and retail project at Brighton Marina launches its first phase

T

his month, GRE Assets launch the sales of the first phase of Brighton Marina, a £250m landmark development spanning 126 acres of prime waterfront real estate to create 853 new homes and over 2,000m² of commercial space.

With house prices now rising faster in the South East than London, Brighton is tipped to become one of the UK’s hottest property markets over the next five years.

The seaside city’s beautiful architecture, historic buildings, superb shopping and independent culture make it a popular choice, particularly for Londoners wanting to escape the busy capital. Benefiting from just a one-hour rail commute to London Victoria, it is estimated that one in five buyers come from London, with 58% moving to Brighton from ‘inner’ boroughs such as Lewisham, Lambeth and Tower Hamlets.

As a result, average prices have continued to rise, driving demand and increasing rental returns.

Offering an unparalleled opportunity in this accelerating market, Brighton Marina’s first phase will include 175 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, priced from £461,000. Suspended over the water on stilts, the development sets a new benchmark for waterside living, with its pinnacle building standing 40 stories tall. Brighton Marina, with 1,600 berths, is already Europe’s largest marina and is perfectly poised for further growth.

Michael El-Kassir, Managing Director at GRE Assets, comments: “Brighton Marina presents an unrivalled seafront opportunity and is the most exciting development to come to the city in decades. Given the forecast for the local market and the interest we have already seen, now is an opportune time to launch this highly anticipated development.”

Drawing inspiration from the chalk cliffs, the sea and the sky, Brighton Marina will reflect the famous ‘white’ Regency architecture of the Brighton seafront. The buildings at Brighton Marina are designed to complement their setting and draw on their surroundings for inspiration. The rich, white regency façades are reflected along with maritime themes of the lighthouses and yacht sails in the design of The Tower and Boardwalk buildings.

Prices at Brighton Marina start from £461,000 for a two bedroom apartment.

Buyers can register their interest by calling Hamptons International 01273 921065 or visiting www.brighton-marina.com.

6 PORTFOLIO

“Suspended over the water on stilts, the development sets a new benchmark for waterside living”

A DYNAMIC WATERSIDE DESTINATION

BRIGHTON MARINA

IMAGINED AND CREATED FOR SEASIDE LIVING • 175 superb new homes • 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses • Shops, restaurants and bars on your doorstep • 50 minutes to London by train • 24/7 concierge • Europe’s largest marina

Experience a new level of contemporary marina living, set within the most charming and vibrant city on the south coast.

With its striking architecture, modern design and breathtaking sea views, Brighton Marina provides the perfect sanctuary to soothe the heart and soul.

Just a stone’s throw from an eclectic mix of buzzing bars, restaurants and quirky boutiques, this is sophisticated seaside living at its very best.

Prices starting from: 1 bed - £594,000 | 2 bed - £428,000 | 3 bed - £576,000

For enquiries or to register your interest

01273 921 065

call: or visit: www.brighton-marina.com

Pembroke Crescent, Hove BN3Villas, 5DG Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ1,600,000 55

32

32

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www.mishonwelton.com

Woodland Avenue, Hove BN3Villas, 6BH Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE £499,995 £750,000 53

22

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94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB

Tel: 01273 778 877

Wayland Heights Brighton BN1 5RA Wilbury Villas, Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE £499,995 £899,950 5

2

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www.mishonwelton.com

Elizabeth Avenue, Hove BN3Villas, 6WG Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ435,000 5 3

2 1

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94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB

Tel: 01273 778 877

PROPERTY news

PROPERTY NEWS RICS PREDICT HOUSE PRICE RISE

PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS LUNCH The Autumn Property Professionals’ Lunch will take place on Thursday, 15th October, 2015, at Pub du Vin, Brighton. Organised by Portfolio Magazine and Searches UK, the Property Professionals’ Lunch provides the perfect opportunity to mingle with your peers and like-minded professionals in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere to discuss new ideas and create fresh business opportunities. October’s Guest Speaker is Lisa Beale, Head of Checkaprofessional.com, who will reveal the positive benefits of using an online feedback site. Lisa will demonstrate the benefits of obtaining feedback from clients who have used your service, to not only reassure prospective clients, but also to provide the client satisfaction surveys required for compliance purposes.

The charity prize is a glamping break for two and a bottle of champagne, with all money raised going towards the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

The cost is just £30 per person (including a 3 course lunch, wine and coffee). To book your place at the event on October 15th, email Melanie@searchesuk.co.uk.

Acceleration in national house price growth was reinforced by the continued imbalance between falling new instructions to sell and rising buyer demand, according to the recent RICS UK Residential Market Survey. The RICS price indicator reached a 15-month high in August 2015, with a net balance of 53% more respondents reporting price-rises, and firm growth being seen across all areas of the UK. Further analysis, using Office for National Statistics’ data as the comparator, indicates that prices now look likely to rise in the region of 6% over the course of 2015, compared with 3% predicted at the beginning of the year.

Both near- and medium-term price expectations series from the survey are reflective of the imbalance between demand and supply. 37% more members are expecting prices to continue to rise over the next three months and 76% over the coming year.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist said, “Given current market conditions, the latest data unsurprisingly shows house prices continuing to rise, and at an accelerating pace. As such, house price inflation has now quickened in each of the last seven months following a sustained period of easing towards the latter half of 2014. This trend looks like it will continue into next year.”

HYDE SECURE STRATEGIC LAND OPPORTUNITY Acting on behalf of Hyde New Homes, Oakley have successfully acquired a 79-acre site at New Salts Farm in Shoreham. New Salts Farm lies immediately south of Shoreham Airport, with significant frontage to the A259 Brighton Road. The site has been purchased as a strategic planning site which Hyde New Homes are now looking to promote for medium- and long-term residential development. The site was acquired by Oakley on behalf of The Hyde Housing Group and extends to 79 acres (31.9 hectares).

For further information, please contact: Chris Oakley MRICS, Executive Chairman, Oakley.

Tel: 01273 645776. Email: chris@oakleypeoperty.com

A better

perspective 12 PORTFOLIO

With a breath-taking choice, offices countrywide and an eye for what matters to you, we make moving home more exciting.

01273 772175 | winkworth.co.uk/brighton-hove

PROPERTY news

ConveyancingFOCUS By

ISSUE 4 | AUTUMN 2015

SEARCHES UK CONVEYANCING FOCUS AUTUMN ISSUE

MODERN LAW Conveyancing Conference

Searches UK have published the Autumn edition of Conveyancing Focus. Launched at the beginning of 2015, and produced

by Portfolio Publications Ltd., this quarterly magazine for the searches industry features interviews, news, articles and more about trends in the market, new products and commentary from industry experts, plus an interview with TV star baker Mary Berry. Existing clients will be sent the magazine and copies may be requested by emailing info@searchesuk.co.uk or via Searches UK’s website to download a digital version www.searchesuk.co.uk.

CLIENTS DEMAND TRANSPARENCY Checkaprofessional Make It Easy TAXING MATTERS STax on Commercial Taxation Changes THE AIR THAT YOU BREATH Monitoring Air Quality IT’S HISTORY Historical Land Use SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

THE BUSINESS OF BAKING Interview With Mary Berry

www.searchesuk.co.uk searches-uk-ISSUE4-V3.indd 1

17/09/2015 13:44

DAWN FRENCH SELLS HOLIDAY LET Dawn French has recently listed her gorgeous Cornish property for sale on Tepilo.com. Set in a fabulous location with panoramic sea views over the tranquil harbour town of West Looe, Cornwall, this is England’s West Country at its very best. Clipper House is divided into three parts and is currently being run as a thriving holiday let business. Alternatively, the entire property could also easily be used as a spacious, unique family home.

The main house (‘The Clipper’) has stunning panoramic views, a large living area with sweeping views across the coast, a bar area, games room and generous utility room. The Clipper can sleep up to 22 guests and each bedroom also has its own ensuite. The Crow’s Nest is situated across one floor, with three bedrooms, one bathroom and a large, open-plan kitchen and living room. The Main Sail is the smallest of the three sections of Clipper House and is also a one-story property with two bedrooms, a very generous bathroom, and large open-plan kitchen and living room. www.tepilo.com

Hove £425,000

ROLLING STONES’ CHARLIE WATTS’ LEWES HOUSE This picturesque home in Lewes was once owned by Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, and it’s now on the market for just under a million pounds.

During the sixties, Watts lived in this 16th-century four-bedroom cottage.The current owner describes the house today as remaining very much as when the Rolling Stones drummer lived there.

Freddie Dryden from estate agent Strutt & Parker, who is selling the property, says: “Lewes has always been a creative town.The house also feels like a house where a creative person would live – it’s quirky and interesting and filled with light. The quirky touches include a peep hole in the eaves of the bedroom and the cross beams on the dining room ceiling, which have been intricately hand-painted with a floral design.They are truly something special.

There is also a mezzanine level where the drawing room is located, which gives the house a lovely feel – and makes it perfect for entertaining.’

This historic Grade II house, on sale for £995,000, has been extended over the years and is now a substantial 4,000sq ft home with lots of period features.

The Old Brewery is on sale with Strutt & Parker. www.struttandparker.com, 01273 475 411

Brighton OIEO £900,000

PORTFOLIO 13

Hove £475,000

Hove OIEO £500,000

BEAUTIFUL homes

WINKWORTH’S ‘A’ LISTER This stylish house sits at the north west corner of Queens Park with beautiful views across the park itself and down to the sea. Arranged over three floors every space is designed to its full potential. At the top of the house is a roof terrace creating an unbeatable sun trap and entertaining spot.

As you enter the front door the hallway is lined with streamlined practical cupboards to store all your shoes and coats. The open plan kitchen living room benefits from triple aspect allowing an abundance of light to stream through the ground floor. The kitchen has all the necessary built in appliances tucked neatly behind white gloss units. The island creates further storage as well as a sociable breakfast bar. Access to the sun lit terrace is also off the ground floor reception room.

On the first floor is the second reception room. Up the sleek glass staircase the open plan theme is seamlessly continued on this floor. The space lends itself as a quiet place to sit and relax, a large home office, quiet living room or even as a further bedroom. Access to the roof terrace is found on this floor as well as a south facing balcony as an added bonus.

Bedroom accommodation is on the lower ground floor. The master suite is luxurious with French doors opening onto a terrace off the bedroom and an elegantly contemporary en suite with twin sinks, and bath tub as well as separate shower. Three further double bedrooms are finished with the same chic design, one of which has an en suite as well as a family bathroom with stone Balinese bath tub. On this floor there is also a utility room with an abundance of storage.

West Drive, Brighton, BN2 0QU Price: £1,375,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

Why you chose Winkworth; “We selected Winkworth to represent the sale of our house for three reasons: They have a London presence which would allow some comfort for London buyers wishing to purchase in Brighton.

They came across as pragmatic & knowing their business. The photographs taken were excellent…

Overall, Winkworth impressed us with their professional manner and flair. They were easy to speak with, knowledgeable, polite and courteous, which makes them a pleasure to deal with.”

Sarah Turck Winkworth

14 PORTFOLIO

32 Church Road, Hove 01273 772175 www.winkworth.co.uk

NEWS

TRENDING ON THE COVER Image courtesy of www.thebigrugstore.co.uk who have hundreds of rugs available online and will deliver to your door.

MARKET TIME After around a decade as Graze, Market is a new-concept restaurant developed and launched in September in the same location by owners Kate and Manni. Celebrating regional produce, the bar/restaurant offers tasting plates, plus other daily specials, Sunday roasts and weekend brunches.

PORTFOLIO magazine were lucky enough to be invited to the special opening and look forward to returning to properly sample those mouthwatering dishes.

Market Restaurant, 42 Western Road, Hove. 01273 823707. www.market-restaurantbar.co.uk

AGAINST THE GRAIN Norman Baker was the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes in East Sussex from 1997 to 2015, when he lost his seat. An outspoken member of the House of Commons, Baker played a part in exposing a number of infamous cases.

The MPs’ expenses scandal, the death of David Kelly, and the ill-fated flight BA 149 were all investigated by the man Nick Clegg referred to as ‘a cross between Gandhi and a battering ram.’

Against the Grain is Baker’s account of Westminster and constituency life, from the absurd to the deadly serious. His observations and investigations confirm his reputation as a dogged and persistent parliamentary interrogator. Insightful, honest and very funny, Against the Grain is for anyone interested in the machinations, the misunderstandings and the frequent missteps taking place behind the Westminster façade.

Published by Biteback Publishing, 23rd September, 2015

BOO! SCARECROW

WONDER WALLS Murals Wallpaper have just released their new Winter Woodland collection. This collection is all about bringing the outdoors inside without the temperature drop, drawing on a palette of crisp white, cool blue and atmospheric grey.

Whether you are looking for a stunningly fresh, clean design that captures all the still beauty of winter months or desire a mural that creates a fairytale scene that will spark your imagination, there is a Winter Woodland wall mural for every taste.

See more at www.muralswallpaper.co.uk

New ‘boo-tiful’ scarecrows are set to be a treat this Halloween; thanks to Think Outside, creators of remarkable sculptures, décor and furniture for gifts, home and garden.

Making waves in the field of home and garden décor for the spooky season, ‘Boo the Scarecrow’ is available in a small and large sculpture for the most mysterious month of the year. The handcrafted sculptures are made from recycled 44-gallon drums and are reimagined into the free-standing* scarecrows.

Aaron Jackson, the designer and owner of Think Outside, said: “Boo the Scarecrow makes a great addition to the garden or home, especially for Halloween, and can be brought out year after year to add a stylish, spooky touch.”

The RRP of Boo the Scarecrow is £213.60 (small) and £276.00 (large). www.thinkoutside.biz/uk PORTFOLIO 15

TALK money

WORKING IT! Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money on making your pension work for you

I

f you are retiring soon, you may have started to go through your pension paperwork. This often means checking through several plans you have accumulated during your working life.

All of your plans may be different, they would have been taken at various times, which means that different pension legislation could apply to each plan. Some give benefits that you should try and keep and others not. It can become confusing when you are trying to piece the information together and see how best to take your benefits.

The new flexible pension legislation introduced in the 2014 budget makes the process even more complicated. There are many options available depending on whether you need cash, for example, to pay off a mortgage, or if your priority is income.

Although much criticised in the press over the past few years, sometimes purchasing an annuity is the best option. These can give you a guaranteed income for the rest of your life, something which some people find very attractive. There can be drawbacks to this, though: once set up, the plan can’t be changed,

16 PORTFOLIO

and if someone’s circumstances change, they cannot amend the annuity. Death benefits can be restrictive, so if someone dies earlier than they imagined, an annuity could ultimately prove bad value for money.

“Pension funds grow tax-free, so they are a good place to leave your money until you actually need it’” Some people prefer a more flexible way of taking their benefits. This may mean keeping the fund invested and taking tax-free cash and income from the plan only when needed. If arranged this way, death benefits are greatly improved. If a person dies before the age of 75, they can leave a tax-free lump sum to their spouse or other beneficiaries. Also, pension funds are not chargeable to Inheritance Tax, and they grow tax-free, so they are a good

place to leave your money until you actually need it.

If you do need your money straightaway, you could withdraw the whole of the fund. Beware, though: only 25% of your fund will be paid taxfree; the rest will be taxed as income. Perhaps it may be better to withdraw the funds over several tax years to pay less tax.

Everybody’s situation is so different, so it is essential to take advice when you retire. This will make sure you get the most of your hardearned pension fund and make it work for you.

For independent advice on any of the above, please call me, Claire Cook, on 01273 224667.

I would be very happy to assist or visit: www.talkmoney.co.uk.

Talk Money is a trading style Aspect 8, a member of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back the amount invested.

See more from Talk Money at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Sackville Gardens, Hove £2,000,000 Double fronted six bedroom detached house. EPC TBC

Montpelier Crescent, Brighton £2,000,000 Four bedroom town house in sought after location with garden. EPC N/A

Ravens Road, Shoreham-by-sea £950,000 Five bedroom two reception, home with parking & garage. EPC D

Kings Road, Brighton £675,000 Two bedroom south facing penthouse apartment. EPC E

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

maslen.co.uk

Hanover Terrace, Brighton

ÂŁ429,950

FREEHOLD

A stunning family home located on one of Hanover's most popular roads.

This 3 bedroom property boasts a wealth of character features and has the added bonus of a utility cellar space.

Presented in excellent order throughout.

Energy Rating D62.

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

LEWES ROAD

.

WOODINGDEAN

.

HOVE

.

FIVEWAYS

AGENCY news

“Expertise and passion for the city places us worlds apart from other agencies”

BRAND-NEW LOOK Selling is made easy through maslen.co.uk

E

stablished since 1999, with four branches across Brighton & Hove, Maslen estate agents’ unrivalled local knowledge, expertise and passion for the city places them worlds apart from other agencies.

Their brand-new website, maslen.co.uk, is packed with lots of interactive tools and resources, designed to guide you through the buying and selling process. The new, responsive site works on any device, so you can enjoy the same seamless experience whether browsing properties at home or on the move.

Log into MyMaslen, save your favourite properties for later, and delve into the detailed area guides for the inside scoop on schools, pubs, property types and area demographics.

Maslen’s attractive portfolio of over 130 properties is searchable via a simple form with dynamic price slider & filters as well as an interactive Google Map; simply zoom in to

your desired area and click on pins for property details and additional pages.

New interactive tools: • In-depth area guides for: Lewes Road, Woodingdean, Hove & Fiveways • Buyer/Seller Guides • Stamp duty calculator • Mortgage calculator • Quarterly market trends report – choose the best time to buy or sell • BN quarterly newsletter & MyMaslen login TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR PROPERTY Selling property is an art, but there are some simple things you can do to get a good deal on your house. Here are Maslen’s top tips for selling your home (Visit maslen.co.uk for the full Seller’s Guide and interactive tools listed above):

Always get a second valuation An accurate valuation is indispensable. Price too high or too low and you could be sitting for months or missing out for the sake of a quick sale.

Choose the right agent Don’t fall for whomever gives you the highest valuation or charges the lowest commission.

Choose someone with unrivalled local knowledge and experience.

Be upfront about major flaws Honesty’s the best policy and could be the difference between a fuss-free sale and the whole thing falling apart. Non-disclosure is false economy.

Time the sale right Brighton and Hove’s property market tends not to be seasonal, but it’s not immune to the wider climate. Our quarterly market trends report can help you decide the best time to sell.

Finish your DIY And de-clutter, and do the gardening, to show the property at its best. The less imagination required of buyers, the better.

Visit maslen.co.uk for more selling tips.

PORTFOLIO 19

CALENDAR of events

OCTOBER Brighton Comedy Festival, Brighton Early Music Festival and events around Sussex

7 October

7 October

Jay Rayner: My Dining Hell

An evening with Bryan Ferry After an impressive set of performances around the world throughout 2014, including the lauded Glastonbury and Coachella debuts, British musical icon Bryan Ferry announced this 20-date UK tour for 2015. The dates will feature an incredible set list of both Roxy Music and solo hits, and include songs from Ferry’s forthcoming new album ‘Avonmore’ (released November 17th). Ferry’s recent shows have seduced a new generation of fans and received unanimously rave reviews, with The Guardian (five stars) stating “Byronesque Ferry glories in nostalgia of the new, re-presenting his oeuvre in a new and thrilling way”, while The Daily Telegraph (five stars) say “Ferry cruises through 40 years: Deeply rooted in the past and yet daringly modern in its merging of genres. This was, indeed, the music of time”. (This show is rescheduled from June.)

Brighton Dome, 7pm. www.brightondome.org

The Observer restaurant critic examines our love affair with lousy restaurant reviews. Jay Rayner has been a restaurant critic for over a decade, written reviews of well over 700 establishments, and if there is one thing he’s learnt it is that people like reviews of bad restaurants. No, scratch that.

They adore them, feast upon them like starving vultures who have spotted fly-blown carrion out in the bush. In My Dining Hell, Jay examines our love affair with lousy reviews, reads from accounts of some of the most excruciating nights out he’s ever had and looks at the worst reviews his own work has ever received. A hugely entertaining show in the company of the man recently voted the best food and drink journalist in Britain.

The Old Market, Hove, 7.15pm. www.theoldmarket.com

15 October Richard Alston Dance Company Richard Alston Dance Company comes to Theatre Royal, Brighton with a new programme showcasing Alston’s superbly skilled choreography. Brisk Singing celebrates the music of Jean Phillippe Rameau, genius of the French baroque. Alston has revived this uplifting dance for eight dancers, carried along by the warmth and lightness of spirit in Rameau’s music. Martin Lawrance’s extraordinary Burning premiered in September 2014 to standing ovations and five-star reviews. A smouldering dance as passionate and turbulent as its music, the Dante Sonata of Franz Liszt.

Richard Alston’s brand-new piece, Nomadic, mixes Asianinfluenced traditional Romany singing with the toughness of an urban beat. To explore the interaction between gypsy music and urban sound, Alston has collaborated with the young choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe in a career first.

Theatre Royal, Brighton, 7.30pm. www.atgtickets.com/brighton

20 PORTFOLIO

9 – 24 October Brighton Comedy Festival It’s back! The funniest, sunniest date in the comedy calendar, Brighton Comedy Festival returns to The Dome, Komedia and The Old Market this year with another stellar line up of the world’s best comedians. 30,000 Brighton residents and seaside revelers will be delighted to see: Dara O Briain, One Man Breaking Bad, Nina Conti, Ed Byrne, John Lloyd, Tommy Tiernan, Jason Byrne, Lee Nelson, Rob Beckett, Festival of the Spoken Nerd, Alfie Moore, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Fred MacAuley, Frankie Boyle, Jeremy Hardy, Rich Hall and the many more performers.

There will be the usual surprise line-up of comedy heavyweights for the Gala opening Night and the Best Of The Fest, multi-bill line-ups on Saturdays.

With over 70 performances across 16 days, the city really will be awash with laughter.

Brighton Dome & Other Venues. For the full programme, times and prices, visit www.brightoncomedyfestival.com

CALENDAR of events

23 October Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse Also Sunday, 8th November, 2015. This additional date for the Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse Legends tour was added due to the huge ticket demand for the comedy duo’s live tour. Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse have been working together for 25 years and the live show promises to revive and revitalise a quarter of a century of classic comedy characters. Loadsamoney, the Old Gits, Smashie and Nicey, Kevin the Teenager, Julio Geordio, The Scousers, The Writer and the Landlady, The Surgeons, to name but a few… Harry and Paul said: “We’ve created characters together for over a quarter of a century and we’re gagging to go on the road to showcase just about everything we’ve done for the first time live on stage. Why it’s taken us so long neither of us knows, so we’re hurriedly getting our act together before we bite the dust.”

Brighton Centre, 8pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk

3 Oct 2015 – 21 Feb 2016 Pierdom 40 photographs from ‘Pierdom’, Simon Roberts’ three-year quest to document all of Britain’s remaining pleasure piers, will be exhibited together for the first time at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery from October. For two centuries Britain’s piers have traced our relationship with the seaside, and our economic and social history.

Photographer Simon Roberts, who lives in Brighton, has undertaken a three-year quest to document all of Britain’s pleasure piers, using a large format 4x5” field camera.

The series has been made into an acclaimed photobook, Pierdom, and while several of the pier photographs have been exhibited in their respective hometowns, this will be the first time they have been brought together in one public exhibition.

The exhibition will include evocative images of nearby piers, Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings, Southsea (Portsmouth), Southampton, Bournemouth and Bognor, as well as Brighton’s own piers.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. brightonmuseums.org.uk

30 Oct – 1 Nov Halloween Trail An imaginative and fun Halloween offers fun for all the family and the younger members in particular. Called the ‘Halloween Trail’, there will be spooky trails around the gardens as well as the chance to meet and hold real-life owls from the Selsey-based “Owls About Town”. Founded to educate and inform children and adults about owls, most of the birds are rescued owls and visitors will be able to learn more about these fascinating animals. There will also be a ‘find the witch and her cauldron of magic’ trail, as well as craft activities and face painting.

Parham House’s Big Kitchen will be open and serving seasonal food, and standard admission prices for the gardens only will apply as events take place in the Parham gardens only. The house is not open.

Parham House & Gardens, Storrington, near. Pulborough. 10.30am to 5pm daily. For times and prices visit www.parhaminsussex.co.uk

8 Oct – 23 Nov Brighton Early Music Festival 2015 The theme for the Brighton Early Music Festival 2015 programme is women - as composers, performers, inspirational characters, muses and symbols.

Festival highlights include a new production of the earliest opera by a woman composer – Francesca Caccini’s La Liberazione di Ruggiero dall’Isola d’Alcina (1625).

Other female composers featured include Elisabeth Jaquet de la Guerre (London Handel Players with soprano Ruby Hughes), Barbara Strozzi, and Chiara Margarita Cozzolani (BREMF Consort of Voices with Clare Wilkinson).

The Orlando Consort will be presenting their new project Voices Appeared, which marries medieval music with the classic 1928 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc. More dramatic elements include a retelling of the life of Hildegard of Bingen and a programme showing Lucrezia Borgia’s cloistered daughter as a prolific composer.

Early music favourites are not neglected, with appearances by the Festival’s patron Emma Kirkby (Heroines of the Golden Age, with lutenist Jakob Lindberg), Joglaresa (Daughters of Abraham, featuring women’s songs from ancient Arabic, Jewish and Christian traditions) and The Carnival Band in a raucous evening on notorious women featured in broad sheet ballads.

For the full programme, times and prices, visit www.bremf.org.uk 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

Riley Road, Brighton - £335,000

Brighton Office 01273 685111

A Great home for first time buyers and those wanting the next step up to this terraced house being perfect for a family. If you want a home that is in good condition so that you can move straight into the property and start living, then this is the one for you, just unpack your bags and unwind in the cosy lounge. Once you are in, the well-appointed kitchen being off the dining room will be ideal for that house warming party or entertaining friends and family at weekends. With doors leading out onto the garden your party can really flow outside. There are two double bedrooms and a large family bathroom on the first floor, with potential to extend subject to planning consent. Location is everything when buying a property, and this has a lot to offer with the local shops right on your doorstep so once you have parked the car (permit free) for the weekend everything is at your fingertips. EPC Rating D

Fonthill Road, Hove - £390,000

Hove Office 01273 778844

Spacious two bedroom garden flat close to Hove mainline railway station and Hove Park. This is a spacious ground floor flat with its own entrance, a superb ground west facing rear garden and raised decked terrace. Fonthill Road is moments from Hove station with its excellent direct links to London. The seafront and the city centre are also easily accessible. Viewing highly recommended. EPC rating E

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

Millcross Road, Portslade - ÂŁ379,950

Portslade Office 01273 383830

An extensive 1930s built, semi-detached, two-bedroom property with additional loft room, occupying a prominent and sizeable corner position within the tranquil enclave of one of the most desirable locations in Portslade. There are sea views from the top floor of the property and directly down the hill from the exterior with the beauty of Easthill Park at the bottom of the road. The property is bright and airy with some notable features including a separate garage, hard standing space for three cars, an informal loft room with potential to reconfigure and extend, a recently refurbished high spec shower room and a wraparound patio garden, the rear of which is south facing enjoying plenty of sunshine.

In an ideal location with local shops close by, Portslade station a short walk away and within a few minutes drive of both the A27 and the Old Shoreham Road, this is a great example of suburban living with perfect city access. 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

2014

in Brighton And Hove

2014

Winner 2015 GOLD WINNER SOUTH REGION

for

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

www.sawyerandco.co.uk sawyerandco.co.uk

for

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

SAWYER & CO

BEAUTIFUL homes

CLASSIC STYLE

I

n Southwick’s conservation area, this beautifully updated detached family Victorian home, with five bedrooms, sits on a quiet, leafy road just a few minutes’ walk from the Green, the central focus to this self-contained neighbourhood to the east of Shoreham.

With a red brick frontage this home has been sympathetically extended and modernised with much attention to detail. Its unifying neutral interior décor has an immaculate finish with mainly oak engineered flooring on the ground floor and oatmeal carpets elsewhere.

An exceptional open-plan kitchen and living space opens straight out to the professionally landscaped garden, lawned and secluded by its mature trees, shrubs, and ever changing borders. With accommodation over three levels, this is a substantial and welcoming family home imbued with a relaxed and timeless sense of style.

Roman Crescent, Southwick BN42 4TY Price: OIEO £1,000,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Off-street parking; Large garden; Immaculate décor Best Bits: Stunning garden; Bespoke kitchen; Chain free Fine and Country 46 Church Road Hove BN3 2FN 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com

24 PORTFOLIO

in association with Sawyer & Co

Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN

Roedean Road, Brighton, BN2 5RA

EPC: D

Extended 4-bedroom home with sea views from its south facing balconies and garden.

Designed so that all its rooms are south-facing, this 1920s built property was one of the first in Roedean and retains its original name. It has been updated to create a spacious, light and welcoming modern home. The property has been designed with easy access including wide doorways for a fluid flow between its well-proportioned rooms making it equally suitable for a young family plus there’s a lift to the first floor. Bespoke douglas fir doors throughout and cherry wood Venetian blinds to every window create a considered geniality complementing the largely neutral decor. Sitting high above the marina, this sizeable home has superb views towards the sea so it’s perfect for relaxed coastal living.

Tel: 01273 739911

Fourth Avenue, Hove, BN3 2PN

£1,450,000

EPC: D

Located in a prestigious, tree-lined avenue in Central Hove, this stunning, late Victorian terraced, five storey property is one of three situated opposite the exclusive Hove Club. Spectacular in size, with a pretty, well-proportioned rear garden, many notable period features and stunning echoes of the Arts and Crafts / Colonial architectural styles, this spectacular property resonates with a sense of history. The arched porticos, balconies and decorative pillars, both at the front and rear of the property, are typical of its time and historical influences. Currently configured into 6 apartments with the owners occupying the ground floor maisonette, the property offers many versatile options and flexibility of accommodation either as a continued rental investment with a number of tenanted apartments; reconfigured to accommodate the extended family - offering options for independent suites for grandparents/relatives or teenage children; office space or conversion back to what could be one of Hove’s most sensational family homes.

Tel: 01273 739911

OIEO £1,700,000

Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911

LEGAL matters

MOVING ON

Howlett Clarke provide all the legal services required when purchasing your ‘ideal home’

O

nce again property prices have made headlines in the news in recent weeks.

This time of year always sees a surge in news about the property market and 2015 is no exception. It appears that there is still an upward trend on property prices, with the Nationwide publishing a 3.2% increase year-onyear in August and the Halifax reporting earlier in August that house prices were increasing at a rate of 7.9% per year across the UK. Statistics are great, but what do they mean for people who are wishing to buy their first house or move up the property ladder? On the South Coast, with property prices being high already, you need to research the area/s where you are interested in purchasing. Sometimes moving a small way out of the city to one of our local towns will mean that housing is more affordable or you may “get more for your money”. Think carefully about what it is you actually want in your “ideal home” and be prepared to reconsider this if what you want does not come within your price range. Maybe that extra room can be added at a later date?

If you are getting a mortgage, always think 26 PORTFOLIO

about what you can afford to pay each month.

Although interest rates are at an all time low, they are predicted to rise during 2016 and those mortgage payments (unless you are in a fixed rate) will still need to be paid.

“Think carefully about what you actually want in your “ideal home” and be prepared to reconsider if this does not come within your price range” Having expanded into West Sussex following our acquisition of PB Law, we are now based in Southwick and, coupled with our other offices in Brighton and Hove, we are well placed to provide the communities in these locations

and the surrounding areas with advice regarding property matters, together with a comprehensive Conveyancing service provided by our experienced staff.

We also offer a “No Move - No Fee” scheme, which gives our clients piece of mind: if, for whatever reason, their transaction does not complete, we will not charge them for our services. If you are just starting the process, or will be doing so in the near future, we would be happy to provide you with a quote.

Warren Robertson is a Partner at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke Bank House, Southwick Square, Southwick Brighton BN42 4EY www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke

See more from Howlett Clarke at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

VISIT OUR AWARD-WINNING HOVE SHOWROOM for a stunning range of kitchen displays, furniture, worktops and appliances.

The Kitchen Store offers a bespoke consultancy service to help you choose your dream kitchen.

For friendly advice and inspired kitchen ideas take a closer look or call us today.

Showroom: 130 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7BD Tel: 01273 95 77 78 Or visit our Lancing showroom | www.thekitchenstore.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL homes

STYLE COUNSEL

The Kitchen Store has recently won The Best Retailer Award from the Brighton & Hove Business Awards 2015.

Lynne Edwards went to meet M.D. Alan Margetts to discover the secret behind his successful business and why he loves Brighton & Hove so much

28  PORTFOLIO

I

n an age when all retailers are investing heavily in customer access strategies and also relying on the internet to deliver new business, it is refreshing to find a local business that combines modern marketing with good old-fashioned customer service.

That’s not to say that The Kitchen Store is not a contemporary retailer, far from it; they just like to get to know their customers and develop relationships to better serve their needs. They also appear to have the perfect blend of quality products, cutting-edge design, and, importantly, offer a very high standard of service. The local branch, near Hove Park in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, is a now familiar landmark, with an eye-catching showroom offering a perfect space to showcase its gorgeous range of contemporary Sussex-made kitchens, with local, experienced advisors on hand to help you achieve that dream look.

The engaging Managing Director, Alan Margetts, has been in the kitchen business for over 20 years and established The Kitchen Store in 2004. He has now become a well-

BUSINESS feature

known local figure, having picked up many awards in the region, the latest being Best Retailer Award at the recent Brighton & Hove Business Awards 2015, where he was personally highly commended in the ‘M.D. Of The Year’ category. The Kitchen Store has also achieved a lot of recognition over the last few years from industry bodies.

All these achievements have had a galvanising effect on Alan’s team and inspired them to even greater heights, of which he is rightfully proud.

So, to what does he attribute this huge success?

“Over the last ten years we have established a great reputation and have steadily built on this. With Manager Jan Hunsballe, we decided to make the Hove branch completely independent, having a dedicated team responsible for generating and completing entire projects from start to finish. Based in the showroom with Jan are Head Designer Cat, Design Specialist Kevin and recent recruit Kerry is Support Co-ordinator. A customer can therefore feel confident that their project will be dealt with to completion by the same team – which gives everyone complete peace of mind. I think this is very important and is not something our rivals can offer, so this has been key to our success.”

It is worth noting that The Kitchen Store also hold the FIRA (the UK’s leading furniture testing body) Gold Award for installation, a huge achievement as it has only been given to 12 other companies nationally.

Building upon the success of Hove and their established local factory with its’ large showroom in Lancing, plans are now afoot to open another showroom in Mid Sussex soon.

Currently, however, they are already one of the biggest independent kitchen retailers in Sussex – so there is really no excuse to not find that perfect kitchen.

Contact Jan and the team at The Kitchen Store, 130 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7BD. 01273 957778. Or Visit the Lancing showroom. www.thekitchenstore.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 29

DITCHLING | Offers In The Region Of £1,750,000 Substantial ‘Sussex Style’ residence with buildings amassing to approximately 7,000 sq ft benefiting from glorious views with gardens and grounds of approximately 2 acres. With 6 bedrooms, of which all have luxury en-suite facilities, 4 reception rooms, luxury spa complex including swimming pool, sauna and outbuildings including a substantial barn.

KEYMER | Offers In The Region Of £1,500,000 Stunning country house set at the end of a private lane with serene landscaped gardens and grounds of approx. 4.6 acres and far reaching views over neighbouring farmland. Buildings amassing to over 5,000 sq ft with adaptable accommodation including 6 bedrooms, 6 reception rooms and 3 bathrooms (includes annex and large 2 story barn/workshop)

chattestates.co.uk | 01273 844500 34 HIGH STREET, DITCHLING, WEST SUSSEX BN6 8TA

BEAUTIFUL homes

GRAND ELEGANCE

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beautiful modern property built to a Georgian style. All the principal reception rooms are accessed from the grand reception hall, which boasts a striking open fireplace with fine mahogany surround and mantel.

Arranged over three floors and with a traditional galleried landing, the property provides six bedrooms, five of which have en-suite facilities. All the rooms are well appointed and are of an excellent size, with the majority enjoying views over neighbouring farmland.

The landscaped gardens are private, comprising lawned areas with strategically tiered sections of terrace exploiting the unparalleled and breathtaking views.

Wilton House, The Street, Poynings BN45 7AQ Price: OIRO £1,850,000 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 5 Extras: Detached double garage: Landscaped gardens; Stunning master suite Best Bits: Enviable and sought-after location: Far-reaching, panoramic views Chatt Estates 34 High Street Ditchling West Sussex BN6 8TA 01273 844500 www.chattestates.co.uk PORTFOLIO  31

www.goldinlemcke.com

PEMBROKE CRESCENT, HOVE - £1,199,950 Stunning victorian semi-detached house with extensive accomodation arranged over three floors. Reception hallway, ground floor cloakroom, two large separate reception rooms, excellent kitchen family room and walled rear garden.

• • •

6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms Lovely period features

• •

5 Bedrooms 1 With en-suite and walkin dressing room Excellent size garden

WITHDEAN CLOSE, BRIGHTON - £840,000 A fantastic detached house situated in this quiet close in this favoured location.

2 Reception rooms. Internal inspection is essential to fully appreciate the true qualities of this house.

•

160-162 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DL

SHIRLEY ROAD, HOVE - £895,000 A fantastic opportunity to purchase this detached property in one of hove’s most sought after roads. The property offers enormous potential, kitchen/breakfast room, and excellent size, well maintained rear garden. Internal and early inspection is highly recommended.

• • •

4 Bedrooms One with luxury en-suite Extremely large rear conservatory

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3 Bedrooms En-suite shower room Beautful gardens

TONGDEAN LANE, BRIGHTON - £635,000 Newly modernised semi-detached house which has been completely refurbished to an extremely high standard throughout. The property offers enormous potential to extend. One of the main features of the property is its fantastically maintained and excellent size gardens to three sides of the property, split level lounge/dining room, cloakroom, garage.

01273 777123 | www.goldinlemcke.com

BUYING tips

ENJOY THE VIEW A home is one of the largest purchases most people will make.

Follow our tips to get the most from house viewings

R

esearch by Abbey shows that the average time a buyer spends viewing homes before putting in an offer is just 96 minutes, less time than people typically spend deciding where to go on holiday or what computer to buy. We at Portfolio agree with property expert Phil Spencer, who says “Buying a house is such a massive decision, emotionally and financially. The more information you have, the more confident you can be.”

An ordered approach to viewing will help you to use your head as well as your heart to make a clear decision. A 2015 Which? survey of 1,990 members of the public found that the longer people spent viewing a house, the more likely they were to pay below the asking price for it. To help maximise the benefit of time spent viewing properties, Which? have put together a useful checklist of their top 10 house-viewing tips to help you to gather all the information you need to decide whether to make an offer.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR VIEWING A PROPERTY FROM WHICH? Try not to see the house as a home (until you move in) It’s not always easy, but on an initial viewing try to see the house simply as a building that needs inspecting. Don’t get too attached early on or your heart might rule your head and cause you to overlook any problems.

At the same time, if you do spot faults, you 34 PORTFOLIO

shouldn’t necessarily be put off buying - you could use what you’ve discovered to negotiate on the price, depending on how big the issue is and how much it will cost.

View the property multiple times Even in a fast-moving market, it’s a bad idea to buy without looking at a property more than once. The more times you view a house, the more likely you are to spot potential problems.

Which? recommend viewing the property two to three times, at different times of day, to find out how the light, traffic and surrounding noises change. You might just discover that the quiet, idyllic street you saw at 11am is a busy main commuter route at 6pm.

Take your time Make sure you spend a good chunk of time viewing a house - 20 to 30 minutes at least - so you can really get a feel for the place.

Research has found that the longer a buyer spends viewing a property, the more likely they are to secure it for under the asking price.

Investigate the neighbourhood Spend at least half an hour walking around the general area to see how close you will be to the things that matter to you, such as cafes, schools, transport links or local shops. Also, revisit at rush hour and when the pubs close, and on weekends and weekdays.

Look at the structure of the building Make sure you walk around the house to check the exterior. Look for damp and hairline cracks in the walls - 68% of people in Which?’s survey

said they did this - and missing or loose tiles on the roof or broken guttering (65%). If you find signs of a problem, ask questions to find out what the cause is and whether it will be fixed.

Use your nose as well as your eyes Be wary of unusual smells. Damp, which 70% of people check for, can give off a musty smell even if you don’t see physical signs.

Check the taps and light switches Only 28% of people check the taps and water pressure, while 35% check that the light switches work - but you’ll only know about problems if you check things yourself. Also, try opening and closing the windows to check they’re in good working condition.

Move furniture around The seller doesn’t have to tell you about problems - in fact they may try to hide them.

Common cover-ups include painting over damp and hiding wall cracks or floor problems with furniture or rugs.

Confirm what land comes with the property If there’s any uncertainty over who owns a garden or parking space, make sure you find out the answer and get it confirmed in writing.

Arrange a house survey People may think they’ve had a proper survey when actually they’ve just had a mortgage valuation. It’s a good idea to get a survey done to uncover any hidden issues with the house you’re buying.

See more at www.which.co.uk

123-125 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 1TJ

01273 232 232 property@austingray.co.uk www.austingray.co.uk

THE HOME BUYERS ALLIANCE HAVE A FEW MORE SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR VIEWING CHECKLIST: How much storage space is there?

Storage space is a valuable but often overlooked asset. Where will you keep your vacuum cleaner, towels, spare linen etcetera?

Is there room for cupboards or shelves to be built in? Especially in newly built houses, storage space can be scarce.

Which way does the house face?

In winter, during a cloudy day or at night, it is difficult to tell the difference between a northand a south-facing house or garden – but in summer it can make the difference between a home that is full of light and warmth and one that is frustratingly dark.

Have you been fooled by staging?

Cleverly placed mirrors, strategic lighting, delicious smells, cosy fires and fresh licks of paint are all tricks sellers use to make their homes more appealing. Make sure you don’t get fooled.

Window dressing Do the window frames have cracking paint? Is the double glazing intact?

The state of the external window frames is a great indicator of the state of the house – if people look after those, they are likely to have taken great care of the rest.

How old is the roof?

Replacing roofs is an expensive business, and newer roofs have a life expectancy of only 1520 years, depending on the materials. If the

property has a flat or nearly flat roof, check out the material with which it is sealed.

Are there enough power points, and what is their condition?

Old wiring can be dangerous, and re-wiring your new home can be an expensive business.

Also, check out the fuse board – often an indication of the state of the wiring. Does it look old and outdated?

Is the plumbing up to scratch?

Run the taps to check the water pressure. Ask if the pipes are insulated, and ensure they are not lead, which would have to be replaced. Do the radiators actually work? How old is the boiler? If the hot water tank is situated in the roof, it is probably an old one and may have to be replaced soon.

Is the property adequately sound-proofed?

If the sellers have the radio or television on, ask for it to be turned down to ensure that you can’t hear your neighbours’ every word.

What’s the attic like?

This is is an important part of the house. How easy is it to access? Is there much storage space? Could it be converted into extra rooms?

Is there insulation?

And most importantly, does it feel like you could make it your home?

If you do like a property, arrange another viewing for a different time of day, and scout out the local area a bit. If you can, take somebody with you who might be able to notice things you don’t.

See more at www.hoa.org.uk

For advice with the sale of YOUR property contact Graham Farthing

Preston Park £725,000

HOMES THAT STAND OUT COSTS THAT DON’T..

At Nash Watson, we don’t believe a premium service should come at a premium price. So we won’t charge you one. What you get is expert advice, marketing, beautiful photography and considered design. All at an honest price.

Because while we believe your home should stand out, we don’t believe our costs should.

Call Lisa, Lucy or Claire on 01273 733500 or email home@nashwatson.com and we’ll help shape something that’s exactly right for your home or investment.

NASHWATSON.COM

FROM HOUSE TO HOME

Hill Drive, Hove - Detached family house in Hove Park This lovely home is perfect for modern family living. The versatile layout includes a double aspect sitting room communicating with the dining room and a good size kitchen/breakfast room. The five bedrooms are complemented by a newly fitted en-suite bathroom and a family bathroom. The rear garden is arranged over three levels with mature shrubs, bushes, trees and fruit trees. There is also a garage.

ÂŁ950,000 Freehold To arrange a viewing contact Andy Lees at Graves Son & Pilcher on 01273 321123 Graves Son & Pilcher, 51 Old Steyne, Brighton, BN1 1HU www.gravessonandpilcher.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL homes

VILLAGE LOCATION

O

ccupying a popular and sought-after residential location in the seaside village of Rottingdean, and situated close to the Village High Street with its array of shops, restaurants and pubs. Longhill High School is nearby and and bus services provide access along the coast to Eastbourne in the east and Worthing in the west.

This is a detached, split-level residence, probably built in the late 1950s and occupying a double plot backing onto grazing land.

Arranged over two floors, the accommodation comprises three to four bedrooms, bathroom, split-level lounge/dining room, a study/bedroom four, kitchen with utility area and a conservatory.

The property has double glazing, warm-air, ducted heating, a double garage and a beautifully maintained and mature parkland-style rear garden with extensive lawn and mature borders with many shrubs, bushes and trees.

Gorham Avenue, Rottingdean, BN2 7DP Price: OEO ÂŁ800,000 Bedrooms: 3/4 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Double garage, Backing onto grazing land Best Bits: Stunning landscaped rear garden; Potential to extend (STNC); Lovely village location Graves Son & Pilcher LLP 51 Old Steyne Brighton BN1 1HU Telephone: 01273 321123 www.gravessonandpilcher.com

PORTFOLIO  39

BEAUTIFUL homes

CENTRAL RENTAL

A

fantastic opportunity to rent this modern two bedroom split level flat in very central Brighton. The property has a very spacious loft-style appeal to it and benefits from large windows and a wooden floor on the ground floor. The property is unfurnished, has central heating and also has a very modern, fitted open kitchen with dining area which leads onto a spacious open-plan living area. There are two double bedrooms, one of which overlooks the lounge on the mezzanine area. This mezzanine could double up as a great, bright office area. The property also has an en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom as well as a family shower room. The flat is a very short walk from Brighton Station, the seafront and the busy, vibrant city centre and shops.

Richmond Terrace Brighton BN2 9SY Price: ÂŁ1,550 pcm Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Modern, open-plan-style living, Huge windows, Maisonette Best Bits: Very central, Fantastic building, near Brighton Station Property Moves 109 Church Road Hove BN3 2AF 01273 321333 www.propertymoves.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  41

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

COOMBE ROAD, BRIGHTON Fox & Sons are pleased to offer For Sale a choice of 3 Newly Built Houses.

The properties have been finished to a very high standard & all of the properties benefit from having Wonderful Rear Gardens.

PRICE £425,000 - £450,000 EPC Rating: B Lewes Road - 01273 677544

RANELAGH VILLAS An outstanding family house in an extremely desirable area of Hove.

This stunning home is located right by Hove Railway Station with its commuter links to London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, only moments to Hove Park and within a short stroll to vibrant Church Road.

GUIDE PRICE £950,000 - £1,000,000 EPC RATING: TBC HOVE - 01273 820280

SHOREHAM Fox & Sons are offering for sale an extremely rare and exceptional opportunity to purchase one of the most highly sought after 6 / 7 bedroom properties in Shoreham. Included in the sale and built within the grounds is a modern two bedroom detached bungalow with it’s own frontage and access to an integrated garage, which is considered an ideal extended family annex.

PRICE £1250,000 EPC Rating: TBC

Shoreham by Sea - 01273 461671

DITCHLING ROAD Fox and Sons are delighted to offer this detached Tudor style five bedroom house offering excellent accommodation with a lovely westerly rear garden, Comprises five bedrooms, three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom, Garage with private driveway and a lovely well stocked rear garden.

PRICE £899,995 EPC Rating: TBC

Preston Park - 01273 508761

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

REGENCY SPLENDOUR ON BRIGHTON SEAFRONT Arundel Terrace is one of the most prestigious locations in both Kemp Town and Brighton. With only a couple of freeholds on the terrace left, this is a very rare opportunity to own part of Brighton’s history. This magnificent Grade I listed Regency mansion is set just back from the seafront. The views along the coast to the East and West are truly spectacular and provide the best Brighton has to offer. The house is currently arranged as an upper maisonette with a ground floor flat and a lower ground floor flat. The ground floor flat could easily be incorporated into the main house, offering even more living space. The house has 5 bedrooms, a large roof terrace, front and rear patios, 4 reception rooms. A tunnel leads under the house and provides fantastic storage space. There is of course full access to the private residents gardens known as the Kemp Town Enclosures.

PRICE ÂŁ2,695,000 Kemptown 01273 688148

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS Craig Vile from Angels Media on targeting your website and getting your marketing right

I

regularly ask estate and letting agents what the biggest challenge facing them is.

Staffing, legislation, conveyancing are some of the answers that pop up time and again.

There is one, though, which I hear more than any other. And it relates to a lack of housing stock, be it properties for sale or properties to let.

As we’re all well aware, the demand for property in the UK is currently in a very strong position – at an eleven-year high if you ask the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

The same organisation reported in July that the average agency branch had 55 available properties for sale. Put this up against an average of 462 house hunters per branch and the vast supply/demand imbalance is clear for all to see.

What confuses me, therefore, is why many agents up and down the country continue to spend a higher proportion of their marketing budget on attracting new buyers and tenants – a part of the market which, according to the stats, remains extremely healthy.

The shortage of housing stock means that targeting new vendors and landlords through marketing should be more important than ever for the average estate or letting agency.

Let’s take a look at some rough figures…

These days, the average agency branch

will spend at least £1,000 a month on portal subscriptions to either Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket.

“At the very least, your website must be targeted towards vendors and landlords, not tenants and buyers – who are catered for by the portals” Although membership of the portals is vital for attracting buyers and tenants and therefore keeping vendors happy, it represents a very high percentage of an agent’s marketing budget each and every month.

I believe that this means that the remainder of the budget (or indeed additional funds) needs to be spent directly on targeting new

vendors and landlords.

Are you writing content that will be seen by prospective clients, are you sending out a regular newsletter to existing clients that you may not have spoken to for a while? These are things you can spend your marketing budget on that will increase your agency’s chances of taking on new vendors and landlords.

At the very least, your website must be targeted towards vendors and landlords, not tenants and buyers – who are catered for by the portals.

Featured properties and a top fold of a website that is targeted to buyers is of no use to your business’ long-term growth prospects. You need to be capturing the details of landlords and vendors who visit your site, using a call to action, like an instant online valuation tool.

By arresting the challenges you face and tweaking your marketing spend accordingly, your agency really will reap the benefits and it will be clear for you to see what was stopping you from growing your business in the past.

For further advice on how to generate more vendor and landlord leads for your agency and enhance your digital marketing strategy, please get in touch on: 0208 663 4963 or craig.vile@angelsmedia.co.uk.

Wilbury Gardens, Hove An aspirational family home centrally situated with generous accommodation and a superb west facing, landscaped garden. Built in the Victorian era this detached six bedroom house has been sympathetically restored with a contemporary feel and pretty much offers all that modern family life demands.

OIEO ÂŁ2,250,000 Please contact our Branch Director, Steve Neocleous, on 01283 821800 to discuss your property requirements.

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

“The beauty of Mallorca is that it offers something for every occasion and mood”

CELEB SPOTTING Live like a celebrity with a second home in Mallorca from €359,500 (Taylor Wimpey España)

F

rom the super yachts bobbing about off the coast to the luxury pads tucked away in the hills, Mallorca is a playground to the rich and famous. Many A-listers call the island home and many more delight in visiting it for their holidays.

Models, actresses, sporting heroes, royalty... all have been wooed by the balmy breezes and stunning scenery of Mallorca over the years.

Agatha Christie wrote Problems at Pollensa Bay while holed up in Puerto Pollensa in the 1930s. Winston Churchill holidayed just along the coast from the same spot. Even Grace Kelly and Charlie Chaplin have visited the island.

Today, Mallorca continues to attract an impressive list of celebrity visitors. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España and himself a Mallorca resident, explains the island’s enduring allure, “The beauty of Mallorca is that it offers something for every occasion and mood. You can sit and gaze out at the ocean, watching the sun sparkle off the water and hearing nothing but birdsong and the water lapping against

46 PORTFOLIO

the shore. At the same time, you know that if you want the hustle and bustle of urbanity, with its shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife, Palma is the ideal city. Or if a few rounds of golf in the afternoon heat take your fancy, Mallorca offers that too. Then there are the water sports - snorkelling, parasailing, stand up paddleboarding, wind surfing and so many more. It’s a wonderful place for those who love the water.”

Claudia Schiffer is one celebrity with a home on the island, in the lovely Camp de Mar area at Puerto Andratx. It is one of a few select locations in which Taylor Wimpey España has chosen to develop its contemporary, high spec homes on the island. The company’s Camp de Mar Beach development offers easy access to the same local amenities that Ms Schiffer is able to enjoy, but at a price that you don’t have to be a catwalk queen to afford - key ready two bedroom townhouses start at €359,500.

Camp de Mar Beach offers direct access to the sands of Camp de Mar, just 50m away.

The resort consists of two and three bedroom, Mediterranean style townhouses in a gated

community, complete with verdant communal gardens and a pretty, curved swimming pool.

Views of the sea are complemented by views of the fabulous Golf de Andratx course.

In addition to fashion royalty, Mallorca is well used to hosting actual royalty. King Felipe VI of Spain and his family regularly holiday on the island, enjoying its sunshine, relaxed atmosphere and plentiful historical sites.

Other recent famous visitors include Claire Sweeney, Steve McFadden and Anthea Turner, while Andrew Lloyd Webber owns several homes on the island.

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones are reported to be selling their villa on the island for a cool $60 million. But if that’s a little too pricey don’t worry - Taylor Wimpey España’s luxurious second homes are perfect for enjoying all that this wonderful island has to offer, from fabulous views to beautiful terraces to bask on.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.

Residential Estate & Letting Agents • Land & New Homes Brighton & Hove City Office Residential Sales & Lettings 3-6 North Road, Brighton East Sussex BN1 1YA Sales 01273 688881 Lettings 01273 688884 E brighton@oakleyproperty.com

Clifton/Montpelier £1,195,000

3

2

3

3

1

2

2

A top floor penthouse style apartment in the heart of the North Laine convieniently located for Brighton Station and benefitting from two roof terraces and rooftop views.

oakleyproperty.com

London Office 40 St James’s Place London SW1A 1NS T 020 78390888 E enquiries@tlo.co.uk

2

Central Brighton POA

A stunning semi detached house offering stylish, contemporary living with a patio garden, a roof terrace and undercover gated parking.

Central Brighton £499,950

Lewes Town & Country Residential Sales & Lettings 14a High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2LN T 01273 487444 E lewes@oakleyproperty.com

2

2

An attractive Victorian house presented in excellent order offering versatile accommodation with high ceilings, polished stripped floorboards and a westerly aspect rear garden.

Gloucester Yard £599,950

2

2

2

2

A four storey property forming part of a gated cobbled mews with a rear patio and southerly roof terrace. Ideal home/income or home office opportunity.

CAREER LADDER This month we speak to Amy Richardson about her role as an Associate Solicitor at award-winning Coffin Mew LLP

TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU WORK, YOUR SPECIALISM AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN A SOLICITOR? I have been practicing for 13 years and I am Associate Solicitor in the Employment Team at Coffin Mew. I advise clients in recruiting, retaining and performance managing their greatest asset, their staff.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE LEGAL PROFESSION? TV shows such as LA Law and Ally McBeal piqued my interest as I was growing up, and I liked the idea of standing up in court fighting someone’s corner. I got some work experience when I was 15 in a city law firm, where I saw the slightly less glamorous side of being a solicitor: I spent a week holed up in an office adding page numbers to huge piles of documents!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST-EVER JOB? I worked weekends in our village bakery when I was still at school. The pay was terrible (this was before the national minimum wage!) but I was able to take home as many loaves and cakes as I could carry at the end of the day. My parents were very sad when I gave that job up!

DID YOU TAKE A TRADITIONAL ROUTE INTO YOUR CAREER? Yes, I took a three-year Law degree at Sussex University, followed by a one-year Legal Practice Course at Westminster University. I then undertook a two-year training contract with a local firm in Brighton in which I rotated every six months to different departments. After all that (6 years in total and with a mountain of student debt) I was able to call myself a qualified solicitor.

WHAT MAKES UP A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU AT COFFIN MEW? I spend my day advising clients on their HR/employment law queries. For example, one client might email me to say that they are looking to restructure their business and need some advice on how to consult with

48 PORTFOLIO

staff, or that they need to make someone redundant. Another client might then phone me to say that they’ve just received a sick note from one of their employees which says they are suffering from stress and need my advice on what to do next. In the background I always have longer-term tasks that I am working on, such as preparing a defence to an Employment Tribunal claim, or overhauling a client’s staff handbook and contracts to bring them up-todate with changes in employment law.

EMPLOYMENT LAW IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING, AND IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE THAT EMPLOYERS STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP. WHAT ISSUES CROP UP REGULARLY FOR YOUR CLIENTS? I can sympathise with employers; it’s my job to keep up-to-date with the changes, but most clients don’t have time to do that as well as run their organisation! I deliver training sessions and send out email briefings so my clients are informed of any developments that might affect them. In terms of regular issues that crop up, dealing with disciplinary and grievance issues probably tops the list, but increasingly sickness absence and performance management are key issues.

Employers are often frightened to take action for fear that they will be accused of bullying, but there are ways of tackling these problems without opening yourself up to a claim, and I can give objective advice on these things.

HOW IMPORTANT IS NETWORKING FOR YOU? Coffin Mew opened an office in Brighton this summer and our name isn’t immediately recognised in the area yet. Networking is very important at this stage to introduce ourselves to organisations in the Sussex region. We want people to know that we are enthusiastic, friendly and professional, and that’s only something that can be demonstrated by getting out there and meeting people.

HAS SOCIAL MEDIA HAD AN IMPACT ON YOUR PROFESSION AT ALL? Social media and the incredible growth of digital is challenging our industry to innovate. The professional services sector has operated in the same way for some time. Now the goal posts have moved. We have embraced this as a firm. We communicate regularly with our clients, referrers and prospects, sharing insight, advice and invites to engage with our local community. We also welcome feedback from existing clients and use a mixture of social media and online surveys to identify areas for improvement to continually enhance our offering.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF YOU WEREN’T A SOLICITOR? A professional musician.

Unfortunately, I don’t dedicate the time and practice to be any better than an enthusiastic amateur!

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME AS AN ANTIDOTE TO THE JOB? I play in a brass band and I am a mother to a delightful toddler. Both are very noisy!

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU FEEL ARE MOST ESSENTIAL TO WORK EFFECTIVELY FOR YOUR CLIENTS? Being commercial – clients don’t just want me to tell them the law, I need to understand their organisation and provide a practical solution rather than a solely legal one.

Being articulate – my job is to provide a coherent explanation for why something happened, or why we are taking a certain course of action.

Finally, being objective – clients are often very emotional – or angry – and present facts to me in a biased manner, I need to give an independent view and come up with all possible arguments against what they are telling me.

Coffin Mew LLP 0333 000 0122 amyrichardson@coffinmew.co.uk www.coffinmew.co.uk

Rostrum Lodge, Ditchling Road, Brighton www.cliveemson.co.uk Call: 01273 571853 sussex@cliveemson.co.uk

Shripney Road, Bognor Regis A fabulous detached house situated in a semi rural location within grounds extending to over 3 acres (1.2 hectares).

EPC:TBC Guide: £430,000-£450,000 - FREEHOLD

Water Lane, Angmering Vacant two bedroom terraced cottage in a sought after village close to local amenities. The property requires some upgrading and benefits from a gas heating system and small rear garden.

EPC:D Guide: £190,000-£200,000 - FREEHOLD

Chalk Lane, Sidlesham A 2.4 acre former nursery with permitted development rights for conversion of part of the existing greenhouse into a single storey detached contemporary dwelling of 330 sq.m. EPC:N/A Guide: £450-500,000 - FREEHOLD

High Street, Battle A substantial period property comprising a ground floor shop let on a 10 year commercial lease to ‘Fat Face’, a self contained three bedroom maisonette and a two bedroom flat, both let, and a vacant detached bungalow to the rear. EPC:C+TBC Guide: £700,000-£750,000 - FREEHOLD

Richard Payne, Emma Attrell, Sam Kinloch & James Emson

Guides are provided as an indication of each Seller’s minimum expectation. They are not necessarily figures which a property will sell for and may change at any time prior to Auction. Unless stated otherwise, each Lot will be offered subject to a reserve (a figure below which the Auctioneer cannot sell the Lot during the Auction). We expect the reserve will be set within the guide range or no more than 10% above a single figure guide.

Please check our website regularly at cliveemson.co.uk, or call 01273 571853, in order to stay fully informed.

ENTRIES NOW INVITED FOR THE NOVEMBER SALE Call 01273 571853 to arrange a FREE auction appraisal

CHALK ARCHITECTURE: WHO WE ARE Chalk Architecture is a multi-disciplinary design practice creating innovative and successful Interior, Architecture and Branding Design solutions for clients based in the UK, Ireland, France & the Far East. Working closely with local and international collaborators, the Chalk team provide a client-focused service and are dedicated to delivering creative and dynamic designs for hospitality, retail and residential projects, large or small.

Chalk Architecture has worked with some of Brighton’s most inspirational entrepreneurs, developing unique branded retail and hospitality experiences: Small Batch Coffee Roasters, The Hare & Hounds, The Seven Stars & Bagelman, to name a few. Chalk provides their specialist “total design” solutions to clients from the UK to France and China. Excelling in Interior Architecture, they were short-listed for the coveted Building Design Magazine, Interior Architect of the Year Award in 2014.

Not limited to interiors, they are engaged as architects by myhotel to extend their facility on Jubilee Street and are currently involved in developing designs for a brace of exciting new mixed-use schemes in Brighton.

FUTURE BRIGHTON

THE HIGH STREET Paul Nicholson at Chalk Architecture looks at the future of the city’s High Street

T

he High Street. Brighton doesn’t have ‘one’. Well, technically it does have ‘a’ High Street; it is on the westerly edge of Kemp Town. But as a rule Brighton has multiple districts & micro High Streets that are the focus for a local catchment of residents.

Some of these do have a particular characteristic or specialist retailer that attracts

PAUL NICHOLSON

people from further afield. What makes Brighton’s retail offer special is the variety,

Paul is an RIBA Chartered Architect, qualifying as a registered architect at Kingston University in 2000. Having worked with and carried out projects for Professor Roloef Uyten Bogaardt in Cape Town, Patrick Lynch Architects and Project Orange Architects in London, Paul formed Chalk architecture with his colleague Damon Webb in 2008, combining architectural, interior design and graphics skills to provide a total design solution for hospitality and retail sector clients. A keen endurance sports enthusiast, Paul raises money for local charities, having run the 2014 & 2015 Brighton Marathons for the Rocking Horse Appeal, and is due to run the Brighton and London Marathons in 2016.

creativity and dynamism of the retailers in these different areas and how these integrate to form a much grander picture of Brighton’s retail experience. In retail, public/consumer perception of brand is everything.

East Sussex has a population of circa 500,000, of which the Brighton & Hove local authority accounts for 270,000 (census 2011). Outside of London, Brighton is the largest conurbation in the South East. Unsurprisingly, Brighton is the principal retail hub for the host county and has a distinct draw on people from surrounding counties, over and above their more local retail centers. What might surprise you, though, is that Brighton ranks 6th in a national survey of Britain’s retail centers (VENUESCORE 2014/15, The Javelin Group), lying just behind Liverpool, which has a population of 817,000 and is part of a much larger urban sprawl that overlaps with the enormous Manchester Urban Area. That’s a couple of million people in all. The point here is that Brighton punches well above its weight as a retail destination because of the wider regional communities’ perception of it.

How good is it, though, really? In the VENUESCORE survey each venue (city or place) is evaluated in terms of its provision of multiple retailers, including stores, fashion

https://m.facebook.com/ChalkArchitecture

operators and non-fashion multiples, but also, interestingly, food service, possibly the

most dynamic component of the Brighton offer.

much needed strand to the Brighton High Street

seven stories up, above ground next to the

The score attached to each operator is weighted

and a critical one in building the city’s resilience

existing buildings that surround the Square. I am

to reflect its overall impact on shopping patterns.

against any future economic downturns. The food

personally very much looking forward to seeing

Therefore, as you might expect, anchor stores

offer around the Market Street area has taken on

that built.

such as Marks & Spencer and John Lewis

an indie food retailer twist with the likes of 42

Back to the elephant in the room: Churchill

receive higher scores than independent stores.

Juice and Sugardough taking up residence. Two

Square, the big car park dressed up as a

The aggregate of these scores culminates in the

very current food trends: raw, cold-pressed juice

shopping centre with a conference facility bolted to the front. At some point Standard Life will

VENUESCORE. So the stats suggest Brighton is doing well, and there is great potential for the future. As residents we know that Brighton has three dominant areas for shopping: The North Laine, the Lanes & Churchill Square. However, the retail scene in Brighton has for the last few years relied heavily on the reputation of The North Laine to draw visitors to its shops.

Churchill Square, when viewed in comparison to a Westfield complex, is in need of an overhaul, even with a renewed Top Shop and new lease signings of River Island and Fossil. The Lanes brand is tired, crammed with window-shopping

“We will hopefully soon see the implementation of the recently approved Hanningtons Lane & Brighton Square developments”

deliver a new Churchill Square/Brighton Centre development, and one would assume this would be on a par with a Westfield, and as such would require a major shift in how the potentially huge number of new visitors will get into the centre of the city. Joined-up thinking suggests the only viable option is for the creation of a comprehensive park and ride service and also the pedestrianisation of most – if not all – of The North Laine and the Lanes. For years the debate around park and ride has been bogged down in regional battles for where to put a giant car park, given that we are bounded by what is now a

day trippers and lacks a relevant retail hook to attract new visitors and encourage them to

next to a legendary master baker. The presence

National Park. For Brighton to build on the latent

actually spend their money here rather than

of Choccywoccydoodah on one of the bends in

potential that I believe the VENUESCORE report

ambling around, hopping from coffee house to

Meeting House Lane creates a theatrical focal

suggests, a 21st century transport solution

tea shop.

point in the heart of the Lanes, albeit one that

is required. Clearly, that’s big money, but an

The future for the Lanes looks promising,

creates an almighty log jam of tourists. Moshimo,

investment that will ultimately anchor the future

though; we will hopefully soon see the

the Sushi concept, famed for its commitment to

prosperity of the city.

implementation

approved

only using sustainably sourced fish and creation

of

the

recently

Square

of the ‘Love Fish’ campaign, have submitted a

Chalk Architecture, The Cycle Hub,

developments (BH2014/01118). A series of

planning application to extend their business in

109 Stroudley Road, Brighton BN1 4DJ

new twittens will connect North Street through

Bartholomew Square (BH2015/01149). A piece of

Tel: 01273 448700

to a revamped Brighton Square and back onto

truly ground-breaking, iconoclastic architecture,

Twitter: @chalkdesign &

Meeting House Lane. The big idea here is to

the ‘Skylight’, a prefabricated structure clad in

@chalkarch #FutureBrighton

create a home for the high-end retail sector, a

translucent GRP, will perch on a copper shaft

www.chalkarchitecture.com

Hanningtons

Lane

&

Brighton

PORTFOLIO 51

nTheMarket.com

AUTUMN COLOUR The National Trust has revealed some of the best places to see the fiery hues of autumn in its gardens and parklands in East Sussex

A

utumn colours are expected to appear from mid-October – with red, gold and orange shades covering the landscape until late November. So whether you’re admiring the variety of trees and plants, building up an appetite for some seasonal tasty treats or enjoying a walk through the crisp leaves, there are plenty of reasons to explore National Trust sites this autumn.

To help you decide where to visit, the National Trust has come up with their top autumn colour hotspots, with Sheffield Park and Garden, Bateman’s and Standen topping the polls as the must-visit spots for those wanting to revel in East Sussex’s autumn jewel shades.

Ablaze with reds, russets and yellows Sheffield Park and Garden is one of the National Trust’s seasonal spectacles, with many of the hues mirrored in the lake’s reflections. Head Gardener Andy Jesson says: “The blend of water and landscape results in dramatic fiery displays above and below the water line. I’d recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon, when the effect of water and landscape is magical.”

Andy suggests visitors look out for the Nyssa sylvatica ‘Sheffield Park’ tree, which is worth seeing before the end of October, when it produces fiery amber and rich red tints as well as the Taxodium distichum (swamp cypress) and the vast collection of maples throughout the garden. Andy adds: “The butternut hickory, one of the first trees you come across in the garden, is among the first to change colour and heralds the start of autumn. It slowly changes to a brilliant yellow, and that tells us that autumn has officially arrived.”

For those interested in capturing all the changing shades of Sheffield Park on camera, the property is running a series of autumn photography workshops led by Roger Bloxham

on Wednesday, 7th October and Saturday, 17th October, 9am – 12 pm. Tickets cost £25 per person including tea and cake. Booking essential on 01825 790231.

“The butternut hickory is among the first to change colour: It slowly changes to a brilliant yellow and tells us that autumn has officially arrived” Bateman’s, the family home of Rudyard Kipling, is renowned for its orchard, which turns vibrant shades of red, green and auburn as the apples, pears, plums and greengages ripen. Head gardener, Len Bernamont, also recommends the wild garden: “The wild garden is the focus of our autumn colour, with its ornamental trees and shrubs, like the Amelanchiers, Azaleas and Liquidamber. My favourite is the Katsura tree ‘Cercidiphyllum japonicum’. Its leaves smell like toffee apples”.

Don’t miss the giant rosehips on the rugosa roses, the bumper crops of blackberries on the estate walks, and sloes, ready after the first frost.

To get a taste of the apples at Bateman’s, don’t miss the apple day on 18th October, between 11am-4pm. Join orchard crafts and games for all the family, taste different apple varieties, try making your own apple juice with a homemade press and sample a range of orchard products, such as mulled cider, honey and jam (normal admission charges apply).

Photo credit left to right: National Trust, Megan Taylor and Rod Edwards.

Bateman’s is also running a photography workshop with Roger Bloxham on 10th October, 9am-11.30am, covering how to choose the best vistas, making the most of natural light and framing images. Tickets cost £15 per person, including tea and cake. Booking essential on 01435 882302.

Perched at the top of Standen’s hill-top garden, a new area of the garden with its viewing platforms will reveal dramatic scenery over the High Weald, Ashdown Forest and East Grinstead. From Rock Top Walk a landscape of autumnal shades and distant church spires will spread out into the distance. Head Gardener James Masters comments: “The climb up to Rock Top Walk is wonderfully rewarding, the scale of autumnal shades breath-taking. You’ll walk through the original acer collection in its full autumn colour show before lingering on the Top Terrace – the favourite walking spot of the Beale family, who originally lived at Standen.”

Standen is also home to the most famous Japanese plant for autumn colour, the Acer palmatum, otherwise known as the Japanese maple. Head Gardener James Masters adds: “The Japanese maples by the house have rich purple palm-like leaves throughout the year, but they turn fiery scarlet shades in October before they fall and carpet the whole area in vibrant red leaves.”

Join an early-morning photography workshop at Standen on 13th October and 22nd October, 8am-10.30am to capture the shades of the garden. The workshop costs £15 per person, including bacon sandwiches for breakfast. Booking essential on 01342 323029.

For the latest news and updates on autumn colour at a National Trust garden near you, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast PORTFOLIO 53

FEATURE home

HOME OF THE MONTH

...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine

1 bedroom flat For Sale Sutherland Road, Brighton Price: £239,950

This beautiful and very well presented one bedroom apartment has a pretty rear courtyard garden, and is situated on the lower ground floor of a converted period house. This lovely property is in an excellent location close to both Kemp Town and Queens Park, and it is walking distance to the seafront. In more detail the accommodation comprises: entrance hallway, open plan living room with a modern fully fitted kitchen, double bedroom and a modern bathroom.

Justin Lloyd 118 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH

Tel: 01273 315612 Making Moving a Pleasure If you are buying or selling your property, Healys offers an unrivalled legal service.

In order that your matter proceeds smoothly we offer the following as standard to our clients: • • •

Direct dial to your Solicitor No hidden charges Competitive fees

We would be delighted to provide you with a free personal quotation. Please contact one of our team on: 01273 669139 or email: property@healys.com or visit www.healys.com and complete our online quotation form.

54 PORTFOLIO

8/9 Old Steine Brighton BN1 1EJ

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

Life and Family

Personal Injury

• 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:

Vallance Hall, Hove Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DE

info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411

www.engleharts.co.uk

Contemporary by

Add Space and Style.

Why settle for anything less than spectacular?

These are just a few fantastic examples of installations completed by Benchmark Windows recently. We can manage your project from conception to completion. If you would like to make the most of your available light and space, our modern glazing solutions may well prove to be perfect for your project too!

To find out more, get in touch today.

01903 756699 Next generation windows and doors Come and visit our extensive showroom to discuss your requirements and ideas - for a greener, more efficient windows, doors and conservatories solution.

www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk Units 4 & 5, 83 Marlborough Road Lancing Business Park Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8UF

The gold standard for greener glazing.

01903 756699

BEAUTIFUL homes

GLASS HOUSE Sliding patio doors are an increasingly popular choice with homeowners. With a wider range available than ever before, Benchmark Windows can select the right one for you

B

eautifully-engineered, aluminium sliding doors are becoming increasingly popular.

Their modern look, durability and narrow profiles make them supremely versatile and the perfect contemporary update for a variety of settings .

Benchmark Windows offer a range of market-leading sliding doors, including the innovative aïr lift & slide doors with aïrglide technology – offering high performance visual expanses for the modern home. With less frame and more glass, these doors enable captivating views and boundless possibilities.

The easy-clean frames come made to your size and specification, in a choice of two-, three-, four- or six-pane configurations, and have been designed with today’s open plan living spaces in mind, extending interiors to encompass garden and outdoor views and maximising light and space.

All the doors are tested to rigorous standards with gale-force wind load. Their superb thermal rating gives you the best performance possible.

The doors also have strong stainless steel

58 PORTFOLIO

castors, and the seamless gliding motion enables you to open the doors with just two fingers. Teflon®-coated interlocking seals ensure that you have added protection against the weather, dust and dirt. With a wide range of RAL colours and the availability of optional extras such as hypoallergenic handles, there is something to suit every home.

High-security locking, tested to rigorous standards, will put your mind at ease when it comes to purchasing a sliding door and protecting your home.

Confused by all the choice, or just want to see more? Why not pop in to the Benchmark Windows showroom where you will find a friendly welcome as well as free expert advice?

A local, family-run business with over 50 years’ combined experience, Benchmark Windows are proud to set the standard for glazing in West Sussex. With a wide range of products available to view at their Lancing showroom - including many unique items - Benchmark is the smart choice for local consumers.

INTERIORS

Visit Benchmark WIndows Units 4 & 5, 83 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF. Call 01903 756699 to arrange an appointment.

Or visit the website at www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  59

THE collection

THE OCTOBER COLLECTION Original features abound in these period apartments making up out October collection of selected properties for sale in the city...

Luxury apartment Eaton Gate, Eaton Gardens, Hove Fantastic three bedroom luxury apartment in a highly sought after location in Hove. The apartment comes with two secure underground parking spaces and has visitors parking at the rear. The second floor apartment has double doors opening from the spacious hallway into a large living/ dining room with high ceilings, double glazed sash windows and a westerly view. The kitchen is fitted with a range of gloss wall and base units with integrated appliances. There are three double bedrooms with the master an en-suite bathroom and balcony. There is also a second bathroom.

Price: ÂŁ625,000 Hamptons International Estate Agents 01273 803191 www.hamptons.co.uk

60  PORTFOLIO

THE collection

Period elegance Adelaide Crescent, Hove Spacious period apartment set in lovely Adelaide Crescent, in a beautiful Grade II listed building, just moments from Hove seafront. The apartment runs front to back and briefly comprises a reception hallway, which in turn leads to the lovely sized living/ dining room with two beautiful sash windows to the front and extremely contemporary separate kitchen/breakfast room behind. As you follow the reception hallway to the back of the building you have access to two separate bedrooms and a good size bathroom with a wealth of built-in storage. To the rear is the beautifully looked after private enclosed rear patio garden which offers a good degree of seclusion and extra storage space.

Price: £450,000 Mishon Mackay 01273 821800 | www.mishonmackay.com

Bright and beautiful The Drive, Hove This bright and modern state-of-the-art flat is set in a period building with a lift and a communal garden. Full of natural light, the flat has two bedrooms which are complemented by two bathrooms, a spacious lounge and a modern, fully equipped kitchen. The flat is located in central Hove close to Hove railway station, Church Road and the seafront. It is located in a beautiful period building with an impressive communal hallway, with the added benefit of having an elevator and a communal garden. It also has a share of the freehold.

Price: OIEO £500,000 Fox & Son Estate Agents 01273 820280 | fox-and-sons.co.uk

Panoramic views Denmark Terrace, Brighton Situated just south of the Seven Dials and very close to both the city centre and Brighton mainline railway station, this is a delightful fourth floor, (top) one bedroom flat. A particular feature is the large terrace, (18’ x 9’) offering the most spectacular panoramic far reaching views across the city and to the sea. A split level entrance leads to a west facing lounge with doors leading on to the terrace. The flat also boasts a modern kitchen with integrated appliances, a modern shower room, central heating, and double glazed windows.

Price: £299,950 Goldin Lemcke 01273 777123 | www.goldinlemcke.com

PORTFOLIO 61

MASTER TILES

2500 SQ FT SHOWROOM - OVER 20,000 M2 IN STOCK - CUSTOMER PARKING Unit 5, Longley Ind. Est. New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GY

01273 695208 A Local company serving the area for more than 20 years

NEW HOVE SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

4000 SQ FT SHOWROOM - 60 FIXED DISPLAYS - CUSTOMER PARKING Tates Crossroads, 132 Trafalgar Road, Portslade, Hove BN41 1GU

01273 770723 | www.mastertiles.co.uk

UK Property

SUPER GRAND This impressive new lakeside development from awardwinning Watermark features New England-style living with outstanding lake views

S

ituated in the 40-square-miles lake area of the Cotswold Water Park, these lakeside New England-style luxury homes offer an array of outdoor leisure activities and water sports. The market town of Cirencester is just five minutes away and Brighton only 2.5 hours by car and 3 hours by train via Paddington. All owners at Watermark have the use of membership to the adjacent Four Pillars Hotel gym and spa and the nearby golf clubs, Wrag Barn and South Cerney.

A home where you can moor your own boat Super Grand Hampton home owners at Watermark can moor their own boats on The Peninsula or Summer Lake from their own private jetties/pontoons. They also get automatic membership to the South Cerney Sailing Club.

Enjoy the changing seasons in The Cotswolds The Cotswolds always provides a spectacular backdrop for anyone in search of autumn colours. Just 90 miles from London, this lakeside retreat is ideal for commuters seeking a week end escape back to nature as it is within easy reach of the M4 and M5 and autumn is a particularly pretty time of year to visit the lakes.

Ideal for autumn living, The Super Grand Hampton offers: • Outstanding lake views – large French doors divide the living area with vaulted ceiling, and the extensive lakeside deck is perfect for dining Alfresco on warmer autumn days, or, alternatively, sit behind the expanse of glass in your living room to admire the trees as they change colour and watch the abundant nature on the lake. The master bedroom also has a balcony.

• Autumn activities for all the family - All owners at Watermark get added value with the use of membership to the adjacent Four Pillars Hotel gym and spa and the nearby golf clubs, Wrag Barn and South Cerney. On site, owners and guests can take advantage of fantastic international-class water ski and cable ski lakes. There is also access to tennis, boules, some excellent fishing spots and numerous horse riding centres based locally.

• An ideal holiday home for large families and groups – According to

•

•

Saga, in the UK nearly three million home owners aged over 50 have adult children with an average age of 27 living with them. Also, with the growing number of families with indebted university students opting for ‘free’ holidays with Mum and Dad, the large 5-bedroom Super Grand Hampton properties can accommodate large or extended families. Renting adjacent lodges is also possible and a perfect place to spend Christmas!

Large bespoke fitted kitchen – the fullyfitted, home-from-home kitchen/dining area in The Grand Hampton is ideal for preparing big family meals to be shared comfortably in the spacious open-plan living area overlooking the lake.

Three en-suite shower rooms, family bathroom and cloakroom – the luxurious and numerous bathroom facilities are great for pampering and mean there is always a place to wash and warm up after spending leisure time outdoors around the lakes!

www.watermarkcotswolds.com

The Super Grand Hampton at Summer Lake, South Cerney, Price £850,000 An impressive new five-bedroom detached New England-style lakeside property.

The home features open-plan living with vaulted ceilings and French doors leading out onto a lakeside deck with clear glazed balustrades to the lakeside. The bespoke fully-fitted kitchen and open-planned dining areas are a super-sized feature and come with granite work tops, oak flooring throughout and under-floor heating as standard.

The Super Grand Hampton home also features three en-suite shower rooms, family bathroom and cloakroom, and the master bedroom features a private balcony with lakeside views. Adjacent to the deck there is a private jetty for mooring your own small boat. All properties are fully managed and maintained by Watermark’s on site team, and benefit from 24-hour security.

SHOPPING

KITCHENS The kitchen is increasingly the most important room in your house and accessorising it has never been easier

John Lewis Con Col Malmo Drift Malmo Dark Kitchen. www.johnlewis.com

SEE RED OVEN TO TABLE Le Creuset Cookware takes you from stovetop or oven to table in style. Pictured here in Teal. www.lecreuset.co.uk

Bread bins don’t need to be boring. This stylish Wesco Steel Breadboy Bread Bin in red adds a splash of colour to your worktop. £74.95www.johnlewis.com

COLOUR POP TOTALLY TROPICAL Keep your memories of summer alive…

Pineapple Salad Servers (GBP 24.00), Salt & Pepper Shakers (£17.00) and Set of 2 Pineapple Ice Tray (£12.00), all from Oliver Bonas. www.oliverbonas.com

MIXING IT UP The KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer is a kitchen classic and comes in a myriad of colours. Pictured here in Medallion Silver. £449.95. www.johnlewis.com 64 PORTFOLIO

Clever and colourful: stacking Measuring Cups from M&S save space and look good too. £7.50. www.marksandspencer.com

EASY AS ABC Graphics look great in kitchens and no more excuses for not knowing whose mug is whose... Alphabet mugs £10.00 from Oliver Bonas. www.oliverbonas.com

FLEXIBLE FRIEND

COVER UP Look every inch a Star Baker in this bold, graphic floral Marimekko Unikko Apron in Red, £39.00 from John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com

A work top and storage that is a movable feast. Barnstaple oak butcher’s block, £395.00 from Habitat. www.habitat.co.uk

MATCHING SET ON THE BENCH Every kitchen needs a bench for squeezing in extra guests. Moore walnut dining bench from Habitat is £250.00. www.habitat.co.uk

Yes, your small kitchen appliances should match.

Dualit kitchen appliances in white from John Lewis and electrical retailers. www.johnlewis.com

FISHY DISHY Set the scene for a fish themed meal with this John Lewis Cork Fish Trivet. £8.50. www.johnlewis.com

SAY CHEESE Cheese Board & Dome £20.00, Grey Cheese Board And Knives £15.00, Black & White Camembert Baker £8.00, all from Tesco www.tesco.com

BLACK AND WHITE Monochrome is still a big trend for kitchens. Thake black and white patterned platter, £25.00 from Habitat. www.habitat.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 65

iDesigning TILES Try before you buy with new tile visualisation tool iDesign

I

n 2015, Tile Giant launched a market-leading online visualisation tool, iDesign, enabling customers to create a unique look for their home improvement projects, with hundreds of tiles to select from and help them shop with confidence by seeing their ‘dream’ design before they buy. Tiles allow you to really stamp individuality on your home and iDesign puts the power of tile design at your fingertips - allowing users to experiment with colour and texture.

The interactive online tool helps

homeowners transform their ideas into reality, following an easy-to-use, step-bystep journey. After the basics are in place, the fun really starts: add glimmering mosaics, eye-catching borders and statement-making splashbacks to create enviable designs.

Then continue to experiment by swapping in different tiles, switching colours, changing patterns; the opportunities are as limitless as your imagination, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Once you’ve created something you love, or a variety of options to choose from, share them using Facebook and Instagram to canvas your friends for their opinion. When you’re fully informed and ready to cost it up, pop in to the store and Tile Giant’s experienced team will help apply your measurements to the inspirational design.

For more information visit www.tilegiant.co.uk

Interior Design | Archetectural Services | Construction Project Management Residential property renovation and refurbishment | www.claretopham.com

UP MY STREET...

...WE SPEAK TO CLARE TOPHAM ABOUT WHERE SHE LIVES AND WHY SHE LOVES IT CLARE TOPHAM IS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND HEADS ARCHITECTURAL INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE, CLARE TOPHAM & CO TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY, CLARE… I run an architectural interior design practice which has been established for eight years. In a nutshell, I help people to achieve their dream homes with the minimum of stress! To achieve this, I have a fantastic team around me, including architects, builders, some wonderful makers and fantastic suppliers. It’s a full-on but rewarding role, as we really do take the project on, from planning to the grand reveal!

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I live in central Hove and have loved the liberal feel of the area since I moved here in 2001. As I grew up in Sussex, I’m lucky enough to have parents, siblings and the expanding new generation locally.

I live in a Regency property and adore the history and character of the apartment. Just as with a lot of the designs I create, I always try to add to the style of the property, respecting the heritage while adding pops of colour and bags of style to bring the space bang up to date.

YOU MUST TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL POINTS OF INTEREST IN YOUR AREA? Not surprisingly, I can’t stop myself from having a nose around our fantastic heritage buildings when I get the chance. A tour around Embassy Court is a must and I was amazed to see the splendor of 33 Palmeria Square, which opens to the public once a month.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER AREAS OF THE CITY YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN? I’ve always fancied a house on the seafront in Kemp Town! I know from projects I’ve worked on that the views of the pier at sunset are magical from there.

DO YOU LIKE TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME, OR DO YOU ENJOY EATING OUT LOCALLY? As I love my food, I like to do both but am known to enjoy a night out! There are some great local independents: the Italian Buon Appetito and Turkish Mascara are perfect for authentic cuisine.

We’re spoilt for good pub food, with The Better Half and The Foragers being two favourites. I’m also excited to see how many good looking new places are opening up and am looking forward to trying Market and Skyfall soon.

“ I can’t stop myself from having a nose around our fantastic heritage buildings when I get the chance” IF YOU ARE HEADING OUT OF TOWN, WHERE DO YOU GO? For me, it’s either heading up to London to hit the design shops and getting inspired by the huge choice of beautifully designed venues, or kicking back and heading into the Sussex countryside, which we are lucky enough to have on our door step.

DO YOU EVER HANKER TO LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD? I’ve always had a love of France and bought and did up a farmhouse-style property in the South West. I had dreams of spending loads of time out there but work has got in the way, so I rent it out for holidays and have recently decided to sell www.claresfrenchretreat.com Looks like I’m firmly settled in Hove.

Clare Topham & Co. 01273 206402 | www.claretopham.com

PORTFOLIO 67

23 New Road Brighton BN1 1UF 01273 605574 sales@mistersmith.co.uk

www.mistersmith.co.uk

Croft Road Crowborough TN6 1DR 01892 664152 info@mistersmith.co.uk

INTERIORS

CONCREATE IDEAS Creating the latest concrete trends just got easier with innovative Concreate

T

he trend for using concrete in contemporary interior design is at an all-time high, with a host of products and looks inspiring modern, urban and textured concrete styling that is both architecturally striking and hard-wearing.

The latest concrete looks can now be created using a new concrete material that is lightweight, cost-effective, durable and easy to install, while mirroring the same highend look of traditional poured and polished concrete. New and innovative Concreate floor and wall panels simply have the style without the hassle..

Concreate is the first product of its kind.

The cutting-edge product was inspired by the groundbreaking and environmentally friendly concrete surfaces used in the Beijing Olympic Village and is manufactured with the same magnesium oxide cement to produce a lightweight, decorative engineered concrete panel that looks and feels just like poured concrete.

Sustainable, contemporary and stylish, Concreate is a versatile alternative to conventional poured and polished concrete surfaces. The ready-made floor and wall panels can be installed in just about any interior space and work alongside any material to create compelling architectural styling.

Here are just a few reasons why Concreate is an ideal choice to give your space a

fashionable and durable concrete look without compromising on style or quality: Ease of installation: A room can be transformed within hours, completely dust-free and with no grouting or polishing as Concreate arrives presealed and pre-polished. The floors are fitted on a bed of fast-drying solvent-free adhesive, and the new floor can be walked on straight away.

Lightweight: Concreate floor panels are lightweight and can be installed on any type of sub-floor, with no weight bearing issues. So, from bedrooms to bathrooms and mezzanines to stairways, concrete becomes an option in any space.

Sustainable: Concreate uses only a small amount of traditional portland cement concrete in its 4mm decorative wear layer and over 75% of each panel is made from magnesium oxide (MgO) cement, which uses 60% less CO2 in its production, making Concreate a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional concrete surfaces.

Aesthetic finish: The Concreate surface is intricately produced with a raw, brutalist aesthetic in mind, and is air cured, giving each panel a unique natural surface patina. The Concreate floor and wall panels are available in three natural shades, Natural Grey, Dark Grey and Mineral White.

Combine wood and concrete: Concreate panels allow wood and concrete flooring to

combine with no transition gap. A common tongue and groove system is used on both the concrete and the smoke oak panel in the range, so you can create subtle room zones.

Architectural features: Dramatic lighting, floating stairs, bathroom panels, kitchen splash backs and feature shelving are just some of the ways you can get really creative with Concreate. Patterns can even be engraved.

Warmth: The surface of Concreate is very tactile. It absorbs ambient temperature and stores it as a thermal mass. This means that it can heat up quickly and maintains room temperature, unlike thick poured or tiled concrete floors. It is also perfect for underfloor heating.

Outdoors: The wall panels can be used in a myriad of ways outside to create decorative features such as garden walls, seating and planters.

Concreate’s unique floor and wall panels make creating a modern concrete twist in any interior space, on any floor, and even outside, easy, whether you are an interior professional, commercial contractor or homeowner striving for the good looks and longevity of concrete styling.

For more information, or to arrange a quotation, contact Wooden Flooring Centre Ltd. 99 Trafalgar Road, Portslade BN41 1GU Tel: 01273 423600 www.woodenflooringcentre.com PORTFOLIO  69

• A great choice of fitted carpets for anywhere in your home.

• Experienced and friendly staff with expert fitting fully guaranteed.

• Members of ‘The Carpet Foundation’, meaning you are protected by the consumer code of practice, which is backed by ‘The Office of Fair Trading’.

CALL US TODAY AND QUOTE ‘PORTFOLIO’ TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT

Tel: 01273 721444 • Email: kings.carpets@tiscali.co.uk

HARLEQUIN Hand crafted, from China, acrylic pile in 24 fashionable designs and colours.

170 x 120 cm £99 230 x 160 cm £179

111 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AF

COLOUR SCHEMING Add colour to your home with accent flooring and accessories. Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte, gives her tips

C

reating a harmonious home with a beautiful interior designed to impress requires thought. Certain elements will help make a room feel cohesive and inviting. Whether you want to create an airy scheme, a typically classic style or a touch of opulence, using accessories can do the trick. Key items such as rugs, cushions, textiles and pictures will lift a room while making it feel warm and inviting. These accessories are the finishing touches that make a room stand out and personalise your space.

www.mistersmith.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL homes

www.rugworld-online.co.uk

www.mistersmith.co.uk

72 PORTFOLIO

ACCESSORISING WITH RUGS A beautiful rug can become the focal point of a room as flooring is one of the most important elements of any well-designed interior.

Using rugs will add warmth and luxury to a decorating scheme while helping to keep the furniture within a defined space.

In the past it was rugs, not carpets, which were used to add warmth and decoration to a room. Rug making goes back as far as tribal nomads who used to weave small rugs on portable looms. Traditional rug-making techniques and past designs very much influence the way the rugs are made today.

There are many types of rug to choose from.

If you are looking for a rug that is steeped in history and suitable for an elegant interior, the ‘Aubusson rug’ will be like a piece of artwork for your floor. Aubusson rugs, both traditional and contemporary, possess a timeless, classic appeal. These rugs are very much like a tapestry, have a flat weave without pile and are often still made by hand.

The craftsmanship involved in creating an Aubusson makes it rather like investing in a piece of art and you can even hang it on the wall. If you live in a period property, having an Aubusson will add a sense of opulence to the home with its beautiful, rich floral designs.

A rug will add colour and style to any room, but measure carefully before buying to ensure you buy the correct size. When sourcing different rugs for one room, use similar colours to really bring the room together. There are a great many striking colour and pattern combinations to choose from.

For a more natural look with an air of simplicity, coir and sisal rugs work well. These rugs can have a decorative braided trim and you can choose the trim to match your decorating scheme. There are a number of trims to choose from to suit every taste.

Rugs are great for corridors to add warmth underfoot and reduce noise, especially if the floors are wooden.

Specialist manufacturers will create modern, contemporary rugs using inspiration from designs of the past and will make a rug to a client’s specifications. This is a bespoke service and will therefore be rather expensive.

An elegant rug will add colour, texture and pattern to your chosen space whilst adding warmth underfoot.

“Textural contrast will bring interest and depth to your chosen interior”

www.rugworld-online.co.uk

FINISHING TOUCHES: CUSHIONS AND TEXTILES There are a few key statement elements which you can summon to your aid to create a warm, elegant interior – in particular, colour, pattern and texture. Each of these elements will help you create an ambience by setting a certain style and providing textural contrast and variety of form.

Colour can be brought to a room using textiles and trimmings, from more simple to the sophisticated. There are limitless possibilities for colour schemes, furnishing and room styling – with an enormous colour palette, the variety of fabric, wall coverings and carpets.

Generally speaking, for a mainly pale, cool scheme, add rich, bright and hot colours using cushions or throws. If you decide on rich, warm shades, then it is good to bring in some sharp, cool contrasts. These accents can be added using accessories, perhaps as trimmings on drapes or curtains, to trim upholstery or for linens.

Using textiles will bring colour and also texture to a decorating scheme. Textural

contrast will bring interest and depth to your chosen interior.

A room’s interior can be simply transformed by introducing a colourful vase of fresh flowers, and the colour of the flowers can in turn reflect the colour of the cushions or trimmings. Colour can also be brought into a decorating scheme with china, glass or pictures and prints. All these elements will bring not only colour but style and atmosphere to an otherwise neutral scheme.

Accents and accessories add finishing touches to a room and they will contribute to an interior in many ways; they will soften a stark setting, add a colourful or shiny contrast to a dull background, liven up a bland setting and add warmth to a cold room. Using colourful accents will help pull a room together and set a definite scheme. Cushions, throws, lamp shades, curtains and trimmings can all bring colour and eye-catching finishing touches to a room.

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

www.mistersmith.co.uk

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We design, create and install bespoke furniture to commercial, domestic and retail sectors.

Web site: www.redjoinery.com Twitter: @redjoinery Tel: 01273 463799 Mob: 07970274626

HEALTH

A SENIOR MOMENT? Dr Catherine Swann on managing dementia and memory loss

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emory loss is often considered an inevitable part of ageing. Many of us catch ourselves having the odd ‘senior moment’ as we move through the decades: Where did I leave the car keys…?!

Actually, everyone forgets things now and then.

It’s when it is accompanied by other symptoms, and starts to cause problems in day-to-day life, that we need to get it checked out. This month, we take a look at dementia: Can it be prevented, what to do if you think you or a relative might have it, and what help and support is available.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is an ‘umbrella’ term, referring to symptoms, including memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language, and mood and behaviour changes. These are often minor to begin with, gradually becoming severe enough to impact on day-to-day life. It occurs when the brain is damaged by disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of small strokes (‘vascular dementia’). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but many people will have a mixture of conditions that contribute to it. The symptoms experienced will depend upon the disease(s) causing the damage, and the parts of the brain affected (source: Alzheimer’s Society).

Your risk of dementia increases with age: In 2012, over 800,000 people were living with some form of dementia in the UK, more than 95% of them were aged over 65. The vast majority of people (more than 670,000) were being cared for by family and friends (source: Alzheimer’s Society). As we live longer, the average age of our population increases – and so will the number of people living with dementia. That’s why it is a key strategy area for Government, NHS England and Public Health England – and why learning more about it should be a priority for all of us.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED? Most research has focused on finding a cure; we’ve only recently begun to consider whether we might be able to delay or prevent dementia.

Draft NICE guidelines published in 2014 state that stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption and, above all, being physically active – even when people are in mid-life – may help to reduce people’s overall risk, delay the onset of many forms of dementia (source: NICE), and reduce risk of other illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes.

This is important, because it means that we can all do something to improve our chances of a healthy older age.

“We’ve only recently begun to consider whether we might be able to delay or prevent dementia” DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND SUPPORT Early diagnosis is vital to ensure that symptoms are well managed, that people get the help and support they need, and access to any treatments. It also gives an opportunity to plan for the future. If you’re worried about yourself or a relative, see your GP who may refer you on to a specialist memory clinic or other service for detailed assessment. If you’re diagnosed with dementia, then, depending on the cause, there may be some treatments available that can help to slow progression – and, importantly, you will be able to access a range of information about support.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: • Get informed: We all need to learn about dementia, so we can recognise the symptoms and take early action. Dementia UK, NHS Choices and the Alzheimer’s Society have useful information in a range of formats.

• Prevention is better than cure: It’s never too late to make positive changes – stopping smoking, getting active, reaching a healthy weight and cutting down on alcohol can all help to reduce

•

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your risk, however old you are. Your GP, local pharmacy, health or leisure centre can help with making positive behaviour changes.

Take action: If you’re worried, talk to your GP. Diagnosis opens the doors to treatment and support, so it is really important to take action as soon as you can. Dementia UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK provide excellent advice and resources for people affected by dementia. Your local authority will also have a directory of local information on support and care, and may be able to help with home care and dayto-day living.

Become a dementia friend: You may not have dementia, but you can help to make things a little better for those who do. The Alzheimer’s Society runs the Dementia Friends programme, which provides online and in-person training and information on dementia, and aims to help people make a difference in their communities for those living with it. Even David Cameron has been seen wearing one of their distinctive flower badges – let’s hope he puts his training to good use: dementiafriends.org.uk

Dr Catherine Swann Senior partner at Evidence into Practice Associates, a research and delivery organisation specialising in health, care and community.

www.eipa.co.uk PORTFOLIO 75

THE NAME’S CRAIG, DANIEL CRAIG Daniel Craig plays Bond for the fourth time in Spectre, opening nationwide this month. Portfolio talks to the actor who has taken Bond back to basics

O

ver 50 years since James Bond first faced up to Blofeld’s SPECTRE organisation in Dr. No, the franchise has come full circle. As actor Daniel Craig readies himself for the release of what will be his fourth assignment playing 007 - the latest episode in the story of Britain’s least secret secret agent – Spectre, the film, directed by Sam Mendes, is the most anticipated to date. With the trailer for the new movie having racked up several million views on YouTube, the often parodied, and actually misquoted, line “I’ve been expecting you, Mr. Bond” feels more appropriate than ever. So how, in one of film’s most overworked genres, has James Bond managed to remain so fresh and relevant?

Craig has a theory. “You simply stick to the old adage that a good story goes a long way. And blow stuff up every half an hour,” he laughs heartily.

“That’s how it’s done.”

This is, believe it or not, Daniel’s tendency for sarcasm getting the better of him. Contrary to what many think to be the case, Craig is, in fact, very different from the characters he plays. A bloke who likes to drink beer, poke fun and swear a bit, he’s fairly unlike his public image as an egocentric “hard man,” as he puts it.

Actually, he’s rather the opposite. The actor appears genuinely humbled to be playing Bond.

Stepping into the shoes of the world’s most famous spy meant, for him, lacing up for a role within perhaps the greatest legacy in film. Something that Craig describes as an “honour,” there was a need to do things his own way in Casino Royale, not to copy those before him, but “to wipe the slate clean”.

It isn’t hard to understand why. By the time the actor made his 007 début, Sean, Roger, Timothy and Pierce had already provided their famous interpretations of the spy. He recognises that he “... couldn’t just do a movie where I was going to straighten the tie and drink a Martini; it’s all been done before.” Gruffer, meaner and more complex, the actor has put his own spin on the character, brushing off the sceptics to become the most successful Bond of all time.

With Craig on camera and Sam Mendes behind it, the pair’s first outing together in Skyfall was a hugely successful one. With box office figures for the film reaching a dizzying $1.1bn - nearly twice that of both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace – it now stands as the 7th-highest-grossing film of all time, and the most successful Bond. It’s an achievement for which Craig is quick to credit Mendes’ work as director.

“What happened in the last movie was a big kick, bringing Sam in,” he tells me, “we took the movie in a new direction. We kind of created a language that was different from the other two, but that was faithful to Bond.”

Craig makes no mistake about his admiration for the director. Describing his return as “completely critical”, he tells a story of his efforts to recruit Mendes at a party. “Sam was there; he doesn’t drink and he was quite sober. I know I wasn’t sober,” he laughs, “We talked about what we love about Bond movies and I offered him the job, which was not my job to do.”

As was discovered at that party, the pair share a long-time fondness for Bond. Both grew up with the films, both like the same films and, according to an enlightening moment in the kitchen of some Hollywood A-lister, both like the same bits in those same movies. Craig’s endorsement of Mendes could be founded on that connection alone. However, it seems that his liking for Mendes is motivated by something more substantial than that.

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CELEBRITY interview

Spectre opens in cinemas on 26th October, 2015

Working with the director, Craig has been given the freedom to explore the once camp, detached spy on a deeper level. Craig has rethought the formula and, as he says, “taken things back to the start,” preferring the darkness and conflict in Fleming’s work. The character he presents is, like Fleming’s Bond, complex, dog-eared and even a little troubled.

Until Craig’s residency as 007, we mostly saw a character that could neither be broken physically nor psychologically. That was always something the actor admired in Bond. “When he’s knocked down, it’s how he gets up,” he explains. “He takes a lot of battering, and so he should; he’s an agent. But it’s how he stands up against adversity, because he’s one against many.”

His ability to overcome is something that will never change. Bond will always emerge at the other side relatively intact; that’s what makes him 007. That being said, there have to be weaknesses; aside from the fact that without them there would be little in the way of drama, at over 50 years old, Bond is getting on a bit.

The cracks are beginning to show in his once

bulletproof psyche. Exploring these emotions is something that Craig revels in; “He tries to hide his emotions, tries to be in control all the time, and playing around with that - pushing those boundaries – it’s interesting.”

“The character Craig presents is, like Fleming’s Bond, complex, dog-eared and even a little troubled” There were many who questioned Craig’s suitability to the role, even Mendes, but no one can dispute that the actor has succeeded in doing away with a somewhat outdated Bond – a secret agent with a vast repository of one-liners and a knack for bedding almost every woman, friend or foe, who crossed his path. With the

spy genre proving a particularly popular screen writing template, there are now about as many films in the genre as there are notches on the Bond bedpost. Existing in what was then relatively uncharted space, the films of Connery and Moore could be afforded some room for camp acting and slapstick action. The Bond of today joins a string of spy film franchises and thereby always runs the risk of becoming somewhat of a pastiche.

“Austin Powers f**ked it,” said the actor, describing the classic spy genre in a recent interview with Esquire Magazine. What he was too polite to point out, though was that he has done just the opposite for Bond.

READ MORE about the new Bond car and the background to the stories from pagePORTFOLIO 100 79

BEAUTIFUL BOWOOD

Portfolio experiences the award-winning golf course and boutique hotel experience at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Wiltshire

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ive or six years had somehow passed since we last visited Bowood. On that occasion our otherwise memorable golfing experience was dampened by the driving rain which plagued our final round.

This fine, warm late-August day promised to banish any lingering bog marsh memories, and the gentle rains of the previous week offered the prospect of tantalisingly receptive greens and a welcome change from the rockhard fairways and bouncy greens we had been playing recently in Sussex. We were not disappointed.

Award-winning British golf course architect Dave Thomas has created a challenging championship course that is as easy on the eye as it is enjoyable to play. Set in the northwestern corner of two thousand acres of mature landscaped parkland designed 255 years ago by Lancelot Brown, Bowood’s 18-hole layout is certain to get your golfing juices flowing, whether you like short, tricky par threes or sweeping dog-leg par 5s. The Augusta-like sixth hole exemplifies the latter.

You will need a 255 yard drive off the yellow tees to be completely clear of the lone oak in the centre of the fairway. Anything longer or shorter will force you to negotiate a splash pool on one side or a demanding second shot

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between the oak and a high bank cloaked in lush rough. Whatever the outcome, you will remember this hole with a smile of some sort.

“Designed 255 years ago by Lancelot Brown, Bowood’s 18-hole layout is certain to get your golfing juices flowing” Bowood gives new meaning to the phrase “a walk in the park.” It also brings home the insightful words of Mother Duck in H.C. Andersen’s immortal tale, The Ugly Duckling. “Green is good for your eyes,” she explains to her offspring. We must have the healthiest, happiest eyes in Sussex if that is true. Spectacular views of rolling Wiltshire countryside abound, and the only three buildings you will see from the course are the clubhouse, Queenwood golf lodge and the distant Derry Hill church spire. Unless you

consider the very welcome halfway house a building, that is.

Besides the magnificent 18-hole course, Bowood offers a 3-hole academy practice course, a state-of-the-art range and tuition academy with PGA professionals, a short game practice and putting area, a wellstocked pro shop with full fitting facilities, buggy and trolley hire and a cosy clubhouse bar and brasserie with good beers and lagers, great food and very efficient, friendly staff.

Larger groups (up to 160) will appreciate the banqueting suite, a perfect setting for dinner and prize giving events.

Mirroring the impressive quality of the golf course is Bowood’s boutique hotel with brasserie and fine dining restaurant. Our second-floor room, finished to the highest standard, overlooked the academy course and Wiltshire countryside and, more importantly, had perhaps the best hotel bed we have ever slept on. We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in the hotel lounge area, a spacious room evoking an eclectic mix of styles ranging from GraecoRoman to comfy English men’s club-cumlibrary. We were Lord Lansdowne and The Lady, with nothing more pressing to consider than the tempting fine dining menu and the wine list.

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort Calne, Wiltshire SL11 0LZ 01249 812102 | www.bowood.org

The menu, unlike so many menus these days, was sufficient to tempt meat lovers and vegetarians with a variety of tasty dishes without requiring an hour of analysis with the aid of dictionaries and reference books. Our seafood dishes were expertly prepared and served by friendly, professional staff. Although we enjoyed all the dishes we were given, The Lady’s salmon raviola starter deserves special mention. Garnished with tomato chutney and a light cream sauce with truffle oil, it was...er...orgasmic. Back in the lounge for coffee and petites fours, we were feeling very warm and cossetted.

Bowood resort also has a fully equipped spa, with gym, infinity pool, Jacuzzi and treatment rooms offering a wide range of services based on a blend of European and Asian philosophies. For the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy, book yourself into Queenswood Lodge, the beautiful Georgian house nestled into a corner of the golf course. It comes with four double (or twin) en-suite bedrooms, impressive fireplaces, sumptuous furnishings and luxurious comfort. You will have your own host and chef, who will ensure that you remain firmly in the lap of the gods during your stay. Whether you want a stay-and-play golf experience or something more exclusive, Bowood will provide you with a memorable – and affordable – experience.

PORTFOLIO 81

GOLFGUY...

BALLS UP Does my six-iron really care what kind of ball it is hitting?

GolfGuy writes: I started playing golf in the early seventies, so I remember with a certain fondness the wound liquid-centre golf balls with the soft balata covers. I also recall how easy it was to cut, scuff and deform these softies. When Nike introduced the first multi-piece solid core golf ball, followed in 2000 by Titelist with their now legendary ProV1, none of the pros rushed to use the new balls because they didn’t spin enough. The rest of us loved them because they were so much more durable.

We are spoilt for choice these days: all the major golf ball manufacturers offer a range of products with more options than a Korean car. Some are keen to “fit” golfers with a ball that suits their swing speed. Others offer more

“control” around the greens and/or distance off the tee. One well-known brand merely exhorts us to “trust” our Titleist, while its closest competitor admonishes us to “play a better ball” if we want to improve our game.

You can’t blame a hacker for being confused.

A golfing buddy recently bought some noname golf balls in his local Tesco store. When I asked him if they were any good, he looked a bit vague and said, “I dunno. I guess they float about as well as any other ball I have put in the pond.”

The incomparable Retief Goosen was asked several years ago whether it made any difference to the average golfer what ball they used. The Goose struggled with that

one, so the journalist re-phrased: “What ball would you advise an 18-handicapper to use?”

The Goose’s eyes shifted to the right, then to the left as one side of his mouth began to curl. I feared he might be experiencing a neurological event, but it was just the famous one-sided Goosen smile. Looking straight at the camera, the Great Man said, “I would advise an 18-handicapper to use any ball that is free.” Which begs the question: does my ball really matter?

GolfGuy

GOLF The Golf Pro replies:

“How can I hit it further?,’ How do I get spin?

The answer has to be to simply start with the golf ball”

The answer is definitely yes, but I believe the most important question is how much does it matter?

In terms of distance off the tee, not much at all. The difference between the softest and hardest ball is about four to five yards off the tee.

The key area in which the difference will be felt is around the green with shots known as the ‘scoring shots’.

As shown below, only about 15-20% of golfers’ shots during a round are drives. This clearly shows that a ball’s compression off the tee will have a very minimal effect on someone’s game. However, having a ball that feels soft around the greens and gives more control is more important.

Some golfers say that they don’t compress the ball enough to play a ProV1 or ProV1x. This isn’t true. Compression is solely a test of the relative softness of a golf ball, and a golfer who has a “feel” preference for a softer ball may prefer a lower compression ball.

There is no performance benefit associated with choosing a ball with a specific compression to match your swing speed.

Compression is solely a test of the relative softness of a golf ball, and a golfer that has a “feel” preference for a softer ball may prefer a lower compression ball. (Titleist) When choosing your golf ball, every player should look at the benefit they would get from hitting the ball that fraction further off the tee relative to the benefit they would notice being able to control the ball better with their pitches, chips and putts. Irregardless of ability level, golfers play three times more shots from 50-100 yards than any other distance. With this in mind, using a golf ball that is specifically designed to improve control through feel and spin has to be more of a benefit over the course of a round than hitting it a tiny fraction further off the tee. While one of the most common questions every professional gets asked is ‘How can I hit it further?,’ the second most common has to be ‘How do I get spin?’

The answer has to be to simply start with the golf ball.

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

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

th wi olf e l tic x G ay ar sse ou p r s e hi Su y g t Mid hen noth e. n i Br to nd w d, a o fre u n yo b, a rou an g u a l r c83 CPORTFOLIO for laye p

LOCAL news

LOCAL NEWS KATE WINSLETT WITHDRAWS PLAN FOR SEA WALL AT WEST SUSSEX HOME Kate Winslet has withdrawn plans to build a 560ft long wall to protect her £3.25 million West Sussex beachside home from flooding. The multi BAFTA-winning actress wanted to install a boulder and gravel sea wall along the coast to protect her property. But the actress has bowed to pressure from environmentalists who feared the defence would threaten protected birds nesting on the nature site.

Government advisers Natural England and a local conservation body said the wall would threaten habitats that rare species depend on. The director of the architects firm handling the development has confirmed it will no longer be going ahead. They proposed the wall would sit above the high-tide line along the shoreline of the property to protect it from erosion and flooding.

The protected area where Winslet’s home lies, near Chichester, is a popular spot for birds and a place where 20 per cent of the country’s little egrets spend their winters. Natural England argued: “The proposals will result in a direct loss of wetlands and marine habitat on the designated site. Natural England therefore advises that your authority should not grant planning permission at this stage.”

Meanwhile, a local conservation body was concerned over the landscape and nature conservation impacts. It warned: “This could set a dangerous precedent for further new sea defences along the remaining stretches of natural shoreline in the harbour. We remain unconvinced of the need for this sea defence, and that its impact on the landscape and nature conservations interests of the area of natural beauty would be acceptable.”

SECRET CAMPSITES The owner of The Secret Campsite, near Lewes, East Sussex, named

by The Guardian as one of the country’s Top 10 camp sites, has had so many customers tell him that he’s “living their dream” that he has set up a business that can make it happen. The franchise is seeking landowners and property developers to extend a nationwide network of environmental camp sites.

Tim Bullen, 47, sold his London media company to establish a rural business. “Over the past three summers I’ve had so many customers tell me that I’m living their dream, but they have no idea how to get started or what’s involved in running such a project. I’ve set up a franchise business model to take the concept nationwide,” said Tim. Aspiring Secret Campsite owners will need 8 or more acres of suitable land and investment capital of around £35,000 plus VAT – largely needed to create an access road and build a shower block – of which banks will normally lend a significant proportion through their franchise departments.

Anyone buying into the franchise will be given advice on attaining planning consent, full marketing support, practical training, business consultancy, an online booking system, IT equipment and an exclusive geographic region for 10 years.

Tim says that the business is recession proof, as camping is the cheapest of all holiday options. Secret Campsite guests appreciate the clean and functional facilities for washing up and showering, but they are looking for a peaceful escape from their busy day-to-day lives. Children enjoy getting close to nature and the site is managed to encourage wildlife, including nightingales, butterflies, glow worms, grass snakes, rabbits, newts and toads. www.thesecretcampsite.co.uk

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THE BRIGHTON SUMMIT 2015 This Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce organised conference is subtitled ‘A day for your growing business’ and is aimed at anyone who wants a better business and a successful future. You might be an entrepreneur, a CEO, a freelancer, a manager, or an employee…Your business could be a multinational, a small business, a start-up, a social enterprise, a charity. The Brighton Summit brings together the city’s diverse, expert business community with over 20 sessions to choose from on the day.

At the Brighton Summit you will hear how other businesses have grown, how they got what they wanted, and how they struggled along the way. You will have the opportunity to spend time with other business people, who will help you find your way. And you’ll get the chance to learn skills and take on challenges you’d never have thought you’d see at a business conference…

The Brighton Summit, 16th October, 8.30am to 6pm. The Clarendon Centre. Tickets from £75. www.brightonsummit.com www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

LOCAL news

WORK COMMENCES AT RAMPION OFFSHORE WIND FARM

THE ONLY WAY IS UP The Brighton i360 tower is now at its full height

Work has started at the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm in readiness for the first foundation installation in January. This will include clearing boulders on the seabed along the cable route and around each of the 116 foundation positions to allow safe and effective installation. Chris Tomlinson, E.ON Development Manager for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, said: “After five years in development, following successful consultation, consent and contracting, we’re delighted to be able to confirm that work will commence this week to prepare the seabed for turbine installation.”

When the turbines are fully complete in early 2018 the electricity cables will come ashore at the Brooklands Pleasure Park in Worthing and will transport power along 27km of underground onshore cable to the new substation at Twineham, where it will be connected to the grid.

During the planned three-year offshore construction period it is estimated that around 250 to 300 jobs will be created. A workforce of up to 100 will be employed for the onshore cable route and around a further 40 to 60 people at the on-shore substation during construction. Once the wind farm is commissioned and fully operational, it is envisaged that up to 65 full-time permanent jobs will be created in operations and maintenance. The Rampion project remains set to become the first off-shore wind farm off the south coast of England and is believed to be the first UK Round 3 project to enter construction. www.eonenergy.com/rampion.

of 162m. After the first jacking on the 15th June, Dutch company, Hollandia who have been leading the construction of the tower, completed the tower just under 10 weeks from start of construction.

Neal Mardon, project manager at the i360 said, “The construction of the tower has been very successful and very quick too. It’s gained a great deal of public and media attention which we feel very proud of. To complete this stage is a huge milestone and while there is still a long way to go, I am looking forward to working with Poma and Mackley on the next phases of construction.”

Nardo Hoogendijk, Managing Director of main contractor Hollandia Infra said, “After a year of hard work by our team we have reached the highest point of the tower, just ten weeks after the beach landing. This is what makes me proud of the people who did it.”

The i360 will be opening from Summer 2016.

The i360 team are now taking bookings for receptions conference, meetings, weddings and celebrations. www.brightoni360.co.uk

NEW MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP IN WORTHING The national charity Rethink Mental Illness has launched a support group for friends and families of people affected by mental health problems in Worthing in September.

The group will provide support and information for people with a mental illness and their families. Rethink Mental Illness successfully runs hundreds of similar groups throughout England. The groups are peer support groups, run by people with a mental illness or their families and friends.

Mark is one of the group’s coordinators for Rethink Mental Illness. He says: “One in four people in Worthing will have a mental health problem at some point in their lives. Friends and family members, often get forgotten when a loved one is diagnosed with a mental health problem.The group provides a listening ear, support and allowing carers a space to breathe and to feel that they are not being ignored. The group also aims of educate and support carers through guest speakers from a wide range of interests.” The group will meet once a month on the third Monday at Meadowfield Unit, Swandean, Arundel Road, Worthing. For more information, email worthingmhcarers@gmail.com or call 07763 082094

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LOCAL news

BRIGHTON SEAFRONT HERITAGE BID Politicians and business leaders have thrown their weight behind the bid for UNESCO World Heritage status for the city’s crumbling seafront. The Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission is drawing up a bid which would put the seafront on the same footing as the likes of the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids. If successful, it would enable the city to access additional funding pots as well as provide valuable exposure and give the seafront added prestige.

However, the council is refusing to back the plans stating it is too expensive and could scupper proposals they already have. Business leaders have criticised the council and called on the local authority to get on board.

Nick Head, who runs the Ambassador Hotel in New Steine, Brighton, and is part of the Sussex Tourism Partnership, called Madeira Drive - which is often visitors’ first view of the city - “decrepit”. He added: “It’s like something after a war to be honest. Our part of the seafront is very poorly looked after. Jason Papanicola, who owns The Volks nightclub at one end of the arches, said: “I’m not sure what the council’s thinking is. They have created an imbalance because one end of the seafront looks good. This end just gets worse year by year.” Both Simon Kirby, Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown and Caroline Lucas, Green for Brighton Pavilion, called on the council to look at all available options.

SOUTH COAST LANDLORD INVESTMENT SHOW 2015 The South Coast Landlord Investment Show 2015 takes place in November. The shows are all about

WASTE HOUSE IN BRIGHTON SHORTLISTED FOR STEPHEN LAWRENCE PRIZE The Waste House in Brighton has been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Stephen Lawrence Prize. The Waste House, a Brighton University project, is described as Europe’s first permanent building made almost entirely from rubbish.

The Stephen Lawrence Prize, funded by the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, was set up in memory of the teenager who was on his way to becoming an architect when he was murdered in 1993.

The award judges said of the project: “The Brighton Waste House has sufficient scientific integrity to be taken seriously by the construction industry and just enough political clout to influence recycling policy. It is clear this interesting project will continue to question important issues of recycling that affect everyone.”

The Stephen Lawrence Prize, which rewards the best examples of projects that have a construction budget of less than £1 million, is intended to encourage fresh talent working with smaller budgets. The Waste House opened last year in the grounds of the university’s campus in Grand Parade, Brighton. It was, the university said, “a collaborative project constructed by over 365 design and construction students, using nearly 90 per cent of material that otherwise would have been thrown away.”

Materials included old toothbrushes, carpet tiles, denim jeans, cycle inner tubes, video tapes and DVDs, as well as discarded bricks and wood. Design students from the university, as well as construction students from City College Brighton and Hove, were joined by apprentices from contractor Mears to construct this unique, thoughtprovoking and influential project.

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connecting Landlords, Investors, Developers & Property Professionals with industry leaders and suppliers who can help with all aspects of buyto-let. Over 40 companies will be exhibiting on the day and seminars will be delivered by leading industry experts. The Seminars will provide with key information to help grow and retain your investment, get free expert advice from industry leaders.

The

40 plus exhibitors within property will

include: Legal Services, Investment Opportunities, Buy-to-let

mortgages,

Referencing, Letting

Landlord

Insurance,

Agents, Online

Agents,

Property Management, Local Council, Tenancy Deposit Scheme, Landlord Tax Advice, Landlord Associations, Buy to let opportunities, Local Tradesman. To participate as an exhibitor or to request your free tickets to the show as a guest, visit the website - details below.

Wednesday 4th November 2015, 10am - 4pm, Southampton FC, St Mary’s Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton, SO14 5FP. Admission is free. www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk

LOCAL news

BRIGHTON LOSES OFFICE SPACE

GO AHEAD FOR £18M ADVANCED ENGINEERING CENTRE

Brighton has lost one in six of its offices in just two years, according to the Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership. It said that 800,000sq ft of office space has been lost since a change in the law made it easier to turn offices into flats and houses. The Economic Partnership said: “As the government promises to make an announcement on the future of the controversial office-to-residential scheme in the ‘not too distant future’, Brighton has lost about 16 per cent of its office space since the introduction of the permitted development rights.”

Planning Minister Brandon Lewis told the Communities and Local Government Select Committee that the government is looking to make an announcement on the future of the permitted development right ‘relatively soon’. He said that the government has been considering feedback from a consultation on the proposals and added that the government wants to ensure that the proposals to emerge take into account the views of local authorities and deliver housing.

Brighton University has been given permission to build its £18 million Advanced Engineering Centre at its Moulsecoomb campus. The three-story building would, the university said, “enable the provision of enhanced science-led teaching and research facilities.”

The engineering centre will be built between the Watts and Cockcroft buildings, in Lewes Road, Brighton. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is contributing £5 million towards the cost of the project. The university said: “The centre will provide cutting-edge facilities for mechanical, automotive and aerospace engineering to educate the next generation of professional engineers. “The centre will incorporate the university’s Centre for Excellence in Internal Combustion Research, which earlier this year (2014) received £7 million government backing.

This Centre of Excellence is being established in partnership with Shoreham-based Ricardo, world leaders in technical and environmental consultancy and specialising in the development of low-carbon vehicle technology. Joint collaborative projects include the search for the near-zero emissions internal combustion engine.”

The Advanced Engineering Centre is integral to the university’s £150 million redevelopment scheme for its Moulsecoomb campus, which includes Preston Barracks, the university said.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE WINS NATIONAL CYCLE PLANNING AWARD A three-mile cycle lane has won a national award for Brighton & Hove City Council and for consultant engineers Mott MacDonald. They shared the prize – won by the Lewes Road scheme – with a project in Leicester at the inaugural Cycle Planning Awards held in Walthamstow on 14th September.

The organisers said: “The Lewes Road Cycle Scheme involved significant reallocation of road space on a busy 4.5km dual carriageway in order to accommodate improved cycle facilities and enhanced priority for buses. “The scheme is most well-known for its introduction of 14 floating bus stops along the route which remove the previous conflict between buses and cyclists that was often seen as a significant barrier to cycling. Lewes Road (A270) is an important part of the city’s road network, linking the city centre northwards to major employers and destinations, including two universities, the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and the Amex Community Football Stadium and beyond.”

The awards were organised by Landor Links, the owner of Transport Xtra and Local Transport Today.

Photo credit: The Bull Inn, Ticehurst

MARKERSTUDY GROUP ACQUIRES BEWL WATER Markerstudy, the privately owned financial group headquartered near Sevenoaks, has acquired Bewl Water Country Park. With over 4,500 staff nationwide and more than 1,000 based in Tunbridge Wells, this purchase is another step in the Group’s strategy to create a substantial leisure division and an enduring legacy in Kent. Louise Clark, Managing Director of Markerstudy Leisure, commented, “Bewl Water is a hugely exciting project, complementing our existing leisure portfolio of Salomons Estate, One Warwick Park Hotel (formerly The Brew House Hotel), Next Dimension Gymnastics Academy, ‘So’ Magazines Tunbridge Wells, Times of Tunbridge Wells and Zenith Aviation.

“We are keen to maximise the potential of the beautiful 1,000 acre site, and ensure it maintains its position as one of the most idyllic and versatile ‘go to’ locations. It is unique; the largest stretch of open water in South East England, attracting families and friends to enjoy time together and participate in a host of exhilarating recreational activities, on land and on water.”

For more information about the Markerstudy Group, visit www.markerstudy.com.

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NATIONAL news

NATIONAL NEWS BUSINESS MESSAGE TO MAYOR Investing in the capital’s transport infrastructure and building more homes are the business community’s top priorities for London’s next Mayor, according to the newly re-launched CBI/CBRE London Business Survey.

Nearly four in five businesses (76%) highlighted improving the capital’s transport infrastructure as the number one issue the new Mayor of London must get down to tackling when they enter City Hall next year. Nearly two thirds (59%) said building more quality and affordable housing was vital, whilst two fifths (41%) said more effective and strategic planning decisions needed to be taken.

Meanwhile, London firms’ optimism rebounded from last year, with almost half of companies (47%) feeling more positive about the UK’s economic prospects in the next six months – reversing the steady decline seen since the first quarter of 2014 – and 40% feeling more positive about business prospects. Indeed, the number of firms planning to expand solely in the capital (50%) is at its highest since 2012.

Lucy Haynes, CBI London Director, said: “The capital’s businesses are feeling upbeat about the economy, and the number of firms looking to expand in the capital is at a three-year high.

“As a first-class global city, London is alive and kicking to the changing demands of the twenty-first century. But relying on creaking infrastructure and failing to build enough homes for London’s workers is eating away at firms’ potential to grow and create jobs.

“From day one at City Hall, the next Mayor must take meaningful steps to improve transport links and boost the systemic lack of affordable housing.

Failing to do so will see talented, skilled workers overlooking the capital for other cities, nationally and internationally, to live and work - hampering the success of London’s businesses.”

BARRATT HOMES REPORTS A 45% JUMP IN PROFITS

NATIONAL CURRY WEEK The 18th National Curry Week takes place in October and things are hotting up with the support of partners Amira Rice, Bhai Cider, Sainsbury’s and Kingfisher Beer. Team restaurants for the week’s main event, Curry Capital of Britain, were announced last week and restaurants and councils all over the country are making their plans to support the event and raise money for the Find Your Feet Charity or another of their choice.

With rugby very much a hot topic at present, ‘Curry For Crows’ is joining National Curry Week to raise funds for the Jungle Crows Foundation in India and the RFU Injured Players Foundation will be running #CurryThemHome curry nights as well.

“It is amazing how National Curry Week grows from year to year,” comments Founder Peter Grove. “Not only is it now a huge national event, but outside interest has ensured it will soon go international with more fun and fund-raising for everyone.”

National Curry Week, 12th -18th October. For ideas, visit www.nationalcurryweek.org.uk.

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House builder Barratt Homes has reported a 45% jump in profits to £565.5m, partly thanks to improving mortgage availability and government support through its Help to Buy scheme.

The firm said the market for new homes remained strong across Britain, with demand continuing to exceed supply. Barratt’s chief executive, David Thomas, said the company was expecting further growth. He said: “The new financial year has started very well; we have a strong forward sales position.”

The FTSE 100 firm has built 16,447 new homes, either itself or through joint ventures since this time last year and has committed £957m for nearly 17,000 more houses.

Richard Hunter, head of equities at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Housebuilders find themselves in an extremely sweet spot at present and Barratt is no exception. A combination of low interest rates, a general lack of new housing supply, rising house prices and increased mortgage availability all play into its hands.” But he cautioned that the growth in the housing and mortgage markets could slow if the Bank of England raises interest rates over the next six months. Later, the government announced its latest figures for the take up of its two Help to Buy schemes.

The Equity Loan scheme has issued 56,402 mortgages since it started in April 2013 - it only applies to newly built houses. Under this, the government takes a stake of 20% of a property’s value (up to £600,000) and receives its loan back once the property is sold or the mortgage re-paid.

The Mortgage Guarantee scheme has issued 56,401 mortgages since starting in October 2013 and can be used for any property. In this scheme the government underwrites loans of up to 15% of a property’s value up to £600,000. www.barratthomes.co.uk

NATIONAL news

GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE MORE STARTER HOMES

FIVE CANDIDATES FOR 2024 OLYMPICS Los Angeles is in the running to host a third Olympics, while Hamburg, Paris, Rome and Budapest will battle to bring the multi-sport extravaganza back to Europe after the five cities were officially unveiled as candidates to host the

The government has launched a £26m fund for house builders and developers to demonstrate the range of high-quality homes appropriate for first-time buyers.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark says the funding will complement the government’s existing starter home initiative by “support [for] architects, developers, councils, housing associations and small builders to build properties that will increase the quality of design as the government delivers on its pledge to build 200,000 starter homes by 2020.”

The DCLG has also announced that up to £10m will be available for councils to prepare more brownfield land for development of starter homes.

“We are committed to delivering 200,000 starter homes by the end of this Parliament, providing a real boost to aspiring young first-time buyers. This competitive fund will build homes that will clearly show the wide range of new properties that will be available for first-time buyers as they take their first step onto the housing ladder,” says Clark.

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

2024 Summer Games. The International Olympic

WILL BUSINESSES LIKE FACEBOOK’S ‘DISLIKE’?

Committee (IOC), which will select the winning bid in 2017, announced the final list last month.

“The IOC welcomes five outstanding cities to this strong competition,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a conference call. In a bidding race predicted to be the most hotly contested for at least a decade, Los Angeles, the United States’ second choice after Boston pulled out amid fears of cost overruns, is hoping to stage the Games for a third time after 1932 and 1984. Paris, which had a failed bid for the 2012 Olympics, is eager to host a centennial Summer Games after the city staged the event for a second and last time in 1924. It is being seen as an early frontrunner, along with Los Angeles. Rome, the 1960 hosts, had briefly campaigned for the 2020 Olympics before the government pulled the plug over budget concerns, while Budapest is seeking to join Russia as the only Eastern European country to land the Summer Games. Hamburg, which will hold a referendum in November on whether the city actually wants the Games, is proposing an inner-city Olympics, with venues within walking distance for athletes, after it beat out Berlin in Germany’s bid race.The German port has never hosted the Games before.

Facebook’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed that the social media giant will finally bring a ‘dislike’ button to the platform after years of requests from users, with marketers and agencies sharing a mix of concern and intrigue over the move.

Having previously rejected the button – which will act as an opposite function to the ‘like’ button’ – due to fears of Facebook turning into too much of a voting-based system, Zuckerberg has admitted he’s changed his mind following high-profile stories such as the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis.

“What people really want is the ability to express empathy. Not every moment is a good moment or lends itself to a like,” said Zuckerberg earlier this week. He also hinted that other buttons allowing users to express opinions could be on the horizon. There isn’t currently a launch date for the dislike button. However the move to introduce dislikes could easily create brand embarrassment according to Peter Markey, CMO at the Post Office. “It’s an exciting and intriguing move by Facebook and one which mirrors ‘real life’ well – we all have likes and dislikes and now Facebook will finally give us the chance to express a view either way,” he told Marketing Week.

However not all marketers believe it will be as simple as a ‘Like’ and ‘Dislike’ button. Dominic Burch, Asda’s senior director of marketing innovation and new revenue, is convinced the addition will come under a different guise altogether. He concluded: “At face value, a ‘Dislike’ button for brands would be useful. A quick, easy way for customers to engage with us and let us know how they feel either way about our products is just what we need as it’s information that helps us shape our offers. But if Facebook want functionality that allows people to express empathy, I’m sure they will come up with something more appropriate than either Like or Dislike.”

MTGOX BITCOIN CHIEF CHARGED IN JAPAN The founder of MtGox - once the world’s biggest Bitcoin exchange - has been formally charged by prosecutors in Japan with embezzlement amid an investigation into losses of nearly $400m. Japanese police arrested Mark Karpeles in Tokyo, where he lives, in August. The Frenchborn former chief executive of the exchange had been held in detention for six weeks without being formally charged, which is allowed under Japanese law. His arrest was connected to the MtGox loss of 850,000 Bitcoins in February 2014. At the time, the losses were worth nearly $400m (about £240m). It was claimed the Bitcoin losses were caused by a bug, but the Tokyo-based exchange later filed for bankruptcy. Mr Karpeles has also been accused of falsifying data and improperly transferring MtGox funds.

Bitcoin is money that is completely virtual and is regarded as an online version of cash. It can be used to buy products and services. Bitcoin developer Mike Hearn told the BBC last month there was still much confusion over the legal status of Bitcoins in many nations.

PORTFOLIO 89

BUSINESS lunch

IF DALÍ COULD COOK...

Our esteemed food critic, Daniel Frickelton, had his taste buds well and truly teased at Terre à Terre

H

anging on for dear life to the extreme southeastern corner of the Danish mainland is the pretty chocolate box harbour town of Sønderborg, once the home of Maybe Not Bob, a bar and eatery, interesting mainly for the ambiguity of its name. I used to pop in for a coffee or a bite with my language students twenty years ago, and we never tired of speculating about what the name could possibly mean. Some names are straightforward: Chez Maurice, Pete’s Diner, Roma Pizzeria and so on.

Others, like Terre à Terre, besides being teasingly alliterative, are prone to tease the imagination as well as the taste buds. The name is suggestive of things coming from the earth and returning to the earth again, of a natural cycle. A quick look at Terre à Terre’s website confirms that “Ethical sourcing

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“This was so good that I sought out the chef who had made it for me and just gave her a warm, silent hug” and sharing information about ingredients and

Dalís of modern cuisine. Swashbucklingly bold

were as we enjoyed this superb symphony of

their provenance has been integral...”, as have key concerns such as “recycling, food waste management and a burning desire to give back more than we take...”

In 1993, Amanda Powley and Philip Taylor were busily tearing up the rule book on what constitutes great food when I was deciding between calamari romana with frites or a mega-burger at Maybe Not etc. Amanda and Philip have gone from strength to strength since then and now have a large, dedicated customer base. Terre à Terre bills itself as The Vegetarian Restaurant, and if you are a member of the vegetarian army, you will surely feel very comfortable here. However, you would be poorly informed if that were the only thing you knew about this exceptional restaurant.

In the late eighties veggie eateries could be (and sometimes still are) a bit, er, boring. Filling at best, heavy and stodgy at worst, dishes were too often bland, anonymous concoctions of bizarrely competing ingredients served buffet style. The ethos at Terre à Terre goes far beyond merely dishing up tasty, filling food that contains no meat. From the moment we tucked into our starters, it was clear that the boys and girls in this kitchen were the Salvador

in concept, brilliantly eccentric in construction, the dishes they devised for us made us giggle with delight, at least until we tasted them. Then there was only the hushed murmur that always accompanies reverence as we sampled the Arepas Mojo, small fingers of what tasted like polenta and corn served with guacamole, but which seemed to somehow evaporate in our mouths, so light were they. How can you make polenta and corn light, fluffy and tasty?

One of us ordered the Terre à Tapas Plate as a main dish. The mojo described above made an appearance here as well, in a smaller version, along with a variety of individual tapas dishes, all of which were too pretty to eat but too tantalizing to resist. One of them appears on the mains menu as Better Batter Lemony Yemeni Relish (you can almost hear them chuckling with glee as they write these descriptions), and consists mainly of halloumi. Nothing very funny about halloumi, is there? Well, try soaking it in buttermilk, dipping it in chip shop batter, then frying it in hot oil and serving it with vodkaspiked plum tomatoes, mint peas, chubby chips and the lemony Yemeni thing. You may not be laughing, but I’d bet a pickled lotus root that you’re at least smiling right now. We certainly

wonderful, crazy flavours.

I fancied a bit of Fancy Nancy as a main dish. At one level you could describe this dish as a fried egg served on a bed of fragrantly spiced fried rice and bean shoots, accompanied by a tangy oriental salad with a peanut sauce and topped with a large, golden brown crispy cracker. I’m sure Sharlene and Derk, our cheerful, down-toearth (terre à terre) waiters, could improve on that description, as the dish actually contains, by my count, thirteen separate components, most of them making their virgin appearance on my palate. Yuzu palm bean shoots danced with pickled lotus root and lychee, fried rice and egg, and a wonderful pinda peanut laksa swathed all in its silky, earthy embrace.

The Hot Banana pudding dish was a piece of almond spice cake, served with rum parfait ice cream, an unforgettable banana-pistachio cream and an intriguing little pot of warm caramel sauce laced with miso sweet sherry.

This was so good that I sought out the chef who had made it for me and just gave her a warm, silent hug. She got it. I hope you get it, too. Get down to Terre à Terre, especially if you think food must contain meat to be tasty and satisfying.

TERRE A TERRE 71 East St, Brighton BN1 1HQ 01273 729051 www.terreaterre.co.uk PORTFOLIO 91

STYLE

IT’S IN THE BAG Pull your look together with one of the most important accessories.

Samantha Wilding gives her tips on how to have bags of style

When

Y

ou’ve read it here before. Carefully chosen accessories are the key to pulling together your whole look. And one of the most important (and most-used) accessories is your bag. Ideally, you should aspire to achieving style utopia by changing your bag to complement your business, casual or dressy style. It sounds laborious, I know, but your bag is a prominent and visible detail, one that is used regularly, and of course the details matter.

In this article I’ll share my thoughts on what to look for in a bag (for both men and women), what your ‘bag wardrobe’ should ideally contain and what to invest in now.

THE NEW ‘MAN BAGS’ Where women’s fashion leads, men’s eventually follows. Did you know that the sale of men’s bags has increased by more than 25% in the past decade? And that they are now a firm fixture in every designer’s menswear collection?

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Mark

The key is not filling it with too much, ruining

Carney gave his first speech as governor of the Bank of England, he carried what most people would call a ‘man bag’.

Not a standard briefcase, but a soft grey, black-leather trimmed number with long handles.

Think about it.

Are you constantly stuffing keys, wallet, various bits of paper and who knows what else into your pockets? Not only does it look messy, it also ruins the line of your clothes.

Or perhaps you are carrying a ‘one-bag-fits all occasions’ number that has seen better days.

Let’s say you are ready to choose the right bag for you. First of all, consider your lifestyle.

Where and how do you spend most of your time – in the office, out with clients, do you need to carry bulky documents, do you travel frequently – take all of these into account when choosing.

Once you’ve considered how and where you’ll use it, invest in one or two that work for your lifestyle. If you work in a sharp, corporate environment, I’m guessing that you already have an appropriate leather briefcase. But there are other options too, particularly if your working life is less formal, or you are looking for something to use on casual days.

These include:

its streamlined look • Crossbody / Messenger: these can be quite small zippered styles or roomier messenger bags. Both, as you’d expect, can be worn across the body, but should be carried no lower than your hip • Tote: Mark Carney’s bag of choice. A roomier alternative to the briefcase, with ample space for your laptop, documents and whatever else you need that day. It encompasses a number of shapes, including shoulder bags, sports bags and bowling bags.

• Duffel / Holdall: the roomiest option of all.

This looks great in leather, but can also be found in tweed and canvas. If it’s no more than 55 x 35 x 20cm it can also serve as carry-on luggage • Backpack: self-explanatory and having a bit of a fashion moment. Best kept for casual wear.

• Folio / Pouch: the sleekest option out there.

It can have a zipper or be a simple pouch.

ONE IS NEVER ENOUGH Now that designer handbag prices have really hit the stratosphere, it’s worth investigating mid-range options if you want to buy more than one or update each season. And let’s face it, one bag cannot possibly cover every aspect of your life: work, family, socialising, travel.

Whatever you choose, make sure you always buy real leather or suede – it will look better, last much longer and keep its shape.

I’m a great believer in investing in classic pieces that stand the test of time. If you’re after an elegant and sleek look for the office, for example, choose a bag that reflects this; keep bling and logos to a minimum and choose a smart, structured shape.

Think carefully when choosing your ‘everyday’ bag, and take into account your working lifestyle. First of all, look for a colour that works with the dominant palette in your wardrobe, including your coats (you can then add further bags in a range of colours and textures). Make sure you also choose something that works with your proportions; huge bags can swamp petite women, for example. Finally, take your commute into account. If you travel by bus, train or underground, you will want to consider the weight of your bag and how far you have to walk.

Building your bag wardrobe takes time (hence it’s better to invest in a classic first) but you should aim to include the following: • Tote: a roomy option for work, with space for your laptop and other paraphernalia. Choose one both top-handles and a longer shoulder strap, and make sure you check the weight when you buy. If it’s heavy when it’s empty, imagine what it will be like when full!

• Bucket: fashionable for the past couple of seasons, the bucket shape is more casual (and more fun). This season, fringing adds interesting texture, tapping into the bohemian vibe that is so big at the moment • Clutch: if you’re a minimalist, this is the bag for you. The trick (as with the men’s folio) is not to overstuff it. They’re best carried on a night out, when all you need is your card, keys and lipstick • Crossbody: very fashionable this autumn/winter, and getting smaller in size.

These are fine to carry for work if you’ve got your bulky essentials in another bag It’s always fun to play with colour and texture when choosing your accessories, and handbags are no exception. Burgundy/claret, suede and fringing are all huge trends this autumn/winter, and will add a bit of interest to your work or play-wear.

TOP TIPS • Whatever you do, don’t overload your bag: it will stretch and wear out the material, and wreak havoc on your neck and shoulders • Protect it from the elements regularly with a good spray, and store it in its dustbag • Clutches and folios look great, but can be annoying to hold for a long period of time. Take this into consideration when choosing • Look for two straps. Many shoulder bags also have smaller top-handles.

It’s useful to have the option to carry one bag two ways – and it will help preserve the line of your clothes (and your shoulder)

www.styleandgrace.eu | @alwayschicUK

M

A

G

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Z

I

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PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE

is now the most read, most respected and widely distributed business publication in the country.

Not only do we bring you features written by some of the leading business figures in the South East but also fascinating editorial insight, news, views and opinion and a wealth of rich content that has become essential reading for anyone doing business in the UK. The magazine is directly mailed to thousands of business owners and leaders and is widely available in locations across the region, and in addition to the hundreds of thousands reading the Surrey and Sussex printed copies, we have over 100,000 digital subscribers, making us the largest publication of its kind.

❝ I must say that the magazine is really smashing and

highly readable. Please send more copies as my staff will not let go of their copies Rosemary French OBE, CEO, Gatwick Diamond Initiative

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❝ My colleague gets a copy but l must have my own. Please send me a copy every month Linda Buckham, Director, University of Sussex

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and outstanding as a regional business publication.

They seem to have something for every serious business reader. After reading it, it is a must to leave it out on every business reception and coffee table in the region as the presentation and content is so professional Chris Lowsley, China Business Advisor, UK Trade and Investment, South East is one of the most interesting and readable ❝ This business publications l have ever come across

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If you are wondering how to get your business featured in the magazine, contact Maarten Hoffmann at info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com or call 07966

244046 to find out.

SOCIAL event

Christina Ewbank (Eastbourne Chamber), Faiza Shafeek (JP South Events) Maarten Hoffmann (Platinum)

Gary Chown (NatWest), Zoe Rudling (Baker Tilly), Jade Hunt (Rockinghorse)

Lynne Edwards (Portfolio Magazine) Ian Trevett (Platinum)

THE PLATINUM BUSINESS CLUB, THE GRAND HOTEL, BRIGHTON Faiza Shakeek (JP South Events), Hannah Staunton (Gatwick Airport)

The region’s premier networking group, The Platinum Business Club, now meet at the Grand Hotel in Brighton and the Hilton Hotel, Gatwick.

Brighton has been running now for over 5 years and the all-new Gatwick event is going from strength to strength with over 75 guests at the last event.

Stephanie Farr (Harvey John Recruitment), Penina Shepherd (Acumen Business Law), Russell Horscroft (Harwood¹s Jaguar), Viki Faulkner (University of Brighton)

If you would like to join the Club and network with the leading business figures in the region, contact maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com or call 07966 244046

Tim Sadka (Rawlison Butler LLP), Michael Jenkins (Roffey Park), Tom Blower (Black Isle Group), Ken Boyle (KBA Commercial Property)

Kevin Duala (Overline)

Photos by Lauren Psyk

Emily Wood (DMH Stallard)

Tina Tilley (Worthing Chamber)

Nick Poyner (Teliqo), Samantha Wilding (Style & Grace)

PORTFOLIO 95

JEEP CHEROKEE Maarten Hoffmann reviews the latest SUV to come on the market

W

hen I think of the word Jeep, I tend to visualise loud American GIs, chewing gum with their packs of Marlboro rolled up in their sleeves, toting huge machine guns, rampaging across Europe in WW2, whilst ‘winning’ the war. But we have to force those thoughts to the back of our minds, not least due to the fact that the Italians now own the brand.

Parent company Chrysler is now a division of Fiat, and the architecture beneath the new Cherokee is fundamentally Italian. It has been quite a long time since Chrysler managed to give birth to a decent car, and the Jeep brand, once so dominant, has suffered badly, with shoddily built models that all seemed to be a decade or two out of date.

The first Cherokee was launched in 1974 and sold quite strongly across the pond. The

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second generation was the XJ, replaced by the KJ in 2002 and renamed the Liberty in the US. Here it died a death as, with so much SUV competition, it simply could not stand up to the test.

“It’s like Clarkson rubbishing a superb £100,000 car because it wont tail slide at 130mph. Who cares?”

But here we have the first product of the Fiat union, and at last we have a worthy SUV

that marches alongside the competition with its head held high. At entry level, the Cherokee is front-wheel drive, with optional 4x4, and is around the size of the Nissan Qashqai. The engine is Fiat’s 2.0 litre, four cylinder MultiJet diesel, offered with 138bhp and 168bhp mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or nine-speed automatic. By the end of the year we will see the launch of the 3.2 litre V6, and that should give it the poke it needs, as the Cherokee cannot be described as fast. Fast enough, though, considering what it is designed to do.

Although, what is it designed to do?

If we consider this to be a compact 4x4, then it has to stand against some tough competition, such as the VW Touran, Ford Kuga and the Kia Sportage, but with less ground clearance than all of them. But I am tired of motoring wallas like me saying such

MOTORING

and such a car is crap off-road, when we all know that 97% of us will never take it off-road, so who cares? It’s like Clarkson rubbishing a superb £100,000 car because it wont tail slide at 130mph. Who cares?

The average motorist wants to know if they can get the kids in, all the Waitrose shopping, it won’t drop half its value the day it hits the drive and can still get to town if it snows. And the answer is a resounding yes.

The interior is packed with the usual gadgets to ensure that the Cherokee is a massappeal car. Great layout, decent quality build and very well bolstered seats. The problem is you could be in any of the countless SUVs cluttering our roads. Climb aboard any Land Rover, BMW or Mercedes badged SUV and you immediately know which brand you are aboard. In the Jeep, if you ignore the massive

Jeep logo in the centre of the wheel, you really could be in any mass market sub-£35,000 SUV. The fit and finish are good enough but quite far from the class leader, and the price might not be the incentive either, as the bestselling Qashqai, Audi Q5 and Ford Kuga are all cheaper.

The Jeep moniker certainly has some appeal, and it had no problem at all in taking four of us to the Isle of Wight for the weekend, with full camping gear (never again, but that wasn’t the fault of the car!), so capacity is good, and I went there and back and all around the god-forsaken island on less than one tank of fuel - which is quite remarkable.

So it comes down to style choice: if you like the look of it and a bit of Yankee heritage, you would not regret buying it, and if not, then the sector is full to bursting.

TECHNICAL STUFF Engine: 2.0 litre 138bhp 4x4 Performance: 0-62mph 12.0 sec Top Speed: 117mph Economy: 50.4 mpg combined Price from: £33,810 As tested: £35,755

PORTFOLIO 97

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LICENCE TO THRILL ASTON MARTIN DB9 GT BOND EDITION For more than half a century Aston Martin has been the sports car of choice for the world’s most famous spy, James Bond. The luxury British brand is celebrating the release of Spectre with the launch of the DB9 GT Bond Edition

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imited to 150 examples worldwide, the highly desirable model is based on the recently launched DB9 GT. Designed to offer the best of what DB9 can be, the DB9 GT delivers world-class grand touring and handbuilt excellence.

Building on these exceptional foundations, the new Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition adds even greater levels of exclusivity by virtue of its limited-edition build run, along with a host of carefully considered trim, equipment and accessory additions that celebrate the brand’s more than 50-year association with the famous film franchise.

Aston Martin and the DB10 British luxury sports car manufacturer Aston Martin created the DB10 exclusively for James Bond to drive in the forthcoming film – Spectre.

This is the first time an entirely new car has been created specifically for Bond.

Subtle styling additions The DB9 GT Bond Edition is distinguished by a subtle yet elegant selection of styling additions inside and out.

In addition to its 6.0-litre V12 engine, the grand tourer features unique Spectre Silver paint, sterling silver Aston Martin badges front and rear and discreet ‘007 Bond Edition’ exterior badging.

These features build on the elegant styling of the DB9 GT, which includes unique ten-spoke gloss black diamond-turned 20-inch alloy wheels, bright aluminium bonnet vents, side strakes and grille, carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, and grey brake calipers.

Inside, the DB9 GT Bond Edition continues its subtle homage to James Bond with unique

numbered sill plaques featuring the familiar 007 logo, gun barrel embroidery on the 2+2’s rear seat divider and a special Bond Edition start-up screen on the new model’s AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system.

These embellishments add to the car’s already luxurious interior environment, which offers unique fluted leather, an Alcantarawrapped steering wheel and a satin carbon fibre centre console surround.

Powerful appeal The DB9 GT Bond Edition’s 6.0-litre V12 engine is capable of generating 547 PS at 6750 rpm, and 620 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm.

The all-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve 5,935 cc front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system. It carries the luxury sports car from resting to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 183 mph.

The all-round independent double wishbone suspension continues to deliver secure handling while the three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible breadth of dynamic characteristics.

Elegant Accessories Besides its unique interior and exterior features, the DB9 GT Bond Edition offers a suite of elegant Bond-themed accessories to complement the model’s creation.

Presented in a finely-crafted 21” GlobeTrotter trolley case finished with an embossed leather luggage tag, the collector’s car also

MOTORING

includes an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m James Bond Limited Edition watch, complete with a unique Aston Martin strap.

Welcoming the debut of the DB9 GT Bond Edition, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Aston Martin and James Bond are intrinsically linked in the minds of many of our enthusiasts and, indeed, owners worldwide.

“In the run-up to the launch of the new film, Spectre, which puts Bond behind the wheel of the DB10, we are very happy to be

able to celebrate the partnership with this superb limited-edition DB9 GT collector’s item.”

Dr Palmer added: “I’m sure the 150 owners worldwide who succeed in acquiring one of these exceptional sports cars will, like the rest of us, delight in seeing Spectre when it is released later this year.”

The new DB9 GT Bond Edition, priced at £165,000, is available to order in markets around the world from today.

“This is the first time an entirely new car has been created specifically for Bond”

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER In the run-up to the 26th October UK box-office opening for the new James Bond adventure, Spectre, the fourth cinematic assignment on Her Majesty’s Secret Service for Daniel Craig, PORTFOLIO’s Daniel Frickelton explores the enduring appeal of Ian Fleming’s iconic super spook, “Bond... James Bond.”

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y the time Bond first dazzled consumers of espionage fiction with his imperturbable “officer and a gentleman” persona and his seemingly inexhaustible arsenal of superpowers in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale (1953), the spy fiction genre was already mainstream in the UK. In fact, a strong case could be made for Britain having invented the spy fiction genre.

To the extent that war and conflict can be said to be good for anything, human conflict and the anxiety it generates have undoubtedly contributed to the emergence of this genre.

And Britain has certainly had its share of wars, particularly since the beginning of the 20th century, when the reading public’s evident enthusiasm for detective stories and “colonial adventure” tales set the stage for the emergence of espionage fiction. Worried by the rapidly growing industrial and military might of Germany and the menacing warlike rhetoric coming from Europe, British readers were primed for tales of adventure and detection that addressed their anxieties concerning the threat of invasion from abroad and the suspected unreadiness of the British Army to

deal with the kinds of scenarios depicted in their literature.

Rudyard Kipling’s Kim (1901) was the first tale to introduce Russian agents threatening to subvert British interests in Asia. Joseph Conrad weighed in with his classic The Secret Agent (1905), a book very much ahead of its time in its morally detached, realistic exploration of the relationship between the individual and the state. Despite the lasting appeal of these tales, John Buchan’s The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) was, in my view, the real game changer in the development of the modern spy fiction

novel. This economical, action-packed spy thriller delivered many of the elements we now take for granted in spy stories: a steely, no-nonsense Scottish hero (sound familiar?) taking on the menace of a German spy ring and The Evil (European) Empire. Early twentiethcentury espionage fiction heroes were, by and large, solid, dependable types who regarded danger as an opportunity for adventure. They survived on pluck, wits, and strong crime detection skills.

Two world wars later, the tastes of this pubescent genre’s readers were changing.

Weary of rationing, the struggle to buy generally unavailable and/or unaffordable consumer goods and of the dullness of post-war life in Britain, readers hankered for a bit of colour and excitement. It was against this background that Ian Fleming published his first novel, Casino Royale (1953), launching what by any standards, literary or commercial, has become one of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. In so doing, he gave us the ultimate antidote to the post-war blues in the guise of the incomparable Mr Bond...James Bond, suave, sartorial and heterosexually sexy in his manly, soft-spoken way and a dangerous, cold-blooded killer whose eulogies to his victims were often sardonic oneliners. After harpooning one of his baddies, for instance, Bond wisecracks, “I think he got the point.” Another of his adversaries is chewed up by a snowblower, inspiring Bond to observe that “He had a lot of guts.” Following a few A-A-R-R-GGGs, we nevertheless crack a smile of admiration for this man who can, in Pythonesque fashion, “look on the bright side of death,” with no apparent sign of mental torment nor any urge to examine his conscience. Bond is a materialist who lives very much in the now, as evidenced by this exchange with Xenia Onatopp, villainess in the film version of Golden Eye:

Onatopp: “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

Bond: “The very words I live by.”

FEATURE

When not topping some underworld dirtbag in the service of Her Majesty, 007 is servicing one or another of a wide array of seductive, sexy and poisonous ladies, who may be villainesses or colleagues, but all of whom, despite their ambiguities and innate contradictions, are unable to resist the charms and animal attractiveness of James Bond, as evidenced by this naughty exchange in Tomorrow Never Dies between James and the otherwise starchy Miss Moneypenny:

Bond: “I always enjoyed learning a new tongue.”

Moneypenny: “You always were a cunning linguist, James.”

Like Bond, his ladies are walking contradictions, at once sexy, flirtatious, clever and, in the case of the villainesses, as potentially dangerous as black widow spiders.

Fleming artfully employs these contradictory personality traits to create sufficient tension to keep us coming back for more.

Bond is the ultimate discerning epicurean gentleman. His wardrobe is all Savile Row, his fags are custom made by a London tobacconist, his diet consists of the threeMichelin-star inventions of the finest chefs, laced with copious quantities of Beluga caviare and washed down with the nectar of the gods.

One of his remarks in The Spy Who Loved Me reveals his taste for the finer things in life: “Mmm, maybe I misjudged Stromberg. Any man who drinks Dom Perignon ’52 can’t be all bad.” Bond travelled to some of the most glamorous and exotic destinations in the world to save us all from annihilation at the hands of SMERSH or SPECTRE, often in the super cars that are the impossible dream of every boy racer. If post-war Brits needed a bit of glam and colour in their lives, Bond delivered in spades.

104 PORTFOLIO

As Britain and the western world began accommodating themselves to the new reality of the Cold War, with its iron curtain and pervasive, ever-present threat of nuclear Armageddon, writers such as Len Deighton and John le Carré re-tooled the spy novel and its protagonists to give us such unforgettable characters as Harry Palmer and George Smiley. Although these cold warriors had similar job descriptions to James Bond, they bore about as much resemblance to him as Jeremy Corbyn does to David Cameron.

Clearly, Deigton was aiming in The Ipcress File (1962) to create an anti-Bond hero, a counterweight to the swanky, luxurious, flamboyant style of 007. He succeeded so well that the Ipcress protagonist didn’t even seem to have a name. Deighton’s narrator is nevertheless unmistakeably working-class, a bit rough around the edges, not particularly bright or ambitious, but good at the methodical, plodding tasks of field work for Her Majesty.

Unlike Bond, he is deeply mistrustful of authority and of the Establishment incompetents to whom he reports and whose cynically self-serving decisions often put our hero in dangerous, life-threatening situations.

When not fighting his own bureaucracy and tracking down Cold War baddies in the terrifying new atmosphere of imminent nuclear annihilation, our anonymous spy is fretting about being passed by for promotion in

BEAUTIFUL homes

JUST SOME OF THE GADGETS IN THE 007 MOVIES DR. NO. Cyanide cigarette Used by the ‘chauffeur’ who picks Bond up from the airport as a means of suicide, after Bond attempts to interrogate him FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE Dagger shoe A shoe with a poisoned blade concealed within worn by SPECTRE agents, including Rosa Klebb GOLDFINGER Bowler hat Oddjob, Goldfinger’s henchman, uses a special bowler hat with a metal ring inside the brim as a throwing weapon THUNDERBALL Homing Pill When Bond takes this pill, it emits a signal that can be detected only by a certain receiver

favour of yet another incompetent Establishment lick-spittle or angsting, in a very un-Bond-like way, about the lasting moral and ethical consequences for the individual of doing the Queen’s dirty work.

He became the iconic Harry Palmer when producer Harry Saltzman decided to make The Ipcress File into a film with Michael Caine as the leading man. Saltzman was looking for a dull, unglamorous name befitting the antiBond main character and came up with the surname “Palmer.”

Caine innocently remarked that “Harry” was a dull name, not realising his gaffe until seeing (Harry) Saltzman’s stare. In a Len Feldman interview, Caine recalled, “I made a rather bad social blunder, because (Saltzman) said, ‘What’s the dullest name you can think of?’, and I said, ‘Harry’, and he said, ‘Thanks very much.’ And then he said, ‘What’s a dull surname?’, and the most boring boy in our school was called ‘Palmer’, ‘Tommy Palmer’. So, he said, ‘All right, we’ll call him Harry Palmer’.” (https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Harry_Palmer). Ipcress the film was, like the novel, a resounding success, launching Michael Caine into superstardom and ultimately leading to two further “Harry Palmer” films.

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE Mini-rocket Cigarette Tiger gives Bond a cigarette capable of shooting a rocket-powered projectile accurately up to 30 yards DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Mountaineering Pistol Fires a grappling piton, complete with line; range about 10–15 meters. Also used as an improvised weapon against (a fake) Blofeld.

MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN The Golden Gun Scaramanga assembles his Golden Gun using a pen (which acts as the barrel) screwed into a cigarette lighter (which acts as the firing chamber) THE SPY WHO LOVED ME Lotus Espirit A seemingly ordinary vehicle created by Q Branch with many aftermarket capabilities which include both Land and Submarine modes LICENSED TO KILL Dentonite Toothpaste Plastic explosives disguised as ordinary toothpaste GOLDEN EYE Ejector Seat An ejector seat disguised as an ordinary office chair CASINO ROYALE Explosive Keychain Originally used in the attempt to destroy a commercial airliner in Miami

PORTFOLIO 105

FEATURE

John le Carré famously joined the antiBond, anti-Fleming project with his novel The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1963), which, in its film version, featured Richard Burton as Alec Leamas, our man in Berlin, in charge of East German espionage operations. Le Carré’s multi-dimensional depiction of characters who engage in serious philosophical discussions across ideological boundaries and who don’t always “get their man” places his work solidly in the stark realm of Cold War realism. Like Ipcress, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold also overlaps the boundaries between pulp and literature and is concerned about the moral and ideological choices we make.

Although the laconic, introspective George Smiley is first introduced in Spy, he steals the show in John le Carré’s hugely successful trilogy, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1974).

Evoking, as they do, recent real-life spy dramas surrounding the Cambridge Five traitors, the Tinker trilogy resonates with a reading public hungry for spy fiction in a more recognisably real world, with realistic characters. Smiley’s wife flagrantly and serially cuckolds him, and appears to enjoy doing so. Throughout much of the trilogy, the nature of her patriotic affiliations are worryingly ambiguous, casting doubt on her long-suffering husband as well.

Like Ipcress, le Carré’s novels and their subsequent film versions have been very successful and remain so to this day.

106 PORTFOLIO

Why, then, does the James Bond franchise continue to have such an enduring appeal, despite the demise of its originator, the obvious shallowness and superficiality of values portrayed, the silly comic-book superhero plot structures and the mindless womanising and violence contained in all the Bond films? Call it escapism, fantasy fulfilment, childish pursuit of instant gratification or succumbing to the vision of life that lies at the centre of every fairy tale: a heroine is threatened or kidnapped by a monster, and a hero sets out to rescue her from harm, overcoming many hazards and dangers along the way. Crucially, the hero always wins in fairy tales, and he always gets the reward. The Bond fairy tales are full of wonderful gadgets, stunts and super-human feats of derring-do that keep us coming back for more. Moreover, the Bond hero never loses, as evidenced by this exchange from Never Say Never Again:

Largo: “Do you lose as gracefully as you win?”

James Bond: “I don’t know, I’ve never lost.”

That’s why we love him, of course. And he is back in a new Bond adventure, Spectre, opening soon in a cinema near you. Dame Judy as “M” said to Bond in Quantum of Solace: “James, I need you back.” His reply resonates deeply with every Bond fan across the globe, our throats tight, eyes dewy and hearts swelling with inchoate love and national pride as he says, simply: “I never left.”

Spectre opens October 26th in cinemas nationwide

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